Do you love nursing but yearn for a little more flexibility and freedom? Want to combine your commitment to delivering top-quality care with your passion for travelling? If so, becoming a travel nurse might be the perfect move for you.

 

Travel nurses play a crucial role in the US healthcare system, filling staffing gaps and providing much-needed expertise. Moving between short-term assignments, they work across a wide variety of care settings and locations. They also enjoy a unique work-life balance, blending professional growth and career progression with personal adventure and exploration.

 

The Realities of Travel Nursing

The main appeal of travel nursing is the flexibility it provides. On average, assignments last around 13 weeks, but can run anywhere from 8 to 26 weeks or more. And, once you’re done, the choice is yours: you can take a break or look for your next assignment.

 

But this freedom comes at a price. The short-term nature of assignments can make it hard to plan ahead. Needing to start over every few months, adapting to new teams and ways of working, can also take a mental toll.

 

It’s important to be aware of this trade-off (and the practicalities of the job), before committing to this path.

 

Where you will be working

As a travel nurse, where you work is largely your choice. As suitable assignments become available, your agency will share them with you, and you can pick which ones to pursue.

 

While spending on travel nurses has shrunk significantly since the pandemic peak, ongoing staff shortages mean demand remains strong. Assignments are usually based in hospitals, though positions also come up in health clinics and long-term care facilities. Assignments can also be based in urban and rural areas, and can take you interstate or even overseas.

 

What you will be doing

Most travel nurses work similar shift patterns to permanent staff, though this varies depending on the nature of the assignment. Exact responsibilities also vary, though you will usually be expected to fulfill all the regular duties of an RN. You will also need to use the facility’s standard systems and procedures, and each assignment will start with an induction.

 

How much you will be paid

Travel nurses generally earn more than permanent nurses, with a median pay rate of around $45 an hour. That said, exact earnings vary significantly depending on the specifics of the assignment and your level of experience.

 

For most assignments, you will be engaged as a contractor through your chosen staffing agency. They will be responsible for managing your payroll and insurance. Many agencies also offer additional benefits like housing allowances and travel reimbursements.  

 

Accreditations and Licenses

There are a few steps you need to go through before becoming a travel nurse. 

 

First, you need to complete a nursing education program, usually a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Accelerated) from an accredited institution. For those transitioning to nursing, completing an Accelerated BSN through a reputable distance education provider, like Baylor University online, may also be an option. 

 

You then need to pass the National Council of State Boards of Nursing exam (NCLEX) to become a Registered Nurse.

 

Then, depending on where you want to work, you will need to complete the relevant state licensure. This means understanding what is a compact nursing license, which allows you to practice across the majority of states. To practice in one of the non-compact states, like California or Oregon, you will need a separate license for that state.

 

Practical Tips for Thriving While on the Road

The life of a travel nurse is marked by constant change: in location, in medical practices, in patient populations. This can be great for your growth as a healthcare professional and allows you to explore new settings and communities. But there are a few things you need to know to make the most of this experience.

 

Choosing the right agency

A great recruiter will match you with the right assignments and help you negotiate your contract terms. They are your partner in your travel nursing career and can have a major effect on your trajectory. So, it’s important that you choose them carefully.

 

Before signing up to any specific agency, do your research. Meet with them to check whether you click and look for reviews from other nurses who have worked with them. Also, review their employment conditions and make sure you’re happy with what’s offered and the opportunities for advancement.

 

Working out living arrangements

Depending on your agency and the assignment location, you may be offered fully furnished accommodation or a housing stipend.

 

Agency-provided housing is usually the easiest option, particularly when you’re just starting out, but the quality can vary greatly. Whereas a stipend gives you more control, but needing to find your own place can add significant stress when relocating.

 

Whichever option you end up with, it’s important you feel safe and comfortable. Knowing you’ve got somewhere nice to go at the end of a long shift makes an assignment much more enjoyable.

 

Embracing the transient lifestyle

The most successful travel nurses are those who are open-minded and can quickly adapt to new challenges. They are willing to go with the flow but also maintain a clear personal routine.

 

They understand the heightened risk of burnout and put systems in place to protect themselves. They maintain regular contact with friends and family and schedule downtime to explore their surroundings. They also keep a financial buffer to help ensure they can take a break whenever they need one.