CareerStaff Unlimited provided this article.
Compared to staff nursing, everything as a travel nurse is new: New experiences, new adventures, new opportunities… and new processes. Transitioning to travel nursing can feel daunting, especially if you’re unsure where to start or the differences vs. staff nursing.
However, with a bit of preparation, you can decide what’s right for you and map out your new travel nurse adventure!
Travel Nursing vs. Staff Nursing: What’s the Difference?
Travel Nursing is Filled with Change and Adventure
For starters, staff nurses stay in one place, building relationships and growing within a familiar environment. Travel nurses, on the other hand, move from assignment to assignment. This gives you the chance to work in diverse settings, handle various cases, and constantly learn new skills to level up your resume.
Travel Nurses are Temporary Gigs
As a travel nurse, you’ll take on short-term assignments at various facilities across the U.S., typically lasting around 13 weeks. Often, these assignments involve filling in for nurses on leave or supporting understaffed units.
Travel Nursing Pays More
Another major perk of travel nursing vs. staff nursing is the potential for sky-high earnings. In 2024, travel nurses earn as high as $2,764 weekly or $64.75 per hour in base pay based on factors like location and setting. Additionally, you can supercharge your earnings even more with incentives, tax-free stipends, and bonuses!
Pros of Transitioning to Travel Nursing
Get Paid to Travel Across the Country
As a travel nurse, each week brings new experiences you’d normally have to wait and take time off to have. You’ll have the opportunity to explore different landscapes, cultures, and bucket-list destinations.
Earn Life-Changing Money
Increased pay opens doors to new opportunities, especially with higher hourly rates and travel stipends. You might choose a couple of assignments to save up and slice debt or keep going to see more of the country.
Remember: You can always test the waters with a few assignments and see what suits you best. It’s your journey!
Grow Your Career & Confidence Faster
Additionally, the experiences you gain traveling can help make you a better nurse. As you work in new facilities with new people, you’ll grow your skills and confidence and resume fast. You’ll also find exciting roles that might not be available locally.
Travel Nursing vs. Staff Nursing: What to Expect
Quick Onboarding and Orientation Processes
Travel nurses are expected to jump in and adapt quickly. When starting a new assignment, you’ll provide your documents, licenses, and certifications during onboarding. Orientation will likely be brief, so be ready to learn fast, take notes, and keep an open mind.
A Transitional Period
Being away from loved ones and familiar places can be challenging at first. This is normal! Once you find your rhythm, you can build new friendships and gain experiences you might never have otherwise. Travel nursing brings you closer to your goals with endless opportunities for excitement and growth.
Transitioning to Travel Nursing: Tips for Success
- Make Sure it’s Right for You
Trying to decide between travel nursing vs. staff nursing? First, ask yourself:
- Do I adapt well to new environments?
- Am I confident in my skill set?
- Am I comfortable being on my own?
- Am I open to new experiences and methods?
If you mostly answer ‘yes,’ you’re on the right track!
- Gain Experience First
Most facilities require at least 1-2 years of experience in your specialty before you can travel. Therefore, you need to feel confident and proficient in your role before starting as a travel nurse so you can jump right in!
- Make Sure You’re Up to Date on Credentials
When transitioning to travel nursing, make sure all your credentials are current. Check if you can transfer your nursing license across states with a travel nurse compact license.
- Maintain Your Routine
Adjusting to a new city, lifestyle, and facility can be overwhelming at first. Give yourself time to adjust and make it easier by continuing your routines for physical and mental health.
- Take Advantage of Opportunities
Take advantage of the opportunities around you off the clock! Explore your new area, fully experiencing different cultures, foods, sights, and beauty across the country. Discover what’s out there by putting yourself out there.
- Work with a Travel Nurse Recruiter
Lastly, your travel nurse recruiter is the ultimate hack to make transitioning to travel nursing a breeze! From answering travel questions and handling paperwork to reviewing contracts and finding assignments, a recruiter can assist with all of the above.
Ready to dive into the exciting world of travel nursing vs. staff nursing? If you’re looking for a career that lets you explore new horizons, you’re in the right place. Partner with a trusted travel nurse agency like CareerStaff to connect with a recruiter and embark on your dream assignment today!
Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!
Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.
Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment
Do you need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.
