If you’re looking for a way to branch out in your nursing career and love to travel, chances are you’ve considered travel nursing. But what is travel nursing exactly? And how do you get started? From Travel Nursing FAQs, read on to find out more about this exciting career path.
Important Travel Nursing FAQs and Answers.
How does travel nursing work?
Travel nursing began as a way to meet seasonal shortages in hospitals (for example, the large number of retired individuals who spend winters in Florida). Travel nurses (including travel RNs, travel LPNS, and travel CNAs) are hired to fill in when there is a staffing need. There may be a lack of qualified nurses in a certain region, seasonal population increases, or an expected leave of absence like parental leave. In order to locate skilled nurses to fill short-term assignments, hospitals and long-term care facilities work with recruitment and staffing agencies.
Who can become a travel nurse?
The most common type of travel nurses are registered nurses (RNs); however, travel LPNs and travel CNAs are in demand as well. CNA jobs are expected to grow by eight percent by the year 2028, which is faster than the average. The need for travel nurses and specialty varies by region, but travel RNs, LPNs, and CNAs continue to be in high demand overall.
How much experience do you need to become a travel nurse?
Most hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities look for at least one year of experience, but this can vary. You can reach out to the agency you are interested in working for to find out about their specific requirements.
Is travel nursing good for your career?
Whether you’re working in a large hospital or a small long-term care facility, every new assignment brings new experiences and new insights. As a travel nurse, you’ll have the opportunity to learn new skills and put them into practice helping others. In short, yes, travel nursing is absolutely good for your career!
How long can a travel nurse stay in one place?
Travel nursing assignments can vary from eight to twenty-six weeks (and sometimes longer), but the average is thirteen weeks.
Can travel nurses take time off between assignments?
Most agencies aim to keep travel nurses working continuously, but many can and do take time off between assignments. A good agency will work with you to meet your scheduling needs.
Where can travel nurses be assigned?
Travel nurses, travel LPNs, and travel CNAs are needed in all fifty states as well as internationally.
What types of facilities do travel nurses work in?
Travel nurses work in a variety of locations including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and correctional facilities.
What are the personal and career benefits of travel nursing?
Travel nursing has many benefits including flexibility, diverse workplace experience, personal growth, expanding skillset and continued learning, and, of course, the chance to travel and see new places!
How much does a travel nurse earn?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average RN salary is $70,000 per year, and most nurses make between $48,690 and $104,100 per year. Travel nurses generally earn near the upper end of this salary range.
Are travel nurses eligible for benefits?
Most travel nursing agencies offer benefits, including health, dental, and 401K plans. Most do not offer paid time off or short-term disability, but there are some exceptions. Check with the agency you are interested in working for to learn more.
Can you hold a nursing license in more than one state?
Travel nurses must be licensed in every state where they work; however, nurses can reduce some of the time and cost of obtaining individual licenses by obtaining a multistate license via the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows nurses to practice in all NLC states.
Can travel nurses bring their pets? And what about family members?
Many agencies will work with you to locate housing to accommodate you and your pets, although if there are any pet-related charges associated with housing (such as breed or weight restrictions for dogs), you’ll likely be responsible for those.
And of course, family members are welcome! Social support decreases stress and boosts wellbeing, so you do your best work with your support system – people and animals – in tow!
Can you travel with another nurse?
Most agencies not only allow this but welcome it! Some even offer a referral bonus if you bring a friend along.
Do travel nursing agencies pay for housing?
Most agencies will either provide housing or provide a stipend in order for you to make your own arrangements. The amount of the stipend you can receive will vary based on your assignment since each state has its own limit on the amount allowed. In addition, if you choose the stipend option, you’ll need records of your rent to validate your expenses.
