We’ve all been there— frustratedly Googling things and skimming through endless fluff to find the necessary info. We don’t want to waste your time. Therefore, we’ve compiled a guide for new travelers who are sick of endless scrolling. Let’s dive in.
Getting started as a traveler 👇
Qualifications and Requirements for travel nurses
Most healthcare traveler positions require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. However, some specialties, like physical therapy, take less, and some require higher education before they are eligible to travel.
The next step is to pass the National Council Licensure Exam (NCELX). This computer-assisted test allows registered nurses, practical nurses, and vocational nurses to check their knowledge and readiness to become licensed.
Most traveling roles also require one year of experience in a professional setting.
Necessary Skills and Traits of a healthcare traveler:
- Strong communication
- Mental, physical, and emotional resiliency
- Critical thinking
- Adaptability
- Flexibility
- Compassion
Licensing and certification
Basic certifications healthcare travelers need include:
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
Other specialties require various recommended certifications like the following:
- EKG
- IV
- PICC
- NCC Trauma Nurse Core Course NIHSS – Stroke Certification
- PALS Pediatric Advanced Life Support
The Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) is an agreement between states allowing nurses to have one license, allowing them to practice in any other states that are part of the agreement. Having a compact nursing license can also prove invaluable for healthcare traveling. As of 2023, there are 39 states included in the eNLC.
Compliance Requirements
One of the biggest mistakes we see newer travelers make is not preparing for compliance. This can slow the process down quite a bit, so ensure you have physical and scanned copies of documentation. This includes:
- a digital copy of your driver’s license
- professional certifications
- Continued education units (CEUs)
- bank information
- immunization documentation such as annual records of vaccines like Tdap, Flu, Varicella, Polio, MMR, Pneumococcal, Meningococcal, and Hepatitis (Travelers should confirm what immunizations are needed months in advance, if possible.)
Our team suggests checking Nursys.com or the state’s Board of Nursing website to ensure you have everything you need.
Find your perfect recruiter
We’re a huge believer that one of the biggest parts of getting ready to jump into being a healthcare traveler is finding your perfect recruiter. What we mean by that is finding an agency that aligns with your goals and then connecting with a recruiter that will put your wants, needs, and ambitions first! At BluMed, our recruiters are here for you 24/7 and ready to help you get to where you should be on that next assignment.
Must have apps for healthcare travelers
We compiled a much longer list (which you should check out), but some definite must-have apps are:
Gale: Named after Florence Nightingale, this app serves to connect PRNs with facilities in need of help. Additionally, because managing your credentials can become time-consuming, this app securely stores your nursing credentials in a digital library that the facility can access immediately when needed. This makes applying to new jobs a breeze.
Furnished Finder: Furnished Finder is the premier no-booking-fee housing marketplace for short-term rentals. Travelers can access over 110,000 properties and chat with landlords directly through the app.
Moovit: The app lets you review public transportation options and monitor real-time arrivals in 60 major US cities.
GasBuddy: Made for travelers who prefer to drive, GasBuddy helps find cheap gas in real time based on your location. You can also search for cheap gas by city, zip, or postal code for days off or when planning trips in advance.
MeetUp: MeetUp allows nurses to make new meaningful connections on the go. Members can create and join groups, organize events, RSVP, and view a list of all attending each meetup. There are over 330,000 groups to explore and plenty of opportunities to make connections wherever you may be.
Let Blu Med be your healthcare traveling guide 🤩
Take heart, weary travelers. We’ve reached the end of our journey (for now). Becoming a healthcare traveler can be an enriching experience that offers you the chance to see new places, meet new people, and develop skills in unique and exciting environments. So, if you’re considering starting your travel journey, don’t hesitate to take that first step. Use the tips and advice in this guide to help you prepare for your adventure, make the most of your experiences, and share the guide with others!
Blu Med is here to make the healthcare traveling process easier, so contact our team today to learn more about how we can help you get to where you want to go!
