Ask A Travel Nurse: Do I need to have Savings?

Gypsy,

I’m looking at getting into travel nursing in August but I have very little savings and I am mostly concerned about not having a steady paycheck! Do I need to have a savings before I start? Do you find it difficult to keep your assignments back to back? Have you had a contract cancelled last minute and been stuck “jobless”?

Thank you,
Michelle

Thank you for reading The Gypsy Nurse. You have taken the first step on your journey to become A Gypsy Nurse.

Let’s first address the savings. I always recommend that you have enough in savings to at the very minimum get you back home!! Contracts DO get cancelled (I’ve had it happen) and there can also be issues with ‘pay’. (Know your companies reputation well!). Many of us have traveled without a significant financial buffer but it’s not something that I recommend.

As for a steady paycheck….travel positions are abundant right now, especially if you are flexible on the location. You shouldn’t have any trouble staying employed. (It’s just those unexpected cancellations that you should be prepared for). I’ve personally been traveling for nearly 9 years and by being flexible on location, I’ve never been without a position when I wanted one.

You may want to read through these articles on Contracts.

I love hearing the opinions of my readers.  Your opinion could be the perfect solution for someone.  Please share your thoughts below in the comments.

(Disclaimer:  Please note that this is the Author’s opinion only.  I do not provide career counseling, legal or medical consults.  If you require any of these, please search out the appropriate resources)