Travel nursing refers to registered nurses who take temporary contracting jobs, usually lasting 13 weeks, at healthcare facilities around the country. These nurses help support hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities facing staffing shortages or needing specialized skills.
Travel nursing assignments allow nurses to explore new places and gain wider exposure to different healthcare settings and systems. The contracts offer lucrative pay and benefits to compensate for the temporary, contingent nature of the work.
Travel nursing allows nursing professionals to take on temporary contracting roles at healthcare facilities nationally while receiving higher pay and benefits than permanent staff roles.
Nurses who take travel assignments may choose contracts based on location, pay, benefits, specialty area, or the type of facility. Assignments can range from hospital intensive care units to outpatient clinics and skilled nursing facilities.
While travel nurses and staff nurses provide crucial patient care, there are important distinctions. Travel nurses take on temporary contract assignments, usually lasting 8-13 weeks at a single facility before moving on. Staff nurses are permanently employed by one healthcare employer. Travel contracts allow nurses to explore new destinations and facilities, often with higher pay, while staff nurse positions focus on consistency within one organization and patient population. Both roles require dedication and compassion, but travel nurses need added flexibility and adaptability as they transition between short-term work settings, teams, and locations across the country.
As you consider a career change into travel nursing, it’s important to understand the benefits that come along with the opportunity. Let’s explore some of the significant advantages of making the change:
One major draw of travel nursing is the potential for much higher pay compared to staff nursing roles. In addition to attractive base salaries, travel nurses receive stipends and bonuses for assignments. Some average hourly rates range from $60 to $75 per hour, allowing seasoned travel nurses to earn over six figures annually by stacking back-to-back contracts. It is important to note that pay ranges vary based on need, location, specialty, and many other factors.
Most contracts include a housing stipend or free company housing to cover lodging for the assignment. This allows nurses to avoid paying for short-term housing out of pocket. Having accommodations covered makes relocation stress-free when starting a new contract in an unfamiliar location. A reputable and employee-friendly staffing agency often helps you find housing to make your transition smoother.
Travel compensation packages typically include exceptional healthcare coverage, retirement savings plans, referral bonuses, license reimbursement, and more. Benefits often match or exceed those offered in staff nurse roles. This provides valuable support, given the contingent nature of travel nursing work.
Working at multiple renowned healthcare facilities around the country allows travel nurses to expand their competencies and medical/surgical exposures rapidly. Nurses gain experience with different patient populations, procedures, documentation systems, and specialty devices with each new contract.
As travel nurses connect with new providers and peers nationwide, they build an extensive professional network much faster than staying in one location long-term. These relationships, referrals, and references can provide lifelong connections and career opportunities.
For wanderlust nurses, travel assignments satisfied the craving for exploration. Each contract in a new city or state allows nurses to experience different cultural scenes and attractions.
Whether it’s local cuisine, music, outdoor recreation, or simply a change of pace, travel nursing delivers exciting new lifestyle adventures.
Looking to advance your career by becoming a travel nurse? Explore ERN Services’ open positions to find your next assignment.
Travel nursing requires a unique set of skills beyond typical bedside nursing. Here are some of the most critical competencies successful travel nurses possess.
Excellent communication is critical. Professionals in the role interact constantly with new staff and must establish rapport quickly. Strong clinical skills allow travel nurses to adapt to different hospital protocols. Independent problem-solving helps troubleshoot issues that arise when policies differ across facilities. Flexibility to work varied shifts and hospital units is expected. And confidence, resilience, and resourcefulness are essential to manage the demands of those in the travel field.
Traveling care providers also benefit from advanced skills like ICU, ER, OR, L&D, or psych experience to qualify for more diverse assignments. Acquiring and maintaining up-to-date certifications makes nurses more marketable candidates as well.
An active RN license is mandatory for travel nurse positions. Nurses must hold licenses in every state where they accept contracts. Obtaining licensure in multiple states expands job prospects but involves more paperwork and expenses.
National certifications like CCRN, CNOR, or CEN verify specialized expertise to hospitals. ACLS, PALS, NRP, and BLS certs may also be required. Keeping all credentials current is vital for travel nurse eligibility.
There’s no doubt switching career paths can be nerve-wracking. Let’s take a look at how you can make the transition to travel nursing as smooth and hassle-free as possible:
Give proper notice at your permanent job based on facility policy, usually two to four weeks. Inform managers about your plans to travel nurse and leave on good terms. Update your nursing license, certifications, resume, and references before applying for travel gigs.
Research top agencies and evaluate the costs of obtaining multi-state licenses. Calculate expenses for housing, travel, and other fees to set income expectations. Once hired at an agency, ask about benefits, stipends, reimbursements, and payroll procedures.
Vet several agencies for the best compensation packages, responsive recruiters, and abundant jobs matching your skills, experience, and location preferences. Browse agency ratings on sites and review testimonials from current and former staff. Interview reps and ask about consultant availability, pay rates, insurance, cancellation policies, etc.
Inquire if the agency exclusively staffs travel nurses or places permanent and per diem nurses. Specialized agencies generally understand the unique needs of this nursing niche better.
Communication is key for maintaining relationships despite frequent moves and schedule demands. Set expectations with loved ones and establish regular check-ins. Travel with a pet companion if feasible for emotional support.
Maintain healthy habits like consistent sleep, nutrition, and exercise to manage the stresses of travel nursing life. Allow downtime to rejuvenate between assignments and avoid burnout over the long run.
For over 20 years, we’ve helped countless professionals transition to travel nursing. With a nationwide network and constantly updating opportunities, you’re sure to find an exciting opportunity with ERN. Contact us today to take the first step in finding the travel nursing job that fits you perfectly.
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