First-time travel nurse guide: Complete support from Aya Healthcare
Highlights
- Aya Healthcare provides a comprehensive support system for first-time travel nurses, including licensing, credentialing and orientation assistance.
- Travel nurses must meet specific requirements, such as a year of experience in their specialty and having active state nursing licenses and certifications.
- Travel nursing presents an opportunity to explore new places while enhancing professional skills and earning competitive pay, with Aya offering extensive resources and guidance for aspiring travel nurses.
Table of Contents
- Requirements for first-time travel nurses
- Starting your travel nursing journey
- Travel nurse community support
- Travel nurse licensing and credentialing support
- Travel nurse compensation and benefits package
- Travel nurse housing options
- First-time travel nurse orientation and support
- Travel nurse career development opportunities
- Common question from first-time travel nurses
Whether you’re a nurse looking to elevate your career or just want to try something new, travel nursing offers the unparalleled opportunity to explore new places while gaining diverse clinical experiences — all while earning great pay. It’s a chance to expand your professional skills and make lifelong memories across the country. If you’re thinking about taking the leap into this exciting career path, but aren’t sure where to start, we’ve got you.
Aya offers first-time travelers hands-on support from day one. To help you prepare for this career move, we compiled a list of things you should know and resources to get you started. Ready to start your travel adventure? Let’s go!
Watch our step-by-step guide video for first-time travel nurses:
Requirements for first-time travel nurses
Before you can start travel nursing, you’ll have to meet a few requirements. Most travel positions require at least one year of experience in your specialty (some facilities require more). If you’re a new grad who’s eager to start traveling, you’ll need to get at least a year of work experience under your belt before you can start applying for travel jobs. If you’re interested in finding a permanent position, you can easily search Aya’s permanent opportunities!
In addition to work experience, travel nurses must also have an active state nursing license and specialty-specific American Heart Association certifications (ACLS, BLS, etc.). While these are the basic items you’ll need to get started, your recruiter will go over any facility-specific requirements you need as you apply for jobs.
Starting your travel nursing journey
Once you’re ready to start traveling, the first step is to register and complete your profile to get matched with a recruiter and start your job search. The more detailed information you can provide, the better, so your recruiter can find jobs that best match your experience and qualifications.
Once your profile is complete, you’ll want to think about your goals for traveling. Here are some questions you may want to ask yourself:
When you share your preferences and aspirations with your recruiter, they’ll recommend jobs that meet your needs and set you up to build your dream career. Keep in mind, the more flexible you are with things like location or shift preferences, the more job opportunities you’ll have to choose from!
You can also dive in and start looking at jobs before you even speak with a recruiter. Once you create your profile, you can easily search for jobs and filter by location, shift preferences and more to find the perfect fit.
Travel nurse community support
As an Aya traveler, you’re part of a community of nurses. Through Aya’s Instagram and Facebook accounts, you can connect with thousands of experienced Aya travelers and get their real insights and tips on how to succeed in your new role – plus, get a glimpse at what your future travel career could look like!
Travel nurse licensing and credentialing support
Once you lock down an assignment, you’ll be matched with a credentialing specialist who knows the ins and outs of compliance at your new facility. They’ll help you throughout the compliance process and keep you updated on what requirements and deadlines you need to meet.
Requirements for each facility can vary, but you’ll likely need to complete a drug screen and background check. You’ll also need to have the up-to-date licenses and certifications required for your specialty and state. Aya can expedite the process for you in all 50 states, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience no matter where you want to travel to. To make it even easier, we’ll cover the cost of your license — some states up front and others through reimbursement.
If you live in a state that’s eligible for the nursing compact licensure, we can also help you convert your license so you’re able to practice in any compact states. Your credentialing specialist will guide you through the process, set up your lab appointments and make sure you’re compliant and ready to go for your first day!
Take a look at our Compliance and Licensure page to learn more about the process.
Travel nurse compensation and benefits package
Aya offers real-time job updates and access to transparent pay details directly in your account, so you have a clear picture of the jobs you’re applying to. Pay for travel nurses depends on a variety of factors like specialty, location and the benefits you choose. It also depends on the type of assignment, such as whether you’re working a typical 13-week travel assignment or a shorter workforce disruption assignment.
Depending on the specifics, you may also be eligible for certain stipends or reimbursements. Your recruiter will go over all your options, which may include comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance, accrued sick pay, a 401(k) plan and more. Whatever you choose, you’ll be paid weekly, and your payroll specialist will check in with you to confirm your hours for accuracy. You can find more information on your options on our Pay and Benefits page.
On top of competitive compensation packages, benefits like exploring new cities and the flexibility of traveling are a big draw for many nurses. As a traveler, you can enjoy time off between assignments to take a well-deserved break or spend time with family. Typically, travelers can enjoy up to 24 days off between assignments while still keeping medical benefits, but always be sure to check in with your recruiter for specifics.
Travel nurse housing options
If you’re nervous about finding housing, don’t worry — you’ve got options. As an Aya traveler, you can choose between Aya-offered housing or a housing stipend (when eligible). With Aya-offered housing, you get to sit back and relax while we take care of everything. All you need to do is show up and be ready to work!
If you choose to take a housing stipend, you’ll be responsible for finding housing on your own, but our team can provide resources to help you with your search.
First-time travel nurse orientation and assignment support
Before your first travel assignment, you’ll be assigned an experience specialist. From helping you secure housing to troubleshooting any issues that may come up, they’ll have your back and ensure you feel supported. When you’re on assignment, you also have access to our after-hours hotline, so you have support when you need it 24/7.
Prior to starting, your credentialing specialist will send you detailed First Day Instructions that outline everything you need to prepare for orientation. Depending on your facility, this may include parking details, reporting and timekeeping information, dress code, important contact information and more.
During orientation, you’ll meet some of your new coworkers and learn the facility’s policies and procedures. Orientation is the time to familiarize yourself with timekeeping, electronic medical record systems and more, as these may vary with each assignment. If at any point during orientation or throughout your assignment you need additional assistance, your experience specialist is always available.
Travel nurse career development opportunities
We want to help you build your dream career. As an Aya traveler, you have the opportunity to work at top facilities across the country — plus, you have access to the most jobs in the industry! Traveling gives you exposure to different clinical settings and patient populations. With each new assignment, you’ll grow your skillset and boost your resume.
On top of the experience you’ll gain on the job, eligible travelers can participate in the Aya Scholars Program, Aya’s clinical ladder program for RNs on assignment. The Aya Scholars Program rewards clinicians who complete certain requirements and activities in set clinical nurse categories. If you’re looking for other professional development opportunities, Aya travelers also have access to unlimited free continuing education units online.
Common question from first-time travel nurses
Have questions about travel nursing? We’ve got answers.
Check out our Travel Nursing FAQ page for details on:
- Extending a contract
- Traveling with family or pets
- On-assignment support
Starting your journey as a travel nurse comes with a lot of unknowns, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. With Aya, you’ll have a dedicated team supporting you during your first assignment and beyond. We’re here to answer your questions, advocate for you and make sure you have everything you need to thrive.
Register with Aya today and get unparalleled support to transform your career.
Crain’s Business New York: Hospitals continue to use travel nurses