Travel Nursing

October 5th, 2009

The travel nursing field is a booming aspect of the health care industry that grew in response to the nursing shortage across the country. Nurses travel to other parts of a state or country to work temporary nursing assignments at understaffed hospitals, clinics and other medical facilities. There are many benefits to working as a travel nurse, including increased pay, ability to travel and greater independence. Currently, there are over 25,500 Registered Nurse Travelers working across the United States.

Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and other medical professionals can be recruited by staffing agencies looking to fill personnel gaps in medical facilities. Currently, there are over 340 traveling nursing companies in the United States. These companies act as intermediaries and recruiters of qualified medical staff and receive a finder’s fee, or bill rate, from the hiring organization. Travel nurses must meet several qualifications prior to applying with one of these agencies. Generally, a travel nurse must have one year of clinical experience in a specialty and a state nursing license. They must then complete employment applications, work histories, receive verification of certificates and licenses, undergo thorough medical screenings and test, including chest x-rays, physicals, TB skin test and immunizations. These nurses must also receive a statement of ability to work from a physician, and submit to a skill assessment exam. Following the completion of the paperwork, nurses are then matched with open positions across the country and an offer of employment is extended. This offer can include specific dates and location of the position, payment details, a housing stipend, insurance and any additional benefits offered. A traveling nursing assignment can last between four and 13 weeks in the United States and from one to two years outside the country.

To aid travel nurses, those that possess a license from a state belonging to the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) can practice medicine in other member states based on mutual recognition. There are currently 24 states that participate in the Compact. Those that do not possess a license in the state of assignment must pay to take that state’s licensing exam in order to be legally qualified to practice nursing. Another resource for those interested in travel nursing is the Professional Association of Nurse Travelers, a nonprofit national organization. They represent traveling nurses across the country, and provide advice and support for the professionals and those interested in the field.

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