The 411: What You Need to Know About Travel Nursing
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By Kimberly Rae Dixon, Contributor
If you're considering making a transition to travel nursing, you've probably got plenty of questions about how it works. Finding a staffing agency, contract terms, average salaries, benefits and accommodations are all common topics that new travel nurses ask about. Read the information below to find out what you need to know about travel nursing.
Finding a Travel Nurse Agency
Once you've decided to become a travel nurse, finding a travel nurse agency should be your first matter of business. While there are plenty of agencies out there, not all are considered equal. It's important to look for an agency that has a good reputation in the nursing industry. A good travel nurse agency also offers plenty of job selection in varying locations, as well as benefits, bonuses, a good support system and exclusive contracts with top hospitals and healthcare facilities. When signing with a travel nursing agency, you're required to provide proof of your right to work in the United States, and you must be a graduate of an accredited nursing program.
LEARN MORE about the travel nursing agencies we partner with and why we have chosen them over others.
Licensing
Nursing license requirements are different in each state. Some states participate in the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC), which lets nurses practice in participating states without obtaining a new license. If you're hoping to practice in states that don't participate in the eNLC, your staffing agency can help you obtain the correct licensing before you apply for or begin a new assignment.
Contracts, Pay, Benefits and Bonuses
New contracts are signed between you and the recruiter for each assignment. The standard assignment length is 13 weeks; however, there are some recruiters who hire nurses to work for shorter or longer periods of time ranging from eight weeks to six months. Of course, the pay, benefits and bonuses usually vary a little bit depending on the assignment.
As of May 2018, the average registered nurse earned an average of $34.48 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In most cases, travel nurses earn a higher wage than those working as regular staff in hospitals and other medical facilities. When it comes to benefits, companies usually offer full medical and dental coverage and opportunities for continuing education at no cost or discounted rates.
Travel nurses are often eligible for bonus opportunities, which differ depending on the assignment. Most are paid once the assignment is complete, but some travel nurse agencies also offer sign-on bonuses, tenure bonuses and referral bonuses.
RELATED: Top Reasons Why Travel Nurses Get Paid More
Accommodations and Housing Stipends
Recruiters typically set nurses up with shared accommodations that are located near the hospital or healthcare facility that they're assigned to. These apartments can vary, but in some cases, they're fully furnished two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments or condominium, complete with utilities.
Nurses who choose to travel with family members, a friend or a pet or those who simply prefer to live alone may wish to find their own accommodations. In this case, recruiters offer a housing stipend, usually referred to as a housing subsidy. Depending on the assignment, the housing subsidy may not cover the entire cost of rent or utilities, so it's important to discuss housing benefits prior to accepting an assignment.
Choosing Your Assignments
Travel nurses have the luxury of accepting or declining assignments as they see fit. You can choose to work only in predetermined locations or use travel nursing as an opportunity to travel and see different parts of the United States. It's best to work with your recruiter and provide them with information including your preferred locations, hours, clinical settings, facilities and housing accommodations as well as any other important details so they can match you to assignments that suit your needs and lifestyle.
Before you jump into a career that demands a lot of travel, it's a good idea to know what you're getting into. Once you're well-informed and have decided it's a good move for you, browse the vast selection of available assignments online at TravelNursing.com to get started on your travel nursing career today.
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