Travel nursing is one of the fastest-growing professions in the healthcare field today. Choosing to become a traveling nurse allows you to help others, and make a great income while exploring new cities. It sounds like a great life at first glance, but this job could also have some major drawbacks. This blog post will go over what you need to know about travel nursing before applying and accepting the job.
The Realities of Travel Nursing
The first reality of travel nursing is that the perks are big. First and foremost, the pay for a traveling nurse is often 20 or 30% higher than an on-staff nurse. In 2022, the average travel nurse’s salary will be just over $108,000. Travel nurses make more primarily for two reasons:
- There is a higher need for their services, so healthcare organizations are willing to pay more.
- Healthcare organizations allow for additional perks in these roles. While staff nurses make a salary or are on an hourly differential, travel nurses have a total pay package. That can include an hourly wage plus a sign-on bonus. There are typically travel reimbursements and stipends for expenses like food, mileage, and housing. One tip? Because perks are classified as reimbursements, they’re non-taxable. This means you can bring home a much higher package when compared to a full-time nurse.
With that said, there are also some difficulties that come with travel nursing, and you should be prepared bot both the ups and downs of the profession. Gypsy Nurse, who blogs about her traveling adventures, says, “Stuff happens, it’s not always going to be perfect, and it’s not supposed to be; in life and your career.” This is probably true of a regular nursing job, as well, so we’re not surprised travel nurses experience good days and bad. However, it’s exactly the variety of new locations, new challenges, and new team dynamics that attract nurses to the traveling lifestyle. But because humans seem to thrive on manageable routines, it’s important to pace yourself.
Traveling nurses say that it can be tiring with no home base. Certainly, you have to consider being on the road if you’re a parent with younger children. But the benefit is that you get to check out communities and facilities before committing. As a travel nurse, your ability to be flexible can net real returns in income quickly. You can increase your skills fast, which makes travel nursing particularly appealing for new providers just out of school.
No matter your situation, AG Globe Services is here to serve you. We offer full service to our top employers, providing them with the best talent in the healthcare field. If you’re looking for a new role, talk with our team today to find your best career fit.
