After earning my BSN and becoming a Register Nurse, what are the minimum requirements to become a travel nurse?

Hello Alejandra:

To be a travel nurse you must have experience. On a new assignment you will be oriented to your new work place but you will be expected to "jump right in" and know how to organize yourself and do all the nursing tasks. Most travel companies ask for at least a year experience in the nursing specialty you are applying for.

I would suggest "floating" to other departments or floors in your hospital (this means volunteering to work a shift in another department if they are short staff). This would give you a good idea how travel nursing works, you would be in a different environment, new co workers, maybe learning new procedures. It is ok to speak up and say "I have not used this equipment before" or "I am not familar with this type of dressing" but you should know the basic skills and have a general idea of what is expected. Good Luck!

Kathleen Madden RN