The Path to Becoming a Travel Nurse. The first step to becoming a travel nurse is to research travel nurse staffing companies and agencies that place nurses with hospitals. Each firm offers different locations and employers, so registering with a number of agencies will increase your chances for assignments.he first step to becoming a travel nurse is to research travel nurse staffing companies and agencies that place nurses with hospitals. Each firm offers different locations and employers, so registering with a number of agencies will increase your chances for assignments.