The Pros and Cons of Travel Nursing

Travel nursing is a career that offers adventure and stability for people just starting their job search or ready to expand their careers. All across the country, there is a demand for nurses, whether you are recent graduates or an experienced professional.

As a traveling nurse, you can tour across the entire country. Besides working in various environments, you’ll be able to form valuable networking systems. Plus, it’s in high demand. Many nurses pack up what they need, including their families, and head out on the road in an RV or travel trailer.

The Pros and Cons of Travel Nursing
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Is it worthwhile to take on a travel nursing job? Do you think it might be your right career move after you graduate from your online accelerated BSN program? If you are looking for a bit of adventure, the chance to travel around the country and get varied experience, travel nursing may be the right move for you. Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of becoming a travel nurse.

Professional Growth

Pros:

Individuals who wish to gain unique experiences can benefit from the travel nurse lifestyle. There are many environments in which travel nurses can work. The choice will be yours between a large, busy urban facility and a smaller, more relaxed rural clinic. Travel nursing allows you to gain a wide variety of experiences.

  • You will learn how to adapt to different situations
  • Acquire a better understanding of culture
  • Become more independent
  • Enhance your interpersonal skills
  • Develop new skills

Cons:

Traditionally, gaining professional experience involves working for one employer for a long time. A majority of other professions disapprove of switching employers frequently.

Flexibility

Pros:

As a travel nurse, your choices are limited only by yourself. That’s why it is possible for you to travel as a nurse and bring your family along. When you take a new assignment, you get to manage your time off to spend with family and friends. Nurses who work regularly are limited by their vacation time. Unlike permanent nurses, travel nurses can choose their hours.

Cons:

The most influential con about travel nursing involves the available time that you will have to spend with your family. You will still have to work long shifts away from your family. As the newest nurse in your unit, you may end up working odd shifts.

Great Wages

Pros:

According to Payscale.com, the average travel nurse’s salary is $103,893. This is nearly double the salary of a regular nurse. You don’t just make your base salary as a travel nurse. The following are some of the incredible salary benefits that travel nurses can expect:

  • Deductions from taxes
  • A generous reimbursement policy
  • Tax-free stipends
  • Incentives
  • Health insurance and retirement benefits
  • Special offers and discounts

Cons:

The only potential con for travel nurses is there is not a consistent salary. Without a regular salary, travel nurses may miss out on incremental increases in their pay level.

If you are a nurse or are becoming a nurse, consider the pros and cons that we have discussed to determine if it’s the right journey for you.

If you’re interested in how to become a travel nurse, there are essential steps you can follow to get started. These steps include obtaining the necessary nursing qualifications and licensure, gaining some experience as a registered nurse, and researching reputable travel nursing agencies to find suitable assignments. Additionally, consider networking with experienced travel nurses and attending industry events to gain insights into the profession and make connections that can facilitate your journey to becoming a travel nurse.

Team PainAssist
Team PainAssist
Written, Edited or Reviewed By: Team PainAssist, Pain Assist Inc. This article does not provide medical advice. See disclaimer
Last Modified On:September 14, 2023

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