How to Become a Pediatric Travel Nurse: A Guide to the Industry

AvatarByDale Richard Traveling Information

Pediatric Travel Nursing: A Career With Endless Rewards

Working as a pediatric travel nurse is a challenging and rewarding career path. It offers the chance to see new places, meet new people, and make a real difference in the lives of children. But what exactly does it take to become a pediatric travel nurse?

In this article, we’ll discuss the education and training requirements, the different types of jobs available, and the salary and benefits you can expect. We’ll also provide tips on how to find the best pediatric travel nursing jobs and how to make the most of your career.

So if you’re looking for a career that’s both exciting and fulfilling, read on to learn more about pediatric travel nursing!

Step Tasks Timeframe
1 Get your Registered Nurse (RN) license 1-2 years
2 Complete a pediatric nursing specialization 1-2 years
3 Gain experience working in a pediatric setting 1-2 years
4 Get certified as a pediatric travel nurse 1-2 months
5 Start your pediatric travel nursing career Immediately

How To Become A Pediatric Travel Nurse?

Pediatric travel nursing is a great way to experience new places, meet new people, and earn a high salary. However, becoming a pediatric travel nurse requires some planning and preparation.

In this article, we will discuss the education and experience requirements, job search and application process, and tips for negotiating your contract.

Education and Experience Requirements

The first step to becoming a pediatric travel nurse is to obtain a registered nurse (RN) license. This requires a bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited program. You will also need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).

In addition to your RN license, you will need to have at least one year of experience working in a pediatric setting. This experience can be gained in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or schools.

You will also need to have CPR and first aid certification. These certifications can be obtained through the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross.

Job Search and Application Process

Once you have met the education and experience requirements, you can start the job search process. The best way to find pediatric travel nursing jobs is to work with a travel nursing agency.

Travel nursing agencies will help you find a job that matches your skills and experience. They will also negotiate your contract and provide support throughout your assignment.

To apply for a pediatric travel nursing job, you will need to submit your resume and a cover letter. You will also need to provide references from previous employers.

Once you have applied for a job, the travel nursing agency will contact you to schedule an interview. The interview will typically be conducted over the phone or via video chat.

Negotiating Your Contract

Once you have been offered a job, it is important to negotiate your contract. This is your chance to get the best possible salary, benefits, and working conditions.

Some of the things you can negotiate include:

  • Your salary
  • Your benefits
  • Your working hours
  • Your housing
  • Your transportation

It is important to be prepared to negotiate and to know your worth. Do not be afraid to ask for what you want.

Becoming a pediatric travel nurse is a great way to experience new places, meet new people, and earn a high salary. However, it is important to do your research and prepare yourself for the process.

By following the steps outlined in this article, you can increase your chances of becoming a successful pediatric travel nurse.

Additional Resources

  • [American Association of Nurse Practitioners](https://www.aanp.org/)
  • [American Nurses Association](https://www.nursingworld.org/)
  • [National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners](https://www.napnap.org/)
  • [Travel Nurse Central](https://www.travelnursecentral.com/)
  • [Nurse.com](https://www.nurse.com/)

Preparing for Your Travel Assignment

Once you have accepted a travel nursing assignment, there are a few things you need to do to prepare for your new role.

Get your travel nurse supplies

As a travel nurse, you will be responsible for providing your own supplies. This includes everything from scrubs to stethoscopes. Here is a list of some of the essential supplies you will need:

  • Scrubs
  • Lab coat
  • Stethoscope
  • Penlight
  • Scissors
  • Tape measure
  • Bandages
  • Gloves
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE)

You can find most of these supplies at your local medical supply store. However, you may also want to consider purchasing some supplies online. This can be a more convenient option, especially if you are traveling to a remote location.

Get your travel nurse vaccinations

As a travel nurse, you will be exposed to a variety of diseases. It is important to make sure you are up-to-date on your vaccinations before you start your assignment. Some of the vaccinations you may need include:

  • Hepatitis B
  • Influenza
  • Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
  • Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)
  • Varicella

You can get your vaccinations at your local doctor’s office or at a travel clinic.

Get your travel nurse insurance

As a travel nurse, you will need to have your own health insurance. This is important in case you get sick or injured while on assignment. There are a few different types of travel nurse insurance policies available. You should compare policies to find one that meets your needs and budget.

Prepare your family for your travel assignment

If you have a family, it is important to prepare them for your travel assignment. This includes letting them know how long you will be gone, how often you will be able to communicate with them, and what they can do to support you while you are away.

Here are a few tips for preparing your family for your travel assignment:

  • Talk to your family about your travel assignment well in advance.
  • Let them know how long you will be gone and when you expect to return.
  • Share your contact information with them so they can reach you if they need to.
  • Make arrangements for your family to stay with friends or family members while you are away.
  • Consider sending your family care packages while you are away.

By following these tips, you can help your family to adjust to your travel assignment and make sure they are supported during your time away.

Working as a Pediatric Travel Nurse

Once you have accepted a travel nursing assignment, you will be ready to start working as a pediatric travel nurse. Here are a few tips for success in your new role:

Get acclimated to your new assignment

When you first start your travel assignment, it is important to take some time to get acclimated to your new surroundings. This includes getting to know your new team members, learning the hospital policies and procedures, and familiarizing yourself with the patient population.

Here are a few tips for getting acclimated to your new assignment:

  • Ask your manager or preceptor for a tour of the hospital.
  • Introduce yourself to your new colleagues.
  • Ask questions about the hospital policies and procedures.
  • Spend some time with the patients to get to know them.

Provide quality care to your patients

As a pediatric travel nurse, you will be responsible for providing quality care to your patients. This includes providing safe and effective nursing care, communicating effectively with patients and their families, and advocating for your patients’ needs.

Here are a few tips for providing quality care to your patients:

  • Assess your patients’ needs and develop a plan of care that is individualized to their needs.
  • Provide safe and effective nursing care.
  • Communicate effectively with patients and their families.
  • Advocate for your patients’ needs.

Build relationships with your colleagues

As a travel nurse, you will be working with a variety of different colleagues. It is important to build relationships with your colleagues so that you can work together effectively to provide the best possible care for your patients.

Here are a few tips for building relationships with your colleagues:

  • Be friendly and approachable.
  • Be willing to help out your colleagues.
  • Be open to sharing ideas and suggestions.
  • Be respectful of your colleagues’ opinions.

Enjoy your travel experience

Working as a pediatric travel nurse can be a rewarding experience. It allows you to travel to new places, meet new people, and learn new things. It can also be a challenging experience, but it is also an opportunity to grow

How much does a pediatric travel nurse make?

The average salary for a pediatric travel nurse is $130,000 per year, but rates can vary depending on experience, location, and specialty.

What are the requirements to become a pediatric travel nurse?

To become a pediatric travel nurse, you must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and at least one year of experience working in a pediatric setting. You must also be registered with the American Nurses Association (ANA) and have a current state nursing license.

What are the benefits of being a pediatric travel nurse?

There are many benefits to being a pediatric travel nurse, including:

  • The opportunity to work in different settings and locations
  • The ability to earn a higher salary than you would as a staff nurse
  • The chance to experience new challenges and learn new skills
  • The flexibility to choose your own assignments and work hours

**What are the challenges of being a pediatric travel nurse?

There are some challenges to being a pediatric travel nurse, including:

  • The need to be able to adapt to new environments and cultures
  • The challenges of working with sick children and their families
  • The stress of being away from home for long periods of time

**How do I become a pediatric travel nurse?

To become a pediatric travel nurse, you can follow these steps:

1. Get your nursing degree and license.
2. Get experience working in a pediatric setting.
3. Join a travel nursing agency.
4. Attend a travel nursing orientation.
5. Start your first assignment.

**What is the best travel nursing agency for pediatric nurses?

There are many great travel nursing agencies that cater to pediatric nurses. Some of the best agencies include:

  • Aya Healthcare
  • Cross Country Healthcare
  • MedPro Healthcare Staffing
  • NurseFly
  • ProMed Professionals

**How can I find a pediatric travel nursing job?

There are many ways to find a pediatric travel nursing job, including:

  • Attending a job fair
  • Searching online job boards
  • Contacting a travel nursing agency
  • Networking with other nurses

**What are the best states for pediatric travel nurses?

The best states for pediatric travel nurses vary depending on your preferences. Some of the most popular states include:

  • California
  • Florida
  • Texas
  • New York
  • Illinois

**What is the best time of year to start a pediatric travel nursing job?

The best time of year to start a pediatric travel nursing job depends on your preferences. Some of the busiest times of year include:

  • Summer
  • Winter
  • Spring
  • Fall

    In this comprehensive guide, we have discussed everything you need to know about becoming a pediatric travel nurse. We have covered the steps involved in becoming a travel nurse, the different types of pediatric travel nursing jobs, the pros and cons of the career, and the salary potential. We have also provided tips on how to find a pediatric travel nursing job and how to prepare for your new career.

We hope that this guide has been helpful and that you are now feeling more confident about pursuing a career as a pediatric travel nurse. This is an exciting and rewarding career path that can allow you to make a real difference in the lives of children.

Here are some key takeaways to remember:

  • Pediatric travel nursing is a great way to see the country and earn a high salary.
  • The steps involved in becoming a travel nurse include getting your nursing degree, obtaining your RN license, and getting your travel nursing certification.
  • There are many different types of pediatric travel nursing jobs available, including hospital jobs, clinic jobs, and home health jobs.
  • The pros of a pediatric travel nursing career include the opportunity to travel, the high salary, and the flexible schedule.
  • The cons of a pediatric travel nursing career include the long hours, the lack of job security, and the need to be away from home.
  • The salary potential for pediatric travel nurses varies depending on the type of job, the location, and the experience level.
  • To find a pediatric travel nursing job, you can use online job boards, contact travel nursing agencies, or attend job fairs.
  • To prepare for your new career as a pediatric travel nurse, you can get your travel nursing certification, build your resume, and network with other travel nurses.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.