Do you want an opportunity to experience something new, a new environment, or opportunities to develop your profession? If so, then travel nursing could be the right choice for you. The field of travel nursing offers a unique job that enables nurses to operate in diverse locations across the country and around the globe on temporary assignments.

One of the highest demanding jobs in the USA

Demand for travel nurses is driven by many reasons, including the growth of population, aging Gen X and conditions such as obesity and diabetes that need ongoing treatment. Moreover, the healthcare sector is always developing, hospitals and healthcare facilities must be able to swiftly respond to changes in demand. Travel nurses provide a versatile and cost-effective approach to this issue since they may be employed on a short-term basis to fill staffing gaps or assist healthcare institutions in dealing with seasonal swings in demand.

The travel nursing industry is flourishing, with a 35% increase in work opportunities from 2019 to 2021! And get this: according to statistics, the average compensation for these traveling nurses has increased from $1,706 per week to a staggering $3,290 per week in December 2021.

Why the overall shortage in travel nursing staff?

Several factors led to the shortage in staff nursing and travel nursing:

• Covid-19 pandemic burnout
• Aging population
• Lack of qualified nurses(especially in rural areas)
• Seasonal demand

How Can Travel Nursing Benefit Your Career and Wallet?

Travel the country - Their jobs offer an exciting and unique way to combine their love for healthcare and travel. The chance to travel to new places is one of the major reasons that people are opting for this job. Many travel nurses take this time to learn about different cultures and explore new places around the country.

Expand your professional connections - Staffing firms may link nurses with other professionals who are also traveling, as well as clinics and institutions in other areas. The traveling part makes networking with the right individuals even more easier, as they even have the option to choose their work. Additionally, attending conferences, workshops and other related events in the industry allows them to network with other professionals, learn about new trends and innovations in nursing.

Higher compensation and other perks compared to staff nurses - According to Payscale, travel nurses are paid a median annual wage of about $84,000 as of March 2022. On the other hand, staff nurses are paid about $68,000. A stipend is given specifically for meals, traveling, and even housing to travel nurses, which is non-taxable.

Escape organizational politics - Travel nurses have the advantage to shift their work location in case of anything negative. They are highly professional and adhere to the code of conduct, emphasizing on patient centered care which reduces the chance of a conflict in the first place but still having an option to shift is pretty decent.

Can choose their contracts - It is easier for travel nurses to arrange their schedules around their private life. The nurses can also have time off to go to family gatherings or engage in hobbies without worrying about being absent from work. Travel nursing also gives the chance to visit various areas of the nation and earn higher wages as compared to traditional staff nurses.