Updated August 2, 2024
The nursing shortages that began during the pandemic continue and show no real sign of stopping. By 2025, there will be a predicted shortage of 78,610 full-time RNs, straining the healthcare system even more. However, one option that seems to be easing some of the burden on facilities is travel nursing.
There are approximately 1.7 million travel nurses in the United States. More healthcare providers are choosing travel nursing because of the many benefits it offers, but is it right for you? Learn more about what a travel nurse does and what you can expect from the job.
What is a travel nurse?
A travel nurse is a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) who takes on short-term contracts in a variety of locations across the country. They usually take positions in high-need areas, performing all of the traditional roles of a nurse. Each contract typically lasts about 13 weeks, but contract lengths can be adjusted as needed.
Travel nurses work for third-party staffing companies that match them with the right positions depending on their preferences as well as the facility’s needs. Once the nurse arrives at their new posting, the training period can be as short as three days, so the job requires being able to quickly adjust to new places, people, and protocols.
Some of the key responsibilities of a travel nurse include:
- Giving medications
- Collecting labs
- Monitoring vital signs
- Performing assessments
- Performing wound care
- Managing IVs and central lines
- Participating in rounds
- Admitting and discharging patients
- Helping with procedures
Travel nurses can work in a variety of settings. Intensive care unit (ICU) travel nurses help to care for critically ill patients at the hospital and manage respirators, dialysis machines, and many other pieces of equipment.
Long-term care travel nurses work in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, providing medications to residents as well as helping them with daily activities. Another popular setting for travel nurses is medical-surgical (med-surg) units, where they care for patients with different conditions and diseases. They have to administer medications and monitor vital signs.
Qualifications and skills travel nurses need
To start a career as a travel nurse, you first have to become a nurse. That means completing nursing education and getting a bachelor’s, associate, or licensed practical nursing degree. You then have to get licensed in your state. To do this, you have to pass the NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN.
Before you’re able to take on travel assignments, you will usually need to have two years of hands-on experience in a specialty, as well as get licensed in the states where you’d like to work.
The best option is to get a compact nursing license, which allows you to practice in all of the states it covers. Keep in mind, however, that if you take on a position in a state that doesn’t participate in the compact, you will need to get additional licenses.
To work in specialized fields as a travel nurse, you may need to get additional certifications. The requirements can vary by specialty and facility. Then, you can work with a nursing agency that can put you in contact with the right positions.
It’s not just official requirements that you want to pay attention to. Travel nursing is a rewarding but challenging career choice, so you need to have a few key traits to have the best possible experience. As a travel nurse, it helps to be:
- A quick learner
- A patient advocate
- Resilient
- Unafraid to ask questions
- Confident in your nursing skills
- Flexible
It’s also helpful to have a strong support network in place. Traveling from location to location can sometimes be stressful and lonely, so knowing you have people you can contact when you need support is essential.
How much travel nurses are paid
On average, travel nurses make more than regular nurses. Their payment structure can vary depending on cost-of-living stipends and other bonuses exclusive to travelers. The moment a travel nurse accepts a contract, their compensation package determines what they’re paid. Everything from housing stipends, hourly pay, and travel reimbursements are negotiated in the contract.
Pay rates depend on the kind of facility you’re working in, as well as its location and your specialty. The average is $50 per hour, which comes out to $105,021 a year.
Something to remember is that you get a stipend that is non-taxable as a travel nurse. These stipends cover expenses that are inherent in travel nursing positions, such as transportation, housing, and moving costs.
Benefits of travel nursing
Travel nursing has a number of benefits that can make it the right option for lots of healthcare providers.
Explore new places
Having the chance to travel is perhaps the most obvious benefit. You get to see the country, not as a tourist, but as a resident of the various locations. It can be a great option if you are not sure where you’d like to set up your permanent home.
Enjoy more flexibility
As a travel nurse, you have the chance to decide where and when you work. You can take time off between assignments, allowing yourself the opportunity to plan vacations and family events without hassle.
Care for those who need it most
Travel nursing allows you to make a difference in the communities that are most affected by staffing shortages. You can help people get the care they deserve.
Build a stronger network
As a travel nurse, it’s likely that you’ll work with entirely new teams of people each assignment. This lets you build up your network, which can mean having access to better career opportunities in the future.
Improve your skills
Travel nursing is a great way to improve your skills and learn new ones. You’ll be exposed to various ways of caring for patients, and you’ll get experience using different equipment. This way, you can boost your knowledge and make yourself an even more attractive candidate.
Begin your travel nursing journey with Prolink
At Prolink, we connect travel nurses with top assignments around the country. We also offer world-class support and benefits, like a day-one 401k and a dedicated Clinical Team. If you’re looking for the right travel nursing agency to start your journey, look no further than Prolink. Connect with a recruiter today to get started.
