<p>To become a travel nurse, there are three basic requirements:</p><ol><li>Earn your degree as a Registered Nurse (RN) from an accredited nursing school</li><li>Pass The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)</li><li>Obtain the required nursing experience</li></ol><p>Earning your RN degree can take anywhere from two to four years depending on your program, place of study, and specialty. For example, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) takes about 16 months while a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) typically takes 4 years. Both programs equally prepare you to pass the NCLEX and begin entry-level careers. Passing the exam qualifies you to obtain your license as a Registered Nurse in the United States. After you get your degree, most employers will want to see that you have at least 1 year of practical work experience in your specialty before they will consider hiring you.</p><h2>What makes a successful traveler?</h2><p>Travelers who love the profession are flexible, adapt easily to new surroundings, stay positive, and like adventure. Visiting new places, meeting new people, trying a new locale before making a permanent move, or gaining valuable experience while working at state-of-the-art facilities are some of the reasons travelers keep on traveling. Even the most successful traveler will tell you that you get better at traveling the more you do it. There are all sorts of creative ways you can adjust to the lifestyle without compromising your needs. Again, staying positive is key. A successful traveler also makes sure they understand the finer points of every new contract and they enlist the help of their recruiter to negotiate the best travel arrangement possible.</p><h2>Can you find me a job in a particular city?</h2><p>Cross Country Nurses has the industry's largest selection of travel assignments, in a variety of settings and specialties. However, the needs of our client facilities change daily. Depending on your specialty, we may not have a position in your preferred city, but we'll do our best to get you where you want to go, or present you with other great travel nursing opportunities.</p><h2>Can I travel when I choose?&nbsp;Do I have to sign an annual contract?</h2><p>The choice of when to travel is always yours, and you'll never have to sign an annual contract (unless you want to). Decide when you want to travel and where you want to go and we will find you an opportunity that matches your needs. Travel assignments usually last 13, 26, or 52 weeks, and the choice to accept or decline is your prerogative. If the timing of one opportunity does not work for you, we will find you another. When your current assignment is completed, you can:</p><ul><li>Extend your contract at the current facility if there is an opening</li><li>Go to another location and facility</li><li>Return home, and travel again in the future</li></ul><h2>Can you keep me working as a travel nurse?</h2><p>Yes! But you must be open-minded and flexible about travel assignments. If you're willing to plan ahead and make a commitment, it's likely that you'll be working continuously.</p><h2>Can I bring my family and/or pets?</h2><p>Yes, you can. Many people have traveled with family, friends or pets. In fact, it's a great opportunity to explore the country together. You may incur a cost for larger housing and maybe a pet deposit. Another option is to plan your <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/travel" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">travel nursing jobs</a> for the summer, while your kids are out of school. You will want to consider day-care options if you are a single parent or have a spouse who is also working. A one year assignment that begins at the start of the school year can also work well if you are bringing your kids to your travel locale. Fewer disruptions in routine and environment keep everyone happier.Discuss your options with your recruiter who can help you iron out the details beforehand.</p><h2>Can I speak with other travel nurses to see if this career is for me?</h2><p>Absolutely! This is one of the best ways to find out if traveling suits you.Ask your recruiter to put you in touch with other travelers who are currently on assignment or have traveled in the last year. When gathering their input, stay objective. Keep in mind that no two assignments are alike and one traveler’s perspective might be completely different when seen through the eyes of another. For example, a traveler taking agency housing might find it inconvenient to bring along a TV, extra bedding, or a few small appliances while other travelers like to have their own stuff with them to create a homey feel. Once you talk to other travelers, address your concerns and verify facts with your recruiter.</p><h2>How do I stay in touch with Cross Country Nurses?</h2><p>Visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.crosscountrynurses.com/contact-us" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">contact us</a>&nbsp;page to reach a representative regarding your particular needs, or surf our website for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.crosscountrynurses.com/travel-nursing-jobs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">current assignment opportunties</a>. You can also create a free&nbsp;<a href="https://itravelcctc.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">iTravel</a>&nbsp;account to be alerted to new openings in the areas you want to travel.</p><p>Once we have received all of your paperwork you can always e-mail or call your Recruiter, who will be your contact throughout your Cross Country Nurses career—lending an ear, answering questions, and providing important information. In short, we're never out of touch.</p>

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