Travel LPN jobs are short-term contracts to help fill staffing gaps at medical facilities. Taking different assignments as an LPN can allow you to travel all over the country doing what you love. Let’s talk about being a traveling LPN and why it might make sense for you.
Travel LPN Jobs: Traveling Isn’t Just for RNs
It’s a common misconception that only registered nurses are needed for travel assignments. In reality, there are many types of nurses that may start traveling, including LPNs and LVNs. Licensed practical nurses provide invaluable support to RNs and doctors to help with patient care and comfort. Therefore, traveling LPNs are certainly in demand in many different facilities. In fact, job growth for LPNs in the U.S. is expected to increase by 9% by 2029. Traveling nurses help provide temporary medical staffing solutions for many different situations. For example, if a permanent LPN takes leave, between permanent hires, and during busy times where facilities are dealing with more patients.
Hospitals are some of the most in need of traveling nurses of all types, though physicians offices and other facilities may also offer travel contracts. You can also find travel LPN jobs all over the country, including in desirable locations like Hawaii and California. Travel assignments vary, but most are around 13 weeks.
Benefits of Travel LPN Jobs
Becoming a traveling LPN comes with many advantages over taking a permanent position. Let’s go over some of the top reasons many nurses decide to take part in the travel lifestyle.
Higher Pay on Average
One reason many LPNs get into the travel game is because of the pay. Most traveling assignments pay pretty well. Each assignment’s pay is different. However, in most cases you’ll make more as a traveling LPN compared to a permanent position. Some estimates based on average salaries for permanent LPNs and travel LPNs show that travelers make about 15% more on average, which is pretty compelling. In addition to competitive compensation packages, our travel nurse agency also offers many other benefits. For instance, we provide medical, dental, and vision insurance for just $15 a week, offer a 401 (k) program with matching, provide professional liability/malpractice coverage, and offer free housing (or generous housing stipends, if you prefer). So, becoming a traveling LPN offers many financial incentives.
Travel LPN Jobs Allow for Adventure
Another amazing benefit of becoming a traveling LPN nurse is that it’s an adventurous lifestyle. You can take travel assignments all over the U.S. and experience many different places. Want to go skiing in Colorado, visit the beach in Florida, or experience all the delights of New York? As a traveling LPN, you can do all that and more. Many LPNs and nurses even begin traveling to experience different locations to figure out where they want to move or retire.
As a travel nurse, you get freedom and flexibility to really design your life how you want. You pick which assignments you take, so you’re in control of where you go and what you do. If you want to take a few weeks off to go sightseeing, you can absolutely do that. Also, let’s not forget that you can meet people of all walks of life and make friends throughout the country. If adventure is calling, then becoming a traveling LPN may be the perfect opportunity for you.
Help Facilities in Need and Get a Ton of Experience
Many traveling nurses also choose to start traveling because they can help facilities who really need the help and also to gain unique experience. When a facility lists a travel assignment with our travel nurse agency, that means they find themselves with a staffing shortage they need to fill. A really rewarding part of being a travel LPN is knowing that you’re helping facilities and patients who need help.
Also, taking traveling assignments in many different facilities is a wonderful way to get experience. You’ll get to see how many different organizations provide care and run their facility. You’ll learn about many different systems and may even become an expert in several. You can gain a lot of unique and varied experience to add to your credentials. This experience may help with opportunities if you decide to go back to a permanent position.
Tips for Travel LPN Jobs
If you’re interested in becoming a traveling LPN, there are a few things to know. One of our recruiters can help walk you through the process and provide the support and guidance you need to make the transition to traveling. However, as you consider your options, it’s important to keep licensure and other requirements in mind.
Check the License Requirements & Scope of Practice for the State
In most cases, you will need to have your LPN license for each state you practice in. Of course, you may already have a multistate LPN license if your license is from a state that’s part of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC). Currently, there are 38 states with NLC legislation. If you have a license from one of those states and plan to practice in another compact state, then you may not need to obtain any other licenses. However, if you want to take assignments in non-compact states, or if your license is from a non-compact state, you likely need to apply for a license for each state you plan to practice in. Our team can help you through this process, but it’s something to keep in mind as you consider becoming a traveling LPN.
Also, it’s important to know the scope of practice for each state you plan to take an assignment in. LPN and LVN scope of practice may vary from state to state. For example, some states allow LPNs to administer medications and IV fluids and others do not. You can check each state’s scope of practice for LPNs in their Nurse Practice Act. Knowing the specific rules for each area is important. This can help you understand what your responsibilities might be and what is and isn’t allowed.
Still In School? Get Some Experience Before Taking Travel LPN Jobs
So, what if you’re still exploring career options while you’re still taking your LPN course? If that’s the case, you can certainly become a traveling LPN, but you likely want to get some experience first. Having a few years of experience can help you be comfortable successful in different traveling assignments. For instance, we typically require a minimum of two years of experience for our nurses. You see, in many cases you’ll be working in a fast-paced environment. You also will need to be up and running pretty quickly. Taking a permanent position for a little hands-on experience can help make this easier and may help your day-to-day as a traveling LPN feel a little smoother. Therefore, we recommend getting some experience under your belt before becoming a travel LPN.
Get Started with our Travel Nurse Agency Today!
If you’re ready to start traveling, our travel nurse agency is here to help. As a top 10 traveling nurse staffing agency, we are here to match our fabulous nurses with incredible job opportunities. Our recruiters at AHS NurseStat are dedicated to providing personalized service. We’re here to help you find your next job and make traveling easy. If you’re ready to join the AHS family, get in touch today to talk to a recruiter and learn more about our amazing opportunities!
