While many people see retirement as the promised land, it’s common to get bored quickly — in fact, one survey found that retirees said retirement was “boring” and “lonely” only a year after stopping work. They felt working part-time would give them purpose, help them get out of the house, and meet new people.
As a nurse, you’ve had a significant impact on people’s lives, and you might wonder if you can still make a difference without committing to long-term work.
There’s a perfect solution that can help you get some extra money during retirement and continue to use your nursing skills to help others. Rather than taking a permanent job, you can be a travel nurse and take as much time between assignments as you like — essentially working part-time during retirement.
What is part-time travel nursing, and how can you get started? Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Part-Time Travel Nursing?
We should be upfront and let you know that during an assignment, you’ll probably be working full-time hours. However, most travel nursing assignments last between six and 13 weeks; once the assignment is over, you’re free to move on.
You don’t have to take another assignment until you’re ready. That means you could easily work for a few months, then relax and travel in the area for a bit, and then take another assignment in another area — creating a part-time working life for yourself full of travel and adventure.
Leveraging Your Existing Experience
Nursing requires a host of unique and valuable skills, and you can use those skills in retirement to continue to make a difference as a part-time travel nurse.
For example, you understand patient privacy, medical care, how to soothe people who are upset, and how to communicate clearly. You can continue to leverage these skills to make extra money and impact people’s lives during your temporary nursing assignments.
Don’t feel like you need to have had a 30-year career in nursing to be an effective travel nurse. Even with just a few years of experience, you can use the skills you’ve gained to make a difference in medical facilities around the country.
The Many Benefits of Travel Nursing
Why consider travel nursing in retirement? One of the many benefits is the ability to travel and see new places. Many people want to travel but feel they can’t afford to. Traveling as a nurse allows you to make a nice income in your new area, which gives you the ability to explore and enjoy the restaurants, activities, and amenities local to you.
Another benefit, of course, is making some extra money. Many Americans worry about not having enough money in retirement, and being a part-time travel nurse can help you add to your bank account and improve your financial security.
Travel nursing also gives you a lot of flexibility. You accept an assignment and work that period of time, and then you have the opportunity to take time off to relax, recharge, and enjoy your retirement. When you start to feel the itch to be more active again, you can accept another assignment — in the same area or in a new one.
How to Make Part-Time Travel Nursing Work For You
It’s important to ensure that part-time travel nursing fits into your life rather than feeling like you have to compromise for the job. After all, you’ve worked hard for a long time, and now it’s time to enjoy your life!
Consider getting a hybrid or other eco-friendly vehicle so that as you travel for different assignments, you won’t break the bank on gas, and you’ll have a more positive impact on the planet. Also, make sure you take care of your health, including making sure you get enough sleep and are able to use mindfulness to manage stress.
Interested in a travel nursing job? Our job board is a great place to search for assignments, and if housing is an issue, our housing page can help. It’s time to make a difference!
