Your Guide to Becoming a Travel LPN
Are you a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with a passion for adventure and a desire to explore new places? If so, a career as a Travel LPN might be the perfect fit for you!
What is a Travel LPN?
A Travel LPN, or Travel Licensed Practical Nurse, is a healthcare professional who works on short-term assignments at different healthcare facilities. This unique career path allows LPNs to gain diverse experiences, work in various settings, and immerse themselves in new communities.
Travel LPN Vs RN
Choosing between a Travel Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and a Travel Registered Nurse (RN) involves considering various factors such as education, scope of practice, responsibilities, and career goals. Let's compare Travel LPN and Travel RN roles to help you make an informed decision.
Education and Licensing
- Travel LPN: Requires completion of a state-approved LPN program and passing the NCLEX-PN exam. LPNs typically have 12-18 months of education.
- Travel RN: Requires a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. RNs undergo a more extensive education, often taking 2-4 years.
Scope of Practice
- Travel LPN: LPNs provide basic nursing care, such as administering medication, monitoring patients, and assisting with daily activities. They work under the supervision of RNs and physicians.
- Travel RN: RNs have a broader scope of practice, including assessing patients, creating care plans, administering medications, and performing various medical procedures. RNs often take on leadership roles in healthcare teams.
Responsibilities
- Travel LPN: LPNs focus on direct patient care and may be responsible for tasks like wound care, taking vital signs, and providing emotional support to patients.
- Travel RN: RNs have a more complex role that includes critical thinking, decision-making, and coordinating patient care. They may lead nursing teams, manage patient cases, and act as liaisons between patients and physicians.
Career Opportunities
- Travel LPN: Career advancement options for LPNs may include pursuing additional certifications, specializing in a particular area, or moving into leadership roles within the LPN scope.
- Travel RN: RNs generally have more diverse career paths, with opportunities to specialize in areas such as pediatrics, oncology, or critical care. Advanced degrees (Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice) can open doors to leadership, education, or advanced practice nursing roles.
Salary and Demand
- Travel LPN: LPNs typically earn less than RNs, but salaries vary based on experience, location, and facility. LPNs are in demand, especially in long-term care and home health settings.
- Travel RN: RNs generally command higher salaries due to their advanced education and broader responsibilities. RNs are in high demand across various healthcare settings, offering a wide range of opportunities.
Job Flexibility
- Travel LPN: Travel LPNs enjoy the flexibility of working in different locations, but their scope of practice may be more standardized compared to RNs.
- Travel RN: RNs have the advantage of a more versatile scope of practice, providing them with increased flexibility and adaptability in various healthcare settings.
Ultimately, the choice between a Travel LPN and a Travel RN depends on your educational background, career aspirations, and the level of responsibility you desire in your nursing role. Both roles offer unique opportunities for travel, personal growth, and making a positive impact on patient care.
Steps to Become a Travel LPN:
Obtain your LPN License: To embark on a career as a Travel LPN, you must first become a Licensed Practical Nurse. This typically involves completing a state-approved LPN program, passing the NCLEX-PN exam, and meeting any additional state-specific requirements.
Gain Clinical Experience: Many travel nursing agencies prefer LPNs with a solid foundation of clinical experience. Work in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or long-term care facilities, to enhance your skills and adaptability.
Research Travel Nursing Agencies: Explore different travel nursing agencies to find the one that aligns with your career goals. Consider factors such as assignment locations, benefits, housing options, and the agency's reputation.
Obtain Additional Certifications: Some travel nursing assignments may require specialized skills or certifications. Enhance your marketability by obtaining certifications such as Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).
Update Your Resume and Credentials: Create a professional resume that highlights your LPN experience, skills, and any additional certifications. Keep your credentials up-to-date, and make sure your license is valid in the states where you plan to work.
Apply for State Nursing Licenses: Since Travel LPNs work in different states, you'll need to apply for nursing licenses in each state you wish to practice. Some states have a streamlined process for obtaining a temporary license, while others may require additional steps.
Connect with Recruiters: Reach out to travel nursing agency recruiters to discuss your goals and preferences. They can help match you with suitable assignments and provide guidance on the application process.
Be Flexible and Adaptable: Embrace the unpredictability of travel nursing by being flexible and adaptable. Each assignment may bring unique challenges and opportunities, allowing you to grow both personally and professionally.
Travel LPN Jobs
Finding LPN travel assignment involves connecting with travel nursing agencies, exploring job boards, and networking within the healthcare community. At GetMed Staffing, we staff LPNs all over the United States. If you are ready to make a change both in your life and the lives of others, we encourage you to check our our current LPN positions.
Becoming a Travel LPN opens doors to a rewarding career that combines healthcare with adventure. By following these steps, you can embark on a journey that not only fulfills your passion for nursing but also allows you to explore new places, meet diverse people, and make a positive impact on healthcare communities across the country. Embrace the adventure and start your Travel LPN journey today!