Making the switch from a traditional nursing position to travel nursing can be one of the scariest yet most exhilarating career changes you’ll ever experience.

<div>
  Have you always been intrigued by travel nursing, but felt overwhelmed by the
  process to pursue this career path? Making the switch from a traditional
  nursing position to travel nursing can be one of the scariest and most
  exhilarating career changes you&rsquo;ll ever experience. In general, most
  travel nurses could not be happier they took the leap to expand their horizons
  and try something new.
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<div>
  But before you make any major decisions, make sure you understand all the
  expectations of a travel nurse and what&rsquo;s entailed in preparing for this
  transition.&nbsp;
</div>

<h2>Know What&rsquo;s Required</h2>

<div>
  To qualify for travel nursing, you must have a professional license and have
  graduated from an accredited school of nursing in either the U.S. or Canada.
  In addition, you must show that you passed the National Council Licensure
  Examination(NCLEX exam). Finally, you must have at least 12 months of
  experience concentrated in one specialty. Keep in mind that each
  concentration, travel agency and hospital has different requirements, but
  experience in a specialty is almost always a must.&nbsp;
</div>

<h2>Self-Reflect</h2>

<div>
  Take some time to determine if you&rsquo;re ready to make the sacrifice to
  travel and be away fromhome for extended periods of time. Be sure to take into
  account financial considerations, such as whether or not you&rsquo;ll need to
  sell your home or car. Also, think about others in your life that will be
  affected by your decision. Will your partner come with you or will you travel
  alone? If you&rsquo;re unsure of how much you&rsquo;ll like traveling, a good
  option is to make sure your first travel assignment is one closer to
  home.&nbsp;
</div>

<h2>Be Realistic</h2>

<div>
  Be sure to ask your recruiter what job prospects look like for your particular
  specialty. It&rsquo;s best to touch base with a recruiter about six months in
  advance of when you&rsquo;d like to start your first travel assignment. If the
  job market in your specialty is weak, you may have to acquire up to 12 months
  of experience in a different specialty. Getting this information upfront will
  help you evaluate your options and make a well-informed decision.
</div>



<div>
  Making the transition to travel nursing can be very gratifying
  &ndash;it&rsquo;s a life-changing experience that will expose you to
  incredible people and places across the country. Paying attention to the
  important considerations above will put you on the best path for your career
  growth.
</div>



<div>
  If you&rsquo;ve made the decision to become a travel nurse, let our recruiters
  at Cross Country Nurses help you find the best opportunities.
  <a href="/sites/ccn/contact-us">Contact us today</a> for more insight and
  information!
</div>




Cross Country Nurses

Considering a Switch to Travel Nursing? Know Your Options! 

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