Travel Nursing FAQs

Who can become a travel nurse? 

Anyone with a zest for assisting others and a yearning to explore can embark on a career in travel nursing. As long as you meet the essential criteria, you’re well on your way. Becoming a travel nurse offers a unique opportunity to blend your passion for healthcare with the excitement of discovering new locations. With the right mindset and qualifications, you can join the ranks of registered nurses embarking on enriching travel nurse assignments.

What are the specific requirements? 

Embarking on a travel nurse career requires a few steps. Educational commitments typically span 2-4 years, post which you’ll gain hands-on experience and necessary certifications. The cornerstone of this profession is obtaining a registered nurse (RN) license, achievable through an Associate’s Degree in Nursing.

However, to enhance your prospects with a travel nurse staffing agency, possessing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited university, which can be pursued post-RN qualification, is often preferred.

Post-university, successful travel nurses must acquire two essential certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). These qualifications are critical in preparing you for the various challenges you’ll encounter in different healthcare settings across the country.

How much prior work experience does a traveler need? 

The experience required by healthcare recruiters and travel nurse staffing agencies varies, but generally, a minimum of two years in a hospital setting is expected. To gain an edge in this competitive field, registered nurses could consider working as a float nurse before delving into their first travel nursing assignment and aligning with an agency.

A float nurse performs a role akin to that of a travel nurse, providing temporary support in understaffed areas, albeit on a smaller geographic scale and without the extensive travel involved in travel nursing. This experience not only familiarizes nurses with the dynamics of different hospital departments but also prepares them for the varied environments they will encounter in travel nursing.

What benefits are available to travelers? 

Travel nurses embrace the uncertainty of each new journey, quickly adapting to new environments and excelling in their roles. Consequently, this career path offers substantial benefits. Notably, travel nursing provides excellent pay and benefits, surpassing many other roles in the healthcare industry.

Your travel nurse staffing agency takes care of fully furnished housing and other related expenses, alleviating your concerns about accommodation. This arrangement allows you to potentially eliminate housing costs altogether, especially if you choose to sublet your primary residence during your travels.

Competitive compensation is a hallmark of travel nursing, with salaries escalating as you gain more experience. Dedicated travel nurses can earn up to $3000 weekly, making it an economically rewarding choice.

Beyond the financial perks, travel nursing enables you to embark on new adventures while concurrently advancing your career. With assignments ranging from three months to a year, you have ample time to immerse yourself in local cultures, enriching both your personal and professional life.

In addition, travel nursing offers unique educational opportunities on the job. You’ll gain exposure to diverse medical practices, communication styles, and languages, enhancing your skills and broadening your professional horizon.

Can I take a travel assignment close to my home? 

The possibility of taking a travel nursing assignment near your home depends on the policies of the staffing agency and their partnered healthcare facilities. Some may have stipulations against local hires or require that travel nurses maintain a primary residence a certain distance away from the assignment location, often 50 or 100 miles.

If proximity to home is important to you, it’s crucial to discuss this with your recruiter. They can provide insight into available options and help you find assignments that match your preferences while still allowing you to reap the benefits of being a travel nurse.

Does the staffing agency pay for my living expenses?

Yes, travel nurse staffing agencies provide a stipend to cover housing and living expenses for their nurses. The amount varies depending on the cost of living and housing in the region of your assignment. It’s important to keep all receipts and documentation for expenses, especially if there’s a waiting period for reimbursement.

Where Can Travel Nurses Go On The Job? 

The world is your oyster as a travel nurse. From bustling cities in U.S. states like California, Texas, New Jersey, and South Carolina to international locales in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, China, and the Middle East, the opportunities for assignments are vast and varied. Whether you’re seeking domestic assignments lasting a few months or longer, or year-long international contracts, travel nursing allows you to explore the globe.

During your assignments, you’re encouraged to discover new cities and regions. This flexibility not only enriches your personal experiences but also broadens your professional perspectives, making you a more well-rounded healthcare professional.

How long does it take to get an interview and a job offer? 

The timeline for securing an interview and job offer in travel nursing can vary. Factors such as the urgency of need in a specific area and the timing of your application play a significant role. In high-demand situations, you may find yourself interviewing and coordinating with agencies almost immediately. Generally, the process spans a few weeks, though it can be difficult to predict an exact timeframe.

Your recruiter will be in touch in advance to help you prepare for the interview process, which may include interactions with unit managers, supervisors, a Managed Service Provider (MSP), and possibly an interactive voice recording questionnaire. To stay on top of your candidacy, it’s prudent to follow up with everyone involved in the interview process and express gratitude for their time. Regular communication with your recruiter is also key to maintaining momentum in your job search.

Is Travel Nursing Good For Career Advancement? 

Absolutely. Choosing a career in travel nursing distinguishes a registered nurse from their peers and is a strategic step toward career advancement. Travel nursing opens doors to vast networking opportunities, exposing you to various hospital systems and policies unlike nurses confined to a single facility. The higher pay rates in travel nursing, driven by hospitals’ need to address staffing shortages, further underscore the financial and professional benefits of this path.

Do Travel Nurses Get Paid Time Off? 

Negotiating paid time off and vacation packages is an integral part of a travel nurse’s contract with the assigned healthcare facility, rather than the staffing agency. This aspect underscores the importance of clear communication and agreement with the facility to ensure that your needs for rest and recuperation are met, allowing you to return to each assignment refreshed and ready to hit the ground running.

What opportunities exist for travel nurses in allied jobs?

Travel nursing extends beyond traditional nursing roles, offering opportunities in various allied jobs. Registered nurses with specialized skills can explore roles in fields such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and radiology. These positions provide a broader scope of practice and can be a great way to diversify your experience.

Travel nurse staffing companies often have a wide range of allied job openings, allowing you to find a position that aligns with your interests and expertise. Whether you’re looking to expand your skill set or pursue a particular specialty, there are plenty of options to explore within the realm of travel nursing.

How Does the Payroll Team Support Travel Nurses to Ensure Timely and Accurate Compensation?

A dedicated payroll team is a crucial resource for travel nurses, ensuring that they receive timely and accurate compensation for their work. These teams handle all aspects of payroll, from processing timesheets to managing tax deductions, making sure that nurses are paid correctly and on schedule.

This support allows travel nurses to focus on their assignments without worrying about financial logistics. The payroll team also provides assistance with any payroll-related queries or issues, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience for travel nurses. Their expertise and efficiency are key to maintaining career satisfaction and financial stability for nurses on the move.

How Can Travel Nurses Stay on Track with Their Career Goals and Professional Development?

Staying on track with career goals and professional development is essential for travel nurses. To achieve this, it’s important to partner with a travel nurse staffing agency that offers resources and training opportunities tailored to your career aspirations.

Many agencies provide access to continuing education, certification courses, and specialized training programs, helping you stay up-to-date with the latest developments in healthcare. They also offer guidance on choosing assignments that align with your long-term career objectives, ensuring that each position contributes to your professional growth.

Regular self-assessment and setting clear, achievable goals are also key strategies. Keeping track of your progress and being open to new learning experiences will help you stay focused and motivated throughout your travel nursing career.

Travel nurses should also leverage the power of referrals and networking within the healthcare community. Building relationships with other professionals can lead to new opportunities and insights, further advancing your career in travel nursing.