What is a Travel Nurse? Demystifying the Specialty

• What is a travel nurse? And why are they important to the profession? 
• It is essential to understand the qualifications for a travel nurse, the time commitments, and why traveling nursing can be challenging.  
• There are advantages to being a travel nurse, and one must explore the pros and cons of travel nursing before deciding if the career path is best.  

Not all heroes wear capes; some wear scrubs. But in all seriousness, we all love a good travel nurse. They swoop in during our times of need, bring a wealth of experience, and help patch the gaping holes of short staffing. What makes travel nursing different from staff nursing? Let’s explore the benefits and drawbacks of being a traveler. 

What is a Travel Nurse?

Travel nurses do not work for a specific hospital or outpatient facility. These nurses are contracted out through an agency. These agencies coordinate with facilities in need of nurses for a fee. Instead of staying in one location for their work, they move to different towns, states, and even countries.   

Travel nurses usually have an agency recruiter who assists with finding contracts and managing the details. Contract lengths vary from a couple of weeks to months, but 13 weeks is a typical timeframe. A facility might ask a nurse to extend their contract if it’s within the budget and the traveler is a good fit.   

Why do we need Travelers?

There are a few key players in discussing why travel nurses are needed. For one thing, nurses are leaving the profession. Sometimes, this is due to burnout, but it is also because many older nurses are retiring. This, coupled with an aging population and the recent COVID-19 pandemic, means many people need care, according to Spring Arbor University. There is a mismatched ratio of patients to available nursing staff.   

Who can be a Travel Nurse?

Before hitting the road, travel nurses typically have at least a few years of experience in their specialty area. This makes them valuable assets because of their experience level. A brand-new nurse can’t be a traveler just because they passed the NCLEX, according to the American Nurses Association. It takes some time to have the confidence to become a traveler.   

Some traits make an individual more likely to be a successful traveler. Adaptability and a level of comfort with frequent change are a must. These skills make it easier to orient in new environments. It is also beneficial to have a solid and outgoing personality. There is limited time to build rapport in the team in which a traveler works, so it is essential to have good communication skills.   

What Makes Travel Nursing Challenging?

Unlike permanent nursing positions, travel nurses have some logistics to remember. When changing contracts, they must find new housing accommodations. They also need a nursing license for each state they work in. Travelers find it beneficial to have a compact nursing license. This allows them to practice in 41 states under one license. 

Another challenge to keep in mind is health insurance. Usually, insurance is only provided when a travel nurse is actively completing an assignment. So, if they have to take a break, they will be without insurance or have to pay for private insurance. This makes traveling less stable and secure than staff nursing.   

Something else to keep in mind is the environment travelers are working in. Hospitals with major staffing issues require travelers. This means travel nurses are often working in taxing conditions. High nurse-to-patient ratios and overcrowding can make for unsafe conditions.   

Another drawback is the burden of paperwork. This includes knowing about taxes, the IRS, and permanent residency rules, according to Spring Arbor University. To avoid penalties, it is best to understand travel nurses’ financial literacy. 

What are the Advantages of Travel Nursing?

Most people cite the pay as one of the most significant advantages of travel nursing. Travel nurses make more than staff nurses, but how much more depends on specialty and location. This pay bump is due to housing stipends, travel reimbursements, and high hourly rates, the unversity reported.  

Another obvious benefit is the travel experience. These nurses get to explore anywhere they want while earning an income. On days off, travelers can roam and get acquainted with their new location. It is an exceptional way to see the nation.   

Others are drawn to traveling because of the educational component. Seeing how different facilities operate increases a nurse’s knowledge. So does working with various populations. Traveling allows for a lot of learning potential, according to Spring Arbor University, and some agencies also compensate for certifications and educational conferences. 

The Bottom Line

If you like excitement, are clinically competent, and want a challenge, travel nursing may be a good choice. Benefits include high earning potential, an adventurous lifestyle, and abundant learning opportunities. Understand that there is always the potential for challenges. Housing difficulties, stressful working conditions, and limited job stability are all realities. Research and find a supportive agency before embarking on this exciting employment journey. 

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