Nurses are in need in every part of the United States, not to mention internationally. Becoming a traveling need means you'll be able to work in some of the places that are most in need while also creating plenty of benefits for yourself. There are many perks to being a traveling nurse, including flexible scheduling, high pay, traveling, learning new skills, meeting new people, and job security with room for advancement. Of course, there are several things you must do to prepare to become a travel nurse.

1. Sell Your Home

Maintaining your home when you're always on the road is difficult. The mail will pile up, the lawn will become overgrown, and what happens if a pipe bursts or another emergency happens when you're out of town? Sure, you could hire someone to look after the place for you, but think about how much money you'd spend over the course of your career. The better idea is to try a home's value estimator, connect with a realtor, and put your home on the market. Chances are you'll be moving around lots for your job. If you'd like a permanent residence, you can always rent an apartment instead. It's lower maintenance and less likely to become a chore when you're working.

2. Build a Savings Account First

While travel nursing pays excellently, it's still a good idea to build a good savings account even before you enter the job field. There are plenty of reasons for this, but the most common one is that you'll pay for many of your expenses upfront and then be reimbursed. Housing is sometimes an issue as well. While most travel nurses have furnished housing or receive a stipend for rent, things do come up. Prearranged housing may be less than you expected or you may need to stay in a hotel for short-term jobs. You'll also need to consider whether you'll need to pay your own utilities and what other amenities you'll want in each city.

3. Have a Strong Understanding of Your Licenses and Credentials

Different states, types of jobs, and even hospitals require different types of licensing and credentials. You'll need to ensure that you have these sorted out before your first job and that you double-check what you'll need every time you change jobs. Typically, hospitals will require you to have active ACLS and BLS certifications. Some will also require NIHSS, PALS, or TNCC credentials. There is a compact or multi-state nursing license that allows you to work in more than 30 states. Your recruiter can help you determine which jobs and states your credentials are most suited for.

4. Network With Other Nurses

Living the life of a travel nurse can be a lonely one when you're changing jobs every few weeks to months. You can remedy the feeling of loneliness by networking with and getting to know other travel nurses, especially those who are more experienced and may be able to offer you words of wisdom. They can provide you with advice not only on how to do your job effectively but how to make friends, where to spend time in each city, and even how to pack more effectively.

5. Read Your Contracts Thoroughly

Understanding your contracts is vital. Always read the entire thing at least twice to ensure that you don't miss anything important. Ensure the contract's dates and your time-off list are correct, verify that all names and addresses are correct, and calculate that the money being offered is the right amount. It is also a good idea to ensure that you understand basic legal jargon in regard to nursing contracts.

Becoming a traveling nurse is a hugely rewarding career. You'll get to do what you love and help people while traveling to some of the most interesting places around the world, making new friends, and creating financial security. By keeping these tips in mind, you'll be more likely to have a successful transition into your new career.