So… like… you’re a traveling nurse? How does that work? Where do you live? Do you make a lot of money? Can you go anywhere? … Whoa! What a cool opportunity!
*Conversations I frequently have with others*
What exactly is travel nursing?
Travel nursing. Two words. Definition: exactly as it sounds. Travel all over the United States, experience life in a new city, make more money, create new friendships, all while advancing your career. Sound too good to be true? I thought so, too- now I’m 2 years into my nursing career & on my 3rd travel nursing contract! Travel nursing contracts exist because of critical staffing needs within hospitals & clinics. With the “baby boomers,” on the verge to retirement, which includes fellow nurses, the already large nursing shortage within the U.S. will continue to grow, creating more holes in staffing needing to be filled by travel RNs.
Who can become a travel nurse?
First and foremost, you must legally hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license, having passed the NCLEX examination in your home state. Generally speaking, after 1 year of working within your speciality, many agencies will consider you eligible to submit to select nursing contracts. Many hospitals have specific requirements for submission such as “must have 2 years ICU experience in a Level-1 trauma center” or “must have 6 months of travel experience prior,” to be considered at their hospital. Other frequently seen requirements: BLS, ACLS, NIHSS, EKG trained, able to start IVs, etc. If your goal is to become a travel nurse, these are all components to consider when first choosing or switching specialities. If you’re not for example, ACLS certified, you may consider seeing if you can become certified through your current hospitals education system, otherwise your perspective travel agency should reimburse you to become certified if your future travel contract requires it.
Personally, I started traveling after 15 months of working as a new graduate float pool RN at a Level-1 trauma center. I felt confident beginning travel nursing early in my career, perhaps because I was use to working on many different speciality units. At 24 years old, I was considered the “baby,” travel nurse, as many others start traveling after a few years of experience. Bottom line, the time to start travel nursing is when you feel most ready.
How long is each travel nurse contract for?
On average, a travel nursing contract is 13 weeks, but can be as short as 4 weeks or as long as 6 months. The option to extend a contract is frequently offered, which can be done until a travel nurse chooses or a maximum of just shy of 1 year, as they then would be considered a permanent staff RN and would lose travel RN benefits after that year.
Can you travel anywhere?
Yes… & no. While there are hundreds of travel nursing contracts available across the country to choose from, you cannot be guaranteed a specific location to work in. Many cities & states such as Austin, TX, Portland, OR, Colorado, & Hawaii have contracts, but are seldom to come by or don’t pay well, simply because they are better staffed & people love to live there. For some travelers, location is everything, no matter the pay package. For others, they’d rather work in another desirable location with higher staffing needs, make greatmoney, & have the ability to take time off to go home and see family or take a vacation in between contracts. If there’s somewhere you really want to go to, be sure your recruiter is aware, new contracts are posted everyday!
How do I choose a great nursing agency & recruiter?
While there are 300+ nursing agencies in the U.S., and growing, finding a great agency/recruiter to work under can seem overwhelming. Starting off my travel career, another RN recommended me a recruiter through American Mobile (AMN). Being one of the largest agencies, AMN has contacts in many cities, which may be appealing if you’re looking for an assignment in a specific location. On the downside, the recruiters that work for larger agencies have many travel RNs to manage, which may affect their responsiveness to you. For my second assignment, I found an appealing assignment in the Bay Area through “NurseFly,” an awesome app that directly compares pay packages for contracts being offered by different agencies. Through NurseFly, I met my current & amazing recruiter, Sydney Lamberty, who works for Atlas Medstaff, an Omaha, NE based agency. Between the supportive relationship I’ve built with my recruiter, competitive pay packages, sweet gifts I frequently receive in the mail, & in-person events they spoil their RNs with, this agency continues to impress me & offer the best customer service.
For simply more information on travel nursing or to launch your traveling career today, contact Sydney Lamberty at sydneylamberty@atlasmedstaff.com or 651-675-8957 & let her know I sent you!
How do the pay packages work?
Ah, the exciting part. If you play travel nursing right, you can bring in some serious dough to pay off loans, save for a house, & build the future you’ve always dreamt of. Since traveling, money has become the least of my worries & instead, one of the biggest blessings, allowing me to truly enjoy all the experiences available to me. Most agencies pay you weekly, too!
For the easiest breakdown of pay packages checkout this video:
Travel Nursing Salary and Pay: How to Evaluate
When first starting off, it’s important to understand a few things. You will certainly be making more, if not double the salary you were before, as a staff RN. While your first instinct may be to jump at a pay package offer, be cautious & consider all components such a cost of living in addition to the second rent you are required to pay for, by law, on your tax-home or permanent residence.
Simplify the math:
Hospital bill rate – agencies share = Travel RN salary
As a new travel RN, you may be viewed as “fresh bait,” by recruiters who attempt to offer you a lower pay package, in hopes to make a higher percentage off of your assignment. While juggling many agencies can be confusing, do your research. Ask recruiters directly to see a pay package & compare them between agencies to see if they are consistent. Hop on to the Travel Nurse Network & use the “search this group,” bar to research the average pay rate for specific hospitals, cities, states. Nurses want to help each other.
Where can I find short term housing?
Agencies will either offer to find you furnished housing or you can take the generous housing stipend which is calculated into your pay package & opt to find your own housing. While every housing experience is different, there are many resources out there to use to assist in the housing search. Search early & plan ahead if you can or try to find a roommate like I did for my first contract (S/O Lauren) & make housing cheaper.
Housing Resources:
furnishedfinder.com
airbnb.com
Directly message hosts & ask if they offer special monthly rates
extendedstayamerica.com
Call & mention you’re an RN for special rates
vrbo.com
Directly message hosts & ask if they offer special monthly rates
Travel Nursing: Places/Rooms for Rent
Travel Nurse Housing- The Gypsy Nurse
Seattle Travel Nurses
Research to see if the city you’re in has a travel nurse group
If possible, signing a lease month-to-month is ideal in the event that you decide you wish to live elsewhere or your contract is unexpectedly cancelled. This way you won’t be left to pocket out the remaining rent or be pressured to find a person to sublease.
What challenges do you face as a travel nurse?
While there a many benefits to travel nursing, naturally, there are challenges that every traveler faces. Moving every 13 weeks, having to find new housing in an unfamiliar place, becoming acclimated to a new hospital system, missing out on special occasions & family/friend get-togethers back home, & other stressors in between. For me, it’s all part of the journey.
These struggles have taught me so many lessons including:
1. Be prepared & always have a plan B (Girl Scout for life)
2. Things will not always go as planned. Roll with the punches, grow from it, & move on.
3. Use your resources & lean on others for help when you need it. Call your BFF & mom.
4. Let your hardships show you all there is to be happy about.
What is your favorite part about a traveling career?
Hands down, the best part about travel nursing is the traveling aspect & the opportunity to explore new places of the U.S. I’ve never seen before. In 6 months, I’ve roadtripped almost the entire west coast, experiencing the most beautiful cities, beaches, national parks, & historical sites on the planet. Along with this, I’ve made amazing new friendships, tried delicious local food, & been blessed with a whole new perspective on life. I wouldn’t trade the experiences I’ve had so far for the world!
So… are you… like…
are you ready to become a travel nurse?
For specific questions, please feel free to email OnceUponATravelNurse@gmail.com I am more than happy to help!
