My younger sister Lucy always wanted to travel and hated a permanent job. After completing her nursing degree, she joined a hospital as a nurse, but there were not many leaves. She was always tired from her workload and was craving a vacation badly. At one point, she left the job, but it made things even worse. She was running out of pocket money.

Then, one fine morning, she got good news from a friend. Lucy learned from her friend that she could work as a travel nurse in the UK, where she would be able to pursue her dream as well as earn money. That was the start of her story as a happy person.

Now, many of you want to know what a travel nurse in the UK is, how to become a travel nurse, and what the benefits are. In this article, I will try to answer all your questions with the help of my sister Lucy. Let’s dive in.

What is a Travel Nurse?

A travel nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who works in different healthcare facilities on a temporary basis. Most of the time, they work in different locations such as cities and towns. They don’t have to work on a permanent basis; instead, they are called in to fill gaps in situations such as when regular staff are on leave, other nurses are absent, or the number of patients increases suddenly. They usually work on contracts. Their contract with the healthcare facilities or with the agency typically ranges from 7 days to a few weeks. Sometimes it could be a few months, depending on the demand of the healthcare facility.

They are usually hired by agencies and sent to various hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. Travel nursing is becoming more popular as a solution to the increasing staffing shortage in the healthcare sector. The handsome income, flexible schedules, and opportunity to travel to different places make it an attractive option for nurses who don’t want to get tied down to one place and want to advance their careers.

What are the Responsibilities of a Travel Nurse in the UK?

Here are some very important and key responsibilities of a travel nurse in the UK:

Providing First Aid: Travel nurses are first responders in cases of medical emergencies or accidents. They are responsible for providing basic first aid. In cases of wounds, they need to dress and undress the wounds. Administering medications, giving injections, and setting up IV drips are also part of their responsibilities.

Operating Medical Equipment: Another important responsibility is to operate and maintain medical equipment properly and according to needs. Having proper knowledge and skills in operating medical equipment is a must for travel nurses.

Assessment of the Patient: As mentioned earlier, they are the ones who receive patients first, so they need to understand the patient’s condition very clearly. They need to quickly assess and analyze the condition and make decisions about starting emergency treatment.

Quick Response in Emergency Situations: During disasters, natural calamities, conflicts, riots, etc., travel nurses need to provide quick and effective medical assistance to a large number of people. Keeping calm and doing their job under challenging conditions is a key responsibility.

Keeping the Record of Patient Information: Keeping documentation of the patient’s record is very vital. This includes recording details such as heart rate, pulse, blood group, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and body temperature.

Offering Compassionate Care: A travel nurse should be understanding toward their patients. They should comfort their patients and communicate with them in a way that makes them feel they are in safe hands.

Educating Patients: Travel nurses need to instruct their patients and their families about health maintenance and preventive care. This is another important part of their responsibilities.

Identifying Critical Cases: Travel nurses need to assess whether a patient is in critical condition and determine if immediate medical attention is required.

Communication with Doctors: They have to work closely with doctors to provide proper treatment to patients and make plans for their care.

How to Become a Travel Nurse in the UK?

Here’s how to become a travel nurse in the UK:

1.     Earn a Nursing Degree: The first step is to obtain a nursing degree from a reputed institution. Before starting your journey as a travel nurse, you can get an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN). The bachelor’s degree covers more in-depth knowledge and skills and training than the ADN. Therefore, the BSN is considered a higher educational credential than the ADN.

2.     Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam: The second step is to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). You need to pass this exam to become a licensed nurse. Passing this exam is not easy, but once you pass it, you are a Registered Nurse in the UK. You can then practice as an RN anywhere in the United Kingdom.

3.     Gain Experience: After completing the first two steps, you need to gain experience. This will help you during your search for a travel nursing job. Travel nursing agencies typically want some experience; at least one year is better. Try to gain some experience to build your skills and prepare for handling difficult conditions in any environment.

4.     Get Additional Training: Although travel nursing is relatively new in the UK, it is becoming more competitive. So, try to get some additional training, especially in specific areas, to enrich your CV. Consider taking training in anesthesia recovery, dialysis, emergency care, etc. These certifications will boost your confidence and increase your chances of getting a good opportunity.

5.     Obtain Licensure: Ensure you get all the licenses required to practice as a nurse as set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council. You may need additional licenses if you want to work internationally. Try to obtain these licenses depending on the country you plan to work in.

6.     Join a Travel Nursing Agency: It’s time to join an agency. They will manage the job search for you. They will find temporary RN vacancies and place you there. It is nearly impossible to manage temporary placements without an agency. Choose your agency wisely. Make sure they offer good benefits, cover a wide range of areas, and have specialization in nursing fields.

7.     Start Your Assignments: You are all set and ready to work as a travel nurse. Start your assignments and follow your dream of working and traveling together.

What is the Average Earning of a Travel Nurse in the UK?

A travel nurse in the UK generally makes £25,000 to £40,000 per year. It depends on the area where you are working and your specialty. In the US, a travel nurse earns $60,000 to $100,000 per year.