The way travel nurses find and manage jobs is getting a significant upgrade thanks to mobile apps. These days, instead of dealing with piles of paperwork and waiting days for a response, nurses can tap an app to search for jobs, apply, and even chat directly with potential employers. This shift to mobile is all about making things faster, easier, and more personalized for nurses on the go.
Why Mobile Apps Are a Big Deal for Nurses
Travel nurses are constantly moving, so it makes sense that they need job tools that move with them. Mobile apps fit perfectly into their lifestyle, letting them look for new jobs no matter where they are. And it’s not just about convenience; it’s also about getting noticed faster. With mobile apps, job posts, and updates happen in real-time, so nurses can apply as soon as they see a job they like, speeding up the process.
Statistics show this approach is working. Apps are becoming more popular every year, with more people downloading and using them for all sorts of things, including job hunting. Mobile apps are way ahead when it comes to getting people to read messages and notifications. They have a 22% open rate for messages, much better than the 5% open rate for traditional phone push notifications.
Making Job Hunting Personal
One of the most incredible things about using apps for job hunting is how they can match you with jobs that fit exactly what you’re looking for. These apps use innovative tech to determine your skills, preferences, and availability and then show you jobs that match. This means you’re more likely to find a job that’s a good fit for your career and your life.
All the Info You Need, Right in Your Hand
Another big plus of mobile tech is how it gives nurses all the information they need to make intelligent decisions. Through an app, you can learn about different employers, what a job will be like, and even get a feel for a new city or hospital, helping you go into a new job feeling prepared and confident.
As the healthcare world keeps changing, mobile apps are becoming more important for travel nurses looking to manage their careers efficiently. This move towards mobile isn’t just a convenience; it’s transforming the future of travel nursing, making it easier for nurses to do the work they love wherever they’re needed most.
For those looking to stay ahead in this dynamic field, exploring the latest mobile solutions can make a significant difference. A prime example is the Ingenovis Health Mobile App, which offers a streamlined, user-friendly platform for travel nurses to find, apply and manage their job placements efficiently.
By integrating such tools into their job search strategy, nurses can ensure they’re meeting the demands of today’s healthcare landscape and are poised for success in the rapidly evolving world of travel nursing.
We hope you found this article on how mobile apps are changing the game for travel nurses. We want to hear from you! What mobile apps do you use on a daily basis as a travel nurse? Comment them below.
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Washington, D.C., known for its iconic monuments, renowned museums, and rich history, also stands as a vibrant hub for healthcare professionals. As the capital of the United States, D.C. boasts a thriving medical community featuring multiple acclaimed hospitals, academic institutions, and medical centers. Beyond the rewarding professional opportunities, the city offers a plethora of attractions to explore during your downtime. Picture yourself strolling amidst the famed cherry blossom trees or immersing yourself in the historic monuments you’ve only read about – all within your reach as a healthcare professional in D.C.!
Why Choose D.C.?
Lifestyle Advantages
Nestled between Maryland and Virginia, Washington, D.C. pulsates with energy and opportunity. Its efficient metro system and logically structured numeric and alphabetized streets make navigation a breeze. Embracing a career in D.C. opens doors to numerous benefits, including:
Flexibility in Work: With over 15 hospitals and medical centers, D.C. offers healthcare professionals a plethora of job options, allowing you to choose when and where you work.
Abundant Leisure Activities: D.C. brims with diverse attractions, from world-class museums and historical landmarks to bustling shops and restaurants, ensuring there’s never a dull moment during your downtime.
Extensive Trail Network: While the metro system provides convenience, exploring the city on foot or by bike offers a more intimate experience. With over 60 miles of designated biking trails and scenic pathways, D.C. invites exploration on two wheels or on foot.
Facilities and Healthcare Landscape in D.C.
Navigating the diverse healthcare landscape of Washington, D.C., becomes seamless with the assistance of staffing agencies like AMN Healthcare. Considerations for your ideal workplace include:
Facility Preferences: Determine the type of healthcare setting that aligns with your career objectives, whether it’s a large urban medical center, a suburban hospital, or a teaching institution.
Career Growth Opportunities: Capitalize on the myriad healthcare job openings in D.C., ranging from positions in academic medical centers to clinics and home health companies, to advance your professional trajectory.
Specialized Roles: Leverage your specialty certifications to secure in-demand positions, enhancing your career profile and bolstering future job prospects.
Top Attractions and Experiences in D.C.
Beyond the confines of the workplace, Washington, D.C., promises a wealth of cultural and recreational activities. Indulge in the following must-see attractions:
The Lincoln Memorial: Marvel at the majestic statue of Abraham Lincoln and immerse yourself in the historic significance of this iconic monument.
Smithsonian Museums: Explore the diverse array of museums within the Smithsonian Institution, offering insights into art, history, and science.
The White House and U.S. Capitol: Embark on tours of these emblematic structures, witnessing firsthand the seat of American governance.
Tidal Basin and National Zoological Park: Delight in the serene beauty of the Tidal Basin and encounter diverse wildlife at the National Zoological Park.
Union Market District and Potomac River: Savor culinary delights at the Union Market District and embark on adventures along the scenic Potomac River.
Join AMN Healthcare for Rewarding Opportunities in D.C.
Consider the myriad advantages of partnering with AMN Healthcare for your professional journey:
Seamless Job Search: Utilize the AMN Passport app to explore job opportunities, manage assignments, and connect with fellow professionals.
Comprehensive Support: Benefit from dedicated recruiters, round-the-clock clinical assistance, and licensure support to ensure a smooth and rewarding experience.
Exceptional Benefits: Enjoy premium health benefits, retirement savings plans, free continuing education courses, and a robust Employee Assistance Program.
Embark on an enriching career journey in Washington, D.C., with AMN Healthcare by your side.
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As a traveling nurse, one of the primary skills you should possess is the power of adaptability. Since you constantly move from place to place, you must quickly adjust to the new environment and different healthcare settings.
When visiting a new hospital or clinic, in addition to learning where everything is located, you also need to learn the protocols and how the team works at that new location. While there will likely be a learning curve, if you have a plan to hit the ground running, you have a better chance of success.
To better equip you for the future, here are some challenges to expect and solutions to implement as you adjust to new work environments.
Adapting to Different Healthcare Settings:
Fitting In With Your New Staff in Different Healthcare Settings
The first of many things you’ll likely want to do when going into a different healthcare setting is to meet the medical staff that will be your team during this assignment. The trick here is to be open and approachable. To succeed, you must work together, so you must be able to communicate.
Don’t forget to ask all the questions you can so you’re informed and prepared to act at a moment’s notice. On the flip side, know when it’s time to listen so you can hear all of the finer details. Don’t assume you know how it’s done at this new place. Listen to instructions, and you’ll be fine.
Since your new coworkers will likely be busy throughout the day, and it may be hard to track someone down when you need them, ask if one of the supervisors can act as a mentor. Find someone willing to provide guidance and show you the ropes, and you’ll get on the right path. To retain the information you learn, write notes. Then, take them with you and refer to them when necessary.
Helping Your New Patients
You’ll also want to get used to speaking to and helping the new patient population, especially if they speak a different language. This is one of the reasons why expanding your language skills is a critical cultural competency in healthcare.
There are many advantages to being bilingual in healthcare. One of them is that the world is becoming more diverse, and patients speak more languages than ever, so you will be in greater demand. As far as the job goes, when you can speak the patient’s native tongue, you can be certain that you’re getting all the details and providing quality care. The ability to read in more than one language may also be helpful as a secondary form of communication.
Even if there isn’t a language barrier, there may be a learning curve when it comes to patients you’ve never worked with before, especially if you’re trying to convey new information. Each patient will have their own learning style. Some would like to hear you verbally provide guidance. Others will want to read their prescription and instructions. The best thing to do is ask the patients how they prefer to communicate and go with it.
Learning New Protocols in Different Healthcare Settings
Perhaps most importantly, you’ll also need to learn the protocols and procedures that may differ from where you’ve been before. Try to understand as much as you can early on. The hospital may even have reference cards that you can study during breaks.
Start by learning the basic procedures in this new setting. Ask about their charting system and how to navigate tablets and electronic devices so you can find the data you need without confusion. Also, ask about the crash carts and the necessary codes you need to know. You’ll also want to learn about your specific schedule and how your day-to-day routine should be. Ask who creates the schedules if you need to call out for an emergency.
It’s also essential to learn about the health and safety requirements in your new hospital, including the exit plan in the case of an emergency and the personal protection equipment you should have on you at all times.
Finally, pay special attention to the biohazard waste disposal guidelines at the new location. The guidelines include segregating each form of waste and not throwing biohazard waste into regular trash receptacles. The containers must also be puncture-resistant and properly labeled. Everyone must be trained on how to move and handle the containers. Each hospital may manage these waste requirements differently, so ask good questions to keep yourself and the patients safe.
Conclusion
There are many considerations you’ll want to keep in mind as you travel from one healthcare facility to another, and proper preparation is a must. If you can, call or visit the hospital in advance so you’re not going in completely uninformed. When in doubt, ask questions and do your best to make a nice addition to the team.
We hope you found this article on adapting to different healthcare settings helpful. How do you adapt to different healthcare settings? Comment your tips for fellow travelers below.
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With Mother’s Day coming up, you might want to plan a gift for your mom, a travel nurse. If you can’t come up with ideas, here are some 12 thoughtful gift ideas that your mom might appreciate if they receive them.
12 Mother’s Day Gift Ideas for Travel Nurses
1. Flower bouquets
There’s a reason why flower bouquets are still a go-to gift for mothers during their day. Receiving flowers no matter the occasion is always flattering, so giving them Mother’s Day flowers can be a great choice if you have a low-maintenance mom.
What’s great about flower bouquets as a gift for your traveling nurse mom is that it doesn’t need much upkeep or work on their part. They can leave it in a vase and admire it in their home. Every time they see it, it’ll remind them of you.
Just remember to get flowers your mother loves, if they have a favorite one. Also, giving a bouquet with a vase is excellent if you don’t think your mom has any vases in their home, especially when they’re traveling around a lot.
2. Personalized relaxation kit
When your mom is a traveling nurse, they have to tend to many other people as part of their job. Also, they must constantly adapt to new situations, coworkers, environments, etc. All of these together can be stressful, so giving them a gift that can help them relax is a great choice this Mother’s Day.
A great example of that would be a personalized relaxation kit.
Ask yourself what your mom likes to do to relax. Some prefer to read a good book while lighting a scented candle. Others stay in the bath and listen to their favorite album with a glass of wine. Every person is different.
You can create a relaxation kit filled with items that make for the perfect rest day for your mom based on what she wants.
3. Professional massage gift certificate
Speaking of relaxation, sometimes, the most relaxing thing one can do is to leave all of their stresses behind with the help of a good massage.
While relaxing at home is excellent, and having an at-home spa day is always a great time, sometimes, you want to leave it all to a professional. That’s why another easy gift to give your traveling nurse mom would be a professional massage gift certificate.
You can also get the whole pampering package here, so she can spend an entire day feeling pampered.
Given the challenging work they do in the hospital, spending the day getting a massage can help soothe these tired muscles.
4. Under-Shirts
Getting your traveling nurse mom a Mother’s Day gift that you know they’ll use is a great way to avoid the likelihood of you getting them something that could be a hassle to use. You also will avoid getting a gift they won’t use at all to the point of cluttering up their space.
If this sounds like a great idea, getting your mom some under-shirts can be a great choice. You can buy multiples of them so that they have something extra while their other under-shirts are still in the hamper. These will be great for the cooler months so they can feel warm as they work.
5. Fitness watch
A fitness watch can be great if your mom is into fitness. It can be an excellent way for them to track their steps and a great companion for people who travel often, which is what a traveling nurse does as part of the job.
If you want more functionality, you can get your mom a smartwatch so they can do more than just fitness-related activities.
6. Travel Journal
If you know your mom enjoys tracking all the places they’ve been to as they travel for their job, then why not gift them a travel journal? It’s an excellent choice for moms who are sentimental and into self-reflection.
Ideally, it should be easy enough to carry so that it won’t make their bags heavy if they bring their travel journal.
7. Travel Scarf
An underrated travel item with a lot of versatility that your mom, a traveling nurse, can use would be a travel scarf.
Your mom can use this scarf for multiple purposes. They can use it as a fashion item. They can bundle it up and utilize it as a makeshift pillow while traveling. It’s also helpful in keeping warm. They can also use it as a mat to sit on the ground without getting dirty.
Just choose one scarf that comes in a style you know they’ll like, and you’ve got yourself an all-purpose gift for your mom.
8. Travel-friendly toiletries
Since traveling nurses must leave often, gifting them something like travel-friendly toiletries can significantly help.
Once they have to go to a new assignment, they can pull out these toiletries and make their way to their new job. Ensure that the containers for these toiletries are also leakproof so that they don’t have to deal with a mess in their luggage once they get to their new workplace assignment.
9. Nice pens
If you know that your mom loves stationery, consider getting them some nice pens they can use for their job. They should be nice pens that write well and are comfortable. Pens that they can pin to their clothes pockets at work are also a good choice.
Ideally, they shouldn’t have a pen cap to put on and off when using it. That’s why pens that you can click are a better choice.
Fountain pens might seem fancy, but they’re too much work and are impractical since travel nurses don’t work in an office. That’s why getting retractable pens is a better choice.
10. Nurse tote bag
Getting your mom a tote bag that they can use at work is another great Mother’s Day gift for them.
An ideal nurse tote bag has many pockets to ensure everything is where they are. You should also ensure that the tote bags are waterproof or resistant to protect their items against the elements. It should also be made from durable materials like canvas to last a long time.
11. Travel pillow
A travel pillow is an excellent gift for anyone who travels often so that it could be a fantastic gift for your mom, a travel nurse.
Invest in a travel pillow that offers comfort and relieves neck pain so your mom can sleep comfortably in transit.
12. Reusable water bottle
If you’re sure that your mom doesn’t have one yet, get them a reusable water bottle. You can even get water bottles in various colors and designs these days. You can even personalize it with the help of some waterproof stickers.
Conclusion
This Mother’s Day, give your mom the gift of joy with the help of these gift ideas for your travel nurse mom. Whether it’s a gift to help them destress or improve their work life, you should have an option available here.
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Home healthcare jobs are expected to rise dramatically in the next decade or so to help support an aging population. It’s expected that nearly 200,000 new home health nursing jobs will be created as Americans live longer and stay in their homes. If you’ve ever thought about becoming a home health travel nurse, there’s never been a better time. Here’s what you can expect from a home health travel job.
Home Health Travel Nurses Have Variety in Their Schedules
Want a day job that differs nearly every day? While the same can be said for nurses in a clinical setting, home health nurses definitely have a different schedule every day, especially when they’re travelers. Travel home health nurses may be filling in for a nurse who’s on vacation or sick for the day, which means that they’re seeing different patients every day of their assignment.
If you’re in an unfamiliar city for your assignment, make sure you have a reliable GPS app on your phone that automatically updates with road closures and traffic info so you’re never lost wandering around. And look for an agency that pays you for mileage in between patients, so you’re not stuck footing that bill.
Of course, it’s possible for home health travel nurses to see the same set of patients throughout their 13-week assignment. If you’d rather form short-term relationships instead of seeing new patients every day, make sure to ask what type of job you’re applying for when you interview or ask your recruiter to find out the details. If you’re seeing the same patients day after day, this can help set a routine while you’re far from home.
Home Health Travel Nurses Make More Money
It’s no secret—home health travel nurses get paid more, and there’s no shame in that game if that’s why you’re a traveler.
The average hourly rate for a home health nurse is about $36 an hour or about $75,000, according to ZipRecruiter. While home health travel nurse salaries can vary according to location, NursingProcess.org reports that the average home health travel nurse earns about $113,000 a year. How does that sound?
Home Health Travel Nurses Are More Independent
While travel nurses have an incredible independence streak, home health travel nurses have to be even more independent. They’re often on their own, working one-on-one with patients without the support system of other nurses and hospital staff.
When you’re working as a home health nurse, you’ll need to be confident in your skills so that you can handle any situation that’s thrown your way. It’s also important to choose a travel agency with a full clinical department. This means you have support if you encounter a situation you’re not comfortable within the field.
Triage’s new long-term care division has home health, hospice, long-term care, senior living, rehab, and assisted living positions available, with more being added every week. No matter what your specialty, Triage has travel nurse jobs in locations throughout the country.
We hope you found this article on what you need to know about being a home health travel nurse helpful. Do you travel as a home health nurse? Comment below and let us know your tips or advice for other travel nurses.
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Whether you’re just now venturing into the lucrative adventure of travel nursing or are an experienced travel nurse deciding whether to continue, you may wonder where your career can take you in 2024. The good news is that the demand for travel nurses continues to soar, presenting exciting opportunities for travelers seeking new experiences, professional growth, and higher compensation. We’re eager to share some of the top reasons why this year is the perfect time to become a travel nurse and what high-demand states you’ll want to watch!
High Paying Job Opportunities
Travel nursing salaries are undeniably lucrative, influenced by factors like assignment location, specialty, and willingness to work various shifts, often exceeding permanent staff pay. Particularly lucrative are roles in oncology, NICU, pediatrics, cardiac nursing, and CRNAs, which are high-demand specialties. Rural locations, especially in states like California, Alaska, Connecticut, and New York, offer higher pay, with travel nurses typically earning $2,500 – $3,000 weekly.
Professional Development
Being a travel nurse offers you a unique opportunity to work in a variety of healthcare settings, be it a large urban hospital or a small rural clinic. By working with the right agency that will provide continuing training and educational opportunities, this job and patient diversity enables you to expand your skills, gain valuable experience, and enhance your resume. If your goal is to choose a specialty and someday possibly a perm staff role, this also gives you a chance to be exposed to those specialties in the different clinics and facilities you will work in.
Flexibility and Freedom
2024 has presented a lot of amazing new location options for travel nurse jobs. Every travel nurse is looking for something different, and you’re likely no different! If you’d like to spread your wings and see what’s out there, you may consider trying a state you’ve never considered before, like Alaska, Hawaii, Maine, or Nebraska. These states are among those in the highest demand for travel nurses in 2024, in addition to California, Massachusetts, Texas, and New Jersey.
Networking and Professional Connections
Travel nursing provides you with the opportunity to meet and work with healthcare professionals from diverse backgrounds. Building these connections can help you meet your professional goals and open doors to future career opportunities by expanding your professional network in 2024 and beyond. Professional networking also exposes travel nurses to different healthcare approaches, techniques, and perspectives, which can enrich your own approach to care.
Fulfill Critical Patient Needs
By alleviating staffing shortages in high-demand healthcare facilities, you can help ensure that their patient base receives timely and quality care. Travelers help maintain continuity of care, particularly in regions experiencing severe staffing shortages. You can directly impact patient outcomes while supporting and uplifting the healthcare professionals working as core staff that you’ll be working alongside. As a traveler, you play a crucial role in meeting patient needs and supporting healthcare teams wherever travel takes you.
Is Travel Nursing Right for Me?
While travel nursing can be a lucrative career, you have to do what’s best for you! Make sure you weigh the pros and cons against your lifestyle and learn all you need to know about travel nursing to help make an informed decision.
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
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.
Many nurses say one of the primary reasons they start travel nursing is to achieve their financial goals faster than they could in a permanent position. One of the main reasons telemetry/PCU nurse Scott Carpenter started traveling with RNnetwork was because he had a lot of bills he wanted to pay off. “My salary pretty much doubled when I started travel nursing,” Carpenter says. Now, after hitting those financial goals, he’s working on putting money away for retirement.
But it’s not just about higher pay.
Here are four strategies that travel nurses have used to meet their financial goals more quickly.
1. Pick up extra shifts
When he started nursing, Kyle Chadwick, a trauma/ICU nurse, had a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky Medical Center but still made only about $23 an hour. He says it wasn’t enough to support him, so after a year and a half in a staff position, he started travel nursing to boost his pay.
“Just like you would as a staff nurse, add in an extra shift here and there and stack your assignments one after another without much time off between them,” he says.
2. Be open to a variety of assignments
Home health nurse Chloe Callicoat turned to travel nursing after 13 years in a permanent position because she wanted to travel and get paid to do it.
“The key to increasing income as a travel nurse is to be willing to fill in anywhere,” she says. For her, that means doing any kind of home health for any patient. Because of this, she says she has doubled her income.
“It’s a huge difference,” Callicoat says. “I make every week now what I used to make every two weeks.”
3. Consider RV living instead of renting
ICU nurse Gabriel Rios started travel nursing at the beginning of the pandemic and says the key to saving more money is to “play the system.” For instance, he says some travel nurses buy a small RV and camp out. “You’re not just throwing money away on a hotel or an apartment.”
This is a tip that most travel nurses don’t employ, but it might be an option that works for you. Other ways to pocket more money include taking an assignment where you have family and staying with them or working on an assignment where you can rent a room from a friend.
4. Take advantage of all possible reimbursements
In addition to the higher pay, a travel nurse’s total compensation can include non-taxable reimbursements for things like housing, meals, incidental expenses (per diems), and travel to and from assignments, depending on the assignment. These can all help you achieve your financial goals sooner and offer additional ways to save money.
“First, you have to sit down, do the numbers, and see if travel nursing is worth it,” Rios says. “Then you can work out different ways to increase your pay from there,” he says. “That’s how you save more money faster.”
We hope you enjoyed this article on strategies that travel nurses have used to meet their financial goals more quickly. Do you have any strategies for meeting your financial goals more quickly as a travel nurse? Comment them below.
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The travel nursing industry has gone through significant transformations in the past few years, and as we get further into 2024, we thought it was important to explore the current state of this dynamic career path.
Rising demand for travel nurses
Despite the end of “the travel nurses’ gold rush,” the travel nursing industry is still going strong and continues to be a viable option for skilled nurses, says TravelNursing.org.
In the past several years, the travel nursing industry has grown by more than 600%, according to Supplemental Health Care. This is due to various factors, including the ongoing strain on healthcare facilities and the need for specialized skills in different regions, especially more rural areas. This has led hospitals and healthcare facilities to fill staffing gaps with travel assignments and book travel nurses to maintain quality patient care.
Changing demographics of travel nurses
The demographics of travel nurses are evolving, reflecting a diverse and dynamic workforce. Many younger professionals are entering the field, drawn to the flexibility, professional growth, and unique experiences that travel nursing offers. Additionally, more experienced nurses looking for a change or seeking adventure contribute to the growing diversity within the travel nursing community.
However, there is a projected nursing shortage in the U.S., according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, due to more and more baby boomer-generation nurses retiring, adding to the many RNs who left the profession due to pandemic burnout. This is a good opportunity for travel nurses to make the most of the situation as hospitals and facilities look to them to fill those staffing gaps.
Technological advancements in travel nursing
More and more, the travel nursing industry has embraced technological advancements to streamline processes and enhance communication. Mobile apps and online platforms like Medely connect healthcare facilities with travel nurses, making it easier for professionals to find assignments and for facilities to secure qualified staff quickly. These innovations have contributed to the efficiency and accessibility of the travel nursing marketplace and made it easier for travel nurses to not only find the travel assignments they’re looking for but also pick up local shifts in between. Check out this travel nurse’s story here on how she became a travel nurse to see the world and uses Medely to find the shifts she needs.
Salary trends and perks
Compensation for travel nurses has seen ebbs and flows over the past few years, especially when it peaked during the pandemic, but pay still remains high and competitive, according to Health eCareers. Plus, all the perks of travel nursing are still available and enticing to RNs considering this career path, like flexible schedules, benefits, stipends, higher pay, flexibility, exploration, and career growth.
Challenges and opportunities
As the healthcare landscape continues to shift and evolve in 2024, travel nurses continue to play a critical role in healthcare across the U.S. The demand for highly skilled professionals, technological advancements, and the changing demographic landscape show that this resilient and adaptable workforce can grasp many opportunities this year. Navigating the challenges and embracing opportunities will be key to ensuring the continued success and growth of travel nursing in the years to come.
Want to use Medely to sign up for your next travel assignment? We’ve got you covered. Medely works with thousands of the best facility partners across the U.S.
During the COVID pandemic, travel nursing experienced a significant increase in demand as healthcare facilities urgently sought more nurses to fill critical needs. This led to a surplus of high-paying contracts that attracted many nurses who may not have previously considered travel nursing. Now, as the travel pay begins to find a new baseline, some nurses are now questioning whether travel nursing will remain a favorable option in the future.
Post-pandemic travel nursing remains one of the most rewarding and fulfilling career moves you can make, and we’re going to break down exactly why that is! While the pandemic presented unique challenges and opportunities, the pulse of travel nursing remains strong. The essence of this career choice—higher pay, flexibility, new connections, adventure, a politics-free environment, and professional growth—continues to thrive.
In the past several years, the travel nursing industry has grown by more than 600%, and some estimates expect that around 10% of working nurses will remain in contract roles long-term. The foundational shifts driving both the support and demand for healthcare professionals won’t be settled any time soon.
Travel Nurse Pay Remains High
From March 2020 to July 2022, Trusted Health saw travel nurses across all specialties and states making an average gross weekly income of $3,668! Though the average gross weekly income has decreased slightly since then, Trusted is still seeing an impressive average gross weekly of $3,206. This amount is leaps and bounds beyond the national average of $1,711 earned by staff nurses and is still higher than the pre-pandemic average of $2,273 gross weekly for travel nurses.
Healthcare Worker Shortages
First and foremost, there are not enough RNs and other healthcare workers to meet the needs of patients. That goes back, in part, to a shortage of nursing school programs and educators to prepare incoming nursing students.
So, the RN workforce is growing in leaps and bounds, but the tools aren’t always available to train them. When healthcare facilities can’t find local candidates to fill RN positions, they turn to travel nurses to fill those spots.
According to Becker’s Hospital Review, the highest-paying jobs for travel nurses have been in intensive care units, emergency departments, medical surgery, and home health. Contract labor rates are expected to stabilize at 15% over pre-pandemic levels in 2023.
NBC News announced last fall that “the travel nurses’ gold rush” is over. Hospitals are now negotiating down contract rates with travel nurse agencies by as much as 50%. Though not what it once was, travel nursing is far from dead, and the pay is still above average. The mean travel nurse income has stabilized at around $3k per week in 2023. Given that compensation has fallen since the unprecedented pandemic pay, so have the number of travel nurses, making jobs less competitive.
Still, a number of factors, such as whether a hospital is dealing with a natural disaster or strike, as well as market demand in that region, can cause assignments to attract higher prices. According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual travel nurse salary in the United States is $105,021 or $50/hr as of May 2023. This is much higher than the national average for registered nurses, which is $77,600 per year or $37.31 per hour, according to the BLS.
Travel Nursing Is Still A Viable Option For Nurses
Another common attitude expressed by travel nurses is that contract work allows them to focus on patient care. They can avoid the bureaucracy of dealing with management and leadership that some face in staff roles. Travelers also choose which hospitals they will work in. They can refuse facilities that they’ve heard have dangerous conditions or too many patients per nurse. California is the only state to regulate nurse-to-patient ratios. It requires one nurse for every five patients in most departments and intensive care units to have a 1:2 ratio.
Travel nursing is perfect for those who want the freedom to choose the assignment and department that fits their lifestyle and interests. It allows nurses to obtain experience in a variety of settings while having the freedom to travel. Despite the current economic downturn, travel nursing remains a feasible employment option for healthcare workers with the right mindset and skills.
Industry analysis suggests that the US may face a shortage of up to 450,000 registered nurses by 2025. According to one nationwide assessment of the nursing workforce, nurses are retiring in greater numbers, with the typical nurse’s age rising from roughly 43 in 2000 to 52 in 2020. This reality, combined with the impending influx of elderly Baby Boomers who will require more care, is expected to exacerbate the situation. These facts suggest that there will always be choices for experienced nurses in all specialties who want to travel.
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
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.
If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:
Are you a travel nurse looking to enhance your skills and stay informed about the latest industry trends? Staying current with the travel industry and healthcare advancements is crucial for professional growth and success. By regularly accessing educational resources, you can stay informed about what’s happening in the travel industry, learn how seasoned travelers have found success, and get insider information on changes in healthcare. Plus, networking with industry insiders and influencers provides valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, gain mentorship, and learn from others’ experiences.
Educational Resources for Travel Nurses
Whether you’re seeking expert advice, continuing education credits, or insider insights, there are several resources that can help you excel in your travel career. Keep reading to discover how you can leverage these valuable tools to thrive in the dynamic world of travel nursing.
Travel Industry Information Webinars
One of the best ways to learn more about what’s happening in the travel nursing industry is by registering for webinars through your agency or favorite blog, such as TNAA’s masterclass series or The Gypsy Nurse’s events. These live and on-demand webinars for travel nurses focus on topics for travel-centric topics and fantastic giveaways. And with on-demand or live options, you can tune in anytime that suits your busy travel schedule!
Get Social
Turn to your favorite social channels to connect with experienced travel nurses, sharing their wisdom and experiences. Travel nurse influencers are on the rise, and they are a great way to get valuable travel industry tips and insights straight from the source. Plus, you can often find inspiration for your next travel destination through their photos, reels, and follower comments. Follow travelers like Leah from Off the Clock Nurse and Brandy from Travel Nurse 101 and get inspired by their authentic and candid discussions, sure to have you booking your next assignment and adding to your travel bucket list!
And don’t forget to join The Gypsy Nurse Travel Nurse Network Facebook group – 186,000 members strong, ready to answer your burning questions and share insights on the best recruiters, agencies, and travel locations.
Continuing Education
Earning continuing education credits is a must for travel nurses. In the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, continuing education units guarantee that travel nurses are up to speed with the latest skills, techniques, and industry knowledge. Nurse.com offers many online continuing education courses, many of which are low-cost or free for their premium subscription members. But if you want to connect in person, head to TravCon! TravCon is the largest healthcare conference in the U.S., and it’s all about travel. You can earn your C.E.s, connect with other travelers, build your professional network, and have a lot of fun at this amazing event!
These are only some of the best educational resources for travel nurses. Taking time to learn more about your industry and learn from other travelers will only help you take your travel career to new heights. With the right tools and knowledge, you’ll be well-equipped to thrive in the dynamic world of travel nursing. Happy learning!
We hope you found this article on educational resources for travel nurses helpful. Are there any educational resources you think we should have included in this article? Comment them below.
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
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.
If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:
