Ask a Travel Nurse: What are the qualifications for Travel Nursing?
Ask a Travel Nurse Question:
I want to try Travel Nursing because I am young, want to explore the U.S., and make higher wages, so I am considering going to nursing school next year at a community college and getting my RN. I currently have a Bachelors of Science in Medical Laboratory Science and am a licensed Medical Technologist. I’m wondering: Can I become a Travel Nurse without a BSN? I am not totally clear on the qualifications for Travel Nursing. What are they?
Ask a Travel Nurse Answer:
To become a travel nurse, you simply need to be a licensed RN (having passed the NCLEX exam) and have at least a year of clinical experience (preferably hospital based). However, many facilities are now mandating two years of experience to start traveling (but I cannot say what the state of travel nursing will be dictating when you graduate).
But you do not have to have your BSN. I have a Diploma of Nursing (3 year program) and have been traveling, without issue, for close to twenty years.
Hope this answers your question.
David