Are you curious about travel nursing? Perhaps you’ve wondered what it would be like to explore a new city and everything it has to offer, all while getting paid for it. Whether you have a passion for travel or enjoy working in a diverse environment, travel nursing presents endless opportunities. Here’s your guide to starting your travel nursing career. Traveling to new cities, embarking on exciting adventures and growing in your career is not only possible; it’s closer than you think! 

1. Get your degree

Nurses who have completed an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited program are eligible for travel nursing. If you’re just starting out, you can earn an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree in person or online in about one to two years, depending on your selected program. If you pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), expect the program to take around three years, based on transfer credits or prior coursework. Registered nurses (RNs) aiming to earn their BSN can often finish the program in a few months or less. There’s also an accelerated program that can be completed in under two years if you already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

I began my nursing career as a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) before deciding to pursue my RN license. I completed a one-year LVN to RN transition program and earned my associate’s degree in nursing. After graduation, I successfully passed my NCLEX-RN exam and secured my first hospital position. Eager to continue my education, I pursued a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) online at the University of Texas in Arlington while working full-time. I completed my degree in under a year. I have since worked as a staff nurse and a travel nurse, and I am currently serving as a clinical nursing manager for StaffDNA®.

2. Reaching out to agencies

Once you’ve earned your degree, you need to choose the right healthcare hiring and staffing agency to help you get started with your job search. If you find yourself exploring options after hours and wish to see available opportunities in real time, I highly recommend downloading the StaffDNA app. This app shows thousands of current job postings along with pay details. While many companies advertise contracts without revealing important information, StaffDNA sets itself apart by prioritizing transparency.

3. Onboarding process

 A seamless onboarding process is essential! You can learn a lot about a travel nursing company from how well-organized their onboarding is. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or an experienced nurse, our recruiters will guide you through every step. What sets StaffDNA® apart is the ability to build your profile independently using our app. This means less time spent waiting and more time devoted to finding your dream assignment while we handle the logistics!

4. Land your dream assignment

Do you want to spend the summer hiking in Colorado? How about snowboarding in the mountains at Heavenly Resort in California? StaffDNA® has job opportunities across all 50 states! With the StaffDNA technology, it’s never been easier to find the right job. If you hold a compact license, you can work in any of the participating compact states. Holders of single-state licenses will need to apply to their destination state—a process our compliance team is ready to assist with. If this applies to you, let your recruiter know ASAP, as obtaining licensure can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Our compliance and recruitment teams are here to help you navigate licensing requirements while you focus on preparing for your next adventure.

5. Check housing in those locations and sign that contract

While waiting for your contract offer, start looking for housing near the hospital where you’ll be working. Resources, like Furnished Finder, Airbnb, and even VRBO, have been my go-to for gauging the average cost of furnished rentals and setting a budget to ensure I don’t spend more than I earn. Some nurses have mentioned that they aim to spend no more than a week’s pay on housing. My top priorities are safety, location, and reasonable pricing when searching for potential places. Always read the reviews if available, communicate with the person renting it, and evaluate them as you would any apartment or house. It’s essential to have a contingency plan and a backup option for housing.

If this all seems overwhelming, let StaffDNA help secure housing for you. Share your preferences with your recruiter and we will be happy to provide options that suit your needs.  

6. Plan accordingly

Get there at least two to three days before your assignment or more if you can. This gives you plenty of time to check out your housing, get acclimated to your area and plan your route from your temporary home to your contracted hospital. Also, if things don’t go well with housing, it gives you time to plan for option two or option three. If there is one thing I must emphasize, it is you must plan for the unexpected and be willing to adapt—these traits are essential to being a travel nurse. It’s also a good idea to reach out to local connections. I always found someone I knew, someone close to the city where I was working. I’d reach out for local recommendations, things to do, and more. 

7. Your assignment and beyond

Day one is an exciting opportunity to make a positive impression. Greet your co-workers with a smile, introduce yourself and show your willingness to help. A positive attitude goes a long way in fostering connections and earning respect. Travel nurses are valued for resourcefulness and are expected to acclimate quickly to the team. Being a team player, proactive at work and communicating with your team and leadership will set you up for success.

As your assignment comes to a close, you have a few options: extend your current assignment (if offered) or transition to your next assignment. As I mentioned earlier, we always have the latest contracts available, and we will ensure you receive the assignment you desire with the pay you deserve. If this sounds fantastic, download our app and let’s get started!