How to Become a Travel LPN
Life as a travel LPN (licensed practical nurse) could mean sitting by the beach one week and hiking in the mountains the next. Are you wondering, Can an LPN be a travel nurse? The answer is yes!
Working as a travel nurse means contracting with facilities that have urgent, critical staffing needs. It’s possible to be a travel nurse close to home, across the country, or even internationally. But what experience and background do you need to have before taking a travel assignment? Let’s cover the duties you might have, the types of facilities that hire LPN travelers, and how to get started with your first contract.
Where Can a Traveling LPN Work?
LPNs are called licensed vocational nurses, or LVNs, in California and Texas. As an LPN, you can commonly pick up travel assignments in the following areas:
- Acute care
- Med-surg units
- Long-term care facilities
- Rehabilitation centers
- Corrections facilities
- Veterans Affairs (VA) institutions
- Outpatient clinics
- Home health
- Mental health nursing
What Do Travel LPNs Do?
Traveling LPNs perform the same duties as staff LPNs, but they work on temporary assignments in facilities experiencing staffing shortages. Their core responsibilities revolve around basic bedside care, monitoring vital signs, administering medications, assisting with activities of daily living, and communicating with patients and the care team.
Travel LPN Salary
How much does a traveling LPN make? The median salary for travel LPNs is about $62,000 per year, but your income will depend on several factors, including where you want to work, your experience, and any additional training or certifications you have.
If you’re curious about where you could earn the most as a travel LPN, check out roles in the states with the highest LPN salary averages:
How to Become a Travel LPN: 4 Steps
It takes at least two years to become qualified to take most LPN travel contracts because this role requires technical training and experience. If you’re already a working LPN, you can skip to step four.
Step 1: Complete LPN Training
Start by enrolling in a state-approved practical nursing program, which typically takes about 12 to 18 months to complete. These programs are offered at community colleges, technical schools, and some hospitals.
During training, you’ll rotate through several clinical areas and build a basic nursing skill set. LPN coursework generally includes the following:
- Anatomy and pharmacology
- Fundamentals of nursing care
- Pharmacology
- Mental health nursing
Step 2: Earn Your Nursing License
After graduation, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-PN exam to become a licensed practical nurse. Each state has its own licensure requirements, so be sure to check with your state board of nursing. If you plan to travel across state lines, getting a multistate license through the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) can make the process much smoother.
Step 3: Gain Experience
Most travel agencies require at least one year of recent bedside experience, and often more. Before taking a contract, you should be confident in your clinical skills and able to work independently in unfamiliar environments. Travelers have shortened training and may work on units with less support, so you need to be able to hit the ground running in a new assignment.
To strengthen your skills, consider volunteering to float to other units or picking up extra shifts in different specialties. Getting used to working in new settings can help you build flexibility and confidence, which are must-haves for travel nursing. Check out the latest LPN jobs near you.
Step 4: Start Your First Travel Contract
Once you meet experience requirements, it’s time to connect with a travel nursing agency or contract broker. These companies can help match you with open positions, assist with licensing logistics, and may provide housing stipends or relocation support. Check out the assignments with the following agencies:
- ATC Healthcare Travelers
- FullShift Staffing
- Fusion Medical Staffing
- getMed Staffing
- Gifted Healthcare
- Promed Staffing Resources
Choose contracts that fit your comfort level, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about orientation, expectations, and workload. Find travel LPN jobs in your preferred location for details.
As you evaluate your options, check out our resources below:
Soon you’ll be on your way to a new travel nursing adventure. With each assignment, you’ll continue building your skills, network, and confidence as a travel nurse.
Traveling LPN FAQ
Is it worth it to be a traveling LPN?
Many LPNs find travel nursing to be both financially and professionally rewarding, but it isn’t for everyone. If you prefer long-term consistency and stability, you may not be a good fit for traveling. But if you’re up for an adventure, travel contracts can be a chance to explore different parts of the country, take on new clinical challenges, and often earn higher pay than in permanent roles.
Where do travel LPNs make the most money?
Salaries vary based on region, facility type, and demand. States with a higher cost of living tend to offer higher pay. Urban hospitals, correctional facilities, and long-term care centers may pay more for experienced LPNs willing to travel. Keep in mind that stipends for housing and travel can significantly increase your total compensation package.
Are travel LPNs in demand?
Yes, travel LPNs are in steady demand across the country. Facilities often need short-term support to fill gaps caused by staffing shortages, seasonal patient surges, or leaves of absence. As healthcare systems continue to face workforce challenges, travel LPNs are an essential part of ensuring that patients receive good care.
Find Travel LPN Roles and Much More
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