Travel nursing is an exciting career that offers a unique mix of benefits. It provides a stable, in-demand career and allows nurses to explore new places, meet new people, and gain valuable skills. As the healthcare industry struggles with an aging population and a shortage of nurses, travel nurses are becoming increasingly important. This article will explore the top 10 benefits of being a traveling nurse and how to become one.
What is a Traveling Nurse?
A traveling nurse, also known as a travel nurse, is a registered nurse (RN) who goes from facility to facility around the country to help fill shortages in certain areas. Travel nurses are typically stationed at a facility for a temporary period of 13 to 26 weeks. They are considered independent contractors and often work for travel nursing agencies specializing in finding assignments and negotiating pay and benefits.
Top 10 Benefits of Being a Traveling Nurse
Flexible Scheduling: Travel nursing positions vary in time, location, and place. Nurses can specify their jobs based on their needs, allowing for a flexible schedule to accommodate important events or breaks between contracts.
Higher Pay: Travel nurses typically receive higher pay packages than staff nurses. This is especially true if they have a specialty or work overtime. Specific locations will also pay more than others, providing financial stability for nurses as they explore new territories.
Travel: The biggest perk of being a traveling nurse is the opportunity to travel across the country and experience new places. While living out of a suitcase may not be for everyone, travel nursing can take nurses and their careers to new heights.
Perks and Incentives: Travel nursing agencies will find assignments for nurses, cover travel costs, and provide free or reduced-price housing. Some agencies even cover utilities, providing perks and incentives above and beyond the standard benefits like health and dental coverage.
Explore Different Nursing Areas: Travel nursing allows nurses to dabble in various areas and gain experience with different hospitals. This will enable them to see which areas they like best, providing confidence when settling in one place and taking a permanent position.
Develop Valuable Skills: Travel nurses encounter various situations and people, forcing them to be adaptable, think critically, and communicate effectively. These practical skills will help nurses in future nursing jobs.
Network Building: Travel nurses will work alongside various healthcare professionals, broadening their perspectives and building their networks. You never know when one of those relationships could translate into a future job opportunity.
Job Security and Room for Advancement: The demand for registered nurses is projected to grow more than twice as fast as the national average rate. With the nursing shortage, travel nurses know they’ll be needed more than ever. Travel nursing can also help nurses pinpoint the direction they’d like to pursue when they decide to advance their careers.
Minimal Workplace Politics: Assignments typically range from three to six months, making it easier to avoid workplace politics. If a nurse is placed in a facility with unfavorable office politics, they’ll return on the road in no time.
Help People in Need: Nurses impact people’s lives daily, but as traveling nurses, they will likely be sent to areas needing help. They’ll be at the front lines of care, seeing the fruits of their labor right before their eyes.
How to Become a Traveling Nurse
To become a travel nurse, nurses need either an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Nursing and must take the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed. Most agencies that staff traveling nurses like to see at least a year of experience as an RN before voyaging out on assignment.
In conclusion, being a traveling nurse provides a unique set of benefits that not only promote personal and professional growth and contribute to the overall healthcare system. The flexibility in scheduling, higher compensation, diverse experiences, and the opportunity to impact lives in different parts of the country are just a few of the benefits that make this career path worth considering. As demand for nursing continues to rise, travel nursing may be an excellent opportunity to take advantage of a career in a high-growth field while exploring new horizons.