Travel Nursing: Knowing When It’s Time to Do It
Nursing shortages occur regularly at healthcare facilities. These high-census situations require nurses to fill temporary vacancies in their specialty. Travel nurses can expand their skills while learning new on-the-job procedures. This diversified experience can make you a more valuable nurse candidate when looking for your next permanent position. One con to being a travel nurse is missing time with hometown friends due to extended employment gaps between assignments. However, many travel nurses find a support network of fellow travelers to bond with at their destinations.
You Want to Try Something New
Travel nursing allows nurses to try out new areas of the country or even the world without committing to a long-term contract. Whether you’ve been dying to explore a bustling city or are interested in settling down in a small town with friendly people, there’s likely a place for you in the world of travel nursing.
You’ll find that every travel nursing employment has its unique perks and challenges. You’ll learn new things in new places, meet a whole host of people from different backgrounds, and make connections that will last a lifetime. You’ll also experience a variety of healthcare settings and work with a wide range of nurse specialties that may not be available in your hometown.
Staffing shortages are a common problem in many hospitals nationwide, and travel nurses often play a critical role in filling these gaps. These short-term assignments allow hospitals to address temporary staffing needs that arise from staff vacations, seasonal patient increases, maternity leaves, and more.
Unlike traditional permanent positions offering steady pay raises, traveling nurses can earn bonus money for assignments completed and extended past their original contracts. Known as completion and referral bonuses, these incentives, generous housing stipends, and comprehensive group health insurance can boost your paycheck. Plus, you’ll be able to earn a higher pay rate for working more desirable shifts, such as evenings and weekends.
You Want to See the World
A travel nurse can see the world in a way that few other professionals can. After getting your nursing degree and becoming an RN, you can start working with a travel agency to find placements that meet your needs for location and specialty. Hospitals often need temporary nurses to fill in for long-term staffing shortages. It can happen because of unexpected leave or seasonal population fluctuations. If you’ve been dying to try a new place, travel nursing offers you the opportunity to do just that! You can travel across the country or abroad to exotic destinations for assignments in various nursing specialties. Travelers who work in areas like labor and delivery have the unique opportunity to help women and families during a significant time.
Being a travel nurse can connect you with people from various backgrounds and interests. It is the perfect career choice for someone who loves making friends and networking. Many nurses choose to do travel nursing because it allows them to combine their passion for healthcare with a love of traveling. But before you decide if this is the right path for you, it’s essential to understand all of the pros and cons. So, before searching for travel nurse jobs, read up on the ins and outs of this rewarding career!
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You Want to Move to a New Location
Few careers offer the excitement and freedom of travel nursing. However, before committing to travel nursing as a permanent career path, nurses should consider this unique opportunity’s pros and cons. Nursing jobs at various healthcare facilities can help travel nurses grow their professional network and build resumes with valuable, diversified experience. In addition, the chance to meet and work with physicians and nurses in different specialties from your own can lead to a lifelong friendship or an important business contact. If you want to expand your horizons and live somewhere new, travel nursing might be the perfect option. Just weigh how this career move will impact your family and friends, especially if you’re partnered or have children.
It’s also a good idea to ensure you have the proper paperwork, such as a valid nursing license and a health insurance policy that covers you at your current location. Consider the cost of living in your chosen destination, whether you’ll need to purchase or rent housing, and any other associated costs. Once you’ve made these considerations, you’ll be ready to start your exciting journey! And remember, most people don’t regret doing things that push them out of their comfort zones.
You Want to Try a New Specialty
If you’re feeling like you want to try something new, a travel nurse position may be the perfect way to do it. Because travel nurses work at various facilities and environments, you’ll have the chance to experience all sorts of hospital systems, policies, procedures, and cultures. It’s helpful if you’re considering switching nursing specialties. You can also use your travel assignments to see how you like different areas of the country. For instance, if you’re considering becoming a medical writer, you can take a travel assignment in Seattle or Los Angeles and get a feel for what that life is all about.
In addition, it’s not uncommon for hospitals to offer travel nurses extensions on their contracts if they’re doing well at their current location. However, it’s important to note that these extensions usually cut your crisis pay rate, so be sure to weigh the pros and cons of extending your contract before you decide to stay.
Ultimately, it takes grit and spunk to be a travel nurse. But you’re willing to put in the work. In that case, plenty of benefits can outweigh the drawbacks, including endless job security and the opportunity to grow professionally while exploring your interests. Thus, begin your quest for your next travel nursing destination immediately if you’re prepared to put your nursing skills to the test while seeing the world!
