Travel nursing is an exciting and dynamic career path that allows you to explore the country while earning a living. Imagine having the freedom to choose where you work for 13-week assignments, all while experiencing new cities, cultures, and meeting new people. It’s like taking an extended vacation with the bonus of gaining professional experience and building an impressive resume. In this blog, we’ll break down how travel nursing works, what’s required to get started, and the pros and cons of pursuing this adventurous career.
What is Travel Nursing?
Travel nurses fill short-term vacancies at hospitals and healthcare facilities. These positions usually last for 13 weeks, though extensions can occur depending on the facility’s needs. Vacancies may arise for a variety of reasons, such as staff shortages, medical leaves, or changes in patient census.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for registered nurses is projected to grow by 12% from 2018 to 2028, making travel nursing a promising career option. With a continuous demand for skilled nurses, it’s easier than ever to embark on this exciting journey.
How Does Travel Nursing Work?
Healthcare staffing agencies play a vital role in helping travel nurses secure contracts. When you decide to pursue travel nursing, you’ll work with a staffing agency that acts as the connection between you and the facilities hiring nurses.
Your recruiter will start by having a conversation with you to understand your qualifications, pay expectations, and preferred locations. Based on this information, your recruiter will match you with available job opportunities. If you land an interview with a facility, your recruiter will guide you with interview tips to help you succeed.
Once you secure a position, you’ll receive an “offer letter” form confirming your contract. Your recruiter will walk you through the rest of the process and ensure clear communication every step of the way. Before you know it, you’ll be embarking on your first travel nurse assignment!
How to Become a Travel Nurse
Becoming a travel nurse is a relatively straightforward process, but there are a few key steps you’ll need to complete before you can set off on your adventure.
- Earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
To become a registered nurse (RN), you’ll need to complete an ADN or BSN program. While an ADN typically takes two years to complete, a BSN is a four-year program that offers additional opportunities for career advancement. - Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
After earning your nursing degree, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain your nursing license. This exam tests your knowledge of various nursing topics, ensuring that you’re ready to practice as an RN. - Gain Experience as an RN
Travel nursing requires at least one year of experience in your specialty within the last two years. Gaining experience as a registered nurse will equip you with the skills needed to thrive in the fast-paced world of travel nursing. - Apply with a Healthcare Staffing Agency
Once you’ve gained the required experience, you’ll apply through a healthcare staffing agency that works with hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Apply here and let PRN Healthcare help you get your desired position. Agencies provide valuable support by helping you secure contracts and assisting with the logistics of your assignments.
Pros and Cons of Travel Nursing
Pros of Travel Nursing
- Explore the Country: If you’re tired of the same old routine, travel nursing is a perfect way to switch things up. You can travel to different parts of the country and explore new cities, climates, and cultures every 13 weeks or so. For example, if you live in a cold climate state, you can head to a warmer location for a 13-week contract in winter. This also gives you the opportunity to create a “destination bucket list” and visit as many places as possible. We highly recommend your compact license if you want the most options.
- Earn More Money: Travel nurses often earn more than full-time staff nurses. On average, travel nurses earn 20% more than permanent employees. Additionally, many travel nurses receive tax-free stipends for housing, meals, and other living expenses.
- No More Hospital Politics: As a travel nurse, you’re not around long enough to get caught up in office drama or hospital politics. If issues arise, your agency will be there to support you. You can focus on your work and patient care while enjoying a drama-free experience.
- Support from an Agency: Working with a staffing agency ensures that you have a dedicated recruiter and other team members supporting you throughout your travel nursing career. At PRN Healthcare, we prioritize your success, ensuring you feel supported and valued. You won’t have to navigate the process alone! You’ll work with a recruiter, AM, payroll specialist, compliance team member, & HR to ensure you are always supported. Also 24/7 support & access to CNO if clinical questions arise.
Cons of Travel Nursing
- Adapting to New Facilities: Each healthcare facility has its own set of protocols and workflows. It can be challenging to adjust to different ways of doing things. However, finding a nurse mentor at each new facility can help make the transition smoother.
- Homesickness: While the excitement of traveling to new places is thrilling, you may experience homesickness after a while. Combat loneliness by staying in touch with friends and family via Skype or FaceTime. Explore your new city by joining a gym, attending events, or volunteering. The more you engage with your new surroundings, the less isolated you’ll feel.
- Floating: Travel nurses are often required to float to different units within a facility, depending on the needs of the hospital. This is something to keep in mind before committing to travel nursing, but it also provides an opportunity to gain experience in different areas of nursing. When interviewing ask what their float policy is!
- Unpredictability: While travel nursing offers great flexibility, it also comes with a lack of job stability. As you move from contract to contract, there may be periods of uncertainty. However, with the ongoing demand for nurses, your recruiter will work to help secure your next assignment before your current contract ends.
Travel nursing offers an extraordinary blend of adventure, career growth, and personal fulfillment. Whether you’re looking to explore new cities, earn more money, or expand your nursing experience, travel nursing has it all. Though it may come with some challenges, the rewards are undeniable. Whether you decide to make travel nursing a lifelong career or a temporary adventure, it’s an experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories and valuable professional growth.
Ready to start your travel nursing journey? Apply with us today, and we’ll guide you every step of the way!