Considering a career change or looking to add some adventure to your nursing career? Travel nursing might be the perfect fit for you. As a travel nurse, you get to explore new places, meet diverse patient populations, and work in various healthcare settings.
The best part? Travel nurse pay is often higher than that of a permanent staff nurse, making it a lucrative option. Plus, with many nursing positions available, you can choose assignments that match your skills and interests.
Dive into this blog to learn more about the benefits, opportunities, and exciting experiences that come with being a travel nurse.
What do Travel Nurses Do?
Travel nurses frequently step into roles at understaffed healthcare facilities, where they’re expected to perform all the duties of a traditional nurse with minimal context. This means they must be adept at working in fast-paced, chaotic environments.
For instance, a travel nurse might take an assignment in a severely understaffed neonatal intensive care unit. The regular staff may need more time to explain the hospital charting system or patient details thoroughly, so travel nurses often need to adapt and learn on the go quickly.
Travel nurses sign contracts to fill temporary positions, which can last from a few days to several months, typically between eight and 26 weeks. When contracts end, they can either extend their stay or move on to new opportunities. Some travel nurses may secure full-time positions in assignments they enjoy, but many prefer the flexibility and spontaneity.
Benefits of Working as A Travel Nurse
Along with a high travel nurse pay, this job also carries several benefits. Let us take a brief look at some of the benefits of travel nursing:
- Travel Opportunities
One of the best nursing opportunities is travel nursing. As a travel nurse, you get to take on short-term assignments at healthcare facilities across the country and even internationally. In the U.S., assignments typically last about 13 weeks, allowing you to immerse yourself in local cultures
- Flexibility
Flexibility is another fantastic benefit of travel nursing. While you’re expected to work all assigned shifts during your contract, you can still arrange for time off. This flexibility lets you effectively manage your work-life balance, making travel nursing an appealing option for those seeking variety and freedom in their careers.
- Develop Your Career
Travel nursing is an excellent career development opportunity. You’ll work in diverse healthcare settings, from small rural clinics to large urban trauma centers. This exposure provides a broader range of experiences than staying in one facility. You’ll learn different electronic medical record systems, use various equipment, and work with diverse patient populations.
Travel Nurse Pay – Salary and Perks
The average annual salary for travel nurses in the U.S. is approximately $105,021, or $50 per hour, as reported by ZipRecruiter in May 2023. This figure contrasts notably with the average salary of registered nurses overall, which stands at $81,220 per year or $39.05 per hour, according to the BLS.
Travel nurse pay packages typically combine a base salary with tax-free stipends for housing, meals, and utilities, providing a comprehensive financial package. Here are some perks that come along with the usual travel nurse pay:
- Housing Stipends: These packages include stipends for rent or complimentary housing arrangements, ensuring nurses have comfortable living accommodations during their assignments.
- Travel Expenses: Agencies often cover travel costs, such as airfare or mileage reimbursement, alleviating the financial burden of relocation for travel nurses.
- Bonuses: Nurses may receive various bonuses, such as signing bonuses, assignment completion bonuses, or referral incentives, especially in areas with high demand and staffing shortages.
- Tax-Free Benefits: Many components of the compensation, like housing and health stipends, are tax-free, which enhances the overall financial benefits for travel nurses.
Factors Affecting Travel Nurse Pay
Even though the average travel nurse pay is the same, some factors affect your pay. Read the list below to understand how each factor affects your pay-
- Nursing Specialty: The type of nursing speciality you choose can impact your pay as a travel nurse. Specialized areas like critical care or operating room nursing often offer higher compensation due to the advanced skills and expertise required.
- Location: Where you work plays a significant role in your travel nurse pay. Urban areas and regions with higher costs of living generally offer higher salaries to attract healthcare professionals. On the contrary, rural or less populated areas may offer lower pay rates but could include other benefits like housing stipends.
- Full-time or Part-time Employment: Whether you work full-time or part-time affects your overall earnings. Full-time travel nurses typically earn higher salaries because they work more hours and may qualify for additional benefits.
- Shifts: The shifts you work—such as day shifts, night shifts, mid-shifts, or weekends—can also impact your pay. Shift differentials often apply, meaning you may earn more for working less desirable shifts like nights or weekends.
- Bonus Income: Some travel nursing assignments offer bonuses, which can significantly boost your earnings. These bonuses may be tied to signing bonuses, completion bonuses, or performance incentives, providing additional financial incentives beyond your base pay.
Travel Nursing: A Brighter Future Ahead
Nursing positions are in high demand across the country and will continue to be for the next several years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 5.6% growth in demand for registered nurses (RNs) through 2032.
This increase is driven by the rise in chronic diseases like diabetes, longer life expectancies, and a significant portion of the nursing workforce retiring. These factors contribute to numerous nursing opportunities and a steady demand for skilled nurses, ensuring a bright outlook for those entering the field.
Head to Wanderly, a platform that gives you a plethora of travel nursing opportunities at a click. You can compare and choose the best nursing job for yourself based on your requirements and preferred location. Of course, also expect the most competitive pay for your services. Visit Wanderly now!
