Have you ever thought about becoming a travel nurse? Many nurses consider this career path, but the majority don’t actually pursue it. Although the prospect may seem scary, travel nursing can be very rewarding for the right person. Here are six reasons to try it out.
1. Earn More Money
It’s possible to earn more money on travel nursing assignments than you would as a staff nurse. A lot of factors play a role in how much you’ll earn, including the location of the assignment and your specialty. If you work in a state that doesn’t pay the national average for nurses, taking an assignment in a metropolitan area will generally mean more money.
Travel nursing also offers several financial benefits over nursing in a traditional setting. For starters, the nursing companies will generally provide free housing or hotels. Travel expenses, such as flights and car rentals, will also typically be covered. Many companies will also cover a daily food allowance. These factors can lead to major financial savings over time.
2. Travel the Country
Have you dreamt of seeing the best attractions the United States has to offer? If so, travel nursing might be the perfect opportunity for you. Do you want to visit major cities like Miami, New York City or San Francisco or check out the national parks? Whatever your travel goals are, this career path makes it possible to explore the country without the cost of steep travel expenses.
3. Learn New Skills
As a travel nurse, you’ll have the opportunity to broaden your knowledge and skills. You’ll likely find yourself in new and challenging situations, which you might not get to experience as a staff nurse. You’ll always be working at new facilities, which may range from small rural hospitals to research hospitals. This means that you’ll encounter new methods and techniques. You might also get to learn how to use new equipment. You might even be able to use your newfound skills and training to enhance your nursing resume.
4. Reduce Burnout
Nursing can be a very rewarding career, but long shifts and stressful specialties can increase the risk of burnout. Taking travel assignments may help prevent or reduce stress or depression. Instead of dealing with hospital politics or monotonous routines, you’ll get to experience new facilities and new people in the workplace.
Location may also help prevent burnout. It’s a lot easier to reduce stress when you can visit a local beach, hang out at Central Park or go hiking in the mountains.
5. Meet New People
Travel nursing allows you to meet new people and make new friends. There are plenty of opportunities to interact with people in and out of the workplace. You’ll get the chance to meet people from all walks of life and may even get to experience new cultures. You might even stay in touch and make lifelong friends through your travels!
6. Enjoy Flexibility
If you’re looking for a career that allows for freedom and flexibility, then look no further. One of the main benefits of being a travel nurse is choosing where — and when — you want to work. You can choose which city and what type of job setting you want to work in.
There’s also room for vacation time. Some travel nurses take time off between assignments to do their own traveling or visit family. On the other hand, there are also plenty of job opportunities for those who want steady work throughout the year.
These are just potential benefits of this career choice. If you’re experiencing a case of wanderlust and have the desire to help people in new locations, it might be time to take the plunge and make it happen.