The Growing Popularity of Travel Nursing
Although travel nursing has been around for a long time, demand surged significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The emergence of lucrative travel nurse salaries and crisis contracts (sometimes up to $5,000 per week) made becoming a travel nurse an attractive option for nurses seeking fair or high compensation for their skilled work, which might be underpaid in traditional settings.
While travel nurse salaries have decreased from the pandemic highs, the field remains popular among nurses looking for flexibility and higher pay. Millennials and Gen Z nurses, in particular, are exploring new ways to balance their careers with personal life, further contributing to the continued and growing popularity of travel nursing.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Travel Nurse?
There is no set timeframe to become a travel nurse. To start, you must graduate from an accredited nursing school, pass the NCLEX, and obtain a nursing license in your state.
After meeting these initial requirements, nurses are strongly advised to have the following before applying for travel contracts:
At least two years of acute care experience, preferably in a specialty you wish to pursue in travel nursing.
Tip: If you want the highest-paying contracts, gain experience in specialties like Critical Care, Labor & Delivery, PACU, or OR.
Proficiency with hospital EHR systems such as EPIC or Cerner. Familiarity with these systems will significantly ease your travel assignments.
It’s crucial for travel nurses to have transferable nursing skills that allow them to quickly adapt to new assignments. Remember, travel nurses are expected to adapt quickly to new work environments because they receive a shortened unit orientation. While staff nurses usually get a minimum of two weeks for general and unit orientation, travel nurses might be lucky to get a full week of orientation and learn the workflow in their new setting.
I’m not a travel nurse myself, but I spoke with Ms. T, a current travel nurse in Los Angeles. She has been traveling for three years, mainly in PACU, and has 10 years of experience in med-surg, ICU, critical care, and PACU/recovery nursing. She recommends having a few years of nursing experience before starting as a travel nurse, as it helps build confidence and eases the transition into new work environments. Experienced nurses can also build rapport more easily with staff, as they are trusted to handle tasks efficiently.
Travel Nurse Requirements
Education: All nurses must graduate from an accredited nursing school, pass the NCLEX, and obtain a state license. If you’re applying for out-of-state travel contracts, you must also apply for state license reciprocity, depending on that state’s regulations.
Experience: Most travel nurse agencies require 1-2 years of clinical experience, specifically in the setting you’re applying for.
Certifications: In most cases, certifications such as Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Life Support (PALS), Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP), and other specialty certifications are required by both travel agencies and hospitals.
While flexibility and adaptability can’t be learned in school, they are invaluable skills for travel nurses, allowing them to thrive in various environments.
Travel Nurse Salary and Finding Lucrative Contracts
Where are the most lucrative contracts for travel nurses? According to seasoned travelers I’ve worked with, the West Coast, travel nurse salary in California is typically higher than other states due to the high cost of living. However, some nurses prefer contracts in colder states, which also tend to pay well because fewer people are willing to go there. Certain specialties, like CVOR, IR, and Cath Lab, also command higher pay than general med-surg or telemetry units.
When searching for travel nurse jobs, many nurses start online, where large travel companies often dominate. While this is a good starting point, seasoned travelers recommend building rapport with other travelers. They can provide recommendations on agencies to trust and those to avoid. However, be cautious—some travelers might refer you to a contract because they receive an incentive if you finish it.
How to Find Travel Nurse Housing
Affordable housing is crucial for travel nurses to succeed. Aside from base hourly pay, most nurses agree that housing stipends are the most lucrative part of their compensation. Stipends can range from $500 to $2,000 per week, depending on the location, and are often tax-free.
Popular housing options include Airbnb, extended-stay hotels, and websites like Furnished Finders. Seasoned travelers recommend researching the housing situation before signing a contract, as some locations have expensive or non-existent housing, which can make a high-paying contract less appealing.
Ms. T, a seasoned travel nurse, frequently uses FurnishedFinders.com, which offers furnished accommodations specifically for travel nurses. Sometimes, if housing is hard to secure online, nurses book a week or two at an extended-stay hotel and find longer-term solutions once they’re familiar with the area.
A helpful tip: When providing your contract to landlords, mask the section that details your stipend amount. Unfortunately, some landlords might increase the rent if they see how much you’re earning.
Pros and Cons from a Travel Nurse
Pros:
- Negotiating flexibility: You can often negotiate work hours, days off, or even vacations before signing a contract.
- Work fewer months: One travel nurse told me she worked only three 13-week contracts in a year but earned the equivalent of a full-time salary, allowing her more time off.
- Less micromanagement: Since you’re only temporarily on staff, you may experience less oversight from managers.
- Not tied down: If you dislike a location, you can finish your contract and move on.
- Retirement benefits: Depending on the contract, you might have the option to contribute to a 401(k) or similar retirement plan.
- Housing stipend: Some contracts offer a stipend to cover housing, assuming you are still paying for a home elsewhere.
Cons:
- Contract cancellations: Agencies or hospitals can cancel a contract halfway through, leaving you stuck in an expensive rental.
- Constant transitions: You will frequently start new hospitals, complete unit modules, and submit resumes.
- Being away from loved ones: Travel nursing often requires long periods away from family and friends.
- Safety concerns: Some high-paying assignments may be in unsafe areas.
Financial Tips to Thrive as a Travel Nurse
Higher travel nurse salaries come with greater responsibility in financial management. Here are tips to help you thrive financially:
Build an emergency fund: Aim for at least six months of living expenses, and keep it in a high-yield savings account.
Take advantage of tax-advantaged retirement accounts: Consider options like traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs, solo 401(k)s, and HSAs.
Create a detailed budget: As a travel nurse, your income and expenses will fluctuate more than a standard W-2 employee. Keep organized records of tax-deductible expenses to reduce your taxable income.
Review contracts carefully: Ensure that pay, benefits, and stipends align with your financial goals. Consider the cost of living and taxes in the state you plan to work in and calculate whether it’s worth it.
Be aware of contract details: Understand the contract duration, cancellation clauses, and potential rate cuts to avoid financial pitfalls, especially if you’ve already secured housing.
Summary
Travel nursing is an attractive option for nurses seeking flexibility, higher pay, and the opportunity to work in new environments. While there is no definitive timeframe for becoming a travel nurse, it’s advised to have at least two years of experience in your desired specialty. Travel nurses are expected to adapt quickly to new settings, so having strong, transferable nursing skills is essential.
Although the allure of higher salaries is appealing, travel nurses must also be financially savvy, managing their money carefully and reviewing contracts thoroughly to make the most of their travel nursing careers.
