How to Become a Travel Nurse?
If you’ve ever wondered how to become a travel nurse, then you’ve come to the right place. Here you will find information on how to apply, what degree you need, bonus possibilities, and flexibility. You can even find out about tax implications. After reading this guide, you can get started right away!
Degree Requirements
To become a travel nurse, you will need an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing. You will also need to be licensed to practice as a registered nurse and pass the NCLEX-RN examination. This position allows you to work in different medical settings and learn different skills.
Some employers require that you have at least a year of experience before you can qualify for this job. Others may require you to have a specific specialty. For example, if you want to work in surgery, you must have at least two years of experience. If you want to work in pediatrics, you need to have additional training.
Depending on the type of travel nursing position you wish to pursue, you may choose to complete an associate’s degree program in nursing. This type of degree will prepare you to work with children and adults with various medical conditions. Depending on the program, this may take from two to four years. Once you are ready, you can apply for permanent positions with hospitals. However, many of these positions require a bachelor’s degree.
Bonuses
When choosing a travel nursing agency, make sure to ask about potential bonuses. Some agencies will offer sign-on bonuses for accepting an assignment and/or completion bonuses for staying on for a certain period of time. These bonuses are designed to encourage nurses to stay with the company rather than leave for another position. Some agencies even offer free housing during long-term assignments.
In addition to the pay, some travel nurse agencies also offer bonuses for referrals and crisis assignments. These bonuses can add up to over $1,000 per assignment. Be aware that these bonuses can be higher or lower depending on your tax bracket.
Flexibility
One of the most important skills to become a travel nurse is flexibility. This means you need to be adaptable to the different environments and procedures you may be placed in. It also means you need to be eager to learn new skills and procedures. The best travel nurses are able to quickly adapt to a new placement, so they must have a flexible mindset and be comfortable with their abilities.
One of the benefits of being a travel nurse is that you can choose the location where you want to work. It also allows you to take time off after completing an assignment and spend time with your family and friends. In addition, you can see different places and countries that you may not have had the opportunity to if you were a permanent nurse. Permanent roles can lead to burnout, so becoming a travel nurse allows you to avoid these problems and enjoy the many growth opportunities.
Tax Implications
If you’re considering becoming a travel nurse, you should be aware of the tax implications. Since you’ll be working outside of your state, you’ll have to pay taxes in both your home state and the state where you’re working. Taxes will vary depending on the state you live in, but you should learn as much as you can about the tax implications of travel nursing. Doing so will ensure you can stay excited about your job and make a satisfying income.
If you’re a travel nurse, you must prove that you’re residing far away from your home state. Typically, that means a minimum of 50 miles. However, some agencies have their own rules regarding the distance that qualifies as a “faraway” location. Either way, you must keep detailed records of all expenses and keep receipts for both your home and work locations.
Finding An Agency
Before you choose a travel nursing agency, it is important to do some research and learn about its service. A good travel nurse agency should have contracts in specific places. For example, an agency may claim that it has contracts all over the country, but it only has contracts in the places that it serves, like Hawaii or Alaska. Also, make sure to ask about the special requirements for a position and what additional assistance they can offer.
Many health care staffing agencies specialize in finding travel nurse positions, and many of them have relationships with medical facilities nationwide and even internationally. You can also post your resume on one of these agencies’ sites to see if there are any openings that match your qualifications.
