Fusion Medical Staffing provided this article.
Deciding whether extending your travel nurse contract or moving on after your assignment ends can feel like a tough call. On one hand, there’s comfort in the familiar — the friendly faces of the hospital or healthcare facility, the routines you’ve mastered, and the friends you’ve made along the way.
On the other hand, the thrill of your next assignment might be calling your name, teasing you with the allure of fresh experiences and a change of scenery. If you’re on the fence about a travel nurse contract extension, you’re not alone. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of extending your travel nursing contract, as well as some helpful tips, so you can make the choice that feels right for you.
Extending Your Travel Nurse Contract: Pros, Cons, and Tips
Pros of extending your travel nurse contract
Familiarity with the healthcare facility
One of the biggest perks of extending your travel nurse contract is the familiarity you’ve built with the healthcare facility. Since you’ve had time in your current contract, you already know where everything is and the quirks of the charting system and have learned the ropes of how things operate day-to-day. That means you’ll spend less time adjusting and more time focusing on what you do best — providing top-notch patient care.
No repeat credentialing
Another benefit of a contract extension is avoiding the headache of repeat travel nurse credentialing. If you’re not a fan of the paperwork that comes with starting new travel nursing contracts, extending may be the move for you since you can skip the hassle of submitting documents, going through background checks, and filling out forms.
Less moving hassle
Packing up your life, finding new housing, and adjusting to a different city every few months can be exhausting. By extending your travel nurse contract, you get to bypass all that chaos for a little while longer and settle into the comfort of your already-established routine.
Cons of extending your travel nurse contract
Less opportunities for skill diversification
One downside of extending your current contract is that you may miss out on new opportunities to diversify your travel nurse skills. Part of the excitement of travel nursing is jumping into different healthcare facilities and settings, as well as learning a variety of techniques and practices. When you stay in one place for an extended time, you risk missing out on other opportunities that could broaden your experiences and keep your travel nurse skills sharp.
Missed chances for personal growth
Travel nursing is all about seizing new experiences, such as adapting to different work environments and exploring new cities. With new places come fresh perspectives and personal growth opportunities, which you may not experience with travel nurse contract extensions.
Potential housing issues
Travel nurse housing is enough of a headache as is, and when you factor in a travel nurse contract extension, it could get even more complicated. You could find yourself renegotiating your lease, finding a new rental space, or even dealing with unexpected housing expenses and fees.
Tips for extending travel nurse contracts
Communicate early
One key tip for extending your travel nursing contract is to communicate early with both your travel nurse recruiter and the hospital or healthcare facility. By reaching out sooner than later, you give your recruiter ample time to negotiate on your behalf and iron out any details with your current healthcare facility.
Review contract details
Before agreeing to an extended travel nurse contract, be sure to dive into contract details like pay rates, benefits, and other stipulations. Take a close look to see if your pay changes and that all your benefits are still solid. Knowing exactly what’s on the table can save you from surprises down the road.
Maintain a work-life balance.
It’s easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of staying put and diving deeper into your travel nurse assignment, but don’t forget to carve out time for yourself to enjoy downtime, explore your surroundings, and recharge your social battery. A healthy work-life balance not only helps you stay refreshed but also keeps you motivated and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.
Deciding whether to extend your travel nursing contract comes down to what’s best for you in the moment. Noodle on your personal and professional goals, consider how a travel nurse contract extension may impact your growth and well-being, and think about how you can make the most of your time in your current contract and, ultimately, your travel nursing career.
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