On Being A Travel Nurse

To be a travel nurse, there are certain requirements that an aspirant must comply with. A year's experience as a nurse is required. Likewise, a nurse must have a license to work in the state of employment. This is usually given through reciprocity with the board of nursing of the home state.

If the home state is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, any nursing license (RN or LPN) it issues shall be honored in other member-states. Currently, 23 states are participants to the program with Missouri waiting to be included as a regular member.

While only one year of experience is required, more experience is preferable. A nurse with more experience only needs little job orientation. In the field of travel nursing, only a day or two is usually provided for orientation and some employers even provide less time than that. This is because travel nurses are expected to be knowledgeable and experienced enough to be able to start immediately without need to be oriented. During the pre-employment interview, it is then best to take the opportunity to ask questions and get oriented on the specific job requirements.

A travel nurse works on temporary basis and covered by a short-term contract usually lasting anywhere from 4 to 13 weeks. Overseas contracts may be obtained for as long as 1 to 2 years. Depending on the employer, contracts whether in the US or overseas may be extended.

Agencies handling travel nursing applicants usually provide housing as part of the compensation package. Depending on the agreement, fully furnished apartments with amenities like cable TV, telephone and free utilities may also be provided. If the applicant opts to find housing independently, housing allowance in cash may be provided. Plane fare and other travelling expenses may also be reimbursed by the agency. And so are Healthcare and other insurance expenses.

Salaries and wages vary widely depending on the location and the specific job requirements. Likewise, the agencies' bargaining ability will also affect the bill rate the hospital or employer may be willing to pay. Other benefits in the compensation package are sometimes provided to make up for a relatively low basic salary.

Overall, the job pays well if all benefits and bonuses are considered. It also provides great opportunities for people who love to travel and see different places. The travel nursing profession is regulated by the Professional Association of Nurse Travelers, a non-profit organization helping nurse travelers in the United States. Currently there are 25,500 RN's employed as travel nurses across continental USA.