NIHSS for travel nurses NIH Stroke Scale · American Heart Association / American Stroke Association and other online providers

Which travel specialties ask for it

• ICU travel nurseOften preferred
• ER travel nurseOften preferred
• PCU travel nurseOften preferred
• Telemetry travel nurseOften preferred

Getting it

Who can get it

None.

Cost

Often free or low cost online.

Valid for

Set by your employer: many hospitals require renewal every 1–2 years.

Renewal

Retake the certification test.

Tips for travelers

• It's quick and usually free, so get it before you apply to stroke centers: it can be the line that separates you from another candidate.
• Ask your agency whether it reimburses the course fee; many do for credentials a contract requires.
• Add the expiration date to your profile: agencies track it, and an expired card can hold up a start date.

Questions

Do travel nurses need NIHSS?

ICU, ER, PCU / Stepdown and Telemetry contracts often prefer it. Each hospital sets its own list, so check the job post.

How much does NIHSS cost?

Often free or low cost online.

How long is NIHSS valid?

Set by your employer: many hospitals require renewal every 1–2 years. Retake the certification test.