Travel nursing has become an increasingly popular career choice for registered nurses who want to combine their love of nursing with their passion for traveling. As a travel nurse, you have the opportunity to work in various locations around the country or even the world, providing care to patients in need.
Not only does travel nursing allow you to explore new places and meet new people, but it also offers the potential to earn a higher salary than a traditional staff nurse. With an online search, you can find the many lucrative travel nurse opportunities right now.
Finding a Travel Nursing Agency
The first step to becoming a travel nurse is to find a reputable travel nursing agency. There are many agencies to choose from, and it’s important to do your research to find one that fits your needs. Some agencies may specialize in certain areas, such as critical care or oncology, while others may have more experience with international travel.
It’s important to consider the agency’s reputation, the types of benefits they offer, and the types of assignments they have available. Some of the top travel nursing agencies include:
American Mobile Healthcare – This agency has been around for over 30 years and offers a variety of benefits, including 401k matching, medical and dental insurance, and paid time off.
Aya Healthcare – Aya Healthcare offers a unique approach to travel nursing, with personalized support from a dedicated team of travel nurse recruiters and clinical support specialists.
Cross Country Nurses – Cross Country Nurses offers a variety of travel nursing assignments, including long-term contracts, per diem assignments, and crisis response opportunities.
Travel Nurse Salaries
Registered nurses can expect to earn $1,800 per week as a travel nurse, or an average annual salary of $88,320. However, it’s not uncommon for some experienced travel nurses to surpass the $100,000 mark.
Travel nursing offers a wide range of earning potentials for ICU nurses as well. American Mobile offers weekly wages ranging from $1,300 to an impressive $5,000. Over the course of a standard 13-week assignment, travel nurses can accumulate earnings of up to $65,000!
The precise amount of annual take-home pay for a travel nurse is influenced by factors such as hours worked and bonuses. Speaking of bonuses, some recruiters offer surprisingly generous sign-on bonuses. Columbus Regional Health, for example, offers a sign-up bonus of up to $37,500 for a three-year commitment.
Preparing for Your Assignment
Once you have found a travel nursing agency and accepted an assignment, it’s important to prepare for your new job. You will need to obtain a nursing license in the state where you will be working, and you may also need to obtain additional certifications, such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).
It’s also important to consider your housing and transportation options. Some travel nursing agencies offer housing and travel allowances, while others may provide a stipend to cover these expenses. If your agency does not provide housing, you can explore options such as short-term rentals or extended-stay hotels.
Pros and Cons of Travel Nursing
As with any career, there are both pros and cons to being a travel nurse.
Pros:
- Higher pay: Travel nurses can earn a higher salary than traditional staff nurses due to the high demand for their services.
- Flexibility: Travel nursing offers flexibility in terms of location and scheduling, allowing nurses to choose assignments that fit their lifestyle.
- Professional development: Travel nursing allows nurses to gain experience in different healthcare settings, which can enhance their professional development.
Cons:
- Temporary assignments: Travel nursing assignments are typically temporary, which may not be ideal for nurses who prefer long-term employment.
- Constantly adapting: Travel nurses must constantly adapt to new healthcare settings, which can be stressful and challenging.
- Uncertainty: Travel nurses may not know where their next assignment will be or how long it will last, which can make planning for the future difficult.
Start a New Career Today
Travel nursing can be a rewarding and lucrative career for registered nurses who are looking for adventure and new experiences. By finding a reputable travel nursing agency, preparing for your assignments, and considering the pros and cons of travel nursing, you can start earning big and pursuing your dreams.