The nursing field is facing a significant shortage, with projections indicating that 100,000 nurses have left the profession since 2020, and over half a million more are considering leaving by 2027.[1, 2] Travel nurses are playing a vital role in bridging these gaps, while also enjoying benefits like higher compensation and improved work-life balance.
If you’re exploring a career as a travel nurse, understanding the path and the time it takes to get there is essential. The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences’ School of Nursing can provide the educational foundation you need to achieve your travel nursing aspirations.
What is a Travel Nurse?
how to become a travel nurse
Travel nurses are registered nurses (RNs) who take on temporary assignments at healthcare facilities facing staffing shortages. These assignments can vary in length, from a few weeks to several months, and can be in diverse settings and locations. Imagine filling a temporary gap in a hospital’s emergency room, supporting a clinic in a rural community, or providing specialized care in a bustling urban center. These roles are crucial in maintaining consistent patient care in areas with fluctuating needs or shortages.
Travel nurses have the flexibility to renew contracts if they enjoy their current assignment or move on to new opportunities once their contract concludes. For those who find a perfect fit, there’s even the potential to transition into a permanent, full-time position.
Deciphering the Timeline: How Long to Become a Travel Nurse?
The journey to becoming a travel nurse is a multi-step process that combines education, licensure, and practical experience. So, How Long Does It Take To Become A Travel Nurse? Generally, you can expect it to take 3 to 5 years after deciding to pursue a nursing career. This timeline encompasses the necessary education, passing the licensure exam, and gaining essential field experience.
Let’s break down the estimated time for each key stage:
- Nursing Degree (ADN or BSN): 2-4 years
- NCLEX-RN Exam Preparation & Passing: Several months (integrated within degree program study time)
- RN Licensure: 1-3 months (application and processing time)
- Required Nursing Experience: 1-2 years
It’s important to note that this is an estimated timeframe. The exact duration can vary based on individual factors such as the type of nursing degree pursued, the time taken to pass the NCLEX-RN exam, and the amount of experience required by travel nurse agencies.
Step-by-Step Guide and Time Investment to Travel Nursing
Here’s a detailed look at the seven crucial steps to becoming a travel nurse, with an emphasis on the time each step typically takes:
1. Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree
travel nurse working with a patient
The first step is to obtain a nursing degree. While an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a minimum requirement, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is increasingly preferred and often required by travel nurse agencies and healthcare facilities.
- Time Investment: A BSN program typically takes 4 years to complete. Accelerated BSN programs for those with a bachelor’s degree in another field can be completed in a faster timeframe, around 12-18 months. An ADN program takes approximately 2 years.
Choosing a BSN program offers a more comprehensive education, enhancing your career prospects and potentially accelerating your travel nurse journey in the long run.
2. Prepare for and Sit the NCLEX-RN Exam
After completing your nursing program, the next crucial step is to become a Registered Nurse (RN) by passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).
- Time Investment: Preparation for the NCLEX-RN is usually integrated into your nursing program curriculum. The registration and scheduling process can take a few weeks to a couple of months. You have a year from eligibility to register with Pearson VUE and pay the testing fee.
Dedicated study and utilizing practice resources are key to successfully passing the NCLEX-RN.
3. Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
The NCLEX-RN exam is a comprehensive test that assesses your nursing knowledge and skills across various patient care areas.
- Time Investment: The exam itself can take several hours to complete. Results are typically available within a few weeks.
Passing the NCLEX-RN is a significant milestone, officially qualifying you to apply for RN licensure.
4. Obtain Your Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure
Once you’ve passed the NCLEX-RN, you can apply for RN licensure through your state’s nursing regulatory board.
- Time Investment: The licensure application process can take 1 to 3 months, depending on the state board and the completeness of your application. Applying for a multistate license through the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) may also have similar processing times.
Having your RN license is mandatory to practice as a registered nurse and to pursue travel nursing positions.
5. Gain Essential Nursing Experience
travel nurse job duties
Travel nurse agencies and healthcare facilities require registered nurses to have practical clinical experience before taking on travel assignments. This ensures travel nurses are well-prepared to adapt quickly to new environments and provide high-quality care from day one.
- Time Investment: Most agencies require at least 1 to 2 years of experience as an RN in a hospital or clinical setting, particularly in your chosen specialty. Some specialties or agencies may require more experience.
Common specialties for travel nurses include Emergency Room (ER), Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Labor and Delivery (L&D), and Pediatrics. Gaining experience in a high-demand specialty can enhance your travel nurse opportunities.
6. Consider Advanced Education (MSN or DNP)
While not mandatory to start as a travel nurse, pursuing an advanced nursing degree like a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) can significantly enhance your career trajectory and earning potential.
- Time Investment: An MSN program typically takes 2 to 3 years to complete full-time, and a DNP program can take 1 to 2 years after an MSN. Part-time options are also available, extending the completion time.
An advanced degree can open doors to higher-paying travel nurse positions, leadership roles, and nurse practitioner opportunities in the future.
7. Partner with a Travel Nurse Staffing Agency
Finding a reputable travel nurse staffing agency is crucial to securing travel assignments. Agencies act as intermediaries, connecting you with healthcare facilities needing travel nurses.
- Time Investment: Finding and signing with an agency can take a few weeks. The time to secure your first assignment depends on your specialty, location preferences, and current demand.
Agencies simplify the job search, provide benefits like housing stipends and insurance, and offer support throughout your travel assignments.
Benefits of Travel Nursing: Is it Worth the Time?
While the path to becoming a travel nurse requires dedication and time, the rewards can be substantial. Here are some key benefits that make it a compelling career choice:
1. Travel and Adventure
why you should earn an advanced degree as a travel nurse
Travel nursing offers a unique opportunity to combine your passion for nursing with your desire to travel and explore new places.[9] Imagine experiencing different cities, states, or even countries while advancing your career.
2. Enhanced Earning Potential
Travel nurses often earn more than staff nurses due to the high demand and the temporary nature of their assignments.[10] Agencies also provide housing stipends and other benefits that can significantly boost your overall compensation.
3. Career Growth and Flexibility
Travel nursing exposes you to diverse healthcare settings, patient populations, and nursing practices, accelerating your professional development. You also gain more control over your work schedule and assignments, promoting better work-life balance.[15]
4. Reduced Burnout
The flexibility and variety inherent in travel nursing can help reduce burnout, a common concern in the nursing profession.[16] The ability to take breaks between assignments and experience different work environments can reignite your passion for nursing.
5. Housing Stipends and Incentives
Travel nurse agencies typically offer housing stipends, travel reimbursements, and bonuses, further enhancing your financial benefits and making travel nursing a financially attractive option.[12, 13]
FAQ: Quick Answers About the Travel Nurse Path
How many years of experience to be a travel nurse?
Most agencies require 1-2 years of RN experience in your specialty.
Do travel nurses make more?
Yes, often travel nurses have a higher earning potential due to stipends and bonuses in addition to their hourly wage.
What are typical travel nurse workdays like?
Workdays are similar to staff nurses, involving direct patient care, medication administration, and collaboration with healthcare teams, typically in 8, 10, or 12-hour shifts.
How much do travel nurses make per hour?
The average hourly wage is around $37.84, but this can vary based on location, specialty, and experience.[17]
How to find a nurse staffing agency?
Utilize online platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn, seek recommendations from other travel nurses, and research agencies thoroughly to find the right fit.
Begin Your Travel Nurse Journey with USAHS
If you’re ready to embark on a rewarding career as a travel nurse, the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) School of Nursing can provide the strong educational foundation you need. Our CCNE-accredited MSN and DNP programs, along with Post-Graduate Nursing Certificates, offer specialized pathways to advance your nursing career.
Apply now and take the first step towards your travel nursing future.
Sources:
- American Hospital Association, “Study Projects Nursing Shortage Crisis Will Continue Without Concerted Actions,” last modified April 13, 2023, https://www.aha.org/news/headline/2023-04-13-study-projects-nursing-shortage-crisis-will-continue-without-concerted-action.
- Brendan Martin, Nicole Kaminki-Ozturk, Charlie O’Hara, and Richard Smiley, “Examining the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Burnout and Stress Among U.S. Nurses,” PubMed, last updated April 5, 2023, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37035777/.
- NCLEX, “Registration Process,” NCLEX, https://www.nclex.com/register.page.
- NCSBN “Nurse Licensure Compact,” Nurse Compact, https://www.nursecompact.com/.
- Travel Nursing. “Top 10 Highest-Paying Travel Nurse Specialties,” Travel Nursing, last modified July 23, 2023, https://www.travelnursing.org/nursing-specialties/.
- Payscale, “Salary for Certification: Registered Nurse (RN),” Payscale, https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Certification=Registered_Nurse_(RN)/Salary.
- Payscale, “Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Degree, Payscale, https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Master_of_Science_in_Nursing_(MSN)/Salary.
- Payscale, “Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree,” Payscale, https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Doctor_of_Nursing_Practice_(DNP)/Salary.
- Jennifer Schlette, “13 Pros and Cons of Being a Travel Nurse,” Nursing Process, https://www.nursingprocess.org/travel-nurse-pros-and-cons.html.
- Alexa Davidson, “Nurse-to-Patient Staffing Ratio Laws and Regulations by State,” Nurse Journal, last modified March 21, 2023, https://nursejournal.org/articles/nurse-to-patient-staffing-ratio-laws-by-state/.
- Catherine Burger, “The States With the Largest Nursing Shortages,” Registered Nursing, last modified May 29, 2023, https://www.registerednursing.org/articles/largest-nursing-shortages/.
- Jennifer Schlette, “13 Pros and Cons of Being a Travel Nurse,” Nursing Process, https://www.nursingprocess.org/travel-nurse-pros-and-cons.html.
- All Medical Personnel, “Refer & Earn – Travel Nursing,” All Medical Personnel, https://tnaa.com/benefits/your-way-is-paid.
- Travel Nurse Across America, “Your Way Is Paid,” Travel Nurse Across America, https://tnaa.com/benefits/your-way-is-paid.
- Brendan Martin, Nicole Kaminki-Ozturk, Charlie O’Hara, and Richard Smiley, “Examining the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Burnout and Stress Among U.S. Nurses,” PubMed, last updated April 5, 2023, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37035777/.
- Jennifer Schlette, “13 Pros and Cons of Being a Travel Nurse,” Nursing Process, https://www.nursingprocess.org/travel-nurse-pros-and-cons.html.
- Payscale, “Average Travel Nurse (RN) Hourly Pay,” Payscale, https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Travel_Nurse_(RN)/Hourly_Rate.
