Looking to boost your earnings, take control of your schedule, or get paid to explore the U.S.A.? From job security to the chance to help those most in need, here are seven big benefits of being a travel nurse — and why you’ll find the best opportunities with HealthTrust.
> Looking for a new travel nursing assignment? Search open jobs here
7 Benefits of Being a Travel Nurse
Whether as a long-term career path or a temporary measure between permanent jobs, there are many reasons why so many nurses are choosing to travel today. Some of the biggest benefits of being a travel nurse include the chance to:
#1. Earn more
It’s no secret that travel nursing assignments pay more than most standard jobs, especially since the pandemic. That's not likely to change, either, with so many hospitals and care facilities in so many states still struggling to hire the number of nurses they need. That means pay is likely to remain high, too — a trend we've seen firsthand in our the travel nursing jobs we staff.
> How much will your next job pay? Why pay transparency matters
#2. Switch up your schedule
From caring for family to going back to school or even taking a sabbatical, there are lots of reasons why you may need to take a break from your day job. Traveling is a great way to keep income coming in during times of transition, or to temporarily work nights, weekends, or whatever shifts you need.
#3. Build experience and learn new things
Traveling also provides the chance to boost your career value with new skills and experience in new settings, units, or facilities, or with different equipment or technology. Working in all of those different places, and with all those people, also helps develop important “soft skills” like leadership and teamwork — a boost to any resume, but especially if you're looking to transition to management roles.
#4. Get guaranteed opportunities
Those who embrace the travel lifestyle can do so knowing that they’re entering a field with plenty of demand. And because so many parts of the country are still experiencing nurse shortages, travel opportunities will only increase.
That helps guarantee future work, plus a better shot at landing competitive jobs thanks to all the skills and experience travelers are known for. It also gives you the power to pick and choose the jobs that best match your needs or preferences.
#5. Meet new people
If you’re a people person, travel nursing is a great way to meet folks from all walks of life, all across the country. And that can be a career booster, providing new sources of referrals and maybe even ways to break into new specialties.
#6. Help those in need
Many travel assignments are in facilities that are having trouble finding the nurses they need locally. Working those jobs is a great way to help the people, communities, and fellow healthcare workers who are in most urgent need.
Yes, this does include many smaller-town and rural settings, in places like New Hampshire, Mississippi, and Wyoming. But it also includes higher-profile destinations like California, New Jersey, Idaho, and Florida, all of which are struggling to find the nurses they need.
> Help us provide hurricane relief! Join the HealthTrust Disaster Response Team
#7: Get paid to experience America
If you’re the adventurous type, getting paid to travel may be the only reason you need to be a travel nurse. And even if you’re not, a travel nursing assignment can be a great way to spend a few months visiting a different part of the country — maybe to be closer to friends or family — plus a stipend to pay for housing.
Traveling is also a good way to scout new places to live, or to spend time near a bucket-list destination like a national park or an iconic American city. And if the spot you choose isn't your cup of tea, assignments are usually just 13 weeks. So, you’ll be free to make another decision soon enough.
Get the Full Range of Benefits of Being a Travel Nurse with HealthTrust
As the nation’s leading source of travel jobs for nurses, you can trust HealthTrust to connect you with the best opportunities for your skills and experience. Apply directly at our jobsite and get priority access to jobs, along with priority pay for select positions!
