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Thinking about accepting your first travel nurse assignment? These frequently asked questions (and the subsequent answers) can give you an idea of what to expect and help you prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
What are the requirements for becoming a travel nurse? You must be a licensed registered nurse legally able to work in the U.S. and available to accept assignments within specific dates (that you determine with your recruiter). Most travel nurse staffing agencies require at least one year of clinical nursing experience and recommend one year of experience in your specialty.
Is housing included? RNnetwork provides free, private, semi-furnished housing for you — and your family, if they’re coming along, too. If you plan to bring Fluffy or Fido with you, let your recruiter know; we have contracts with housing providers that allow pets as well. Check out this post, What to Bring on Your Travel Nursing Assignment, for the items included in our housing, and be up front with your recruiter if your family needs more space or would prefer a home closer to the school.
Do I need to be licensed in multiple states? You must be currently licensed in the state where you plan to take an assignment. There are 24 states that participate in the nurse licensure compact and mutually recognize nursing licenses of each of the other states — and there are several states who issue temporary licenses within 24-72 hours as well. However, in other states the licensure time is 10 weeks, so RNnetwork helps you with the process; we also reimburse the licensing application fee. Learn more about licensing and credentialing.
What benefits do I receive as a travel nurse? While these differ slightly between agencies, most provide housing, travel, health and dental insurance, licensure reimbursement and continuing education courses. RNnetwork provides many unique benefits, including a 401(k) plan and a free physician consultation service, on day one.
How long is a travel nursing assignment? The travel nursing standard is 13 weeks, but you can work assignments that last as little as four weeks with RNnetwork. Sometimes 52-week assignments are available as well, though 26-week assignments are more often the maximum.
What is full-time for a travel nurse? Travel nurses with RNnetwork work 36 – 40 hours a week in five eight-hour shifts, four 10-hour shifts or three 12-hour shifts.
How much can I make as a travel nurse? The hourly rates vary from area to area, but travel nurses generally make more than staff nurses due to shift and weekend differentials, among other factors. An RNnetwork recruiter can help you find an assignment that fits your needs.
Read more of our nurse FAQs on our website, and check out our open travel nursing jobs to find the right one for you!
