Travel nurses must have strong communication skills and adapt to different work environments. They may also encounter situations that require emotional intelligence and critical thinking.
Despite the challenges, travel nursing is an excellent career choice for those who want to experience different parts of the country or the world. The following are just a few of the many benefits that come with this type of employment:
Flexibility
Travel nurses fill in gaps at hospitals and healthcare centers across the country. They may work in high-demand areas like emergency departments or specialized units such as the OR, NICU, or catheter labs. Some travel nurses also choose to work internationally. They can do so because many states offer Compact State licensure, which allows RNs to take one license and work in multiple locations.
Travel nurse assignments can be anywhere from 8 to 52 weeks in length. Some travel nurses choose to stay at a location for the entire duration of their contract, but others find it easier and more fun to move around from assignment to assignment. Either way, the flexibility of travel nursing employment means you have more time to pursue your interests outside of work.
The demand for travel nurses has soared due to pandemic coverage, and many facilities recognize the importance of these temporary workers. They often offer sign-on and completion bonuses, housing stipends, and other incentives to attract travel nurses.
Nurses who want to take advantage of these opportunities must be willing to travel and adapt to new environments. They’ll need to be comfortable with being away from family and friends for extended periods and be able to rely on their support network during these times.
Travel
If you are the type of nurse that craves adventure, travel nursing may be your perfect match. You’ll explore new cities, states and even countries while working.
The demand for nurses is at an all-time high due to America’s aging population and the strong economy driving more people to seek health care services. Staffing agencies are looking to fill these needs by sending nurses on temporary assignments to hospitals and clinics nationwide to help address staffing shortages.
Most travel nurses opt to have their agency provide housing for them, which can be a huge benefit because it saves them time and money. However, some travel nurses take a housing stipend and find their living accommodations. This allows them to keep more of their pay and use it for travel expenses or additional living costs.
Travel nurses can also experience new clinical environments by taking on assignments in different healthcare facilities and locations. This can help you gain more knowledge and expertise in your specialty and broaden your network of colleagues. It can also give you a fresh perspective to view your current job in the context of other settings and learn how to improve your work performance. Talk to your recruiter about the types of assignments available in your specialization.
New Experience
Travel nurses are employed at hospitals and other facilities to help fill the gaps created by staffing shortages. These settings can range from large teaching hospitals to small rural community centers. Working at different locations provides nurses with invaluable new experiences. This can include exposure to various patient populations, different types of medical equipment and procedures, and new approaches to facility administration.
It can also expose nurses to new cultures, food, outdoor activities and more. Many travel nurses develop hobbies and interests they never knew they had. This can help them maintain a work-life balance, avoid burnout and find the ideal location to settle down.
In addition, the opportunity to explore a variety of locations and environments can make it easier for nurses to find their perfect career fit. Whether they’re looking for a position with greater responsibilities or one that will allow them to travel, finding their niche can be easier when they have more options.
Personal Growth
Travel nurses get to work at various facilities, from top research hospitals to rural community centers. The experience will broaden your skill set and make you a well-rounded healthcare professional.
Rachel learned new techniques during her travel nursing assignments and pushed herself out of her comfort zone. The skills she learned and the confidence she gained have helped her advance in her permanent career as a labor and delivery nurse.
One of the biggest perks of being a travel nurse is seeing all the places you’ve never been to. Depending on the agency you work with, they may provide you with housing or a generous stipend that allows you to find your living accommodations and bring home more money each week.
The ability to explore new locations on your days off is another perk. You’ll want to take advantage of all the sights and sounds your new destination has to offer, and you’ll also be able to grow as a person on a personal level by meeting people from different backgrounds and experiencing different cultures.
The benefits of being a travel nurse are endless, but the best way to decide if this is the right career path is to talk to a knowledgeable recruiter.
