Have you ever dreamed of traveling the world while helping others? As a travel nurse with Favorite, you can explore new cities while taking on exciting new challenges. Join us to learn more about how you can become a part of this amazing opportunity and find out what it means to be a travel nurse! We'll guide you through our requirements, benefits, types of assignments, and top locations to help ensure you have all the information you need for your travel nursing adventure.
What is a travel nurse and why should you try working as a travel nurse?
A travel nurse is a highly trained healthcare professional who works on a temporary basis at hospitals across the country. The concept behind a travel nurse came from the global shortage of nurses, which happens when the amount of patients outnumbers nurses. Travel nursing allows advanced practice nurses (APRN), registered nurses (RN) and licensed practical nurses (LPN) to work in a variety of healthcare facilities on assignments that last anywhere from 4-13 weeks. The short-term nature of travel nursing often leads to higher pay rates, making it a financially lucrative and flexible option for those with a desire to explore new cities.
There are a few benefits that come with being a travel nurse. One of the perks that many people enjoy about travel nursing is the flexibility to work shorter assignments as your schedule allows. We all know life can get busy, so being able to work short-term assignments anywhere between 4-13 weeks can make life just a little bit easier.
As a travel nurse, one of the biggest perks is exploring the country while getting paid! This is the perfect opportunity for those looking to get out and see what the world has to offer. Another great benefit of becoming a travel nurse is the learning experience. As you work more assignments, you will move across different types of facilities and learn new skills along the way. This experience will help boost your resume, provide growth within your career and allow you to make new connections.
How to become a travel nurse
To become a travel nurse, the first step is to obtain a nursing license. Typically, you'll need an associate degree in nursing (ADN) and you will need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Depending on the specialty and employer, additional education may be required. If you have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), you can qualify for even more job opportunities.
If you're a travel nurse, the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC) will be your new best friend. With a compact state nursing license, it will be easier for you to practice in other compact states without having to spend additional time and money applying for individual state licenses in each place you want to work. That means you can easily move from job to job, stress-free. And for hospitals or medical facilities, this also means they can hire qualified personnel from out of state locations with less hassle. It’s important to note that not all states participate in the eNLC, so be sure to double check that your license is valid before you hit the road. To learn more about the eNLC and a full list of participating eNLC states, read our full blog here!
Favorite’s travel nurse requirements
Ready to take your nursing career on the road? Here are a few things you need to know to start travel nursing with Favorite. First and foremost, to hold to Joint Commission standards, we typically require at least 12 months of recent work experience in the last 18 months in your class and specialty. This ensures that our travel nurses are well-equipped to handle the job.
Assignments and positions will vary across the board, so travel nurses may be required to have specialty certifications, including an active Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. BLS is a crucial procedure that can save lives in emergency situations like cardiac arrest, respiratory distress, or airway obstruction. Through specialized training, you'll learn the essentials of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and how to use automated external defibrillators (AED), giving you the confidence to act quickly in critical situations. Find out more about BLS certification by reading our blog today!
One of the great things about working with Favorite is that prior travel nursing experience is not required to get started. This makes it the perfect option for those looking to branch out in their healthcare career and see the world while doing what they love!
Benefits of travel nursing with Favorite
At Favorite, we are proud to offer our nurses a benefits package but it’s important to remember that depending on the client, location and assignment, benefits may vary. We understand the importance of affordable health insurance, which is why we offer comprehensive medical insurance plans, including dental and vision, to our eligible employees.
Temporary healthcare professionals on a local or travel assignment with Favorite are eligible for health insurance benefits effective on the first day of your assignment. Choose from our various medical plan options, including a high deductible plan with Health Savings Account (HSA), a traditional Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan, and an Affordable Care Act (ACA) minimum coverage plan, to find a plan that suits your needs.
We also understand the importance of investing in your future, which is why we offer eligible employees a six percent match of their retirement plan contributions. Whether you choose a pre-tax 401k or Roth retirement plan option, we can help you save and invest in your future.
As a travel nurse with Favorite, you may also be eligible to get personalized housing options or a tax-free housing stipend to cover the cost of housing expenses as you travel. Housing is handled on a case-by-case basis and our team will work with each nurse individually to determine which option best suits your needs. We know that everyone's situation is unique, so we take into account special requests such as pets, additional occupants, and proximity to your work. Our goal is to make your travel experience unforgettable by providing you with the perfect home away from home!
Top travel nursing locations
Not sure where to take your first assignment? There are plenty of locations full of amazing sights to see and yummy foods to try. Whether you prefer warm or cold weather, there’s locations for every kind of traveler.
One of the most raved about locations that our travel nurses love is Fairbanks, Alaska. In between your free time there on assignment you can make time to see the Northern Lights or take a trip to the hot springs. Not a fan of the cold? Denver is the perfect place to be during the spring and summertime. One of the most popular places to visit while you’re in town is the Red Rocks Ampitheatre. If you’re a fan of beer, you can explore the history of Coors and discover the malting, brewing and packaging process on the Coors Brewery Tour.
To read more about some of the top locations for travel nursing, read our blog for the best places for travel nurses!
Travel nursing is an exciting and fulfilling career option for nurses who desire the freedom and flexibility to explore new places while gaining valuable experiences. Becoming a travel nurse with Favorite provides numerous advantages such as competitive pay and benefits, a supportive network, and access to diverse assignments throughout the country.
How to find new travel nurse assignments
If you’re just getting started on your travel nurse journey, you’ll need to find assignments. One of the best ways to find new assignments is to stay connected with your travel nurse recruiter for guidance and expert insights. Your recruiter is committed to finding travel nurse assignments that align with your best interests. From navigating the onboarding process to finding the ideal placement, your recruiter is your go-to resource every step of the way. You can apply online or call our travel team at 800-755-1411 Monday-Friday anytime from 9am-5pm CST to speak with a recruiter.
Favorite’s mobile app makes life easier for travel nurses on-the-go. Search for assignments from anywhere and get notifications on saved job searches. You can even update your credentials, book shifts on the spot and submit your timecard electronically. Download the app today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and start searching for travel nursing opportunities.
You can also make sure to stay in the loop with all the latest news and updates by following Favorite's social media pages! Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube to access industry news, hot job opportunities, insightful blog posts, and travel experiences shared by our amazing nurses.
