Best Schools for Travel Nurses in 2024

Essential Education to Become a Travel Nurse

Becoming a travel nurse is an exciting career path that combines the passion for nursing with the love for travel. However, before you can pack your bags and start your journey in different healthcare settings across the country or even around the world, there are certain educational requirements you must meet. Here's what you need to know about the essential education needed to enter the field of travel nursing.

Basic Nursing Education

First and foremost, you must obtain the necessary nursing education. This involves:

• Completing a Nursing Program: You have a few options here. You can go for an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). While both degrees can lead you to become a registered nurse (RN), many healthcare facilities prefer or even require a BSN degree for travel nurses.
• Licensing: After completing your nursing program, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a licensed registered nurse. This is a crucial step, as you cannot practice as a nurse without this licensure.

Specialized Training and Certifications

While not always mandatory, specialized training and certifications can make you more competitive in the travel nursing market. Consider focusing on areas such as:

• Critical Care Nursing: Courses and certifications in critical care can open opportunities in intensive care units (ICU), emergency rooms (ER), and other high-demand settings.
• Pediatric Nursing: Specializing in pediatrics can prepare you for positions in children's hospitals and pediatric departments.
• Labor and Delivery Nursing: Specialization in labor and delivery can lead to assignments in maternity wards and birthing centers.
• Oncology Nursing: With a certification in oncology, you could work in cancer treatment centers and hospice care.

Continuing Education

As a travel nurse, staying current with the latest in healthcare practices is essential. Engaging in continuing education not only enhances your skills but also ensures you remain compliant with state nursing boards' requirements. This might include:

• Annual In-service Training: Many healthcare facilities require nurses to complete specific in-service training annually, covering topics like patient safety, infection control, and privacy laws.
• Advanced Certifications: Earning advanced certifications, such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), can further boost your employability and versatility as a travel nurse.

Soft Skills and Adaptability

Lastly, while formal education and technical skills are critical, don't underestimate the importance of soft skills and adaptability. Being able to quickly adjust to new environments, communicate effectively with different teams, and manage the challenges of constantly changing settings are invaluable traits for a successful travel nurse.

By focusing on these essential educational pathways and developing both your clinical skills and soft skills, you'll be well-prepared to embark on a rewarding career as a travel nurse. Remember, the journey doesn't stop with getting your initial degree; it's an ongoing process of learning, growing, and adapting to meet the ever-changing needs of the healthcare industry.

Travel Nurse Education Resources

So, you're considering or already on the path to becoming a travel nurse. It's an exciting and rewarding career that combines the thrill of travel with the fulfillment of providing care. But where do you turn for information, support, and continuing education? Here are some top resources to help you navigate your journey.

Professional Associations

Joining a professional association is a fantastic way to connect with others in your field, stay up-to-date on industry trends, and access valuable educational resources. Consider these:

• American Nurses Association (ANA)

  • ANA is a premier organization representing the interests of the nation's 4 million registered nurses. They offer a wealth of resources, including continuing education opportunities, advocacy, and professional development.

• American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)

  • Specializing in critical care nursing, AACN provides certifications, conferences, and online courses to help you grow professionally.

• Emergency Nurses Association (ENA)

  • For those with a focus on emergency nursing, ENA offers education, advocacy, and research to support your career.

Industry Publications

Staying informed about the latest research and trends in nursing can enhance your practice and career development. Here are some key publications:

• American Journal of Nursing

  • As the oldest and one of the most respected nursing journals, it covers a broad range of topics relevant to today’s nurses.

• Journal of Emergency Nursing

  • If your focus is emergency nursing, this journal provides peer-reviewed articles and practice recommendations.

• Nursing2023

  • This journal offers clinical articles on a variety of topics for practicing nurses and includes CE opportunities.

Other Resources

Beyond associations and publications, there are additional resources that can support your travel nursing career:

• TravelNurseSource

  • A comprehensive platform for finding travel nurse assignments, understanding requirements, and reading about different aspects of travel nursing.

• BluePipes

  • Offers a networking platform specifically for healthcare professionals including travel nurses. You can manage your career documents and search for jobs.

• Career.Guide

  • Though not exclusively for travel nurses, Career.Guide provides valuable insights into various career paths, including nursing. It's a great resource for exploring educational paths, finding schools, and uncovering tips for career growth.

Whether you're just starting out or are looking to advance your travel nursing career, these resources provide a solid foundation for learning and growth. Remember, staying connected with professional communities and keeping abreast of industry developments are key steps in fostering a successful career in travel nursing.

Travel Nurse Education FAQs

What Are the Basic Educational Requirements to Become a Travel Nurse?

To kickstart your career as a travel nurse, you'll need to follow a path similar to that of any registered nurse (RN). Here's what's required:

• Complete an Accredited Nursing Program: You have a few options here, including:
  • Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam: After graduating, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to obtain your RN license.
• Gain Experience: While not strictly an educational requirement, most travel nursing agencies require at least one to two years of clinical experience in a hospital setting. Specialized units may require more.

Do I Need Any Additional Certification to Work as a Travel Nurse?

While not always mandatory, obtaining additional certifications can make you a more competitive candidate and may be required for certain specialties. Common certifications include:

• Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS): Often required for most travel nursing positions.
• Specialty Certifications: Depending on your area of expertise, certifications such as CCRN for critical care or ONC for orthopedic nursing can be beneficial.

Can I Pursue Further Education While Working as a Travel Nurse?

Absolutely! Many travel nurses take advantage of their flexible schedules and unique locations to further their education. Options include:

• Online Programs: Many universities offer online RN-to-BSN or MSN programs designed to fit the schedules of working nurses.
• Continuing Education Units (CEUs): Maintaining your RN license and certifications will require ongoing education, which can often be completed online or through workshops and conferences.

How Does Specializing Affect My Career as a Travel Nurse?

Specializing can significantly impact your travel nursing career in several ways:

• Increased Demand: Specialized nurses, especially in fields like intensive care, emergency room, or labor and delivery, are often in higher demand.
• Higher Pay: With specialization comes the potential for higher pay rates due to the increased demand and specialized skills.
• Variety of Assignments: Specializing can open the door to assignments in various settings and locations that specifically require your expertise.

Tips for Successful Education and Career Advancement in Travel Nursing

• Stay Informed: Healthcare is always evolving. Stay up-to-date with the latest practices in your field by reading journals and attending relevant workshops or conferences.
• Be Proactive About Continuing Education: Don't wait until your certification is about to expire. Plan ahead to complete CEUs or pursue additional certifications that can enhance your career.
• Network: Use your assignments as opportunities to connect with other healthcare professionals. Networking can lead to future job opportunities and professional growth.
• Seek Feedback: Continuous improvement is key in nursing. Seek feedback from colleagues and supervisors to identify areas for improvement or further education.

By addressing these FAQs, you’re now better equipped with the knowledge needed to pursue a successful career as a travel nurse. Remember, the path doesn't end with obtaining your RN license; it's an ongoing journey of learning, experience, and specialization that shapes your career.