The possibilities for nursing are nearly endless. When diving into the nursing industry, while the jobs themselves are already fantastic with high salaries and a job that genuinely makes a difference in the world, there are so many varying paths a nurse can take if you wish to focus on one specific area in healthcare. While there is already a substantial amount of freedom in becoming a nurse regarding the ability to choose what you'd like to focus on most, there is also freedom in deciding where you'd like to work and even when. This is the magical world of travel nursing, traveling the world while also being a nurse; however, although it may seem like a dream, there are some things to consider before becoming a travel nurse.
The first detail you consider when a job such as this is presented to you, you're most likely asking, "how much does a travel nurse get paid?" or "does a travel nurse have plenty of work?" Thankfully, we have all of the information you desire right here! The average travel nurse's salary is $78,430. However, as always, we must remember that salary varies with experience and what kind of travel nurse you choose to become. Additionally, travel nurses do indeed get plenty of work; the world as we know it has an overwhelming amount of empty spaces that need to be filled in hospitals and facilities; travel nurses and those working PRN are perfect substitutes for facilities in need all over the states.
So, what are the benefits of being a travel nurse, and how many things should I consider before diving into the world of travel nursing? Varying from person to person, travel nursing can have many benefits; it all depends on what you truly desire from your work life. The well-loved benefits of travel nursing are the flexible schedules, salaries, and the ability to travel the world in ways many others will never experience. Alongside these benefits, the nature of travel nursing is so different from the average full-time job; it allows nurses to expand their careers and learn more about the world of healthcare and themselves. As a travel nurse, you'll meet a wide range of people while helping those who genuinely need it.
First, in becoming a travel nurse, you must consider finding travel nursing jobs. To do this, you must locate a staffing company that seems promising enough to you with an excellent overall reputation, experience, good benefits, and many other contenders in finding a good staffing agency. Be sure to heavily look over contract terms to ensure you agree with everything and are alright with how long of an assignment you'd be committing to; lastly, after finding the perfect staffing agency and an appointment for you, considering your housing options will be crucial, while most travel nursing companies will offer free housing, it's essential to think what's best for you. Additionally, you'll have to decide everything you wish to pack when going to your new temporary home; the key to packing for assignments is to keep things simple and avoid over-packing.
Overall, as the nursing industry always is, working as a nurse has many unexpected twists and turns with challenges you'll have to face, some new and old. Travel nursing is no different; when becoming a travel nurse, you'll have to be prepared to face whatever comes your way.
What is a Travel Nurse?
So, what exactly is a travel nurse? A travel nurse is a nurse who fills in for roles at understaffed facilities; these nurses are hired through staffing agencies and sign contracts to fill these temporary positions. Assignments that travel nurses take on can last anywhere from days, weeks, months, or even longer. Upon the end of a contract, a travel nurse can stay at the exact location or move on to new horizons. Due to the nature of travel nursing, it's also possible for these nurses to take a break from work after completing a long assignment if they wish to do so.
What's the Difference Between Travel and PRN Nursing jobs?
As likely expected, every wonderful thing will usually have a strong competitor in the market. In this situation, travel nursing has a competitor known as PRN nursing. While quite different, this method of taking nursing jobs has also proven quite beneficial with no contracts needed. Unlike travel nursing, nurses in PRN are their bosses; you discover the jobs you wish to take, choose when and where you want to work, and you're on your way to success. Here at Nursa, we are hosts to a PRN staffing app which can be a fantastic alternative to working as a travel nurse; if you wish to learn more about PRN nursing, be sure to read this blog here for all you need to know.
