6 answers
Lydia
Student
Dearborn, Michigan
1
Question
Asked
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How can I become a Registered Travel nurse ?
How can I become a Registered Travel nurse? What colleges are good for this field and what can I do in high school to help lay the foundation for this career?
Thank you!
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6 answers
Hailey Hamilton
Nurse
96
Answers
Canton, Georgia
Updated
Hailey’s Answer
Your first steps will be to finish high school on good standing. You will want to concentrate on your sciences in particular. Math is also very important in nursing. Some high schools offer some dual enrollment options and some students even have the opportunity to earn a certified nursing assistant certification while still in high school. If you have that option, it would be very beneficial to your future career goals.
After graduating high school you would need to enter a college to do your prerequisites prior to starting a nursing program. There are many terrific nursing programs out there. After prerequisites, you would enter a nursing program and complete your degree.
After graduation you would take the NCLEX and once you pass you would have a nursing license.
Most travel agencies do require some prior experience, so you would have to obtain that typically before beginning travel assignments.
After graduating high school you would need to enter a college to do your prerequisites prior to starting a nursing program. There are many terrific nursing programs out there. After prerequisites, you would enter a nursing program and complete your degree.
After graduation you would take the NCLEX and once you pass you would have a nursing license.
Most travel agencies do require some prior experience, so you would have to obtain that typically before beginning travel assignments.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Lydia,
To become a Registered Travel Nurse (RTN), you must first become a licensed Registered Nurse (RN) by completing an accredited nursing program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). After obtaining your RN license, you can then pursue travel nursing opportunities.
There are several colleges and universities with excellent nursing programs that offer the necessary education to become an RN. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) provides a comprehensive database of accredited nursing schools in the United States. Some top universities for nursing include Johns Hopkins University, University of Pennsylvania, and Duke University. These institutions offer rigorous academic programs and provide excellent clinical experiences, preparing students for successful careers in nursing.
In high school, you can lay the foundation for a career as a travel nurse by focusing on your academics, particularly in science courses such as biology, chemistry, and anatomy. Strong grades in these subjects will make you a more competitive applicant when applying to nursing programs. Additionally, participating in extracurricular activities related to healthcare or volunteering at hospitals or clinics can help demonstrate your commitment to the field.
Authoritative References Used:
American Association of Colleges of Nursing
National Council of State Boards of Nursing
U.S. News & World Report: Best Nursing Schools - Undergraduate Programs
GOD BLESS YOU,
JC.
To become a Registered Travel Nurse (RTN), you must first become a licensed Registered Nurse (RN) by completing an accredited nursing program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). After obtaining your RN license, you can then pursue travel nursing opportunities.
There are several colleges and universities with excellent nursing programs that offer the necessary education to become an RN. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) provides a comprehensive database of accredited nursing schools in the United States. Some top universities for nursing include Johns Hopkins University, University of Pennsylvania, and Duke University. These institutions offer rigorous academic programs and provide excellent clinical experiences, preparing students for successful careers in nursing.
In high school, you can lay the foundation for a career as a travel nurse by focusing on your academics, particularly in science courses such as biology, chemistry, and anatomy. Strong grades in these subjects will make you a more competitive applicant when applying to nursing programs. Additionally, participating in extracurricular activities related to healthcare or volunteering at hospitals or clinics can help demonstrate your commitment to the field.
Authoritative References Used:
American Association of Colleges of Nursing
National Council of State Boards of Nursing
U.S. News & World Report: Best Nursing Schools - Undergraduate Programs
GOD BLESS YOU,
JC.
Chosen Osarodion Iyen
Maintenance
74
Answers
Benin City, Edo, Nigeria
Updated
Chosen Osarodion’s Answer
Becoming a registered travel nurse involves several steps:
### 1. Obtain a Nursing Degree:
- **Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)** or **Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)**. BSN is often preferred by employers and may offer more opportunities.
### 2. Pass the NCLEX-RN:
- Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to obtain your nursing license.
### 3. Gain Clinical Experience:
- Most travel nursing agencies require at least one to two years of clinical experience in your specialty.
### 4. Get Additional Certifications (Optional):
- Obtain certifications relevant to your specialty (e.g., ACLS, PALS, TNCC) to increase your marketability.
### 5. Apply for State Licenses:
- Obtain licenses in the states you wish to work in. Some states are part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows you to practice in multiple states with one license.
### 6. Choose a Travel Nursing Agency:
- Research and select a reputable travel nursing agency. Agencies assist with job placements, housing, and benefits.
### 7. Prepare for Assignments:
- Be flexible and ready to adapt to new environments and healthcare systems.
### 8. Maintain Credentials:
- Keep your nursing license, certifications, and health records up to date.
By following these steps, you can successfully become a registered travel nurse and start your journey in this dynamic and rewarding career.
### 1. Obtain a Nursing Degree:
- **Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)** or **Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)**. BSN is often preferred by employers and may offer more opportunities.
### 2. Pass the NCLEX-RN:
- Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to obtain your nursing license.
### 3. Gain Clinical Experience:
- Most travel nursing agencies require at least one to two years of clinical experience in your specialty.
### 4. Get Additional Certifications (Optional):
- Obtain certifications relevant to your specialty (e.g., ACLS, PALS, TNCC) to increase your marketability.
### 5. Apply for State Licenses:
- Obtain licenses in the states you wish to work in. Some states are part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows you to practice in multiple states with one license.
### 6. Choose a Travel Nursing Agency:
- Research and select a reputable travel nursing agency. Agencies assist with job placements, housing, and benefits.
### 7. Prepare for Assignments:
- Be flexible and ready to adapt to new environments and healthcare systems.
### 8. Maintain Credentials:
- Keep your nursing license, certifications, and health records up to date.
By following these steps, you can successfully become a registered travel nurse and start your journey in this dynamic and rewarding career.
Megan Morrison
RN
17
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Megan’s Answer
Hi Lydia,
It's always a pleasure to see someone interested in travel nursing, a career path I've personally traversed and found incredibly rewarding. It's a wonderful opportunity to explore the world while doing what you love!
Once you've earned your degree (a BSN is usually preferred) and aced your NCLEX, the next step is to gather some hands-on experience. I'd suggest working in critical care areas such as the ICU, NICU, PACU, or ED. This experience is often a prerequisite for travel assignments and it helps you develop your critical thinking skills, making you a more desirable candidate.
I'd recommend at least a couple of years of experience before you consider hitting the road. For example, I spent a year on a cardiac tele floor and two years in the ED before I packed my bags. I believe that without this experience, I wouldn't have been as successful as a travel nurse.
Travel nursing can be challenging, as you're expected to quickly adapt to new hospital policies and procedures. Some assignments might even offer only a brief four-hour orientation. So, it's crucial to have a strong foundation before you start traveling.
When you feel ready to take the plunge, take your time to compare different travel companies and assignments. Choose the one that aligns best with your personal and professional goals. Remember, some assignments might require specific certifications (like BLS, ACLS, PALS, Trauma, etc.), and you'll need a nursing license for the state you plan to work in.
Here's wishing you all the best on this exciting journey!
It's always a pleasure to see someone interested in travel nursing, a career path I've personally traversed and found incredibly rewarding. It's a wonderful opportunity to explore the world while doing what you love!
Once you've earned your degree (a BSN is usually preferred) and aced your NCLEX, the next step is to gather some hands-on experience. I'd suggest working in critical care areas such as the ICU, NICU, PACU, or ED. This experience is often a prerequisite for travel assignments and it helps you develop your critical thinking skills, making you a more desirable candidate.
I'd recommend at least a couple of years of experience before you consider hitting the road. For example, I spent a year on a cardiac tele floor and two years in the ED before I packed my bags. I believe that without this experience, I wouldn't have been as successful as a travel nurse.
Travel nursing can be challenging, as you're expected to quickly adapt to new hospital policies and procedures. Some assignments might even offer only a brief four-hour orientation. So, it's crucial to have a strong foundation before you start traveling.
When you feel ready to take the plunge, take your time to compare different travel companies and assignments. Choose the one that aligns best with your personal and professional goals. Remember, some assignments might require specific certifications (like BLS, ACLS, PALS, Trauma, etc.), and you'll need a nursing license for the state you plan to work in.
Here's wishing you all the best on this exciting journey!
Savyata Gomden
Software Engineer
36
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Savyata’s Answer
Example Path to Becoming a Registered Travel Nurse
Education: Complete an ADN or BSN program.
Licensure: Pass the NCLEX-RN exam and obtain state licensure.
Experience: Gain 1-2 years of clinical experience in your specialty.
Certifications: Obtain relevant specialty certifications and maintain BLS and ACLS certifications.
Research Agencies: Find and apply to reputable travel nursing agencies.
Compact Licensure: Obtain a compact license if applicable.
Accept Assignments: Review and accept travel nursing assignments.
Prepare for Travel: Make necessary preparations for each assignment.
Continuous Learning: Engage in ongoing education and networking.
This is a good example to follow to pursue your dream.
Education: Complete an ADN or BSN program.
Licensure: Pass the NCLEX-RN exam and obtain state licensure.
Experience: Gain 1-2 years of clinical experience in your specialty.
Certifications: Obtain relevant specialty certifications and maintain BLS and ACLS certifications.
Research Agencies: Find and apply to reputable travel nursing agencies.
Compact Licensure: Obtain a compact license if applicable.
Accept Assignments: Review and accept travel nursing assignments.
Prepare for Travel: Make necessary preparations for each assignment.
Continuous Learning: Engage in ongoing education and networking.
This is a good example to follow to pursue your dream.
Aarushi Singh Gowrinath
University Student
9
Answers
Leander, Texas
Updated
Aarushi Singh’s Answer
Becoming a travel nurse sounds exciting!
In order to pursue this path, you can start in high school by taking science courses like biology and chemistry. They'll give you a good foundation for understanding the human body, which is super important in nursing. During this time, you can also find ways to get involved inside and outside of school. If your school has HOSA, a medical organization in which students can compete in hundreds of different competitions that they find an interest in while gaining experience through learning, you should definitely think of joining and competing! If you school does not have HOSA, I would recommend that you talk to a heath science or science teacher that would be interested in working with you in starting a chapter! Outside of school, you can look for shadowing or volunteering opportunities for high school students. This will give you a taste of what it's like to work in healthcare and show that you're passionate about helping others.
Make sure to keep your grades up! Nursing programs can be competitive, so the better you do in high school, the better chance you'll have of getting into a good college. Look into colleges with good nursing programs. Some well-known ones include Johns Hopkins University, University of Pennsylvania, and University of California, San Francisco. But there are many others out there, so do your research to find the best fit for you.
Remember, becoming a Registered Travel Nurse takes time and hard work, but if you're passionate about helping others and willing to put in the effort, it can be an incredibly rewarding career! Good luck!!
In order to pursue this path, you can start in high school by taking science courses like biology and chemistry. They'll give you a good foundation for understanding the human body, which is super important in nursing. During this time, you can also find ways to get involved inside and outside of school. If your school has HOSA, a medical organization in which students can compete in hundreds of different competitions that they find an interest in while gaining experience through learning, you should definitely think of joining and competing! If you school does not have HOSA, I would recommend that you talk to a heath science or science teacher that would be interested in working with you in starting a chapter! Outside of school, you can look for shadowing or volunteering opportunities for high school students. This will give you a taste of what it's like to work in healthcare and show that you're passionate about helping others.
Make sure to keep your grades up! Nursing programs can be competitive, so the better you do in high school, the better chance you'll have of getting into a good college. Look into colleges with good nursing programs. Some well-known ones include Johns Hopkins University, University of Pennsylvania, and University of California, San Francisco. But there are many others out there, so do your research to find the best fit for you.
Remember, becoming a Registered Travel Nurse takes time and hard work, but if you're passionate about helping others and willing to put in the effort, it can be an incredibly rewarding career! Good luck!!