If you are tired of your nursing job and want some change and adventure, then travel nursing might be the answer you are looking for. In travel nursing you not only make more money, but you take your sense of adventure and your career side by side. Every new contract unlocks new adventures, excitement, and experiences. But before you sign your contract and pack your bags here are some pros and cons you must know about travel nursing. In this blog, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of being a travel nurse in 2025, and whether it is really worth it.
Advantages and Disadvantages of being a travel nurse
Travel nursing is a lifestyle, and it is fast-paced, flexible, and filled with possibilities. But before you make up your mind and choose travel nursing as your career, it is important to know the benefits and challenges of travel nursing. some of the pros and cons of travel nursing are as follows:
Advantages of being a travel nurse
Higher pay packages
One of the benefits of travel nursing is that they get higher pay than staff nurses because of the nature of their job. Travel nurses work on contracts typically for 13 weeks; therefore, pay is higher than that of a staff nurse. If you want to explore the high pay travel nursing jobs in US then sign up with SkillGigs and explore travel nursing jobs that best fit your specialty.
Bonuses and Benefits
For travel nurses one of the advantages is the benefits that they get during their travel nursing contracts such as health insurance, life insurance, dental insurance etc. Moreover, travel nurses can make extra money with sign on bonuses, completion bonuses and referral bonuses. SkillGigs is offering $750 dollars referral bonuses, if you refer us a travel nurse, you can make $750 once they complete their assignment with us. So why wait? Sign up new and start referring.
Housing and housing stipends
We know travel nurses move from one place to another during their contracts and right housing is the most important thing. Travel nurses want to stay at a location that is safe, near the facility, and well furnished. In travel nursing contracts, healthcare facilities provide housing and, in some cases, housing stipends. If you are getting housing stipends make sure that it is enough to cover your rent. And the housing they provide is already furnished. In this way you don’t worry about housing, and you can fully focus on your job.
Freedom and Flexibility
Perks of travel nursing include freedom and flexibility. Travel nursing contracts give you freedom to choose your own contracts according to your needs and interests. You can choose your location, pay, and schedules. As a travel nurse, you can take a break between contracts and focus on other things such as family, your hobbies, etc. SkillGigs is a platform that gives you full freedom, you can choose contracts that you want and bid on jobs that you like. Sign up now to explore travel nursing jobs on SkillGigs.
Personal and Professional growth
One of the advantages of travel nursing is personal and professional growth. During travel nursing you visit new places and meet new people. You also work in different healthcare facilities which have different procedures and protocols. This helps you to get exposure to different patient populations, technologies and so much more that results in your skill growth and experience.
Disadvantages of being a travel nurse
Lack of job stability and Frequent relocations
One of the disadvantages of travel nursing is job instability and frequent relocations which can be stressful. Travel nursing contracts are temporary, and it is possible that after one contract you might not find another one soon according to your liking and interest. Moreover, constantly moving can be exhausting mentally, physically, and emotionally. Therefore, it is important to consider these cons before you decide to choose travel nursing as your career.
Tax confusions
For travel nurses, it is a must to have a tax home so you can legally receive stipends. You can make more money if you understand tax, know how to maintain a tax home, etc. During travel nursing this can be tough and therefore you need a professional who can guide you through that.
Licensure and paperwork hassle
The other disadvantage of travel nursing is paperwork and licensing. Not all states are compact states, and therefore, sometimes it becomes difficult to get the travel nursing job that you want. Moreover, you have to be on top of your game and keep all your documentation and paperwork up to date.
Loneliness and homesickness
One of the most challenging parts of travel nursing is loneliness and homesickness. During travel nursing contracts, you stay away from your friends and family for weeks, which can be challenging. If you are constantly travelling, then homesickness is a major con. No doubt travel nursing jobs seem fun and adventurous, but they can also mean loneliness and homesickness.
How much do travel nurses make?
Travel nursing salary depends on location, experience, specialty, healthcare facility, etc., but travel nurses make more than staff nurses.
What license do you need to be a travel nurse?
To work legally in a state, travel nurses need an active RN license. Nurses can also apply for compact state nursing licenses to work in multiple states under one license. Some states are not part of the compact, and therefore nurses have to apply for an individual license for that state, such as New York.
What are some of the best locations for travel nurses?
Some of the best locations for travel nurses are California, Texas, Florida, Colorado, Arizona, etc. Now you can also apply for Michigan and Albany. These are now trending spots for travel nurses. Sign up now to explore the jobs in Michigan and Albany.
Conclusion
Travel nursing is a perfect blend of flexibility, high pay, and adventure. Travel nurses who are adaptable and comfortable with change can succeed in this career because travel nursing has both advantages and disadvantages. Some of the benefits of travel nursing are high pay, flexibility, freedom, personal and professional growth, career advancement, skill development and so much more. But there are Advantages and Disadvantages of being a Travel Nurse such as homesickness, frequent relocation, job instability, exhaustion, etc. If you are a nurse who wants to make more money and also travel and explore new cities, then travel nursing is the right career choice for you. Download our app and become part of our travel nursing world.
