If you want to spice up your nursing career and want to gain new experiences but don’t want to move to other states, then local travel nursing is just the right choice for you. With local travel nursing, you can enjoy the perks of travel nursing while staying close to home. In this blog on how to become a local travel nurse in your own state let’s dive in!
What is local travel nursing?
Local travel nursing allows you to take short-term assignments in your own state without going too far from your home. You can enjoy the benefits of nursing travel while staying close to your home. It is the perfect job for those who want to enjoy the perks of travel nursing but also want to stay near home.
What are the benefits of becoming a local travel nurse?
With local travel nursing, you can work in different healthcare facilities in your own states. Some of the benefits of becoming a local travel nurse are as follows:
- As a local travel nurse, you can gain experience while working in different healthcare facilities without the need to move far away from your home.
- Travel nurses get higher pay as compared to permanent nurses because of the nature of their jobs.
- While becoming a local travel nurse you can work on short-term assignments and there are no long-term commitments. This results in flexible schedules and work-life balance.
- You can work in different facilities such as hospitals, clinics, etc. which will help you grow personally and professionally.
How to become a local travel nurse in your own state?
If you want to experience travel nursing but also want to stay near your home and are not ready to travel far away, then local travel nursing is just the right option for you. Here is the step-by-step guide on how to become a local travel nurse.
- Getting a nursing degree and passing the NCLEX-RN exam to get the nursing license.
- Getting at least one year of experience before stepping into local travel nursing.
- Find a local travel nurse agency and let them know that you are looking for positions in your own state.
- Pick your ideal work setting you want to work in. For example, you want to work in a hospital, clinic, etc.
- Be flexible and open-minded.
How long do local travel nurse assignments last?
Local travel nursing assignments typically last from 4 to 13 weeks but also depend on the demand.
Do local travel nurses get housing stipends?
No local travel nurses do not get housing stipends because they are working in the same area. The other travel nurses get housing stipends who are working out side their state far from their homes.
Do I need a state license for local travel nursing?
Yes, you need a valid state nursing license to work as a local travel nurse.
Can I choose my assignments as a local travel nurse?
Yes, as a local travel nurse, you can choose your own schedules and assignments. But it is important to talk to your travel nursing agency so they can find the jobs that best match your interests.
How can I look for a local travel nurse job?
Some of the ways to look for local travel nursing assignments are through Staffing agencies, healthcare facilities websites, online job postings, etc.
What is the pay like for local travel nurses?
Local travel nurses’ pay is higher than permanent nurses, but they don’t get housing or travel stipends which is why their total pay is slightly lower than traditional travel nurses.
What is the difference between local travel nurse and permanent nurse?
Permanent nurses have full-time job in one healthcare facility whereas local travel nurses work on short term assignments in different healthcare facilities in their state.
Pros and cons of becoming a local travel nurse
Some of the pros and cons of becoming local travel nurse are:
Pros:
- Higher pay
- Flexibility and freedom.
- Working in a variety of work environments.
- Working near home.
- Collaboration and working with other healthcare team members.
- Personal and professional growth.
Cons:
- Inconsistent work schedule.
- Frequent transitions.
- Less job stability.
- Limited benefits.
- Potential of burnout.
- Limited connections with patients.
Conclusion
Local travel nursing provides unique and exciting career opportunities to those who want to enjoy the perks of travel nursing while staying close to their home. No doubt with local travel nursing you can make more money, but it is more than just a paycheck, it is about career growth, gaining new experience, and working in different healthcare environments. If you are ready to take your nursing to the next level then become local travel nurse with SkillGigs. Download SkillGigs app and become part of our travel nursing world.
