When nurses take maternity leave, sabbaticals or any other leave of absence, hospitals and other health care organizations can find themselves faced with temporary gaps in their staffing levels that need to be filled quickly and effectively. That’s where travel nurses come in. Working with staffing agencies, travel nurses take on short-term assignments across the country to ensure that patients receive quality care at any given time. 

If you’re trying to figure out if a career as a travel nurse is the right fit for you, consider the following: 

1. Flexibility 

Are you looking for a career that will give you the flexibility to live in different locations or take certain times of the year off? As a travel nurse, you’ll typically receive assignments that last about 13 weeks, not only giving you options when it comes to where you work, but how much you work as well. You can choose to work in warmer climates during the coldest months of the year, or take a few weeks off between assignments to help your best friend plan her wedding or take that European back packing trip you’ve always dreamed of. 

2. Experience 

Whether you just earned your nursing certification or are reentering the job market after a time away, working as a travel nurse can help you get your feet wet and gain experience in a number of different settings in a short period of time. 

3. Salary

Choosing travel nursing can also be a financially-motivated decision. On average, travel nurses earn a higher salary than nurses who work in a permanent role. In addition to earning a competitive wage, you’ll also get the benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, etc. And, you don’t need to worry about extra expenses associated with frequent moves. When working as a travel nurse you’ll typically receive a stipend or reimbursement for living and moving expenses on top of your salary (as approved by the IRS). 

4. Adventure

If you’re looking to see more of the country, or simply want to try something new to break up your routine, a career as a travel nurse is the solution. Working in this role gives you an opportunity to travel and experience new things without sacrificing the security of a regular salary and benefits. It’s a great career choice for the adventurous spirit who loves caring for patients, but needs variety. 

Is a career as a travel nurse right for you?