2025 Travel Nursing: A Step-by-Step Career Kickoff for New Travel Nurses

Congratulations, new nurses! You’ve completed nursing school and now have a couple of years of work under your belt. Now, you’re ready to start your existing career as a travel nurse! We know it can be overwhelming to begin searching for jobs. There’s a lot to consider – location, facility, budget, and housing. But if you’re craving adventure, flexibility, and the chance to expand your skills while exploring new places, travel nursing might be the perfect career path for you. With 2025 poised to be a booming year for travel nurses, this guide will walk you through five steps to kick off your travel nursing career with confidence.

1. Choose the Right Travel Nursing Agency

We’re making this the first step because partnering with a travel nursing agency can make a world of difference as you begin your journey post-graduation. For agencies like Supplemental Health Care (SHC), this is our specialty – guiding nurses step-by-step through the process with support and practical instruction. Travel nursing agencies serve as intermediaries between you and hospitals or other healthcare facilities, so choosing a reputable one is essential. Look for agencies that offer:

• Competitive pay packages
• Housing or housing stipends
• Health benefits
• 24/7 support
• Flexible contracts and locations
• Positive reviews from other travel nurses

Talk to current travel nurses, read reviews, and take your time to choose an agency that aligns with your personal and professional goals.

Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to sign up with multiple agencies to keep your options open. Different agencies may have access to unique assignments, and having multiple offers can give you more bargaining power.

Read more: 5 Steps to Prepare for Your First Travel Nursing Gig

2. Get Licensed In Multiple States

While your nursing license is valuable, being licensed in multiple states can open up even more travel opportunities. The easiest way to do this is to obtain a Compact Nursing License through the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows you to practice in dozens of states without needing additional licenses. For non-compact states, you’ll need to apply for individual state licenses, which can take time.

Pro Tip: If you’re eyeing specific locations for travel assignments, check the licensing requirements early and apply in advance to avoid delays.

Read more: Why Travel Nurses Love Their Jobs

3. Gain Experience

It may not be possible to become a travel nurse right after graduation. Some travel nursing agencies require a minimum of one year of experience in your specialty. Some hospitals may even prefer two years. This time is crucial for honing your skills, building confidence, and ensuring you’re ready to hit the ground running in any new healthcare environment.

Pro Tip: If you’re passionate about a particular specialty like ICU, ER, or pediatrics, focus on gaining experience in that area. Specialized skills are highly sought after in travel nursing, and they can help you land higher-paying assignments.

Read more: Make the Most of Your Travel Nursing Career

4. Understand Your Travel Nursing Contract

Before accepting any assignment, carefully review your contract. It should clearly outline the length of the assignment, location, pay rate, housing options, and any bonuses. Pay attention to the fine print – cancellation policies, overtime pay, and stipends are important details that can affect your overall experience.

Pro Tip: If something in your contract doesn’t sit right with you, don’t hesitate to negotiate. Travel nursing agencies can help with this – remember, they are intermediaries that work on your behalf. It’s always better to clarify things upfront than to deal with misunderstandings later.

5. Prepare for Flexibility and Adaptability – and Enjoy the Adventure!

Travel nursing is an exciting career, but it requires adaptability. You’ll be jumping into new hospitals, meeting new teams, and learning new protocols every few months. It’s important to remain flexible and open-minded. One of the biggest perks of travel nursing is the opportunity to explore new cities, experience different cultures, and create lasting memories. Take full advantage of your time off and make the most of each destination.

Pro Tip: Always be prepared to start strong on day one. Familiarize yourself with your healthcare facility’s electronic medical records (EMR) system, policies, and expectations. Doing a little research ahead of time can set you up for success. Even though your main focus is nursing, don’t forget to carve out time for sightseeing, hobbies, and relaxation. Self-care is key to avoiding burnout in the fast-paced world of travel nursing.

Launch Your Career In 2025

Travel nursing in 2025 offers an exciting and rewarding path for new nurses to embrace change and adventure. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to launching a successful travel nursing career, gaining valuable experience, and making memories across the country. Supplemental Health Care can get you started – and be there with you every step of the way. Contact SHC today to get a head start on your travel nursing career in 2025!

Looking for your dream travel nursing job? Learn more here