How to Become a Travel Nurse

Introduction

Are you a registered nurse looking for a change of pace and the opportunity to see different parts of Australia? Well, have you ever considered becoming a travel nurse?

Being a travel nurse is an exciting and fulfilling career that allows you to work in a variety of healthcare settings, while also getting to explore travel around the country. In this article, We’ll give you a rundown on what it takes to become a travel nurse in Australia, and what you can expect from the job.

What is a Travel Nurse?

A travel nurse is a registered nurse who works on a temporary or contract basis in different healthcare facilities across the country.  Travel nurses are typically hired to fill short-term staffing gaps, such as when a facility is experiencing a high volume of patients or when there is a shortage of nurses. They are prepared to move on a short-term basis to where the role is based, in order to have the opportunity to explore a new city or environment. Travel nurses are often employed by agencies, which provide them with assignments in different locations.

The responsibilities of a travel nurse are almost identical to those of a regular nurse, but with the added challenge of regularly being in a new environment and location. In addition to being responsible for providing patient care, administering medication, monitoring vital signs, and keeping accurate records, travel nurses must able to adapt quickly to new work settings, cultures and people.

Qualifications & Experience

To become a travel nurse in Australia, you will need to have the following:

• A Bachelor of Nursing (or equivalent) from an accredited university. This is the minimum requirement to become a registered nurse in Australia.
• A current nursing registration from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). This is mandatory for all registered nurses practicing in Australia.
• A minimum of two years of experience as a registered nurse. This is to ensure that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to work independently and handle the challenges of working in a new environment.
• Additional certifications or qualifications may also be required, depending on the specific assignment or facility you will be working in. For example, if you will be working in an area such as ICU or emergency, you may be required to have additional certifications or training in those areas.

Who does this role suit?

Travel nursing is a great career for registered nurses who are looking for adventure and a change of scenery. It is an ideal role for those wanting to gain experience in different areas of nursing and work in a variety of settings. Travel nursing is not for everyone, as it can be challenging to adapt to new environments and work cultures. However, if you are able to adapt quickly and are comfortable working independently, then travel nursing may be a great fit for you.

Job Opportunities

The demand for travel nurses is high in Australia and agencies are always in need of qualified and experienced nurses. This means that there are plenty of job opportunities for travel nurses, making it a great career choice for those who are looking for an adventure and a change of pace.

Travel nursing jobs are available throughout Australia, and you can expect to work in a variety of locations and settings depending on the needs of the agency you are working with.

As a travel nurse, you will have the flexibility to choose the assignments that you are interested in and that align with your career goals. Some travel nurses prefer to work in one location for an extended period of time, while others prefer to take on shorter assignments and move around to different locations. This can allow you to gain experience in different areas of nursing and work in a variety of settings, which can be beneficial for your career growth.

Salary / Wages

Travel nurses typically earn a higher wage than regular nusing positions, as they are often required to work in high-demand areas or during unsociable hours. The average salary of a registered nurse is approximately $80,000, while a travel nurse on average will receive $96,000, despite having similiar responsibilities. This is to compensate for the added inconvenience of working in a new location and being away from home. Some agencies or emplowers offer bonuses and incentives for nurses who take on assignments in remote or hard-to-staff locations.

It’s important to note that the wages of travel nurses can vary depending on the agency/employer and the location of the assignment. For example, nurses working in major cities such as Sydney or Melbourne may earn a higher salary than those working in regional areas.

Although wages for travel nurses may be a higher than regular roles, they can also incur additional expenses such as accommodation, transportation, and meals. Agencies wil usually provide or reimburse for these expenses, but it’s worth confirming these details when considering a new role.

Career Pathways

As a travel nurse, you will have the opportunity to gain experience in different areas of nursing and work in a variety of settings. This can be beneficial for your career growth as it can open up new opportunities and help you develop new skills. Some of the career pathways available to travel nurses include:

• Specialising in a particular area of nursing: By working in different settings, you will have the opportunity to gain experience in different areas of nursing such as emergency, ICU, pediatrics, mental health, or other specialties. This can help you to develop specialised skills and knowledge that can open up new opportunities for advancement.
• Progressing to a management role: With experience, travel nurses can progress to management roles such as charge nurse, clinical nurse manager, or nursing supervisor. These roles involve overseeing the work of other nurses and making decisions about patient care.
• Advancing to a clinical education role: With experience and a desire to teach, travel nurses can advance to clinical education roles such as clinical nurse educator or nursing instructor. These roles involve providing training and education to other nurses and healthcare professionals.
• Becoming a consultant or working in research: With experience, travel nurses can become consultants or work in research by applying their knowledge and expertise in a specific area to improve patient care or contribute to the nursing profession.
• Starting your own business: Some travel nurses also go on to start their own business such as starting a travel nursing agency or a private home care service.

Overall, being a travel nurse can provide a wide range of career opportunities and can help you to develop new skills and knowledge that can open up new opportunities for advancement.