If you’ve ever thought about travel nursing as a potential career option, you’ve probably wondered what requirements you have to meet, or which qualifications you must have in order to work as a travel nurse. Although travel nursing assignments can vary and look different for each individual, the requirements you need are typically the same.
9 Essential Qualifications for Travel Nurses
We’ve compiled a helpful checklist of requirements you can review to determine if you’re qualified to work as a travel nurse. Continue reading below to see nine requirements you’ll need to start your journey as a travel nurse in the United States.
1. Must be an RN
In order to become a travel nurse, you must be a registered nurse (RN). There are a few steps in the process of becoming a travel nurse, including:
- Completing a nurse training program
- Passing the NCLEX-RN exam
- Applying for licensure
Additionally, travel nurses must be more flexible when it comes to their work lives, as travel nursing involves moving from one assignment to the next, often in different towns or cities.
2. Minimum 1-2 Years of Recent Acute Care Experience in the Specialty
Another requirement you should expect to have before applying to become a travel nurse is a minimum of one to two years of recent acute care experience as an RN.
In addition, many travel nursing agencies prefer candidates with a four-year college degree, though some only require an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). Remember that more years of education could help you compete in the job market.
3. Two Professional References
Like most jobs, having two professional references is a good idea if you want to become a travel nurse. Your professional reference should be someone who can speak to your abilities as a nurse.
4. Proof of Licenses and Certifications
It shouldn’t come as a surprise, but it’s also important to provide documentation of nursing licenses and certifications if you’re interested in working as a travel nurse. For example, all nurses must complete Basic Life Support (BLS) and most will need Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certifications; while certain specialties will need more specific certifications such as PALS, NIHSS, and NRP.
Other examples of common certifications that can give you an edge in the job market include the Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) and Certified Critical Care Nurse (CCRN). These certifications are nationally recognized and may improve your job marketability.
5. Pass a 10-panel Drug Test
An additional requirement for travel nursing is the ability to pass a 10-panel drug screening. Many jobs require drug tests as a part of their hiring process, and travel nursing is no different. Be sure that if you’re taking any legal drugs, you have valid and unexpired prescriptions documented.
6. Pass Criminal Background Check
Like drug screenings, many employers will want to run a criminal background check on potential candidates. It’s important for employers to know they’re hiring a reliable, trustworthy and responsible individual to fill their positions. Travel nurses must be able to pass a criminal background check as a requirement for employment.
7. Proof of MMR, Tdap, Hep B and Varicella Vaccinations
Because nurses, including those who travel for their jobs, work with vulnerable, sometimes immunocompromised patients, it’s crucial that you’re up to date with necessary vaccinations. For travel nursing, some examples of necessary vaccinations are MMR, Tdap, Hepatitis B and Varicella (chicken pox). Be sure to have documentation proving you’ve received these vaccinations if you plan on working with a travel nursing agency such as MSP Healthcare.
8. TB Test
Additionally, you’ll need to pass a TB test if you want to become a travel nurse. Suppose you tested positive for TB in the past — then, it’s very important to also have a negative chest X-ray, which is good for five years.
9. Flu and COVID-19 Vaccination
The final requirements on our checklist for travel nurses: flu and COVID-19 vaccination records. It’s important to have these vaccinations for the reason we explained above. If you’re going to take care of sick or immunocompromised patients, these vaccinations are needed. Keep in mind, however, that a COVID-19 vaccination may not be needed if it’s for medical or religious exemptions.
Need Help Meeting Travel Nursing Requirements?
We hope this article explained what requirements you need to meet to become a travel nurse in the U.S. If you’re interested in becoming a travel nurse but don’t know where to begin, don’t worry – we’re here to help! At MSP Healthcare, we’re dedicated to helping YOU land your dream job.
