The unknown of travel nursing can be scary, but many nurses find it rewarding. The change of pace, excitement of learning new things, and ability to explore new areas make it a highly desirable career.
Have you considered travel nursing before? It’s a way to still follow your passion for helping others without sacrificing yourself. It sounds risky and too good to be true, especially when you’re used to the hospital grind, but most nurses find it fulfilling.
At AB Staffing Solutions, we break down the biggest myths and reveal the realities to guide future travel nurses.
Myth: You Have No Job Security
Job security is every employee’s priority. Who wouldn’t like to be sure that they won’t lose their job anytime soon? Now, since nurse assignments are temporary by nature, which allows them to move from one place to another, many think the frequent transitions create uncertainty.
Reality: Demand Is High Across the U.S.
Yes, travel nurses move from one place to another, taking contract work in various cities and facilities. They bridge staffing gaps and help during seasonal surges nationwide. That means travel nurses are needed!
We’re expecting the nursing workforce to keep growing up to 2032, but many nurses may also leave their positions. For instance, in March 2022, 52% of nurses considered doing so. Staffing shortages are very likely, and travel nursing is bringing professionals to where such problems are occurring.
Travel nurses make up 3% to 4% of a hospital’s nursing staff on average. There’s always a facility that is looking for you, from an Emergency Room Nurse travel contract in Montana, to Med Surg assignment in Alaska.
Myth: Nurses Have No Say in Their Assignments
Since travel nurses aren’t permanent staff members, some people assume that their roles aren’t as significant as those of full-time employees. This idea leads to the belief that travel nurses have no control over the positions they take or where they’re assigned.
Reality: You’re Matched to Roles That Fit Your Skills
Travel nursing doesn’t take you where you know you won’t thrive professionally and personally. For example, at AB Staffing, we let candidates know where there are openings. You can apply for any position in any location that interests you, and if your qualifications match the requirements, we’ll match you accordingly.
If being a Corrections Nurse in Colorado is your dream, we’ll make it happen. If you want to work in Labor and Delivery in Arizona, we’ll help you get there.
Travel nursing prioritizes two things at once: the success of the facilities seeking medical professionals and the success of the professionals themselves.
Myth: It’s Hard To Make Friends or Feel Settled
Most nurse contracts last 13 weeks Many think the idea of spending days packing up, traveling to one place, unpacking, and then learning where to buy groceries or how to get to work, only to do it all over again after three months, is a nightmare. Also, being in an unfamiliar city without knowing anyone can be lonely.
Reality: You Meet Many People and Create Lasting Relationships
Travel nursing contracts are flexible. You, the facility, and your agency can negotiate the details of the job. That said, your time for each assignment can be flexible beyond 13 weeks if the facility offers extensions. In every workplace you step into, you’ll meet new colleagues, patients, and locals who can share stories, cultures, and traditions you’ll never forget, especially when you understand and practice proper etiquette.
The best part is that wherever you go, you aren’t just a nurse. You are an adventurer visiting hot springs, joining nearby yoga retreats, and going paddleboarding on the weekend. You have time to attend festivals and explore food scenes! Such memories you make with new people will remain with you, even when you move on to another assignment.
Becoming a Nurse
Travel nursing is attainable for anyone with an interest in caring for people. It may not follow the traditional path, but it takes you to great destinations, if not the best, with even more learning and opportunities! It offers great work-life balance and is perfect for adventurers and those with a passion for helping others.
How do you become a travel nurse who is in demand, matched perfectly to the right facility, and friends with people in different parts of the world?
- Complete Your Nursing Education: Graduate from an accredited nursing program with strong clinical rotations. You’ll need either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
- Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam: Being a licensed Registered Nurse (RN) is mandatory for practicing in any state.
- Gain Years of Clinical Experience: It’s best to have at least 12 -24 months of bedside experience in your specialty, whether that’s medical-surgical, labor and delivery, or psychiatry.
- Obtain Licensure in a Compact State (If Applicable): If your home state is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), you’ll have the freedom to work in more than 40 states without needing additional licenses. If not, apply for licensure in each state where you want to accept assignments.
- Find an Agency: Invest time in comparing agencies. Look for those offering a dedicated recruiter, competitive pay, housing assistance or stipends, license reimbursements, and health and retirement benefits.
- Submit Your Credentials: Prepare your resume, certifications, immunization records, background check, and references, and let the offers roll.
Experience the Realities of Being a Nurse
AB Staffing has been a trusted name since 2002, ranked as the Top Healthcare Staffing Company on Forbes’ list of America’s Best Professional Recruiting Firms and consistently recognized by Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the country. We’re accredited and certified by The Joint Commission, and we take pride in delivering innovative, positive, and personalized solutions.
Are you ready to step into the skillful and exciting world of travel nursing? Do it with our experts at AB Staffing! Call 888-515-3900 or contact us online.
