er travel nurse requirements

Become an ER Travel Nurse: Learn the Details, Requirements, and How to Apply

by Trusted Nurse Staffing | Sep 4, 2021 | News

Are you an ER nurse who loves the fast-paced nature of the job, but is looking for something more? 

Maybe you’re a nurse who specializes in another field, and you want to switch your focus to ER nursing. 

Or possibly you’re simply looking for an exciting new job opportunity that also satiates your desire to travel. 

No matter your background, your goal is probably the same.

If you’re looking to break into the exciting world of an ER travel nurse, you’ve come to the right place. 

This guide will outline all the details, requirements, application procedures, and everything else you’ve been wondering about becoming an ER travel nurse.

Table of Contents

What do er travel nurse jobs entail, how do you know if being an er travel nurse is right for you, 3 pros to becoming an er travel nurse, how do i become an er travel nurse, 4 basic requirements for er travel nurse assignments, how much do er travel nurses make, where are the highest paying er travel nurse jobs.

• Trusted Nurse Staffing: How to Apply to The Best Travel Agency for Emergency Room Travel Nurses

Travel ER nursing is a specialized field of nursing that requires some very specific skills. 

Being an ER nurse requires an individual who can remain calm and collected in even the most stressful of situations. 

Additionally, ER travel nurse jobs require skilled nurses who can:

• Quickly stabilize incoming patients
• Immediately assess and prioritize patients based on the severity of their illness or injury
• Record and monitor patient vital signs
• Administer medications as prescribed by the attending physician 
• Assist in various treatment procedures such as intubation, tracheotomies, setting broken bones, and giving sutures
• Manage a large caseload of patients 

If this sounds like a career you’d like to pursue, Trusted Nurse Staffing can help you find the perfect ER travel nurse job that checks all of your boxes.

It takes a highly skilled individual to become an ER nurse .

But it takes a truly special person to be an emergency room travel nurse . 

In addition to being able to perform all the job duties and responsibilities, a successful traveling ER nurse needs to:

• Be an adventure seeker
• Enjoy being independent 
• Want to take the leap into full-time traveling
• Have a desire to learn new skills
• Be comfortable going with the flow
• Embrace change with an open and positive mind
• Be highly professional, organized, and reliable; and 
• Desire a higher level of work-life balance

Becoming an ER travel nurse will add to your life, both professionally and personally, in ways you never expected.

#1: ER Travel Nurse Jobs Are in Demand

Without question, emergency room travel nurses are currently in high demand.

Nurses, in general, are in demand due to a multitude of reasons, including:

• A shortage of licensed nurses
• The rapidly aging population; and 
• A large number of aging and retiring nurses

Nurses with specialty training are in even higher demand, and even higher still is a demand for highly skilled travel nurses. 

Emergency room travel nurses are among the most needed nurses across the country.

This high demand is an enormous benefit to you if you’re a trained ER nurse because it means that you can be picky and choose an ER travel nurse job that is the perfect fit for you.

#2: ER Travel Nurse Jobs Are Never Boring

Emergency Room nursing jobs are among the most exciting and rapidly changing nursing specialties out there. No one day spent as an ER nurse is ever the same as the next.  

Let’s face it, the daily life of an ER nurse is literally the thing that prime-time TV dramas are made of. 

In addition to the ever-changing tasks and high-pressure situations these nurses face daily, highly-trained ER nurses who choose to travel can also work in some surprisingly interesting settings . 

Besides the standard emergency room, traveling ER nurses might work as:

• In-flight nurses
• Members of search and rescue teams
• Emergency medics at popular theme parks
• On-site movie medics; and 
• Cruise ship nurses

#3: ER Travel Nurses Get to Check Off Bucket Lists

Beyond the obvious professional benefits that come from working ER travel nurse jobs, there are tremendous personal benefits you may not have considered. 

Does your personal bucket list include traveling, new experiences, and exploring different places? 

If so, becoming an ER travel nurse might be the perfect way for you to check these things off of your list.

Live in and Explore New Places

Have you ever wanted to …

• Make cross-country road trips
• Immerse yourself in the bright lights, loud noises, and excitement of the biggest cities in the country
• Travel so much that you forget which time zone you’re currently in
• Sip coffee on the quaint streets of Small Town, USA
• Dip your toes in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
• Have the ability to pack up and hop on a plane to a brand-new city at a moment’s notice
• Lose track of time hiking unknown mountain trails
• Experience the vastness and amazingly diverse scenery of the US
• Taste different cuisines and regional specialties

Working as a traveling emergency room nurse is the perfect way to explore new places and satiate your adventurous spirit.

Meet New Friends and Contacts

Meeting new people, be it fellow travelers, co-workers, or simply the people you come across in everyday life, is another huge benefit of becoming a traveling ER nurse.

Networking is key, and the potential with travel nursing is huge. 

Travel nursing exposes you to people you otherwise never would have met and gives you the chance to make some important connections and life-long friends along the way.

Boost Your Nursing Resume

An ER travel nurse gets to gain experience in different types of hospitals across the U.S. that can all contribute to a much more impressive and well-rounded resume . 

Working in different types of settings, some state-of-the-art and others low-income, can help an individual develop as a stronger, more experienced nurse for pursuing any future nursing jobs. 

An ER travel nurse is a registered nurse who is specially trained to treat patients who are seriously injured or ill, typically in hospitals or in transport. 

To become an ER travel nurse, one must:

• Become a registered nurse
• Pass the NCLEX
• Gain relevant experience
• Obtain additional certifications

If you want to become qualified for ER travel nurse jobs, you must first meet the initial education and training required to become a registered nurse. From there, you need to gain some additional experience and certifications to become a trained ER travel nurse.

#1: Become a Registered Nurse

The first requirement for ER travel nurse assignments is to become a registered nurse, which typically takes between 2 and 4 years. 

To become a licensed RN, you must earn one of the following:

• A Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree ( BSN ) from an accredited four-year college or university
• An Associate Degree in Nursing ( ADN ) from an accredited two-year technical college. 

#2: Pass the NCLEX

Simply completing your nursing degree is not the only thing required to become a licensed RN. 

Approximately 6 weeks before graduating from your nursing degree program, you should apply for licensure and register to sit for the NCLEX-RN . 

Passing this 6-hour, 75-question computerized test is required to become a registered nurse. 

After passing the NCLEX and fulfilling all other board of nursing requirements in your state, you will be eligible to become a licensed and registered nurse in your state. 

#3: Gain Experience in Different Areas

Once you’ve obtained your initial RN licensure, you’ll be able to practice in a variety of healthcare settings. Sorting through the options and landing your first nursing job can feel overwhelming, but you’ll need to start somewhere.

Most ER nurses don’t just jump straight into the ER. It’s a field that requires a multitude of skills, so experience in other departments is often required. 

Some great facilities in which you can begin to gain experience include:

• Local hospitals
• Nursing homes
• Rehabilitation centers
• Health insurance providers; and 
• Home health care agencies

If you’re already an experienced nurse, you’ll want to make sure that you create a stellar resume that highlights your background. 

#4: Additional Certifications May Be Required

Keep in mind that different healthcare facilities may require different certifications and training. 

While all of these certifications may not be required to land ER travel nurse jobs, the more you add on, the more comprehensive and impressive your resume will be. 

Some additional certifications that ER travel nurses may wish to obtain include:

• Certified Emergency Nurse ( CEN )
• Basic Life Support ( BLS )
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support ( ACLS )
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support ( PALS )
• Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course ( ENPC )
• NIH Stroke Scale certification ( NIHSS )
• Trauma Nurse Core Course ( TNCC )
• Critical Care certification
• Cardiac Care certification
• Ambulatory Care certification
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Care certification

While it varies based on assignment, ER travel nurse salary can be as high as $95,000 per year. On average, ER travel nurses make about $35/hour or $6,000/month.

Additionally, ER travel nurses typically receive:

• Insurance coverage
• Retirement options
• Free or reduced housing; and 
• Travel reimbursement

There is a wide range in pay when it comes to ER travel nurse jobs so, obviously, you’ll want to land the highest paying assignment possible.

But how can you do this?

The truth is, finding the highest paying ER travel nurse jobs can require a good bit of work and know-how. 

If you’re looking to land the highest paying job possible, you’ll want to focus on these types of ER travel nurse assignments:

• ER nurse strike jobs
• Rapid Response jobs
• Crisis Rate jobs
• ER travel nurse jobs with bonuses

These types of emergency room travel nurse assignments often come with much more pressure to perform well in high-stress situations . As such, they are positions that are usually harder to fill , and thus pay more to experienced nurses who are willing to put in the work that it will take to be successful in these difficult situations.

Trusted Nurse Staffing: How to Apply to the Best Travel Agency for Emergency Room Travel Nurses

If you’re struggling to find the highest paying job possible, are unsure how to get started in this field, or just want to make sure you’ve covered all of your bases, Trusted Nurse Staffing can help. 

If you’re ready to begin your adventure as an ER travel nurse, the first step is to create your free profile .

You’ll then be contacted by one of Trusted Nurse Staffing’s recruiters, who will provide exceptional and personalized service to you every step of the way. 

You can count on Trusted Nurse Staffing to:

• Always maintain the highest level of integrity
• Treat you with respect and compassion 
• Lead by example, striving to create a better future for all of our clients
• Keep our commitments
• Remain committed to continuous learning and improvement
• Move forward with passion, continuing to challenge the status quo

You can rest assured that, by working with Trusted Nurse Staffing, your ER travel nursing career will always be in the best of hands.

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• Healthcare Jobs
• Travel Nurse

Emergency Room

Emergency room (er) travel nurse jobs.

Emergency room travel nurse jobs are one of the most sought-after travel jobs on Nomad Health. The demand for emergency room travel nurses has soared due to nursing shortages, seasonal illnesses, acute injuries, and additional support needed during COVID-19. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) , the demand for nurses and travel nurses is expected to grow 6% by 2032. This healthy demand, along with healthcare facilities prioritizing the hiring of ER travel nurses, bodes well for ER nurses looking to jump into traveling in the future.

Emergency room travel nurse job requirements

To qualify for an emergency room travel nurse job, you must meet certain requirements that are specific to the job. It’s important to know that each ER travel nurse job may have slightly different requirements based on the location and needs of the facility. However, the following requirements serve as a general checklist for most ER travel nurse jobs.

Educational requirements

At a minimum, emergency room travel nurse jobs require a college education from an accredited nursing program. You will need either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Keep in mind that some facilities may prefer a four-year bachelor's degree.

Licensure requirements

All emergency room travel nurse jobs require an active RN license in the state where you plan on working. If the state is part of the nursing compact, a multistate nursing license may be accepted by facilities. If you are applying for an ER travel nurse job in a state you haven’t worked in before, be prepared to obtain a license in that state.

Experience requirements

Many ER travel nurse jobs on Nomad require you to have at least 12-36 months of experience in the field, although this can vary depending on the facility and its needs. Some facilities may also require you to possess specialized skills in addition to the above requirements.

Certification requirements for ER travel RN jobs

ER travel nurse hiring managers are often looking for candidates who possess specific certifications. If you are offered a travel nurse job in the ER, you may be asked to obtain certain certifications before you can begin working. The most common required certifications for ER travel nurse jobs are:

• Basic life support (BLS)
• Advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS)
• Pediatric advanced life support (PALS)
• Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC)

Competency requirements for ER travel RN jobs

Emergency room travel nurse jobs require nurses to be proficient in using technology and medical equipment found in the ER. Examples of equipment and tools you may be required to have experience with include:

Monitoring equipment

In the emergency department, you’ll need a solid understanding of how to operate monitoring devices such as cardiac monitors, pulse oximeters, blood pressure monitors, and electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) machines.

Respiratory equipment

Many ER travel nurses help patients facing respiratory problems. Ventilators, CPAP, nebulizers, and suction devices are all considered common tools in the ER.

Diagnostic equipment

ER travel nurses may be tasked with assisting in diagnostic procedures, so a basic understanding of x-ray machines, ultrasound machines, CT scanners, and MRI machines is required.

Point-of-care testing devices

ER travel nurses use handheld devices to perform rapid tests in the emergency room, including pregnancy tests, urine analysis tests, and blood glucose monitoring.

Intravenous (IV) equipment

Administering fluids and medications, and placing and managing IV lines are common responsibilities for ER travel nurses.

Wound care tools

ER travel nurses may handle sterile instruments, assess wounds, and place dressings to care for patients with wounds.

Procedural equipment

ER travel nurses should know how to assist other medical professionals with common procedures such as suturing, intubations, and chest tube insertions.

Supply and equipment readiness

ER travel nurse jobs require RNs to keep crash carts updated, including checking and replacing outdated or expired items. ER travel nurses should also know where to find emergency equipment such as defibrillators and emergency airway kits.

Emergency protocols

Anyone working an ER travel nurse job should know how to call for a code and understand how to efficiently get support.

Soft skills required for ER travel RN jobs

Emergency room travel nurse jobs require nurses to demonstrate specific soft skills, including:

Stress management

The emergency room can be a stressful environment to work in. Successful ER travel nurses find ways to manage the demands of the ER without sacrificing the quality of patient care and self-care.

Adaptability

As a travel ER nurse, you must be able to easily adapt to new emergency department settings, workflows, patient populations, coworkers, and equipment.

Emergency room travel nurse jobs require travel nurses to be able to make decisions independently, especially during emergency scenarios.

Communication and collaboration

While autonomy is important, it’s equally important for those working ER travel nurse jobs to collaborate with other team members such as physicians, x-ray techs, and respiratory therapists while dealing with conflict professionally. Having excellent communication skills with patient families who may be experiencing difficult emotions is vital as well.

Miscellaneous ER travel nurse job requirements

Immunization requirements.

To secure an ER travel nurse job, you will need to be up to date on your immunizations according to facility policy. This may include recent flu vaccines, TB tests, hepatitis B titers, and more.

Background check and drug screen

Pre-employment background checks and drug screenings are an important part of obtaining an ER travel nurse job. Verifying employment history and reference are also common procedures for each new assignment. Many travel agencies will pay for expenses related to background checks and drug screening.

Jobs by State

• Connecticut
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• West Virginia

Emergency room travel nurse job duties and responsibilities

Emergency room travel nurse job duties may range from advanced life support to medical equipment management. Emergency room travel nurses usually perform the same duties and responsibilities as staff ER nurses; one difference is that travel ER nurses are expected to adapt quickly to new work environments with a minimal orientation period. It’s important to note that every ER travel nurse job comes with its own set of unique duties and responsibilities based on the facility’s needs.

Patient care

The most critical duty of ER travel nurse jobs is safe patient care. These nurses work with patients who are experiencing distress for various reasons; travel ER nurses must use their clinical judgment and recognize when a situation requires immediate intervention rather than be prioritized for later. They may also see a range of medical conditions and acute injuries. Routine patient care tasks include triage based on vital signs, clinical presentation, history, and expected resources required along with administering medications and monitoring reactions. Other tasks include placing IVs, performing reassessments, responding to emergencies, and giving discharge instructions and education.

Assist with emergency medical procedures and provide emergency care

One of the most common duties of an ER travel nurse job is to participate and/or assist medical teams with procedures for patients with acute injuries and illnesses. Some of the most common procedures emergency room travel nurse jobs may require experience for are:

• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
• Venipuncture and IV insertion
• Medication administration
• Central line placement
• Emergency ultrasounds
• Fracture reduction
• Emergency childbirth
• Nasogastric (NG) and orogastric (OG) tube insertion
• Chest tube insertion
• Lumbar puncture
• Overdose and poisoning management
• Therapeutic hypothermia
• Rapid sequence intubation (RSI)
• Defibrillation
• Psychiatric crisis management
• Patient transport

Patient monitoring

ER travel nurses continuously monitor patient status including vital signs, consciousness level, and level of pain. Through monitoring, these nurses can adjust care plans as needed based on patient feedback and data from monitoring equipment such as ECGs, blood pressure monitors, pulse oximetry, and more.

Patient and family education

Part of ER travel nursing jobs is to educate family members about the patient’s condition, prognosis, and care needs. Emergency room travel nurses explain and break down complex medical terminology and explain procedures in a way that is easier to understand for families and guardians of the patient who may need to make critical decisions about care.

Documentation

Documentation is an important responsibility of emergency room travel nurse jobs because it helps safeguard patients for future care decisions while allowing for a timely, accurate record of observations and interventions performed. ER travel nurses are responsible for documenting and securing information before, during, and after emergency procedures and routine care, including:

• Procedure notes
• Patient conditions
• Treatment notes
• Patient responses
• Vital signs

Discharge planning

ER travel nurse jobs require nurses to prepare and present discharge instructions to patients who have been treated in the emergency room. These plans include a summary of the patient's visit and treatments administered, post-care instructions, and prescription information if needed. ER travel nurses may also coordinate with social services if post-discharge care is needed.

Miscellaneous ER travel nurse job responsibilities

Remember, no travel job is the same. Every emergency room travel nurse job comes with its own set of duties and responsibilities based on the current needs of the healthcare facility hiring for the role. While the above duties and responsibilities are common across many ER travel nurse jobs, individual travel jobs listed on Nomad Health may come with duties outside of this scope. If you have questions about a certain ER travel nurse job on Nomad, reach out to a Nomad Navigator.

Why consider an ER travel nurse job?

There are plenty of good reasons why considering an emergency room travel nurse job is a smart move. From financial incentives to personal growth, a travel job might be just what you need to take the next step in your nursing career.

High demand for ER travel nurses

With an increase in acute care cases and emergency room nurse shortages, emergency room travel nurse jobs remain in demand. Because the demand is high, you can sleep easy knowing that your job is secure and less susceptible to economic downturns.

Competitive pay

Emergency room travel nurse jobs may pay more than staff emergency room jobs. Many things can impact travel pay including your experience, education, location, credentials, and facility needs. When you browse ER travel nurse jobs on Nomad, you’ll see a pay breakdown (including the travel stipend) of every job so you know exactly how you can earn before you apply.

Emergency room travel nurse jobs provide an opportunity to work with new technologies. Common technology that ER travel nurses get exposure to include:

• Electronic health records (EHR) systems
• Cardiac monitors
• Capnography
• Manual and automated external defibrillators (AEDs)
• i-STAT systems
• Triage software
• Medical alarms
• Syringe drivers
• Computerized provider order entry (CPOE) systems
• Barcode medication administration (BCMA) systems
• Central monitoring systems
• Radiology equipment

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Emergency room travel nurse jobs allow you to collaborate cross-functionally with interdisciplinary healthcare staff ranging from physicians to staff nurses and even radiologists. When you work closely with these teams, you’ll get a broader perspective on patient care which you can add to your skill set.

Continuous learning

Emergency room travel nurse jobs can put you on the fast track to learn about the latest education, techniques, treatments, and equipment used in the field. If you’re interested in getting ahead of the curve, applying for an ER travel nurse job might be right for you.

Visit new locations

One of the biggest perks of emergency room travel nurse jobs is deciding where you want to work. From the city to the facility, it’s up to you. Accepting ER travel jobs in new locations also exposes you to new facilities and patient populations you may not experience in a regular staff position.

Tips for finding the best ER travel nurse jobs

Most nurses agree that the best ER travel nurse jobs offer a combination of high compensation and opportunities to expand your clinical experience. However, what makes an ER travel nurse job the best usually depends on personal preferences, career goals, and financial goals.

Research ER travel nurse job agencies

To find the best ER travel nurse job for you, research is the name of the game. First, you need to determine which travel agencies offer ER travel nurse jobs. Unfortunately, not all agencies work with ER travel nurses.

Read reviews

Next, you should consider the reputation of the agency you’re considering working with. Use a search engine to read testimonials and reviews other ER travel nurses have left about the agency. These reviews should give you a general idea of whether the agency meets your standards, and if other ER travel nurses recommend them.

Compare job benefits

While pay may often be the most important benefit of emergency room travel nurse jobs, remember that additional perks such as stipends for scrubs, licenses, and travel, along with health insurance and the option to invest in a 401(k) should be factored into the equation. Unlike Nomad, not all agencies offer these types of benefits , so it's important to compare the additional perks before you accept an ER travel nurse job.

Top locations for emergency room travel RN jobs

The demand for emergency room travel nurse jobs varies across different states based on factors such as the overall demand for ER support, the number of healthcare facilities, and the demographics of the regional population. Additionally, states with larger populations and advanced healthcare infrastructure may need more ER travel nurses than others.

As one of the biggest states, California has multiple medical facilities in densely populated areas like Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, and San Francisco that often hire for ER travel nurse jobs. California also has strict nurse-to-patient ratio laws, which bodes well for patient safety and nurse satisfaction. Additionally, California has a high cost of living, which may result in attractive pay rates.

Like California, certain high-growth metropolitan areas in Texas have ER travel nurse jobs available including Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin. Because Texas regularly experiences public health emergencies like tornadoes, hurricanes, and other natural disasters, the need for ER travel nurses may be high.

Because Florida has an older-than-average population and an expansive medical system, the demand for ER nurse travelers is high, especially in cities like Jacksonville, Tampa, Miami, and Orlando. Like Texas, Florida also experiences several natural disasters, including hurricanes, which often result in spikes in demand for ER travel nurses.

The dense population and high number of healthcare facilities in New York make it a hot spot for emergency room travel RN jobs, especially in New York City. Additionally, due to extremely cold winters, there may be an increase in cold-weather emergencies seen in the ER such as hypothermia.

Because Arizona experiences a yearly influx of winter visitors, there is a seasonal strain on healthcare systems there, including a demand for ER nurses.

How to prepare for your first ER travel nurse job

If it’s your first time accepting an ER travel nurse job, there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind that will help you feel prepared and ready to go on your first day. Every emergency room travel nurse job is different, but excelling in one or more of these areas may ensure you are set up for success.

Ask about orientation

One of the most important questions you can ask your hiring manager is about the orientation and onboarding process for your ER travel job. Knowing how much support you will have at the beginning and during the assignment will help you set realistic expectations for your first week on the job.

Be adaptable

Being adaptable is the key to starting any ER travel RN job. You will need to be prepared for ambiguity and performing tasks that you may not have much experience with.

Build relationships

Along the way, remember to network and build relationships with your new colleagues. Connect with other ER travel nurses and learn about their experiences with the facility and traveling in general.

Pack wisely

Remember to pack all the essentials you will need for the duration of your travel assignment. Depending on where your ER travel nurse job is, it may be difficult to find a drug store or other convenience stores for items at the last minute, especially if you’re working in a rural area. We recommend packing extra pairs of scrubs, toiletries, and anything else to make you comfortable during your stay.

Frequently asked questions about ER travel nurse jobs

Are er travel nurse jobs in high demand.

Yes, emergency room travel nurse jobs remain in high demand. Because the number of patients that require emergency room care continues to increase, facilities may need extra clinical support from ER travel nurses.

How long do emergency room travel nurse jobs last?

ER travel RN job contract length varies depending on the needs of the facility. In general, most emergency room travel nurse job contracts are 13 weeks long, although it’s not uncommon to find contracts that last eight to 12 weeks.

What qualifications do I need to get an ER travel nurse job?

To qualify for an ER travel nurse job, you will need a two or four-year college degree, an RN license for the state where you want to work, at least two years of experience working in the field, and basic certifications like BLS, ACLS, PALS, TNCC. However, each facility has different requirements for ER travel nurse jobs, so make sure you review the individual qualifications before you apply.

Can I choose the location for my ER travel nurse job?

Yes, you can choose the location for your ER travel nurse job. Nomad Health features emergency room travel RN jobs across the United States. Some are in desirable locations like Hawaii, California, and Florida.

How quickly can I start an ER travel nurse job?

How soon you can start your ER travel nurse job will depend on the needs of the facility. Sometimes facilities need you to start ASAP, while others may allow you to negotiate a start date based on your convenience.

What kind of support will I have during my ER travel nurse job with Nomad?

From the time you apply to the last day of your shift, you’ll get ongoing support from the Nomad Navigators . Once you’re on assignment, you will also have access to Clinical Navigators who are clinicians who have been in your shoes and are equipped to help you navigate any facility or clinical-related issues that may arise.

Do ER travel nurse jobs provide opportunities for professional growth?

Yes! Emergency room travel nurse jobs are an excellent way to fast-track professional growth. When you accept an ER travel nurse job, you can get exposure to new environments, patient populations, and technology that may help level up your skillset and compensation.

ER travel RN healthcare sources

• American Nurses Association (ANA). (n.d.). Home. Retrieved November 6, 2023, from https://www.nursingworld.org/
• Emergency Nurses Association (ENA). (n.d.). Home. Retrieved November 6, 2023, from https://www.ena.org/
• American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). (n.d.). Home. Retrieved November 6, 2023, from https://www.aacn.org/
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved November 6, 2023, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
• National Institutes of Health (NIH). (n.d.). Home. Retrieved November 6, 2023, from https://www.nih.gov/
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (n.d.). Home. Retrieved November 6, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/
• National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). (n.d.). Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Retrieved November 6, 2023, from https://www.ncsbn.org/nurse-licensure-compact.htm

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Travel as an Emergency Room Nurse

Browse travel ER nursing opportunities with LRS Healthcare.

Traveling as an ER Nurse with LRS Healthcare

As a healthcare staffing agency, LRS Healthcare’s specialized recruiters lead Emergency Room Nurses, like yourself, through your new career journey as a traveling healthcare professional.

If you crave excitement and the ability to dictate your schedule and work location, traveling is a great option for you. Our expert recruiters are committed to learning about you and your preferences to find your ideal location and role. They will act as a career guide to help you step by step through the entire process to ensure you begin your new assignment with smooth sailing.

Check out LRS Healthcare’s current traveling ER Nurse jobs and apply today to begin your next adventure. Once you apply, a recruiter will be in touch to help complete the application and go over important job details (like pay and start dates) while securing a healthcare travel assignment that lives up to your demands.

What to expect

Applying for er nurse travel jobs.

To start the next chapter of your career as a travel nurse, you will first need to apply for an assignment. Shortly after, a recruiter will find a time to meet with you and dive into job details, learn your geographical preferences, and secure your first assignment. Once all credentialing and background checks are finalized and if the facility extends an offer, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running.

Download the Complete Checklist for Every New Healthcare Travel Assignment

of Traveling as  an ER Nurse

Now to the good stuff, the perks! As a LRS Healthcare travel ER Nurse, you will be able to take advantage of our wide range of benefits and perks, including control over your career. Break out of your comfort zone, explore new cities, and build your network as a travel ER Nurse!

Additional perks include:

Excellent Weekly Pay

Explore New Cities

Fun and Flexible Lifestyle

On-the-Job Experiences

Professional Growth

Extended Time Off Between Assignments

Meet New People

24-Hour Support

With all of this change and excitement, it may take some time to get comfortable in your new job and location. Don’t worry this is expected and your recruiter will be there at every step of your journey! Learn more about travel opportunities for Nursing Professionals.  

Asked Questions

01. Healthcare traveler requirements vary by facility and state. To ensure that the process is fast and stress-free, we recommend that: • All professional licenses and certifications are updated and ready to go before you apply. • Any additional licenses that may be required based on your assignment’s location. • You have at least 2 years of on-the-job experience as an ER Nurse. (This isn’t necessarily required, but we have found that these individuals are typically positioned better and will likely be more comfortable with the responsibilities).

02. The first step is to find a healthcare staffing agency that collaborates with you to secure the best destination and role for you while remaining open and transparent. Our recruiters at LRS Healthcare make it their responsibility to put their travelers in a position to succeed. We make quality care our priority.

03. Short answer: depends on experience. Pay packages vary by experience, job, facility, and agency. Sites and job boards that promote weekly pay either display the pay before or after taxes and include or exclude travel and housing stipends. These variables affect what your take-home pay could be and could potentially vary from the number promoted on the job post. To confirm that this information is accurate, reach out to your LRS Healthcare recruiter to go through your personalized pay package in depth.

04. Most ER Nurse travel assignments are 13 weeks, which allows you to fully experience your new destination and build your network. If you find that you aren’t ready to leave your current assignment, you can always   request an extension .

24/7/365 Benefits

Beyond-your-basic benefits.

Licensure Reimbursement

Certification Reimbursement

Traveler Experience Team

Referral Bonus

LifeWorks EAP

Clinical Team

Healthcare Traveler App

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Why Choose LRS Healthcare?

Your success is our priority. That’s why we make the traveler experience easy, so you can spend more time living your life and caring for your patients. Here are just a few more reasons to travel with us.

Traveler First:

You’re never just a number to us. We take the time to learn about you, including your career goals and desired destinations. Your recruiter will guide you from one assignment to the next and be your advocate throughout your journey with us.

Responsive:

Submit your online application, and we’ll be in touch right away. Once we’ve gotten to know you and matched you to an ideal position, we’ll work together to collect the rest of the details.

Full Service:

Along with your recruiter, you’ll have access to our dedicated operations and traveler experience teams. They help take care of all the details to make your assignment the very best it can be. You won’t go it alone—you can contact us any time, 24/7/365.

Traveler App:

LRS Connect is our job search and employment app designed specifically for healthcare travelers. Start your profile to set up custom job preferences and we’ll notify you (in real time) as soon as your dream job becomes available! When you’re ready, you can apply with ease directly through the app with one simple click!

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Ready to hit the road for your next assignment.

How to Become a Travel Nurse

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• Career Overview
• Steps to Become
• Education Options
• Certification and Specialization

Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

Are you interested in a financially rewarding nursing career that offers the flexibility to take short-term assignments across the country and abroad? The nursing shortage has increased the demand for travel nurses in every type of healthcare setting, often in underserved communities in both urban and rural locations. Employers offer higher pay and more generous benefits to travel nurses with certain specialties, such as ICU or neonatal nursing, or those holding advanced practice registered nursing licenses.

Keep reading to learn how to become a travel nurse, what kind of license and certifications you need to enter the field, and what to expect on the job.

How Long to Become 2-4 years

Degree Required ADN or BSN

Average Annual Salary $83,386

Source: Payscale , May 2024

What Is a Travel Nurse?

A travel nurse is a skilled nursing professional willing to take short-term assignments locally, across the U.S., and even internationally . These assignments can last from a few weeks to several months. Instead of seeking permanent positions in healthcare facilities, these nursing professionals find temporary placements using the services of staffing agencies that specialize in travel nursing. Travel nurse contracts outline the start and end dates for the placement, total compensation for the duration of the assignment, and work expectations.

The demand for registered nurses has increased throughout the healthcare industry, along with critical nursing shortages in some geographic locations and in high-demand specializations. Travel nurses have stepped in to fill these gaps. According to data compiled by Zippia , there are 1,733,502 traveling nurses currently employed in the United States. For comparison’s sake, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that as of 2023 there were about 3.2 million registered nurses (RN) employed in the U.S.

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Steps to Becoming a Travel Nurse

A travel nurse must meet the same educational and clinical requirements as all registered nurses (RNs). You must first earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). According to the Zippia data, 47% of travel nurses have a BSN degree, more than any other degree type.

Once you earn your degree, you need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and acquire your state nursing license. Because employers expect travel nurses to immediately begin working, travel nurse staffing agencies typically look for applicants with at least one year of clinical experience. Specializations and certifications can give you an advantage.

Earn an ADN or BSN Degree From an Accredited Program.

Travel nurses must earn an ADN or a BSN to qualify for RN licensure. An ADN offers the fastest pathway to an RN nursing career. However, a BSN, which typically takes four years to complete, provides graduates with a higher level of training and clinical experience, leading to broader employment opportunities. The major travel nurse staffing agencies and large healthcare systems prefer to hire RNs with a BSN degree.

Pass the NCLEX Exam to Receive RN Licensure.

You need to pass the National Council Licensure Exam for RNs (NCLEX-RN) to earn an RN license. This computer-adaptive test takes up to six hours and covers nursing practice, conditions and treatments, how the healthcare system works, legal and ethical issues, and patient communication and education.

Gain Clinical Nursing Experience.

The more clinical experience you have, the more likely you will find a placement. Most agencies only consider applicants with a minimum of one year of experience. However, some healthcare contracts require two years or more of clinical experience. Travel nurses must have the skills and background to jump into assignments without on-the-job training or orientations, adjusting to new environments, staff, and procedures.

Find a Travel Nursing Agency.

Nurse staffing agencies have grown in popularity, filling the nursing shortage gap resulting from RNs who retire or leave the workforce. Consequently, many agencies have emerged that specialize in travel nurse staffing. Travel nurse agencies advertise for specific positions, often recruiting at nursing school career offices, professional associations, and online. Before working with a travel nurse agency, it is important to research its reputation. When evaluating agencies, you should compare if the contracts they offer meet your expectations about available locations, types of assignments, salary and benefits, and travel and housing arrangements.

Begin Your First Travel Nursing Assignment.

Because travel nurses work in multiple settings with varied patient populations , duties and responsibilities differ for each new assignment. In most cases, you will receive little on-the-job training. Depending on the employer, your first shift may begin with a full orientation or just a brief introduction to the facility’s procedures and policies. You may be paired with a nurse for your first few days, but then you will be expected to work independently soon after.

While some travel staffing agencies handle housing arrangements to help you settle into your new environment, you may decide to find your own accommodations to save on living expenses.

Travel Nurse Education

Different employers and positions have different travel nurse requirements. Generally, it takes at least two years to earn an ADN, the minimum requirement to become an RN.

Most travel nurse positions require a BSN, but some nurses start with an ADN, which takes two years to complete rather than the four years required for a BSN. Many BSN programs offer RN-to-BSN bridge programs .

Admission Materials

Program curriculum, time to complete, skills learned.

All travel nurses must be licensed RNs by earning an undergraduate nursing degree, either a BSN or an ADN, and passing the NCLEX-RN examination. However, many employers require or strongly prefer a BSN.

Travel Nurse Licensure

If you plan on becoming a travel nurse, you must have a valid nursing license in the state where you intend to practice. If the state where you earned your initial RN license participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), you do not need to apply for another license to work in any other NLC state. However, not all states are NLC members . If your intended travel nurse assignment is located in a non-NLC state, you must apply for a license in that specific state before starting your contract. Some states have expedited processes for temporary licenses, and certain staffing agencies can assist you with the application process.

Maintaining an active license as a travel nurse is no different than for other RNs. You need to renew your RN license periodically, meeting the specific requirements for contact hours and continuing education units in your home state. If you are working in a non-NLC state, you must meet the renewal requirements for that jurisdiction.

Travel Nursing Certification and Specialization

RNs often choose to earn specialty nurse certifications in a variety of areas, including emergency care, pediatrics, obstetrics, and infection control. While earning a certification may not be required for a certain position, a specialization helps distinguish you from other job applicants and may boost your salary.

According to a 2019 travel nurse compensation report , the demand for travel nurses is highest for those with specializations in ICU, medical-surgical, operating room, and emergency room nursing. ICU nurses, the most in-demand travel nurse specialty, accounts for 16.5% of all travel nurses. Healthcare employers and staffing agencies often look for travel nurses with specialties in particular patient populations, including neonatal nursing and pediatrics, or those with experience in specific types of services, such as emergency and critical care nursing.

Working as a Travel Nurse

Travel nurses fill temporary assignments wherever nurses are needed. They may find placements in hospitals and clinics facing nursing shortages, community health facilities, and healthcare organizations in the U.S. and abroad that must respond to public health crises, disease outbreaks, and other medical emergencies. The average travel nurse contract lasts between 13 and 26 weeks, but hours and shifts vary widely depending on the assignment.

Travel nurse salaries also vary by setting, location, and specialization. According to Vivian , a major healthcare hiring service, the average weekly pay for travel nurses is $2,104 or $44.79 an hour, compared to $42.80 per hour for RNs overall, according to BLS data . However, earnings can range from $458 weekly for the lowest-paid travel nurses to $6,419 for the top earners, and some travel nurses may be given a housing/relocation stipend.

Although working as a travel nurse has many benefits, there are some potential downsides. Travel nurses may be required to complete onboarding for each new contract they begin, even if they have already previously worked at a facility. This process can require time-consuming steps, such as providing proof of vaccination, fingerprinting, and documentation of your medical history, which can delay your start date.

Some travel nurses have difficulty finding affordable housing options for the duration of their contract. You can review a travel agency’s benefits to determine if they may provide assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Travel Nurse

Do travel nurses get benefits.

In addition to the attractive salaries, some travel nurse placements offer benefits. These may include medical and dental coverage, 401K contributions, sign-on bonuses, and stipends for housing, travel and per-diem living expenses.

Can travel nurses choose where they work?

One of the major perks of working as a travel nurse is the flexibility to choose when and where to work. However, your ability to choose your placement depends on the demand for your particular specialty or the number of available positions in the location where you want to work.

What is the best degree to become a travel nurse?

Many staffing agencies prefer to hire travel nurses who have completed a bachelor of science in nursing. A BSN equips nurses with a solid foundation of nursing knowledge and skills. This can prepare them for a travel nursing role, where they may need to transition between healthcare facilities and effectively adapt to diverse patient populations and settings.

How do I find a travel nurse staffing agency?

Travel nurse staffing agencies may recruit at nursing schools, through referrals, or through advertisements for specific positions or general placements. You can also look online for travel nurse staffing agencies or discover agencies through networking. Be sure to double check references and the agency’s reputation.

Related Pages

What to Know About Working as an International Travel Nurse

If you love traveling and want to become a nurse, consider the growing field of international travel nursing. Choose from many well-paying positions in a variety of destinations all over the world.

The 7 Top States for Travel Nurses (Fall)

The travel nurse industry is rapidly expanding. If you’d like to plan your first or next assignment, consider these top seven states for your fall destination.

How to Become an International Travel Nurse

Discover how to become an international travel nurse, the types of assignments available, and the required certifications.

Page last reviewed on April 7, 2024

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Travel Nurse Career Guide: ER Nursing Jobs

ER nurses care for a variety of patients who come into the hospital’s emergency department. Stabilization is the name of the game in the ER, as most patients are experiencing life-threatening situations. ER nurses are masters of adaptability who can access, react, and move on quickly. Whether you’re a new grad nurse thinking about travel nursing or an experienced ER nurse stepping into travel, this insight into what it’s like working in emergency departments across the country.

Part 1: What is an ER Travel Nurse?

Part 2: er travel nurse experience & certifications, part 3: what is it like to work as an er travel nurse, part 4: er travel nurse advice, part 5: who to follow & er resources.

ER nurses work the front line of the hospital. They must be prepared to handle any case that arrives at the emergency department. Nurses who work in the emergency department are natural problem solvers and can work calmly amidst the chaos. Stabilization is the name of the game. Things move very quickly in the ER, so nurses need top-notch critical thinking skills and need to work within a large team of clinicians. Nurses in the ER also must deal with anxious family members and tough emotional strain as they often see patients who are at their worst.

ER RN, Emily

What is it like to work as an ER nurse in facilities all over the country? We asked TNAA Ambassador Emily to tell us all about her specialty:

  View this post on Instagram   It’s not the most wonderful time of the year. I hope you’re listening to the cries of grief and despair in people that surround you this holiday season. You see, I receive daily reminders of the brevity of life entangled in the sweet, everlasting impact people have on one another. Although this season is full of bright lights, choirs, and enough manufactured cheer to fuel a small country, it’s also a stark reminder to so many of the one thing they are missing that no amount of twinkle lights or holiday nog will replace. To them, they have no silent nights because the ache of their loss rings louder than any Mariah Carey song. . On my way to Thanksgiving last year, I sat next to a man on a plane and we bonded over the fact that we had to work on the holidays. Over the course of the next two hours, he slowly disclosed that he had signed up for every holiday for the next year because his 6 year old daughter had just died from cancer and he couldn’t imagine having to bear the pain of experiencing the holidays without her. For him, it’s not the most wonderful time of the year. . Last year on Christmas Day, I held the hand of a man as he took his few remaining breaths. It was just the two of us, his family had not made it to the hospital in time. For them, this is not the most wonderful time of the year. . A few years ago, I sat in the room as we told a 32 weeks pregnant woman, that she had progressive cancer and that she would have a C-section the next day so she could begin treatment ASAP. I don’t know the final results, but I do know that her prognosis wasn’t very favorable. For that family, I’m sure it’s not the most wonderful time of the year. . So here’s the thing. We don’t know everyone’s story. So rather than writing someone off as the Grinch, giving snarky responses as they cut you off in the grocery store, or expect them to behave in a certain way, I hope we all can quietly listen to their stories. . And to my friends out there who are quietly grieving, I see you. I’m sorry this season is so hard. I give you all the permission to healthfully grieve in your own way in the next few weeks. It’s ok not to embrace “the most wonderful time of the year.” A post shared by Emily Bryant (@emily_bee2) on Dec 7, 2019 at 5:57pm PST

I chose my specialty because I like the intensity and fast pace nature that the ER brings. ER nurses have to be adaptable, quick on their feet, and be ready to take any patient at any moment. Unlike other departments, patients show up in our rooms, and we have absolutely no idea what illnesses or diseases they have. Sometimes a patient will be brought in by EMS, and they will be unconscious, and we have absolutely no idea what happened. As an Emergency Medicine team, we have to work together from ground 0 to build a possible story and hopefully come to a diagnosis. I also love how often I get to practice my skills in the ED. Every shift I work, I am placing IV’s, putting in Foley’s, assisting with procedures, dropping NG tubes, placing splints, performing wound care, and a myriad of other skills that other nurses only perform a few times a year. I love the hands-on contact with the patients and the ability to refine my skills on a shift to shift basis.

One of my absolute favorite things about working in the Emergency Department is the ability to work with patients from 1 day old to 101 years old. There are some shifts where I have a newborn in one room, a teenager in the next, a 50-year-old down the hallway, and a 95-year-old next to them. I love all of the different hats I get to wear in one shift. However, with that comes a lot of responsibility, and I also have to be a chameleon. It means that I have to be adequate and knowledgeable about everything, and an expert on nothing. I know an average amount about infant, pediatric, OB, oncology, critically sick, psych, trauma, surgical, neuro, and cardiac patients, but I am an expert at none. It is so fun to be able to work with such a diverse group of patients, and it makes every shift completely new.

  View this post on Instagram   Bam. Hospital number 7 is in the books. Let me tell you, some jobs are no joke and they push you in different ways each and every assignment. I’m so grateful for another opportunity to meet some amazing other nurses and be impacted by countless patients stories. This job is a privilege. #travelnurse #travelnursing #travelnurselife #nurse #nurselife #ernurse #emergencynurse #traumanurse #nursesofinstagram #gypsynurse #travelnurseadventures #rn #rnlife #nightshift #gypsynurselife #gypsynurseadventures #travelingnurse #igetpaidtodothis #bestjobever #healthcare #medicine #nursingschool #nursingstudent #studentnurse #travelblog #singletraveler #solotravel #solotraveler #dowhatyoulove #lactate A post shared by Emily Bryant (@emily_bee2) on Sep 15, 2018 at 8:43pm PDT

 As weird as it sounds, I also love being the contact for people in some of the worst moments of their lives. It has been such a joy to grow in confidence in skills to be able to say, “I see you, I can’t fathom the pain and heartache you are going through right now, but I am here with you for the next …. time. You are exactly where you need to be right now, and I am going to do everything I can to help get you through this.”

To work as a travel nurse, you need at least 1 year of experience in an acute care facility. And ER travel nurse requirements are no different. Most facilities want to see that you have had time to develop your skills before you travel as you often will have limited orientation on assignment.

Most ER nurses hold the following certifications:

• BLS, Basic Life Support
• ACLS, Advanced Cardiac Life Support
• PALS, Pediatric Advanced Life Support
• NIH, Stroke Certification from NIHSS

Many ER nurses build their credentials with the following certifications

• TNCC, Trauma Nurse Core Course
• ENPC, Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course
• CEN, Certified Emergency Nurse

Facilities across the country are searching for solutions to violence against nurses. Many ER travel nurse jobs are now requiring CPI or crisis prevention training. Don’t worry; we’ll negotiate with the facilities for your certification. Read more about workplace violence in the medical field and what TNAA is doing here. 

“Working as a travel nurse in the ER is so much fun! It is so great because we work next to the doctors and get to build relationships with them from day 1, whereas I would imagine it would take longer on the floor. ER travelers should be expected to be able to pick up a normal assignment (usually 4-6 beds) and be completely independent. The travelers should not need to be taught how to do procedures, but rather just oriented to the unit, learn where equipment is, and get to know the staff. Travelers have also been known to be utilized in the psych department of the ER’s heavily towards the beginning of the contracts. Just like floor nurses can tend to get the “bad” assignments, some charge nurses also but ER nurses in Psych more often than their normal staff. Although there are exceptions, the majority of hospitals do not let travelers work traumas. Or at least they don’t let them in the Trauma Bays right at first. I have been in some hospitals where you aren’t even allowed to step into them, and others that learn to trust my skills and then run the Traumas. Traveling as an ER nurse is so fun because you just get exposed to so many different things, different cultures, different ER flows, and different methods and views on how to treat different diagnoses.”

• Be Adaptable! If you can’t quickly learn to pick up new methods and workflows, this job will be extremely frustrating for you. 
• Don’t Compare Hospitals to Your Previous Ones. It is so much easier just to accept the place for what it is, and gently speak your opinions on changes they should make over time.
• Be Confident. Be confident without coming across as arrogant. Show your skills, but also be humble in what you don’t know. 
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How To Become A Travel Nurse In 6 Steps|2024

Written by Chaunie Brusie with expert review by Kathleen Gaines 

What Is a Travel Nurse?

Your immediate vision of travel nursing may be exploring exotic destinations, but that’s not necessarily true. Being a travel nurse  means you are employed by an independent nursing staffing agency instead of a single hospital.

This means you could travel as far as a different country, or you could work at a hospital near your home in need of temporary nurses. The choice of when and where to work is up to you, but travel nursing doesn’t always have to mean far away travel.

Looking for open travel nurse assignments? Speak with a recruiter today!

Travel Nurse Requirements

All travel nurses must meet certain requirements before applying for contracts. These include licensure, a degree, certifications, and some experience. Let’s look at each one.

1. Nursing License Requirements

Travel nurses are required to have an RN license in the state they are contracted. Now, if your permanent residence is one of the states that are currently part of the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC), then consider yourself lucky. You will not need an individual state license if you are contracted to work in another eNLC state.

However, if your home base is not an eNLC state – you will be required to apply for an individual state license. This must be granted prior to the start of your contract, so plan ahead and start drafting your ideal location list early to make sure you’re ready when a recruiter finds a contract for you.

2. Nursing Degree Requirements

Most travel nurses are expected to have a BSN. The minimum requirement for travel nursing is an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). However, depending on the hospital or facility, a BSN may be preferred. For this reason, some travel nurse agencies will only work with nurses who have completed a BSN degree.

More specifically, most large healthcare systems will require a BSN, especially those with Magnet designation.

Magnet is awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association (ANA), and is awarded to individual hospitals that have been recognized for achieving the “gold standard” of nursing care. According to the ANCC and ANA, nurses that have earned a BSN have a higher level of skill and abilities.

Find available, high-paying travel nurse opportunities.

3. Nursing Certification Requirements

Certifications will depend on the unit and the specific job requirements. All nurses (staff nurses and travel nurses) are required to have a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, and most will have either a Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS).

Travel nurses are expected to have and maintain these certifications prior to signing on with a travel nurse company. Additionally, some travel nurse agencies will assist their nurses with certification and recertification.

It’s important to speak with the nursing agency recruiter to determine eligibility. If the travel agency does not assist with recertification, some hospitals will allow travel nurses to attend in-hospital classes. The other viable option is through a certification agency.

All other job-specific certifications should be discussed in the contract prior to signing. Earning additional certifications will increase both your job opportunities and earnings potential.

Specific specialty certifications such as CCRN or CWON are not required for most travel nursing positions. However, those certifications will move your application to the top of the pile — especially in the highly competitive travel nursing industry .

These are the three most common certifications for travel nurses:

CPN (Certified Pediatric Nurse)

Ccrn (certified critical care nurse), cen (certified emergency nurse).

See below for additional information about each.

The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) offers the Certified Pediatric Nursing (CPN) certification. According to their website, more than 30,000 nurses currently hold a CPN certification. To apply, individuals must meet the following criteria:

• Current, valid, unrestricted, and unencumbered Registered Nurse license in the U.S. and other associated countries
• A minimum of 1800 hours of pediatric clinical experience completed within the past 24 months as an RN, or
• A minimum of 5 years as an RN in pediatric nursing and 3,000 hours in pediatric nursing within the last 5 years with a minimum of 1000 hours within the past 24 months

The cost of the examination is $300 with a $100 non-refundable registration fee. In order to recertify, individuals must meet current PNCB eligibility criteria and pay the re-exam fee of $245.

The American Association of Critical Care Nurses (ANCC) offers the Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) national certification. Three exams are offered:

All exams follow similar eligibility criteria and examination guidelines. The difference is in the exam material.

In order to sit for the examination, the individual must meet the following criteria:

• Current, unencumbered U.S. RN or APRN license
• Practice as an RN or APRN for 1,750 hours in direct care of acutely/critically ill adult patients during the previous two years, with 875 of those hours accrued in the most recent year preceding application, or
• Practice as an RN or APRN for at least five years with a minimum of 2,000 hours in direct care of acutely/critically ill adult patients, with 144 of those hours accrued in the most recent year preceding application

The above is for those applying for adult certification. Individuals interested in pediatrics or neonatal certifications must have direct care time in those fields.

AACN members will pay $255 for the exam while non-members will pay $370. Recertification is done by either examination or CERPs and a nominal fee.

The Board of Certification of Emergency Nursing offers the Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) for nurses specializing in emergency medicine. In comparison to other certifications, the CEN examination has fewer eligibility requirements. There are currently more than 41,000 Certified Emergency Nurses.

According to their website, to be eligible to sit for the CEN examination, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• An unencumbered nursing license in the United States
• Two years of ER experience is recommended but not required

The exam is offered at computer testing sites throughout the country and the certification is valid for four years. The fee for the exam is $380, or $285 for ENA Members.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Travel Nurse?

Years of experience.

Most travel nursing agencies still require a minimum of two years of relevant bedside experience. This is usually because the hospital or healthcare facility will also want an experienced nurse as there isn’t a lot of training time on the front end of a contract. 

Travel nurses get very few orientation shifts, so they must have the skills and knowledge to jump right into any assignment or situation. New nurses may not be able to do this. In fact, agencies will very specifically list the amount of experience needed prior to applying. Additionally, some hospital contracts will require other experience.

For example, while the travel agency may only require 2 years of ICU experience, a level 1 trauma center with a high acuity ICU might want a nurse with a minimum of 5 years.

Remember, if you do not meet the level of experience requirements, do not apply. It will be a waste of yours, the agency, and the hospital’s time, and your application will not be considered. The more experience you have, the more desirable you are.

6 Steps to Becoming a Travel Nurse

The moment you’ve all been waiting for…how to become a travel nurse.

Travel nursing has become increasingly popular since the pandemic when travel and COVID pay rates made travel nursing highly desirable. But now that we are getting back to more traditional times, travel nursing is getting back to its basics with the perks being freedom, flexibility, and travel.

So, how do you become a travel nurse? Becoming a travel nurse can be easy if you follow these six steps:

1. Earn Your BSN and Pass the NCLEX to Become a Registered Nurse.

Though there are several paths to becoming a registered nurse, the one that will provide you with the greatest opportunity and the educational background to become a travel nurse is the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). In fact, it is now becoming the standard.

This four-year degree provides you with foundational knowledge in a wide variety of topics. BSN programs incorporate clinical rotations through the various care departments in hospitals and clinics, exposing you to a wide range of patients and colleagues to give you a well-rounded nursing education.

The NCLEX-RN, or National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Every state has its own requirements for licensure and process for exam registration, so make sure that you are familiar with the requirements as they apply to you and your locale.

2. Get at Least Two Years of Bedside Experience.

You will want to get a job in the specialty you are interested in. This is the experience you will need in order to gain a travel nursing position. Remember that you can only work as a travel nurse in a field in which you have experience. Once you have a position, it is possible that you may float within the hospital, but you will not be expected to work outside of your skill level.

3. Find a Travel Nursing Agency and Recruiter.

There are countless travel nursing agencies, and each one has dozens of recruiters. There are big and small companies, and each company has pros and cons. Most travel nurses work with several different agencies.

Why? Well, some healthcare companies have contracts with only one specific agency.

So, what does that mean? If you want to work at a specific hospital that only works with one agency, then you will need to work with that particular agency.

While picking the right agency is important, picking the right travel nurse recruiter is even more important. Travel nurse recruiters act as liaisons between the travel nurse and the hospital. A great travel nurse recruiter will work hard to ensure you are paid your worth. They will be experienced and honest when working with you.

4. Get the Proper State License and Certifications.

If you do not have an eNLC license or maintain residency in an eNLC state, then you will need to plan ahead. Also, even if you do have an eNLC license but are interested in traveling to a state that is not part of the compact license, you will need to plan ahead.

For example, Alaska and California are not part of the eNLC. California has been reported to take a very long time to gain licensure and is very specific in its requirements. So, you’ll want to plan ahead if California is on your list of destinations.

Remember to plan ahead, and consider in advance where you wish to travel.

5. Pick an Assignment and Sign a Contract.

This can be one of the harder decisions because everything must be in your contract and is negotiated between the travel nurse recruiter and the hospital.

• Weekend time
• Shift requests

These all MUST be in the contract. If the information is not in the contract, then the hospital does not have to honor it.

Picking an assignment location can be stressful. You need to determine whether you are traveling for money, location, experiences, or to be close to someone. For example, Hawaii pays travel nurses very well , but the cost of living is also very high. So, if you are interested in traveling for money, Hawaii may not be the best location. However, if you’re traveling for experience or location, it could be a top choice.

6. Find Housing and Begin Your Adventure.

There are several housing options available to travel nurses. First, all travel nurse agencies will offer either a stipend for housing or company-provided housing. If you take the stipend, then you will be responsible for finding your own housing. The stipend may not be enough to cover your housing costs, and you will be responsible for the additional costs.

Travel nurses can find their own housing via Facebook, Airbnb, long-term stay hotels, or even Furnished Finders.

What are Travel Nurse Agencies Looking For?

Travel nurses are looking for nurses ready to take off on their next adventure! Contracts typically move pretty quickly, especially in popular locations such as California , Hawaii, and Alaska . While you can reach out to a recruiter if you are ready to take the next step toward travel nursing – know that most recruiters will want to work with you once you are fully committed to submitting a contract offer.

Generally, travel nursing agencies are looking for nurses who meet the following criteria:

• Have a minimum of two years of relevant bedside experience
• BSN prepared
• BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications (as required for the position)
• Ready for an adventure

Travel Nurse Salary

Everyone wants to know “ how much does a travel nurse make? ” And to be honest, travel nurse salaries can be confusing.

It’s important to figure out your weekly take-home pay because it might be significantly smaller than what is advertised. Here’s how you can calculate your pay:

• Start with your total weekly pay
• Subtract the estimated weekly taxes from the weekly taxable wage
• Add the remainder to the total weekly tax-free stipends
• This will show you the weekly net pay for a contract

According to ZipRecruiter.com , the national average for travel nurses is $121,710 per year, or $59 per hour. Travel nurse pay, just like staff nurse pay, varies greatly by location and healthcare system. Nurses in California earn some of the highest wages in the country, and travel nurses are compensated equally.

The national average for travel nurses is $121,710 per year.

In more desirable locations, like Hawaii, the pay is often not as high.

Additionally, travel nurse pay will also include housing stipends and other miscellaneous things. That is not factored into the hourly wage. Therefore, when looking at travel nurse pay, it’s important to look at all aspects of the contract.

Travel Nurse Taxes

Travel nursing recruitment often focuses on the benefits and perks, such as housing stipends or sign-on bonuses, but it’s also important not to overlook the tax implications that come with travel nursing.

In order to become a travel nurse, you will need to have what’s called a “ tax home ” in the eyes of the IRS. That simply means you have to prove that you have a full-time residence when you’re not working as a travel nurse.

If you don’t have a full-time residence that you maintain and pay for when you’re not working as a travel nurse, don’t worry — you can still work, but you will have a tax status as an itinerant worker, which means you have to pay taxes on all of your income, including any stipends or reimbursements.

For non-itinerant nurses with a tax home, your base wage pay is taxable income, while all “extras,” including meals, housing allotments, or travel reimbursement are non-taxable.

That means that you will save on paying taxes on that income, but it also means your adjusted income will not be as high in the eyes of say, a loan officer or for Social Security purposes. If you anticipate needing a loan soon or are approaching retirement, it may be more advantageous to you to have a higher taxable income reflected on your paycheck.

Read more in our Comprehensive Guide to Travel Nurse Taxes

How to Find Travel Nursing Jobs

To find a travel nursing job, a nurse must work with a travel nursing agency that will help secure their contract and negotiate with the hiring hospital or healthcare facility. It’s important to work with a recruiter and staffing agency that understands your needs and the contracts you’re interested in.

Working with a recruiter will also make sure that your contract has must-haves, such as:

• Specific days off
• Vacation time
• Sick time/pay
• Cancellation policy
• Desired shifts

Click here for available high-paying travel nurse opportunities!

Maintaining Your Nursing License as a Travel Nurse

For nurses with a compact license, maintaining your license as a travel nurse is no different than meeting the requirements of the home state where you received your original license. Once you renew your home state license, your license for the new location is considered updated, too.

If you had to obtain an additional state license, however, you will need to renew your home state license (if you want to keep it, that is) and meet the requirements for license renewal in the state you are working in as well.

Certain states, such as Florida and Washington, also require all nurses to obtain Continued Education Units (CEUs) in the specific areas of pain management and HIV awareness, so you will need to make sure you fulfill the CEUs for your home state and/or work state as well.

All travel nurses are required to maintain an active RN license. Most continue to maintain all active licenses in case they want to work in the state again. Examples of differing continuing education requirements for RNs are as follows:

• Arkansas – 15 contact hours every 2 years
• Illinois – 20 contact hours every 2 years
• Florida – 24 contact hours every 2 years
• Iowa – 36 hours every 2 years
• Pennsylvania – 30 contact hours every 2 years

Some states do not require CEUs to maintain an RN license. Examples include Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Indiana, Maine, and Maryland. Several states also require HIV/AIDS education, such as New York , Minnesota, and Kentucky. It is important for nurses to check their state’s RN credentialing body for exact CEU requirements.

In general, while it’s also good to prepare yourself as much as possible, becoming a travel nurse can be a pretty straightforward process.

Once you’re a nurse with an active license, have at least one to two years of bedside experience under your belt, and are ready to take on the challenge of a new location and work environment, you can take on the adventure of being a travel nurse.

If you’re interested in becoming a travel nurse, you can take the next step by learning more about travel nursing here .

Tips for Your First Travel Nursing Assignment

Accepting your first travel nurse assignment can be scary but also exciting!

It’s important to remember, travel assignments are short-term, and if the location, hospital, and situation are not a good fit, you can always try somewhere new for your next assignment. If the assignment is not a good fit, speak to your recruiter about other opportunities for future assignments.

Here are the top tips for first-time travel nurses to make the transition a little easier:

• Triple-check your contract
• Embrace the unknown of this new adventure
• Get organized
• Make copies of ALL of your licenses and certifications
• Open a checking and savings account at a national bank you can access in any state (ex. Wells Fargo, Chase, Bank of America, PNC)
• Downsize your belongings, especially clothes and shoes
• Join local Facebook groups for an easier transition to a new location
• Don’t be afraid to take your first assignment closer to family and friends
• Arrive at your new location ahead of the start date so you can get settled before your first day and orientation
• Make friends with co-workers at your assignment
• If you have a pet, prepare to take them with you by setting up dog walking services, doggie daycare options, and a new veterinary practice
• Make sure your vaccinations and health screenings are up to date
• If you own a home, prepare to rent or sell — depending on your situation
• Don’t be afraid to explore on your own
• Be patient with your coworkers and the new work environment
• Go in with an open mind!

Find travel nursing assignments by speaking with a recruiter today!

Benefits of Travel Nursing

There are many benefits to travel nursing, but these are at the top:

• Seeing and experiencing new parts of the country
• Getting paid higher wages

Travel nurses have the opportunity to garner top wages in some of the top hospitals in the country. Typically, the demand is so high for nurses in a specific location and/or unit, that the contracted wage will be significantly higher than a full-time staff nurse.

Travel nurses also have other compensated benefits such as housing, meals, incidentals, and travel reimbursement. These additional stipends make the earned wage some of the highest for nurses.

Other benefits include:

• Traveling the country
• Building your skill set
• Job security
• Personal growth
• Flexibility
• Networking with healthcare professionals around the country
• Opportunity to make new friends and experience new places
• Opportunity to work at top tier hospitals and learn from different people and places
• Minimizing exposure to hospital politics
• No longer dependent on the hospital to approve your PTO

Travel Nurse Requirement FAQs

Starting a career as a travel nurse can be scary and overwhelming, especially leaving friends and family behind, but it can be a very rewarding and exciting career. There are six easy steps to becoming a travel nurse: 1. Become an RN 2. Get at least 2 years of experience under your belt 3. Find a travel nursing company to work with 4. Get all the proper state licensure and certifications 5. Pick an assignment and sign a contract 6. Find housing

It’s not hard to become a travel nurse. More and more nurses are leaving the bedside for other types of nursing jobs or to become travel nurses. Actually working as a travel nurse can take some adjustments, especially for those who have ever worked as a staff nurse. But it is a fun and exciting opportunity for many.

Travel nurses need to have a different set of skills than staff nurses. Why? Because they are constantly changing hospitals and are always the first to be floated to another unit. For that reason, travel nurses must be flexible and adaptable more than anything. They also should have a solid nursing foundation, critical thinking skills, strong communication skills, a love of travel, and be personable.

Some travel nurse agencies do still require the COVID-19 vaccine because the healthcare institutions they work with require it. However, check with your agency, because many hospitals no longer have this requirement.

The requirements vary from agency to agency and contract to contract. Generally speaking, you will need a minimum of two years of bedside nursing experience. Most will also require a BSN as well as certifications in CPR, PALS, ACLS, etc. The final requirement will be either a compact nursing license or an individual state license.

Nurses are not required to travel. Travel nursing is a unique niche within the nursing industry that allows individuals to take short contracts at different hospitals around the country. If you like your hospital and staff position, then there is no requirement for you to ever become a travel nurse.

To be a travel nurse, first and foremost, you must be ready for an adventure! You will also need a minimum of two years of bedside experience. Now, not every travel agency or position will require this, but with minimal orientation to a unit, more experience is always better. You will also need a license in the state you are applying to (unless you have a compact nursing license). Most recruiters and agencies will assist with the paperwork of obtaining a new state license.

Of course! In fact, many travel nurses are accompanied by their families and pets. Travel nursing can be a family affair if you travel with a spouse who’s also a travel nurse or plan to bring your children . If you are traveling with pets – it’s important to make sure your housing accommodations allow for animals and that your schedule allows time to take care of a pet. At times and in certain locations, it may be more difficult to find reasonable housing, but it is possible.

Travel nurses generally can obtain health insurance and retirement benefits such as 401Ks through their travel nursing agency. However, it is important to note that not all agencies offer benefits starting on day one of a contract, and others will terminate health benefits in-between contracts.

There are several differences between travel nurses and per diem nurses. The main difference is that, unlike per diem nurses, travel nursing hours are guaranteed. Generally speaking, they are not canceled, and if they are, most are still paid their contracted rate. Per diem nurses are used on an as-needed basis and can be canceled whenever they are not needed and without pay. Travel nursing holds a lot of appeal for many people interested in the healthcare field because it offers perks like the chance to visit new places, competitive pay, and career flexibility. It’s also the perfect opportunity to gain valuable skills, get out of your comfort zone, and of course, make a difference in the lives of your patients.

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EMERGENCY ROOM (ER) TRAVEL NURSE JOBS

The United States Department of Health and Human Services projects that healthcare facilities need a 33 percent increase in full-time nurses in the next decade. With ongoing shortages of nurses globally, many medical facilities in Alabama compete for nurses creating a demand for travel nurses. The high demand for travel nurses makes travel nursing jobs attract higher wages.

While exploring the various travel nurse career opportunities, you will encounter emergency room jobs for travel nurses. As an emergency room travel nurse in Alabama, you will focus on providing patient care to those ailing from all conditions requiring emergency attention, including trauma. Working in a successful emergency room department will need travel ER nurses to be quick thinkers, remain calm under pressure, and make excellent decisions.

What are the Duties of Travel Nurses?

A travel nurse performs a registered nurse’s duties and responsibilities. However, travel nurses will acquire specific skills, practices and specialties during their travels depending on the needs of the location they are performing their assignments. For instance, travel nurses with assignments in tropical regions heavily infested by mosquitoes or areas with outbreaks of certain diseases will undergo specific training for treating such illnesses. Those working in locations with a significant elderly population will acquire skills to treat senior citizens in society.

What is an Alabama Emergency Room Travel Nurse?

Emergency room nurses provide care for critically injured patients or those with life-threatening conditions and illnesses. Therefore, working in the emergency room require ER nurses to specialize in training areas that prepare them to handle general first responders’ medical procedures. To qualify as an emergency room travel nurse, you will need to acquire hospital experience before taking on travel assignments. Different health facilities will have different requirements and qualifications before assigning ER nurses any travel assignments.

How to Become an ER Travel Nurse in Alabama

The first qualification to become a travel nurse in Alabama is an active license of a registered nurse. Most health facilities and agencies prefer hiring RNs with two years of experience working in a hospital setting. As an ER travel nurse, you have the choice to work as a domestic ER travel nurse or an International ER travel nurse. Whether you will take international or domestic assignments will depend on the benefits and other things you will need to consider.

Registered ER nurses looking to explore new challenges in new work settings working as ER travel nurses will start by identifying a trusted and reputable recruiter. Recruiters will help RNs aspiring to enter travel nursing find locally or abroad assignments. Recruiters will then match RNs with assignments that match their career goals, training, and skills. After recruitment, your agency will be responsible for finding your assignments, managing your travels, and ensuring all compliances are met.

ER travel nurses in Alabama face both challenges and great opportunities in their careers. To thrive as an ER travel nurse, you need to embrace new cultures, be open-minded, enjoy new experiences, be flexible, and love interacting with others. Travel nursing allows nurses to choose when and where to work while still enjoying life, increasing job satisfaction among nurses.

Benefits of working as an ER Travel Nurse

In any working environment, work flexibility is essential as it dictates the morale and productivity of the employees. Since nursing jobs are known to be stressful and nurses experiences burn-outs due to long working hours and the seriousness of their work, travel nursing provides much-needed work relief and freedom to nurses. Travel nursing as an ER nurse provides you with adventurous travels and opportunities to visit new places. ER travel nurses are lucky to work in environments that help unwind and recharge, getting ready to accept the subsequent emergency room assignments.

Additional benefits that travel nursing ER nurses enjoy include:

● Tax-free travel reimbursement

● Free-quality accommodation

● Sign-on bonuses and incentives

● High salaries and wages

● Dental, vision, and medical insurance coverage

● Assistance in obtaining passport and work visa

● Retirement benefits

● Choice of working locations

Nursing Licenses, Qualifications, and Requirements for ER Travel Nurses

Working in any nursing career as a travel nurse requires aspiring individuals to have a nursing degree as the primary qualification. Although a two-year associate degree is a minimum requirement, some health facilities will hire only those RNs who graduate with a four-year bachelor’s degree. It will be the responsibility of the recruiters or agencies to match assignments with the experience levels and educational qualifications of the travel nurses. Most medical facilities require their travel nurses to have acquired at least two years of working in a hospital. Travel nurses looking for assignments abroad will have an advantage if they speak other foreign languages.

For general travel nursing jobs, RNs will not need to sit additional exams, but they will need specific credentials and certifications for nursing specialties such as Emergency room nursing. The emergency room nursing department requires RNs to have additional certifications and credentials: PALS, ACLS, BLS, NRP, and TNCC (Trauma Nurse Core Course Certification).

Emergency Room International Travel Nurses

ER travel nurses with international assignments will need to have other qualifications and meets certain requirements, including:

● Extra immunizations depending on the country of assignment

● Work visa

● Basic knowledge of common diseases in the area

● General understanding of the culture and lifestyle of the local people.

● Knowledge of a common language

Frequently Asked Questions about ER Travel Nursing

How long is the er travel nurse assignments in alabama .

Like other assignments for travel nurses, factors such as the recruiting agency, the assignment location, and the assignment’s needs will determine the length of the assignment. Domestic assignments may take up to 13 weeks, with international assignments lasting for one year. Travel nurses can also renew their contracts and extend their assignments if they decide to remain in certain locations. Contract renewals, also called extensions, last for at least three weeks.

Can Family Members Accompany Travel Nurses During Assignments?

During assignments, travel nurses can bring along their loved ones, including pets. However, the recruiting agency will only provide a one-bedroom apartment for accommodation. While this space only benefits travel nurses with few family members and pets, most travel nurses are young and have young small families.

Who Hires Alabama ER Travel Nurses?

Suppose you want to work as an ER travel nurse. You can get travel nursing jobs from various recruiters, independent employment agencies, and various types of healthcare facilities offering emergency room services.

TRAVEL NURSE EMERGENCY ROOM JOBS

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What is a Travel Nurse? Everything You Need to Know

How to become a travel nurse.

• State Licensing
• Agencies & Recruiters
• Certifications
• A Travel Nurse's Journey
• Final Thoughts

The world of nursing is not confined to traditional hospital settings. For those seeking excitement, flexibility, and diversity in their nursing careers, travel nursing presents a unique and rewarding opportunity.

This guide will discuss  travel nurse requirements , essential steps, qualities, and perks of becoming a travel nurse, offering valuable insights into this exhilarating profession.

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Want to learn how to become a travel nurse ? The first step is obtaining the necessary education and licensure.

Aspiring nurses can choose to pursue an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution. Opting for a BSN opens doors to a broader range of job prospects, including prestigious healthcare systems and trauma centers.

After completing their nursing education, nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to obtain their state nursing license, laying the foundation for their travel nursing journey.

As a travel nurse, certain certifications are commonly required and highly recommended to ensure the nurse’s readiness to handle various clinical situations and emergencies. The two critical certifications that travel nurses typically need are:

Basic Life Support (BLS): BLS certification by the American Heart Association is a fundamental requirement for all healthcare professionals. BLS training equips nurses with the skills to recognize and respond to life threatening emergencies such as cardiac arrest, choking, and respiratory distress.

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS): ACLS certification by the American Heart Association is essential for nurses working in settings where they may encounter patients with cardiac issues or in critical care situations. ACLS skills build upon BLS skills and provide additional knowledge and techniques to manage cardiac arrest, stroke and other cardiovascular emergencies. 

Depending on your specialty and the requirements from the facility you wish to travel to, other certifications such as PALS, NRP, and Stable may be required, so be sure to ask your recruiter before applying to travel nursing positions. Additionally, it's important for nurses to keep their certifications up to date, as they typically require renewal every few years.

>> Related: What do Travel Nurses Do?

The most important element to becoming a travel nurse is experience. Most travel agencies and hospitals require nurses to have a minimum of two years of nursing experience prior to applying for travel nursing contracts.

>> Click here to see available high-paying travel nurse opportunities!

Navigating State Licensing as a Travel Nurse

Travel nurses frequently move between states, requiring them to research and understand each state's licensing requirements. Some states offer temporary "walk-through" licenses, enabling nurses to obtain short-term licenses swiftly. Familiarity with individual state licensing procedures and timelines is crucial for successful travel assignments.

Compact state licensure for travel nurses is a game-changer in the healthcare industry, streamlining the licensing process and making it easier for nurses to practice across state lines. By participating in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), qualified nurses can hold a single multi-state license, granting them the privilege to work in any other NLC state without the need for additional licenses. 

This simplification not only reduces bureaucratic barriers but also addresses the growing demand for healthcare professionals in various regions. Travel nurses can now embark on new assignments swiftly, providing crucial medical support where it's needed most, and ultimately enhancing patient care across the nation.

Key Attributes of a Travel Nurse

Effective travel nurses possess a unique set of qualities that enable them to excel in diverse healthcare settings. These attributes include:

Adaptability and flexibility : The ability to quickly adjust to new environments and handle various patient populations and healthcare systems

Strong communication skills: Effective communication is essential for collaborating with different healthcare teams, patients, and families

Problem-solving and critical thinking : Travel nurses encounter new challenges regularly, necessitating strong problem-solving skills and critical-thinking abilities

Compassion and empathy: A genuine love for patient care and empathy are vital in providing exceptional nursing services as a travel nurse.

Leadership abilities: Travel nurses should be comfortable assuming leadership roles when needed and confidently handling responsibilities

• Love for adventure: A spirit of adventure and a curiosity to explore new places and cultures is essential.

Benefits of Travel Nursing

Apart from competitive pay, travel nurses often enjoy an array of benefits:

Non-taxed stipends: Additional stipends for housing and living expenses on top of hourly rates if you qualify

Healthcare insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.

Retirement plans: 401K investment options for long-term financial planning

Bonuses: Sign-on, completion, and referral bonuses as incentives

Continuing education: Access to free courses for continuous professional development

License reimbursement: Support for renewing and maintaining licenses

Reliable pay: Weekly or bi-weekly pay schedules

Tax advantage plans: Tax-saving options for travel-related expenses

Insurance coverage: Coverage for life, liability, disability, and worker's compensation

Travel reimbursement to and from your assignment

Support: 24/7 support from the staffing agency. 

Travel Nurse Salary

The compensation for travel nurses varies significantly based on location, specialty, experience, and the chosen agency ZipRecruiter.com reports the national average for travel nurses is $118,400 per year.  While the pandemic and nursing shortage temporarily drove higher wages due to increased demand, these exceptional rates have not since been sustained post-pandemic. 

​​Travel Nurse Salary by State

Source: ZipRecruiter

Wages for travel nurses involve more than a straight hourly rate. They can receive non-taxed stipends for travel nurse housing and living expenses. Stipends are paid on top of the nurse’s hourly rate.  Other benefits for travel nurses, depending on the staffing agency,  include, 

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401K investment options
• Sign-on, completion, and referral bonuses
• Free continuing education courses
• License Reimbursement 
• Weekly/Bi-weekly Pay
• Tax Advantage Plan
• Life Insurance
• Liability Insurance, Disability Insurance, and Worker’s Compensation
• 24/7 Support

Additionally, you can increase your travel nurse salary through specialization or advancing your education. The average travel nurse practitioner salary is significantly higher than that of travel RNs.

What Are The Best Travel Nurse Agencies and How Do You Pick One?

Your travel nurse company and recruiter can make or break your experience, so this question should not be taken lightly. 

When you’re starting your travel nurse journey, one of the first steps you need to take is finding a travel nurse company and recruiter. This process might feel overwhelming because there are so many options out there. How do you know if you’ve found a good travel nurse company and a recruiter who has your best interest at heart?

When looking into travel nurse agencies, you should first make sure that they have these non-negotiables:

• A dedicated housing department of experts to help you find housing or do they give you a stipend to find your own housing
• Day 1 health, dental and vision insurance, and premium cost
• 401K that you can start contributing to immediately
• Travel reimbursement
• 24-hour customer support. Make sure to choose one with a clinical department that is available as a resource for you. 
• Have a variety and abundance of travel nursing jobs all over the country for your specialty.

Make sure to ask if they are Joint Commission credentialed. Agencies that obtain this certification must complete a strict qualification process, and it helps ensure that the company is upheld to the highest standards in the industry.

What to Look Out for When Working With Travel Nurse Recruiters

Travel nurse recruiters play a vital role in connecting nurses with suitable assignments. A skilled and honest recruiter advocates for the nurse's best interests, secures desirable contracts, and provides transparent and accurate information in a timely manner. 

Conversely, nurses should be cautious of unprofessional recruiters who submit them to assignments without consent or make false promises. In many cases, travel nurses build long-time friendships with their recruiters! You want to find a recruiter with whom you can connect quickly and establish a bond. They should be someone who helps put your mind at ease, has your back, and actively listens to what you want instead of pushing their agenda.

Don’t be scared to interview recruiters to find the right one. Working with a recruiter whose personality, values, and humor complement yours will make your travel nurse experience even more worthwhile.

We encourage you to work with travel nurse recruiters who have been vetted and highly recommended by fellow travel nurses or with our trusted partner, travelnursing.org.

Certifications for Travel Nurses

While there are no specific national nursing certifications for a Travel Nurse, having advanced RN certifications can make an individual look more desirable to hospitals. There are a plethora of nationally recognized certifications including, 

• CCCTM - Certified in Care, Coordination, and Transition Management
• CDN - Certified Dialysis Nurse
• CMSRN - Certified Medical Surgical Registered Nurse
• CNN - Certified Nephrology Nurse
• CNOR - Certified Nurse Operating Room
• CPAN - Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse

The most common certifications for travel nurses are,

• CPN - Certified Pediatric Nurse 
• CCRN - Certified Critical Care Nurse
• CEN - Certified Emergency Nurse

What Are the CEU Requirements for Travel Nurses?

Continuing education is essential for all registered nurses, including travel nurses, to maintain their active licenses. Each state has specific continuing education requirements that nurses must fulfill to remain compliant.

Examples of continuing education requirements for RNs are as follows: 

• Washington - 8 contact hours every year
• Texas - 20 contact hours every 2 years
• Florida - 24 contact hours every 2 years
• California - 30 hours every 2 years
• Hawaii - 30 contact hours every 2 years 
• Arkansas -20 contact hours every 2 years
• Florida -24 contact hours every 2 years
• Illinois - 20 contact hours every 2 years
• Iowa -36 contact hours every 2 years
• Pennsylvania -20 contact hours every 2 years

Some states do not require CEUs to maintain an RN license. Examples include Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Indiana, Maine, and Maryland. Several states also require HIV/AIDS education such as New York, Minnesota, and Kentucky. It is important for nurses to check their state’s RN credentialing body for exact CEU requirements. 

Nurse.org has a comprehensive list of CEUs by state for RNs here .

Brandy Pinkerton's Journey to Becoming a Travel Nurse

Brandy Pinkerton shared with us why she decided to become a travel nurse and what her journey was like.

Why did I decide to become a travel nurse ? I was burned out in my staff job and needed to renew my passion for nursing. After finding a great company and a trustworthy recruiter, I embarked on my first assignment solo with my two doggies in tow and never looked back! 

Since pursuing a career as a travel nurse and completing over 15 assignments, I’ve had adventures in Florida , Colorado , Nevada , South Carolina , Texas , and Montana . Becoming a travel nurse was the best decision I could have made for myself! While I’m grateful I made the decision to become a travel nurse, I also know that there are a lot of logistics involved in getting started. I’ll tell you all there is to know about travel nursing, so that you can feel prepared to take the leap into this exciting, rewarding profession!

Here are a few things travel nursing has given me:

• A better compensation package with benefits. Because of this, I could pay most of my debt, and I no longer had to work two jobs. 
• More time off and flexibility with my schedule. You can imagine all the wonderful things that can happen when you have more time back.
• Experiences that I would never usually get to have. Through these experiences, I discovered what I like and some new hobbies.
• Less burnout – this is HUGE!
• New relationships and friendships all over the U.S.
• More confidence. I have grown both professionally & personally.
• The ability to build my resume. I’ve been able to try out so many hospitals and have great takeaways from them. Who knows? There are some I may go back to one day.

Final Thoughts on Travel Nursing

Becoming a travel nurse is a thrilling journey that promises adventure, personal growth, and unique experiences. From education and licensure to acquiring experience and embracing essential attributes, travel nurses embark on a profession that combines professionalism with exploration. With competitive salaries, a range of benefits, and the potential to make a meaningful impact on patients across various locations, travel nursing offers a gratifying and fulfilling career path like no other! 

Kathleen Gaines (nee Colduvell) is a nationally published writer turned Pediatric ICU nurse from Philadelphia with over 13 years of ICU experience. She has an extensive ICU background having formerly worked in the CICU and NICU at several major hospitals in the Philadelphia region. After earning her MSN in Education from Loyola University of New Orleans, she currently also teaches for several prominent Universities making sure the next generation is ready for the bedside. As a certified breastfeeding counselor and trauma certified nurse, she is always ready for the next nursing challenge.

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• RN 13 Weeks Nights Estimated Total Pay $2,602.89 - $2,781.68 /wk*

Expand Your Horizons with ER Travel Nursing

At Host Healthcare, we’re proud to offer endless opportunities for experienced Emergency Room nurses across the United States. We know that emergency medicine can be challenging, but as one of the most important fields in healthcare, we are grateful for the work you do. As an ER travel nurse with us, you’ll have the chance to work in some of the most dynamic healthcare facilities in the country, alongside talented healthcare professionals.

Your Dream Career

But we also know that a travel nursing job is about more than just the work – it’s about the experience. That’s why we offer ER travel assignments in locations that match your interests and preferences. At Host Healthcare, we are committed to providing you with the travel nursing job opportunity to pursue your goals, whether they be personal or professional. We understand that your aspirations may include advancing your nursing career, finding a teaching healthcare facility , getting closer to family, or simply exploring new places and meeting new people. Whatever your ambitions may be, we are here to support you every step of the way.

Host Healthcare: Your Nursing Destination

As an ER travel nurse with Host Healthcare, you’ll enjoy industry-leading benefits every step of the way. While you focus on providing exceptional patient care, we prioritize your well-being and growth, which is why we are dedicated to providing the support you need to feel confident thriving in your travel nursing job role. We offer day-1 health benefits, competitive travel nurse salary , customized housing assistance, and recruiters who will advocate for you so that you feel supported and valued throughout your travel assignment.

So if you’re ready to take your ER nursing skills on the road, we invite you to check out our exclusive ER travel n urse jobs today and join our community of exceptional nurses at Host Healthcare. Our responsive recruiters are passionate about helping you find the perfect ER travel nurse job that fits your unique skills and experience. We can’t wait to help you start your next adventure!

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Alexis Lagan went above and beyond for me as host. She was an amazing recruiter I highly recommend. She made each one of my assignments awesome! Alexis was very detail oriented and organized in her communication with me. She would do everything she could to get me the best contract! I can’t say enough great things about her, she’s amazing!

I’ve had a great experience with Host Healthcare. Lauren Pollacci is an excellent recruiter and easily the best one I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with, she made the entire process painless. She is always extremely helpful with any need or concern I may have. I couldn’t imagine working with another recruiter at this point!

I've been working with Host Healthcare as a travel nurse for three years now and wouldn't change a thing. My recruiter Kat Cook has made the transition from staff nursing to travel nursing so easy. She is always available, listens to the needs of both myself and my wife (travel pair), and finds us the best jobs in the best locations! 10 out of 10 would recommend her and the agency every time.

Just started my 7th PT contract with Host and every contract has been a smooth transition. I’ve had great communication with my recruiter Kathryn Cook who has helped me land some great jobs and help with the credentialing process. I plan on staying with Host for many more years.

How To Become A Travel Nurse – (15 Simple STEPS)

Are you considering becoming a registered nurse or already licensed as an RN? Do you love to travel, meet new people, and learn new things? If you could combine your love of nursing and travel to have a lucrative career option, would that interest you? If so, becoming a travel nurse could be a great option. Perhaps you have wondered, “Can someone tell me how to become a travel nurse?” If that sounds like you, you should keep reading! In this article, I will share 15 steps to successfully become a travel nurse and share information about degree options, earning potential, and the best places to work. You will also find answers to some frequently asked questions about travel nursing to help you decide if this is the right career path for you.

First Off, What is a Travel Nurse?

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graduates, bonus 5 ways to know if becoming a travel nurse is right for you, way #1: you adapt well to new settings., way #2: you love meeting new people., way #3: you are a self-starter., way #4: you work well with others., way #5: you are always up for a challenge., my final thoughts, frequently asked questions answered by our expert, 1. how many years does it take to become a travel nurse after high school, 2. what are all the requirements to become a travel nurse, 3. what degree do i need to become a travel nurse, 4. how many years of college to become a travel nurse, 5. can i become a travel nurse with an associate's degree in nursing, 6. can i become a travel nurse with a bachelor's degree in nursing, 7. how to decide which nursing degree is right for me to become a travel nurse, 8. adn vs. bsn: what is the fastest way to become a travel nurse, 9. adn vs. bsn: which degree is better to become a travel nurse, 10. can i become a travel nurse as a new grad, 11. can i become a travel 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Emergency Room (ER/ED) Travel Nurse Jobs

Emergency Room nurses (also called ER nurses or ED nurses) can help provide life-saving care to injured patients and those fighting acute and life-threatening illnesses. ER travel nurse positions can be found in hospital emergency departments around the country. Explore our ER travel nursing jobs, with opportunities for Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses, and play a crucial role in stabilizing patients who need immediate medical attention.

270 Travel Nurse Jobs

• $3,278 /wk Open Job Details Page Waimea, HI Emergency Department RN September 16th ( 13 wks )  
• $3,104 /wk Open Job Details Page Rochester, NY Emergency Department RN September 9th ( 14 wks )  
• $2,920 /wk Open Job Details Page Glendale, CA Emergency Department RN September 16th ( 13 wks )  
• $2,851 /wk Open Job Details Page Alturas, CA Emergency Department RN December 30th ( 13 wks )  
• $2,855 /wk Open Job Details Page Tulare, CA Emergency Department RN Start ASAP ( 13 wks )  
• $2,735 /wk Open Job Details Page Bakersfield, CA Emergency Department RN September 16th ( 16 wks )  
• $2,728 /wk Open Job Details Page Anchorage, AK Emergency Department RN Start ASAP ( 13 wks )  
• $2,721 /wk Open Job Details Page Bakersfield, CA Emergency Department RN September 3rd ( 13 wks )  
• $2,721 /wk Open Job Details Page Bakersfield, CA Emergency Department RN September 16th ( 13 wks )  
• $2,706 /wk Open Job Details Page De Smet, SD Emergency Department RN September 23rd ( 13 wks )  

Emergency Room Travel Nurse Job Responsibilities and Salary

ED nurses’ highly specialized training prepares them to assess patients’ conditions, administer medications, perform diagnostics, and collaborate with ER physicians to implement care plans. Travel ER nursing jobs empower nurses to ensure patients’ emotional and physical comfort when many are in pain and under duress. Help patients and families understand their critical situations and communicate with their healthcare teams. The average ER nurse salary in the United States is $60,000 to $100,000 and varies based on advanced certifications and experience.

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Exploring ER Travel Nurse Responsibilities

Table of Contents

In the dynamic world of Emergency Nursing, travel nurses have a significant role to play. These professionals not only need to shift locations often, but they also handle the immediate care needs of patients in emergency periods. This article delves into the roles, responsibilities, and challenges that these health workers face. We'll dive into an in-depth exploration of an ER Travel Nurse's duties and the skills they need, the unique position they hold in the healthcare system, and what it means to embark on a career in this field.

Understanding the Role and Importance of ER Travel Nurses

Emergency room (ER) travel nurses play a critical role in providing quality care to patients in emergency department settings across the country. As highly skilled and experienced nursing professionals, ER travel nurses bring specialized expertise and adaptability to hospitals and health systems in need of staffing support.

With the growing challenges of nurse staffing shortages and patient surges in ERs, the demand for travel nurses continues rising. Travel nurse jobs in emergency rooms offer nurses unique opportunities to gain experience in high-acuity settings while fulfilling important staffing needs.

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The Unique Embodiment of a Travel Nurse in the Emergency Department

The fast-paced nature of emergency nursing requires nurses who thrive under pressure and can adapt quickly to changing situations. As ER patient volumes surge while nursing shortages persist, temporary travel nurses help provide essential staffing support.

Travel nurses possess specialized ER experience and the ability to adapt their skills to new hospital environments. Their mix of expertise and flexibility makes them well-suited for the variable and high-stress conditions of emergency nursing.

Additionally, the temporary travel assignment structure gives nurses opportunities to expand their skills and gain exposure to different practices, protocols, and patient populations. This expanded perspective empowers them with greater knowledge to improve care.

Relevance of ER Travel Nurses in the Healthcare System

With increasing rates of emergency department visits each year, hospitals rely on travel nurses to meet staffing resource needs and maintain quality of care.

Travel nurses help fill gaps in the nursing workforce, providing relief to short-staffed hospitals struggling with recruitment and retention challenges. Their presence ensures adequate nurse-to-patient ratios are maintained for safe and effective care delivery.

During seasonal patient surges, travel nurses give permanent staff much needed support and prevent overburdening. Their flexibility helps hospitals scale up resources efficiently at peak demand times.

Comprehensive Outline of ER Travel Nurse Duties

The multifaceted role of an ER travel nurse involves specialized clinical skills, communication, collaboration, education, and advocacy. Key responsibilities span frontline care, team coordination, and enhancing the practice environment.

Frontline Patient Care: Assessing, Diagnosing, and Stabilising Patients

As expert clinicians, ER travel nurses triage patients, conduct assessments, order diagnostic tests, interpret results, diagnose conditions, and determine treatment plans. They provide interventions to stabilise crises and manage pain, seizures, bleeding, and other acute issues.

Strong assessment, critical thinking, and clinical judgement help travel nurses quickly identify life-threatening problems and deliver rapid, life-saving treatments. They monitor changes in patients' statuses and adjust care accordingly.

Travel nurses also educate patients and family members, explain diagnoses and treatments, provide discharge instructions, and ensure proper follow-up care is arranged.

Interaction with Health Care Teams: Collaborating and Coordinating for Quality Care

Smooth coordination between travel nurses, physicians, technicians, and other staff is crucial for timely, integrated care. Travel nurses communicate critical patient information for diagnostic and treatment decision-making.

They also help supervise and delegate tasks to supplementary nursing staff like nursing assistants. Strong leadership helps promote efficient workflow and optimal resource management during busy periods.

Additionally, travel nurses collaborate on quality improvement initiatives, providing valuable perspectives from their broad base of ER experiences at different hospitals.

Education and Advocacy: Roles Beyond Immediate Patient Care

Beyond clinical care delivery, travel nurses educate and mentor newer nurses, orient them to the ER environment, and foster their skills development. They share specialized knowledge from past training and diverse clinical exposures.

Travel nurses also advocate for safe staffing ratios, reasonable nurse workloads, and improved workplace policies. They provide an objective outsider's viewpoint to enhance the practice environment and support permanent staff.

Lastly, they act as positive representatives of the nursing profession, demonstrate its critical role, and inspire high standards of nursing practice through their clinical expertise and professionalism.

Necessary Skills and Qualifications for ER Travel Nurses

Travel nurses working in emergency rooms require a unique skill set to be effective in this fast-paced environment. Here are some of the key qualifications an ER travel nurse should have:

First and foremost, an ER travel nurse needs an active RN license and should have at least 2 years of recent experience working in an emergency room setting. This hands-on experience is crucial for developing the clinical judgement and critical thinking skills needed to triage patients and respond quickly in emergency situations.

Strong assessment skills are vital. ER travel nurses need to be able to rapidly evaluate a patient's condition, take vital signs, collect information on symptoms, and determine the urgency of care needed. They also need to continually reassess and monitor unstable patients.

Excellent communication and teamwork are also essential. ER travel nurses communicate with everyone from patients to doctors to family members, often during very stressful situations. They need to collaborate with other ER staff and healthcare providers to deliver coordinated care, especially during medical emergencies when quick action is required.

Essential Credentials and Licensure for ER Travel Nurses

In addition to an active RN license, there are several other licenses and certifications that can help qualify an ER nurse for travel positions:

Having a BLS (Basic Life Support) certification is required for most ER travel nurse jobs. Since ER nurses frequently deal with life-threatening emergencies, they need to know how to perform CPR and use an AED. Many employers also require an ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certification.

Obtaining a CEN (Certified Emergency Nurse) credential demonstrates an ER nurse's specialized skills and training. While not always required, having a CEN certifies an ER nurse's expertise and can make them more competitive travel nurse candidates.

Some ER travel nurses also get certified in TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course) to prove their ability to rapidly assess trauma patients and intervene. ENPC (Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course) focuses on pediatric emergency care.

Critical Skills and Characteristics of an Effective ER Travel Nurse

In addition to clinical skills and training, some critical soft skills and personality traits contribute to ER travel nurses' success:

ER travel nurses need to thrive under pressure and adapt quickly to changing priorities. Emergencies are frequent in the ER, and nurses must respond calmly and effectively.

Strong problem-solving and critical thinking are essential to evaluate complex situations, identify issues, and determine solutions. ER nurses rely on their clinical judgement to make rapid high-stakes decisions.

Compassion and emotional intelligence allow ER nurses to connect with stressed, fearful, or difficult patients and family members. Providing empathetic care is key.

Being extremely organized and detail-oriented helps ER nurses juggle heavy workloads, multi-task effectively, and ensure no steps are missed in urgent cases. Keeping accurate documentation is also critical.

Advantages and Challenges in the ER Travel Nursing Field

Perks and prospects of being an er travel nurse.

There are many advantages and exciting opportunities associated with ER travel nursing positions:

ER travel nurses earn excellent pay, often significantly higher than staff nurse salaries. They also receive stipends for housing, travel, and other expenses associated with assignments.

Traveling allows nurses to explore new places and gain experience in prestigious, cutting-edge hospitals across the country. It provides exposure to different protocols and technology.

The contracts are flexible, often lasting 13 weeks. Nurses can choose assignments based on location, experience desired, and other preferences. It allows variety without long-term commitment.

ER travel nurses get to meet new people and build professional connections everywhere they go. The roles promote resilience, independence, and confidence.

The high-paced ER environment develops critical thinking and technical skills. The broad experience prepares nurses for advanced certifications and leadership roles.

The Flipside: Challenges and How to Navigate Them

Despite the many rewards, ER travel nursing also comes with unique challenges that nurses should be prepared for:

Frequent relocations can be disruptive and isolating. Building new relationships and gaining facility-specific knowledge during short contracts can be tough.

Contract requirements vary, so policies, documentation, equipment, and practices require adaptation at each new assignment. Onboarding is essential.

Working in understaffed, high-stress ERs with few support systems can be demanding. Strong coping strategies are key.

Securing housing, licensing, benefit plans, and other logistics takes time and organization. Travel nurses need to stay flexible and resolute.

Understanding hospital culture and politics quickly takes finesse. Diplomacy helps overcome initial outsider status.

Preparing for assignments, researching locations, packing efficiently, and budgeting for gaps take planning. ER travel nurses need resourcefulness.

Charting the course: Getting Started in ER Travel Nursing

Step-by-step guide to become an er travel nurse.

If you're a registered nurse interested in expanding your skills and seeing the country, becoming an ER travel nurse could be right for you. Here's a step-by-step guide to get started in this rewarding nursing career:

1. Earn a BSN degree and gain RN licensure. To become an ER travel nurse, you'll need at least an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), but earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is preferred. You'll also need an active, unencumbered RN license in the state where you'll be working.

2. Gain at least 1-2 years of experience in ER or critical care nursing. Most travel nurse jobs require recent experience in your specialty area. Get this experience by working in a hospital emergency room, ICU, or other critical care unit.

3. Obtain ACLS, PALS, and BLS certifications. These advanced cardiac, pediatric, and basic life support certifications are requirements for most ER travel nursing jobs.

4. Join travel nurse associations like the American Traveler's Association of Nurses (ATAN). These groups provide education, networking, job boards, and more.

5. Research and choose a travel nurse agency to work with. We can help match you to the right assignments faster than other agencies and get you first in line. Get started today in On Demand , our powerful web app.

6. Update your resume and work with a recruiter to find assignments that fit. Highlight your ER experience, specialized certifications, and commitment to high-quality care.

7. Interview for and accept an assignment at your desired hospital. Ask about the patient population, typical diagnoses, charting system, preceptors, and more.

8. Obtain housing and transportation for your assignment location. Many agencies provide housing stipends or corporate housing options.

9. Arrange for your RN license in the new state. This may require applying for temporary multi-state licensure.

10. Review the hospital's policies, procedures, and charting system. Arrive early on your first day for sufficient orientation.

11. Work hard, learn new skills, and make the most of your travel experience! Be flexible, positive, and take advantage of the travel opportunities.

Proven Tips for a Successful ER Travel Nursing Career

If you decide to embark on an ER travel nursing career , follow these tips to set yourself up for success:

• Maintain excellent time management and documentation skills. ER travel nurses need to efficiently prioritize and manage high volumes of patients.
• Be professionally assertive. Advocate for your patients while respecting the primary team's treatment plan.
• Have excellent IV and phlebotomy skills. You'll start many IVs and draw considerable labs in the ER setting.
• Be comfortable working with limited information. ER work requires quick critical thinking with limited medical histories.
• Have superb communication skills. You'll interact with diverse patients, families, and providers while coordinating care.
• Be flexible and adaptable. ER nurses must manage changing acuity, census, interpersonal dynamics and new hospital workflows.
• Seek feedback and learn from preceptors. Adjust your practice to follow each hospital's procedures.
• Attend hospital orientations and trainings. Proactively learn each facility's preferences.
• Build trusted nurse-patient relationships. Use compassion, active listening, and clear communication.

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