(photo credit: Microsoft Stock Images)
There’s something undeniably magnetic about the idea of packing up your scrubs and jetting off to a brand-new assignment. Fresh hospitals. Different protocols. New colleagues every few months. The thrill is real. The rise in demand for travel nurses is no accident. If you’re an RN itching to swap the ordinary for the unpredictable, you’re probably curious where to start. We can help with that.
Nursing License? Don’t Stop There.
First things first—school. You’ve got to have a degree, whether that’s an ADN or BSN. Pass the NCLEX-RN. Yes, the same one that might’ve kept you up all night with caffeine jitters and color-coded flashcards. But that’s baseline. Once licensed, you’re going to need solid, hands-on hospital experience. Aim for a minimum of one to two years in some specialization, like intensive care or cardiac. Telemetry travel nurse jobs, for example, are a hot ticket—especially for those who can keep up with heart monitors and alarms going off like popcorn in a microwave.
State Lines Are Invisible… Sort Of
Here’s where things can get a little tricky. Each state has its own licensing rules, which can feel like collecting passport stamps from 50 different countries. Here’s where the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) comes in. This beauty allows you to work in multiple states without having to reapply each time you travel.
Before you head off, though, it’s good to note that not all states are on board. For those who don’t accept NLC , you’ll need temporary or permanent licenses. And don’t forget your certifications: BLS (Basic Life Support) and ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) are typically non-negotiable, while PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) depends on the job.
Finding the Right Agency
Agencies are your matchmakers in this whole process. You give them the necessary information and they send you possible opportunities. However, not all agencies are the same. Some might promise the moon but provide little to no support. Others can be reliable, offering perks like transparent pay packages, housing stipends, health insurance, and 401(k)s.
That’s why it’s important to do your research beforehand. Read reviews. Ask other travel nurses for their opinion. Send over questions, no matter how specific. How long are the assignments? Eight weeks? Thirteen? Will housing be covered, or are you expected to be hunting on Craigslist every few months?
Pack Smart, Live Light
You’ll need to be ready to move at the drop of a hat. Assignments can pop up fast, and flexibility is key. Important documents (licenses, certifications, immunization records) should be kept organized and ready. If possible, prepare a go-bag with the essentials like scrubs, shoes, a stethoscope, and a coffee thermos.
Becoming a travel nurse isn’t just a career—it’s an adventure with scrubs and paperwork. It’s thrilling, it’s chaotic, and it’s deeply rewarding. Whether you’re bouncing from ERs in Miami to med-surg units in Seattle, there’s no shortage of opportunity. The demand will always be there. It’s all up to you. Ready to hit the road? Check out the infographic below to learn more.
