CareerStaff Unlimited provided this article.
Spring is in the air, and with it comes the end of many travel assignments. For nurses working a seasonal travel job, it’s time to consider what’s next.
If you’re having a great experience and are happy with where you’re working, why not extend your assignment? However, it’s not always clear how to do so, even for seasoned travelers. There are also some important questions to consider before deciding if you should extend.
Let’s uncover what you should know about travel nurse contract extensions this spring and why it’s essential to prepare for them as early as possible.
When Should You Ask about Extending a Travel Nurse Assignment?
A travel nurse contract extension is just what it sounds like an agreement between you and your employer to keep the relationship going. It could be one more month, 13 weeks, or another time frame. You’ll negotiate those details with the help of your recruiter.
However, one of the most common questions travel nurses ask is how to get the ball rolling in the first place! Some employers mention the option of a contract extension as early as orientation, especially in high-need settings like the ICU or OR. But they’re more likely to bring it up four or five weeks before the assignment ends.
If they don’t, though, it’s perfectly okay for nurses to ask about an extension. Active travelers usually do so about halfway through an assignment. However, waiting until a month before the contract ends could be too late for a competitive job—it may disappear by the time you ask, and it gives you less time to find a new one.
Before You Decide to Extend: What to Consider
But is extending right for you? Maybe you’re in your dream destination, have made some friends, and want to stick around. Or maybe you want to avoid having to find a new job, go through onboarding again, or learn another EHR. Before you make your final decision, consider some important questions to consider:
Housing and logistics. If you extend, can you stay in your current housing? If not, what else is available? And don’t forget to consider any obligations back home, like family events or pet care needs.
The need for downtime. Many nurses travel because it gives them the chance to take a few weeks off between jobs. If you’re feeling burned out now, how will you feel in a few more weeks? Do you need some extra time for self-care, and can your recruiter negotiate that for you?
Taxes and residency. Staying in another location for another 13 weeks means you’ll be there for about half a year. Will that change your permanent tax home or affect where you pay taxes—or how much you owe?
How to Prepare for Travel Nurse Contract Extensions
Whatever you decide, every travel nurse should be ready to respond when asked if they want to extend. Here are a few ways to make sure you’re prepared:
Think about extending right away. From day one, you should start thinking about whether you might want to keep doing this job after your contract ends. When it’s time to decide, you’ll have a solid list of pros and cons to make sure you’re making the right choice and not just acting on impulse.
Talk to your recruiter. If you were placed by a recruiter, that’s the first person to talk to. Even if you’re not sure what you want to do, they’ll help you understand your options. And the sooner they know what you decide, the better positioned they’ll be to negotiate your next contract or find you a new one.
Make a good impression. It’s important to impress your employers from day one. Showing “soft skills” like leadership, teamwork, and supporting your supervisor can often increase the likelihood of travel nurse contract extensions. It also puts your recruiter in a better position when they’re negotiating the details.
Consider bringing a friend! Some nursing agencies offer a referral bonus. So, if you love your assignment and they’re still hiring, share the deets with other nurses you know! Traveling is more fun with a friend, and the companionship is great for self-care. (Plus, having a roommate could help you save money on housing, too.)
Either way, whether you take a breather or extend your adventure, your recruiter is your #1 resource and key to taking your career to new heights. And if you’re looking to land a spring travel nursing assignment — or work with an amazing recruiter — a trusted travel agency like CareerStaff can help you find the very best of both.
We hope you found this article on travel nurse contract extensions helpful. Have you ever taken any travel nurse contract extensions? How was the process, and do you have any other tips to share with fellow travel nurses on travel nurse contract extensions? Comment them below.
Happy travels!
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