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.
