Venturing into new territories across the United States requires substantial resources. One strategy professionals, particularly those in the healthcare sector, employ to sustain themselves during such expeditions is engaging in travel nursing. Nurses, in particular, are highly sought after nationwide and are presented with a myriad of thrilling prospects as travel nurses. But what exactly does it entail to be a travel nurse?
Essentially, a travel nurse is a qualified registered nurse (RN) who fills temporary roles in various healthcare settings. These assignments could entail working in outpatient facilities, understaffed hospitals, or even providing home health services. Furthermore, these positions encompass a diverse array of specialty areas, including operating rooms, emergency rooms, pediatrics, and more. The contract nurse is entrusted with the same duties as a full-time counterpart, albeit on a short-term basis. Typically, contract durations range from 8 to 26 weeks.
In 2021, travel nurses constituted merely 1% of the nursing workforce. However, as the reverberations of the pandemic persist, this figure is experiencing a dramatic surge and is anticipated to reach 23.4% by 2028. Numerous factors contribute to this exponential growth, extending beyond the uncertainties within the job market. The primary drivers are the autonomy gained from reduced hours and the ability to select positions aligning with personal preferences regarding compensation. On average, travel nurses work 36 hours per week and earn $3,167 weekly, as per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, translating to approximately $75,000 annually.
How does one embark on the journey to become a travel nurse? The initial step is to become an RN through an accredited nursing program. While completing an associate degree suffices for some positions, many require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Additional prerequisites include passing national and state examinations, acquiring specific certifications, and often, accumulating experience in the relevant specialty.
Streamlining the fulfillment of these requirements is typically facilitated by engaging with agencies specializing in travel nursing placements. These professional staffing services streamline the process by outlining necessary criteria and connecting candidates with numerous opportunities. Moreover, they provide support throughout the journey by securing contracts, arranging accommodations, and offering competitive wages alongside desirable benefits packages.
The liberty to choose where and when to work is a privilege many covet. It comes as no surprise that an increasing number of individuals, both male and female, are seizing this opportunity, along with its associated perks, by partnering with agencies and embarking on the adventure of travel nursing. For those interested in delving deeper into the realm of travel nursing, an accompanying resource from Skybridge Healthcare offers comprehensive information and a practical step-by-step guide.
Infographic provided by SkyBridge Healthcare, a provider of OR nurse travel jobs
Resources:
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/become-a-travel-nurse/