[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”3″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-center”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How Long to Become[/hen-ui-text]2-4 years[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-center”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Job Outlook[/hen-ui-text]5% growth from 2024-2034[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-center”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Annual Salary[/hen-ui-text]$101,132[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm text-right”]Sources: BLS, ZipRecruiter[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Travel nursing is a unique way to transform your nursing career into an exciting adventure. As a travel nurse, you get paid to be away from home — while discovering new places, people, and healthcare settings. Find out what the life of a travel nurse is like and how to become one.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Does a Travel Nurse Do?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A travel nurse is a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) who works short-term contracts in various locations. Hospitals or other healthcare facilities hire travel nurses to fill shifts during periods of short staffing.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A travel nurse contract typically lasts 13 weeks, which is how long it takes to hire and train permanent nursing staff. Contract lengths may vary based on a facility’s needs and a travel nurse’s availability.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Travel nurses work for third-party agencies that match them with facilities based on their experience.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When they arrive at an assignment, their training period can be as short as three days compared to three months for a staff nurse. For this reason, a traveling nurse must be well-prepared to care for patients in their specialty. Travel nurses typically need at least 2-3 years in their specialty. This combination of preparedness and experience contributes to the higher pay they receive.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While on assignment, travel nurses perform the same duties as the permanent nursing staff. Depending on the unit they’re working on, a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/day-in-the-life-of-a-travel-nurse/”]typical shift for a travel nurse[/hen-ui-link] may look like this:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”number”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clock into work and check your assignment (or find out if you’re floating to another unit)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Get a report from the off-going nurse[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Perform patient rounds[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team and nursing staff to facilitate patient movement, including procedures, diagnostic tests, surgery, and higher or lower levels of care[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Complete orders based on patient needs and the flow of the unit, like ambulating patients and monitoring intake and output[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Give a report to the oncoming nurse[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clock out and get ready for the next shift[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When their assignment is complete, the facility may ask travel nurses to extend their contract at a facility. Other times, they travel to other locations based on their preferences.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Key Responsibilities[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A travel nurse is responsible for following orders and protocols to carry out individual patient care plans. On a typical shift, their job duties may include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Performing head-to-toe assessments[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Giving medications[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Monitoring vital signs[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Collecting labs[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Participating in multidisciplinary rounds[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Assisting with procedures[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Managing IVs or central lines[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Performing wound care[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admitting and discharging patients[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Career Traits[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A successful travel nurse is:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Confident in their nursing skills[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Experienced in their specialty for at least 2-3 years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A quick learner[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Flexible[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Resilient[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Not afraid to ask for help[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A strong patient advocate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Where Do Travel Nurses Work?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Travel nurses can work in several settings, from hospitals to long-term care facilities to [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/how-to-become-an-international-travel-nurse/”]international settings[/hen-ui-link]. A travel nurse must have experience within their practice area to deliver the safest patient care.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Here are some examples of settings where a travel nurse might work:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”3″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]Long-Term Care[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/long-term-care-nurse/”]long-term care nurse[/hen-ui-link] may become a traveler and care for assisted living or nursing home residents. In these settings, a travel nurse’s key responsibilities include passing medications, assisting patients with activities of daily living, and collaborating with families.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]Medical-Surgical Unit[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/medical-surgical-nursing/”]Medical-surgical[/hen-ui-link] travel nurses care for hospital patients with various conditions, diseases, and therapies. They monitor vital signs, administer medications, and perform wound care. They have a wide skill set and are constantly learning about new conditions on the fly.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]Intensive Care Unit[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An ICU travel nurse cares for critically ill patients in the hospital. [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/critical-care-nurse/”]Intensive care nurses[/hen-ui-link] manage equipment like ventilators, cardiac monitors, invasive pressure devices, and continuous dialysis machines.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]They’re ready to respond to emergencies anytime because their patients can take a turn quickly. A nurse must complete advanced competencies in an ICU before becoming a critical care travel nurse.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Become a Travel Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many nurses become travelers because they’re ready for a new adventure. Travel nursing allows you to see different parts of the country — and the world — while getting paid more than a staff nursing position.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]But the travel nurse lifestyle comes with some frustrations, like always being on the move. Learn more about the pros and cons of being a travel nurse.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Become a Travel Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/travel-nurse/how-to-become/”]become a travel nurse[/hen-ui-link], you first need to [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/how-to-become-a-rn/”]become a nurse[/hen-ui-link]. Then, you need to get enough experience in a specialty to feel comfortable caring for patients in new locations with minimal training. Here’s what you need to do:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Get a nursing degree.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Complete nursing education to earn a bachelor’s, an associate, or a licensed practical nursing degree.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Become licensed.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN and earn an RN or LPN license in your state of practice.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Get experience in a nursing specialty.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most facilities require a nurse to have two years of recent experience in a specialty. However, this depends on the unit, facility, and travel agency.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Get licensed in other states.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you have a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nursing-compact-states/”]compact nursing license[/hen-ui-link], you can practice in any state it covers. If you plan to travel to a non-compact state, you must apply for licensure with that state’s board of nursing.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Get certifications.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing certification requirements vary by specialty. Some requirements may include ACLS, PALS, NRP, and chemo certification.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Join a travel nurse agency.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After getting plenty of nursing experience, you’ll apply to a travel nurse agency to get matched with jobs. They’ll walk you through a hiring process and help you transition into working as a traveler at a new healthcare facility.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Much Do Travel Nurses Make?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/travel-nurse/salary/”]travel nurse’s pay[/hen-ui-link] structure differs from a staff nurse’s because a travel agency covers their cost of living. When nurses accept an assignment, their compensation package determines their pay. The details like housing stipends, travel reimbursement, and hourly pay are set during contract negotiations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The pay range for travel nurses depends on the location and specialty. For example, nurses skilled in a high-demand department may get higher offers at short-staffed facilities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Travel nurse salaries change constantly due to healthcare industry changes and hiring demands. A recent market report shows a national average of $$2,187/week for RNs. Another report shows an average hourly rate of $49 for travel nurses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many factors go into a travel nurse’s pay rate, like:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Demand[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing specialty[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Nurses[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What does a travel nurse do on a typical day?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A travel nurse assumes care of patients just like any other nurse on a unit. Examples of daily responsibilities include doing assessments, giving medications, monitoring vital signs, starting IVs, and dressing wounds.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to performing standard nursing care, they may have to handle administrative tasks required by their travel agency. This might include submitting time sheets, compliance paperwork, and check-ins with a recruiter.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How competitive is being a travel nurse?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Travel nurse jobs may be competitive at locations with the highest pay — meaning there may be more than one nurse interested in an open position. Some travel nurse agencies have long-standing relationships with certain facilities, which gets travelers into interviews faster. An experienced travel nurse recruiter can help you get interviews at your desired location.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long are travel nursing assignments?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A standard travel assignment is 13 weeks. However, a travel nurse contract can be as short as four weeks, and facilities may offer to extend the contract. If a facility has critical needs, a travel nurse may take a crisis staffing assignment to help quickly. Also called rapid response nursing, these assignments range from 2-6 weeks and often require nurses to work 48 hours or more weekly.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Why are travel nurses paid more?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A travel nurse’s compensation package reflects the costs of traveling away from home. Different factors go into their pay, including hourly wages, travel reimbursements, housing stipends, and benefits.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-section-header title=”Related Pages” /][hen-ui-article-row variant=”3-col” ids=”56147,33995,34440″][/hen-ui-article-row]