Is Travel Nursing Right for You?

Imagine looking out the window to the Golden Gate Bridge one month, then falling asleep to the sound of the Atlantic Ocean the next. With travel nursing, you don’t have to imagine. 

If you've ever dreamed of traveling new places while upleveling your nursing career, travel nursing might be calling your name. But before you book your flight or fill up the car, let's talk about the good, the challenging, and everything in between.  

At FlexCare, we know every nurse is different. Your career should fit your life, not the other way around. So, is travel nursing right for you? Let's break it down. 

1. Adventure & Exploration 
   
   Are you consumed with wanderlust, craving a lifestyle of adventure? This is your chance! As a travel nurse you can explore different cities and states while experiencing different cultures. Not to mention, you’re getting paid to do what you love.  

1. High Pay & Great Benefits 
   
   Let's be honest. A huge advantage to travel nursing is the pay. Travel nurses often earn more than staff nurses thanks to tax-exempt stipends.  
   
   More money means more opportunities to invest in yourself and the experiences that make all the hard work worth it.
   
   
   
   Want to pay off student loans faster? Travel nursing can help with that. Want to take a dream vacation between assignments? You can do that, too. With FlexCare, you always have Pay-Package Peace of Mind. We remove uncertainty and streamline your job search, saving you valuable time. 

2. Professional Growth and Experience 
   
   Working in various healthcare settings means you’ll be constantly learning and adapting to new techniques and patient populations. The growth you’ll experience also looks excellent on a resume, opening doors to other career opportunities down the road. 

3. Flexibility 
   
   If you’re someone that craves a change of scenery, travel healthcare may be for you! Travel nursing allows gives you the freedom to choose assignments that fit your lifestyle. Are you wanting to take a few months off and travel the world? No problem. Ready to jump into a bustling city or escape to a quiet town? The choice is yours. 

1. Networking Opportunities 
   
   The nature of a traveler lifestyle means you'll meet a variety of healthcare professionals throughout your assignments.  Plus, you'll be part of a strong, supportive community of travel nurses who understand the ups and downs of the job.  With a combination of the right staffing agency and a comprehensive network, you’ll have resources to ensure you never feel alone in this journey. 

1. Frequent Relocation 
   
   Picking up and moving every few months isn’t for everyone. It can be challenging, especially if you thrive on stability. But if you are looking for a change and new experiences, travel nursing may be exactly what you need. 

2. Homesickness 
   
   Missing birthdays, holidays, and everyday moments with loved ones can be challenging.  
   
   
   
   The good news? Video calls make staying in touch easier. Some nurses also take assignments closer to home to find a balance. Others bring a travel buddy, or some even bring their pets along for the ride! Travel nursing with your dog or cat is totally doable. 

3. Adapting to New Environments 
   
   With each new assignment comes its unique set of challenges. You will need to adapt to new facilities, procedures, and coworkers, so it can be overwhelming in the beginning. However, as a healthcare professional this adaptability is a valuable skill which improves your marketability.  

4. Gaps Between Assignments 
   
   Unlike permanent positions, travel nursing assignments are temporary. There might be gaps between assignments, and securing your next job can sometimes feel stressful. Having a financial cushion and working with a trusted talent management partner like FlexCare can help make transitions smoother. Planning and being flexible with your assignments can also help you line up work more consistently. If you're open to different locations, you'll have even more opportunities available to you.   

5. Licensing and Certifications 
   
   Each state has its own licensing requirements, which can sometimes seem like a headache. Ensuring your credentials are up to date and compliant with each new location is a necessary part of the job.  

If you're seriously considering travel nursing, here are a few ways to set yourself up for success: 

Stay organized - Keep track of your credentials, licenses, and contract details to ensure a smooth transition between assignments. The FlexCare 360 app is a great resource to help with this.

Be open-minded - New hospitals, new teams, and new policies might be challenging initially, but adaptability is key. 

Save for in-between contracts - Having a financial cushion can help reduce stress when transitioning between assignments. 

Use a great talent management partner - The right agency makes all the difference in finding jobs that fit your needs and goals. 

Have fun! This is an opportunity to grow professionally while having experiences you'll never forget. 

Career decisions are deeply personal and it’s no different with travel nursing. Whether this career is a good fit for you depends on your personality and lifestyle preferences. At FlexCare, we're here to support you every step of the way. Whether you're ready to jump in or just exploring your options, we've got your back. We can’t wait to help turn your travel nursing dreams into reality.