travel nursing jobs one year experience

Can You Be A Travel Nurse With One Year Experience?

The short answer is yes; you can be a travel nurse with one year of experience in several healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, nursing schools, or other healthcare departments. Many travel nursing companies will require at least one year of experience in order to work with them.

It should be noted that having more experience will likely lead to better paying and higher quality assignments. So if you’re looking to get the most out of your travel nursing career, it’s worth considering working towards getting more experience under your belt.

How Much Experience Is Necessary to Work as a Travel Nurse?

The amount of experience necessary to work as a travel nurse can vary depending on the company you’re looking to work with. Some companies may require two years of experience, while others may be more lenient and only require one year.

It’s essential to do your research and figure out each company’s requirements before applying. That way, you can be sure that you meet all the qualifications and have the best chance of getting hired.

The travel nursing job is a great way to see the country, meet new people, enjoy the wonders of life, and learn new things. If you’re considering a career in travel nursing, don’t let not having enough experience hold you back. With a bit of research and perseverance, you can find a company that’s willing to give you a chance to show them what you’re made of.

Why Do I Need Experience to Work as a Travel Nurse?

The main reason companies require experience from their travel nurses is that they want to be sure that they’re hiring someone who is capable of doing the job.

After all, when you’re working as a travel nurse, you’ll be responsible for providing patient care in unfamiliar surroundings. This means that you will need to be able to think on your feet and make quick decisions in order to ensure that your patients receive the best possible care.

If you can show a company that you have what it takes to do this, then you’ll be much more likely to get hired.

So, if you’re looking to start your career in travel nursing, make sure that you put in the time to gain some experience first. Once you have a few years of nursing experience under your belt, you’ll be better positioned to start applying for travel nurse jobs.

How Do I Become a Travel Nurse?

If you’re interested in becoming a travel nurse, the first step is to research different companies and find out their requirements. Once you’ve found a company that you’re qualified to work with, the next step is to apply. 

Most companies will have an online application process that you can complete from the comfort of your own home. After you’ve submitted your application, the next step is usually an interview.

The interview process for travel nursing positions can vary depending on the company. Some companies may conduct phone interviews, while others may require in-person interviews.

Once you’ve completed the interview process, the next step is to complete a skills assessment. This assessment is designed to test your knowledge of various nursing concepts and procedures.

After completing the skills assessment, you’ll be placed on a list of potential candidates for travel nursing assignments. When an assignment becomes available that meets your qualifications; you’ll be contacted and allowed to accept or decline the position.

What Education Do I Need to Become a Travel Nurse?

In order to become a travel nurse, you’ll need to have at least an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN). However, having a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN) will likely give you a better chance of getting hired.

In addition to having the proper education, you’ll also need to have a valid nursing license. Most companies will require that you have a current nursing license from the state in which you’re applying for the position.

Is It Hard to Get Hired as a Travel Nurse?

While getting hired as a travel nurse can be competitive, it’s not impossible. With a bit of research and perseverance, you can find a company that’s willing to give you a chance to show them what you’re made of. The demand for travel nurses is not high.

The field of a Traveling nurse is a great way to see the country, meet new people, and learn new things. If you’re considering a career in travel nursing, don’t let not having enough experience hold you back. 

What Are the Requirements For Travel Nurse?

There are quite a few requirements that you’ll need to meet in order to become a Travel Nurse. The first and most obvious is that you’ll need to be a registered nurse. You can achieve this by getting a diploma from an accredited nursing school, an associate’s degree in nursing program (ADN), or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). 

In addition to being registered, you will also need to have passed the NCLEX-RN exam and have an active RN license. You should also have at least 1-2 years of continuous work experience as an RN before considering traveling. 

What Are the Benefits For Travel Nurses?

In addition to the higher income, there are many other benefits of travel nursing. For example, travel nurses get to see different parts of the country and experience different cultures. Many nurses love the idea of seeing more of the country and even love the challenge of finding travel nurse housing .

They also have the opportunity to meet new people and learn new things. And since travel nurses typically only work 13-week assignments, they often have more time off than staff nurses.

How Much Does a Travel Nurse Make?

A travel nurse typically makes more money than a staff nurse. This is because they are usually only contracted for shorter assignments, so they receive a higher travel nurse salary .

In addition, travel nurses often receive bonuses and other perks, such as free housing and travel reimbursement. So if you’re looking to make the most money possible, travel nursing is a great option.

If you’re a nurse with at least one year of experience, you may be eligible to become a travel nurse. Travel nurses typically make more money than staff nurses, and they also get to see different parts of the country and experience different cultures. So if you’re looking for an exciting and rewarding career, travel nursing may be the right choice for you.

Also Check Out:

• How To Pick The Right Travel Nursing Recruiter
• How to Find Travel Nurse Jobs with Pay Listed
• Travel Nurse Housing – How To Find A Place To Stay

About The Author

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Can You Be a Travel Nurse with One Year’s Experience?

The answers you need to get your career started.

You’re interested in becoming a travel nurse , but you’ve only got one year’s experience nursing. Is this enough for you to be accepted for assignments?

There are plenty of incredible reasons you want to begin a career in travel nursing. The demand for nursing skills has never been higher. According to SimpliFi , the number of travel nurse jobs increased by a huge 44% between 2018 and 2019. The American Nurses Association predicts that around 1.1 million new RNs will be needed by 2022.

As a travel nurse , you have greater control over your assignments in a career you love, and with great pay rates, housing stipends, and bonuses.

It all sounds fantastic (and it is), but you have one major concern. Many healthcare facilities and hospitals require at least two years’ experience from their travel nurses. You fall short of this. Don’t let this put you off. It is possible to become a travel nurse with only a year’s experience, and we’re going to show you how.

Licenses Are Your Passport to Opportunity

To become a travel nurse, you must hold a current RN license. As well as this basic requirement, you’ll need to have one of the following:

• Completed a diploma program
• Qualified as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
• Hold an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing

To gain momentum in your travel nursing career, obtain multiple licenses for the required states you wish to work in. The more licenses you have, the more access you unlock to healthcare providers who need your help. You’ll soon discover your experience strengthens with every assignment, making you increasingly valuable to future opportunities.

At Loyal Source, we’re trusted by over 250 hospitals and healthcare systems across the country. Your field of reach can span from close to home to the farthest state.

Have the Right Credentials

Basic certifications are often required to join a specialist staffing agency who will seek best-fit travel nursing opportunities. Such certifications include Basic Life Support (BLS), and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).

Travel nursing opens a broad spectrum of healthcare specialties. Ask yourself – are there fields of expertise you’d like to be assigned to? When starting out in travel nursing, it’s important to consider every opportunity – even in your less-preferred areas – to build up your experience. Think ahead, too. If you have a special interest, start investing in your future now by working toward the credentials your favored assignments will ask for.

Optimize Your Resume

You should update your resume regularly in the world of travel nursing. Each credential, assignment, skill, and reference will contribute toward future assignment opportunities. The initial optimization of your resume can be the most challenging.

At Loyal Source, we know what our clients are looking for in their next travel nurse. We can provide you with the expert guidance you need with your resume, so that we can promote an evidence-based document of your skills and abilities to the most suited and promising assignments. Read our tips on creating a standout resume to get started.

Have the Paperwork Ready

When healthcare providers look for travel nurses, they often need them to fill staffing voids promptly. While you may have less experience than other travel nurses, being quick to apply with organized paperwork will increase your employability and showcase your organization skills.

At Loyal Source, we take care of a lot of the paperwork for you. We’ll tell you exactly what we need, so that we can swiftly get you in front of interviewers.

Filter Your Job Search

You may be wondering if travel nursing as an independent contractor (as opposed to working through a staffing agency) is an option. It is, yet very few do so. You see, staffing agencies provide the expertise and manpower that ensures everything is covered, from taxes to housing, to billing, insurance, and paperwork. The connection they provide between you and the best assignments is also crucial.

Many healthcare providers head straight to specialist agencies like Loyal Source, for the exact same reasons: efficiency, speed, expertise, and access to candidates. Often, the same jobs are never seen on regular jobs boards.

If you’re new to travel nursing, registering with a staffing agency is a crucial gateway to the best assignments. Our specialist recruiters know exactly who is recruiting, and where your skills and personality will be best placed.

Consider Different Opportunities

We are experts at identifying key skills and attributes in an individual. Be ready to take on opportunities in areas you’ve never experienced before and discover something new about yourself. Working as a travel nurse, you may find yourself in a ward or department you’re unfamiliar with, or fulfilling duties that challenge you. Embrace them. They’re another tick on your list of experiences. You may discover you love a field you would have never experienced otherwise.

Trust our judgement, boost your professional experience, and strengthen your future. Also consider working vacations to gain experience when other travel nurses opt for time off.

Consider Different Locations

Travel nursing takes you far and wide, across various cultures, climates, and eye-popping scenery. The most popular locations are often the most glamorous. Such assignments can demand waiting lists that could slow your momentum in getting your travel nursing career off the ground.

Consider all locations in the beginning of your travel nursing career. Go against the grain, and emerge the stronger candidate in future assignments.

You’ll discover locations that might not be the most glamorous, yet have a stronger culture.

You’ll learn more about different patient demographics and health needs.

You’ll discover hidden treasures of the United States.

You’ll see your resume’s experience section fill up faster, and your skillset strengthen rapidly.

Show Your Potential in Interviews

Experience isn’t all healthcare providers are seeking. They are looking for nurses with the right work ethic, attitude, and values – and an interview can prove all of this to them. Here at Loyal Source, we’ll give you all the tips and expert guidance to help you along – plus our clients trust our judgement on putting you forward for the role.

Make Sure You’re Ready

Before you start a career in travel nursing, speak to Loyal Source . Get the peace of mind you need to head out confidently. Let’s have that conversation you need to be sure you gain the best experience travel nursing can provide. We all started somewhere, and there are ways to gain the quality of experience that will help you become selected for your favored assignments.

You’re not alone on this new venture, but it’s crucial you take time to understand everything there is to know – from debunking travel nursing myths to what you need to know about contracts – to ensure it’s the best path for you.

Experience the Benefits of Travel Nursing Now

Starting out in travel nursing is an exhilarating position to be in. You can’t wait to get that first assignment arranged and your travel tickets in hand. It’s also a tricky position to be in, as you seek to gain assignments with less experience behind you.

These tips will help you not only make a start, but reap rewarding gains throughout your travel nursing career. And we’re on hand along the entire journey.

Contact Loyal Source for that all important conversation. We’ll fully support you by providing all the information you need, and the connections to perfectly suited opportunities that expand your experience. From paperwork to introductions, to scheduling assignments in advance, Loyal Source will provide the expert knowledge and opportunities that will get your travel nursing career to a flying start for the long haul. What are you waiting for? Contact Loyal Source today .

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Aya delivers:

• The most jobs in the industry. We have the largest and most reliable job database, which means the jobs you see are open, updated in real time and ready for you!
• Competitive advantage over other agencies. Front-of-the-line access through our direct facility relationships — many with quick (even same-day) offers, giving you the best chance of securing your ideal opportunity.
• Expedited licensing and streamlined compliance. An industry-leading on-time start rate and strong relationships with boards of nursing across the country to accelerate the process in all 50 states.
• Expert career guidance. A dedicated recruiter to help you achieve your dream career. Travel, per diem, permanent — we have the reach and access to get you the jobs you want, and the expertise to help you realize your long-term goals.
• A best-in-class support system and an exceptional experience. Enjoy accurate, weekly pay, and an entire team dedicated to your happiness on assignment, 24/7.

Plus, you get everything you expect from the largest healthcare staffing company in the industry:

• Exceptional benefits, including premium medical, dental, vision and life insurance beginning day one of your assignment. Want to take time off? Keep insurance coverage for up to 24 days between assignments.
• A generous 401(k) match.
• Paid company housing (we'll help you bring your pets along, too!) or a generous housing stipend.
• Paid sick time in accordance with all applicable state, federal, and local laws. Aya's general sick leave policy is that employees accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. However, to the extent any provisions of the statement above conflict with any applicable paid sick leave laws, the applicable paid sick leave laws are controlling.
• The industry's only clinical ladder program for RNs on assignment.
• Access to unlimited continuing education units online.
• Licensure, relocation and other reimbursements, when applicable.
• Pay listed above includes taxable wages and tax-free expense reimbursements.

For all employees and employee applicants, Aya is an Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") Employer, including Disability/Vets, and welcomes all to apply. Please click here for our EEO policy.

• Bi-weekly weekend travel home.
• A rental car and paid housing.

With Aya Locums you get:

• Access to top hospitals and healthcare systems in diverse care settings.
• Highly competitive, transparent locum tenens pay.
• Dedicated application and assignment support.
• In-house credentialing and licensing teams.
• Full coverage of licensing costs.
• Travel and lodging coverage.
• Easy timekeeping and streamlined management of documents.
• Malpractice coverage and risk management support.
• Premium medical, dental, vision and life insurance beginning day one of your assignment.
• Paid sick time. Aya provides paid sick leave in accordance with all applicable state, federal, and local laws. Aya's general sick leave policy is that employees accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. However, to the extent any provisions of the statement above conflict with any applicable paid sick leave laws, the applicable paid sick leave laws are controlling.
• Generous 401k match.
• Aya may provide other benefits where required by applicable law, including but not limited to reimbursements.
• Aya coordinates all travel and lodging accommodations.
• Travel information is received the evening prior to your scheduled departure.
• Airfare is covered and, if driving to the assignment, reimbursement is available.
• Once notice is received, communication from our team is sent via email and text to ensure you are kept in the loop as soon as information becomes available.
• Your safety is Aya's top priority. We work closely with the facility to ensure additional security measures are taken onsite so you can focus on what really matters: patient care.
• Licensure, relocation and other reimbursements.

Experience the Aya difference today

• A dedicated recruiter who advocates for you every step of the way.
• We'll ensure the hiring manager prioritizes your interest and schedules an interview quickly.
• A streamlined hiring process means offers are often presented within 24-48 hours after an interview with a hiring leader.
• Flexible start dates that work around your availability.
• We make it simple with one point of contact the entire time.
• University of Washington (UW) offers a wide range of benefits as part of your total compensation package. Choose from top medical and dental insurance programs; plan for your future with tax-deferred investing through the UW retirement options; enjoy generous vacation and sick leave policies; and protect yourself and your family with life and long-term disability insurance. For more information, follow the links shown below or explore the Benefits website at http://hr.uw.edu/benefits/

With Aya, you get:

• Higher compensation - we negotiate on your behalf.
• Work-life balance - contracts are up to 40 hours per week, with workdays ending mid-late afternoon and weekends off!
• An employee advocate - our team ensures you have the support needed to be successful in your role.
• Options post contract - extend, convert to a permanent employee or find a new job.
• Paid company housing (pets are welcome to tag along) or a generous housing stipend.
• If qualified, continued insurance coverage over the summer.
• A generous 401k match.
• A robust team to support you every step of the way.
• A credentialing specialist to streamline the entire compliance process.
• Freedom and flexibility around your current schedule.
• The easy-to-use Shifts app. Select shifts anytime, anywhere.
• Premium medical, dental, vision and life insurance.
• Front-of-the-line access to exclusive jobs at thousands of healthcare facilities nationwide.
• A robust team to support you every step of the way to ensure you start on time, have accurate payroll and an exceptional experience.
• Certification and other reimbursements, when applicable.

Privacy Overview

9 Best Travel Nurse Companies of 2023

Are you ready to try travel nursing? Working with a travel nurse staffing agency can make it easier to find travel nursing jobs and to negotiate pay rates and benefits. An agency gives you a point of contact who can help you navigate job listings and compensation packages.

The sooner you find the right company, the faster you can start traveling.

Click here for today’s top travel nursing opportunities.

How To Find The Right Travel Nursing Company

When looking for the best travel nursing company to suit your needs, you first have to know what your needs are.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself when considering travel nursing companies:

• Are you going to need health insurance?
• How important is it that you contribute to your retirement?
• Do you prefer to find your own housing or do you want your company to find it for you?
• Where do you want to travel?
• How do you plan on getting there?
• Do you plan on working per diem as well?
• What kind of healthcare facilities are you hoping to work in?

What to Look for in Travel Nursing Agencies

When looking into travel nurse agencies you should first make sure that they provide the basics: free housing or a housing stipend, health and dental insurance, a retirement plan, travel reimbursement, 24-hour customer support, and a variety and abundance of travel nursing jobs all over the country.

Here are a few tips from my experience about the basics:

Travel Nurse Housing:

Do you want your agency to find housing for you, or do you want to take the housing stipend and search for housing yourself?

I personally found it much easier to have my agency set up my housing for me. This way I knew it was safe, furnished, close to where I was working, and paid for. If there were any problems, all I had to do was call my company and it would be handled.

Many people choose to find their own housing and take the housing stipend instead. There are pros and cons to this choice:

Pros To Choosing Housing Stipends

• Your housing stipend depends on the city you live in, but oftentimes, it is more than the rent you end up paying. This is a good way to make some extra tax-free cash.
• You can find exactly the type of housing you’re looking for at the price you’re willing to pay. You can rent just a room for yourself and pocket a lot of cash. Or rent an entire house if you’re bringing your family or pets along. If you’re traveling with fellow coworkers, you can find a bigger house to share that fits everyone.
• You can choose where you live. Maybe you’re going to Seattle and you’d rather live downtown and commute to work than vs. living next to the hospital in the suburbs.
• There are several websites and groups now to help you find housing
• Once you’ve done it once, you understand how to find housing and can repeat the process in the next location.

Cons To Choosing Housing Stipends

• It can be difficult to find short-term furnished housing.
• Many landlords require a deposit, so you have to front that money before you get your first paycheck.
• If you end up extending your contract, it’s not guaranteed that your landlord hasn’t rented out the place to someone else.
• If you have never been to that city before, it can also be tough to determine whether a neighborhood is safe or not.

Another thing to keep in mind, if you are traveling with a pet, it may make it difficult to find your own housing. Oftentimes, travel nurse agencies have housing already contracted that accepts pets.

There are pros and cons to using your a travel nurse agency’s contracted housing vs. finding your own housing. It just depends on how much time and effort you can put into the search and if you’re hoping to pocket any extra housing stipend cash.

Benefits for Travel Nurses:

• The majority of travel nurse companies offer health and dental insurance.
• Now that the Affordable Care Act is in place, it might be wise to research whether or not it would be more cost-effective for you to go with your agency’s healthcare plan or purchase one of your own through healthcare.org. The benefit of going through healthcare.org is that if you do plan on switching travel nurse agencies, you won’t have to change your insurance.
• Some smaller travel nurse companies will give you a healthcare stipend if you don’t take their health insurance so you can purchase your own.
• As far as retirement plans go, I decided to open up my own Roth IRA and not contribute to the 401K because I didn’t know how long I was going to be traveling.  With some companies you can contribute to your 401K from day 1 and with others you have to wait as long as 1 year.

Travel Nurse Reimbursements

When talking with your potential travel nurse agency, make sure you ask them what the reimbursement is for travel. “Travel” cost is considered the amount of money it takes you to get from your “tax home” to your travel assignment or from one assignment to the next. Often times this can be negotiated if there is a high need in one state that happens to be across the country.

I have found that the average reimbursement is $500.

They will pay you half on your first paycheck and the other half when you complete your assignment. You have the option of either driving or flying to your next destination. I personally drove to each of my assignments; I couldn’t imagine trying to fit all my belongings into suitcases and I love road trips.

Important Pay and Benefits Questions to Ask

Not all benefits or pay packages are created equal. It is important to find an agency that offers benefits, housing, and pay packages that are specific to your needs.

1. What destinations does your agency serve?

The whole point of travel nursing is to travel…right? So it is important to find a company that serves the city or cities you want to travel to. Some agencies claim they have contracts nationwide, however, that may not be the case.

If you know of a specific hospital that you would like to travel to because it looks good on your resume or a specific city you want to explore, then make sure your potential agency has a contract at that location. This is especially important if you want to travel to places such as Hawaii and Alaska.

Match with a travel company here.

2. How are your pay packages broken down?

Does the company tend to pay a higher base rate with lower non-taxable reimbursements or a lower base rate with higher non-taxable reimbursements?

Having a higher base rate may serve you better if you plan on taking company housing, plan on buying a house, or getting a loan in the near future. If you are someone who likes to find their own housing, then a higher housing stipend may be the way to go with a lower base rate.

3. What types of housing do you provide?

Most agencies offer a one-bedroom furnished apartment for your typical 13-week contract. This typically does not include dishes, linen, a washer and dryer, a T.V., or even a vacuum. If you don’t like lugging your belongings around with you all over the country or paying out of pocket to rent this stuff, then it may be wise to either ask if the agency provides any of these necessities at no cost or find your own housing.

If your contract is only eight weeks, then you could get stuck in an extended-stay hotel. I personally like to have nice housing, so I wanted a company that focused on providing comfortable and safe housing options. If you like to find your own housing then this may not apply to you.

4. What type of benefits do you offer?

Most agencies offer medical/dental benefits and a retirement package. If these benefits are important to you, then finding a company with good benefits is essential.

If you like to live on the edge with no health benefits and you brush and floss your teeth like a champ, then maybe you don’t care about benefits. If this is the case then you can ask the company if they are willing to pay you a higher base rate for not taking their benefits.

As far as retirement packages go, I found it easier to do my own Roth IRA on the side. This way, if I switched companies I didn’t have to worry about moving my money all over the place.

Click here to discover new high paying opportunities.

5. What types of extra work-related costs do you reimburse for?

Travel nurse companies can reimburse you for the following:

• Licensing fees
• CEU (Continuing Education) requirements
• Certifications
• Required immunizations

Some travel nurse agencies have a CEU database that is free for their employees. This helps cut costs in those states that require a certain number to maintain or acquire a new license.

These extra costs add up over time so it’s nice to know your agency is looking out for your pocketbook.

6. What are your missed and canceled shift policies?

A missed shift means you called in sick, and a canceled shift means they canceled you for low census. For the most part, the hospital determines how the travel nurse agency handles this, and it will be written in your contract.

This is important because in the travel nurse world if you don’t work, you don’t get paid. And in some cases, you may have to reimburse your agency for housing costs.

There may be a clause written in your contract that allows you to “miss” a certain amount of shifts without being penalized. There will also be a clause that states how many shifts the hospital can cancel you. Usually, it’s once a pay period, and your agency shouldn’t require you to reimburse them for housing costs.

There are even some agencies that offer 100% guaranteed shifts meaning no matter what you will not get canceled.

Find travel assignments in your specialty here.

Other Questions To Ask a Travel Nurse Agency:

• What is the travel reimbursement?
• How much will health insurance cost me?
• If I don’t take health insurance, do I get a healthcare stipend?
• When can I start contributing to my 401K?
• Are there bonuses for extending assignments?
• How often do I get paid?
• Does the company also contract per diem work?
• Do they offer paid time off?
• Are there any referral bonuses available?

9 Best Travel Nursing Agencies

Here is a list and highlights of a few travel nursing companies to consider.

All of these companies offer the basics such as housing, benefits, travel reimbursement, staffing in all 50 states, and 24-hour customer support.

Click here to find the right company for you!

Find the Best Travel Nurse Agency for You

There are a number of travel nursing companies to choose from.

Finding the best travel nursing company that fits your needs and a recruiter that has your best interests in mind are absolutely essential for an enjoyable travel nursing experience.

The right staffing agency for you is out there, now is the time to find them!

  Click here for today’s top travel nursing opportunities.

You may also like

9 Insider Tips From A Travel Nurse Staffing Agent

When Travel Nursing Goes Bad – And How To Fix It

How To Choose The Best Travel Nursing Offer – Pros and Cons

6 Important Questions You Need to Ask A Potential Staffing Agency

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• Travel Nurse

Can I Be a Travel Nurse With 1 Year of Experience?

Today, we’ll explore a burning question: Can you become a travel nurse with just 1 year of experience? Let’s dive in and find out.

As a nurse, the allure of being a travel nurse is undeniable.

It offers the chance to experience new healthcare settings, work with diverse patients, and expand your professional skills.

But is it possible with limited experience?

In this article, we’ll examine the factors at play and discuss the importance of a solid clinical foundation, potential challenges, and steps you can take to enhance your chances of success.

So, if you’re ready to discover if you can take flight as a travel nurse with 1 year of experience, let’s begin.

The short answer is Yes , you can be a travel nurse with 1 year of experience.

However, it may be a bit more difficult to find a travel nursing job with only 1 year of experience.

Many travel nursing agencies require at least 2 years of experience, but some will hire you with 1 year of experience.

With 1 year of experience as a nurse, if you’re interested in becoming a travel nurse, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of getting hired.

Let’s take a look at them quickly:

First , you should make sure that you have a strong resume and cover letter.

Your resume should highlight your skills and experience, and your cover letter should explain why you are interested in travel nursing.

Second , you should network with other travel nurses.

Networking can help you to learn more about the travel nursing industry and to find out about job openings.

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You can network with other travel nurses through online forums, professional organizations, and social media.

Third , you should be prepared to negotiate your salary.

Travel nurses typically earn more than staff nurses, but you may need to negotiate your salary to get the best offer.

If you are willing to put in the effort, you can be a successful travel nurse with 1 year of experience.

Just be prepared to network , negotiate , and market yourself to potential employers.

Here are some additional tips for becoming a travel nurse with 1 year of experience:

• Choose your specialty wisely : Some specialties are more in demand than others, so you may have better luck finding a travel nursing job in a high-demand specialty.
• Get certified : Getting certified in a specialty can make you more marketable to travel nursing agencies.
• Be flexible : Be willing to travel to different locations and work different shifts.
• Be professional: Travel nursing agencies are looking for nurses who are professional and reliable.

If you follow these tips, you will be well on your way to becoming a successful travel nurse with 1 year of experience.

What’s the best way to find travel nursing jobs with 1 year of experience?

When it comes to finding travel nursing jobs with just 1 year of experience, there are several effective strategies you can pursue.

Here are a few of the best ways to increase your chances of finding these opportunities:

• Reach Out To Travel Nursing Agencies : Contact reputable travel nursing agencies that specialize in placing nurses in different locations. They have extensive networks and can help match you with suitable assignments based on your experience level.
• Network With Experienced Travel Nurses : Connect with seasoned travel nurses through professional networking platforms, nursing forums, or social media groups. They can provide valuable insights, guidance, and recommendations on finding travel nursing jobs as a nurse with 1 year of experience.
• Attend Nursing Job Fairs and Conferences : Take advantage of nursing job fairs and conferences, where you can meet representatives from various healthcare facilities and travel nursing agencies. These events provide opportunities to showcase your skills, make connections, and explore travel nursing positions.
• Utilize Online Job Platforms : Explore online job platforms dedicated to travel nursing, such as specialized websites and job boards. These platforms often have filters and search options that allow you to narrow down job listings based on your experience level.
• Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter : Craft a targeted resume and cover letter that highlight your nursing skills, achievements, and eagerness to embark on a travel nursing career. Emphasize any relevant experiences, such as rotations in different units or specialized training you’ve received.

Persistence and flexibility are key when searching for travel nursing jobs with limited experience.

Be open to various locations, be proactive in your job search, and don’t hesitate to showcase your passion for travel nursing during interviews.

some common mistakes new travel nurses Should Avoid

As a new travel nurse, it’s important to be aware of these common mistakes and pitfalls to avoid.

Here are a few key ones to keep in mind while looking for a job:

Inadequate research:

Failing to thoroughly research the healthcare facility, location, and housing arrangements before accepting an assignment can lead to unpleasant surprises.

Take the time to gather information and ask questions to ensure a smooth transition.

Poor communication:

Communication is vital in the travel nursing world.

Failing to effectively communicate with your recruiter, agency, and healthcare team can lead to misunderstandings, delays, or even a negative work environment.

Stay proactive, responsive, and maintain open lines of communication.

Neglecting self-care:

Travel nursing can be exciting and demanding, but don’t forget to prioritize self-care.

Long hours, frequent travel, and new environments can take a toll on your well-being.

Make time for rest, relaxation, and engaging in activities that recharge you.

Being resistant to change:

Flexibility is crucial as a travel nurse.

Embrace change, adapt to new routines, and be open to different approaches to healthcare.

Resisting change can hinder your ability to thrive in new environments and learn from diverse experiences.

Ignoring professional growth opportunities:

Travel nursing offers unique opportunities for professional growth.

Take advantage of continuing education programs, certifications, and training opportunities offered by the facilities you work at.

Invest in your skills to enhance your career prospects.

Failing to budget wisely:

Financial management is important as a travel nurse.

It’s essential to create a budget and account for housing , transportation, meals, and other expenses.

Avoid overspending or accumulating debt by planning and sticking to your financial plan.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can navigate the world of travel nursing more smoothly and maximize the benefits of your experiences.

Stay informed, adaptable, and committed to your professional and personal well-being.

In short, can you be a travel nurse with 1 year of experience? Definitely!

While it may require some extra effort and strategic planning, it’s possible to pursue a travel nursing career with limited experience.

By reaching out to travel nursing agencies, networking with experienced travel nurses, attending job fairs, utilizing online platforms, and tailoring your resume, you can improve your chances of finding travel nursing opportunities that fit your level of experience.

Remember, persistence is key. So Don’t give up easily.

Stay determined, remain flexible, and showcase your passion for travel nursing.

With these steps, you’re on your way to embracing the exciting world of travel nursing and embarking on a fulfilling professional journey. Best of luck in your travel nursing endeavors!

Good luck on your journey to becoming a travel nurse!

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Can You Be A Travel Nurse with 1 Year Experience?

Travel nursing is an excellent way for experienced nurses to explore different cities and hospitals while providing quality care to patients. If you have one year of experience as a nurse, you may have questions about whether you are eligible for the travel nurse job. This article’ll discuss what it takes to become a successful travel nurse.

Table of Contents

Can You Be a Travel Nurse with 1 Year Experience?

Absolutely! With just one year of experience as a nurse, you can start applying to exciting travel nursing opportunities nationwide. That being said, some specialties and assignments may require more knowledge – sometimes up to two years or more, depending on the position. But for many jobs, your first year is all you need to get started.

How Much Experience Do You Need to Be a Travel Nurse?

The truth is, every travel nurse and every assignment is different. The amount of experience you need to qualify for a job will depend on the employer and the type of job in question. Some positions may require two or more years of experience, while others only need one year (or even less!). It depends on the role itself, so read through the job description thoroughly before applying.

It also helps to be proactive in your search. Start researching the kinds of jobs you’d like, and reach out to recruiters with any questions you may have about experience requirements. That way, you can better understand what kind of gigs will be available to you.

Advantages of Being a Travel Nurse?

Travel nursing is an excellent way to gain experience and broaden your horizons relatively quickly. You will get the chance to work with different medical teams in various settings while learning new skills and technologies you may not have encountered before. Plus, travel nursing allows you to explore other cities, see unique sites, and make some extra money simultaneously.

How do You Put Travel Nursing on a Resume?

When applying for jobs, you must include all your travel nursing experience on your resume. Start by having the dates and locations of each job and a brief description of what you did there. Make sure to highlight any special skills or qualifications you acquired while working in that role. Finally, add a few sentences about what you learned from that experience.

Who Invented Travel Nurse?

The origin of travel nursing is still being determined, although it has been around for a long time. In the early days, nurses often moved to different countries or states to work and gain experience in their field. As technology advanced and the healthcare industry became more complex, travel nursing became more organized and formalized. Today, it’s an essential part of many healthcare systems worldwide.

  Whether you’re just starting your career or have been a nurse for several years, travel nursing is an excellent way to gain experience and explore different places. So if you have one year of experience, don’t hesitate to apply for those exciting travel nursing jobs today!

Where to Apply for Travel Nurse Jobs ?

There are many different places to look for travel nursing jobs. Check out websites like Indeed and TravelNurseSource, which list hundreds of positions from recruiters all over the US. You can also contact hospitals in the areas you’re interested in to see if they have any openings. Finally, some staffing agencies specialize in travel nursing and may be able to help you find the perfect job.

What are the Best Travel Nursing Agencies in the United States?

Some of the top travel nursing agencies in the US include: – American Mobile Healthcare

• Cross Country Nurses
• Travel RN Nurse Jobs
• Triage Staffing
• Fusion Medical Staffing
• Aya Healthcare
• MedPro Healthcare Staffing

Regardless of which agency you choose, make sure to do your research and read reviews from past travelers before signing a contract with any company.

How to Become a Travel Nurse

Education:  Education is a major factor in being a travel nurse. You will need to obtain your Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Nursing first, and then you can decide which specialty you would like to specialize in.

Licensing:  Once you have completed your education, you will need to get licensed in the state you plan on working in as a travel nurse.

Experience:  After obtaining your nursing license, the next step is to gain experience as a registered nurse to qualify for travel nursing jobs. Most employers will require at least 1 year of experience before considering hiring a travel nurse.

Travel Nurse Documentation:  You must have all your paperwork and documentation in order as a travel nurse. This includes your license, certifications, immunization records, and a valid passport (if you travel outside the US).

Networking:  Networking with other travel nurses is an important part of being successful. You can attend conferences and seminars or join online groups related to travel nursing to meet professionals who have done it before and get advice.

With the proper education, licensing, experience, documentation, and networking contacts, you can fulfill your travel nursing dreams quickly! 

Finding Travel Nursing Assignments

The first step in finding a travel nursing assignment is to decide which area of the country (or world!) you would like to explore. Once you have a destination, research travel nursing agencies specializing in that area.

You can also contact hospitals directly and enquire about their travel nurse program – some may even provide housing or other incentives for qualified applicants! Before signing any contracts, read through all the details and ask any questions you may have.

Finally, watch for job postings online and in travel nursing magazines – you never know when the perfect assignment might surface! With some effort and dedication, you can find the ideal assignment that suits your needs as a travel nurse.

Final Words

Travel nursing is a great way to gain experience, explore new places, and make extra money. If you have one year of experience as a nurse, plenty of opportunities are available to you. Just research the kinds of jobs you’re interested in and contact recruiters or hospitals for more information. Finally, do your due diligence and explore the best travel nursing agencies in the US before signing a contract.

Mrs. Marie Brown has been a registered nurse for over 25 years. She began her nursing career at a Level I Trauma Center in downtown Chicago, Illinois. There she worked in the Emergency Department and on the Surgical Intensive Care Unit. After several years, she moved to the Midwest and continued her nursing career in a critical care setting. For the last 10 years of her nursing career, Mrs. Brown worked as a flight nurse with an air ambulance service. During this time, she cared for patients throughout the United States.

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Travel Nurse Experience Requirements

Job seeker, travel nurse jobs.

By Sarah Wengert

Our expert team of travel healthcare recruiters gets a lot of great questions from aspiring travelers, including the very common: How much experience is necessary to be a travel nurse?

The experience requirement for travel nurses is typically 1-2 years. However, the answer to this question ultimately depends on each unique facility, specialty, and other such factors. But overall, if you want to know how to get started travel nursing, there’s more to it than that. So, let’s take deep dive into travel nurse experience requirements and a couple of closely related topics that will help you become a travel nurse!

How Much Experience Is Necessary to Work as a Travel Nurse?

There’s no formal, industry-wide time requirement. However, the current industry standard is that travel nurses should have at least 1-2 years of recent, in-hospital or in-facility experience to be hired as a travel nurse. Various facilities and/or units may require more experience than that, but such enhanced experience requirements are usually specified on a job posting. It’s also the kind of info your recruiter would share with you before you apply for a travel healthcare job .

Why Do You Need Experience to Work as a Travel Nurse?

If you already worked your tail off in nursing school, did clinical rotations, passed the NCLEX with flying colors, and are able to land a perm nursing job, why wouldn’t you be able to hit the road as a traveler? It’s a totally fair question, but there are actually several good reasons why, and the bottom line is that it’s ultimately about protecting you, facilities, and patients.

Travel nurses are expected to hit the ground running when they arrive at a new assignment. Orientations are often short and there’s a lot to learn when you start at a new hospital — like meeting your colleagues and understanding the hierarchy, learning hospital protocol, navigating a new charting system, and simply finding your way around in a new space. In order to be able to provide great patient care from day one, while also finding your way in a new facility, your clinical skills must be road-tested and rock solid.

For you, travel nurse experience requirements help protect your license, pad your resume, and facilitate a successful travel nursing experience. You don’t want to have a negative first experience, overstress yourself, or let your patient care suffer because you rushed into a travel healthcare career. For hospitals, experience requirements help reassure them that their travelers will reliably provide great care from day one of an assignment — which they really need to depend on. It’s why they’ve already hired additional healthcare professionals after all! And most importantly, travel nursing experience requirements ensure better patient health outcomes and better overall patient care.

So, while it can seem like a pain to have to wait to become a travel nurse when you feel like you’re ready to start traveling ASAP, it’s all for good reasons and it only benefits you in the end. Be patient and practice your skills, the time will come soon enough. Now is the time to study the travel nursing industry and prepare! Research travel nurse companies, explore travel nursing benefits, and join online travel nurse groups so you can learn all the ins and outs in the meantime.

How Many Years Does It Take to Become a Travel Nurse?

Including nursing school, it takes approximately 3-6 years to become a travel RN. But, if you’re already a practicing nurse with the commonly required 1-2 years of in-hospital experience under your belt, then good news: You can start looking for your first job and become a travel nurse ASAP!

Let’s break this all down further into the different phases of preparation and how many years it takes to become a travel nurse.

First, there’s the education you’ll need to become a travel nurse:

• An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) takes about 2-3 years to earn.
• A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) takes about 4 years to earn.

Typically, ADN and BSN are the two main degrees held by most travel RNs, however other degrees travel nurses might have are CNA and LPN.

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) programs take about 4-12 weeks to complete.
• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs take about 1 year to complete.

Of course, aside from travel nurses there are many travel allied health professionals who start their journey with a variety of education requirements depending on their roles. Nonetheless, experience requirements for travel allied health professionals also tend to be 1-2 years in-facility experience. While Medical Solutions offers many allied health jobs to choose from, in this article we’re focusing on travel nurse experience requirements, so we’ll mostly leave that discussion for another day.

After you earn your nursing degree, pass your NCLEX, and secure the necessary licenses and certifications , there’s the gaining experience part of answering the question: How many years does it take to become a travel nurse? As mentioned before, the common requirement to become a travel nurse is 1-2 years of in-hospital experience. But this standard can vary depending on your specialty and each facility’s own requirements.

Add the education and experience requirement totals together and you’re looking at:

• About 3-6 years to become a travel nurse if you’re an RN,
• About 1-3 years to become a travel nurse if you’re an LPN,
• And about 1.5-2.5 years to become a travel nurse if you’re a CNA.

How Do I Become a Travel Nurse?

If you’re completely at square one of your nursing/travel nursing journey you may still be thinking, “Great, now I understand how much travel nurse experience I’ll need after nursing school, but where do I start in the first place?!” Because it can be helpful to consider the big picture when you’re just starting out, we’ve outlined the basic steps to becoming a travel nurse or travel allied health professional in this previous blog .

Or, if you’re already a nurse and looking to travel, you’ll just need to have one to two years of recent in-hospital experience under your belt before you can apply and get hired as a traveler!

Final Thoughts on Travel Nurse Experience Requirements

As you can see, it’s really not beneficial to you or anyone else to start your travel nurse career without the required experience. But, whether you’re currently in nursing school or already working your first perm job to gain the necessary experience to travel, it’s never too early to search jobs just to get a feel for what kind of assignments are currently available. You can also contact our team to get connected with your own personal recruiter who can start to understand what type of assignments and locations you’d like to pursue. That way, once you have the experience, you’ll be ready to pounce on the perfect first travel nurse assignment.

Whether you were wondering about how much experience is necessary to be a travel nurse, how many years it takes to become a travel nurse, or how to get started travel nursing at all, we hope this article was a helpful resource for you. Good luck in your career journey — remember, we’re always here to help you or answer any more questions!

Recommended Reads

Do travel nurses get free housing, where do travel nurses find housing, best travel nurse agency: finding your perfect fit.

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