Part-time travel nursing is the perfect solution for nurses who want to experience new locations and new healthcare settings without having to commit to full-time travel nursing. Whether you’re looking to supplement your income with additional shifts, gain new skills and experiences, or simply explore the country, part-time travel nursing can offer you all of that and more.
In this article, we’ll explore what part-time travel nursing is, how it differs from full-time travel nursing, and the benefits and drawbacks of working part-time as a travel nurse.
What is Part-Time Travel Nursing?
Part-time travel nursing is like regular travel nursing, except that you work only a portion of the time. Instead of committing to months at a time, you may take assignments for just a few weeks or months, working one or two shifts per week. This allows you to travel and experience new locations while still having a home base.
As a part-time travel nurse, you may work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, or other healthcare settings. Your work schedule can vary depending on the needs of the facility, but it is typically more flexible than a full-time travel nursing position.
How Does Part-Time Travel Nursing Differ from Full-Time Travel Nursing?
First and foremost, the biggest difference between part-time and full-time travel nursing is the time commitment. With full-time travel nursing, you commit to an assignment for typically 13 weeks or more, working 36 to 48 hours per week. In contrast, with part-time travel nursing, you may work only one or two shifts per week, which can range from 8 to 12 hours per shift.
Another major difference is the level of support you receive as a part-time travel nurse compared to a full-time travel nurse. When you work full-time, your travel nursing agency provides you with more support, including finding housing, navigating the healthcare facility, and addressing any on-the-job issues. For part-time nurses, you may be required to secure housing on your own, and you may have less support from your travel nursing agency.
Benefits of Part-Time Travel Nursing
1. Flexibility
One of the biggest advantages of part-time travel nursing is the flexibility it offers. You can enjoy the benefits of travel nursing, such as exploring new locations and experiencing new healthcare settings, while still having the ability to return home and work in your local community. With a part-time schedule, you can also have more control over your work-life balance and take time off as you need it.
2. Supplemental Income
Part-time travel nursing can be a great way to supplement your income as a nurse. If you’re currently working full-time, you can pick up one or two shifts per week in a different healthcare facility or region to earn extra money. Additionally, you can use your part-time travel nursing income to pay off debt or save for a future expense, such as a down payment on a house or a child’s education.
3. Professional Growth
Part-time travel nursing can also help you grow professionally. Since you’ll be working in different healthcare settings, you’ll have the opportunity to learn new skills and gain new experiences. This can help you become a more well-rounded nurse and offer a wider range of skills to future employers. Furthermore, part-time travel nursing can give you an edge in applying for future full-time travel nursing positions.
4. Job Security
Finally, part-time travel nursing can offer job security during uncertain times. If your full-time position is cut back or eliminated, you can rely on your part-time travel nursing work to supplement your income and maintain your healthcare benefits.
Drawbacks of Part-Time Travel Nursing
1. Housing Expenses
If you’re traveling for work only one or two shifts per week, you may be responsible for finding and paying for your own housing. This can be costly and time-consuming, especially if you’re traveling to a new city or region where you don’t have any connections.
2. Lack of Benefits
Part-time travel nursing positions may not offer benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, or retirement savings plans. This can be a drawback for nurses who rely on these benefits to maintain their financial and physical well-being.
3. Limited Work Hours
Depending on the healthcare facility’s needs, you may be limited to working only one or two shifts per week. This can make it difficult to earn enough income to offset travel and living expenses.
4. Limited Support
Since part-time travel nurses work fewer hours and may not have a long-term contract, they may receive less support from their travel nursing agency. They may also be responsible for arranging their own transportation and obtaining necessary licenses and certifications.
How to Get Started as a Part-Time Travel Nurse
If you’re interested in pursuing part-time travel nursing, there are a few steps you should take to get started:
1. Determine Your Availability
Before you apply for part-time travel nursing positions, determine how much time you are able to commit to traveling each week. This will help you find opportunities that fit your schedule and avoid any conflicts with your current position.
2. Identify Your Skillset
Next, identify your nursing specialties and skills to market your strengths to potential employers. When applying for part-time travel nursing positions, make sure to highlight your competencies and experience in the niche specialties and settings the hiring facility is seeking.
3. Create a Resume
Once you know what you bring to the table as a candidate, create a professional resume that highlights your skills, qualifications, nursing experience, and education.
4. Find Reputable Travel Nursing Agencies
Make a list of potential travel nursing agencies to partner with to find part-time jobs. Research their reputation, read reviews, and investigate their support offerings to ensure they will meet your needs for support and communication.
5. Apply for Travel Nursing Jobs
Finally, start applying for part-time travel nursing positions that match your availability, specialty, and salary requirement. Be sure to follow the application instructions thoroughly, including obtaining the necessary licenses and certifications.
Summary
Part-time travel nursing can offer significant benefits, like opportunities for professional growth, increased flexibility, and supplemental income. Whether you have limited availability due to family or other commitments or simply want to explore new locations without a long-term commitment, part-time travel nursing can be a great option.
Before applying for positions, however, it’s important to understand the potential drawbacks and the level of support you can expect from a travel nursing agency. With careful planning and preparation, part-time travel nursing can be an exciting and fulfilling career opportunity for any nurse.
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Anthony Colón RN
Anthony serves as a trusted advisor to nurses looking to comparison-shop and make informed decisions regarding their first or next Travel Nurse contract. He's a former Travel Nurse with 25 years of RN experience. He will help you get a high pay Travel Nurse job that will allow you to provide safe and quality care. This blog and his Facebook group offers advice, answers & tips, PLUS Mentorship about all things regarding Travel Nursing. Thousands of Travel Nurses are in his FB group ready to help. To learn more about other aspects of Travel Nursing, be sure to visit his Facebook group called Travel Nursing - Answers, Advice and Tips PLUS Mentorship.