Ask a Travel Nurse: Do I need recent hospital experience for Travel Nursing?
Ask a Travel Nurse Question:
I have several years of RN experience locally and in Travel Nursing, but I have not worked in five years. What do you suggest I do to get back into Travel Nursing? Is there a travel company who would offer me about six months to reorient and brush up on my skills while I work?
Ask a Travel Nurse Answer:
Unfortunately, the travel companies are not offering you a contract to go work for them; they are offering you a contract to go and work for a facility … that expects you to be able to hit the ground running and fill their staffing need.
While you may be able to find a travel company that would put you on file and attempt to find you a contract, I believe that the only recruiters that would do this are those that are overzealous and inexperienced in what the facilities are demanding from their travelers these days.
I honestly cannot imagine you being able to find a contract with anyone and even if you should, do you really want to resume your career in such a way that involves such stress? The potential is putting your license, or even worse, a patient’s life, in your hands while trying to reestablish the skills needed at the bedside.
My best advice is to get back to the bedside, in a hospital setting, and hopefully in the specialty in which you wish to travel. You do not want to try to come “up to speed” on the things that have changed in the past five years in healthcare while also trying to deal with the rigors of a travel assignment. Reestablishing yourself first is the safest way and I believe the best way to offer you a successful start in travel nursing.
Get comfortable again in nursing first and then pursue travel nursing. It will still be here when you are ready 
Hope this helps.
David