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Is Travel Nursing Worth the Money?

Travel nursing has become an increasingly popular option for nurses seeking new and exciting work opportunities in recent times. The prospect of living in a new city or state every few months can be very appealing.

Along with the usual nursing duties like taking care of patients and feeling good about being able to help those in need, we can not sideswipe the common factor that many of us consider when working: the money.

Of course, we always want to pursue something fulfilling and rewarding that sets us up for the future. While a nursing career frequently fills the blanks to both of these needs, travel nursing can bring us up to a whole other level of financial stability.

How Much Do Travel Nurses Earn?

To put it as simply as possible, Nurse.org states, “under normal circumstances, many travel nurses have the potential to earn over $3,000 per week. Travel nurses can bring in over $50 per hour, plus company-paid housing accommodations. Making it entirely possible for travel nurses to make well over $100K per year.”

What is the difference between this and RNs? The Bureau of Labor Statistics finds the average salary for an RN nurse is $71,730 per year, making the potential difference a big one.

For those unfamiliar, a travel nurse is a registered nurse (also known as an RN) who takes the opportunity to work for a short time frame in different hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities throughout the country.

Nursing staff agencies take on nurses and place them in the best situation that works for them. These nurses will not be dealing with or employed by a single hospital.

This is a benefit as travel nurses are generally not impacted by their experience or education. Because of this, a short-term travel nurse can make as much income as a long-term one.

Why Do Travel Nurses Earn So Much?

When it comes to travel nursing, we take on 13-week contracts in various parts of the country that need us. Why do they need us in these areas?

While it may not be a big deal for us to go to these areas to work, it is a big deal for those who need your assistance. What happens when hospitals are desperate and in need of some extra hands? They will pay you very well for your help.

The reason is, in certain states, hospitals are desperate for travel nurses and are willing to pay what they need to reach the staffing level they need. It comes down to nursing shortages, a surcharge of people during seasonal periods, or other specific situations that hospitals need help in.

In recent times, becoming a travel nurse during the coronavirus pandemic could see you earning even more. Areas like New York offer nearly $10,000 per week in a 13-week contract. Although it is a higher risk and essentially a war zone, you’d be making an exceptional amount of money to help those in need.

However, this does not mean there aren’t requirements in becoming a travel nurse. For instance, you will require:

  • your RN license
  • license to work in your chosen state
  • your Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate
  • an Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certificate

There are also other necessary and specific licenses based on your specialty field of choice you will need. It is always great to carry out your research beforehand.

Is Travel Nursing Worth the Work?

While nursing is a rewarding job, travel nursing is just as rewarding with the added bonus of, well, traveling.

In hindsight, the difference between the two exists in travel and certain aspects of what comes with it. But is it worth the work?

A travel nurse gains nursing jobs in different parts of the country due to nursing shortages, a surcharge of people during seasonal periods or other specific situations hospitals need help with.

As a travel nurse, you will be performing the same or similar tasks and duties that you would as a registered nurse in one spot. This can include:

  • managing patients’ daily activities
  • working with medications
  • taking on assessments
  • scheduling procedures and operations
  • working closely with your team/staff to support the patient adequately

On the same note, registered nurses are not the only travel nursing jobs available. Travel opportunities could be available for you, too, if you are a:

  • Licensed Vocational Nurse
  • Labor and Delivery Nurse
  • Certified Nursing Assistant
  • Surgical Technologist
  • Medical Assistant
  • Respiratory Therapist
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Physical Therapist
  • Speech-Language Pathologist

What is great about travel nursing is that, while it may be more work traveling to new places and figuring out your way when you get there, TheraEx will guide you the whole way through.

This allows you to feel supported while venturing out on a new path, seeing new places, meeting new people, all while earning a great wage and doing what you love.

So, is Travel Nursing Worth the Money?

The short answer: yes. Throw in the adventure of traveling to new areas, meeting new people, working in new facilities, building your skills and resume, and you’ve got yourself one interesting and unique job.

Don’t be afraid to find out more about how travel nursing can benefit your life. Here at TheraEx, we are ready to answer all your questions and set you up well in your career!

Why TheraEx Staffing?

If you are thinking about pursuing a career in travel nursing, just know the pay is a huge benefit. Not to mention the experience you can gain inside the hospitals, the people you can meet, and the amazing travel opportunity you give yourself.

At TheraEx, we offer health benefits (health, dental, and vision), sick days (three per year), and housing reimbursements. We even offer sign-on bonuses to those who accept specific cases and go to hard-to-fill areas.

If you wish to know more about our services, please do not hesitate to fill out our form or schedule a call with our team. We look forward to helping you set yourself in a pivotal position as a travel nurse!

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