What Is the Fastest Way to Become a Travel Nurse?
Travel nursing is an exciting and rewarding career path, offering competitive pay, flexible scheduling, and the opportunity to explore new places while doing what you love. If you're eager to become a travel nurse, you might be wondering—what’s the fastest way to get started?
The truth is, there are no real shortcuts to becoming a travel nurse. You must have at least two years of experience in your specialty before you can take travel assignments. However, there are steps you can take to speed up the process and position yourself for success. If you're determined and strategic, you can set yourself up for a thriving travel nursing career sooner rather than later.
Step 1: Become a Registered Nurse (RN)
Before you can travel, you must first earn your RN license. This involves completing a nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. There are two main educational paths to becoming an RN:
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) – Typically takes two years to complete.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – Typically takes four years, but can offer more job opportunities.
Both degrees qualify you to take the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses), which is required to obtain your nursing license.
While both ADN and BSN graduates can become travel nurses, many healthcare facilities prefer BSN-prepared nurses, so consider pursuing your BSN if you want to maximize your opportunities. Some programs offer accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs for those with a non-nursing bachelor's degree, which can be completed in 12-18 months.
Step 2: Gain Clinical Experience (The Required Two Years)
Once you’ve obtained your RN license, you must gain at least two years of bedside experience before travel nursing agencies will consider you for assignments. This is a non-negotiable requirement because travel nurses are expected to adapt quickly to new environments with minimal training.
How to Gain Experience Fast:
- Start in a high-demand specialty: Some hospital units have a higher demand for travel nurses, such as:
- ICU (Intensive Care Unit)
- ER (Emergency Room)
- Med-Surg (Medical-Surgical Nursing)
- Labor & Delivery
- OR (Operating Room)
- Telemetry
- Work in a teaching hospital: These hospitals often offer new nurses more hands-on experience and training.
- Take advantage of overtime: The more hours you work, the faster you will become proficient in your specialty.
- Seek leadership opportunities: Charge nurse experience or precepting new nurses can make you stand out to travel agencies.
If you’re looking to fast-track your journey, focus on becoming highly skilled and competent in your specialty as quickly as possible.
Step 3: Obtain Additional Certifications
In addition to your RN license, many travel nurse positions require additional certifications. The more certifications you have, the more marketable you will be to recruiters and hospitals.
Basic Certifications for Travel Nurses:
- Basic Life Support (BLS) – Required for all nurses
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) – Required for most ICU, ER, and telemetry nurses
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) – Required for pediatric and neonatal nurses
- Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) – Highly recommended for ER and trauma nurses
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) – Required for NICU nurses
Multistate Licensing (eNLC) Can Speed Up the Process
If you plan to work in multiple states, obtaining a Compact Nursing License (eNLC) can significantly reduce delays in getting assigned. The Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) allows nurses to work in participating states without needing to apply for separate state licenses.
If your home state is part of the compact, apply for an eNLC license early to make transitioning between travel assignments easier.
Step 4: Be Open-Minded and Flexible
If you want to start traveling as soon as possible, flexibility is key. The more open you are to different locations, shifts, and contract lengths, the easier it will be to land your first travel job.
How to Make Yourself More Marketable:
- Consider assignments in less competitive locations – Some of the highest-paying jobs are in rural areas or states with severe nursing shortages.
- Be willing to work night shifts – Many facilities have openings for nights before days.
- Take short-term contracts – A 6- to 8-week contract can get you started faster than waiting for a longer one.
Remember, your first few contracts might not be in your dream destination, but once you gain experience as a travel nurse, you’ll have more opportunities to choose where you want to go.
Step 5: Reach Out to TotalMed
Once you have your two years of experience and certifications, it’s time to apply with a travel nurse agency. One of the top agencies to consider is TotalMed, which is known for its years of experience, awards, and accolades in the travel nursing industry.
TotalMed has built a strong reputation for supporting nurses, offering competitive pay, and providing excellent job placement services. By working with an established and well-respected agency like TotalMed, you’ll have access to some of the best travel nursing opportunities in the country.
If you're serious about starting your travel nursing career as soon as possible, connecting with a top-rated agency like TotalMed is one of the best ways to ensure a smooth transition.
Step 6: Start Your First Travel Nursing Assignment
Once you’ve secured your first contract, it’s time to embark on your travel nursing adventure! Here are a few tips to help you succeed:
- Stay organized: Keep your medical records, certifications, and licensure documents easily accessible.
- Be adaptable: Each facility has its own policies, charting systems, and workflows. Being flexible will make your transition smoother.
- Network with other travel nurses: Connecting with other travel nurses can help you learn about different assignments and agencies.
Once you complete a few contracts successfully, you’ll have more control over where and when you want to work.
Final Thoughts: There Are No Shortcuts, But There Is a Strategy
While there’s no way to bypass the two-year experience requirement, you can take strategic steps to become a travel nurse faster. By choosing an in-demand specialty, obtaining key certifications, and remaining flexible in your job search, you can position yourself for a successful and fast entry into travel nursing.
Remember, the journey to becoming a travel nurse takes time, dedication, and patience, but once you get there, you’ll enjoy an exciting career filled with adventure, financial rewards, and personal growth.