Travel Nursing Beginning to Normalize: What is it Exactly?

Travel nursing is a type of nursing profession that involves short-term contracts or assignments in various healthcare facilities across the country. Travel nurses are typically registered nurses who work on a temporary basis in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings. Although it is not the stereotypical nursing path that many go down, it can have its positives, but before choosing this path, you should know both the upsides as well as the negatives before making a decision. If you want to know all about travel nursing, then read on…

Positives of travel nursing:

Travel nursing is a popular option for nurses who enjoy the flexibility and adventure of working in different locations. Some nurses find it monotonous to work in the same area or hospital, so this can be a good way for nurses to work in the healthcare field in different locations. Travel nurses often work with staffing agencies that specialize in travel nursing such as a physician recruiting firm, which helps them find assignments in different parts of the country and provide support throughout the process.

Travel nurses are typically also paid with higher pay rates than stereotypical nurses who are salaried in one place, and can even gain free accommodation and travel allowances as well as other benefits for traveling during their career. Travel nursing can also be a great way to gain experience in different healthcare settings and learn about new ways to better their career and work with new people. It can also be a way to explore different parts of the country and experience new adventures while pursuing a nursing career.

Negatives of travel nursing:

However, it's important to note that travel nursing can also be challenging and has its pitfalls. Travel nurses need to adapt quickly to different healthcare facilities and work with new patients and co-workers, which can be a challenging feat. These nurses also need to be available to travel at the drop of a hat, so it can make it difficult to make friends or bond with coworkers. Travel nursing can also be draining and means that you might not have the stability that an average salaried nurse would have.

One of the biggest drawbacks of travel nursing is the instability of the role, especially job security. Travel nurses usually have to pick up different jobs at a moment's notice at times, meaning they don’t have the stability of the average nurse job to go to every day. Although travel nursing can mean you can earn more than the average salaried nurse, the pay can also vary, depending on what hours you get and where, which can only add to the instability of the role.

After comparing the negatives and positives of travel nursing, it can be both a rewarding and exciting career choice for nurses who enjoy flexibility and something different than the usual nine-to-five. However, it does have its downfalls, so it’s important to understand all the ins and outs of the role before making your decision.