Travel nursing offers a career path for registered nurses, blending professional practice with the opportunity to explore new locations. These nurses take on short-term assignments, lasting around 13 weeks, at healthcare facilities experiencing staffing shortages. Texas, with its vast landscape, numerous major medical centers, and high demand for healthcare professionals, is an attractive destination for nurses seeking this career.
Meet the Foundational Nursing Requirements
Every prospective travel nurse must meet universal prerequisites, starting with a nursing degree, either an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This educational foundation takes two to four years to complete. While both degrees qualify you for the national licensure exam, a BSN is preferred by competitive hospitals and travel nurse agencies.
After graduation, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to earn an RN license. Agencies and hospitals also require hands-on experience. Travel nursing agencies mandate at least one to two years of recent, direct-care experience in a specific specialty, such as the ICU, ER, or labor and delivery. This ensures that a travel nurse can adapt quickly and perform competently from the start of an assignment.
Secure a Texas Nursing License
Because Texas is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), the process for getting licensed is streamlined for many nurses. The NLC is an agreement among member states that allows a nurse to hold one multistate license in their primary state of residence and practice in any other compact state. If you hold an active, unencumbered multistate license from another NLC state, you do not need to apply for a separate Texas license.
Nurses with a license from a non-compact state must obtain a Texas license by endorsement through the Texas Board of Nursing. The application requires a criminal background check and passing the Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Exam, which tests knowledge of state-specific laws and regulations. Applicants must also provide verification of all nursing licenses they have held, which can be done through the NURSYS system. A temporary license can be issued within 15 business days, allowing you to practice for 120 days while the permanent license is finalized.
Partner with a Travel Nursing Agency
Finding a travel nursing assignment is done through a specialized agency that acts as the intermediary between you and the hospital. Agencies manage contracts, payroll, and logistics. Your primary contact is a recruiter who will guide you through the submission process, from presenting your profile to facilities to coordinating interviews.
Selecting the right agency is a decision that can shape your travel nursing experience. It is advisable to research and connect with multiple agencies to compare their offerings and recruiter support. When vetting an agency, consider asking about the following:
- The number and type of contracts they have in Texas
- Partnerships with large medical centers or smaller community hospitals
- Their support system, such as 24/7 clinical liaisons for on-the-job issues
- Their submission process and how they advocate for nurses during hiring
Understand Your Texas Compensation Package
Travel nurse compensation is presented as a “blended rate,” which consists of a taxable hourly wage and non-taxed stipends for housing and meals. This structure is designed to reimburse travelers for the duplicate expenses of maintaining a permanent tax home while working away from it.
The tax-free stipends are determined by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), which sets per diem rates for specific locations. This means the housing and meal allowance you receive for an assignment in Dallas will differ from one in a smaller city because the cost of living varies. Beyond the blended rate, compensation packages may include other benefits, such as travel reimbursement, health insurance, and retirement savings plans like a 401(k).
Prepare for Your Assignment in Texas
After signing a contract, you must arrange housing. Agencies offer two options: accept agency-provided housing, where they arrange a furnished apartment, or take a tax-free housing stipend to find your own accommodations. Taking the stipend offers more control and flexibility, allowing you to use resources like Furnished Finder or Airbnb and potentially save some of the stipend money.
When packing, include your scrubs, professional documents, and personal items, but also consider the varied Texas climate, which can range from humid summers in Houston to cooler winters in the Panhandle. Upon arrival, your first week involves an orientation at the healthcare facility. This period is dedicated to facility-specific training, electronic health record education, and unit shadowing to ensure you are prepared to begin patient care.