Why do nurses turn to a travel career?

If you love to travel, meet new people, and explore new places, then travel nursing might be an exciting and fulfilling career path for you. It offers a unique opportunity to combine your passion for nursing with your love for adventure. As a travel nurse, you can work in various locations, experiencing different cities, cultures, and healthcare settings. This variety not only broadens your professional skillset but also allows you to create lasting memories as you explore new environments.

On the flip side, many nurses face challenges in their staff positions, such as office politics, workplace drama, and negative dynamics that can make daily work life frustrating. These issues can lead to burnout, job dissatisfaction, and stress, which are common reasons for nurses to feel overwhelmed and disengaged from their work. Unfortunately, these challenges aren’t always easy to avoid in traditional healthcare settings, and when they build up, they can take a serious toll on a nurse’s mental and emotional well-being.

A Change of Pace
While not all workplaces are like this, if you find yourself constantly struggling with frustration, burnout, or feeling unappreciated in your current facility, it may be a good time to consider a change of pace. Travel nursing offers a refreshing alternative, where you have more control over where you work and can avoid some of the toxic elements that exist in certain healthcare environments. By stepping into new assignments in different facilities, you gain the opportunity to work with diverse teams and patients, which can reinvigorate your passion for nursing and help you rediscover the joy in your profession.

Moreover, travel nursing allows you to step away from the day-to-day stresses of a permanent position and focus on what you love about nursing—helping people, making a difference, and continuously growing in your field. If your current job is no longer fulfilling, travel nursing could provide the change you need to recharge, improve your work-life balance, and find a fresh perspective on your career. It’s a chance to prioritize your happiness and well-being while still pursuing your nursing career in a fulfilling and dynamic way.

Nurses are often drawn to travel jobs for several reasons:
Higher Pay: Travel nurses typically earn more than staff nurses because of the temporary nature of the job and the demand for nurses in certain locations. They may also receive bonuses, stipends, and housing allowances as well as tax incentives, that increase their overall compensation.
Variety and Experience: Travel nursing offers the opportunity to work in different healthcare settings and locations. This variety can help nurses gain diverse experience, develop new skills, and expand their professional network.
Flexibility: Travel nurses have more control over their schedules. They can choose when and where to work, often selecting assignments that align with their personal interests or life goals.
Adventure and Travel: Many nurses enjoy the chance to live in different cities or even countries, experiencing new cultures, climates, and ways of life. It offers a great opportunity to combine work with travel.
Personal Growth: Working in different healthcare environments can help nurses build resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. They can also get exposure to different patient populations and medical practices.
Work-Life Balance: Since assignments are temporary (usually 13-26 weeks), travel nurses can take breaks between jobs to recharge, pursue personal interests, or spend time with family.
Job Security and Demand: There’s often a high demand for travel nurses, particularly in areas experiencing nursing shortages. This job security allows nurses to feel more confident in their career path.

Choosing an Agency
When it comes to travel healthcare staffing, smaller, boutique staffing firms have their advantages that are unmatched at larger firms. Working for a small travel healthcare staffing company offers a range of benefits, including personalized attention, faster response times, and a close-knit community. The flexibility, adaptability, and strong relationships with recruiters that come with smaller agencies can enhance your travel nursing experience and contribute to a more satisfying career. For those who value individualized support and a collaborative work environment, a smaller staffing company can provide a unique and rewarding opportunity in the travel healthcare field.

Overall, travel nursing offers an exciting mix of professional growth, financial rewards, and personal adventure, making it an appealing option for many nurses. Ready to go? Drop us a note at hello@gohealthcarestaffing.com and we’ll help you get started.