Certifications That Boost Your Career as a Travel Nurse

Travel nursing is one of the most exciting and rewarding careers in the healthcare field. With opportunities to explore new places, gain diverse clinical experiences, and enjoy competitive pay, travel nursing attracts professionals who thrive on variety and adaptability. But with so many travel nurses in the job market, how can you stand out and land the best assignments? One way is by obtaining specialized certifications. 

Certifications not only enhance your clinical skills but also demonstrate your commitment to professional growth and patient care. They can increase your earning potential, make you a more competitive candidate, and open doors to specialized assignments. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most valuable certifications that can boost your career as a travel nurse. 

BLS certification is a non-negotiable requirement for most nursing positions, including travel nursing. Offered by organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA), this certification teaches essential skills such as CPR and how to respond to choking or cardiac emergencies.  

For travel nurses working in critical care, emergency rooms, or telemetry units, ACLS certification is often required. This certification builds on BLS training by focusing on advanced techniques for managing cardiac emergencies, such as arrhythmias, stroke, and cardiac arrest. Earning ACLS certification signals that you're ready to handle high-pressure situations, making you a valuable asset to hospitals and clinics. 

If you’re interested in working in pediatric or neonatal units, obtaining PALS certification is essential. This certification equips you with the skills to provide life-saving care to infants and children in emergencies. PALS certification can set you apart for assignments in children’s hospitals, pediatric intensive care units, or specialty clinics, helping you secure lucrative contracts in these sought-after environments. 

Travel nurses aiming to work in labor and delivery or neonatal units will benefit greatly from NRP certification. This program, developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Heart Association, trains healthcare providers in resuscitation techniques for newborns. Hospitals often look for travel nurses with this certification, as it ensures you're prepared to assist with complex neonatal emergencies. 

For those passionate about emergency nursing, becoming a Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) is a game-changer. This certification, offered by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN), validates your expertise in emergency care, including trauma, respiratory issues, and cardiac conditions. CEN-certified nurses are highly sought after, and this credential can help you land top-tier assignments in emergency departments. 

The CCRN certification is a gold standard for nurses specializing in critical care. Administered by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), it certifies your ability to provide care to acutely or critically ill patients. With a CCRN certification, you can qualify for assignments in ICUs, trauma centers, and specialty critical care units, often at higher pay rates. 

Oncology is a highly specialized field, and earning an OCN certification demonstrates your expertise in cancer care. Offered by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC), this certification covers areas like chemotherapy administration, pain management, and patient education. Hospitals and clinics often prioritize OCN-certified nurses for assignments in oncology wards, making it a valuable credential for travel nurses. 

The TNCC certification, offered by the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA), focuses on the initial assessment and treatment of trauma patients. It’s an excellent choice for travel nurses working in emergency or trauma settings. TNCC training not only boosts your skills but also increases your confidence in handling complex trauma cases, giving you a competitive edge for high-demand assignments. 

For travel nurses drawn to pediatric care, the CPN certification validates your knowledge and skills in this specialty. Offered by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB), this credential is a must-have for those seeking assignments in pediatric hospitals or clinics. Having this certification can also increase your earning potential and access to specialized opportunities. 

Stroke units and comprehensive stroke centers frequently seek travel nurses with SCRN certification. This credential, offered by the American Board of Neuroscience Nursing (ABNN), demonstrates your proficiency in stroke care, including prevention, treatment, and recovery. Hospitals value SCRN-certified nurses for their expertise, and the certification can open doors to assignments in neurology and rehabilitation units. 

If operating rooms are your calling, the CNOR certification is a must. Offered by the Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI), this certification signifies your competence in perioperative nursing. Travel nurses with CNOR certification are highly sought after for surgical assignments, especially in hospitals with high surgical volumes. 

Certifications go beyond enhancing your clinical skills - they also build trust with employers and patients. Facilities hiring travel nurses often operate under tight timelines and require staff who can hit the ground running. Having certifications in key areas assures them of your readiness and expertise. 

If you’re ready to earn a certification, start by researching the requirements and costs. Many organizations offer online courses, in-person training, and study resources to help you prepare for certification exams.

As a FlexCare traveler, your S1NGLEPOINT recruiter is here for you to help navigate any current or future certifications.