May 3, 2025

634 Views

Navigating the Challenges of Being a Travel Nurse with a Family

Posted on May 3, 2025April 29, 2025 by trustaff

Being a travel nurse is an exciting and rewarding career choice. It offers the opportunity to explore new places, meet diverse people, and gain invaluable professional experience. However, when you are a travel nurse with a family, the journey can be filled with unique challenges. Balancing work, travel, and family life requires resilience, adaptability, and a strong support system. Here are some strategies to help overcome these struggles and thrive as a travel nurse with a family.

Navigating the Challenges of Being a Travel Nurse with a Family:

1. Communication is Key

Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful relationship, especially when you’re constantly on the move. Regularly check in with your family, share your experiences, and listen to their concerns. Use technology to your advantage—video calls, messaging apps, and social media can help bridge the distance. Establishing a routine for communication can provide stability and reassurance for both you and your loved ones.

2. Plan Ahead

Planning is crucial for managing the logistics of travel nursing with a family. Before accepting an assignment, research the location thoroughly. Consider factors such as housing, schools, childcare, and healthcare facilities. Create a detailed plan that outlines your family’s needs and how they will be met during your assignment. This proactive approach can alleviate stress and ensure a smoother transition.

3. Involve Your Family in Decision-Making

Involving your family in the decision-making process can foster a sense of unity and support. Discuss potential assignments together, weigh the pros and cons, and consider everyone’s preferences and concerns. This collaborative approach can help your family feel more connected to your career and more invested in the journey.

4. Establish a Support Network

Building a support network is essential for travel nurses with families. Connect with other travel nurses and families in similar situations. Online forums, social media groups, and professional organizations can provide valuable resources and emotional support. Additionally, seek out local community groups and activities in your assignment location to help your family feel more at home.

5. Prioritize Self-Care

Taking care of yourself is vital for maintaining your physical and mental well-being. Travel nursing can be demanding, and it’s easy to neglect self-care when juggling work and family responsibilities. Make time for activities that rejuvenate you, such as exercise, hobbies, and relaxation. A healthy, balanced lifestyle will enable you to be more present and supportive for your family.

6. Embrace Flexibility

Flexibility is a key trait for travel nurses. Unexpected changes and challenges are inevitable, and being adaptable can help you navigate them more effectively. Embrace the uncertainty and view it as an opportunity for growth and learning. Encourage your family to adopt a flexible mindset as well, which can help everyone cope with the ups and downs of travel nursing.

7. Create Meaningful Memories

Despite the challenges, travel nursing offers unique opportunities to create lasting memories with your family. Explore new destinations together, immerse yourselves in local cultures, and cherish the moments you share. These experiences can strengthen your family bond and provide a sense of adventure and excitement.

8. Seek Professional Guidance

If the struggles become overwhelming, don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance. Counselors, therapists, and career coaches can offer valuable insights and strategies for managing the complexities of travel nursing with a family. Professional support can help you develop coping mechanisms and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Conclusion

Being a travel nurse with a family is undoubtedly challenging, but with the right strategies and mindset, it can also be incredibly rewarding. By prioritizing communication, planning ahead, involving your family in decisions, building a support network, practicing self-care, embracing flexibility, creating meaningful memories, and seeking professional guidance, you can overcome the struggles and thrive in your career. Remember, every challenge is an opportunity for growth, and with resilience and determination, you can navigate the journey successfully.

We hope you found this article on navigating being a travel nurse with a family helpful. Do you have any tips for being a travel nurse with a family? If you would like to share them, comment below.

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By Annie Rueb

October 3, 2024

11878 Views

Travel Nursing as a Family: All About Consistency, Homeschooling, and Exploring

Posted on October 3, 2024October 3, 2024 by Annie Rueb

Travel Nursing as a Family: How do we make it work?

This is one of the most frequent questions that we get. The thing is, we didn’t know the answer to this question until we started doing it. And honestly, we’re still figuring it out. We knew what we wanted to do, but it was hard to imagine that it would actually happen. Literally picturing it in our heads seemed to be nearly impossible. It was hard to believe that we would actually pick up our lives and go. Leaving behind a great home, great neighbors, a great school with wonderful teachers, and amazing family and friends.

But we did it, and it is going better than we could have ever imagined. There are certainly hard days. There are certain adjustments to make and things that constantly need to be figured out. But for us, it’s all about the bigger picture. And making travel nursing as a family work is half the fun.

But really, how do we make travel nursing as a family work?

We feel like it is all about consistency, homeschooling, and exploring.

Consistency is key for making travel nursing as a family work:

We are both nurses. We’ve tossed around the idea of both of us taking an assignment, working opposites, and making the big bucks. But that isn’t the point, at least not for us. We decided a long time ago that consistency would be key for the kids. We decided it would be best for Sam to take the travel nurse contracts and for me to stay at home, homeschool the kids, and do my work virtually. We wanted consistency so the kids would know who would be working and who would be at home. We also wanted a consistent teacher for them.

Going back and forth would be difficult for all of us. Having a consistent home is another decision that we are so glad to have made. As a travel nurse, you can choose for your agency to provide housing for you or choose to accept a housing stipend and provide your own housing. We chose to buy an RV so that our home would be consistent too.

Our entire family, including the dogs, has a consistent place to call home. We also wanted to have consistent days off together every week. It is a great feeling to tell the kids that we will have time to explore something new every week and do things together as a family. So overall, being consistent has become a very important part of our ever-changing lives.

Homeschooling:

In regards to making decisions about how to educate your kids is not easy. We understood there to be several different options for us as we left the traditional public school that we were in. Looking at our options (online public school, online private school, online homeschool, or traditional homeschool), we quickly decided that a more traditional approach to homeschool would be best for us. We wanted the freedom of being able to be on our own schedule. We take a week off now and then when we are traveling, exploring something new, having visitors, or just needing a break.

One year into this, we feel like we are finally in a good rhythm. We are accustomed to a more “year-round school” approach and are thoroughly enjoying the freedom. They have school approximately 4 days a week, and it mostly entails language arts, reading, and math. We incorporate a lot of science, history, art, STEM, music, PE, etc.… into our daily lives. Everywhere we go, we are naturally talking about the terrain, the native lands, historical landmarks, all while we are hiking and climbing and walking around the very places we are discussing.

Don’t get me wrong; I do not magically create incredible lesson plans with the perfect field trip in mind to a nearby location. We honestly just go with it, and it’s incredible how much we are all figuring out together.

Exploring:

This is it, our bread and butter, our number one reason for doing this. We take advantage of our days off. We feel the finite amount of time we have in each location, so no destination can be put on hold or held off to a more convenient time. As soon as we get somewhere new, we start asking the people around us for tips and advice on their favorite spots to hang out, hike, camp, go for walks, or play with their kids. It is amazing what doors this simple, friendly conversation can open.

We also love to open up a map and find something green or blue on it and find the road or trail that takes us there. It is such an incredible feeling watching our kids turn into true adventurers, and we are so lucky to be able to explore alongside them.

In a lot of ways, we live a crazy lifestyle. There are so many unknowns, a lot of pros and cons, and a ton of change. We left for this adventure over a year ago when our kids were 6 and 8. We love the ages that they are right now…old enough to explore and exercise their independence, but young enough to still think their parents are cool. I wonder how much time we have left for the latter?

We hope you found this information from Annie and her family on Travel Nursing as a family helpful. Consistency seems to be key. Do you travel with your family? How do you make it work? Comment below any tips or advice you have to share.

By Emma Joyce

December 26, 2023

2479 Views

Travel Nursing with a Family: Everything You Need To Know

Posted on December 26, 2023November 30, 2023 by Emma Joyce

Travel nursing is a stimulating and fulfilling career choice that lets medical professionals see the world while offering essential treatment. But the journey changes when you’re not going alone—rather, you have a family to think about. It takes considerable planning and thought to combine your employment as a travel nurse with your family life because there are many factors involved that can have a big impact on both your family’s well-being and your own professional development. In order to help you negotiate the intricate and varied world of being a travel nurse while simultaneously tending to the needs and goals of your family, here is all you need to know about travel nursing with a family.

The Benefits of Travel Nursing with a Family

Travel nursing with a family offers several benefits, one of which is the chance to see new places. Every assignment has the potential to be a brand-new journey that gives your family the opportunity to see various communities, climates, and cultures. Your kids might learn a great deal from this, and the whole family could be inspired, developing a spirit of curiosity and adaptability that will help them in their future pursuits.

Furthermore, travel nursing frequently offers competitive benefit packages that include increased pay rates, sizable incentives, and a range of other advantages that might support your family’s financial security. These financial benefits can serve as a catalyst for giving your loved ones greater possibilities, such as unforgettable holidays and high-quality education, as well as for creating a more stable future for your family. In this way, the journey can serve as both a source of exploration and an engine of prosperity, and you can use the time between assignments to learn new things and enjoy life with your family.

Preparing Your Family for the Journey

Given the intricacy of often uprooting your life, it is imperative that you make extensive preparations before setting out on your travel nursing adventure with your family. This involves looking into schools, locating acceptable housing, and building a strong support system in your new community. Selecting the housing choice that best fits your family’s needs and tastes is crucial, so finding cozy apartments for rent might make your family feel at home in any new location. Furnished apartments and extended-stay lodgings are just two examples of available housing alternatives.

Furthermore, since securing your kids’ access to a top-notch education is a primary concern, it is imperative that you conduct thorough research on nearby schools and educational establishments. If your tasks need you to move frequently, you can also think about homeschooling, which would enable you to keep your kids’ education consistent while also giving them the opportunity to experience new things. Creating a network of support is essential; this can include other travel nurses, your neighbors, local community resources, and even online communities that can help and give you a sense of community while you’re on assignment.

Dealing with Challenges

Providing travel nursing care to a family might present some difficulties, which must be overcome with a blend of adaptation, resilience, and proactive problem-solving techniques. Every new place has its own set of conditions, from temperature and culture to local amenities and healthcare facilities, making it difficult to adjust to new habits and situations. Another typical problem is overcoming homesickness, which is a normal emotion brought on by being apart from loved ones and familiar settings.

It can be difficult to manage your family’s healthcare needs since you have to make appointments, locate qualified healthcare providers, and make sure everyone in your family gets the treatment they need. Nonetheless, these difficulties are surmountable and can even present chances for individual and family development if the proper mindset and support networks are in place.

Managing Work-Life Balance

For travel nurses who have families, striking a healthy work-life balance and avoiding burnout may be rather difficult because it requires balancing a lot of responsibilities and making sure that your family’s needs are satisfied in addition to your professional obligations. Before starting any task, it’s critical to talk about expectations with your employer and family. Clear and honest communication is the foundation of a happy and successful trip.

You can achieve a balance that lets you succeed in your nursing career and be present for significant family events and milestones by making sure that your family’s needs are taken into consideration as much as possible while planning your work schedule. It’s important to keep in mind that spending quality time with your loved ones is crucial for both their well-being and the success of your trip.

A unique and fulfilling experience, travel nursing with your family can leave your loved ones with priceless memories and a strong sense of resilience. You can overcome the obstacles you encounter along the path if you have perseverance, flexibility, and a network of people who are there for you when you need them. You are prepared to start your trip as a travel nurse with your family by your side, eager to embrace the adventure in all its forms, thanks to the knowledge and insights offered in this guide.

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!

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By Alex McCoy

December 25, 2023

2398 Views

Nontraditional Ways to Travel Nurse With a Family

Posted on December 25, 2023December 5, 2023 by Alex McCoy

One of the best things about travel nursing is the way you can tailor the experience to fit your lifestyle. Whether that be traveling with friends or significant others, traveling with pets, or even traveling with children, you can make it work. The idea of traveling with a family at first may seem intimidating, but there are several ways families are making the travel nurse lifestyle work for them!

One Spouse Stays “Home” on Assignment

A popular way for families to make travel work for them is to have one stay-at-“home” parent while on the road. This could mean the spouse that does not work in healthcare, or if both work in healthcare, they could take turns on who stays home and who works the contracts.

This option is great because it allows your family to stay together in one place. However, it may be an adjustment for the stay-at-home parent if that role is new for them.

Both Spouses Work Contracts on Opposite Shifts

If you want to get the most “bang for your buck,” this is the route to go. In this scenario, both spouses are healthcare workers and manage to coordinate contracts so that they work opposite shifts. This may also require some agreement with management regarding how shifts will be scheduled and coordinated in relation to your spouse, but it can be done!

The downside here is that the spouses may not actually get a lot of time together. Also, the spouse working the night shift may have unpredictable sleep schedules, which can be wearing over time. On the other hand, if you really want to save money or pay off debt, this is a great way to do that quickly!

One Spouse Stays at the Tax Home

If you have older children who may be reluctant to move or have other responsibilities back at your tax home, this may be a great option to make extra money travel nursing while also giving your kids a steady home.

In this scenario, a lot of travel nurses try to find jobs that will allow them to block schedule their shifts. This means they work a block of shifts in a row and then get a block of days off. This way, they can travel home on their days off for a longer period.

Another great option here is to look into semi-local travel. This means taking assignments that are within a reasonable driving distance so you can travel home easily on days off without worrying about plane tickets.

Someone Works From “Home” on Assignment

Thanks to all of the jobs that have moved to fully remote, there are now a lot of opportunities for a partner to work from home–from anywhere!

This option may be a little tricky or require jobs with a little more flexibility if you have smaller children at home OR if you have to be hands-on with a homeschool program. However, just like having partners coordinate contracts, this option can be rewarding in that it allows both partners to work and earn income for the family.

Another option is to see if your spouse’s company will do a hybrid option–where they are mostly remote but are required to be in the office once a month or less. You could even coordinate this with days off in your contract. You never know if you don’t ask!

Regardless of what seems like the “best” option for your family, the beauty of all of this is that you have options. Some travel nurses travel with their families for years. Others do it for a short period of time to save money for something specific. And as always, if the first approach doesn’t work, you can always try a different one!

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!

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By Host Healthcare

September 6, 2023

2573 Views

9 Ways to Stay In Touch With Family While on Assignment

Posted on September 6, 2023 by Host Healthcare

Host Healthcare provided this article.

Whether you’re a nurse working long shift hours, a travel nurse on assignment far from home, or even just beginning to look for a travel RN position, being separated from your family can be emotional and exhausting. Missing holidays, milestones, or simple family time together isn’t easy for anyone.

But with some planning and a few tried-and-true tricks, you can turn your time away into something meaningful for all of you.

Not only does your family provide support, guidance, and love, but staying connected with them via phone calls, social media, or video chatting can actually keep you physically healthy.¹ So, if you’re wondering how to stay in touch while in travel healthcare, whether you are a medical assistant vs. nurse vs. doctor, read on for our 9 best tips to feel the family love when endless shift hours or long miles keep you apart.

Tips for Before You Head Out the Door

Before you ever set foot outside your family home, you can lay the groundwork for a positive separation by communicating with your family members with intention and compassion.

#1 Talk About It

It doesn’t matter if you’re a newlywed, a parent of young children, or a single professional whose pets, parents, and siblings are at home. You need to communicate with your family exactly what your absence will consist of.

Sharing the details of your separation with them, especially if you’re an OR travel nurse, will give everyone the timeline and framework they need to make sense of your absence. Some of the things you should share include:

Why you will be gone,
Where you’re going,
How long you’ll be gone,
How you will travel,
Where you will be staying
What you’ll be doing

#2 Make a Plan

Once your family understands the details of your impending absence, you can make a plan for how you will stay in touch during the hours and days apart. Letting them know that you will reach out through calls, text messages, and/or emails regularly will help alleviate some of the apprehension they might be feeling about your departure.

However, your plans need to be flexible enough that if they get changed, no one feels disappointed. It might be tempting to say, “I’ll call every night at 6 p.m., and we’ll video chat on Saturday morning at 9 a.m.” But remember, things come up. You don’t want your family waiting nervously for your call while you’re handling a work emergency.

Instead, tell your family, “I will do my best to call you daily. Sometimes it might be early, and sometimes it might be late. If I miss my call, just know I’m thinking about you.” While you’re away, you can also send text messages to your loved ones or maybe a close friend to share updates, let them know that you’re okay, and check in with any family members who may be missing you a little more than usual.

#3 Leave Something Important at Home

Do you have a favorite sweatshirt or a pillow that you love? As great as it is to have that comfort item with you on assignment, it might be even better to leave it for a loved one to cuddle. Especially for small children, having something with your scent on it will comfort them when they are missing you.²

Tips for While You’re Away

For a few people, the build-up to departure is the hardest time. For most, though, the actual absence is the hardest. Luckily, we have some ways to stay in touch with family to help you and your loved ones transition easily.

#4 Use Technology

Today’s technology can keep families connected across time and distance. Most people have smartphones, tablets, and computers that can access a program or an app to help them feel connected even when they’re miles apart.

Before you leave, check that you and your family have compatible technology. Do a little tutorial so that everyone knows how to access and use the agreed-upon apps. Some modes of communication that you should consider include:

Emailing
Text messaging
Chatting with apps like:
- WhatsApp
- Slack
- Telegram
Video calling:
- Zoom
- Skype
- Google Hangout
Blends of video calls, group chats, and texting:
- Facebook
- Instagram
- Snapchat

#5 Mail Something

It doesn’t have to be big, but a postcard or a little gift in the mail will brighten your family’s day. Similarly, if you are going to be at a location where you can receive mail, a handwritten surprise from home will warm you immeasurably, especially after a long shift.

#6 Bring Them to You

This isn’t always feasible, but bringing your family to you for a few days or a long weekend can transform separation into an anticipated vacation. Plus, it’ll give you and your loved ones time to reconnect and spend some quality time together—whether that’s wrapping yourself in your hotel’s finest robes and gorging on local delicacies while watching your favorite movies or TV show series or getting outside to explore local attractions. This can also help to keep a strong relationship with your long-distance family.

After You Return

Sometimes, the reunion can be the hardest part. If you’ve been away for a while or if you missed a major milestone, it can take a little time to reconnect with your family and friends and return to a sense of normalcy.

#7 Do Something Fun Together

Having something special to do together as soon as you return will give everyone an event to look forward to, as well as soften any feelings of anxiety or angst. This doesn’t have to be a major or expensive event (although that certainly would work, too). Just going to a movie, hanging out in the park, or taking a hike together can be a fun way to reconnect with a family member.

#8 Bring a Little Gift

Pulling a little surprise from your backpack or luggage will make both of you feel warm. Again, don’t think big—think creatively! Complimentary hotel shampoo bottles are fun and interesting for children, plus it gives them a little insight into where you have been. Keyrings, magnets, and postcards are inexpensive and easy to find, but they will show your extended family lots of love. Also, looking for these little gifts while you’re away will help you visualize your return.

#9 Don’t Guilt Yourself

No matter where you go or how long you are gone, remind yourself that your career is important. Family separation is normal, and with a little bit of planning, it doesn’t need to be strenuous. Just be sure that while caring for your patients and your family, you’re caring for yourself, too. Furthermore, if you are an RN returning to practice, this can be an overwhelming time for you to manage learning new requirements and being away from home, so give yourself some time to adjust.

Let Host Healthcare Help

At Host Healthcare, we want your experience as a travel nurse to be positive for you and your family. We pledge to always do our utmost to find you the best, high-paying travel nursing jobs to make your separation worthwhile.

Apply with us today to join an award-winning staff of healthcare professionals dedicated to making a difference in the lives of all those we care about. We’ll work with you to find the best opportunities for you and your family so you can continue to build meaningful relationships near and far.

Sources:

Compass. “The Importance of Family Ties.” WebMD, April 16, 2017, https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/guide/family-support#3
Leahy, Meghan. How to Stay Close to Kids When Work Requires Lots of Travel. The Washington Post, September 3, 2014, https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/on-parenting/how-to-stay-close-to-kids-when-work-requires-lots-of-travel/2014/09/02/8c5bbb18-2c6e-11e4-994d-202962a9150c_story.html

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By Advantage Medical Professionals

June 27, 2023

1962 Views

Travel Nursing: A Family Affair

Posted on June 27, 2023June 27, 2023 by Advantage Medical Professionals

Advantage Medical Professionals provided this article.

The unprecedented uptick in remote work policies and online education programs have arguably made the world feel a little bit smaller and more accessible for more of us than ever before. Of course, as a healthcare professional, it probably seems that not much has changed for us on that front. After all, our “office” is always wherever our patients are, and wearing your scrubs is probably the closest you’ll ever get to working in your pajamas. However, you can still reap some of the benefits this brave new world provides – the ever-growing remote work and education opportunities available to students and working adults have made it more feasible than ever for immediate family members, roommates, or friends to join nurses and healthcare professionals in their travel journey as a travel nursing family.

Of course, there are still some important factors to consider when deciding whether bringing family or friends along for the adventure is ideal for everyone involved:

The Kids Will Be All Right….Right?

As any parent or guardian would attest, kids naturally have a way of both enriching and complicating their life and career plans. This universal truth also resonates with healthcare professionals who have kids but also want to start or continue taking travel assignments. Unfortunately, there is no universal “correct” answer to whether you should bring your tyke(s) along, arrange for them to stay behind with their other parent, or consider taking only local contracts so neither you nor your children would have to relocate. The age of your child or children may be one factor in your decision – for instance, toddler-age kids aren’t in grade school yet, so that makes some things less complicated if you’re leaning toward taking them along.

However, you would need to make sure you have solid childcare arrangements in place. If you have kids in junior high or high school, childcare is less of an issue, but pulling them away from their hometown, school, and friends will likely be a larger concern. You can always do a ”trial run” by taking a short-term travel assignment (some can be as short as four to eight weeks versus the typical thirteen-week assignment) to feel things out before making any long-term or permanent changes to your (or your child’s) living arrangements. No matter what your decision is, family should always come first.

Shifts in the Night

Regardless of whether you’re traveling with kids, your spouse, a colleague, or a roommate outside of the bedside healthcare field, it is important to take an honest, realistic look at both everyone’s work schedules, habits, and sleeping patterns who will be living under the same roof together to ensure they won’t clash. This doesn’t necessarily mean you and your roomies’ schedules need to be identical, but living with someone who enjoys opening all the blinds and doing an intense workout at 9 AM every morning while you’re struggling to fall asleep because you’re working nights might lead to some recurring trouble in paradise (even if that person happens to be your spouse).

If you and the other members of your family/household decide to travel together, here are just some of the advantages of doing so:

Emotional Support

There is nothing quite like being greeted at the door with your little one’s arms around your waist or a peck on the cheek from your significant other after an exhausting shift. Having someone you care about around for emotional support can be especially comforting when you’re feeling overwhelmed or emotionally drained. Conversely, it’s nice to know that you’re in close enough proximity to your loved ones to offer them your support when they need it, too.

Shared Expenses

Let’s start with the most obvious perk – if you’re traveling with at least one other working adult (e.g., a spouse, friend, or roommate), you won’t be left to shoulder all the temporary housing expenses on your own. This can be a huge load off your mind AND your bank account.

Please note: If you’re rooming with at least one other adult that is sharing housing costs with you (especially if they are also a travel nurse), you should consult a tax professional about how this can affect one or both of your untaxed stipends since both of you clearly won’t be duplicating 100% of all your expenses. They can advise you about the best (and legal) way to manage your finances accordingly.

Bonding Experiences

Embarking on an adventure has a unique way of bringing people closer together, and the adventure that is travel nursing is no exception. From the road trip toward your new/temporary home to navigating a new city together, there is nothing quite like the experience of discovering new places and meeting new people with some of YOUR favorite people. In some cases, you may get the opportunity to take a travel contract in a place that one of you is familiar with. If that’s the case, it helps to have someone you trust to show you the ropes. If you are the one who happens to have connections in your new/temporary town, don’t forget to take a moment to fully appreciate and experience some of your familiar haunts through the new, fresh eyes of your companion who is seeing them for the very first time.

Safety in Numbers

As nurses and healthcare professionals, we know all too well that the world can be a scary place. Living and working in a new place can further compound the anxiety many of us feel when we are already outside of our literal (and metaphorical) comfort zone. However, knowing you aren’t coming home to an empty apartment or hotel room every night can help alleviate some of the uneasiness we may feel if we were traveling/living completely solo. It may not cross your mind too often, but the opposite is also true – living under the same roof as you (and in the same zip code, no less) will probably help your loved ones sleep easier, too.

Of course, there is no magical one-size-fits-all solution that would work for every family or household. However, advances in telecommunication coupled with the growing awareness of how important it is to prioritize family and our mental health have made it easier for us and our loved ones to stick together, no matter where our travel nursing journey takes us.

Are you a travel nursing family? How do you make it work while on assignments? If you would like to share any travel nursing family tips or advice, comment them below.

>> Treat yourself to a change of pace (and PLACE) by exploring all the travel nursing assignments we have available nationwide.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By Geraldine Mills

April 9, 2023

4486 Views

Travel Nurse with Family: Ways to Make it Work

Posted on April 9, 2023April 9, 2023 by Geraldine Mills

Travel nursing is a challenging profession with many obstacles as well as perks.

The main challenge for travel nurses is that they need more stability, especially regarding social connections within the hospital. Usually, the higher pay given to travel nurses compared to the regular nurses in the hospital can be a touchy subject that causes difficulty in staff cooperation.

Also, since you travel often, there is no time to solidify your experiences with other members working with you. This lack of social interaction can be lonely. However, one way to curb that is by being a travel nurse while bringing your family along with you.

You’ll have a solid group of people by your side to create a sense of stability even as you move from place to place for your work. If you’re planning to be a travel nurse with your family, here are some tips to help ease that transition for all parties involved.

Tips for being a travel nurse with your family on assignment

1. Can Travel Nurses Bring Their Families on a Job?

Before we cover some travel nursing tips, you might be interested in knowing whether travel nurses traveling with a partner or their families are okay. Well, worry not because it’s acceptable to do so. However, as with anything in your professional life, you should follow specific guidelines first.

The essential rule to this is to make sure that you notify your assigned recruiter immediately if this is an arrangement that you plan on having. That way, they can prepare accordingly to ensure that you fulfill your family’s needs while you’re on a travel assignment.

Now that you know you can bring your family, it’s time to move on to the tips below.

2. Develop a Plan in Advance and Communicate Clearly

For those new to the field, thinking about how they will travel with their family can be overwhelming and anxiety-inducing. The following tips can help you plan for your travel and make sure that you and your family are safe and happy during your travel nursing journey:

Make plans in advance with your partner or family members who know what to expect
Get an idea of what is expected of you as a travel nurse, including work hours, days off, etc.
Create a list of everything you need to do before leaving home so there is no last-minute scrambling.
Communicate clearly with co-workers or employers about the expectations for both parties.

Taking the time to do these steps ensures that you start and end each assignment on a clean, professional note that doesn’t overstep your boundaries.

3. Choose the Right Housing

When you’re a travel nurse traveling with family, it can be challenging to find suitable housing. It’s important to consider where you want to live and the amenities that will make your life easier. That’s why when you’re considering where to stay, here are some things to consider:

What amenities do I want my family members to have?
How close will my new home be to hospitals and other healthcare facilities?
Is there a school nearby?
How much space am I willing to spend on rent?

Check with your family to know what they want from the house you’re getting while you’re on your assignments.

4. Prepare Entertainment on the Go

When you travel with your family, it can be challenging to keep them entertained.

Pack some of their favorite toys and games they can play together in the car or hotel room to keep your kids entertained while traveling. You should also pack an iPad or tablet so they can watch movies, videos, and shows on it. Luckily, there are many free educational games available everywhere that you can use to entertain while educating and teaching your kids.

Don’t forget to spend some time seeing the sights in your new locality with your family. After all, these are the perks of traveling for work, so you might as well make the most out of it.

5. Built-in Road Trip Family Vacations

Since you’ll have to go on a trip to get to your next travel nurse assignment anyway, you might as well take the time to make the commute fun by making it a road trip.

Seeing the sights along the way to your destination can make it an exciting endeavor for you and your family. Just ensure you prepare and maintain your car if it is a long drive to get there.

6. Make the Most of Days Off

Wasting time on your days off is a big mistake many travel nurses make. You should spend time with your family instead of just sitting around watching TV or playing video games when you can (although there’s no harm in a few lazy days, either).

If you’re traveling with family, it’s crucial to take advantage of the new area you’re in and go on a short trip to do something fun and exciting for everyone in the family.

Conclusion

Traveling with your family while being a travel nurse can help ease the loneliness, but you have to make sure you make the most out of it when possible. Hopefully, the tips in this article show you how to do just that. That way, you enjoy a fulfilling career while also making time for the people in your life who matter most.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By StaffDNA

March 25, 2023

2507 Views

Travel Nursing with Families

Posted on March 25, 2023March 25, 2023 by StaffDNA

StaffDNA provided this article.

There have always been non-traditional travel nurses, but in the last few years, more and more families seem to be trying to figure out life on the road. The work-from-home and homeschool options have drastically increased since 2019, so a lot of the things that held families back in the past are no longer an issue. Whether you are traveling with babies, older kids, or other family members, there are a variety of ways you can make it work!

Tips for Travel Nursing with Families:

How to Handle Childcare

The easiest way to work as a travel nurse with kids is to have a spouse or other family member who can stay home on days you work. And with so many adults working from home, either full or part-time, it’s much easier to create a childcare plan that works for everyone.

The other option is to aim for a location where you can extend for longer. This way, you may be able to find a school or daycare program for your child in that location. Bigger cities are great for this style of travel because if needs dwindle at your first job, there are likely other jobs available within that metro area.

If you find a good spot where you plan to stay long-term, you could also look into hiring a nanny. This gives you the added flexibility of using them if you need childcare outside of work hours. For example, if mom and dad need a date night, having a nanny makes it much easier to sneak away!

School on the Road

Travel nursing with toddlers and babies may seem like the easiest option, but with so many districts offering online school, it may even be possible to travel with your school-aged child. There are so many resources for online schooling, and it may be less work on your end than you would think. Local homeschool groups are also popular, and they’re easy to find via social media or a quick Google search.

In addition, many places offer classes specifically geared toward homeschooled kids. You can often find local gyms that offer Homeschool PE, groups that facilitate outdoor learning, or programs for fine arts. And don’t forget that increased income from travel nursing can give you the opportunity to treat your family to experiences they may not otherwise have.

Making Friends in Each Location

Another big concern for parents considering traveling with their families is how to ensure their kids are making friends and learning how to socialize with other children their age.

This takes a little more leg work on the parents’ end, but it is possible! Kids who travel can still participate in activities like sports, dance, or gymnastics, depending on the length of your contract. Another great way to meet families is to look for local mom groups in whatever area you are moving to. Simply search the city name and “moms” on Facebook to see if there is a local group. These groups will often have ideas for places to go with your kids, or they may host meetups where you can connect with other families.

The other benefit of helping your kids meet friends in new places is it gives them the opportunity to create a network across the country. Who knows what camp and other opportunities may exist in the future when they have friends in every time zone?

Don’t Be Afraid to Reevaluate

Travel nursing with your family doesn’t have to be forever! Talk with your family and partner about what you want your travel experience to be like. Do you have specific places you want to live? Are there financial goals you want to meet? Is there a time in the future when you know you’ll want to settle down?

No matter what your reasoning is, it’s good to reevaluate your plan from time to time. Travel nursing with a family can certainly add stress to your life, and you may reach a point where the positives do not outweigh the negatives. If it’s time to go home, don’t feel bad! You still had an experience that many families won’t ever get to have, and you should be proud you made it work.

But until then, adventure awaits!

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. There you can search for what you are looking for in housing.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By Furnished Finder

September 28, 2022

1611 Views

Top Tips for Travel Nursing with a Family

Posted on September 28, 2022September 27, 2022 by Furnished Finder

So, your next travel contract is set, and your family is joining. Whether this means that you have a spouse with you for the trip or you are traveling with kids, things shift when you’re traveling with family. Here are some of our very best tips and tricks to make it as smooth as possible for traveling with family!

Keep everyone included

With big life events, everyone is far more likely to be on board if they feel involved. Think of making it a “team travel” versus one person making the decisions and the others simply designated as passengers. There are ways to make everyone feel included and a part of the process without giving away important decisions. For instance, if traveling with kids, the parents will make the decisions regarding housing, but the kids can decide on travel tunes or some decor for their rooms. They can even decide a handful of things they want to do in their new home area or attractions they are interested in. This way, everyone is a part of the journey!

Plan for things big and small

This tip is particularly applicable if traveling with children. When thinking about traveling, “big” things are often the first things arranged. Transportation, housing, etc. To kids, the small things are big, too. Don’t forget to find local parks, kid-friendly restaurants, travel entertainment packs for the car, and snacks! While they seem small to adults, these things are game-changes to kids, particularly when they are going through a big change.

Divide and conquer

The bigger the crew, the more overwhelming travel can seem. Take time to divide and conquer the responsibilities and tasks that have to get done when traveling. Do not be afraid to ask for help! Friends and family may be able to pitch in a few hours to help you get details arranged, pack things up, or help you run errands last minute.

Join the community!

Spouses and kids may feel a little lonely when entering a new community, especially if they work from home or are home-schooled. It can be intimidating to think about jumping right into a new community. You have a built-in network with your new coworkers, but spouses and kids don’t get that new network. Take some time and research local churches, meetup groups, interest groups, rec centers, and more. This will allow your family to feel involved in the new community as soon as possible.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Navigating the Challenges of Being a Travel Nurse with a Family:

1. Communication is Key

2. Plan Ahead

3. Involve Your Family in Decision-Making

4. Establish a Support Network

5. Prioritize Self-Care

6. Embrace Flexibility

7. Create Meaningful Memories

8. Seek Professional Guidance

Conclusion

Find Your Next Travel Healthcare Assignment with Our Job Board!

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

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Tips for Before You Head Out the Door

#1 Talk About It

#2 Make a Plan

#3 Leave Something Important at Home

Tips for While You’re Away

#4 Use Technology

#5 Mail Something

#6 Bring Them to You

After You Return

#7 Do Something Fun Together

#8 Bring a Little Gift

#9 Don’t Guilt Yourself

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