The national nursing shortage doesn’t show any signs of easing up. The U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration projects that through 2030, the U.S. will continue to face a shortage of registered nurses (RNs). Though they project a surplus by 2035, at least 10 states will still not have enough nurses to meet the demand.
This shortage shows how much nurses are needed. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states jobs for registered nurses will grow faster than the average rate of all professions from 2022 to 2032. Nurse practitioners will see jobs grow by 45% in the same time period, according to the BLS.
Many of those gaps are being filled by travel nurses. Employers often give attractive incentives to entice travel nurses to come to their facility.
“The option of becoming a travel nurse can be especially attractive right now,” says Julie Grissom, PHD, RN, MSN, COI, and Purdue Global faculty member. “They’re in high demand and can turn that need into a great opportunity.”
What Is a Travel Nurse?
Travel nurses are registered nurses who work on short-term assignments at health care facilities around the nation and world. They go to areas where there are nursing shortages and help fill the gaps. Travel nurses usually perform the same duties as on-staff nurses.
Typically, travel nurses are employed by a nursing staffing agency, not hospitals or clinics. They can travel to a different country or work at local hospitals that need temporary nurses.
“Travel nursing is very attractive, particularly for younger nurses who do not yet have families and are more mobile,” Grissom says.
Some of the additional benefits of being a travel nurse include:
- You choose the facility. You can pick whether to work in a rural facility, an urban university teaching hospital, or somewhere in between.
- You choose the job location. Big cities, resorts, and small towns are all within reach as a travel nurse.
- You choose when to work. You decide on your start date and include time off in your contract as desired, opening up flexibility for family and other obligations.
“The perks are almost endless,” Grissom says. “If you are an adventurous person, it can be a very exciting lifestyle.”
How Do You Become a Travel Nurse?
If you’re a licensed RN with work experience and some additional certifications, you may be able to immediately pursue a career as a travel nurse. However, if you’re just getting started, you will want to follow these steps.
Earn a Degree From an Accredited Program
In order to qualify for RN licensure, you must have earned either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). While an ADN takes less time to complete, major travel nursing staffing agencies prefer to hire RNs with a BSN degree, according to the American Nurses Association (ANA).
Earn RN Licensure
To earn your RN license, you must pass the National Council Licensure Exam for RNs (NCLEX-RN). The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) allows nurses to have one license to practice in multiple states. As of 2024, more than 40 jurisdictions are members of the NLC, according to NCBSN.
Earn and Maintain Certifications
Travel nurses in the U.S. are not required to have additional certifications or credentials other than the general ones already required of their position or specialty, according to the American Travel Health Nurses Association (ATHNA). These general certifications typically include:
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) — Required for RNs working in the ICU or with adults.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) — Required for all registered nurses.
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) — Required for RNs working with pediatric patients.
While there currently isn’t a U.S. board certification for travel nursing, some nurses opt for applying for international alternatives to signify their professional development. According to ATHNA, these include the ISTM Certificate of Knowledge or ASTMH Certificate of Knowledge in Clinical Tropical Medicine and Travelers' Health.
Gain Nursing Experience
Typically, you will need at least 2 years of clinical nursing experience to get a travel nurse position, according to the ANA, though some agencies will consider applicants with at least 1 year of experience.
Ensure you take into consideration what you’d like to do as a travel nurse. Certain job openings can require specific clinical experience. And if you’re in a specialized field, you should also check with the travel nurse agency you’d like to work with to see if additional work experience is required.
Apply With a Travel Nursing Agency
A reputable agency may be the best way to become involved with travel nursing. Agencies have connections with various hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities all over the world.
Here’s how to find a travel nurse agency:
- Ask other travel nurses for recommendations
- Compare salary and housing options
- Do your research on the agency’s reputation
- Find out benefits and available assignments
- Know what you want so you will be prepared
In addition, Purdue Global’s Center for Career Advancement can help nursing students and graduates find traveling nurse positions.
Find Out More About Online Nursing Programs
Shortages have opened opportunities for traveling nurses and nurses of all specialties. Purdue Global offers online nursing degree programs to help you reach your goals. Contact us today for more information.
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