Travel nurses aren’t exactly common place, but they do exist and they do provide valuable services. Like many other occupations, the field of travel nursing is growing and some nurses are even making more money than their traditional counterparts.
It is important to note that while there is definitely some money to be made, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you can quit your day job and become a full-time travel nurse. There are many other occupations out there that are more suited to your talent and can provide you with the lifestyle that you desire. However, if you are looking to explore the field of travel nursing, here are a few tips on how to do so and what to expect.
The Demand For Travel Nurses Is On The Rise
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 190,000 travel nurses work in the U.S. today, with the number expected to double by 2026.
This growth is being driven by a number of factors. First, the number of people traveling outside the U.S. for medical treatment is steadily increasing. Second, more and more people are choosing to forego traditional hospital in favor of inpatient treatment at a private clinic or hospital. Finally, advancements in medical technology mean that patients are living longer, which increases the demand for healthcare services.
Travel Nurses Provide A Variety Of Services
While many travel nurses will specialize in providing healthcare services to patients in other countries, many also work in a variety of settings, including some that are a little bit of both. Here are some of the most common specialties that travel nurses work in:
- Critical Care
- Emergency Medicine
- Surgery
- Obstetrics & Gynaecology
- Pulmonary Medicine
- ENT Medicine
- Oncology
The Benefits Of Working In A Travel Nurse Setting
There are a variety of benefits to working as a travel nurse. First, the job affords you the opportunity to explore new places and new cultures. Second, you get to meet and work with some of the most brilliant physicians and health care professionals in the world. Finally, you get to see the world from a different perspective and give back to humankind, a profession that you believe in.
The Larger Community Of Healthcare Workers Provides An Opportunity To Socialize
One of the things that sets traveling nurses apart from other nurses is the fact that they don’t always work in a hospital setting. There are many occasions where nurses will provide healthcare services in other locations, such as nursing homes or private residences. Because they are usually the only nurses in these settings, they are often the only ones available to provide healthcare services – especially in remote areas where there are no other medical professionals or hospitals nearby. In these situations, the travel nurse gets to provide much needed healthcare services and gain some experience, all while meeting new people and making new acquaintances.
Prestige & Recognition
For many nurses, working in a travel nurse setting is a way to achieve some prestige and recognition. Even if you don’t necessarily want to work in a foreign country, the field of travel nursing is a good way to gain experience and to further distinguish yourself from other graduates in your class.
The Geographic Differences In Language Can Be Challenging
One of the things that make travel nurses special is the fact that they get to work with patients from all over the world. Even if you don’t mind speaking in another language with patients, the fact that most of your colleagues will be speaking in a foreign tongue can be challenging. One of the things that make a travel nurse job difficult is the fact that the vast majority of your colleagues will not be using the language that you are learning, but will be relying on their own vernacular to communicate with patients. This can make it hard to learn the language, but also makes it easier to connect with patients, no matter what their native tongue is. In the end, it all evens out and it is all about sharing knowledge and experiences.
Continuing Education Is Essential
If you are interested in advancing your career in healthcare, working in a travel nurse setting is a good way to do so. Not only does it allow you to gain experience, but it also provides you with the opportunity to further your education. Some travel nurses will even take advantage of the experience to gain a formal degree, such as a Bachelors in Nursing or Medical Surgical Technology. Doing so can not only further your career, but it can also open up more opportunities for you, depending on what field you choose to focus on.
The Cost Of A Travel Nurse Job Is Usually Uncertain
Because there isn’t always an apparent monetary benefit to doing a travel nurse job, many healthcare workers either try to understand what their traveling colleagues are making or they just work for what they’re worth. However, as the job is usually unpaid, it can be difficult to guess at what the precise cost of a travel nurse job is. In some cases, the cost can vary from $200 to $500 a day, plus expenses. As for how much you’ll actually need to make, that depends on how much you’ll charge per day and what kind of travel nurse job you’ll be doing. For example, if you are working in critical care, you’ll typically need to charge more per day because of the extra expenses that come with that setting.
How Do I Get Started?
If you’re interested in exploring the field of travel nursing, the first thing that you’ll need to do is to search for a job. It is important to look for jobs that you believe will be beneficial to you and to your career. Once you have found a suitable position, the next step is to apply for the job. Normally, you will be required to send in a letter of interest and a resume along with your application. This can be a good way to get a taste of what the job is like, without committing to anything too far-reaching. Just make sure to follow up with a telephone call or an e-mail once you’ve received a response, to make sure that everything is okay.
One of the things that makes working as a travel nurse different from other occupations is that you get to choose your own schedule. This is one of the things that makes it so appealing. Since you are not obligated to work a certain number of hours a day or week, you get to set your own schedule. However, since you are usually working for a traveling clinic or hospital, you will need to follow some sort of schedule, so that the care that your patients need is continually provided.
Final Takeaway
To wrap things up, let’s take a quick look at some of the specialties that travel nurses represent. While many travel nurses will specialize in providing healthcare services to patients in other countries, many also work in a variety of settings, including some that are a little bit of both. Here are some of the most common specialties that travel nurses work in:
- Emergency Medicine
- Surgery
- Obstetrics & Gynaecology
- Pulmonary Medicine
- ENT Medicine
- Oncology
- Cardiology
- Psychiatry
- Radiology
- Nursing
- Medical Surgical Technology
- Administration
- Anesthesiology
To summarize, working as a travel nurse is a good choice for those who want to gain experience and to further their education. It is also a good choice for those who want to work in a field with a high prestige and recognition. Thanks for reading! We hope this article was helpful.
