editor Venturing into different corners of the United States requires substantial financial resources. One popular approach, especially among healthcare professionals, is securing a travel nurse position to sustain their travels. Nurses are highly sought after across America and have an array of exciting prospects as travel nurses. But what exactly is a travel nurse?
In essence, a travel nurse is a certified registered nurse (RN) who takes up temporary roles in various healthcare settings. These placements could involve working in outpatient facilities, understaffed hospitals, or even providing home health care. Moreover, these positions span a wide range of specialties, such as operating rooms, emergency rooms, pediatrics, and more. Despite having the same responsibilities as full-time nurses, travel nurses work on short-term contracts, usually lasting between 8 to 26 weeks.
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In 2021, travel nurses represented only 1% of the nursing profession. However, the ongoing impact of the pandemic has significantly increased this figure, and it is projected to reach 23.4% by 2028. Several factors contribute to this rapid growth, extending beyond job market uncertainties. The primary reasons are the flexibility gained from fewer working hours and the ability to select positions that align with personal preferences and competitive pay. On average, travel nurses work 36 hours a week and earn $3,167 per week, translating to an annual salary of approximately $75,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How does one become a travel nurse? The initial step is to become a registered nurse (RN) through an accredited nursing program. This could involve completing an associate degree, although many positions require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Additional qualifications include passing national and state exams, acquiring specific certifications, and often, having experience in the specialty related to the placement.
Navigating these prerequisites is often facilitated by engaging with agencies specializing in travel nursing placements. These professional staffing services simplify the process by outlining necessary requirements and connecting candidates to numerous opportunities. They provide support throughout, securing contracts, arranging housing, and offering attractive wages along with appealing benefits packages.
The freedom to choose where and when to work is a desirable prospect for many individuals. It’s no surprise that more and more people, both men and women, are seizing this opportunity, along with the accompanying benefits, by collaborating with agencies and embracing the life of a travel nurse. For further details on becoming a travel nurse, explore the following resource from Skybridge Healthcare, which provides comprehensive information and a useful step-by-step guide.
Infographic provided by SkyBridge Healthcare, provider of x ray travel jobs
