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What Does a Travel Nurse Do? What You Need to Know
Travel nurses use their nursing qualifications to travel and visit different cities across the country. With travel nursing, it’s possible to meet new people and experience different cultures while providing much-needed medical care. If you’re wondering what is a travel nurse and what does a travel nurse do, or how to become a travel nurse, we’ll explain everything you need to know.
What Does a Travel Nurse Do?
Travel nurses are registered nurses (RNs) who fill short-term positions in healthcare facilities, usually between eight to twelve weeks, but can last longer. These short-term roles exist for a variety of reasons, including:
- Nurses on maternity leave
- A sudden need for additional experienced professionals
- Seasonal population fluctuation
- A global pandemic
While each job is different, travel nurses generally have the same roles and responsibilities as full-time staff.
How Does Travel Nursing Work?
When a healthcare organization needs to fill nursing positions, they partner with a travel nurse staffing agency such as Amergis to hire for these roles.
Can Travel Nurses Choose Where to Go?
Yes! Because travel nurses are employed by a staffing agency instead of a healthcare organization, they have the freedom and flexibility to choose where they want to work.
How to Become a Travel Nurse
If you are a registered nurse, no additional education or training is required to become a travel nurse. However, you must be licensed in the state where you choose to work. It is best to have at least one year of experience in your specialty. Angela Hagan, the Recruitment Operations Manager at Amergis, says, “Two years of experience is preferable, but we can usually get you placed in a position with one year of experience.”
When you’re ready, our team of dedicated recruiters will work with you to identify the best opportunity for your career. Contact our team online for more information about new potential travel nursing roles.
You can also check out our travel nurse survival post for great tips on how to make your transition easier.
How Much Does Travel Nursing Pay?
Typically, the current salary range for travel nurses is anywhere from $85k and $110k annually. The level of compensation depends on a variety of factors, such as the healthcare facility’s location and the nurse’s specialty. However, you can expect to make more than your non-travel nurse colleagues. Travel nurses are also eligible for allowances to cover housing, meals, and incidentals while on their travel assignments. These travel positions provide more opportunities for overtime work and extra shifts compared to a traditional hospital-based nursing job.
What Are Some Benefits of Travel Nursing?
There are many benefits of making the transition into a travel nursing career. A few of those benefits include:
- Higher salaries than hospital-based nurses
- The opportunity to explore new cities
- Career advancement opportunities
- The ability to avoid job politics
- The opportunity to make new friends
- Professional flexibility
Can I Be a Travel Nurse If I Have a Family or Pets?
Absolutely. The key to being a travel nurse with pets or a family is proper planning. In addition to talking to your recruiter to help with the planning process, other factors to consider include:
- Childcare options
- Pet care options
- Nearby schools
- Housing options
- Information about your new neighborhood
Often, the best way to prepare for a travel nursing career is to chat with other experienced travel nurses to get insights only they can provide.
What Should I Look for in a Travel Nurse Staffing Agency?
The bottom line is that you will find the best fit based on how well you relate to your travel nurse recruiter. Angela Hagan, Recruitment Operations Manager at Amergis, says, “I tell people not to compare agencies, but instead, compare recruiters. It should feel like a true partnership rather than just an employee and employer relationship.” Also, it’s important to consider what you value most. Each agency differs in the benefits they offer, such as tuition reimbursement, health and dental insurance, and vacation time.
Get Started on Your Travel Nursing Career
Our Amergis team of recruiters is ready to help you get started on a rewarding travel nursing career. Look through some of the available travel nursing positions online or contact our team to learn more today.
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