Are you interested in being a nurse? Travel nursing may be what’s right for you.
Travel nursing is a wonderful opportunity that just came about in the late 1970’s. Since then many people have gotten to experience the wonderful opportunities that come along with it. “The average annual travel nurse salary in the US is $105,021 or $50/hr.” You don’t need any additional education on top of your nursing degree to become a travel nurse; you simply sign up with a travel agency such as Aya Healthcare. After getting accepted into the agency, they will begin to offer you contracts to work at different hospitals across the country for short periods. These hospitals are usually short-staffed and in need of help. The typical travel contract lasts between 4-13 weeks. Oftentimes, travel agencies offer housing to the nurses during their stay.
Travel nursing also offers many benefits such as medical, dental, and vision plans. Aside from that, it can also help you build on your experience. During a travel contract you may help in multiple departments ranging from pediatrics to a trauma unit. This will allow you to build on skills outside of nursing, such as working with people from different cultures and help with building a better understanding of how to help your patients. While it can be difficult not to have a single hospital that you always work at, many nurses grow in various ways while traveling, rather it be personally or professionally.
How you start your career is extremely important. Employers are looking for a “trustworthy and competent nurse who is a good team player,” says HHS Health Science teacher Amy Trout. First impressions are everything when it comes to being a travel nurse. There are limited options when it comes to travel agencies, so it is important to build good relationships within the companies. Being “Someone who is caring, hard-working, and has good communication and critical thinking skills” is crucial when becoming a nurse, says HHS Health Science teacher Christy Caruso. “There are many different career choices when it comes to nursing. There are lots of places of employment, lots of specialties for you to choose from, and a variety of choices in working hours. A career in Nursing is rewarding and there will always be a job available!” according to Caruso. There is a lot to keep in mind when planning your career and for some, travel nursing is the perfect option.