Is travel nursing still worth it in 2023? As a former travel nurse, my answer will always be yes! I started travel nursing in 2010 when I left Canada and moved to New York City. Honestly, it was one of the best decisions of my life.
I worked in the emergency department for five years and was planning my departure because I wanted something new and exciting. Travel nursing allows you to see so many beautiful places without committing.
Here are five reasons why you should consider travel nursing.
- Flexibility. Travel Nursing allows you to move around as you please when you please. Typically travel contracts can range from 8 to 13 weeks.
- Freedom. You can extend the contract if needed or leave and go somewhere else. You can also take time off between contracts which is nice. Most full positions do not allow you to take consecutive weeks off to vacation. You do not have to ask permission to take off for a month or two.
- Culture. You get to experience different foods, cultures, and the local life of other cities.
- Excitement. Travel nursing is always exciting. You are constantly meeting new people and experiencing different things. It is truly an adventure.
- Growth. It allows you to grow professionally and personally. You are forced out of your comfort zone, enabling you to succeed.
- Adaptability. Every assignment is different, and you must learn quickly how to adapt to various hospitals, units, workflows, computer systems, etc. It simply makes you a better nurse, and you become more resilient.
- Compensation. Travel nursing pay is typically higher, but you can sometimes get other benefits such as furnished housing or a stipend, free scrubs, bonus pay, and much more.
Before you go, here are five tips for success in travel nursing.
- Having at least 2-3 years of experience in the specialty area, you will travel to. However, some travel agencies will take you with one year’s experience, which I would not recommend.
- The average orientation is about two days for travel nurses. You usually get some computer training on what type of EMR they are using, and then one day, with a preceptor, that’s it!
- Do your research and select the Nursing Travel Agency that you trust. I chose AMN, American Mobile Healthcare when I used to travel. Some nurses I worked with used Fast Staff, Aya Healthcare, and Prime Staffing.
- Get to know the hospital administration and all staff members. You can get some good information for the hospital unit clerks because they know many workflows, processes, and where to find things.
- Advocate and stay informed. Know your chain of command and where to find your policies and procedures. Every State has a Practice Act, so get familiar with it. Every nursing job function may differ depending on where you are, so make sure you practice within your scope to be safe.
Safe travels!
Interested in a job as a travel nurse? Visit the Daily Nurse Career Center to find featured jobs and read career advice.
Farah Laurent DNP, RN, NEA-BC, NPD-BC, CPXP, TCRN, CPEN, CEN and Founder and CEO of Farah Laurent International Nurse Coach LLC
Latest posts by Dr. Farah Laurent (see all)
- 10 Ways to Create Your Goals for 2024 - January 1, 2024
- 5 Ways to Make a Positive Impact in the Nursing Profession - November 14, 2023
- Is Travel Nursing Still Worth it in 2023? - July 10, 2023