LPN Travel Jobs: Opportunities and Benefits for Licensed Practical Nurses

Travel jobs for LPNs are becoming well-known and ever so popular among nurses today looking for workforce adventure, flexibility, and the opportunity to be employed in different healthcare facilities. Travel nursing is different from other forms of nursing, especially regarding the working environment; the LPN can work temporary engagements in various places, which may be useful and fun.

From those who are experienced nurses seeking a new challenge to fresher nurses willing to follow a new direction in their career path, LPN travel jobs can be a perfect match for a satisfying and prosperous development. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what LPN travel jobs are, what the benefits are of working in this way, and how to embark on a career at the same time. We will also discuss some of the probable obstacles and factors that you may need to know before deciding to be an LPN travel nurse.

What are LPN Travel Jobs?

Travel LPN refer to engagements whereby these nurses are employed on contract bases to work in different healthcare facilities for a certain duration. Contrary to other LPNs which are organization based, travel nurses have contracts that may last for 8-13weeks though some contracts can be of short or long duration as per the circumstances.

Possible employers of a travel LPN are hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, clinics and other healthcare facilities. Some of your duties are likely to stay the same as those of a permanent LPN, such as attending to patients, distributing medications and helping patients with other functions. Though, there are differences probable about the environments, this allows you to confront with different patient groups and health care practices.

In LPN travel jobs, flexibility of work, and expectation to learn from one destination to another is among the many benefits that are hard to find elsewhere. Transitioning from one career to another is one of the best techniques in the field for upgrading one’s skills, knowing how it is to work in different working environments, and developing a more diverse portfolio. Also, since these positions cater for open staff positions in critical projects, travel LPNs are always able to negotiate and clinch good salary structures and thus a financially rewarding career as well.

How to Become an LPN Travel Nurse

To become an LPN travel nurse there are certain essentials to follow so as to be well equipped to undertake the new job. First of all, one should be a licensed practical nurse and to achieve this position one, has to pass a course in a program that is accredited for this type of nursing and to pass the NCLEX-PN exam. After getting licensed, it is advisable to have some experience which you can get probably in a clinical floor for at least one year before dreaming of getting a travel position.

This experience will also assist you to develop other qualities that will ensure that you conquer the new environments within a short span of time. Certifications also improve your chances of employment at the workplace certified courses and programs also help in improving oneself.

Simple credentials common to most professionals in this field are BLS and other certifications in fields such as IV therapy or wound care increase one’s candidacy. These qualifications show that you are willing and capable to take the different responsibilities ascribed to travel nursing.

That is why, to look for travel assignments you have to cooperate with certain travel nursing agencies that focus on placing the nurses in the temporary positions. Companies such as American Mobile, Aya Healthcare as well as Travel Nurse Across America work with employers across the country. These agencies help with the process of sourcing for jobs, finding an apartment and all other related services that ease the process of joining travel nursing.

Last but not least, ensure that you modify your CV while joining the travel nursing positions to ensure that you emphasis on your experiences and licenses. It can therefore be expected that travels nurse hiring process may be done very quickly since positions need to be filled as soon as possible. With the right preparation and the right mindset getting into LPN Travel Nurse is something that can prove to be very rewarding.

Challenges and Considerations of LPN Travel Jobs

As has been highlighted with LPN travel jobs being flexible there are some potential issues which are likely to be encountered in this kind of job. Competitive pressures are also an issue with one of the most significant problems being the need for fast adaptability to new contexts.

Whenever you work as a travel nurse, you are likely to find yourself in different healthcare organizations that you need to understand in terms of operations, colleagues with whom you will have to converse constructively, and the patients you will have to interact with constructively. This can be fun and tiring at the same time depending with how a person is used to working in one certain organization.

The other factor to be taken into account is the duration of stay at another location. Travel nursing implies that you have to move often and this might be not convenient especially if you have family and other obligations.

One of the reasons people feel rather lonely on assignment is because they are detached from their support networks, therefore, it is wise to contemplate on how to wire yourself with your kin over this period. Furthermore, one is required to be well conversant with the contractual agreements implemented in the particular business.

Travel nursing contracts are flexible for pay, benefits, as well as working conditions, and therefore one has to ensure that he or she assesses the agreement carefully before signing. Know the requirement of the services that you are to deliver, the assistance you will receive from the agency as well as the terms of contract renewal or termination.

Last of all, juggling work and other aspects of life can be quite challenging if one’s job involves traveling so often. More realistic is to set up proper regimes that will keep one in order and help in coping with mental and physical disorders in new roles and sites.

FAQs

What qualifications do I need to start a career in LPN travel nursing?

You should be a licensed practical nurse for this position which calls for passing an LPN program and writing the NCLEX-PN test. Besides, qualifications such as prior hospital experience of at least one year and certification such as BLS will increase your chances of being hired.

How long do travel LPN assignments typically last?

Travel LPN assignments usually last between 8 to 13 weeks, but the duration can vary depending on the facility’s needs. Some assignments may be shorter or longer, and there may be opportunities to extend contracts.

Are travel LPN jobs only available in certain states?

No, there are travel LPN jobs which are across the United States, in both large cities and in the countryside. Indeed, demand could be even higher in some states or regions, so it is better to be more ‘mobile’ to have more vacancies to choose from.

What are the housing options for travel LPNs?

Most travel nursing agencies provide a housing allowance so, you have to lease the housing on your own. Some agencies also furnish houses to the extreme where they offer well-equipped rental homes close to your working station. Before you take a placement, you need to talk with your agency regarding the available housing kinds.

Can travel LPNs choose their assignments or locations?

Yes, travel LPNs have the flexibility to choose assignments that align with their preferences. You can work with your agency to find positions that match your desired location, facility type, and contract length.