Travel Nursing Spotlight: California

California is the epitome of the west coast lifestyle. Trips to the mountain and the beach are only hours apart, and there’s never a shortage of activities. Being a travel nurse can present many career opportunities as well as fun memories.

Healthcare in California

Californians can buy health insurance through several different options. If employers don’t provide their employees with health insurance, they can purchase a plan through the federal marketplace exchange or through the private marketplace. Residents who are eligible can also apply for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

If residents meet the eligibility requirements, they may receive Medicaid. California provides CHIP for children who are eligible.

Licensing in California

Nursing programs in California are extremely competitive, so it’s important to do well in prerequisite courses.

There are three different nursing options:

• LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse). This requires one year to complete.
• Associate’s degree. This will take about two years to complete.
• Bachelor’s degree. This will take around four years to complete.

Students studying to be an LPN will take the NCLEX-PN exam while students studying towards an associate’s and bachelor’s degrees will take the NCLEX-RN exam.

To be an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN), students must complete a master’s degree. The U.S. Department of Education or NLN (National League of Nursing) must accredit the program students choose. The California Board of Nursing will approve the program.

There are six types of APNs:

• NP (Nurse Practitioner)
• Nurse Midwife (NMW)
• Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
• Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse (PMHN)
• Nurse Anesthetist (NA)
• Public Health Nurse (PHN)

The next step is become nationally certified. This is optional, except for NAs. California recognizes these certifications:

• AAN (American Academy of Nurse Practitioners)
• ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center)
• AACN Certification Corporation (American Association of Critical Care Nurses)
• NCC (National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing Specialties)
• PNCB (Pediatric Nurse Certification Board)
• ONCC (Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation)
• American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB)
• National Board of Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA)

The last stage requires applying for a certificate. Nurses will renew them based on the rules for each certificate.

Attractions in California

There’s an abundance of activities to do in California. There’s a reason why so many people come to visit it every year. From San Francisco in northern California to Los Angeles, there are many places to visit. People can drive out to Venice Beach and Santa Monica Pier to enjoy the water, sand, and sun while enjoying lots of dining and shopping options. There are several landmarks to see, like the Golden Gate Bridge, Hollywood sign, and Griffith Observatory.

To see more of nature, people can visit national parks such as Sequoia and Kings National Park and Redwood National Park. If people are looking for something thrilling, they can take a trip to amusement parks like Disneyland and Universal Studios as well as visit the Del Mar fair in San Diego and the Orange County fair.

There are endless options in California. It may be competitive to become a nurse, but the benefits will pay off and there will be no end to the fun travel nurses can have in California.