Top 10 Reasons to Become a Travel Nurse

by Jamie Zarlingo | Jul 10, 2023 | Uncategorized

Travel nursing has increased in popularity over the past few years and for good reason. Being a travel nurse offers many benefits and opportunities staff nurses do not normally receive. The profession attracts a variety of people; however, if you are passionate about nursing, adventure, and exploring new horizons then travel nursing might be right for you! Imagine immersing yourself in different regions, experiencing breathtaking landscapes, and meeting new people, all while advancing your career as a healthcare professional. Keep reading as we discuss the top 10 reasons why it has become an amazing choice for adventurous nurses seeking both personal and professional growth.

1. Higher Pay

It is no secret that many people are drawn to travel nursing because of the opportunity for higher pay compared to full-time nursing positions. According to Indeed, RNs earn an average of $91,000 per year, while travel nurses can earn an average of $120,000 per year.

Travel nursing offers the opportunity to earn a higher income due to the demand for specialized skills in different regions of the country and their willingness to take on temporary assignments. The higher earning potential for travel nursing affords you the flexibility to pursue your financial goals more rapidly, such as saving more for retirement, a down payment on a home, or investing in your future. Travel nursing can be a strategic choice for many nurses who seek professional growth and financial success.

2. Flexible Schedule

When it comes to achieving a work-life balance and enjoying a greater sense of freedom, travel nursing shines as a career choice. As a travel nurse, you have the freedom to choose where and when you want to work. Unlike full-time nurses who are bound to a specific healthcare facility, travel nurses have the freedom to select their assignments from a wide range of opportunities across different cities, states, or even countries. This flexibility enables you to curate your professional journey and explore diverse healthcare settings while pursuing your passion for travel and adventure.

Travel nursing allows you to achieve a more harmonious work-life balance. By selecting assignments with specific durations, you have the flexibility to plan your personal life around your work commitments. Whether you desire extended periods off between assignments to recharge and spend quality time with loved ones or prefer a continuous flow of assignments to maximize your income, travel nursing grants you the autonomy to design your schedule according to your unique needs and priorities.

3. Travel Opportunities

Have you ever dreamt of exploring breathtaking landscapes, immersing yourself in vibrant cultures, and embarking on unforgettable adventures? As a travel nurse, you have the unique privilege of turning these dreams into reality. You could be surfing on the beaches of California in the Summer and exploring the windy city of Chicago in the Fall!

Travel nursing brings adventure to your fingertips. From hiking majestic mountains to snorkeling in crystal-clear waters or exploring historic landmarks, each destination offers its unique blend of adventure and excitement. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or a food lover, travel nursing allows you to indulge in thrilling activities and create unforgettable moments during your downtime. With each assignment, you have the chance to embark on a new adventure and make lifelong memories, like Justin who was able to build a cabin in Alaska because of travel nursing!

4. Ability to Work in Different Healthcare Settings

One of the greatest advantages of being a travel nurse is the exposure to various healthcare settings and environments. You can gain invaluable experience by working in different hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, or even specialty centers. This breadth of experience not only enhances your professional growth but also enables you to adapt to different work cultures and healthcare practices. The ability to embrace change and thrive in diverse environments is a highly valued skill that travel nursing nurtures.

5. Opportunity to Learn New Skills

As a nurse, it is important to understand the value of being a lifelong learner to better assist your patients. In the world of travel nursing, you are given the opportunity to acquire and refine a diverse set of skills. Each assignment will immerse you in a new environment, exposing you to different healthcare practices, technologies, and patients. This exposure enhances your adaptability, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. As you navigate these varied settings, you develop the versatility to excel in a range of healthcare scenarios, making you a valuable asset to future employers.

Due to the nature of travel nursing, you will learn to be independent and self-reliant, which can develop your leadership skills. Your varied experiences will offer valuable insight for leadership roles in the future.

6. Chance to Pad Out Your Resume

It is always important to have an eye-catching resume when advancing your career. As a travel nurse, you possess a unique advantage: diverse experiences and skills. Travel nursing allows you to work in a multitude of healthcare settings, from bustling urban hospitals to rural clinics and everything in between. Each assignment adds a new entry to your resume, showcasing your adaptability and ability to thrive in different work environments. Employers value candidates with a range of experiences, and travel nursing provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate your versatility, making your resume stand out from the crowd.

7. Meet New People

Nursing, like every career, benefits from having a strong network of people. You will work alongside people with different backgrounds, building connections that will help you advance your career in the future. More experienced travel nurses are often willing to share their wisdom and insights with those starting their journey. By connecting with seasoned travel nurses, you can benefit from their experiences, advice, and guidance. These mentorship relationships can be instrumental in navigating the challenges and opportunities that travel nursing presents, helping you make informed decisions and accelerate your personal and professional growth.

8. Less Burnout and Better Mental Health

Part of being a travel nurse is being able to travel and experience different regions of the country. As you embark on exciting assignments in various cities and regions, you gain firsthand experience of different environments, cultures, and lifestyles. In this section, we will delve into how travel nursing empowers you to find your ideal destination, allowing you to make an informed decision about where you want to establish your roots and build a fulfilling life and career.

Travel nursing offers you the chance to test-drive different cities, towns, and regions, immersing yourself in their unique atmospheres and lifestyles. Each assignment allows you to experience the day-to-day life in a particular area, exploring its neighborhoods, engaging with the local community, and discovering its hidden gems. This firsthand experience provides you with valuable insights into the culture, amenities, climate, and overall vibe of a place, helping you assess whether it resonates with your personal preferences and long-term goals.

9. Take Breaks Between Contracts

Being a nurse is not easy. The long hours face paced and stressful work environment, and healthcare shortage have all contributed to an increasing burnout rate for nurses. Burnout is a serious issue in the workplace and can have multiple consequences. From being exhausted physically and mentally to poorer job performance and medical mistakes, burnout needs to be addressed to keep you at your best.

Traveling can boost your mental health and your physical well-being. A study from the Journal of Vacation Marketing found that people who are about to travel are much happier with their life as a whole, and experience fewer negative feelings. Being able to travel to new places allows you to change your scenery and avoid feeling stagnant.

10. Discover Where You Want to Settle Down

Imagine the possibilities as a travel nurse, where you are free to shape your work according to your preferences and aspirations. Seeking financial growth? Take charge by lining up back-to-back contracts, paving the way for incredible earnings. Need a breather to recharge and explore new horizons? Feel empowered to pause and relish those precious moments between contracts. As a travel nurse, you hold the reins to your work-life balance, allowing you to savor a fulfilling career while maintaining control over your personal journey.

Conclusion

Embarking on a travel nursing journey can unlock a wealth of personal and professional rewards. If you love exploration, crave new experiences, value work-life balance autonomy, and seek higher earnings, then travel nursing is your ticket to fulfillment. Start an adventure where your passion for travel and healthcare intertwines harmoniously. To kickstart your travel adventure with a reputable agency, be sure to explore BluePipes’ list of the best travel nursing agencies!

If you want to learn more about the job opportunities available, have one of our recruiters reach out to you!