Looking for a job that pays great, satisfies your need for adventure, and allows you to follow your passion for helping others? If so, becoming a travel nurse may be a great career path for you. Suppose you are considering becoming a permanent nurse. In that case, it is essential that you understand what are the pros and cons of travel nursing vs. permanent nursing before you make a decision. Whether you are looking to explore the U.S. or find a place to settle down eventually, travel nursing is an excellent choice for anyone who loves adventure.
It can be pretty lucrative, too, and there are plenty of opportunities for career enhancement. Every day when you put on your favorite modern scrubs and head to work, you will be greeted by new experiences and chances to expand your knowledge.
If you have been wondering whether travel nursing is right for you, keep reading to discover a few of the many benefits of working as a travel nurse.
1. Flexibility and Freedom
Does the thought of being tied down to the same workplace for years on end make you feel trapped? Or do you hate needing to get permission to take time off to spend with family and friends? If so, travel nursing could be an excellent option.
As a travel nurse, you have a much greater degree of flexibility and freedom. You decide when and where you want to work. You’re also free to take time off between assignments to pursue your interests or spend time with the people you love.
2. Opportunities to Explore
Why spend every day working in the same place when you can travel around the country and gain new experiences? From the non-stop action of New York City to the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains, travel nursing can take you just about anywhere. Whether you’re dreaming of visiting popular tourist destinations throughout the nation or hoping to discover some incredible places that are off the beaten path, this career lets you explore all of the areas that interest you.
3. Professional Growth
If you are looking to grow your career, working as a travel nurse provides plenty of opportunities. Working at different facilities allows you to learn new techniques and broaden your skill set. As a travel nurse, you will also get to show off your ability to adapt and face changes head-on — all while building a solid and impressive resume.
4. Job Security
With a nursing shortage impacting all sectors of the medical field, it should come as no surprise that being a travel nurse offers a lot of job security. Skilled RNs are in high demand[mfn]https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm[/mfn], and many facilities are turning to travel nurses to fill vacancies and help meet seasonal needs. As a nurse who travels, you will never have to worry about not finding a job. If you are looking for job security, becoming a travel nurse is an excellent option.
5. Excellent Earning Opportunities
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Travel nurses earn attractive hourly rates and are often compensated with overtime, shift differentials, completion bonuses, free furnished housing, and health insurance, too. You even may be able to earn incentives for referring other RNs you know to become travel nurses.
6. No Workplace Politics
Travel nurses never have to worry about getting wrapped up in workplace politics. Instead of being embroiled in management and operational issues, you will be able to focus on patient care and do your job. You will never be involved in the bureaucracy of the facility where you are working. All paperwork is handled through the agency you work for, and you can always turn to them if you run into any problems while on an assignment.
7. Avoid Burnout
Burnout is prevalent in the healthcare field — especially among nurses in the wake of COVID-19[mfn]https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/nurse-burnout-remains-serious-problem-putting-patients-danger-experts-say-n1266513[/mfn]. If this all-too-common problem is something that you are trying to avoid, becoming a travel nurse could be the perfect solution. Whether you feel like your career has grown stagnant or you are tired of working with the same people day in and day out, switching to travel nursing could be just the change you need. Having the chance to focus on patient care while experiencing new places is an excellent way to revive yourself and keep burnout at bay.
8. Make New Friends
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Traveling around the country for work allows you to make all sorts of new friends. From workplace colleagues to the people you meet while off the clock, you will form bonds with people from all walks of life while working as a travel nurse. Moving from place to place puts you in contact with people you would have never met otherwise, and it is one of the most rewarding parts of traveling. Even when you move to a new location, you will carry your new friends with you in your heart.
9. Find the Perfect Place to Settle Down
If you are considering a permanent move but are unsure where to go, working as a travel nurse is an excellent way to experience various cities and “test the waters” before committing to living somewhere permanently. You can find out firsthand whether you prefer the hustle and bustle of city life or are more comfortable in the countryside. You will discover what you don’t like, too, and be able to use your knowledge and experiences when choosing a permanent place to settle down.
10. Develop New Hobbies and Interests
Living and working in new places often leads to new experiences. If, for example, you’re from the south and have never seen snow, you may be surprised to discover a love for skiing when working in the mountains. Just about every location you visit will have its own options for staying busy, and you will likely uncover all sorts of new hobbies and interests in your travels. You may also develop new interests at work, too.
Conclusion
Being a travel nurse is an excellent option for anyone who wants to work in healthcare without being tied down. The rewards are numerous, and you’ll get to experience something new with every assignment. If you think this career path might be right for you, pack up your favorite scrub jackets for women and other workwear, and get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime!