Medical professionals are heroes, and travel nurses are no exception. But what is a travel nurse, exactly? Click here to learn!
Does working your way around the country or the world while making money sound like a good idea? A travel nurse position might be perfect for you!
If you’re wondering, “What is a travel nurse?” keep reading to find out!
What is a Travel Nurse?
A travel nurse is a healthcare professional who travels to different hospitals to fill short-term staffing needs.
If you want to make a change in your lifestyle, see the world, and increase your salary, a travel nurse is a perfect position.
Many registered nurses (RNs) find success because of seasonal shortages around the country. From radiology and psychiatric to critical care or an operating room tech, there are always positions that need to be filled!
Many hospitals will also plan ahead. For example, they might know that during flu season they need extra clinical help. If a travel nurse does find that they love the work in a certain hospital, there are often opportunities to renew so that they can stay longer than the standard 13 week period.
How to Become a Travel Nurse
To become a travel nurse, you need to have at least a year of clinical experience and be ready to learn!
Register yourself with a travel nurse agency. While there are a variety of agencies out there, it’s best to read travel nurse agency reviews to find reliable opportunities.
Once you find an agency you like, you’ll apply with them. If you’re accepted, you’ll have the chance to look for jobs nationwide and apply to those that interest you.
Travel Nurse Salary
The salary of a travel nurse depends on location, facility urgency, and specialty. You may be able to negotiate your salary with the agency based on your experience and the desires of the facility.
Additionally, because every state and area has different costs of living, the salary will reflect that.
For example, a travel nurse located in San Jose, California could make upwards of $100,000 per year, but of course, the cost of living in a city in California is significantly higher than in Ohio, for example.
Other high paying locations include:
- New York City
- Seattle, WA
- Boston, MA
- Washington, DC
- Los Angeles, CA
Keep in mind that these are all major cities and will be expensive to live in even if you’re making nearly $100,000 per year. When looking at a position, it’s important to also look at the average cost of living in the area and make your calculations and negotiations based on that.
Get Started Today
Now that we’ve answered the question, “What is a travel nurse?” and you have any idea of a travel nurse salary and how to become a travel nurse, start researching opportunities and keep learning.
On our blog, you’ll find information about making your resume stand out as a travel nurse, how to get into travel nursing, and all about travel nursing licenses.
Keep reading to start the next chapter of your career!
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