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What Does a Travel Nurse Do?

A travel nurse accepts short-term positions across the country when hospitals or clinics are understaffed. Typically, a travel nursing assignment lasts anywhere from three months to a year, but the employer often supplies housing or a housing subsidy for longer assignments.

As a travel nurse, you are doing the hospital a favor. Either the hospital has not yet found a replacement for someone, or they need a new hire. This is a great opportunity for registered nurses because the hospital has a demand, and you are the supply.

Education & Training Required to Become a Travel Nurse

Three steps can help you become a travel nurse:

• Step 1: Acquire an associate's or bachelor's degree in nursing, or receive a diploma from an approved nursing program
• Step 2: Become a registered nurse with a valid nursing license
• Step 3: Apply for travel nursing positions

You may need to get a temporary license if a job takes you out of state. Your placement agency or the hospital that hires you should cover any related fees.

There are no travel nursing degree programs or online degrees in travel nursing, but as a registered nurse, experience is your teacher.

Typical Characteristics of a Travel Nurse

Although there are not degree programs in travel nursing, you can help yourself by understanding what it takes to be a happy and successful travel nurse.

• Interest in Travel: If you have kids in school or are tied to your town, this might not be the best position. A travel nurse enjoys the flexibility and adventure of a position that is regularly changing.
• Team Player Attitude: On a moment's notice, you may be working in a new environment with new people. And you are the new kid. A travel nurse has to be comfortable with this.

High Demand for Travel Nurses

Although the exact numbers depend on geography, overall employment opportunities for nurses are slated to be extraordinary throughout the next decade. Given the shortage of nurses today, many hospitals and clinics are making use of travel nurses to meet their staffing needs. Travel nurses also enjoy a comfortable salary--in 2008, registered nurses earned a median annual salary of $62,450, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.