Travel Nurse Practitioner Jobs Overview
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are valuable healthcare providers whose holistic approach to care has been connected with high levels of patient satisfaction. These practitioners are in high demand — the NP profession is expected to grow by a whopping 45% over the next decade. As demand grows, so do opportunities for travel nurse practitioner jobs across the country.
If you’re an NP with a taste for adventure, you have options. Want a more permanent move? You can find part-time, full-time, contract, temporary, and per diem openings for NPs nationwide. Or, if you want the flexibility of short-term contracts, you can check out all the travel NP positions in your top destinations here.
Travel NP Skills, Education, and Certifications
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice registered nurses who diagnose and treat health conditions, prescribe medications, and order diagnostic tests. To become an NP, you'll need a master of science in nursing (MSN) or doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree from an accredited institution.
You’ll also choose a specialty area to focus on. Here are some common NP specialties and their associated certifications:
- Cardiac NPs can earn the CVNP-BC certification.
- Dermatology NPs can pursue the DCNP certification.
- Emergency NPs can obtain the ENP credential.
- Family NPs can pursue either FNP-C or FNP-BC certification.
- Oncology NPscan earn the AOCNP credential.
- Pediatric NPs can earn certifications in primary care (CPNP-PC) or acute care (CPNP-AC).
- Psychiatric NPs can obtain the PMHNP-BC credential.
- Women’s Health NPs can pursue WHNP-BC certification.
NPs also need to apply for licensure in their state of practice. Keep in mind that there isn’t currently an NP licensure compact, so you’ll need to apply for a new license in any states where you plan to pursue NP travel jobs. Also, practice authority for NPs can differ from state to state, so be sure to research how each state’s guidelines might impact your practice.
For travel NPs, clinical skills are just the start. You’ll also need soft skills to help you integrate into new facilities. For example, you’ll need empathy to connect with new patients and help them feel that their concerns are heard. It’s also important that you can communicate clearly with your interdisciplinary team, since travel NPs are expected to step into high-need areas and operate with a degree of autonomy.
Resume and Cover Letter for Travel Nurse Practitioners
To set yourself apart from other candidates, invest time into crafting a strong travel NP resume. Carefully review the job ad to figure out what skills the hiring team is looking for. For instance, if the employer wants an NP who can "think critically in high-pressure situations," try to incorporate that exact phrase in your resume.
In your cover letter, consider sharing an anecdote that highlights your critical thinking skills. Tailoring your experience to match the specific expectations of the job can demonstrate your attention to detail and prove that you would be a valuable asset to their team.
Interviewing for NP Travel Jobs
Travel NPs must be highly adaptable, since they’ll be joining a facility with immediate staffing needs. In your interviews, consider how to best demonstrate that you can think on your feet and solve problems independently when needed. If you need more inspiration, check out these travel nurse interview questions to get a better idea of what you might be asked.
Travel Nurse Practitioner Jobs Salary
The average annual salary for an NP is about $128,490 per year, but you may earn even more as a travel NP. Your exact salary will depend on a number of factors, like your location, facility type, employer, and experience level. If you’re looking to boost your income, check out some of the states with the highest salaries for NPs:
For a better idea of salary ranges in your desired location, explore the latest travel NP job postings on IntelyCare.
Ready to Explore Travel Nurse Practitioner Jobs Across the Nation?
Check out the latest travel NP positions available today. Want even more choices? Explore all of the NP jobs on IntelyCare to find opportunities that align with your career goals.