Travel nurses play a crucial role in supporting the nation’s healthcare facilities by providing much-needed assistance to all types of healthcare facilities, such as a hospital, urgent care, emergency room and more.
It might seem a bit intimidating to become a travel nurse, especially if you haven’t traveled much before. But trust us, there are plenty of reasons why it’s worth considering a career in travel nursing.
Let us walk you through the ins and outs of travel nursing and share five compelling reasons to help convince you why it could be the right choice for you.
What is a Travel Nurse?
First things first, what exactly is a travel nurse?
As the name suggests, travel nurses are healthcare professionals who live and work in different cities across the United States. They typically fill temporary, short-term staffing positions in hospitals, urgent cares, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, hospices and other healthcare facilities.
When it comes to patient care, travel nurses have the same responsibilities as permanent registered nurses.
Generally, schedules vary depending on the assignment. However, most travel nurses can expect to work three to four shifts per week for 8-12 hours.
Requirements to become a travel nurse can vary depending on the state, staffing agency and healthcare facility. But for almost all travel RN positions, you will need the following:
- State-specific RN license (or compact RN license)
- 1.5-2 years experience in your specific unit
- Pass a 10-panel drug test
- Complete a background check
- Certifications up-to-date (i.e., BLS, ACLS, NIHSS, etc.)
- Record of up-to-date immunizations (i.e., Hep B, Varicella, MMR, etc.)
Most assignments are typically 13 weeks. Some are as short as 4 weeks, others as long as 26 weeks.
Once your assignment concludes, travel nurses can usually choose to extend their contract or move to another location and facility. For most assignments, a travel nurse can stay at one hospital in one location for up to 1 year.
Now for the exciting part — the five reasons why becoming a travel nurse could be a fantastic move for your career.
5 Reasons to Become a Travel Nurse
If you’re on the fence about travel nursing and need guidance, we hope these five reasons help you decide whether becoming a travel nurse could be the right move for your career.
Let us know if you’d like to talk with a seasoned travel nurse who can answer all your questions.
1. Explore New Places
One of the obvious benefits of travel nursing is the traveling aspect! You gain a sense of adventure when you live and work in a brand-new place. It’s a chance to explore different states and sightsee and also have the opportunity to meet new people. What a way to experience different cities while being PAID!
2. Build Your Professional Network
If you’ve been working as a nurse in your hometown, your professional network is likely limited to local connections.
Travel nursing changes that. It allows you to connect with hundreds, if not thousands, of healthcare professionals across states. Building a diverse professional network can open doors to new opportunities and enrich your career in ways you can’t imagine.
Working at different healthcare facilities across the country, you encounter nurses from all walks of life. By expanding your social network and professional network, you’re sure to make lifelong friends and meet others with the same mindset, giving you so much more experience and making you a stronger nurse!
3. Earn Competitive Pay
Let’s talk money. The average hourly pay for a travel nurse is double that of a staff nurse, if not more! Plus, you benefit from the untaxed stipends travelers receive, such as housing stipends, meals and incidental stipends. The kind of money you can earn from travel nursing can help you pay off debts and save money.
Keep in mind, though — every travel nursing assignment is different and the pay can vary depending on the staffing agency and healthcare facility you work with.
Keep these factors in mind when evaluating potential assignments.
4. Achieve a Work-Life Balance
Although money is important, flexibility is a significant advantage to travel nursing.
Other travel nurses will tell you their favorite part about traveling is ‘the flexibility!” Travel nurses are under no obligation to work more than their contract states. For example, if you take on a travel assignment for six months, you are only obligated to work those six months, leaving you six months to find another assignment or take time off. Most travel nurses will work an assignment or two, then take a few weeks to enjoy themselves. Travel nurses with young children often take assignments over the summer months and bring the whole family with them.
A recent NBC News story describes how one travel nurse in South Carolina made $187,000 only working for nine months out of the year. Achieving a work-life balance is crucial for all types of employees, and nurses are no exception!
Imagine having that work-life balance and being able to enjoy your downtime to the fullest.
5. Serve Populations in Need
Most nurses enter the profession because they have a deep desire to impact someone’s life when at their most vulnerable positively. If you’re a nurse and possess that desire, travel nursing provides opportunities to help populations in need.
You can take assignments in areas where staffing shortages are causing major issues in continuous care, where you can truly make a difference and contribute to continuous care for those who need it most. If you decide to become a travel nurse, you’ll be able to care for vulnerable populations and make a real difference in people’s lives.
Are You Ready to Embark on Becoming a Travel Nurse?
We hope this article has provided you with valuable insights into travel nursing and why it could be the right career move for you. If you’re interested in becoming a travel nurse but don’t know where to begin, don’t worry – we’re here to help! At MSP Healthcare, we’re dedicated to helping YOU land your dream job.
