Do you have a passion for healthcare and a love for adventure? Are you looking for a career that allows you to explore new places while making a difference in people’s lives? If so, have you considered becoming a traveling nurse practitioner?
As a traveling nurse practitioner, you can combine your expertise in healthcare with your love for travel. You can work in different locations, meet new people, and experience new cultures. Imagine waking up in a new city every few weeks and exploring it during your downtime. Not only can you satisfy your wanderlust as a traveling nurse practitioner, but you can also make a significant income that varies based on various factors.
Not only can you satisfy your wanderlust as a traveling nurse practitioner, but you can also significantly impact patients in need. Your skills and knowledge can help underserved communities and improve healthcare access for everyone.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about how to become a traveling nurse practitioner. We’ll cover the education and training required, the necessary certifications and licenses, and the steps you can take to find the perfect job. So, pack your bags and prepare to embark on an exciting new journey as a traveling nurse practitioner!
What is a Travel Nurse Practitioner?
A travel nurse practitioner (NP) is a licensed healthcare provider who works temporarily in nationwide healthcare settings. Travel NPs are typically employed by staffing agencies that specialize in providing temporary healthcare staff to hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. You can learn more about nurse practitioner roles and responsibilities from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
Travel NPs are highly qualified and experienced healthcare professionals who provide primary and specialty care services to patients in different settings. They work in various healthcare environments, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and private practices. Some travel NPs specialize in specific care areas, such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or critical care. They must possess specific essential skills to excel in their role.
Travel NPs typically work on short-term assignments that range from several weeks to several months. They travel to different locations nationwide and may work in rural or urban settings. As a result, travel NPs need to be adaptable, flexible, and able to adjust to new environments quickly.
Overall, travel NPs provide valuable healthcare services to patients in need while also enjoying the adventure and excitement of travel. As the World Health Organization emphasized, they are highly skilled professionals in high demand and play an essential role in addressing the shortage of healthcare providers in many parts of the country.
A Travel Nurse Job
A travel nurse practitioner is a healthcare professional who provides advanced nursing care to patients in various healthcare settings nationwide. They work temporarily, often for a few months at a time, and travel to different locations to fill temporary staffing needs.
The duties of a travel nurse practitioner are similar to those of a stationary nurse practitioner. They may include performing physical exams, diagnosing and treating illnesses, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, prescribing medications, and managing patients’ ongoing care. However, travel nurse practitioners must also be able to adapt to new healthcare environments and work with various healthcare teams.
Travel nurse practitioners may work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare organizations. They typically work with patients of all ages and may specialize in a particular area of healthcare, such as pediatrics, cardiology, or oncology.
Overall, the role of a travel nurse practitioner is to provide high-quality, patient-centered care to individuals in need while also embracing new experiences and opportunities to grow as a healthcare professional.
How to Become a Traveling Nurse Practitioner?
Becoming a traveling nurse practitioner (NP) can be a rewarding career choice for those interested in healthcare and adventure. Here are some steps to help you become a traveling nurse practitioner:
- Obtain a nursing degree: You’ll need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) and pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse (RN). Some nursing schools offer accelerated BSN programs that can be completed in as little as 12 to 18 months for those with a bachelor’s degree in a different field.
- Gain experience as a nurse: Most travel NP positions require at least 1-2 years of experience working as an RN in a clinical setting. Consider working in a hospital or clinic to gain experience in various patient care settings.
- Obtain a master’s degree in nursing: A master’s degree in nursing (MSN) is required to become a nurse practitioner. MSN programs typically take 2-3 years to complete and include coursework in advanced nursing practice, pharmacology, and pathophysiology.
- Obtain certification as a nurse practitioner: After completing an MSN program, you’ll need to obtain certification as a nurse practitioner from a recognized certifying body, such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
- Gain experience as a nurse practitioner: Many travel NP positions require at least 2-3 years of experience working as a nurse practitioner in a clinical setting.
- Research travel NP companies: Several travel nursing companies specialize in placing nurse practitioners in temporary positions nationwide. Research these companies and their requirements for travel NPs.
- Apply for travel NP positions: Once you’ve gained the necessary experience and credentials, start applying for travel NP positions that match your interests and qualifications.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Travel Nurse Practitioner?
Here is a general timeline for becoming a travel NP:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN): 4 years
- Registered Nurse (RN) licensure: After completing a BSN program, it typically takes several months to prepare for and pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a licensed RN.
- Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN): 2-3 years, depending on the program.
- Certification as a Nurse Practitioner (NP): After completing an MSN program, it typically takes several months to prepare for and pass a national certification exam in your chosen specialty.
- Clinical experience as a Nurse Practitioner: Most travel NP positions require at least 2-3 years of clinical experience working as an NP.
Becoming a travel NP can take 6-8 years or more, depending on the individual’s educational path and work experience.
Requirements for Travel Nurses
The specific requirements for travel nurses can vary depending on the travel nursing agency and the facility where they will be working. However, there are some general requirements that most travel nurses must meet. Here are some of the typical requirements for travel nurses:
- Active nursing license: All travel nurses must have an active RN license in the state where they will be working.
- Education and certification: Travel nurses must have a nursing degree from an accredited nursing program, and many travel nursing positions require additional certification or specialty training.
- Experience: Most travel nursing positions require a minimum of 1-2 years of recent clinical experience in the specialty area they will be working in.
- Health requirements: Travel nurses must be in good health and able to meet any health requirements of the facilities where they will work.
- Background check: Travel nurses must pass a criminal background check and drug screening before being hired.
- Flexibility: Travel nurses must be willing to work in different locations across the country and be flexible with their schedules.
- Strong communication skills: Travel nurses must have excellent communication skills to work effectively with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals.
Travel nursing requires a high level of education, training, experience, flexibility, and adaptability to work in different settings and locations.
Travel Nurse Practitioner Jobs
Traveling nurse practitioner jobs refer to positions in which nurse practitioners travel to various locations to provide healthcare services for a temporary period. These jobs offer a unique opportunity to gain experience working in different healthcare settings, meet new people, and explore other parts of the country.
Travel nurse practitioner jobs can be found through staffing agencies that specialize in healthcare placements, as well as through job boards and online career websites. Many travel nurse practitioner jobs require previous experience as a nurse practitioner and a valid nursing license.
Candidates must submit a resume, cover letter, and references to apply for a travel nurse practitioner job. The application process may include a phone or video interview with a recruiter or hiring manager.
Some travel nurse practitioner jobs may provide housing, travel allowances, and competitive salaries and benefits packages. It’s important to carefully review the job description and compensation package before accepting a position.
Traveling Nurse Practitioner Salary
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for nurse practitioners in 2020 was $117,670.
Travel nurse practitioners often earn higher salaries than their stationary counterparts due to the need for flexibility and willingness to travel. Additionally, some travel nurse practitioner positions offer benefits such as housing and travel allowances, which can add to the overall compensation package.
According to several job boards and staffing agencies specializing in healthcare placements, the average salary for travel nurse practitioners can range from $100,000 to $150,000 per year, depending on the position and location. Some travel nurse practitioner positions may also offer bonuses or incentives for completing specific assignments or meeting certain performance goals.
How Much Does a Traveling Nurse Practitioner Make Per Hour?
The hourly pay rate for a traveling nurse practitioner can vary depending on several factors such as location, experience, specialty, and the specific employer. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for nurse practitioners in 2020 was $56.55.
However, as mentioned earlier, travel nurse practitioners often earn higher salaries than their stationary counterparts due to the need for flexibility and willingness to travel. According to several job boards and staffing agencies specializing in healthcare placements, travel nurse practitioners’ average hourly pay rate can range from $45 to $85 per hour, depending on the position and location.
Travel Nurse Practitioner Reddit
Yes, there is a subreddit dedicated to travel nurse practitioners on Reddit. The subreddit is called r/TravelNurse and is a community for travel nurses and practitioners to share experiences, ask questions, and connect with others in the field.
The subreddit has over 23,000 members and features discussions on various topics related to travel nursing, including job opportunities, contract negotiations, housing options, and travel tips. Community members also share their experiences working in different locations and healthcare settings.
If you’re interested in becoming a travel nurse practitioner or want to connect with others in the field, r/TravelNurse can be an excellent resource for information and support.
Should You Become a Travel Nurse?
Whether or not you should become a travel nurse depends on your personal and professional goals and your lifestyle preferences. Travel nursing offers a unique opportunity to gain experience working in different healthcare settings, meet new people, and explore other parts of the country. However, it also requires a willingness to be flexible and adapt to changing environments.
Here are some factors to consider when deciding if travel nursing is suitable for you:
- Flexibility: Travel nursing requires high flexibility, as you may be required to move frequently and adapt to new environments and work cultures.
- Experience: If you want to gain experience in different healthcare settings and specialties, travel nursing can be a great way.
- Lifestyle: If you enjoy traveling and exploring new places, travel nursing can provide an opportunity to do so while still working in your field.
- Compensation: Travel nursing typically pays higher than stationary nursing positions and may also include benefits such as housing and travel allowances.
- Family and Personal Obligations: If you have family or personal obligations that make it challenging to travel frequently or move to different locations, travel nursing may not be the best fit for you.
Becoming a travel nurse can be a rewarding career choice for those who enjoy adventure and are willing to be flexible. However, it’s essential to carefully consider your personal and professional goals before deciding to become a travel nurse.
About Us:
At Nurse Practitioner Contract Attorney, we’re a proficient legal team specializing in contracts for Nurse Practitioners. Our extensive experience in healthcare enables us to address your contractual challenges, providing tailored advice to protect your professional interests. To confidently navigate your contract negotiations, feel free to schedule a consultation with us today.
