Can you travel nurse as an LPN?

LPNs can absolutely travel nurse! If you meet the necessary requirements and are motivated by the prospect of exploring new cultures and gaining varied nursing experience, then you’re probably an outstanding fit for LPN travel nursing jobs. 

Often, RNs are exclusively associated with travel nursing, however this is not the case in practice. Many facilities will require the skills of an LPN or are facing staff shortages in this specialty and will be looking to travel LPNs to bridge their staffing or skills gaps. 

Why become a travel LPN?

Becoming a travel LPN comes with a wide array of benefits- from financial to professional development. Just a few that our travel LPNs have highlighted include: 

Better pay  

Travel LPNs tend to earn more than regular LPNs due to the more urgent need for their services. While LPNs may not earn as much as more specialist RNs, travel nursing is still an excellent way to bolster your income as an LPN. 

Travelling the country 

One of the biggest perks of being a travel nurse is the opportunity to explore new places, while working. As a travel LPN, you can choose assignments in whichever area you want to explore. From bustling cities to idyllic rural life, you can experience diverse cultures, climates, and lifestyles. 

Enhanced work/life balance 

Travel nursing offers an improved work/life balance as you have the flexibility to choose assignments that suit your schedule and preferences. You can take breaks between contracts or pick destinations based on your personal interests.  

Professional development opportunities 

By taking on LPN travel nurse contracts, you gain experience in different healthcare settings. This diversity enhances your skill set, adaptability, and experience, making you a more experienced nurse much faster than if you were a staff nurse. You will also benefit from increased networking opportunities with healthcare experts across the nation, potentially opening the door to future opportunities and collaborations.  

 How to become a travel LPN

First, you must ensure you obtain your LPN license and gain at least two years of work experience before embarking on your travel nursing career. This ensures you have both the theoretical and practical foundations in place so you can hit the ground running at your new facility, once you’re placed on an assignment. You should then: 

Make sure you’re licensed to work in the state you want to apply for 

You can apply for both temporary and permanent licenses, depending on your requirements. You could also consider obtaining a multistate license through the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This allows you to practice in any of the 43 participating states, without needing to keep reapplying for new licenses. 

Ensure you have all relevant certifications and documents  

Travel nursing applications typically require your resume that highlights your relevant experience and most recent specialism, proof of licensure, references, and potentially immunization records. Before applying, check if you require additional certifications, such as Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS). 

Choose a reputable travel nurse agency 

Partnering with a reliable travel nursing agency is crucial. These agencies connect you with assignments, negotiate contracts, and often provide support for the application process; this can include finding housing, arranging licensing, and coordinating travel logistics. Research agencies thoroughly to find one that provides excellent support, has excellent industry connections, and works with your objectives.  

Plan out the logistics  

It's crucial to ensure that you have the practicalities ironed out before you proceed with your travel nurse career, making sure you have: 

• A financial plan, including your required rates of pay and budget for your time travelling 

• An understanding of how long you can commit to being away at any one time 

• Decided on the gaps you would want to take between assignments 

 For LPNs seeking a dynamic and rewarding career path, with enhanced opportunities to both learn and earn more, LPN travel nursing jobs are a rewarding option that can take your career to new heights. 

We have extensive experience at successfully placing LPNs into their dream assignments, so start your journey today with Advantage Medical Professionals.