Whether you’re a seasoned travel nurse or just starting, it is essential to understand how each aspect of the process works.
Travel nurses are used to supplement staffing at hospitals across the country. They are often paid more per hour than staff nurses and earn non-taxable stipends and travel reimbursements.
What is a travel nurse?
A travel nurse is a registered nurse who works for short periods at different healthcare facilities nationwide to help cover staffing shortages. Often, these gaps are caused by maternity leaves or other circumstances where there need to be more permanent nurses to care for the patients. Travel nurses are hired through agencies and typically stay within one nursing specialty, such as ICU, neonatal, or telemetry.
Many nurses choose to become travel nurses for professional and personal reasons. The professional flexibility of this career allows nurses to gain experience in various clinical environments and build a solid resume for future career aspirations. Similarly, the freedom to travel with assignments is an excellent way for nurses to see parts of the country they have always wanted to visit.
Another critical benefit of travel nursing is earning more than staff nurses at a given facility. This extra income helps cover the cost of housing and other living expenses while working at a temporary job.
Although being a travel nurse can be difficult due to extended periods away from loved ones, various resources are accessible to assist nurses in managing this career.
How do I find a travel nurse job?
In the early stages of your travel nurse job search, an excellent place to start is with a trusted travel nursing agency that offers the benefits you want (like pay transparency and healthcare insurance) and specializes in your preferred area of specialty. Then, talk to a recruiter about your priorities in a contract. It will help them better filter potential jobs and match you with an assignment that fits your needs. It is essential to keep an open mind and consider various options. Sometimes, a hospital will offer a significant contract that only meets some of your exact specifications but is still a good fit overall.
Then, once you’ve found the right assignment, your recruiter will guide you through negotiating your compensation package with the hospital. Depending on your agency, this can include everything from your medical coverage to your housing stipend.
Having a strong support network is also essential for travel nurses. After all, they often work in new locations and hospitals for long periods, so having a support system to lean on can be a huge help. Additionally, many travel nurses take temporary assignments requiring them to relocate, so flexibility is crucial. It allows them to experience different parts of the country while continuing their career in nursing.
What are the benefits of being a travel nurse?
For nurses looking for a change of scenery and the freedom to choose where they work, travel nursing is the perfect career option. The benefits of being a travel nurse include:
Working at different facilities also helps broaden your skillset by learning new patient populations, medical procedures, and equipment. It benefits your career as a nurse as it will help you remain employable and provide value to your employer.
Many travel nurse agencies will find your contracts and cover all travel expenses. Some will even pay for housing and utilities. It can be a massive benefit if you have a tight budget, as it may save you some extra money to spend on other adventures during your contract.
A travel nurse agency will have many contracts if you’re interested in a specific location. It allows you to try several locations and see which ones you like. It’s a great way to figure out where you want to settle down and get more permanent work once you’re ready.
One of the most significant drawbacks to being a travel nurse is that you’re always the new person on a unit. It can be difficult for some nurses to adapt to and may sometimes cause feelings of loneliness. However, it can be an excellent opportunity to learn how to make new friends in all types of environments.
What are the responsibilities of a travel nurse?
The responsibilities of travel nurses vary depending on the assignment and the healthcare setting. However, most travel nurse jobs provide a high level of professional flexibility. It allows travel nurses to work in different clinical environments and build a solid resume.
Travel nurses are expected to hit the ground running and quickly adapt to new healthcare settings. They must be able to take criticism and be flexible in their work environment. It is not for everyone, but it can be a rewarding career path for those up for the challenge.
In addition, travel nurses need to be able to handle long periods away from home and family. Many travel nurse agencies arrange fully-furnished housing, providing meals, transportation, and lodging stipends. Most travel nurses also use what’s known as a tax-free “tax home” to reduce their overall income tax liability.
With the right combination of skills, experience, and flexibility, travel nursing can be a great career choice for nurses seeking greater freedom and adventure. Travel nurses are in demand in various specialty areas. To find the best travel nurse jobs, look for those in in-demand specialties and locations where hospitals are experiencing staff shortages.
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