Are you bored from your job as a typical staff nurse? Imagine waking up in a new city as a travel nurse and a paycheck that reflects your expertise! Travel nurses are in high demand in the areas where there is a shortage of staff. Therefore, if you want to try something new, something challenging with lots of benefits then choosing travel nursing as your career is the best choice for you. Here is your ultimate guide if you are thinking of transitioning from staff nurse to travel nurse. We will provide you with the information that you need to know before getting your first travel assignment.
What is travel nursing?
Travel nurses are registered nurses who travel to different cities or states to fulfill nursing duties where there is a shortage of staff. Typically, their contract is for 13 weeks. During the covid pandemic there was high demand for travel nurses as the hospitals were overwhelmed by covid patients.
How travel nursing assignments work?
As we already know, travel nurses fill temporary positions at the healthcare facility where there is a shortage of staff due to factors like emergencies, seasonal demands etc. Let us break down how travel nurse assignments work:
Connecting through staffing agencies: Staffing agencies such as Skill Gigs are specialized in matching nurses with their suitable job and assignments. These staffing agencies handles licensing requirements and offer support throughout the assignments.
- Selecting assignments: Nurses can select their assignments based on location, contract length and facility type. Typically contract length ranges from 8 to 26 weeks but nurses can always extend if the facility agrees.
- Licensing requirements: Nurses must have an active license of the state where they are working. NLC is a compact state nursing license which allows nurses to work in multiple states without the need for multiple licenses. To learn more about compact state nursing licenses, read out blog!
- Background checks and credentialing: Travel nurses undergo background checks and credentialing. This helps to verify their work history, qualifications, and certifications. Some agencies also require immunization records and recent physical exams.
- Housing and relocation: Nurses must find their own housing or ask the facility to find them one. Agencies often provide housing stipends to cover the accommodation for the travel nurses.
- Benefits and salary: Travel nurses have typically high salary then permanent nurses depends on their experience, specialty and location. Travel nurses also enjoy more benefits such as heal insurance, paid leave, tax free housing stipends and meals etc.
- End of the assignment: At the end of their assignments, nurses decide whether they want to extend their assignment or want to take a break for other opportunity, agencies help to facilitate transitions for the nurses.
How much is a travel nurse salary?
Travel nurse’s salary varies according to their location and specialty. With high salaries they also enjoy benefits such as tax-free housing stipends, health insurance, etc. if you want detailed information about the salaries of different travel nurse specialties read our latest blog!
What are the benefits and risks of travel nurses?
Travel nursing comes with its own benefits and risks which are as follows:
Benefits of travel nursing:
- High salary
- Flexibility and freedom
- Exploring new places
- Professional growth
- Skill development
- Housing and travel benefits
- Hob security and high demand
Risk of travel nursing:
- Job instability
- Licensing and credentialing challenges
- Difficulty in adjusting to new places.
- Risk of burnout
- Loneliness
- Lack of comprehensive benefits
- Tax complexity
What are the most in-demand specialties for travel nurses in 2024?
The demand for travel nurses is always high but the most in demand travel nurses in 2024 are as follows:
- Med surge nurse
- Acute care nurse
- ICU nurse
- Emergency room nurse
How do travel nurses manage work-life balance while on assignment?
It is important for the travel nurses to manage work life balance while on travel nursing assignments. Some the tips to do so are as follows:
- Prioritizing assignment location and schedule
- Setting boundaries
- Choosing comfortable housing
- Exploring the local area
- Practice self-care
- Learn to adapt quickly
- Scheduling breaks between assignments to prevent burnout
- Setting career goals
- Seeking support from agencies such as SkillGigs
Conclusion
Travel nursing is a fulfilling career job for those who are adventurous and want to travel to new places, excited for new challenges and seeking professional growth. Travel nursing comes with its own benefits and challenges. We have provided the ultimate guide to transitioning from staff nurse to travel nurse. Pack your bags and get your dream assignment with SkillGigs! Happy travel nursing.
