| The idea for creating traveling nurse positions was a | | | | requirement to be considered for one of these jobs. |
| response to the national nursing shortage. Nurses | | | | ICU/CCU, ER and L&D positions have more |
| were asked to consider taking on short term positions | | | | stringent experience requirements than general floor |
| and assignments in a variety of different hospitals. | | | | nurse positions. Every nurse must possess an active |
| They would become the ancillary staff or "temps" in | | | | and valid license to practice nursing in their home state. |
| hospitals, clinics and other medical facilities. By supplying | | | | If a traveling nurse is going to work in another state |
| additional help it was hoped that it would alleviate the | | | | other than they one in which they are licensed there is |
| crunch for nurses that many places were enduring. | | | | a relatively simple process for them to go through. |
| As the demand for these temporary assignment | | | | The new state can check their licensure status and |
| positions increased so did the need for companies that | | | | other credentials and then issue them an additional |
| could staff these positions. Today there are many | | | | state nursing license. It is also mandatory that the |
| agencies actively recruiting and providing traveling | | | | applicant have a current Basic Life Support |
| nurses all over the US. Even countries like Saudi | | | | certification, and for specialty areas an Advanced |
| Arabia are requesting nurses who can travel and | | | | Cardiac Life Support certification is necessary. Today |
| work there for at least 1 year. | | | | there are also competency tests which must be |
| The pay for travel nurses varies substantially due to | | | | passed. These are administered by the agency that |
| qualifications, experience and assignments. In most | | | | the nurse will be working for. There are also continuing |
| instances the pay begins at about $30 per hour. | | | | education units that must be earned and accrued |
| However the hourly rate can range from a low of $18 | | | | annually. |
| to a high of $50 or more. | | | | The drawbacks to any Traveling Nurse position are |
| There are often some nice benefit packages included. | | | | numerous including being away from home, regular |
| Many traveling nurses can also receive travel pay, | | | | travel and not having a regular job. The nurses must |
| bonuses, overtime pay, insurance coverage, | | | | learn new procedures, new documentation and new |
| workman's comp, vacation pay and sick time. Some | | | | surroundings with each changing of an assignment. It is |
| companies are even willing to cover the cost of | | | | also sometimes difficult to feel part of the group when |
| temporary accommodations, meals and provide stock | | | | you are just a temporary employee. There are also |
| options. | | | | many benefits and these include higher pay, less job |
| The requirements necessary to be eligible for a Travel | | | | related politics, more independence and a flexible |
| Nurse position can vary according to the assignment. | | | | schedule. |
| At least 1 year of experience as an RN is the minimum | | | | |