Gypsy,
I’m interested in travel nursing but I’m afraid no one will want me because I’m a 29 year seasoned med-surg nurse without a BSN. Is there a chance in H##L someone will hire me?Thank you, Laura, RN
Will My Education or Age effect travel nurse job prospects?
This is a fabulous question. Education and age does not have any effect on the job prospects for travel nurses. Unfortunately, this also means that you will not get compensated differently due to your experience or degree.
Travel Nurse education and age has never been a deterrent to travel nursing. Having worked as a travel nurse myself as an ASN, I never once had anyone question my ASN vs BSN degree.
Travel Nurse Ages
A survey in 2015 by Onward Healthcare stated that “the majority of travel nurses are age 40-50 (34.7%). 26.9% are in the 30-40 age range, and 21.3% are over the age of 50. Only 17.1% fall within the 25-30 age range.” via Guide to Travel Nursing, Onward OGH, LLC Survey
The Gypsy Nurse conducted an online poll on our Travel Nurse Network Group in December 2018 and results showed that ages of travel nurses is spread throughout all age groups, the largest being the ‘Millennial’ group. A sharp decline was noted in ‘Baby Boomers’ compared to the 2015 results. This isn’t unexpected as the baby boomers begin to leave the industry for retirement.
December 2018 Poll Results
According to the December 2018 poll (1796 responses) the majority of travel nurses are the Millennial generation.
55% Millennial (Age 22-37)
32% Generation X (Age 38-53)
12% Baby Boomers (Age 53+)
The easy answer remains, you can be a travel nurse at any age! If you are interested in starting a career as a travel nurse, check out our Travel Nurse Guide.
Please share your thoughts below in the comments.
