| Many people dream of having a career that gives | | | | history, as well as provide verification for all their |
| them opportunity to travel the world and experience | | | | certifications. Other hurdles to becoming a travel nurse |
| different locations and cultures. Unfortunately, relatively | | | | include skill assessments and verification of |
| few jobs really allow for this, and many of the ones | | | | vaccinations for common transferable diseases. |
| that do are very exclusive. However, one field that is | | | | Fortunately, some agencies will accept paperwork that |
| relatively accessible and allows for extensive travel is | | | | has been completed for others, making applying to |
| nursing. | | | | multiple agencies easier. |
| Travel nursing first came about as a response to a | | | | After securing a job with one of these companies, the |
| significant shortage of nurses in the United States and | | | | agency will submit applications on behalf of the nurse |
| in other countries. In order to deal with this shortage, | | | | for various positions around the country or around the |
| several companies started offering nurses benefits for | | | | globe. The nurse may have some limited control over |
| traveling to other states or countries in order to work | | | | where they are sent, but ultimately go where they are |
| in their hospitals. The advantages of being a travel | | | | needed. The hospitals that need nurses will choose the |
| nurse - aside from being able to see different areas of | | | | nurses that best meet their needs, then make an offer |
| the country and the world - may include better wages, | | | | to the agency. The agency, in turn, figures out how |
| paid housing and other bonuses. | | | | much it's going to cost for them to pay the nurses |
| Traveling also provides nurses new opportunities by | | | | housing and travel costs. Once that's all calculated, |
| exposing them to new challenges that come with | | | | they present the nurse with their offer. |
| working in a different place. This is especially true | | | | Most agencies will provide their travel nurses with fully |
| when it comes to international travel nursing, as many | | | | furnished and paid housing that is near the hospital |
| hospitals in other countries lack the technology and | | | | where they will be working. The exact quality of the |
| staff of American hospitals. This can lead to some | | | | housing, as well as pay and other benefits, will vary |
| incredibly challenging yet also fulfilling work experiences. | | | | from agency to agency. Generally speaking, the better |
| To become a travel nurse, one must simply apply to | | | | the amenities, the lower the actual wages that the |
| one of the many travel nursing agencies worldwide. | | | | nurse will be paid. Some nurses may not even be |
| Currently, there are well over 300 such companies in | | | | provided with housing, but may get better wages. |
| the United States alone. To apply to one of these | | | | Every agency is different and has different |
| companies is not an easy task, and it requires a | | | | opportunities available - it's up to the nurse to find one |
| substantial amount of paperwork. Potential applicants | | | | that best suits his or her needs. |
| will have to fill out a detailed application and work | | | | |