If you have a passion for nursing and a love of travel, a career in travel nursing may be the right fit. This article will cover Why choose a travel nurse career, as well as everything you need about travel nurse jobs and how to find them.
Flexibility
Traveling to different healthcare facilities allows nurses to learn about new patient populations and practices. This can help them expand their knowledge base and increase their resume’s marketability for future career pursuits. It can also foster personal growth by allowing nurses to explore new cities and communities.
In addition, Texas travel nurse jobs can offer more flexibility in terms of pay and benefits than permanent staff positions. In addition to competitive hourly rates, many travel nurses receive stipends for meals and housing, insurance reimbursements, travel bonuses, and time and a half pay when working holidays. These benefits can be a major selling point for nurses looking for a better work-life balance and career satisfaction.
Better Work-Life Balance
Whether due to state legislation requiring nurse-to-patient ratios or an understaffed facility, hospitals often look for temporary nurses to fill in for staff shortages. Travel nurses are an integral part of this solution. They help bridge gaps in patient care and allow permanent staff members to focus on other pressing matters. Travel nurses take on many responsibilities as traditional nurses, from wound examinations to administering medication and vaccinations. They must be comfortable working in fast-paced and chaotic circumstances, especially since they may be assigned to a new assignment with little notice. Each travel nurse job differs, ranging from large urban facilities to small rural offices. The location, type of facility, and type of patients all impact the duties a nurse is required to perform.
Moreover, every nurse has their own unique needs and preferences when it comes to work-life balance. To become a travel nurse, you must have a valid nursing license in the state where you seek a contract. This can be accomplished by completing an Associate Degree in Nursing or Bachelor of Science in Nursing at an accredited university and passing the NCLEX exam. Some staffing agencies also offer a multi-state licensure package that allows nurses to accept assignments across the country without needing to obtain a separate license for each state.
Pay
Compared to permanent staff nurses, travel nurses avoid getting stuck in a routine and develop workplace patterns. They’re exposed to various work environments, resources, patient populations, and cultures that often differ from what they are accustomed to. This builds their professional portfolio and helps them become a more well-rounded nurse. Travel nursing salaries are generally higher than permanent staff nurses’ pay. This is especially true for rapid-response assignments, which are usually filled to address a specific need – such as during a natural disaster. Lastly, many travel nurses receive additional compensation packages, including housing (often a stipend or free housing within dorms or off-campus apartments) and a daily allowance for meals, incidentals, and transportation expenses.
Opportunity to Travel
For many RNs, travel nursing is appealing because it allows them to experience new regions of the country and gain experience in specialized care environments. Nurses can also take advantage of tax-free income, free housing, medical coverage, rental cars, and other perks. Some assignments are as short as 13 weeks, making visiting several locations throughout the year easy. Travel nurses fill temporary staffing shortages at hospitals and other healthcare facilities. They may be needed to fill gaps caused by maternity leave, vacations, seasonal population fluctuations, or other factors. They are typically assigned to specific departments or units based on staffing needs, but they can switch specialties as often as every assignment. Travel nurses can see a wide range of the United States depending on their projects. Travel nurses usually take contracts close to home to spend time with family during their breaks. Still, if you’re adventurous and love traveling, there are opportunities to explore far-flung destinations.
Flexibility in Your Schedule
Becoming a travel nurse isn’t right for everyone, but working with new people in different locations can be exciting. Typically, travel nurses spend 13 weeks in each area and have short orientations that allow them to learn the hospital’s policies and procedures quickly. Travel nurses also can prearrange their schedules with their agency and choose the locations that best suit them. Nurses who enjoy outdoor adventures can decide to take an assignment in a mountainous area, while nurses who prefer beachy climates can head to sunny areas.
Being a travel nurse also allows you to meet many people at work and during your free time. These interactions could lead to future opportunities for you or introduce you to people with similar interests who can keep your life interesting. You can even use these contacts to make friends who can visit you during breaks between assignments or if you’re ready for a permanent career move.
When you’re ready to add a little adventure to your nursing career, consider travel nurse jobs. With the ability to explore various locations and experiences, this career option shows that you’re adaptable and willing to take on new challenges. Plus, it’s the perfect way to bolster your resume with various skills and experiences you can utilize in any new nursing position.
