Travel LPN Assignments: The Ultimate Guide to High-Paying, Flexible Nursing Careers
Are you an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) looking for a change of scenery while advancing your nursing career? Travel LPN assignments offer a unique opportunity to combine your passion for healthcare with the excitement of exploring new places. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about travel LPN jobs, including the benefits, how to get started, and what you can expect on the job.
What Are Travel LPN Assignments?
Travel LPN assignments are short-term, temporary nursing positions that allow you to work in various healthcare facilities across different locations. Typically facilitated through travel nursing agencies, these assignments can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Whether you want to explore new cities or gain experience in specialized medical environments, travel LPN jobs offer flexibility and adventure.
Why Choose Travel LPN Assignments?
There are several compelling reasons to consider taking on a travel LPN assignment:
- Higher Pay: Travel nurses typically earn more than permanent staff due to the temporary nature of their roles. Additional perks, such as housing stipends, meal allowances, and travel reimbursements, can further boost your earnings.
- Flexibility: One of the greatest benefits of being a travel LPN is the ability to choose when and where you work. If you need a break between assignments or want to explore a particular area, you have the power to make those choices.
- Diverse Experience: Each assignment is a chance to broaden your skills and experience. You’ll be exposed to various healthcare settings, which will deepen your expertise and enhance your resume.
- Adventure and Travel: If you enjoy seeing new places and meeting new people, travel LPN jobs provide the perfect opportunity to do both while continuing your career in nursing.
How to Secure Travel LPN Assignments
Starting your journey as a travel LPN is relatively simple, but it does require a few essential steps.
1. Obtain Your LPN License
Before you can apply for travel LPN assignments, you must first complete an accredited LPN program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam. Once you’ve passed the exam and obtained your state license, you’re ready to start applying for travel jobs.
2. Gain Clinical Experience
Most travel nursing agencies require at least one year of hands-on clinical experience before you can take on a travel LPN assignment. This ensures you’re confident in your nursing skills and able to handle the fast-paced nature of temporary roles.
3. Sign Up with a Travel Nursing Agency
To find travel LPN jobs, you’ll need to sign up with a reputable travel nursing agency. These agencies specialize in placing nurses in temporary assignments across various healthcare settings. Look for agencies with a strong reputation, competitive pay, and access to a wide range of job opportunities. Some popular agencies for LPNs include:
- Aureus Medical
- AB Staffing Solutions
- NurseFly
- American Mobile Healthcare
4. Apply for Assignments
Once you’ve found the right agency, you can begin applying for travel LPN assignments. Be sure to tailor your resume to highlight your clinical experience, certifications, and any specialties you may have. Agencies will work with you to match your preferences with available jobs.
Benefits of Travel LPN Assignments
Choosing a career in travel LPN nursing comes with many exciting advantages. Here are some of the most notable benefits:
1. Competitive Pay
One of the biggest draws of travel LPN jobs is the attractive salary. Travel nurses typically earn higher hourly wages compared to their permanent counterparts. This is due to the urgency of filling short-term positions and the flexibility required to take on assignments in various locations.
In addition to competitive pay, many travel LPN assignments offer:
- Housing stipends or company-paid housing
- Travel reimbursements
- Meal stipends and per diems
- Sign-on bonuses for high-demand specialties
2. Professional Growth
Each travel LPN assignment gives you the chance to enhance your skills and experience. You’ll be exposed to new healthcare environments, advanced medical technologies, and diverse patient populations, all of which can help you become a more well-rounded nurse.
Additionally, travel nursing provides opportunities to explore different medical specialties, such as:
- ICU (Intensive Care Unit) Nursing
- Pediatrics
- Emergency Room Nursing
- Geriatric Care
3. Work-Life Balance
Unlike traditional LPN jobs, travel LPN assignments offer more flexibility. You can take time off between assignments to relax, recharge, or travel to a new destination. If you prefer shorter shifts or working in a specific region, travel nursing agencies can accommodate your preferences.
4. Exposure to Different Healthcare Settings
As a travel LPN, you’ll get the chance to work in various healthcare facilities, from hospitals to clinics, long-term care centers, and even home health care environments. This variety allows you to build a diverse skill set and gain experience that will make you more marketable in the nursing field.
Challenges of Travel LPN Assignments
While travel LPN jobs offer many perks, there are a few challenges to consider:
1. Time Away from Home
As a travel LPN, you may be required to work in locations far from your home. While this is part of the excitement of travel nursing, it can also lead to feelings of homesickness or isolation, especially on longer assignments.
2. Inconsistent Work Schedules
Temporary assignments may vary in duration and availability. There could be gaps between assignments, leading to periods of unemployment. However, working with a good agency can help reduce these gaps by offering consistent placements.
3. Adjustment to New Environments
Every healthcare facility has its own culture, policies, and procedures. As a travel nurse, you must quickly adapt to new environments, work with different teams, and learn new technologies. This may be overwhelming at first, but it can also be an excellent opportunity for growth.
Where Can You Find Travel LPN Assignments?
There are various ways to search for travel LPN jobs:
1. Travel Nursing Agencies
Specialized agencies like Aureus Medical, AB Staffing Solutions, and NurseFly are great resources for finding travel LPN assignments. These agencies not only connect you with job opportunities but also offer support with licensing, housing, and other logistical details.
2. Online Job Boards
Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn regularly post listings for travel nursing positions, including travel LPN jobs. You can filter job searches by location, pay, and assignment length.
3. Nursing Networks
Joining online nursing communities and forums, such as those on Facebook or Reddit, can be another way to connect with other LPNs who are looking for travel opportunities. Nurses often share tips, job leads, and advice about different agencies.
FAQs About Travel LPN Assignments
1. How long do travel LPN assignments last?
Typically, travel LPN assignments last between 8 to 13 weeks, but this can vary depending on the healthcare facility’s needs and your availability.
2. Do I get benefits as a travel LPN?
Yes, many agencies offer benefits to travel LPNs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. Be sure to check the benefits package before accepting an assignment.
3. Can I choose where I work?
Yes! One of the benefits of travel LPN assignments is that you can often choose the location and type of facility you want to work in. However, availability depends on demand in specific areas.
4. Do I need special certifications to take on travel LPN jobs?
While you don’t need any specialized certifications to start travel LPN jobs, certain specialties (such as ICU or ER) may require additional certifications. Always check the requirements for each assignment.
Conclusion
Travel LPN assignments offer a fantastic opportunity to grow your career, earn competitive pay, and explore new destinations. Whether you’re looking to gain more experience, boost your income, or enjoy the freedom to travel, these positions can be the perfect fit. Ready to take the next step? Start researching agencies, and get ready to embark on your travel nursing journey today!
For more information, check out Aureus Medical or AB Staffing Solutions to find your next travel LPN assignment.