Travel nursing can be a great career option for nurses exploring new places, meeting new people, and growing their careers. But there are some important things to consider before pursuing this career path.
One of the biggest benefits of a travel nursing career is that it allows you to live in some of your dream locations. Whether you want to experience glittering city lights or relax by the beach, travel nursing can give you that chance.
Flexibility
Travel nursing is a great option for nurses who want the flexibility of working in an in-demand field. It also allows them to taste what it’s like to live and work in other locations.
RNs who pursue travel nursing employment can avoid some of the pitfalls of a staff nurse position, such as workplace politics. They can also avoid burnout by taking time off and recharging.
Traveling RNs also have the opportunity to acclimate to new facilities and coworkers quickly. This helps them develop valuable life skills that will make them more tolerant of the challenges of changing environments.
Great Pay
When you pursue a travel nursing career, you can earn a higher pay rate than you might receive in a stationary position. The average RN is paid more than $25,000/year, which can be even higher when considering travel nurse bonuses and completion bonuses.
Another benefit of pursuing a travel nursing career is the freedom to choose your hours and locations. This flexibility allows you to spend time with your family or take an extended vacation.
You can also make friends and create a large professional network while working on the go. Many nurses find this a great way to explore different places and experience new things.
Flexibility
One of the best perks of pursuing a travel nursing career is that it provides flexibility. You can choose from short-term contracts that last a few weeks to long-term contracts that may last up to a year or more.
This allows you to try different locations to find your dream place to live before you commit to a long-term move. It lets you see how much you like living in each city and decide where to settle down.
Another great perk of pursuing a travel nursing job is that you can earn much more than a staff nurse working in a traditional setting. This can come in the form of travel stipends, housing allowances, and other benefits.
You Get to Travel
Travel nursing provides opportunities to see a variety of places. You can complete short-term assignments at healthcare facilities across the country or even abroad for 13- to 26-week periods, giving you time to experience different cultures and lifestyles.
As a travel nurse, you will receive an orientation before you begin work at your new destination, so it’s important to take the time to scope things out. This will include visiting the hospital, meeting your colleagues, and getting an idea of your scope of practice.
As a travel nurse, you can also plan extended trips, take time off to pursue entrepreneurial interests or travel to family and friends. The flexibility of travel nursing is one of the best parts of this career.
You Get to Meet New People
Travel nurses have the opportunity to meet new people and make friends across the world. They can also work with different agencies and hospitals to find a job that meets their needs.
Another great thing about travel nursing is meeting people in different communities and learning about their cultures. Many small towns and cities have traditional festivals where locals and travelers can gather.
You can also participate in organized tours and meet others traveling to the same destinations. These are fantastic ways to meet other people and make lifelong friendships!
You Get to See the World
One of the best things about pursuing a career as a travel nurse is seeing the world while on assignment. Whether working in a small rural hospital or a major metropolitan medical center, you can travel to amazing destinations.
You’ll be in a different city, state, or country every few months. This means you’ll have the opportunity to check out the latest in tech and medicine, the hottest dining and entertainment hotspots, and see some of the most exciting sights on earth. And while you’re at it, you may even learn a few new words in the process. For example, if you’re working in the healthcare industry, you’ll likely hear about new advances in vaccines and antibiotics regularly. The key is to keep a positive attitude and be open to learning from your new surroundings.
You Get to Learn New Things
One of the most beneficial aspects of pursuing a travel nursing career is that it allows you to learn new things. Whether you’re learning how to navigate new cities or how to make friends in an unfamiliar setting, there are endless opportunities for growth while traveling.
Another benefit of travel nursing is that it’s an excellent way to gain experience as a nurse. You will learn important skills, such as critical thinking, adaptability, and communication, while working in various environments and situations outside your comfort zone.
Travel nurses are often assigned to different hospitals or healthcare facilities, and it is up to them to be able to pick up the ropes quickly. This requires a high level of skill and confidence in their abilities. It’s also crucial that travel nurses are adaptable to change and know who to turn to if they have any concerns.
You Get to Experience Different Cultures
Travel nurses work at various facilities, from top research and teaching hospitals to rural healthcare centers. This allows them to gain experience with different equipment, electronic medical records, and patient populations.
You’ll also learn about a wide range of cultures in this way. This can help you understand other people better, which could lead to future opportunities in your career.
You’ll need to be able to adapt to new cultures. This can be especially important if you travel where the culture differs from your own.
