Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions about travel nursing that we have come across in the last few years working in this industry. Hopefully these will be helpful for you if you are thinking of embarking on a travel nursing career.
How long are travel assignments? Travel assignments vary, but most often run 13 weeks. If things are working out well and the facility is happy with you they may ask you to extend for another period. The time frame is established and contracted with you before the assignment starts and your travel recruiter can always help you too with all details.
Do I get reimbursed for travel expenses? This will also be discussed with you ahead of time but normally there is a set amount that is reimbursed for travel expenses one time only. But this too can vary depending on assignment and agency and should be on your list to be discussed.
Can I take family or friends on a travel assignment? Yes, of course, you can take whoever you want, or even a pet in some instances. If you have a friend who is also a travel nurse you can arrange your work in the same facilities and share housing and expenses and pocket some extra money as well. Family would obviously be your expense, but can be arranged since most assignments are arranged in advance.
Where are travel nurse jobs available? Believe it or not, depending on your specialty, there are jobs available in almost every state in the US. You can choose a particular destination based on your preferences. Is there some area of the US on your bucket list that you would like to explore a little more than a normal vacation would allow you? Or how about being close so some family that is not close to you normally? The possibilities are pretty much wide open as in most cases there are more jobs than there are experienced and qualified nurses to fill them. That's one of the reasons the travel nurse industry is booming.
How much experience is necessary to become a Travel Nurse? The agencies that we work with prefer two years experience in your specialty to be considered for a travel nurse assignment. But things can and do change as demand increases across the board for good nurses.
Different assignments and different agencies offer much of the same benefits and perks for travelers but there are a few variations. HealthCare Employment Network only works with top proven agencies in the field and we will make sure your information is put into the right hands.