At first, it might hurt, but in the end, you’ll be better for it
Travel nursing is a fulfilling job for someone who enjoys exploring different clinical experiences across the US.
But travel nursing has many ups and downs associated with it. It can offer you long tiring night shifts. And on the flip side, you’ll also get acquainted with people of diverse cultural backgrounds depending on your assignment.
Additionally, as a travel nurse, you’ll also make a good chunk of money.
But the truth is that it’s not always unicorns and rainbows. Being a travel RN comes with its shares of, let’s just say, uncomfortable situations.
And that’s why it’s essential to get comfortable being uncomfortable. In this article, we’ll outline a few of the pros and cons of becoming a travel nurse.
Here’s what we mean.
What are the pros of travel nursing?
There are actually lots of good things. I’ve experienced lots of them over the years.
But let’s chat about a few of the more important ones.
High Paying Salaries
Travel nurses tend to make more money than staff nurses.
It’s a fact of the profession and one that will likely never change. The reasons are that a travel RN usually leaves home. Plus, they’re in a brand new environment. And let’s not forget that sometimes the assignments are less than stellar.
But despite that and the pretty decent hourly rate, you’ll get a non-taxed stipend to fulfill your living and travel expenses.
Some agencies also offer housing services to travel nurses.
Upgrading your lifestyle
Travel nursing provides you with plenty of opportunities to explore different places across the country.
You will also meet healthcare workers and fellow RNs of diverse backgrounds. But more importantly, travel nursing offers you to work in healthcare settings that will boost your nursing skills.
So yeah, a lifestyle upgrade is definitely a pro for the profession.
Looks good on your resume
Once you’ve worked as a travel nurse, your chance of getting selected for future travel contracts is way above average.
Your recruiters may find it easier to place you. A potential nurse manager will consider you a rock star travel nurse because you’ve “been there, done that” and can deal with change due to your past travel nursing experiences.
What are the Cons of Travel Nursing?
Now let’s talk about some of the cons. Not necessarily bad stuff, but things a travel RN should be aware of.
Combat homesickness
Travel nurses tend to experience homesickness more than staff nurses. Working in a new clinical environment away from home is the obvious culprit. Toss in not being able to connect with your friends and family, which can trigger feelings of loneliness.
Stressful routine
A travel nursing assignment only lasts for 13 weeks.
But the day-to-day, shift-to-shift routine can be pretty stressful. Especially if you’re constantly meeting new patients and getting to know new staff. And on top of that, you have to deal with the possibility of being in a less than ideal work environment. We’ve all heard the horror stories about bad managers, right?
Therefore, you must find a way to cope with your mental stress before working as a travel nurse.
Low seniority
You’re almost always going to be the “new guy.”
You’re constantly starting from scratch. Sure, you might have a few years of experience in the field. But that doesn’t necessarily mean much when you’re working with a brand new group of people in an unfamiliar setting.
As a result, you may not get the weekends off you want and may even have to be the first to float.
The final word
So, should you become a travel nurse?
That’s up to you. Weighing the pros and cons can help make your decision easier. But know that there are some great benefits to the profession–high salaries, lifestyle upgrades, and resume-boosting experiences, just to name a few. And if you’re willing to work through the challenges of homesickness and stress, go for it! You may just find that travel nursing is the perfect fit for you.
In short, get comfortable being uncomfortable.
To learn more about the travel nursing opportunity and cities across the country, visit Bestica Healthcare and start planning your next assignment today.
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