Is Travel Nursing Worth It?

Deciding whether or not travel nursing is worth it is a deeply personal decision, influenced by your individual goals and circumstances. During the peak of Covid, many nurses transitioned to travel nursing for its financial advantages; however, the lucrative assignments we saw during Covid are, unfortunately, no longer there. Therefore, many travel nurses are returning to staff simply because the financial benefits no longer outweigh the sacrifices.

Nevertheless, it’s still possible to earn more as a travel nurse (or at least break even), depending on your home state and travel destinations. When weighing the financial aspects, it’s crucial to consider the additional expenses associated with travel nursing. If your motivations for travel nursing go beyond monetary gains, this career can still be enriching. Here are some factors to consider:

• Variety and adventure: Travel nursing offers the opportunity to work in different healthcare facilities and explore various regions of the country. If you enjoy adventure and experiencing new places, it can be incredibly rewarding. I am an explorer and adventurer by nature. I like to learn about all the neat little things in a new place and visit them all. I love that travel nursing gives me the opportunity to adventure in so many different places.
• Flexibility: Travel nursing provides flexibility in terms of choosing assignments and locations. You can take some time off between contracts or extend contracts based on your needs. Having this flexibility can give you more control of your life and really does feel quite freeing.
• Skill development: Working in different healthcare settings can enhance your nursing skills and broaden your clinical experience. Each new setting has provided me with opportunities for growth, and I will forever be grateful for that.
• Networking: Travel nursing allows you to network with healthcare professionals from diverse backgrounds and build a broad professional network. It’s pretty awesome to have friends and know people all over the place!
• Resume enhancement: Having experience as a travel nurse can make your resume stand out to future employers. It shows adaptability, versatility, and a willingness to take on challenges.

 

However, there are downsides to consider as well:

• Uncertainty: Travel nurses may face uncertainty regarding job assignments and locations. It’s essential to be adaptable and comfortable with change and have a rock-solid financial foundation before choosing this career path. You might experience periods without assignments or need to accept lower-paying assignments temporarily.
• Isolation: Being away from home and your support system can be challenging for some. Loneliness and homesickness are possible issues. Not only are you away from your friends and family, but you are also away from all of the other comforts of home. While I haven’t pursued the RV lifestyle, it might offer some advantages in this regard.
• Licensing and Credentialing: Obtaining and maintaining a license in multiple states can be time-consuming and expensive, especially if you do not live in a compact license state. Many agencies will reimburse you for any license or credentialing that is required during your assignment with them, but renewals can be costly without a compact license. In addition, many assignments will no longer consider an applicant without a current compact license or state-specific license, making it even more difficult and expensive to travel nurse.
• Benefits: Travel nurses often receive fewer benefits than permanent staff, such as health insurance or retirement plans. Paid time off is not a thing as a travel nurse. Fortunately, some companies offer reasonably priced health insurance and even offer retirement plans. There are also a few states that allow travel nurses to accrue sick leave.
• Inconsistency: The demand for travel nurses can vary, and there may be periods of unemployment between assignments. Because of this inconsistency, travel nurses need to be financially savvy and skilled at managing their money.

 

Ultimately, whether travel nursing is worth it depends on your career goals, financial situation, personality, and desire for adventure. It can be a rewarding experience for those who embrace change and enjoy exploring new places, but it may not be the right choice for everyone. Personally, I have thoroughly enjoyed being a travel nurse; however, it is becoming increasingly challenging to afford. Because I thrive on change and variety, I will continue to travel as long as it makes sense for me to do so. When this ride will end, I’m not yet sure, but I’m hoping it lasts at least a little bit longer. Whether you’re chasing sunsets or dreams, travel nursing is an adventure worth considering!