facts about a travel nurse

13 Pros and Cons of Being a Travel Nurse

So, if you have found yourself here, then you must be considering a career as a travel nurse. For starters, having a job as a travel nurse will enable you to see the country and all that it has to offer. This may sound like a dream to some people, but as with any job, you will find pros and cons, and travel nursing is no different. Mapping out the pros and cons of being a travel nurse can be a tedious endeavor, but rest assured I am here to help you out with that feat. If you keep reading below, you will find the top 13 pros and cons of being a travel nurse. This article will surely help you decide if this is the right career choice for you.

TOP CONS OF BEING A TRAVEL NURSE

1. you will always find yourself in an unfamiliar environment., 2. you will always be the new guy., 3. varying pay rates, 4. what do you do when your contract has ended, 5. not the best work assignments, 6. license issues, 7. floating, 8. your contract can be canceled., 9. you may not have your dream schedule., 10. you may become homesick., 11. where are you going to live, 12. your taxes could be a nightmare., 13. you may not have paid time off., top pros of being a travel nurse, 1. great pay., 2. you will have a tax-free living stipend., 3. you get the chance to travel., 4. you will make new friends., 5. you can avoid all the politics at work., 6. you will gain experience., 7. flexibility, 8. you can try before you dive all in., 9. travel nursing can be a networking event., 10. you can choose your adventure., 11. you will learn life skills., 12. job security, 13. reimbursement, the bottomline.

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Did You Know? 15 Fun Facts about Nursing

By Jennifer Larson, contributor

It’s National Nurses Month in May, and so it’s time to celebrate nurses–past and present! 

Of course, we should celebrate nurses all the time. Nurses are called, educated and trained to help people in their most vulnerable moments. 

“The greatest thing about being a nurse is always being able to have an impact, whether that’s in the lives of your patients, patients’ families, etc.” said Michael Martel, DNP, RN, AGCNS-BC, an instructor with the Michigan State University College of Nursing. “But it really allows you to have a great impact in the lives of others.” 

Nurses Month also gives us a great opportunity to share some interesting facts about nurses that you might or might not know. Use these for your own edification, to educate others or to gear up for those nursing trivia nights. You never know when this information might come in handy…

15 fun facts about nurses

• There are more than 3 million registered nurses working in the United States. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) put the number of RN jobs at 3,096,700 in May 2020. 
• The United States is home to more than 996 baccalaureate nursing programs, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). About 56 percent of the current nursing workforce holds a bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN) degree.
• Three nursing schools were the first to lay claim to the principles created by Florence Nightingale, according to the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing: New York Training School at Bellevue Hospital in New York City, the Connecticut Training School at the State Hospital, and the Boston Training School at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
• Mary Eliza Mahoney was the first professionally trained and licensed African American nurse in the U.S. She went on to cofound the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses (NACGN).
• Nurses are the most trusted group of professionals in the nation. Nurses have topped the Gallup organization’s Honesty and Ethics list every year since they were included in 1999 poll, save for one year in 2001. 
• You might need a new pair of walking shoes after a few months at your nursing job. A 2006 study published in MEDSURG Nursing tracked a group of 146 nurses and found that they walked an average of 4 to 5 miles during a 12-hour shift. 
• The World Health Organization originally declared 2020 as the Year of the Nurse and Midwife, as 2020 marked the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale. But then…the coronavirus pandemic happened. So, the Year of the Nurse became Years of the Nurse, as the celebration was extended to encompass 2021 , too. 
• Nurses have a wide array of specialties from which to choose. “From bedside care to various specialties and even policymaking, there are many different ways a nurse can make a difference and significantly impact the healthcare sector and the lives of the communities that we serve,” said Alyssa Vesey, BSN, RN, field education coordinator for Walden University’s College of Nursing.
• Some nurses go on to achieve fame in very different circumstances. For example, did you know that actresses Bonnie Hunt, Naomi Judd and Robin Quivers were also nurses?
• A great way to boost your nursing career and your earning potential is to get certified. Start researching your options with the American Nurses Credentialing Center, as well as your specific nursing specialty organization and resources like National Certification Corporation, the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation, the AACN Certification Corporation, and others. 
• Travel nursing is an option for any nurse who’s eager to work hard and play hard. There are thousands of travel nursing jobs available, encompassing every state in the country for nurses of all specialties. 
• The median pay for registered nurses in the U.S. was $75,330 per year in 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 
• The Associated Alumnae of the United States (which later changed its name to the American Nurses Association) began publishing the American Journal of Nursing in 1900.
• The first registered nurse elected to the U.S. Congress was Eddie Bernice Johnson , who won the seat for Texas’ 30th congressional district in 1992. Now in her 15th term, she’s still serving!
• Accelerated-degree programs are making it easier for people to go into nursing as a second career. As of 2018, there were 282 accelerated baccalaureate programs, according to the AACN, with 30 more in the works. 

However you chose your career in nursing, you can rest assured that you are part of a profession with a rich history. You may stay the course, you may change specialties, you may try a new nursing job, but you will always be making a difference.

“I now work in addiction,” said Luisa Vega, DNP, MSN, RN, PMHNP-BC, AGPCNP-BC, a psychiatric nurse practitioner with the River Oaks Treatment Center. “I never would have imagined this is where my path would take me when I started out in cardiology. So, I’m doing something totally unexpected, but it’s so rewarding.” 

TravelNursing.com can help advance your career with a travel nursing job in your chosen location.

SEARCH ALL NURSING JOBS or APPLY TODAY to take the first step in your travel adventure.

Home / Nursing Careers & Specialties / Travel Nurse

Travel Nurse

What is a travel nurse, how to become a travel nurse, travel nurse faqs, what does a domestic or international travel nurse do, travel nurse salary and employment, helpful organizations, societies, & agencies.

Travel nurses are RNs from various clinical backgrounds who work for independent staffing agencies. They are assigned to different care areas on a temporary basis to fill in short-term employment gaps.

Travel nursing is a specialty that took root when the field of nursing faced a nationwide shortage. Hospitals, clinics, and other care areas had unfilled positions, yet had patients needing care. To try and attract nurses to the open positions, employers offered higher pay, housing, and covered the cost of relocating.

Due to these shortages, health care facilities have vacancies that need to be filled—and travel nurses are often the ones to fill open positions. Not only do travel nurses work in health care in any state in the country, but they also work outside of the United States as international travel nurses. The adventure and excitement of new opportunities, along with higher-than-average pay, are facets of travel nursing that many RNs find attractive.

Why Are Travel Nurses Important?

Travel nurses are an important part of the health care team because they help bridge the gap between supply and demand in the field of nursing. Mandatory nurse-patient ratios have led to increased patient safety and lower patient mortality . While this is a positive finding, and more and more states are passing legislation to implement staffing ratios, there are not enough nurses to fill the openings. Travel nurses assigned those open positions help to increase patient safety and improve patient outcomes.

Additionally, nurses from different educational backgrounds, care areas, and geographic locations bring a great deal to the practice of nursing. Sharing ideas and practices not only benefits patients, but also other nurses.

A travel nurse should have the following characteristics to excel in the role:

• Enjoys experiencing new cities, towns, and organizations
• Enjoys freedom. Travel nurses choose when and where they work, and choose their duration of employment
• Enjoys flexibility. Travel nurses create their schedules, benefits packages, and income based on which agency they choose to work
• Thrives on challenges. Moving to different states or overseas and being “the new nurse” repeatedly is challenging. Learning new organizational systems and workflows is particularly challenging
• Loves learning new things. Each assignment takes travel nurses to new health care facilities, some with higher levels of technology or different standards of practice. Each experience helps nurses build upon their knowledge base

Additionally, travel nurses should have supportive families and friends. It's difficult to either pack up and move an entire family or leave your family and friends behind. The flip side to this is that new relationships are formed in each new location.

What Are the Educational Requirements for Travel Nurses?

Those interested in the specialty of travel nursing should first pursue a nursing degree through a two or four-year university. Obtaining an associate's degree ( ADN ) or bachelor's degree ( BSN ) in nursing is required. A BSN is not required to be a travel nurse, but some health care facilities only hire BSN-prepared nurses. The staffing agency in which the nurse is employed should match the nurse appropriately based on educational requirements.

After completion of an accredited nursing program, successful completion of the NCLEX-RN is required for licensure.

Most travel nurse agencies require a minimum of one year of hands-on experience in the chosen specialty of nursing. Additionally, some agencies will only hire BSN-prepared RNs. International travel nurses should speak the language of the country they are to practice in, as communication is an important part of effective healthcare delivery. Nurses are encouraged to research agencies when considering travel nursing.

Are Any Certifications or Credentials Needed?

No additional exams are required for travel nursing. Based on the specialty, certification(s) may be required. Examples include:

• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) may be required
• Stroke care certification
• Telemetry certification
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• Critical care nursing (adults, pediatric, neonatal)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) may be required
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
• Trauma Nurse Core Course (TNCC) certification

Additional specific requirements may be necessary for international travel nurses. These include:

• Acquiring a passport and work visa (usually handled by the agency)
• Additional immunizations
• Learning a new language
• Learning about diseases unique to the area

How Can a Travel Nurse Receive a Tax-Free Housing Stipend?

Housing is one of the most significant concerns for a travel nurse. There are a few options available, and it depends on the travel nurse agency/company regarding how accommodations are set up. Some companies provide housing (i.e., apartment, duplex, etc.). Some companies offer a housing stipend, or a fixed amount of money each month to apply towards housing.

First, nurses need to be aware of where their “tax home” is, as stipends are tax-free if working away from the tax home. Having a tax home is necessary to receive tax-free housing. A "tax home" is defined as the general vicinity of an individual's primary place of work (regardless of where the primary residence is). Generally, the IRS considers someone traveling away from home (i.e., their "tax home") if it exceeds one workday.

Different travel nurse agencies offer different stipends - it’s important to research what the living expenses are in a specific area to ensure housing is adequately covered. The General Services Administration (GSA) lists the maximum daily amount for lodging, meals, and incidentals with regards to travel expenses . The key word is MAXIMUM. It's not required that a company pay employees the listed stipend. In fact, some travel nurse agencies offer higher hourly wages instead of housing stipends. Additionally, the GSA rates are based on short-term travel - usually less than a month. Travel nurse contracts can last three months or more.

Are Nursing Licenses Valid When Traveling and Working in Other States?

Those interested in travel nursing may have questions about licensing; specifically, how are licenses recognized if practicing in another state.

Depending on the state, new licensure is not necessary. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) developed the Nurse Licensure Compact which is an agreement between specific states to recognize nursing licenses without having to apply separately for licensure in another state. In other words, a nurse living in a "compact state" (one which is part of this agreement) can practice in another compact state without having to obtain additional licenses. There are now uniform licensure requirements that must be met when seeking a multistate license under the compact agreement. States that participate in the compact agreement can be found on the NCSBN website .

If not part of the compact agreement, some states allow nurses to obtain temporary licenses by endorsement. These are valid for specific lengths of time, so nurses must visit each state’s Board of Nursing website to determine specific temporary license requirements. If extending the assignment past the temporary license time frame, nurses must apply for a permanent license. Permanent licenses are also required for states that don't grant licensure by endorsement and don't participate in the NLC.

Travel nurses have a broad range of responsibilities and duties, and specific tasks depend on the specialty in which the nurse is trained. General nursing responsibilities and duties include:

• Using the nursing process of assessing, diagnosing, planning, implementing, and evaluating to care for patients in a variety of healthcare settings
• Administering medications, and fluids, assisting with activities of daily living and patient mobility
• Reviewing and interpreting diagnostic tests such as lab work and imaging
• Provide monitoring and oversight in all aspects of patient care
• Collaborating with physicians in developing a plan of care
• Assessing the psychosocial needs of patients and families
• Recognizing and intervening in clinically unstable patients
• Providing resources for patients and referring as necessary
• Educating patients and families in all areas of healthcare maintenance and prevention
• Working in assignments anywhere from eight to thirteen weeks (on average) in the U.S., one to two years if outside the U.S.
• Learning various patient care systems/documentation
• Providing immediate medical care and aid for large populations during times of war or disaster

Domestic and international travel nurses also have different characteristics specific to their roles.

Domestic Travel Nurses

• Work within the U.S.
• Typically work assignments that range from eight to thirteen weeks
• Can respond to areas of the U.S that experience natural disasters or disease outbreaks

International Travel Nurses

International travel nurses should have excellent communication skills, should be open to new experiences and challenges, and should have a strong desire to learn. These nurses are responsible for performing a wide array of duties. As stated previously, the tasks an international nurse will have to perform depend entirely upon their medical specialty. Some of the more general or everyday tasks that international travel nurses will perform include administering medication, wound care, and providing emergency medical services and care. Since there are often nursing shortages in many of the regions that international nurses travel to, another general role of these nurses is to educate family members and caretakers about the appropriate patient and medical care. In summary, international travel nurses:

• Work outside the U.S.
• Typically work assignments that range from one to two years
• Respond to areas that experience natural disasters or disease outbreaks, such as the Ebola outbreak in West Africa
• Provide medical care and aid to underserved, rural , and remote populations
• Usually, must wait for document processing before traveling

Travel Nurse Working Conditions

As with any career, there are positive and negative aspects to working as a travel nurse. Nurses can suffer from stress as they may carry a heavy patient load and have many critical decisions to make. Additionally, travel nurses may suffer from feelings of isolation since they tend to relocate often. Having a strong sense of independence and a support system available, even remotely, can help.

Additionally, nurses may work in high-risk areas that may expose them to workplace violence, blood-borne pathogens, and chemicals. Travel nurses must always familiarize themselves with and adhere to safety standards set by the organization.

International travel nurses can face different challenges. Travel nurses must be familiar with the country's laws, and geographic-specific diseases, and always keep their overall safety as a priority.

Despite these considerations, travel nursing can be immensely rewarding. Many organizations and staff nurses appreciate the help travel nurses offer. Travel nurses help relieve staff nurses from burnout, as can happen when working short-staffed.

International travel nurses are also highly appreciated. They provide medical care and assistance to many patients in remote settings who otherwise would have no access to healthcare. They help with relief efforts in war zones or after disaster events, which can be both rewarding and enriching.

According to the American Nurses Association, as of 2015 fourteen states had mandatory nurse-patient ratios . Nurses are pushing for federal legislation supporting safe staffing and because of this, if more states pass safe-staffing laws, nurses will be in even more demand. Travel nurses will help mend the current and projected nursing shortage. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 16% overall growth for nurses until 2024, which is much faster-than-average growth for all occupations.

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Travel nursing has many incentives for nurses regarding pay and benefits including:

• Travel reimbursement
• Free housing
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement plans
• Assistance in obtaining passports/work visas
• Choice of location
• Selection of hours/shifts worked
• Competitive pay
• Higher-than-average pay for RNs

According to Indeed, the average yearly salary for a travel nurse is $75,109. However, since pay is competitive in travel nursing, some companies are offering salaries of around $100,00 annually for domestic travel nurses.

International travel nurses tend to have lower salaries than domestic, except for assignments in some middle eastern countries. This is because, for the most part, nurses tend to make less outside of the U.S.

Salary is dependent on the agency, and nurses should research each company to find the right salary and benefits that best fit their needs.

• International Council of Nurses
• Professional Association of Nurse Travelers
• National Association of Travel Healthcare Organizations
• American Travel Health Nurses Association

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What is a Travel Nurse?

As the effects of COVID on our country’s hospital system continue to unravel, the term “travel nurse” has grown in popularity, becoming almost a household term. But what is a travel nurse really?

Travel nurses are simply nurses that fill gaps in staffing needs for hospitals and facilities across the country for specific (often short) periods of time. There are travel nurses for every specialty, and there are even managerial travel nurse positions. The staffing needs may be due to a lack of experienced nurses, an expected leave of absence like maternity leave, or seasonal population fluctuations. This is where travel nurses come in, to help bridge the staffing gap while the hospital fills the open full-time positions.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that more than 275,000 additional nurses will be needed from 2020 to 2030 , which indicates the dramatic need for nurses to fill positions. Hospitals have to fill needs quickly, which is when they turn to travel nurses.

How Does Travel Nursing Work?

Hospitals and healthcare facilities work with travel nurse staffing agencies to hire travel nurses to fill their staffing needs. To obtain a travel nurse contract, you’ll need to work with an agency. There are 340 travel nurse staffing agencies in the U.S. — 110 of which are certified through the Joint Commission . While it’s not a requirement for staffing agencies to be certified, Magnet hospitals and large academic teaching hospitals generally only work with travel nursing agencies that are. It’s important to keep that in mind if you’re looking to work at those types of facilities.

There are short-term and long-term travel nursing contracts. Typically, contracts are between 8 and 26 weeks, though the most common contracts last 13 weeks. If there’s a continued need in the hospital for your current position, they may offer to extend your initial contract. Due to the ongoing nursing shortage, more and more facilities are increasingly flexible with contracts.

Ultimately, it’s up to the travel nurse to decide if they want the stability of a long-term contract or a short-term contract in order to travel around the country more. Once a contract is signed, it becomes a legal document, and ending a contract early is rarely allowed. If you’re unsure which contract length is best for you, recruiters often suggest choosing between 10- and 13-week contracts to start. You often have the option of adjusting the duration of your contract for the next assignment or extending your current one if the staffing need is still there.

Hospitals and facilities do have the option of ending a contract early if there is no longer a need for your position. This doesn’t happen often, but if it does, you unfortunately won’t be paid through the end of your contract. Your staffing agency will work to find you another position quickly, but it’s still something to keep in mind when choosing an assignment.

How Do You Become a Travel Nurse?

1. have your rn.

First, you must be a registered nurse to become a travel nurse — there is no additional training or education required. That said, nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) are more marketable than nurses with only an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). Most Magnet hospitals and large academic teaching hospitals want travel nurses with a BSN.

2. Experience Needed

In general, travel nurses need at least one year of work experience, oftentimes two, in their specialty before accepting their first contract. Travel nurses have a short orientation time on a new unit — typically 1-3 shifts. This orientation time is to learn the unit, experience the patient population, get to know your new coworkers and review the charting system. Time is not spent on learning basic nursing care, and for this reason, nurses must have the required experience.

3. Licensure

Travel nurses must also be licensed in the state where they’re accepting a contract. Most staffing agencies assist with this process, but it could take several weeks in order to obtain a new license, so keep this in mind when choosing your assignments. This is important if you want to travel between multiple states and accept shorter-term contracts.

Pro tip: Consider obtaining an Enhanced Nursing Licensure (eNLC), commonly known to nurses as a Compact License. This is one license that works for 39 states and means you can start assignments immediately making you more desirable for contracts.

4. Choose an Agency

It’s also important to research different travel nurse staffing agencies. Every agency provides different benefits, including health, dental, tuition reimbursement, vacation and sick time, and retirement, in addition to compensation rates. Each agency also has different agreements with hospitals, so it is advantageous for the traveler to talk to multiple agencies to increase their options. Experienced travel nurses suggest keeping a spreadsheet that includes all the benefits offered for each staffing agency as well as assignment lengths, housing and location options, and a number of available travel nursing jobs. This will help you compare multiple travel nurse companies at once. Or you’ll already have some homework done when it comes time to choose your next assignment.

Consider reaching out to other travel nurses to ask about their experiences with various staffing agencies and facilities. An experienced travel nurse can provide you with information that you may not get from a recruiter and can help guide you in what questions to ask.

How Do You Find Travel Nursing Jobs?

With the rise of travel nursing positions, there has also been an increase in accessibility to travel nursing job postings. The easiest and by far most common way to sign a travel contract is through a travel nurse agency, and we partner with several of them here at travelnursing.org. With hundreds of options available, it is important to prioritize what you are seeking most out of a contract because each company can offer a slightly different package.

Finding contracts has never been easier. There are apps and websites that allow you to compare different active posts through different agencies. It’s always important to remember why some companies are offering higher packages than others, and what benefits they may or may not be including.

From personal experience, I would recommend doing your research on which companies seem to fit your desired need, and then reaching out to 3-4 of them to begin the conversations.

One great starting spot is to look at how the companies compare with others, and there is a great chart to get you started here . This way, you have options, but you are not overwhelmed with 40 recruiters trying to get your business. They can answer the most basic questions like “what is a travel nurse?” to “what is the breakdown of a given contract,” and “what travel expenses can be reimbursed?”

Advantages of Travel Nursing

1. expand your nursing skill set and build your resume.

Working as a travel nurse gives you access to hospitals all around the country that you may not have otherwise considered. Taking a contract at a top-rated hospital boosts your resume. This nursing experience may help with graduate school admission as well as earning a staff position at other prominent hospitals. Here are some resume-building facilities to consider:

• Mayo Clinic
• Mount Sinai Beth Israel
• Cleveland Clinic
• John Hopkins Hospital
• New York Presbyterian Hospital

2. Earn a higher salary and other benefits

Between the non-taxable stipends, travel reimbursements, and other monetary incentives, travel nurses typically make more money than staff nurses. If they’re in a specialty that’s in high demand or are willing to travel to less popular places, especially at certain times of the year, the potential is even greater.

3. Travel to new and exciting places

New travel nursing assignments are available across the country every day for various specialties. And contracts are short (typically only 13 weeks), so there’s time to explore multiple locations throughout the year. If you have your heart set on a specific location and it isn’t available currently, don’t fret – chances are it will be in the future. A good recruiter can also help you find assignments in your desired destinations.

4. Personal and professional flexibility

Travel nurses have the option of taking time off between contracts to see family or travel. Some experienced travel nurses take 2-3 months before starting their next assignment due to vacation, holidays, or family schedules. It’s not a requirement to work back-to-back contracts. Also, some hospitals let travel nurses pick their own shifts and schedule, but keep in mind that this isn’t always the case. Travel nurses are hired to fill a hospital’s specific needs, and flexibility isn’t always an option.

Cons of Travel Nursing

1. live far away from close family/friends.

One of the hardest parts about traveling is the distance from family. Although it is possible to take contracts that are relatively close to home or travel to locations where family or friends might live, some travel nursing jobs take you far away from any familiar people in your life. If family or close friends are a priority in your life, this would be something to consider.

2. Harder time building roots

Although many travelers find a small community of people everywhere they live, when one is on the road and moving every few months, it is a lot harder to build deeper relationships. You could end multiple contracts with 50 new friends, but very few of them might have the depth of friendship to continue past that particular contract.

3. Loneliness

Many travel nurses take contracts by themselves in brand-new cities and locations. This can be extremely isolating and lonely at times. Those first few weeks of a contract can be full of quality alone time, and time to take some solo adventures. If this sounds daunting, find some other fellow nurses to travel with or rent a room with other nurses to ensure you have more time with others.

4. Minimal control over work schedule

Since travel nurses are essentially filling in the gaps in the schedule, many times there are no options for what shifts you will be working – rather, management simply assigns you shifts and dates. Although you have the option to request days off in your initial contract negotiations, the rest of your schedule is in the hands of your department’s management.

5. Different treatment in the hospital

Just like “nurses eat their young” is slowly becoming an outdated mantra, so is the fact that travelers are given bad assignments on a unit. However, it does still happen from time to time. Even if they aren’t intentionally giving you the harder assignments, oftentimes your abilities or qualities might be overlooked due to the label of being a traveler.

Where Can Travel Nurses Go?

Travel nurse assignments are available across the country. There are assignments in large hospitals, smaller community hospitals, and outpatient centers as well as assignments in large metropolitan cities and smaller rural towns. If you’re unsure of the type of setting or where you want to work, travel nursing gives you the flexibility to try them all.

To help narrow down the options, prospective travel nurses should determine why they want to become a travel nurse. Do you want to meet new people, travel the country, and experience life? Or do you want to earn higher pay to pay off student loans, buy a house, or just increase your bank account? Understanding the why will help you determine a location and assignment that fits your needs.

For example, Hawaii currently ranks as the lowest in affordability with the highest cost of living and the least affordable housing in the country. It’s also one of the most desirable states for travel nurses, because of the beaches, outdoor activities, and endless sun. It’s great for adventure, but you likely won’t leave the islands with a larger bank account.

California , New York, Alaska and Massachusetts are also among the least affordable in the country but are popular travel nurse destinations. California and New York generally pay the highest hourly rate for travel nurses, but when the cost of living for housing, food, and other living expenses are factored in, the take-home pay may not stretch as far as it would in a more affordable location.

A 2022 U.S. News & World Report recently looked at the top ten most affordable states in the country (listed in order):

• Mississippi
• West Virginia

A Note on Travel Nurse Housing

Travel nurses have two housing options during an assignment:

• Agency-placed housing – Generally, staffing agencies will rent one-bedroom apartments for their travel nurses in close proximity to the hospital.
• Housing stipend – A non-taxable monthly payment based on the average cost of living. With this option, it’s up to the travel nurse to find appropriate housing. Most experienced travel nurses choose this option for a number of reasons. It allows travel nurses to live with a roommate and save money, find an apartment in a different area of the city, find pet-friendly housing, or rent a larger place. If the cost of housing is over the stipend amount, then it’s the travel nurse’s responsibility to cover the rest. But if the cost of housing is less than the stipend the nurse banks the extra money.

So, what is a travel nurse to do for housing? For a more in-depth look at the breakdown of housing for travel nurses, check out our travel nurse housing guide .

Is Travel Nursing Worth It?

Travel nursing is an amazing opportunity for nurses looking to experience the country, advance their careers, and earn a competitive salary. There are positions available every day throughout the country in many different specialties. Travel nursing may be overwhelming at first, but with the support of a great recruiter and staffing agency, you’ll find a contract that fits both your needs and the hospital’s.

If you aren’t committed to a given city or region, you have the flexibility for a season to be away from family, and there are no large health limitations, I cannot recommend traveling enough.

• It gives you a broader perspective on medicine.
• You get to work alongside different cultures.
• It strengthens and pushes your boundaries in different challenging situations.
• It can bring some of the most incredible humans into your life.

Travel nursing can definitely come with challenges, but the rewards are far greater. Hopefully, the next time you sit down at Thanksgiving dinner and Uncle Bob asks you “what is a travel nurse?” you can add some personal insight and a few stories.

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Everything you need to know about Travel Nurses

Nurses are always there when you need them, and that need became even more pressing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some heroic nurses even came out of retirement to reenter the workforce and help save lives. 

The Travel urse, which was once a relatively unknown career path, became one of the most in-demand positions in the United States. 

Travel Nurses respond to the call for help, wherever it may come from. Rather than set down roots, they pick up at a moment’s notice to provide care and compassion wherever it’s needed the most.

They are self-sacrificing individuals who put their own lives on pause for long periods to care for patients in need.

Healthcare needs more nurses willing to travel as the shifting demands of the American population change. From an expanding Baby Boomer population to ongoing rises in COVID cases, the travel nurse has never been a more relevant and important career in medicine. 

Are Travel Nurses The Same As Registered Nurses?

A Travel Nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who takes jobs in high-demand locations. For example, these nurses can go from working the floor in a hospital ward to serving in a clinic or healthcare facility. 

They are skillfully agile, unwaveringly dedicated, and tirelessly committed to providing the best care to anyone, anywhere, whenever needed. 

After the COVID-19 crisis in 2020, nationwide staffing shortages created a strong demand for qualified Travel Nurses. There was no time to wait for students to earn their licenses, so hospitals and other healthcare facilities had to hire nurses willing to relocate to help patients. 

What Is The Difference Between A Travel Nurse And A Registered Nurse (Rn)?

A Travel Nurse is also a registered nurse, but they have at least two years of experience. They apply for a license in their state or hold a compact license that grants them practicing privileges to operate in other compact states.

Under the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), compact states allow nurses to practice between them without applying for separate licensure. Non-compact states require a nurse to apply for a state license before offering any healthcare services. 

A Travel Nurse, unlike an RN, takes short-term work positions wherever they are needed. While an RN tends to work in a set work environment and field, Travel Nurses’ careers tend to be more flexible. 

They may offer services in a hospital for a few months, then transition to a community health clinic. Their work integrates multiple medical disciplines, which requires a diverse skillset and continued commitment to learning about their patients and their needs. 

What Qualifications Does A Travel Nurse Need?

For someone to start working as a Travel Nurse, they need to:

Hold an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or bachelor’s in nursing (BSN)

Pass the NCLEX-RN exam

Have a valid nursing license in their state 

Have at least two years of work experience as an RN

Travel Nurse requirements may slightly vary from agency to agency, but all must have a valid license and be an operating RN.

Most employers require at least two years of experience, but as the need for Travel Nurses increases, some are willing to hire nurses with one year of experience. 

What Work Does A Travel Nurse Do Day To Day?

The daily responsibilities of a Travel Nurse will vary depending on where they are currently working. Generally, they fulfill all the regular duties of a registered nurse. The duties include: 

Assessing, observing, and communicating with patients

Measuring and monitoring patients’ vitals, including blood sugar levels

Prepping patients for examinations and medical treatments 

Administering oral and IV medications

Updating and maintaining accurate patient health records

Creating and adhering to patient care plans with their health team

Drawing blood and collecting bodily fluids for lab work 

Supervising LPNs, CNAs, or nursing students

Answering questions, providing support, and continually collaborating with patients and their family members/caregivers

Whether they’re working the floor in the hospital or situated at a health clinic, a Travel Nurse will perform standard nursing duties each day. They start each job with orientation. This introduces them to the facility’s procedures and provides an overview of the work they will complete during their contract. 

The nurse manager will introduce the Travel Nurse to any systems they need to use and provide an overview of the patients they’ll be treating.

Most Travel Nurses work the same daily schedule as a permanent nurse, which is 3 to 4 days “on” a 12-hour shift, followed by 3 or 4 days off. But being a Travel Nurse, you have a more significant opportunity to choose a work schedule that you enjoy. 

Where Do Travel Nurses Work?

A traveling nurse often works in a hospital that has a staffing shortage. However, some Travel Nurses take positions in underserved communities, working in health clinics, nursing homes, and other long-term care facilities.

Ultimately, their work can take them anywhere there are patients in need. A Travel Nurse can find work wherever there is a shortage of qualified nurses. 

What Is It Like To Be A Travel Nurse? 

Travel Nurses can stay in one location for a few months or several years. Some will only work in a healthcare facility for a few weeks. It all depends on the jobs they decide to take or what opportunities their Travel Nurse agency provides them.

Being a Travel Nurse can be a rewarding experience. It takes the selflessness of nursing to the next level, and it allows you to meet and support a large number of patients across the United States. 

At times, it can be stressful, especially when you are working in an environment that does not have enough staff on hand. Travel Nurses often pick up a tremendous amount of work, and they may serve during crises, such as in an area with an outbreak of COVID-19.

The risk of nurse burnout can be higher for a Travel Nurse, who may work in hospitals or healthcare clinics that have limited resources and a high patient volume. 

Compassion fatigue, depression, and anxiety are all common, so it’s important to be always in touch with your mental health if this career path interests you. 

A Travel Nurse does get to experience new parts of the country regularly, but this may also come at a downside. If you continually have to leave friends, family, and possibly pets behind, you may be prone to feeling lonely or struggling with depression in your new location. 

While it has the potential to be incredibly rewarding knowing you’re making a real difference, travel nursing does have its downsides, too. 

Being mindful of the risks to your mental health and everyday struggles it presents are important — don’t overlook the effects of being a Travel Nurse solely for the higher pay. 

How Much Do Travel Nurses Make?

The average Travel Nurse makes more than a permanent RN with an average salary of $87,958 a year. During high demand, some Travel Nurses can earn as much as $8,000 per week or more.

With the average pay in mind, a traveling nurse could earn between $33,000 to over $63,000 for a 13-week job, and they may also have health benefits and a retirement plan through their agency. 

By the way, 13 weeks is the average duration of a travel nursing job, but some extend to 26 weeks and beyond. 

The exact amount of money a nurse makes varies by location, their experience level, any specializations they have, and the duration of their job. Nursing specialists, such as ICU or cardiac nurses, qualify for even higher compensation. 

Recommended Reading -  How Much Do Travel Nurses Make?

How Does Travel Nurse Pay Differ From Staff Nurse Pay?

Travel Nurses get paid more than staff nurses on average due to the need for their skills and the often highly demanding nature of their work.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook , the average salary for an RN is $76,945 per year. 

A Travel Nurse can earn that much in 6 months, quickly earning over six figures annually. However, many choose to take prolonged breaks between jobs. This allows them to have a more rewarding work-life balance without losing pay. 

Are There Different Specialties Of Travel Nurses?

Yes! Traveling nurses have a wide range of specialties, just like traditional staff nurses do. Depending on your passion, you can specialize in several medical disciplines and apply your skills to help people in need across the country.

Travel Nurse specializations include: 

Cardiac nurse

Clinical nurse specialist (CNS)

Critical care nurse

Emergency room nurse (CEN)

Family nurse practitioner

Geriatric nurse 

Neonatal nurse

NICU nurse 

Pediatric nurse 

Perioperative nurse 

These are just a few examples of the types of nurses you can find working for a Travel Nurse agency. While most jobs may not call for any advanced specializations, nurses who hold higher credentials can often find the highest paying positions. 

Can Travel Nurses Work In Their Own State?

Yes, a Travel Nurse can work in any state where they have a valid license. If you live in a compact state, you can work in your state and other compact states.

On the other hand, you can only work in non-compact states if you hold a valid state license through that state’s nurse licensing board. 

An interesting fact to note is that some Travel Nurses take Travel Nurse jobs without ever leaving their state! As a result, you can find employment in hospitals, rural healthcare facilities, and underserved communities that all need qualified nurses to lend a hand.

For many nurses with families or who do not want to relocate far, working as a traveling nurse in their state is the perfect compromise. 

Advantages And Disadvantages Of A Career As A Travel Nurse

Being a Travel Nurse can be amazing, but it may not be for everyone. You might find that working as a staff nurse is more suited to your mental health, personal life, and work needs. 

Let’s take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of travel nursing. 

Advantages Of Choosing A Career As A Travel Nurse

Experience different parts of the country

Meet people from all sorts of different backgrounds and cultures

Earn a high pay for short-term work

Create a greater work-life balance

Apply your skills and knowledge where they are needed the most 

Disadvantages Of Choosing A Career As A Travel Nurse

Work can be stressful in underfunded or understaffed facilities 

Not having a fixed salary or other benefits, like paid-time off or vacation days

Missing family and friends due to frequent relocating 

Not having a chance to form long-term relationships with coworkers 

Possibly needing to apply for multiple licenses to practice across states 

How To Become A Travel Nurse

You can become a Travel Nurse by first completing an associate’s in nursing (ADN) or bachelor’s in nursing (BSN) program. 

Some nursing programs are offered at community colleges, but you may also attend a nursing school. 

After completing your training, you can pass the NCLEX-RN exam, earn your license and start gaining experience.

With enough experience, you can apply to a reputable Travel Nurse agency and begin receiving job offers. 

Recommended Reading -  How to Become a Travel Nurse in The USA

How Long Does It Take To Become A Travel Nurse?

Most Travel Nurse agencies require a minimum of two years of experience. Earning an associate’s in nursing takes approximately two years, while earning a bachelor’s takes four years. If you decide to pursue any specializations, you could spend an additional two to four years in training. 

Between education and work experience requirements, becoming a Travel Nurse takes between 4 to 6 years. 

Recommended Reading -  How Long Is Nursing School in The USA?

Some History About Travel Nurses

The rapid increase in demand for Travel Nurses kickstarted in 2020. During the COVID-19 outbreak, hospitals were massively understaffed as patients flooded their floors and many permanent nurses fell ill.

The history of Travel Nurses dates back to the first World War, but it wasn’t until the 1970s that the first travel nurse agency formed. 

Today, travel nursing is a booming career that creates opportunities for personal growth, career development, and exciting work experiences. If you are interested in becoming a Travel Nurse, starting your education is the first step toward reaching your goal.

Nurses who meet the qualifying criteria can find a Travel Nurse agency and apply. 

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Travel Nursing 101: How to Be a Travel Nurse & More

Getting Started in Travel Nursing

The nursing field offers this unique career path that allows you to travel the country while expanding your nursing skills. What’s better than that? Whether you’re just starting to explore the world of travel nursing or about to head off on your first assignment, it can be daunting to navigate this nuanced industry. And by nuanced we mean crazy but awesome. To make sure you start off on the right foot, we put together this guide covering all the basics of travel nursing.

This guide covers a lot of information. Use these links to find what you’re looking for faster.

• Part 1: Travel Nursing 101 — What is travel nursing?
• Part 2: How to Become a Travel Nurse — breaking down the requirements & how to get started.
• Part 3: Working With an Agency — and why you need an amazing recruiter.
• Part 4: Landing Your First Job — it’s interview 101 & contracts.
• Part 5: Travel Nurse Pay Packages — how to dissect a pay package.
• Part 6: Important Links — tax info & more.
• Travel Nursing FAQs — Can I take travel nurse assignments close to my house? What’s orientation like? And so much more.

Part 1: Travel Nursing 101

It’s important to always remember that travel nursing is all about filling a need. There’s a nursing shortage — have you heard? The demand for registered nurses will grow by 15% from 2016 – 2026. From aging baby boomers to nurse burnout, the need for highly-skilled and experienced nurses continues to rise. Oh, and there’s also seasonal needs and expected leaves (like maternity leave) to factor into the equation. Enter travel nurses.

What is a Travel Nurse?

Licensed and experienced, travel nurses work as contingent staff to maintain quality patient care standards during staff shortages. In plain English, they fill the gaps on the schedule, typically for 13 weeks at a time.

• Highly-Skilled : You’ll need to be confident in your skills and ready to hit the ground running. Travel nurse orientations are notoriously brief, and you’ll be expected to hit the floor quickly. 
• Adaptable : Things will not go as planned, from housing to expectations. Good travel nurses can not only adapt quickly but know who to contact at their agency to ensure they have the proper support.
• Adventurous : Making new friends, learning new cities, and working with new equipment — it all comes with the territory. So make sure you pack your sense of adventure.
• Independent : The life of a gypsy nurse often means being away from friends, family, and sometimes special moments. When you get home after a shift and are alone, you’ll need to remember that you’re independent. 

Why Choose Travel Nursing?

There are so many reasons nurses choose this career path. We believe it’s because it’s one of the best careers out there. We see nurses hit the open road for financial freedom — paying off debt, building retirement, or being able to afford the life they want to live. Many nurses want to develop their experience, from working at a prestigious hospital to working with the latest tech. And sometimes, travel itself is the motivator.

Check out our tips for maximizing your travel career on The Gypsy Nurse. It’s all about determining your motivations and how to find an agency that complements those driving factors.

Part 2: How to Become a Travel Nurse

After determining your motivators and some research, you’ve decided you want to clock out for the last time on your staff position. Welcome to the most fun, challenging, and rewarding job you’ve ever had. But first, let’s break down how to get started.

Travel Nurse Requirements

It’s the big 3. You’ll need a combination of experience, education, and documentation to make your move. Experience is often the most talked-about element, and that’s because it’s vitally important. Travel nurses typically jump right into a unit with little orientation, so your skills and confidence need to be sharp.

• Education : It all starts here. Registered nurses must first hold a nursing degree from an accredited university before taking the NCLEX-RN ® and applying for a license. So, like any nursing career, you’ll need either your Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Learn about bachelor’s degrees, continuing education programs, and more by reading our Nursing Education Guide .
• Experience : After passing the NCLEX and meeting licensing requirements, you can practice as an entry-level nurse. In general, the hospitals we work with require travel nurses to have a minimum of 1-2 years’ recent acute care experience in the specialty in which they wish to work. For specific specialty requirements, check out our Specialty Guide and then find your specialty for an in-depth look from travel nurses who’ve worked on those units.
• Documentation : During our application process, you’ll need to provide references and documentation of licenses and certifications. Rest assured, we’ll walk you through each step. Bonus — TNAA will help you obtain and pay for the licenses you need. Read our Licensing Guide for more information.

The beginning of your travel nurse journey likely consists of a lot of research. From online groups to word-of-mouth reviews, you’ve probably heard plenty of recommendations. It’s essential to determine your motivators for traveling and define what you need from an agency. 

Part 3: Working With an Agency

There are a lot of agencies out there — like nearly 300. And while they all do share some commonalities, they are definitely not all alike. So how do you choose an agency? First, let’s break down the role of your agency.

What’s the Purpose of Travel Nursing Agencies?

Think of a travel nursing agency as a one-stop-shop for everything you need, from finding assignments to assisting you while you’re on an assignment. Sounds simple, right? Of course, it’s a little more nuanced than that. If we break it down to its most basic, there are 2 main aspects to consider — think of their role as 2 sides of the same coin.

You are their employee.

In this capacity, their role is that of an employer providing things like health insurance, payroll, and legal protections. Remember your time as a staff nurse, your hospital carried liability insurance, offered options and protections if you suffered a workplace injury, offered health benefits, and took care of compensation. Some agencies offer all the perks of perm nursing — hello, we’re super proud of our benefit programs! So, while other agencies might not consider you as a full-time employee and therefore may opt to cut some of those.

You are their customer.

In this capacity, the agency takes on a more customer-service related role. While there is a business-to-business aspect of this industry, you are their customer. Throughout your journey with an agency, they will be concerned with your experience and should strive to ensure you want to remain with them. This is why you will see stand-out benefits and perks — one of our core values is obsessing over our nurses’ experiences with us.

  View this post on Instagram   At TNAA, we love to see our travel nurses succeed in achieving their goals, and we want to help in any way we can. That’s why we’re proud to offer our RN to BSN Degree Program, which reimburses 100% of eligible tuition costs. Read our blog to see how you can get started. Link in bio. A post shared by Travel Nurse Across America (@travelnurseacrossamerica) on Jan 29, 2020 at 5:53pm PST

What Should an Agency Offer?

We referenced it earlier, but it’s crucial to determine your motivations. What do you want to get out of travel nursing? That will dictate what agency offers are most important to you and ensure you have a successful travel career. 

At TNAA, our offerings stem from our core values. Putting nurses first and obsessing on their experience is not only deeply important to us, but it drives everything we do. 

• We believe in treating our nurses like family. Our goal is to think of everything you could need while on assignment. Read more about TNAA company culture (and why we continue to win awards for it). 
• We believe in providing opportunities to grow your career. We do this by finding assignments to help you reach professional milestones. We also want you to be able to further your career with continuing education opportunities and an RN to BSN tuition reimbursement. Want to learn more about these programs? We break down all of our career-enhancing programs in our Education Guide .
• We believe in protecting you while you’re far from home. We pride ourselves on offering benefits that cover what really matters — mental, physical, and financial wellbeing. To learn more about our benefits, check out this blog on all we offer.

Travel Nurse Recruiters 101

While choosing the right agency is crucial, it’s difficult to overemphasize the role a travel nurse recruiter plays. Finding the right recruiter for you can be daunting — especially with so much noise about recruiters in online communities. Plus, some agencies are now ditching recruiters altogether. But before we dive into why our travel nurse recruiters are the best in the industry, let’s explore the role of the recruiter.

They’re your career coach. 

We like to think of our recruiters like academic advisors, but way better. TNAA recruiters have market knowledge. They understand the industry and how to leverage that to your benefit. Maybe your goal is to travel to Hawaii or work in a prestigious teaching facility. As a first-time traveler, it’s about strategy and experience to help you reach your goals and handle the unexpected hiccups that come with life on the road. 

Your recruiter should know how to get you where you want to go, literally. Back to our Hawaii example: you could hit submit on an app for years. Or, you could work with a TNAA recruiter who can help you get the relevant travel experience necessary for that 300-bed stroke unit on the Big Island. See, part of that market knowledge includes knowing what facilities are looking for and how to make your file jump out to hiring managers. Or, maybe you want to work on a different unit. Our recruiters are prepared to help you get there and be transparent with a plan.

They’re your career concierge.

Part of the job is making the complex simple. Our goal as a company is to make your life as a travel nurse easy. On the most basic level, your recruiter will simplify the application process, submit you for jobs, and help with paperwork along the way. You can expect to build a real relationship with your recruiter, and that extends into ensuring you understand your options and how those impact your goals. Wait. What? For example, your recruiter will give you feedback on things like cancel rates, call-offs, and help you choose a contract and pay package that meet your needs.

  View this post on Instagram   Well, today was pretty freakin cool. I talked this gal for almost a YEAR before we found her 1st assignment in WA • • Today we met up for lunch in the @omahaoldmarket; we sipped tea, talked about life & future goals. Big things coming for this zen lady – on to her 2nd assignment in the Mountains 🏔 🙌🏻 • • Oh, and I watched her get a nose piercing. @my_lovethyselfjourney_365 did we just become best friends?! Yup! • • Thank you @travelnurseacrossamerica for bringing us together💫 #recruiterturnedphotographer A post shared by Ashley Hazen (@travel_nurse_recruiter) on Nov 12, 2019 at 5:43pm PST

Part 4: Landing Your First Job

You’ve spoken with a recruiter and feel confident that they understand you, your goals, and where you want to be. So what’s next ? Now they work on securing you an interview. A great recruiter will help tailor your file, so it gets to a nurse manager, charge nurse, or hiring manager. They’ll also coach you so you’ll be prepared to ace your interview and get offered the job. But your interview with the facility is a two-way street, and you’ll want to make sure that the facility is a good fit for you too.

What You Need to Know About Travel Nursing Interviews

It’s important to remember that travel nursing is all about filling a need. Typically, facilities will hire the first qualified nurse who interviews and can start quickly. Unlike perm staff hiring processes, time is of the essence, and travel nursing jobs need are filled as soon as possible.

Knowing what to ask for your first interview can be daunting. Consider this guide a high-level overview of what to ask. But rest assured, your recruiter will be your biggest asset. In the meantime, here are a few quick tips:

• Be quick:  Again, speed matters. The first qualified candidate who answers the phone when a nurse manager calls has a great shot at getting the job. Unlike perm positions, the nurse manager is looking to fill the job quickly, they will not hold multiple rounds in search of that just-right candidate. If you’re unable to have your phone out (work, we get it), make sure you take the time to check your messages and call back ASAP .
• Do your research:  Look up the facility ahead of time. Did we mention that speed matters? Don’t expect a nurse manager or hiring staff to have a lot of time to chat. You can find out bed numbers, teaching designation, traveler reviews, and call-off history from the internet and your recruiter. Spend your time finding out about the unit, the culture, and contract expectations.
• Prepare in advance:  Ask your recruiter for typical questions (we’ve included some in our download above) and have answers prepared. Knowing how to answer common questions will make you sound confident and experienced. Plus, it will allow you more time to ask your questions.

For even more tips, check out this blog on The Gypsy Nurse and this advice from our travel nurses .

Reviewing Your Contract

For first time travelers, this can be especially daunting. This is one reason it’s important that you have good rapport with your recruiter. Here’s what you need to know about that crucial contract:

• Confirm the details: During your interview, you discussed things like shift, days off, floating, and more. Double-check to ensure those things are included.
• Review with your recruiter:  For first-time travelers there can be a lot of confusing details in a contract. After you confirm the details, your recruiter will review it with you and point out things like holidays for the unit or call-off policies.

Part 5: Travel Nurse Pay Packages

Staff nurses in a hospital are typically paid at a set salary based on their education level and experience. However, the travel nurse world is a world all its own, and that includes how they earn income. A variety of components make up a travel nurse pay package , such as hourly pay, non-taxed stipends, travel reimbursements, and more. Let’s break down the basics of travel nurse salary and what to look for in a pay package.

It’s important to understand the role taxes play in travel nursing. Any travel nurse will tell you; there’s a big misconception around where the money comes from. Most travelers will tell you that the tax-free stipend is the best way to profit from travel nursing. To understand the financial benefit travel nurses can enjoy from the non-taxed portion of their pay, we pulled together some helpful tax links to get you started.

Key Components of a Pay Package

• Hourly Equivalent: A travel nurse pay package generally consists of 2 main components: the regular, taxable hourly rate and the non taxed reimbursements (referred to as stipends, subsidies, per diems, or allowances). Your hourly rate is a combination of taxed and non taxed portions.
• Non Taxable Per Diems: It’s important to note that in order to qualify for these reimbursements, you need to be eligible. Okay, what? In short, the IRS deems things like housing and meals to be ‘tax-free reimbursements’ if you meet their eligibility requirements. Read more about those here. Per diems are set by the GSA (General Services Administration) and refer to allowances that federal employees are reimbursed for expenses incurred while on official travel. But isn’t all travel nursing official travel? < if you asked this, you might not have clicked on the tax links yet, so here they are again because this concept, like an ACLS algorithm, is nuanced.
• Taxable Income: This is where you’ll find your taxable hourly rate. Similar to your perm job, this portion is where things like social security contributions and more originate.
• Benefits: More and more agencies offer benefits similar to perm employers. So unless you carry private insurance or are insured through your partner, medical benefits can factor into your overall pay package.

Note: Sometimes the taxable hourly rate can seem low. A pay package may be structured in a more tax-efficient way. But like everything, there are pros and cons to each scenario. Is it better to have the taxable hourly rate higher or the non taxed? The answer is dependent entirely on your personal situation and goals — so be weary of over-generalizations when it comes to pay.

Other Financial Considerations

• Upfront Costs: Travel nursing requires a lot of different licenses and certifications. The costs of which can really add up before you even hit the road. While many travel nursing agencies pay for some of these expenses, others don’t pay for anything. We arrange and pay for physical exams, immunizations, and more that you may need to start working. To see a list of everything included, click here! Bonus — we’ll provide up to $1,000 to cover your trip-related mileage and fees.
• Bonuses: Many agencies offer bonuses like extension bonuses when you stay on for another contract period, rebook bonuses for agency-loyal travelers, and referral bonuses. Consider how these add to the overall attractiveness of your pay. But be aware, bonuses are taxed at a higher rate.
• Extras: While these extras may or may not impact your hourly equivalent, they are important aspects to determine if an agency provides solid travel nurse pay. Consider how your agency is setting you up for future success with education and financial options. TNAA offers free continuing education, a tuition reimbursement program, and a generous 401(k) benefit.

Consider the full picture when comparing compensation between agencies. Uncover the full scope of benefits to make the best choices for your financial wellbeing.

Part 6: Important Links

We could talk for days and days about this industry and still have more to say. This guide has been prepared for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide tax or legal advice. That being said, we believe that education and transparency build a more confident travel nurse. We promised you links, and here they are!

Taxes are inherently complicated, and it’s always best to seek tax advice from certified tax professionals. However, we’ve compiled some basics you and your tax accountant should know for you to be eligible for non-taxed reimbursements (aka the tax-free money and/or the stipend).

• Start Here: Common Travel Tax FAQs
• For an Official Breakdown: National Association of Travel Healthcare Organizations on Travel Taxes
• Our CFO on Tax Compliance: How Staying in One Place Can Make Reimbursements (aka your stipend) Taxable

We do travel nurse housing differently. We believe that if you choose to ‘take the per diem’ you should still have access to the best housing options in the industry. Read our Housing Guide to learn about housing per diems and how we make housing better for our nurses — we’re talking about programs you won’t find anywhere else like payment assistance, vetted leads, and pet-friendly options.

There’s a lot of information out there on how to obtain your nursing license in each state. But what does a travel nurse need to do to get licensed? Read our Licensure Guide where we’re breaking down the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact, temporary and permanent licenses, and how we’ve simplified the process for nurses who choose to travel with TNAA.

Orientation

Before you can hit the unit, you’ll need to complete orientation. The more assignments you complete, the more you’ll realize that each unit will be a little different. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to travel nurse orientation. While it can be daunting to look at everything needed, TNAA support staff brings unparalleled market knowledge to ensure you’re able to start your assignment on time. Check out our Orientation Guide for all that, plus advice from our current travel nurses.

Travel Nursing FAQs

We’re answering your most frequently asked questions..

While you don’t have to move across the country for every assignment, specific rules do exist regarding what distance an assignment must be from a nurse’s home to be considered a traveler.

• Most hospitals have a radius rule which dictates the minimum number of miles a nurse must live from the facility to qualify as a travel nurse.
• The IRS also has region requirements to qualify for non-taxed reimbursements (subsidies, stipends, per diems).
• No matter the distance, don’t expect to be able to commute from home. We will always follow IRS guidelines.

We take your traveler status seriously with teams dedicated to checking things like distance to ensure you remain tax compliant.

Well, this is a loaded question. Luckily, our CFO discusses this question on The Gypsy Nurse blog,  you can find her insights here.

While in the normal world, you may contact a potential employer to check on the status of your application, this is not the normal world. There are rules about how facilities can and cannot be contracted that your recruiter has to follow.

Your license is determined by your Primary State of Residence, your PSOR.

• If you are licensed in a compact state, you can check if your license has compact privileges through Nursys where you’ll see what states you’re licensed to work in.
• If you are licensed in a non-compact state and want to work in a compact state, you’ll need to apply for that state’s license — but that doesn’t mean you have a compact license, only a license to practice in that state.
• If you are licensed in a state with pending legislation, you’ll have to wait. And there’s no telling how long. So, if compact status is important to you, changing your PSOR is an option.

Did you know: We have a robust team obsessed with all things licensure. When you travel with TNAA, our expert support teams will ensure you have the license you need to work where you want. Read more about Licensure and the TNAA difference .

While we’d love to break down exactly what your orientation will be like, we simply can’t. Orientation varies from facility to facility.

There are a few things you can count on though, and we go into detail about in our travel nurse orientation guide . Bonus — we included tips and advice from our current travel nurses.

Well, this varies depending on where you are in your travel nurse journey.

• If you don’t meet the experience requirements yet:  Typically, it’s recommended to start contacting agencies or recruiters about 3-5 months from when you’d ideally like to start your first assignment.
• I f you’re on your first assignment:  Typically, you and your recruiter will begin looking for what’s next close to your assignment’s halfway point.

The short answer is no. We require current work history and current references for the specialty you’re choosing to travel.

However, if you’re really passionate about wanting to work in a different specialty,  ask your recruiter to connect you with our Clinical Team.  This is a team of real RNs who support you on assignment with questions just like this one and can guide you to where you want to be in your career.

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10 Captivating Facts About Travel Nurse

Written by Marleah Prasad

Modified & Updated: 01 Jun 2024

Reviewed by Sherman Smith

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Travel nursing is an exciting and rewarding career path that allows healthcare professionals to explore new places while making a positive impact on patient care. Whether you’re a nurse considering a career switch or a seasoned traveler looking for a change of scenery, becoming a travel nurse offers a unique and fulfilling experience.

In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of travel nursing and uncover 10 captivating facts that make this profession so enticing. From the flexibility and variety of assignments to the opportunity to learn and grow both personally and professionally, travel nursing has become a popular choice for healthcare professionals seeking adventure and new challenges .

So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready to embark on a journey filled with interesting insights, amazing opportunities, and the joys of being a travel nurse!

Key Takeaways:

• Travel nurses bring compassion and care to patients in need, no matter where they are, and have the opportunity to explore new locations and cultures while filling critical staffing gaps in healthcare facilities.
• Travel nurses enjoy competitive pay, unique benefits, and make lifelong connections while enhancing their resume and positively impacting patient care across various locations.

Travel Nurses Bring Compassion and Care on the Go!

Travel nurses are healthcare professionals who provide temporary medical assistance in various locations. They have a passion for helping others and their flexible nature allows them to bring their skills and expertise to patients in need, no matter where they are.

Travel Nurses Can Explore New Locations

One of the most exciting aspects of being a travel nurse is the opportunity to work in different cities, states, or even countries. This allows them to experience new cultures, meet diverse populations, and explore different healthcare systems.

Travel Nurses Fill Critical Staffing Gaps

Travel nurses play a vital role in filling staffing shortages in healthcare facilities. They step in during times of high patient volume, staff vacations, or unexpected leaves of absence. Their flexibility ensures that patient care is not compromised.

Travel Nurses Adapt Quickly

Travel nurses are skilled at adapting to new environments and situations. They are able to seamlessly integrate into new healthcare teams, learn new protocols, and deliver quality care without missing a beat.

Travel Nurses Gain a Wide Range of Skills

With each assignment, travel nurses have the opportunity to work in different specialties and healthcare settings . This allows them to broaden their skill set and become well-rounded healthcare professionals .

Travel Nurses Enjoy Competitive Pay

Due to their flexibility and willingness to travel, travel nurses often receive higher compensation than their counterparts in permanent positions. This makes it an attractive career option for those looking to earn a competitive salary.

Travel Nurses Have Access to Unique Benefits

Many travel nurse agencies offer additional benefits such as housing stipends, travel reimbursements, and healthcare coverage. These perks make the life of a travel nurse even more rewarding.

Travel Nurses Make Lifelong Connections

While travel nurses are constantly on the move, they have the opportunity to form meaningful connections with fellow healthcare professionals and patients. These connections can last a lifetime and create a sense of camaraderie within the healthcare community .

Travel Nurses Enhance their Resume

Travel nursing experiences are highly valued on resumes, as they demonstrate adaptability, flexibility, and a diverse skill set. The variety of experiences gained as a travel nurse can open doors to future career advancements.

Travel Nurses Have a Positive Impact on Patient Care

The dedication and expertise of travel nurses directly contribute to improving patient outcomes . By stepping in during critical staffing situations, they ensure that patients receive the care they need, when they need it.

In conclusion, being a travel nurse is an exciting and rewarding career choice. It offers the opportunity to explore new places , provide care to different patient populations, and gain valuable experience in a variety of healthcare settings. Travel nurses can enjoy a flexible schedule, competitive pay, and the chance to make a difference in communities across the country . Whether you’re a seasoned nurse looking for a change of pace or a recent graduate eager to start your career, consider becoming a travel nurse and embark on an incredible journey filled with adventure, personal growth, and impactful patient care.

1. What qualifications do I need to become a travel nurse?

To become a travel nurse, you typically need to have a degree in nursing (Associate’s or Bachelor’s), an active and unrestricted RN license, and at least one year of clinical experience. Additional certifications and specialties may be required depending on the assignment.

2. How long are the travel assignments?

Travel assignments can vary in length, but they typically range from 8 to 26 weeks. Some assignments may be shorter or longer based on the specific needs of the healthcare facility and the travel nurse’s availability.

3. Will I receive benefits as a travel nurse?

Yes , travel nurses often receive benefits such as health insurance, housing allowances, travel reimbursements, and retirement plans. The specific benefits can vary depending on the travel nursing agency and the assignment.

4. Will I have a say in where I am assigned?

Travel nurses often have some input in where they are assigned, but ultimately, the decision is usually made by the travel nursing agency and healthcare facility. Factors such as the nurse’s preferences, skills, and availability are taken into consideration when determining the assignments.

5. How much can I expect to earn as a travel nurse?

The pay for travel nurses can vary depending on factors such as the location, facility, specialty, and experience. However, travel nurses typically earn higher salaries than non-traveling nurses due to the additional benefits and higher demand for their services.

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Meet a Travel Nurse

Travel nurses are registered nurses who fill vacant positions at hospitals and clinics around the country, providing care on a short-term basis. While every travel assignment is different, most of these nurses share a common passion, which is to offer help in some of the most high-need areas while getting the opportunity to explore new places.

In our interview with Stan John, a traveling RN, he talks about how he began his traveling career, and his first assignment that sent him across the country.

Keep reading to learn more about how travel nursing works and how you can get started in this flexible, high-demand career path.

Q&A With a Travel Nurse

Stan John, RN, BSN, moved to Chicago, Illinois, from Mumbai, India, about seven years ago. Starting from scratch, John found a love for working in healthcare and with much hard work and dedication, he graduated with his associate degree in nursing (ADN) in May 2019 and immediately started working on his bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). As a new grad, John realized there was much more he could do with his nursing degree, especially after the pandemic hit. After one year, John received his BSN and took a leap of faith to become a travel nurse . Wanting to make a difference, John has served communities with nursing staff shortages. He loves traveling and exploring new areas, gaining new insights about life, and meeting new people.

Q: What got you interested in pursuing a nursing career in the first place?

When I moved to the United States, my uncle told me nursing is a booming field and I should consider it. I decided to listen to my uncle’s advice and took the risk. I also took a job as a caregiver in assisted living just to make sure I can take care of people and get some experience in the healthcare field.

Whenever I helped someone, I had a sense of joy and happiness, and I felt the same when I took care of people. I knew nursing was the right path for me.

Q: How did the opportunity come up for you to start traveling?

Traveling was never on my list. I worked as a nursing assistant at a level one trauma center for three years. After completing my associate degree in nursing , I got a job at the same hospital on a surgical unit. At this point, I was working full time and started doing my bachelor’s degree in nursing online .

Within five months of being a new nurse, the surgical unit I worked on became the “COVID unit” when the pandemic started. I wanted to increase my income, so I applied for different types of nursing jobs .

I soon realized no one wanted a nurse with five months experience. I contacted travel nurse agencies, but they said I needed a minimum of one to two years of experience to even be considered. The day I hit my one-year mark, I contacted the agency, and they started looking for a travel assignment for me.

Q: What’s it been like working as a travel nurse during a pandemic? Have a lot of your assignments been related to the COVID-19 crisis?

During the pandemic, being a travel nurse made me feel special. When I saw the shortage of nurses and how travel nurses came to the rescue to help the hospital staff control the patient-nurse ratio, I felt rewarded because I am contributing to a community that needs a little extra help. The hospitals I worked at were very grateful and thankful each shift I worked. The COVID pandemic has been the most impactful thing to my nursing career.

Q: In your experience, how have things like housing and living expenses been handled while you’re on an assignment? Are you able to travel with family members?

Things like housing and living expenses are covered by the travel agency. They can put you in housing provided by them, or you can find your own housing and save the extra money you don’t use from the housing and living expenses.

My wife, who is in an online nursing school due to the pandemic, has been traveling with me. One of the major reasons I was able to pursue travel nursing in such far locations from my home is because my wife did not have to be on campus for her education.

Q: What is the length of a typical travel assignment?

The length of a typical travel assignment can vary. Mostly, the assignments are 13 weeks, but there are also six-week and eight-week assignments that are even higher paying crisis assignments.

Q: Tell us about your first assignment as a travel nurse in Oregon — seems like it was a whirlwind experience.

My first assignment in Oregon was definitely an adventure. With it being my first assignment, there were already slight fears around being so new and around the risks associated with pursuing travel nursing. Within the first week that my wife and I arrived in Oregon, we were evacuated from the house we were renting because a forest fire turned into an urban industrial fire. The fire was burning down homes and buildings within a mile of where we were living.

The fires also impacted the hospitals I was working at by shutting down the internet and phone signals. This made it more challenging to do my typical tasks, but with a good team, we were able to manage. Other than the fire, we also got to climb mountains, develop a love for hiking and exploring new places, and made lots of new friends who are both travel nurses and staff nurses.

Q: What are some of the most rewarding aspects of working as a travel nurse?

Being a travel nurse is rewarding because I am working in an environment that is dangerously understaffed, which negatively impacts the community. This is rewarding because I can help reduce burnout in staff nurses and contribute to the safety and quality of care that the community desperately needs.

It was also rewarding to be working during the fire crisis. I worked longer hours than usual so staff nurses could tend to their homes and make sure their families were safe. Also, with it being a pandemic, it is rewarding to actively contribute to the care of COVID patients not only in my community, but in communities that are struggling with resources more than my own.

Q: What advice would you give to other nurses considering a career traveling?

Just take the risk! It is scary due to all the “what ifs” of being canceled in the middle of a contract, left without a job, not liking the work environment, not finding housing, and living so far away from family. With all this being said, once my wife and I took the risk, we enjoyed it so much more than we could have ever imagined.

Travel nursing has given me a new perspective on life and a new love for exploring this beautiful country. Make new friends, even though there will be goodbyes as you will go from assignment to assignment. Having a good group of friends is better than having no friends and being lonely for the duration of each assignment.

You only get to live your life once, so make the most of it by not fearing the unknown and embracing life’s beautiful adventures day by day. You won’t regret trying, but if you never try, you will regret it when it’s too late.

What Does a Travel Nurse Do?

Traveling nurses are employed by an independent staffing agency, which means they are not limited to a certain location or workplace setting. They also have the ability to choose where they work, which allows them to focus on specific facilities and explore new specialties to enhance their skill set. Traveling nurses can find themselves interacting with other healthcare professionals and patients in a hospital setting, community health centers, and rural facilities.

— “Travel nursing has given me a new perspective on life and a new love for exploring this beautiful country.” — Stan John, RN

Key Skills and Responsibilities:

• Educate patients on various health issues
• Administering medication
• Monitoring patients’ conditions
• Collaborating with healthcare workers and teams
• Measuring patients’ vital signs

How to Become a Travel Nurse

Graduate with an associate degree in nursing (adn) or bachelor’s of science in nursing (bsn) ., pass the nclex-rn exam to receive rn licensure., gain experience in rn positions., consider earning certifications in specialty areas., increase your career options with a graduate degree., how much do travel nurses make.

As of July 2020, Vivian reported that traveling nurses earn $1,841 per week on average and the max pay was $6,347 weekly. Compared to 2019, this is an increase of approximately $125 per week; these numbers are based on 36 hour work weeks.

In comparison to traveling nurses, RN pay is typically lower and includes additional hours per week. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2019, RNs earn $73,000 on average . Broken down weekly and by hour, this amounts to $1,409 and $35.23 respectively within a 40-hour work week.

Ultimately, there are several variables that can affect salary ranges. According to the networking platform BluePipes, traveling nurses have the opportunity to earn more than $100,000 in annual salary depending on location and workplace setting.

$51.14 Average Hourly Wage Source: Vivian

$1,841 Average Total Weekly Pay Source: Vivian

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What Is a Travel Nurse? Job Description and Salary

When healthcare organizations face staffing shortages, they call on travel nurses. What is a travel nurse? As skilled professionals, travel nurses take temporary nursing positions in high-need areas. They jump into hospitals, clinics, and other facilities, giving patients across the country quality care.

The COVID-19 pandemic created a nationwide staffing crisis and, as a result, a surge in demand for travel nurses. Health leaders attribute this change to two main factors: First, as CNN reports, staff nurses, demoralized and exhausted, have been quitting and retiring at a faster rate than facilities can hire new ones. Second, many nurses are leaving their stable jobs for well-paying temporary jobs, netting $5,000 or more per week working through travel-nurse agencies, according to AP News.

Students and professionals interested in this career path can benefit from exploring the roles and responsibilities of travel nurses, reading travel nursing tips, and learning about the travel nurse salary and job outlook. 

History of the Travel Nurse

The travel nurse industry emerged in the 1970s in response to high-census healthcare contexts. 

• High census is when the patient population in a healthcare facility becomes higher than the current staff can appropriately care for. In effect, high census means that a facility is understaffed. 
• Low census is when the patient population in a healthcare facility becomes too low for the facility to use its entire nursing staff. In essence, low census means a facility is overstaffed for a period of time. 

In the 1970s, persistent nursing shortages in warmer southern states, such as Florida, drew nurses from northern states over the winter. These nurses followed the seasonal influx of so-called snowbirds — people who move for part of the year to get away from harsh northern winters. 

At first, these nursing work arrangements were informal. Nurses would travel to meet demand but were hired as regular permanent employees who would leave when the season ended. Because these nurses had no special contract with their hospitals and clinics, these healthcare organizations also did not provide housing or extra wages. This worked well for facilities in warmer states that could not afford to hire so many staff members year-round. 

Today, professionals fit a similar travel nurse description . Travel nurses often work for healthcare staffing agencies that specialize in placing temporary contractors across the country. Agencies take a cut of what a hospital might pay a travel nurse, and in exchange, they advocate for secure housing, competitive travel nurse salaries , and all-expense-paid transportation to new assignments for their travel nurses.  

Culture Fit: What to Expect as a Travel Nurse

What does a travel nurse do? Travel nurses routinely jump into roles at understaffed healthcare settings. Facilities expect them to perform all the duties of a traditional nurse with little to no context for care. Because of this, travel nurses must become comfortable with working in extremely fast-paced, chaotic environments.

For example, a travel nurse may take an assignment at a severely understaffed neonatal intensive care unit. The nurses on staff may not have the time or bandwidth to explain all aspects of the hospital charting system or details about specific patients; travel nurses may need to pick these details up as they go.

Travel nurses sign a contract to fill a temporary position. This can last several days, weeks, or months — or longer. When contracts end, travel nurses either extend their stay at the same location or move on to a new destination and opportunity. The length of their contracts can vary, although most placements are between eight and 26 weeks. Some travel nurses find a temporary assignment they enjoy and work to secure a full-time position, but many continue to travel and keep flexible working hours. 

Working as a travel nurse has many perks. Here are some of the benefits of travel nursing:

• Assistance in obtaining passports/work visas (if working internationally)
• Choice of location
• Competitive pay
• Free housing
• Higher-than-average pay for RNs
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement plans
• Selection of hours/shifts worked
• Travel reimbursement

Travel Nursing Tips and Personal Characteristics

Travel nurses need to cultivate the skills of learning new systems quickly, taking criticism in stride, and adapting easily to change.

Some personal characteristics that serve travel nurses on the job include:

• Ability to learn quickly. Travel nurses all have experience working in a traditional nursing context, but they need to be able to draw upon their broad knowledge bases as they adapt to new healthcare facilities. Some healthcare settings have different standards of practice and different technologies to learn. Travel nurses need to adopt new practices and technologies quickly. 
• Resilience to persevere in challenging contexts. The combination of moving to different states, being the “new nurse” constantly, and taking care of difficult patients comes with many challenges. Travel nurses need to be able to withstand these challenges. 
• Flexibility. Travel nurses have the freedom to create their own schedules with the agencies they work for. For example, travel nurses might work for nine intense weeks on the other side of the country and then take a month off. 
• Comfort with working in new environments. Travel nurses need to adapt to different organizations and care teams, often when those organizations and teams lack the adequate resources to run properly. 
• A strong support network. Travel nurses may need to leave their families and friends for long periods of time to take temporary jobs. Having a supportive person or group of people who act as an emotional sounding board can be crucial for working long-term in the chaotic assignments of a travel nurse.

Navigating Crises as a Travel Nurse: Pandemic Pressure

The demand for travel nurses has accelerated over the course of the pandemic. Rising clinician burnout continues to be a challenging issue in the healthcare field.

A recent National Academy of Medicine report suggests that between 35% and 54% of U.S. nurses and physicians have symptoms of burnout due to pandemic pressures. These burnout symptoms include:

• High emotional exhaustion
• High depersonalization (expressed in cynicism about the healthcare system or healthcare in general)
• A low sense of personal accomplishment from work

Even in more normal times, the American Nurses Association’s Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation project found that at least 69% of U.S. nurses said they agreed or strongly agreed that they put their patients’ health and safety before their own.

Given the added stressors of the pandemic — including abnormally high patient mortality rates, the lack of personal protective equipment, political decisiveness surrounding pandemic precautions, and polarized public responses to the vaccine rollout — nurses have clearly borne the brunt of the pandemic chaos.

In the wake of so much nursing burnout, hospitals and health systems have relied on travel nurses to pick up the slack. As a result of severe staffing shortages, healthcare organizations are paying steep rates for much-needed staff.

How to Become a Travel Nurse

After determining what a travel nurse is and what a travel nurse does, current and future nurses may want to know how to become a travel nurse.

The steps involved in becoming a travel nurse include:

• Earning an ASN or BSN degree
• Passing the NCLEX to become a registered nurse (RN)
• Gaining experience on the job
• Getting licensed
• Signing with a travel nurse staffing agency

Earn a Nursing Degree

Any nurse who has completed an associate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited nursing program is eligible to be a travel nurse. Several paths lead to meeting this education requirement:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree for entry-level RNs
• LPN to BSN bridge program for licensed practical or vocational nurses or licensed paramedics
• LPN to ASN degree for licensed practical nurses

Pass the NCLEX to Become a Registered Nurse

After graduating with an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing, the next step to becoming a travel nurse is passing the National Council Licensure Examination, also known as the NCLEX-RN exam.

Once they have passed the NCLEX exam and met the state board of nursing requirement, candidates will be eligible to become a registered nurse. From there, they need to start gaining enough experience in a nursing specialty to pursue opportunities as a travel nurse.

Gain Experience in a Specialty

Nursing professionals interested in travel nursing should look ahead and gain experience in the specialties they desire while still working full time as a regularly scheduled nurse so that they can work in specialized care environments as a travel nurse.

For example, a travel nurse with no experience working in a neonatal intensive care unit will not be competitive for NICU jobs. This is true for all specialties. 

Attain Licensure

To be a registered nurse, a professional must be licensed in the state where they work. The Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) allows RNs to hold a single nursing license valid in several states.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing keeps track of the states that have implemented the NLC. For professionals who live in a state that participates in the NLC, additional licensing may not be required to work as a travel nurse. However, travel nurses seeking to work outside of the NLC will need to get an additional license in the state(s) they seek to work in. 

Work With a Travel Nursing Agency

The last step to becoming a travel nurse involves signing with a travel nursing agency.

The benefits offered by each staffing agency will vary, along with the alliances they may have with specific hospital or healthcare networks, specific geographic areas, or even specific nursing specializations.

Travel Nurse Salary and Job Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the nursing profession to grow at a rate of 16% between 2014 and 2024. Due to the current nursing shortage, the job outlook for travel nursing is even greater. The BLS predicts a 19% growth for travel nurse jobs by 2022.

Skilled RNs will have opportunities to fill open positions in travel nursing. The BLS predicts a 9% increase in the employment of RNs from 2020 to 2030 due to the aging general population of the United States and a large number of older nurses retiring in the workforce. According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), 55% of today’s nursing workforce is 50 years or older. That means there will likely be even greater need for travel nurses in the future as older nurses retire.

See the Country as a Skilled Travel Nurse

Traveling to provide patient services opens doors for travel nurses. They work for independent staffing companies that recruit RNs to fill positions throughout the United States and abroad. A lucrative career awaits nurses who are willing to take the leap, leave their traditional nursing jobs, and work in high-need areas across the country.

The ongoing shortage of nurses makes it challenging for hospitals and clinics to maintain their staffing needs. Travel nurses can help with persistent staffing issues, and they can also fill in temporary gaps when nurses go on leave. Travel nurses don’t always need to work in different states ; s ome serve at local understaffed hospitals.

For current and aspiring nurses with a desire for new experiences, an interest in meeting new people and visiting new areas, and a drive to develop an understanding of healthcare in other communities, becoming a travel nurse can be an exciting career move.

Learn more about opportunities for nursing pre-professionals with St. Catherine University’s accredited nursing degree program . Through comprehensive nursing instruction, St. Kate’s equips students with the technical skills to succeed on the job. 

Sources: American Traveler , “Travel Nurse Salary” AP News, “US Hospitals Hit With Nurse Staffing Crisis Amid COVID” CNN , “ Traumatized and Tired, Nurses Are Quitting Due to the Pandemic” Forbes, “What It's Like to Be a Travel Nurse During a Pandemic” Professional Association for Nurse Travelers , “History” Travel Nurse Across America, “New Grad Nursing & How to Start Travel Nursing” Travel Nurse Across America, “ Travel Nursing Basics: Agencies, Requirements & More” TravelNursing.com, “Which Travel Nursing Specialties Are in Demand?” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2020 - Registered Nurses The Wall Street Journal , “High Pay for Covid-19 Nurses Leads to Shortages at Some Hospitals” 

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5 Important Facts about Travel Nursing: Dispelling the Common Myths

Table of Contents

The world of travel nursing is an exciting industry that’s been flourishing for at least two decades now, but despite that, some nurses have hesitated to take their skills out on the road due to a number of misconceptions. We think it’s time to put those myths to rest so that all nurses can make the best decision possible when it comes to their career choices.

Travel Nursing Means Traveling Far from Home

While it is true that some facilities restrict travel nurses from applying for assignments in their local area due to radius rules, there are lots of opportunities for those who want to stay close to home while still enjoying the benefits of travel nursing. If you’re working with a great recruiter (like our Health Carousel Travel Nursing Super Nurse sidekicks), he or she is likely to be able to find travel jobs that are within driving distance of home, often through block scheduling, such as three 12-hour shifts in a row, that allow for more time with your family, vacations and other personal activities.

Travel Nursing Is Just for the Young

This career certainly isn’t only for young nurses – it can be ideal for just about every age. In fact, it’s extremely popular among nurses whose children are grown who either travel alone, travel with their significant others or meet up with them during their off time. It can be a great way, for example, to enjoy summers in New England and winters in Florida.

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Travel Nurses Don’t Receive the Benefits or Respect That Permanent Nurses Do

Once you start doing the research, you’ll find plenty of agencies offering benefits that are just as good as what permanent nurses enjoy. Many of them even provide health insurance from day one along with multiple plan options.  Family coverage, life insurance and 401ks are all possible too.

When it comes to respect, while every situation is unique, there are many facilities that are quite traveler-friendly, and greatly appreciate the job that travel nurses do, meaning they get just as much respect as the permanent staff. Travel nurses often make schedules easier for them and lighten patient loads, meaning less stress and more time for them to enjoy with their families. It’s usually possible to tell whether a facility treats its travelers well during the interview, which is why it’s important to ask questions such as what the patient ratios are.

Travel Nursing Isn’t a Sustainable Career

With nursing shortages in many places across the country, there are more travel jobs available than ever. Because these jobs simply can’t be filled, many facilities are willing to pay more money to bring travelers onboard, making it even more lucrative. Nurses that can be flexible when it comes to location, can easily build a successful career as a traveler.

Travel Nursing Weakens Resumes

Some nurses are under the impression that continuously changing assignments/facilities will hurt their resumes, but that’s simply not the case, in fact the opposite is true. Travel nurses who work in a variety of settings bring a depth of skill level and flexibility that makes their resumes even stronger. As the industry has been around for many years now, there is no longer a stigma that may have existed when it was first getting started.

Travel Nursing Assignments are Only in Big Cities

While it’s natural for there to be a big need in large cities where there’s a significant, condensed population, the reality is there are many small towns and remote places with facilities in dire need of nurses. Contracts can be found everywhere from Alaska, Wyoming, and Montana to South Dakota and West Virginia. As it can be more challenging to bring well-trained, experiences into more rural areas, the pay may be even higher too.

Now that we’ve debunked travel nursing common myths , it’s time to explore your next assignment. Learn more about travel nursing benefits with Health Carousel Travel Nursing .

Is travel nursing worth the money?

If you like to travel around the country, earn high travel nurse pay, and learn valuable nursing skills, then travel nursing is for you. Many travel nursing agencies offer high travel nurse pay, cover travel expenses, and sometimes offer free housing. While every travel assignment is unique in its offerings, you can tailor your assignments to meet your wants and needs. 

Is being a travel nurse fun?

Being a travel nurse is definitely fun! You have the opportunity to work in high-demand areas and work with a variety of patient populations. When you are off work during your travel assignment, you can explore new locations and meet new friends.

What does a travel nurse do on a typical day?

A travel nurse’s job responsibilities are the same as a permanent position registered nurse, depending on your primary specialty. However, your days off can look quite different since you are in a new city. You can meet new friends, explore the local culture, and discover new locations, especially around areas like New York City or San Francisco.

What are the benefits of travel nursing?

Travel nurses have the benefit of working at large healthcare facilities, magnet hospitals, and teaching hospitals. Travel nursing assignments often offer career path advancement opportunities, professional networking, and the opportunity to work with different patient populations. Some other benefits of being atravel nurse include job security, learning new nursing skills, and the opportunity to gain experience.

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