Pros & Cons of Travel Nursing
I’ve been meaning to post this for awhile now and here it is!! So many nurses have asked me to post this and finally… here is a list of the good and bad reasons on travel nursing!! It’s a brutal honest truth from me and other travel nurses!!
#1 PRO: THE OPPORTUNITY TO TRAVEL TO SOME PLACE NEW.
Many nurses that go into travel nursing because they want to see more of the world, experience living in other cities… being a travel nurse gives you this opportunity to go anywhere and work anywhere. Who wants to only go to the same two bars, clubs, restaurants in their town?
#1 CON: LACK OF EXPERIENCE.
Majority of nurses that go into travel nursing have less than 5 years of experience… some nurses are NOT ready for this change and have to continue to gain more experience at their current facility before walking into a new facility. Remember, orientation as a traveler can be anywhere from 1-3 days only. Travel nurses typically have the worst case assignments.
#2 PRO: RESUME BUILDER.
Gaining more experience is everything… knowing how to work in different facilities will help you build your work history into a strong resume. It is without question, more experience opens more doors.
#2 CON: COMPLIANCE.
Keep in mind, with every new assignment, you will have to go through compliance time and time again… that means going to a clinic, taking a drug test, required shots, etc. It can be incredibly tedious. It’s always best to extend one time in the event that the facility offers you and if you are okay with the extension.
#3 PRO: FINANCIAL FREEDOM!!!
Travel nurses gets paid a lot more. You are given a stipend for housing and meals.. And the best part… it’s TAX-FREE!!! Two-thirds of the nurses that I have worked with in my career are now living debt free. I have seen many that paid off their student loans, paid off their debt, paid off their wedding, purchasing their first home, … living their best life.
#3 CON: STARTING WITH NO MONEY.
Starting travel nursing without any money saved is a huge problem for many nurses. Sometimes, there can be cancelations or delays with start dates, so payday that you originally thought would be next Friday is now pushed out for another two weeks. No one wants to be broke. It’s always important to save money in between assignments as well. (I’ve blogged on how to save money… check it out when you have time.)
#4 PRO: MEET YOUR BESTIE
You meet some of the best human beings as a travel nurse! You meet others that share your same interests. I LOVE bringing people together and have witnessed many nurses that would become best of friends.
#4 CON: HATERS
Staff nurses don’t always treat travelers well. One of the nurses I work with told me he was told by a nurse manager to give the hard assignment to a traveler because “they get paid more.. So just give them this hard assignment.” Many travel nurses will tell you sometimes they feel mistreated or how it's unfair that they get that bad end of the stick. This is one of the ugly truths of being a traveler.
#5 PRO: ITS NOT A LIFE COMMITMENT
You’re never stuck in just one facility!! Listen… if you don’t like it… guess what.. You’re only there for 13 weeks!! Thats it!! You are not committed for long term.
#5 CON: LONELINESS
As fun as it is being a traveler… it can be very lonely especially if you are not much of a social butterfly. It’s easy to go into a new city without knowing anyone. So its important to always connect with other travelers… Y'all can explore the city together!
#6 PRO: MORE MONEY
There are a lot of bonuses out there… you just have to ask! There are referral bonuses, loyalty bonuses, completion bonuses, etc. Besides that… there are reimbursements on certifications, license and CE as well!! Always ask!
#6 CON: BENEFITS
Health insurance might not be the best package for you through any agency… always know your options. I would say half the nurses I work with have their own insurance and the other half use what the agency offers. There are options out there… the hardest part is just doing the digging and research.