Should I Become a Travel Nurse?
You've been in the nursing field for 1-2 years, and you're starting to wonder what else is out there. With your experience, you have the opportunity to begin taking your skills around the country and even overseas. Offering flexibility, above-average pay, and extra bonuses, consider becoming a travel nurse.
A travel nurse is a skilled healthcare professional who takes assignments in hospitals that have short-term staffing needs. These jobs are in high demand right now as hospitals are increasingly becoming understaffed. Being a travel nurse is a great opportunity because you can work in nearly any specialty.
Where will I work and live?:
Begin by thinking about which states you'd desire to work in, apply for your license in those areas. The time frame for getting your license can vary widely from state to state, some being two (2) weeks and others upwards to six (6) months. Now that you've decided on which state(s) you'd prefer to work in, how do you get a job? Well, some agencies help with free job placement assistance. These agencies help you find the right match based on various factors. Working with multiple agencies will help you find assignments that match your needs. The agencies will also help you find housing or give you a stipend for housing. There are also online resources to help traveling nurses find accommodation.
How long I will be gone?:
The typical assignment is about 13 weeks long. This time can feel long, especially when you have a significant other, family, and pets. The fantastic news is that you can bring them along on the assignments and be a traveling nurse with family! This is a great time to discuss whether moving around or traveling every three (3) months makes sense for your significant other or family. If your partner or kids are working/studying remotely at this moment, this can be a clear decision. However, if you have young kids or it's not easy to find jobs in your area, it makes sense to have them remain in one location. The great thing about being a traveling nurse is that you don't have to make a long-term commitment to a hospital or state. As for your pet, make sure you have the required documentation and tracking. Take note that there are many more pet restrictions in Hawaii, so if you pick an assignment there, make sure to check out the local laws.
What does the money look like?:
You've learned all this information about how to find assignments, whether you can bring family and pets, but what about pay? Well, you can potentially earn over $4,000 a month. Due to the various cost of living from state to state and how much the pay rate is, this can vary significantly. Areas like California, New Jersey, and the District of Columbia tend to pay the most; however, they also have a higher living cost. In comparison, southern states have a lower pay rate. To combat these costs, consider finding housing on your own with the stipend you receive, be flexible with the assignments you select, and ask about sign-on bonuses.
Becoming a traveling nurse doesn't come without challenges. However, with the ability to travel around the country, take family and pets, and make more money in a short period, it seems that this can be a great opportunity. Discover other nursing opportunities and experiences by signing up to join our community.