How to Start Travel Nursing: An In-Depth Guide

With competitive pay packages, generous housing stipends, flexible schedules, and the opportunity to work in diverse healthcare settings, becoming a travel nurse is a rewarding career path. It allows you to make a difference in communities around the country, earn more money, and grow your skills, all while exploring new places that inspire you. 

In this guide, you’ll learn how to start your travel nursing career, including recruiter-backed tips, common requirements and qualifications, frequently asked questions, and more. Whether you're just beginning your research or ready to take the first step, we've got you covered. 

What is a Travel Nurse? 

A travel nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who works in temporary positions at healthcare facilities across the country. These contracts typically last anywhere from 8 to 26 weeks and can include day and night shifts.  

Travel nurses play an important role in supporting patients and care teams during staffing shortages, such as when permanent nurses take time off for holidays, parental leave, or medical leave. Additionally, hospitals often hire skilled nurses during seasonal surges (like flu season), unexpected spikes in patient volume, and new unit openings. Travel nurses are ideal in these situations, as they can step in quickly and keep quality care going strong. 

What are the Different Types of Travel Nurses? 

Some specialties travel nurses are often hired for (especially in high-demand and rural areas) include: 

• Medical-Surgical (MedSurg): Supports patients recovering from surgery and managing those with chronic conditions.  
• Intensive Care Unit (ICU): Cares for critically ill patients who need constant monitoring and advanced life support.  
• Emergency Room (ER): Assists with urgent, high-stakes medical situations, such as traumatic injuries and life-threatening illnesses.  
• Progressive Care Unit (PCU): Supports patients who need close monitoring but not full intensive care.  
• Operating Room (OR): Assists with surgeries and ensures patient safety before, during, and after procedures.  
• Pediatrics: Helps care for infants, children, and adolescents in hospitals and clinics. 
• Labor and Delivery (L&D): Supports patients through childbirth, including labor, delivery, and immediate postpartum care. 
• Telemetry: Monitors and cares for patients with heart or respiratory conditions. 

What are the Benefits of Travel Nursing? 

Travel nursing is an increasingly popular career choice, and it’s easy to see why. With an ongoing nationwide nursing shortage and approximately 195,000 job openings available each year, more hospitals and healthcare facilities are relying on travel nurses to fill critical gaps. This means you’ll have plenty of job opportunities to choose from, with more flexibility to pick assignments that fit your lifestyle, career goals, and desired pay. 

Some of the primary perks of becoming a travel nurse include: 

• Higher pay and housing support: Travel nurses earn higher-than-average wages compared to traditional nurses, with contracts often including tax-free stipends for housing and travel. 
• Career advancement: As a travel nurse, you’ll gain hands-on experience in different healthcare centers, specialties, and regions, expanding your skillset faster than in a permanent role.  
• Flexibility and freedom: Travel nurse assignments range from 8 to 26 weeks, with 13 weeks being the average. You choose when and where you want to work, making it easier to plan work around your life, not the other way around. 
• Adventure and travel: Travel nurses get the opportunity to explore new places while doing meaningful work and changing lives.  
• Personalized support: With Gifted, you’ll have a dedicated recruiter who’s there to support you every step of the way. We were founded by nurses, so we understand the realities of life on the floor and what it takes to thrive as a traveler. 

To learn more about the benefits of travel nursing, read our in-depth article here. 

Requirements & Steps to Become a Travel Nurse 

1. Gain at Least 1-2 Years of Clinical Experience

Most travel nursing companies require two years of bedside experience as a nurse in order to travel. In addition, Gifted Healthcare typically requires at least one year of experience in your preferred specialty.   

It’s recommended that you get experience in an acute care setting, and preferably on staff at a hospital. If you are a new nurse graduate, try to get the bulk of your experience in one area. This will help you build substantial and reliable experience. 

Gifted Chief Nursing Officer Maggie Candon, RN, says “A good clinical base is important for your career. Be humble, be patient, and prepare your resume. I chose pediatrics, and it’s solidified my assessment skills, my time management, and my patience.”

2. Apply for a Compact Nursing License

The most important requirement to become a travel nurse is to have an active Registered Nurse (RN) license. In addition, you should apply for the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) because it allows you to obtain a multistate license and practice in any state that is part of the compact. Getting a compact license will significantly increase your job opportunities. 

Most states are a part of the NLC, but if the state you are currently working in is not, you will need to obtain a license in the state you would like to work in. However, if you received your original license in a state that is part of the NLC, then you have a compact license.

3. Get Certified in BLS, ACLS, and More

Two certifications are required to be a travel nurse: Basic Life Support (BLS) and  Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). 

There are additional certifications that can build your resume and increase your earning potential. Some of these certifications include Acute/Critical Care Nursing (CCRN), Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP), Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), AIDS Certified Registered Nurse (ACRN), Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN), Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) Certification, and more. 

These certifications will also give you the knowledge and experience it takes to provide excellent care for your patients! 

4. Find a Reputable Travel Nurse Staffing Agency

Once you have your NLC, two years of experience, and the required certifications, you’re ready to become a travel nurse. Apply here and connect with a recruiter today. Your recruiter is an essential part of finding the perfect assignment to fit your goals.  

Let them know whether you’re interested in a large or small facility, if you’re willing to float to other units, and where you’re looking to travel. Having transparent conversations with your recruiter will lead to your long-term success as a travel nurse. 

5. Submit Applications and Complete Paperwork 

To begin applying for travel nursing positions, you’ll need to gather and submit several important documents and complete paperwork.  

The travel nurse application process typically includes submitting: 

• A skills checklist 
• Clinical references 
• A detailed work history form 
• Signed credentialing paperwork 

You’ll also need to provide: 

• Copies of your nursing license 
• Proof of certifications, such as BLS and ACLS 
• Immunization records 
• A recent physical exam 

Having these documents ready ahead of time can speed up the onboarding process. Some facilities may also require background checks, drug screenings, and/or competency exams. After applying for jobs, your recruiter will notify you of interviews or offers and walk you through the details of your assignment contract. 

Travel Nursing Resume Tips

Putting together a strong, clear resume will help you stand out when applying for travel nursing contracts. Keep it concise, no more than two pages, and focus on all relevant clinical experience, certifications, and specialties. You should include: 

• Details about the units you’ve worked in, such as ICU, MedSurg, and L&D 
• Leadership roles you’ve taken on, such as Charge Nurse or Preceptor 
• Patient loads you’re accustomed to (For example, you might note: “Successfully cared for an average of 5–6 patients per shift on a busy MedSurg unit”) 
• Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems you’re familiar with 
• Your certifications, such as BLS, ACLS, TNCC, etc. 
• Your RN license number and state of licensure 

List your experience in chronological order, placing your most recent job at the top. Be sure to highlight your passions, goals, and any accomplishments you’re proud of. Then, proofread your resume carefully to ensure it’s error-free. This helps show you're detail-oriented (a key quality for travel nurses working in fast-paced environments). 

6. Review Your Pay Package

Before accepting your first assignment, carefully review your pay package, not just the hourly rate. Your recruiter can break down the details for you, including: 

• You total weekly take-home pay, including stipends for housing and meals (not just your hourly base rate)  
• How housing stipends compare to rent costs in the area 
• What travel reimbursements cover and don’t cover  
• What’s included, and not included, in your benefits 
• How often you’ll be paid, whether it’s daily, weekly, bi-weekly, etc.  
• Bonus structure (if applicable) and overtime rates 

Ask questions to clarify anything you’re confused about. This will help ensure there are no surprises when your paycheck arrives. 

7. Pack, Prepare, and Begin Your Assignment

Once you’ve signed and accepted your contract, it’s time to get ready! You’ll have to decide whether you’re driving or flying, research housing options in the area, and begin planning your move. Here are some tips to keep in mind: 

• Housing: If housing isn’t included, start your search early. Short-term rental platforms like Furnished Finder, Airbnb, Vrbo, and extended-stay hotels are popular options for travel nurses. When searching for housing, consider proximity to the healthcare facility, parking, safety, and whether the rental is fully furnished or not. Also, always check what’s included in the rent price, including laundry, kitchen items, utilities, and internet access. 
• Transportation: Driving will give you the most flexibility (especially if you need a car to get to and from work). However, flying may be easier for long-distance assignments, and if you don’t mind renting a car. If you decide to fly, check to see if your pay package includes a car rental stipend, or plan to use public transportation or rideshares (which you can often get reimbursed for).  
• Packing and logistics: Try to pack light and focus on the essentials, including your scrubs, comfortable shoes, nursing essentials, and outfits to wear outside of work. Consider the weather and season. For example, if your travel assignment is during the winter, bring warm clothes.  
• Tie up loose ends at home: If you’re renting out or subletting your home while you're away, make arrangements in advance. Also, you may want to pause local services or forward your mail.  

A little preparation goes a long way and helps you start your assignment with more confidence and ease. Your recruiter can also answer any last-minute questions and support you during the transition. 

Opportunities for Growth as a Travel Nurse 

Travel nursing can open the door to higher-paying assignments, specialized skills, and even permanent positions if you fall in love with a particular facility or location.  

Over time, travel nurses often discover that their confidence, efficiency, and clinical intuition grow with each contract. Many of them step into leadership roles, such as Charge Nurse or Preceptor, which further strengthens their resumes. 

Whether you're hoping to specialize, take on more responsibility, make more money and/or find more fulfillment in your work, travel nursing offers a flexible, challenging, and rewarding path to get there. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Nursing  

How long does it take to become a travel nurse?  

New travel nurses typically need 1-2 years of bedside experience as an RN to qualify for travel nursing assignments. Some specialties and healthcare facilities may require more. 

Do I need a BSN to be a travel nurse?  

To become a traveling nurse, you need an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). It's also required to become licensed by passing the NCLEX-RN exam. 

How much does a travel nurse make compared to a permanent nurse? 

Travel nurses tend to earn higher hourly rates than most permanent nurses. They also receive tax-free stipends for housing, meals, and travel.  

What are the cons of becoming a travel nurse? 

Travel nursing is a flexible and rewarding career path, though it comes with challenges, including frequent transitions, adjusting to new settings and teams, and limited job security between assignments.  

What is a travel allied health professional? 

Travel allied health professionals are non-nursing clinicians, such as respiratory therapists, radiologic technologists, and physical therapists, who also work in temporary positions.  

What are the best states for travel nursing? 

The best states for travel nursing depend on your specialty, desired pay, and lifestyle. At Gifted Healthcare, we can help match you with assignments in locations that fit your preferences, skillset, and professional goals. 

Can I be a travel nurse close to home?   

Yes, you can take assignments near your home. However, to receive tax-free stipends, you typically need to maintain a permanent “tax home” and accept assignments far enough away that they require an overnight stay to meet the job’s demands. 

What is the 12-month rule for travel nurses? 

The 12-month rule for travel nurses means that, to keep your tax-free stipends, you shouldn’t work in the same location for more than 12 months in a 24-month period.  

Can travel nurses take their family?  

Yes, you can take your spouse, children, and pets with you on a travel nursing assignment. Just be sure to consider housing needs and childcare options.  

Start Your Travel Nursing Career with Gifted Healthcare 

At Gifted Healthcare, we understand that travel nursing is about more than a change in scenery. It’s also about finding meaningful work that aligns with your purpose and making a difference in the lives of those you serve. 

That’s why our passionate recruiters are here to support you every step of the way. They take the time to understand what matters most to you, matching you with travel nurse jobs that support your career goals and lifestyle.  

Apply here to get in touch with a Gifted recruiter.