6 Reasons to Become a Travel Nurse

With a whole Baby Boomer class of nurses retiring, healthcare environments nationwide are in need of help. Nursing is one of the fastest growing fields in the healthcare industry, at more than twice the pace as the national average. With millions of nursing jobs available, organizations are relying upon travel nurses to fill in the gaps to best serve patients.

Here are six reasons to become a travel nurse:

1. It’s super flexible

You can set your own hours and choose where you want to work. Travel nurses are often hired for short-term contracts, so you won’t be tied to one specific place or organization indefinitely. Travel nurses also have the opportunity to learn about various specialties and environments while working in their placements, so you’ll get to try out different methods of furthering your career and get paid to do it!

2. You get to travel the world

Millions of people experience extreme cases of wanderlust. Becoming a travel nurse will allow you to scratch that itch and embrace your inner travel bug without leaving a gaping hole in your wallet. You may not be far from home all the time, as, technically, anything over 50 miles is considered “traveling.” This is great if you need to work and stay somewhat close to family. You may also be able to travel all over your home state or region and not go farther, but it all depends on what contracts and placements are available.

3. It’s engaging work

In the medical field, there’s really never a dull moment. New undiagnosed and untreated conditions are coming your way constantly and people need supportive healthcare providers. You will hear all sorts of stories from all kinds of people and really connect with their journeys. You will cultivate relationships with patients to allow them to feel supported in this unnerving time.

4. You’re exposed to different environments

Travel nurses are constantly on the move. While some travel nurses can stay in one city, getting extended contracts or multiple contracts with the same organization, it’s much likelier that you’ll be frequently relocating. Prepare yourself for the change of pace by going to school away from home. For example, if you live in Oregon, consider nursing colleges in Arizona. Doing this will expose you to a different climate and culture, mirroring your future experiences as a travel nurse. Also, be sure to negotiate housing in your contract assignments, as where you stay is important to your experience as a travel nurse. Most travel nursing agencies will offer temporary housing for the duration of your stay.

5. You’ll meet new people

Between the constant influx of coworkers and new patients, you will come across all kinds of people from various cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds and locations. You will have unprecedented access to a variety of communities. You will meet people who will change your life and then you will move on to the next place and experience the same rush all over again. Travel nursing is a great way to hone your interpersonal skills because you will learn how to connect with almost everyone, which will certainly help you advance in your career.

6. You’re making a difference

Nurses are so important to the growing healthcare field. If you’re already licensed, you’ve probably seen firsthand how you can positively impact your community. People are constantly in need of medical attention and you can be the one to provide it. Administering life-saving vaccines and other essential medical interventions is a small part of the important work you’ll be doing, but especially so in places with limited access to care.

Regardless of your reasons, becoming a travel nurse is certainly a worthwhile and rewarding career. And once you embark on this exciting career path you’ll probably find additional fulfilling reasons aside from the ones listed above.

About Jammie Morey

Jammie is of Native American descent, her family is from the Ojibway/Chippewa tribe in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. She was born and raised in Michigan and currently resides there with her daughter. She is a single parent and enjoys spending time with her daughter. Jammie is a home healthcare aide and loves what she does outside the home. Jammie is Owner of The Neat Things in Life.

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