Want LPN/LVN travel nursing jobs? These jobs pay high and you get to work in different locations across the country. In this article we’ll cover how to find the best jobs, the benefits and how to start your travel nursing career.
Key Points
- Travel nursing as an LPN/LVN pays $1,200 to $2,500 per week depending on the assignment location and demand.
- Benefits for travel nurses include housing stipends, health insurance, retirement plans and referral bonuses to boost your overall pay.
- Aspiring travel nurses should gain diverse experience and choose reputable travel nursing agencies to get the best assignments that fit their skills and lifestyle.
High Paying LPN/LVN Travel Nursing Jobs
As a licensed practical nurse or licensed vocational nurse, travel nursing opens doors to a world of opportunities. Not only do you get to travel to different parts of the country but you also get to choose assignments that fit your lifestyle and career goals. Travel nurses work on short-term contracts usually 8 to 26 weeks and provide support to healthcare facilities facing nursing shortages. This flexibility translates to higher pay rates compared to staff nursing positions.
Travel LPNs and LVNs are in demand due to the growing need for healthcare professionals in different locations. This means more opportunities for practical nurses willing to take on different assignments. Whether you prefer urban hospitals or rural clinics, the variety of work environments means you’ll get a wealth of experience while advancing your nursing career.
Weekly Pay
One of the best things about travel nursing is the pay. On average a travel LPN or LVN can earn around $1,396 per week. But pay rates can vary depending on the location and the job. Typically travel LPN/LVN jobs pay between $1,200 to $2,500 per week.
Urban assignments pay more due to the cost of living and high demand for healthcare services in city areas. While these jobs pay more, you need to consider the living costs and average salary in those areas.
Rural assignments pay slightly less but have a lower cost of living which can balance out your overall pay.
Benefits
Beyond the pay, travel nursing offers many benefits and perks that make the experience even better. Many travel nursing jobs come with housing stipends or free housing so you don’t have to stress about finding a place to live and start your assignment. Comprehensive health insurance, retirement plans and travel reimbursements are common benefits that make these jobs even more attractive.
Referral bonuses are another big perk in the travel nursing industry. Nurses who refer fellow healthcare professionals to their travel nursing agency can earn extra bonuses which adds to the overall appeal of the job.
These benefits and perks not only provide financial stability but also make for a rewarding travel nursing experience.
How to Become a Travel LPN/LVN
Becoming a travel LPN/LVN is an exciting journey that starts with the right educational foundation and professional credentials. Travel nursing allows licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses to work in different settings and enhance their adaptability and problem solving skills. To start your travel nursing career you can register with well-known travel nursing agencies like FlexCare which simplifies the process and gives you access to a network of assignments across the U.S.
The flexibility and variety of work environments in travel nursing not only improve clinical skills but also broadens professional horizons. Working in different healthcare facilities allows LPNs and LVNs to gain valuable experience and boost their career prospects.
Educational Requirements
Completing an accredited LPN program which takes one to two years is necessary to become a licensed practical nurse. Community colleges, vocational schools and some hospitals offer these programs. The curriculum covers topics like anatomy, pharmacology, nursing principles and patient care techniques.
LPN students get hands on experience through clinical training in healthcare settings which complements their classroom instruction. This practical experience is critical as it allows students to develop the necessary skills and confidence to perform nursing procedures effectively.
Licensing and Certifications
Aspiring nurses must pass the NCLEX-PN exam after completing an accredited LPN program to get their license. This licensing exam is a critical step in becoming a licensed practical nurse or licensed vocational nurse. The licensing process also involves submitting an application, passing a background check and paying relevant fees.
Travel nurses must have a valid nursing license in every state where they plan to work. Healthcare facilities often look for nurses with specific skills so highlighting your specialized skills and certifications in your resume can make you a more attractive candidate for travel nursing jobs.
Experience
Travel nurses must gain experience in different healthcare settings. This versatility proves your ability to adapt to different environments and handle various patient care situations. A strong travel nursing resume should highlight these diverse skills and experiences to showcase your adaptability and teamwork skills.
Emphasizing relevant skills and experiences in your resume can greatly improve your chances of getting travel nursing jobs. Highlight both hard skills like patient assessment and soft skills like communication and teamwork to present a well rounded professional profile.
Best Travel Nursing Agency
Choosing the right travel nursing agency is key to a successful travel nursing career. Travel nursing agencies connect nurses with healthcare facilities that need temporary staff to address nursing shortages. They provide valuable resources and support to ensure a smooth transition between assignments and help nurses find jobs that match their skills and preferences.
Consider factors like the agency’s reputation, the number of assignments they offer and the level of support they provide when selecting a travel nursing agency. A good agency can greatly enhance your travel nursing experience by offering competitive pay rates, comprehensive benefits and reliable support services.
Top Agency for LPN/LVN Travel Nurses
Several travel nursing agencies are known for their excellent service and support. One of the top agencies that place LPN/LVN travel nurses in desirable locations is TLC Nursing.
TLC Nursing offers high-demand assignments across the U.S., including Pennsylvania, North Carolina, the New England region, Upstate New York, and beyond. With competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and dedicated support, TLC Nursing ensures that LPN/LVN travel nurses secure the best placements and enjoy a smooth, rewarding experience.
Agency Support and Resources
Travel nursing agencies support nurses beyond just matching them with assignments. Many agencies provide extensive support services like housing assistance and 24/7 access to dedicated recruiters for guidance during assignments. Health Providers Choice for example has multiple clinical liaisons available 24/7 to assist travelers in emergencies.
These resources are crucial for travel nurses, providing peace of mind and ensuring they have the support they need to succeed in their roles. Reliable agency support can greatly enhance the travel nursing experience making it easier to navigate the challenges of working in different healthcare facilities.
Popular Locations for Travel LPN/LVN Jobs
Travel LPN/LVN jobs are available in many locations across the country with some areas having higher demand and better pay packages. High demand areas often have better pay and bonuses so these locations are more attractive to travel nurses. Travel LPNs/LVNs get tax free stipends for housing and travel expenses which adds to their overall compensation.
The demand for LPNs is high due to a national nursing shortage. This shortage creates opportunities for travel nurses to provide care in different medical environments including hospitals, nursing homes and clinics.
High Demand States
Some states are more in demand for travel LPN/LVN positions due to their urban healthcare systems and higher pay structures. California, Texas and Florida frequently top the list for travel LPN/LVN opportunities. California for instance offers competitive salaries and variety of assignments making it a popular choice for many travel nurses.
Texas offers competitive salaries and lower cost of living making it an attractive option for travel LPNs/LVNs. These states offer plenty of opportunities for travel nurses to gain experience while enjoying higher pay and diverse work environments.
Urban vs. Rural Assignments
When choosing between urban and rural assignments travel LPNs/LVNs must consider the opportunities and challenges each setting offers. Urban areas offer better pay rates and more assignments reflecting the higher demand for healthcare services in city settings. However these positions may come with higher cost of living and faster pace of work.
Rural travel assignments may offer lower cost of living and more relaxed work environment appealing to LPNs/LVNs who prefer less stressful settings. Choosing between urban and rural assignments is about balancing higher pay and opportunities against lower costs and more tranquil work life.
Roles and Responsibilities of Travel LPNs/LVNs
Travel LPNs/LVNs provide patient care in different healthcare settings. These practical nurses work in nursing facilities, home healthcare, hospitals and physicians’ offices to address staffing shortages and meet patient care needs. The responsibilities of travel LPNs/LVNs are diverse and can vary depending on the assignment.
Travel LPNs/LVNs are part of the healthcare team whether working in hospitals, long term care facilities or home health settings. They provide basic nursing care, monitor patient conditions and assist with daily activities contributing to the overall quality of care.
Basic Nursing Care
At the heart of their responsibilities, travel LPNs/LVNs provide basic nursing care which includes monitoring patient conditions and reporting changes to registered nurses or physicians for further action. In long term care environments, LPNs manage medication administration and coordinate patient activities.
Collaboration with the healthcare team is key to providing patient care. LPNs/LVNs work with other healthcare professionals to ensure effective communication and teamwork to deliver quality care.
Specialized Roles
In addition to basic nursing care, LPNs/LVNs often take on specialized roles in different healthcare settings. For example in Florida, the tourism and healthcare industry drives demand for travel LPNs/LVNs particularly in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Specializing in long term care enhances the skill set of LPNs/LVNs and opens up more opportunities in travel nursing.
Long term care facilities such as nursing homes and assisted living centers are where LPNs/LVNs apply their specialized skills. These specialized roles require adaptability and ability to meet the needs of each environment.
Working under Supervision
Travel LPNs and LVNs typically work under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and physicians. This supervisory structure ensures all patient care activities are done according to established protocols and standards. The oversight provided by RNs and physicians is crucial for quality care and patient safety.
Following directives from supervising healthcare professionals ensures compliance to medical standards and creates a learning environment for LPNs/LVNs. This structure allows practical nurses to gain valuable insights and improve their skills making them more competent and confident in patient care.
How to Maximize Your Travel Nursing Career
Continuous professional development, effective networking and maintaining a healthy work-life balance are key to maximizing your travel nursing career. Travel nursing is a great opportunity to expand clinical skills, build professional connections and career growth. Choosing work locations and assignments allows travel nurses to achieve a balance between work and personal life making it easier to manage personal and professional responsibilities.
Effective time management is important for travel nurses to balance work demands and personal well-being. Prioritizing tasks, setting aside time for personal activities and creating a daily schedule can help manage the demands of travel nursing while ensuring personal well-being.
Building a Strong Resume
A well-crafted resume is key to getting into attractive travel nursing positions, highlighting your nursing skills and experiences. Start with a professional summary that highlights your nursing skills and experiences. Emphasize relevant experience and specialized skills to make your resume attractive to employers. Including a professional summary at the top of your resume can showcase your qualifications and area of specialty.
Listing certifications and licenses validates your nursing credentials. Using industry specific terminology can make your resume more ATS friendly and increase chances of being seen by recruiters.
Showing flexibility and adaptability in your resume tells employers you are willing to take on new challenges and work in diverse settings.
Networking and Professional Growth
Networking within the travel nursing community can open up better job opportunities and referrals, expanding your professional network. Join online communities, attend nursing conferences and participate in networking events to expand your network. These connections can lead to mentorship and career advancement.
Experienced travel LPNs often mentor newer nursing staff, helping them adjust to the fast pace of travel assignments and sharing valuable insights. Being part of nursing organizations allows mentorship and access to resources for career growth.
Work-Life Balance
Balancing work and life is key to overall well-being in a travel nursing career. Effective time management techniques include creating a daily schedule, prioritizing tasks and setting aside time for personal activities. Regular exercise, mindfulness and hobbies can help manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Setting boundaries between work and personal life involves communicating with employers and coworkers about availability and personal commitments, so you can have a fulfilling personal life. These strategies allow you to enjoy the benefits of travel nursing while having a fulfilling personal life.
Conclusion
LPN/LVN travel nursing offers high pay, diverse work environments and great benefits. By knowing how to become a travel nurse, finding the right agency and choosing the right job locations you can maximize your career. Travel nursing not only boosts your professional skills but also gives you the flexibility to have a balanced and rewarding lifestyle.
As you start this journey remember to build a strong resume, network within the travel nursing community and maintain a healthy work-life balance. These will help you thrive in the dynamic and rewarding world of LPN/LVN travel nursing.
FAQs
What are the average weekly pay rates for travel LPNs/LVNs?
Average weekly pay: $1,396
What benefits do travel LPN/LVN positions offer?
Travel LPN/LVN positions offer housing stipends, health insurance, retirement plans and referral bonuses to make your travel nursing experience even better. These perks give you financial stability as you travel to new locations.
How do I become a travel LPN/LVN?
To become a travel LPN/LVN, complete an LPN program, pass the NCLEX-PN exam and have diverse experience in healthcare settings. Register with a reputable travel nursing agency to make the transition easier.
How do I find the best travel nursing agency?
Find the best travel nursing agency by prioritizing those with great reputation and excellent support, such as Atlas MedStaff, Uniti Med and Travel Nurses Inc. Check their job assignments and commitment to nurses to ensure a great experience.
What do travel LPNs/LVNs do?
Travel LPNs/LVNs provide basic nursing care, monitor patient conditions, assist with daily activities and work with healthcare teams in different settings. Their flexibility allows them to work in hospitals and long term care facilities.
