The road to
becoming a travel nurse starts off with obtaining your degree as a Registered Nurse (RN). Depending on your program, this takes anywhere between two to four years. After graduating from your selected program, you must
pass the NCLEX RN exam. While different states have different requirements, the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact is in place so that standards are maintained, allowing single license access in over 25 states. Other states require their state-specific license to practice as an RN. Once you have obtained your license, most facilities require a traveler to have a minimum of one (1) year of acute care experience in your specialty. Depending on your specialty, other certifications may be required such as an ACLS, PALS, or AWHONN. While not all specialties require certifications, It is highly beneficial, depending on your specialty to have a certification, to validate your competency as a nurse in your specific field. After selecting an opportunity, interviewing with the facility, and your assignment has been confirmed, you will be required to complete your clinical credentialing.
Credentialing must be completed prior to starting your first assignment and includes license verification, current TB test, physical, immunizations, background checks, etc.