What Are the Best LPN Traveling Jobs?
Are you an LPN who is looking for a change in scenery?
Are you tired of the same old hospital routine? If so, traveling nursing may be the perfect solution for you! There are a variety of different jobs available for LPNs, and the best part is that there are plenty of options to choose from – so no matter what your interests or skill set may be, you’re sure to find a perfect fit.
If you are a licensed practical nurse looking for new challenges and exploration opportunities, you can opt for travel assignments. Travel nursing allows you to practice healthcare in different environments while discovering new locales. Traveling as a nurse is also a great way to build your network and further your career. This blog provides the best traveling nursing jobs available.
Basic Requirements for LPNs
There are specific requirements for a travel LPN that you must meet to join the travel nursing world. These include:
An Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a degree in Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
1-2 years of clinical experience before you start traveling
Once you meet the above requirements, partner with a travel nursing agency to help you find available travel nursing opportunities.
Best LPN Traveling Jobs
LPNs can work in many locations and facilities, including major hospitals, physicians' offices, home health care, schools, nursing homes, correctional facilities, and more. Licensed practical nursing jobs come with several responsibilities. These include monitoring patient vitals, changing the dressing and inserting catheters where possible, and other essential tasks such as bathing, toileting, and dressing. Other responsibilities are patient record keeping and consulting with RNs regarding care plans.
Let's look at some of the top LPN travel jobs to explore:
Emergency Room Nurse
Emergency room nurses are always in demand for traveling jobs. Emergency rooms are typically fast-based environments that require ER nurses to have a calm demeanor, quick thinking, and the ability to offer excellent care under extremely difficult circumstances.
To become an emergency room nurse, you must meet some requirements, including an associate's degree, a registered nursing license, and relevant certifications like Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC).
ICU Nurse
Nurses who specialize in ICU are some of the most sought-after professionals worldwide due to the impact of COVID19. There is a huge lack of skilled nurses to fill these positions, forcing many healthcare facilities to opt for travel nurses. Becoming an ICU travel nurse can be a challenging but rewarding career.
To become an ICU nurse, you must meet some requirements, including an associate's degree, a registered nursing license, and relevant certifications such as Certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support.
Medical-Surgical Nurse
Being a medical-surgical nurse is another healthcare career path to pursue as an LPN. Medical-surgical nurses have Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) certification. Additionally, you must have at least two years of experience and relevant certifications such as CNOR and Certified Nurse First Assistant (CNFA) to be allowed to practice.
Progressive Care Unit (PCU) Care Nurse
Patients in Progressive Care Facilities require a high level of nursing care. Progressive Care Unit (PCU) care nurses take care of a patient who no longer needs the level of care that ICU health care facilities provide. However, many of the duties that RN-PCU nurses perform are similar to the responsibilities of an ICU nurse.
To become a PCU care nurse, you must meet specific requirements, including an associate's degree, a registered nursing license, and relevant certifications such as Certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
As an LPN Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, you will provide direct care for patients seeking treatment for mental illness, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and more. Psychiatrist nurses can work in various settings, including outpatient settings and hospitals.
To become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, you must have a master's degree and a registered nurse license.
Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Nurse
Post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) nurses take care of patients coming out of anesthesia after surgery. To become a PACU nurse, you must sit for the Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) certification and accrue at least 1,200 hours of clinical experience caring for patients in Post-anesthesia Phase I. Relevant certifications include a CRNA certification.
Operating Room (OR) Nurse
Operating Room (OR) nurses are part of the care team offering operative care for patients. OR nurses have diverse roles in operating rooms, including preparing patients for surgery, assisting surgeons during surgery, and providing post-operative care. OR nurses hold the Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR) certification on top of an Associate's Degree or Bachelor of Science Degree and Registered Nursing License (RN). You should also have relevant certifications such as the CNOR and Certified Nurse First Assistant (CNFA).
Labor and Delivery Nurse
Labor and delivery nurses work in delivery rooms providing care for a mother and an infant. This role requires 24 months of experience and an Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (RNC-OB) certification as well as Basic Life Support (BLS) as well as Advanced Cardiac Life support (ACLS) certifications. You should also have an Associates Degree or Bachelor of Science Degree and be a Registered Nursing License (RN)
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Nurse
Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) LPN nurses are among the most in-demand professionals in the US today. The nurses care for newborns in need of an increased level of nursing care. As a NICU nurse, you provide hands-on care to sick and premature newborns who need feeding and medical care. You are also supposed to ensure the patient is comfortable and breathing correctly.
Apart from having an Associates Degree or Bachelor's of Science Degree and Registered Nursing License (RN), NICU nurses should also have relevant certifications such as Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing (RNC) or (NIC).
Telemetry Unit Nurses
Patients in a telemetry unit are those recovering from cardiovascular conditions like stroke or heart attack. These patients are under continuous electronic supervision by an RN. Telemetry unit nurses are trained to use a range of equipment like electrocardiograms to monitor a patient's vitals in their care. Apart from monitoring a patient's vitals, the nurses are also equipped to offer vital care should a patient's condition worsen.
Which Type of Travel Nurse is Highly Paid?
The pay for travel nurses is typically higher than permanent assignments. The amount of compensation varies depending on location and the specific assignment. Generally, nursing specialties that demand a higher level of specialization are more in demand and pay a higher salary.
How Long are Travel Nurse Assignments?
Most assignments last 13 weeks or more. Many assignments are renewed if the traveler and the health facility feel there is a need to do so.
Can I Take Time Off Between Assignments?
Yes, you can take time off between assignments. Travel nursing offers a lot of freedom and flexibility compared to permanent jobs. You can take time off to spend time with family and friends and come back to your assignment once ready.
Currently, LPNs are more in demand than ever due to an acute shortage of nurses and a growing need by many healthcare facilities. If you are a registered nurse or nurse practitioner considering an exciting career path, several different types of LPN travel jobs are available for you. Apart from a competitive salary, travelers also get chances to explore new cities, meet new people, and enrich their resumes.
Find Ideal Travel Nursing Jobs in Nebraska
If you need a job as a travel nurse in Nebraska, contact Capital Care Staffing today. At Capital Care Staffing, we provide the highest-quality travel nursing staff to hospitals, long-term care, and assisted living facilities throughout Nebraska. Contact us today to learn more.