Advice for Traveling Nurses

A travel nurse in the United States is a nurse who travels to different workplaces to meet temporary medical staffing shortages. It’s more common for registered nurses (RNs) to become traveling nurse, though there are also roles for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in the travel nursing field. Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) may also take up traveling positions.

Assignments are temporary and travel nurses or assistants may be sent to work in various hospital departments, clinics, community health centers, private homes as health care assistants or any other healthcare facilities.

As healthcare professionals, travel nurses must have a current nursing license and experience in patient care. Traveling CNAs must also have relevant up-to-date certification.

Travel nursing provides plenty of diversity and a good salary. In Nebraska, the travel nurse salary for a registered nurse is around $91,100 per annum. Some specialties, particularly those in high demand, attract even higher rates. If this sounds appealing, you’ll likely be asking what do travel nurses need and how much experience does a travel nurse need.

How to Become a Travel Nurse

Before anyone can take up a travel nursing assignment, they must first obtain the necessary qualifications and, where applicable, licenses.

For a registered nurse, this can take between 2 and 4 years, depending on the route of study to obtain a degree in nursing. In Nebraska, individuals may take an approved two-year associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or a four-year bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN). After completing nursing school, individuals must pass the NCLEX examination and become licensed by Nebraska DHSS.

For a licensed practical nurse, accredited practical nursing certificate programs typically take about 12 months to complete. Upon completion, individuals must take the NCLEX exam and obtain a license from Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.  

Most CNAs complete an approved nursing assistant course, which usually contains around 75 hours of practical training. Certification is granted following successful completion of written tests and clinical evaluations.  

Can You Become a Travel Nurse Right Out of College?

While there are no set legal or regulatory timescales for becoming a travel nurse, it’s important to keep in mind that, in general, to become a travel nurse, no experience will likely prevent you finding your preferred nursing job. An applicant’s years of experience are vital.

Most staffing companies require at least 1 year experience in a person’s particular nursing specialty. It’s expected that travel nurses and travel CNAs can hit the ground running and immediately become part of a team, with little on-the-job instruction or training needed.        

Can You Be a Travel Nurse with 6 Months of Experience?

Similar to the above, six months of experience generally isn’t enough hands-on time to successfully become a travel nurse or travel CNA. That’s not to say, however, that you can’t start researching and preparing to become a travel nurse. It’s an ideal time to submit an application to a travel nursing agency, ready to accept your first assignment when you have enough experience.

Can You Be a Travel Nurse with 1 Year Experience?

Generally, a staffing company will require a minimum of one year of experience. However, depending on your specialization, you may need two years of experience, or more. Typically, nurses who specialize in, for example, critical care will need to have gained solid skills through experience before being accepted for a traveling nurse position.

How Much Experience Do You Need for Travel Nursing?

As a general rule, a travel nursing agency will require a minimum of 1 to 2 years of experience, depending on the nursing specialty.

Do I Have Enough Experience to Travel Nurse?

If you’ve gained at least a year of practical experience in your current role, have a valid license (for RNs and LPNs), and have completed certifications in essential first aid, you probably have enough experience to become a travel nurse.

To find out more about Nebraska travel nurse requirements, Nebraska RN jobs, travel nurse positions, Nebraska LPN jobs, local healthcare roles and Nebraska CNA jobs, contact us at Capital Care Staffing. As a professional Nebraska healthcare staffing agency, our expert team can help you find your perfect position.