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Travel Nurse

A Travel Nurse works for an independent staffing agency, filling temporary positions from eight to thirteen weeks in the US and one to two years abroad.
Required education
ADN or BSN
Average annual salary
Attributes
Patient-facing
Work hands-on, directly with patients.
Structured
Follow a routine that allows you to anticipate and prepare for every situation.
Varied
Take on different tasks, patients, and situations every day.
You’ll have the freedom to decide when and where you work, and enjoy a constant change of scenery and perks, like housing and transportation.
Nursing bag, medication, and signs cartoon graphic
What you’ll do

Collaboration

You’ll work with doctors to develop care plans.

Documentation

You’ll learn how to use a variety of patient recordkeeping systems.

Education

You’ll teach patients and families about disease prevention and overall wellness.

Examination

You’ll assess and diagnose patients.

Treatment

You’ll administer medication and fluids and help with assisted living and mobility.

Where you’ll work
  • Clinics
  • Hospitals
  • Outpatient care centers
How to become a Travel Nurse

01

Get an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

02

Pass the NCLEX-RN.

03

Work as a Registered Nurse for a year.

04

There’s no specific Travel Nurse certification.

You’ll still need to become certified in any other area of expertise you want to specialize.

05

You’re ready to work as a Travel Nurse.

Join an Organization
Become a member of a Travel Nurse organization to find career opportunities, learn from your colleagues, and support the profession.
A Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse’s role is also varied.
A Toxicology Nurse is another type of emergency nurse.
Group of smiling nurses in scrubs holding folders
Group of smiling nurses in scrubs holding folders
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