Updated June 13, 2024
One of the most exciting options for nurses these days is travel nursing. It offers the chance to work in different healthcare settings, meet new people, and see new places. Despite all of the advantages travel nursing offers, something that may be holding you back is the idea of being separated from your partner.
However, travel nursing doesn’t need to be a solo endeavor. Many short-term contracts can last as long as 13 weeks, and that time is much better spent as a pair. There is no reason why you can’t take your spouse or life partner with you. Not only will the both of you get to visit new and exciting locales, but you can take advantage of higher pay, amazing benefits, and the ability to make your own schedules. This unique opportunity is available now in cities around the country, and the demand has never been higher because of nursing shortages and an aging population. If you’re considering trying travel nursing, consider doing so with your significant other—whether or not they're a nurse as well.
Here are tips to enjoy travel nursing as a couple, whether your other half is a nurse or civilian just along for the ride.
When your partner is also a nurse
Having a partner who is also a nurse can sometimes make travel nursing seem even more challenging. If you can get the logistics worked out, the benefits can far outweigh any drawbacks.
Be flexible
You can’t expect to work the same hours at the same hospital with your partner. Even if you find employment in the exact location, you'll likely have different shifts. Often, people get a bit discouraged by that. Keep in mind, however, that you’ll still live together and get to see each other when your shifts end.
Be honest
When interviewing with a new hospital, be upfront about your situation. Tell the hiring manager that your partner is traveling with you and that you would both like to work at the same hospital, if that is indeed what you want. If you are both skilled nurses with good feedback from previous employers, the hospital may find it advantageous to hire you both.
Use free and discounted housing to your advantage
Traveling with another nurse can help you save on housing. Many travel nursing assignments include free or discounted housing. If that happens, and your partner is also offered a housing stipend, you can both pocket more money that would normally go toward your living expenses. Use that extra money to save for retirement or plan for an international vacation when your contract ends.
Ask about the tax implications of free housing. Remember, too, that you must maintain an official residence other than the housing offered in the travel nursing assignment. This is especially important if you’re married and file joint taxes.
Free housing isn't always available, however. When it is offered, the housing stipend issued to your partner may be diminished or eliminated entirely. Speak to your travel nurse recruiter to discuss the specifics of housing for any given assignment, so you can plan and save accordingly.
Split the cost of rent
Another option is for both of you to accept the free housing stipend, then split the rent. This way, you both get to receive tax-free income and pocket more money due to the decreased cost of living.
When your partner isn’t a nurse
Taking an assignment as a travel nurse may be extra stressful if your partner doesn’t work in the same industry. The trick is to get creative. You can still make the situation work, and here are a few tips to do just that.
Ask them for help with assignments
Being constantly on the move can take its toll. If you have to make all of the traveling arrangements on your own and work your shifts, you risk experiencing burnout. With the help of your partner, this can be less of a worry. Let them handle the logistics of traveling so you can focus on your job.
They can plan the move, secure housing, and organize the itinerary of what to do on your days off. Working as a pair can be enjoyable when both of you have responsibilities that help one another thrive, no matter where you end up living.
Take advantage of the gig economy
While you earn money as a travel nurse, your partner can work a job like Uber, Postmates, or Wag. This will keep your spouse occupied, you’ll have more money coming into the household, and these on-demand positions can be filled practically anywhere.
Another option is freelancing in fields like data entry, web design, and more. Finding positions that can be done remotely using a computer offers the freedom necessary for your partner to follow you around the country while still bringing in another dependable source of income.
Get your partner into nursing
If your partner is interested in nursing, why not encourage them to get certification? Most nursing school programs only require a couple of years to achieve this. This will enable you both to work as travel nurses, which means a significant income boost. Additionally, it can bring you closer as a couple.
You’ll be able to work in the same industry and help one another through the unique stresses that nurses have to deal with. By talking about the challenges you face in your workplaces; you can also assist each other in avoiding burnout and mental health crises.
Find a skilled and dedicated recruiter
The best way to get started as a traveling nurse is to partner with a Prolink recruiter. When you work with Prolink, you get paired with a recruiter who is ready to match your skills and career goals to the hospital of your choice.
This is especially crucial when you’re traveling with a partner. If you and your loved one want to find travel nursing positions together, you need expert recruiters to help with the logistics of finding lucrative positions for both of you. At Prolink, our team of dedicated healthcare recruiters is ready to make the job search process easier for you. Get started today by clicking the button below.
