Travel Nursing Archives | Nursepective Empowerment in Nursing and Beyond Sun, 23 Oct 2022 07:48:38 +0000 en-US hourly 1 How Much Does A Traveling Nurse Make? https://nursepective.com/how-much-does-a-traveling-nurse-make/ Fri, 21 Oct 2022 09:04:57 +0000 https://nursepective.com/?p=8763 According to Indeed.com, the average salary of a traveling nurse is $2,000 per week. Some nurses make as much as $45 an hour, while others make less than $30 per hour. The average...

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According to Indeed.com, the average salary of a traveling nurse is $2,000 per week. Some nurses make as much as $45 an hour, while others make less than $30 per hour. 


The average salary is around $20 an hour, which can go up to $30 per hour if you are in high demand. 

We all know that traveling nurses are a dime a dozen, but how much do they make?

Well, it turns out the answer is a LOT. But what's even more interesting is the way that their salaries vary depending on the region and their specialty. 

We've compiled all of this information for you in one place: our comprehensive guide to how much a traveling nurse makes!

So sit back, relax, and read on!

What is a traveling nurse?

travel nurse salary

Traveling nurses are registered nurses who work in different locations over a period of time.

They provide short-term coverage for hospitals that need extra help during busy times or when staff members are unavailable. 

Unlike locum tenens physicians, who typically work on an assignment basis, traveling nurses typically work under contracts with specific facilities and provide long-term coverage.


How to Become a Travel Nurse?

highest-paying states for travel nurses

Becoming a travel nurse can be one of the best decisions you ever make, but it’s not an easy process. 

To become a travel nurse, you need to be prepared to take care of yourself and others, be flexible and adaptable and have thick skin.

You must first have your RN license, which means you have completed your BSN or diploma degree program and passed the NCLEX licensing exam. 

This is the most common requirement for all nurses. Once you've earned your degree, it may take some time before you find an employer who will hire you as a travel nurse. 

In most cases, employers prefer to hire nurses with at least one year of experience in the field because they know that these nurses are not only qualified but reliable too!


How Much Does a Traveling Nurse Make?

How Much Does a Travelling Nurse Make?

According to Indeed.com, the average salary of a traveling nurse is $2,000 per week. 

When you include the company-paid housing accommodations and travel expenses, this figure can easily top $5,000 per week.


However, these numbers vary based on your location and the type of assignment you take on.

Some nurses make as much as $45 an hour, while others make less than $30 per hour. 

The average salary is around $20 an hour, which can go up to $30 per hour if you are in high demand.
The majority of nurses work full-time hours, and they typically work 36 hours per week or more.


The top Paying States For Travel Nurses

Here’s a quick breakdown of the average travel nurse salary by state:

Traveling nurse

How Much Experience Do I Need to Become a Traveling Nurse?

How Much Experience Do I Need to Become a Travelling Nurse?

In order to be eligible for a travel nursing job, you’ll need at least one year of experience as a registered nurse (RN). 

However, experience is only part of the equation. You also need to pass a background check and drug test — no exceptions. 

And if you want to work in high-risk areas like pediatrics or surgery, then you must be able to pass an additional physical exam that will determine whether or not your body is able to handle the rigors of working in that environment.


What are the Travel Nursing Requirements?

What are the Travel Nursing Requirements?
  • The first thing you need to do is make sure you have a license to practice nursing. 
  • The second thing you need to do is make sure that your state board of nursing has registered you as an RN (Registered Nurse). 
  • The last thing that needs to be done is make sure that your state board approves of the specialty in which you want to work.

If all three steps are successfully completed, then congratulations! You're ready for the world of travel nursing!

When you're hired by an agency, they will work with you to find an assignment that matches your skills, experience, and interests. 

They'll help you with the travel arrangements—and if you need housing, they can set up temporary accommodations until you find a permanent place to stay.

They'll also ensure that the whole moving process goes smoothly so that when it's time for your first day on the job, there won't be any hassles or surprises.


Difference Between Travel Nursing And Normal Nursing

Difference Between Travel Nursing And Normal Nursing

Travel nurses are temporary workers who take jobs with hospitals or other healthcare facilities for a set period of time. On the other hand, registered nurses have a permanent position in the hospital. 

Travel nurses do not work for one specific place; instead, they move from job to job as needed—often working in multiple states or even countries. 

This aspect makes travel nursing different from traditional nursing professions such as nurse practitioners (NPs), registered nurses (RNS) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs).


Factors That Impact Your Pay as a Traveling Nurse

Factors That Impact Your Pay as a Travel Nurse

Here are the factors that impact your pay as a travel nurse:  

1. Location  

The first thing to consider when it comes to how much you can make as a travel nurse is location. 

The more remote the area where you’re working, the less you can expect to make — but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth it. 

If you’re looking for a job in a rural location that has few jobs available, you may not be able to find one at all without traveling.  

2. Experience level  

Another factor that impacts how much you can earn as a travel nurse is your experience level. 

As with any other job, the more experienced you are, the more money you can expect to make, and vice versa. 

You may start out making less than $20 an hour. Still, with time and experience, that number will increase significantly as long as your employer recognizes your skills and value to their company or facility.

3. Your Specialty

Your specialty matters a lot; it will impact how much money hospitals are willing to pay for certain types of nurses over others. 

If they need more nurses in a specific area (like surgery), then they'll offer higher wages for those types of nurses.

4. The Type of Assignment 

Hospitals and other healthcare facilities pay more for highly skilled nursing professionals who have specialized training or certifications.


How To Maximize Your Pay As A Traveling  Nurse?

How To Maximize Your Pay As A Travel Nurse?

The travel nursing industry is booming. And, with good reason — a career as a travel nurse offers more opportunities, better pay, and an overall more rewarding experience than many other jobs in healthcare.  

If you're considering becoming a travel nurse, here are some tips for maximizing your pay:


1. Work For the Highest Paying Agency

While agencies don't always advertise their rates, you should be able to find out from them what the average rate is for each hospital that they work with. 

In order to get the highest pay possible, you should try to work at hospitals that have the highest-paying agencies.  


2. Work Long Days

Some agencies pay more if you work 12-hour shifts instead of 8-hour shifts, so try to find assignments where this is an option. 

If you're not sure what's available, ask your recruiter or manager at the beginning of your contract and see if they can find something for you!


3. Choose Your Location Wisely  

The best way to make money as a travel nurse is by choosing a location that has high pay and a low cost of living. 

If you live in a city like San Francisco or New York City and work in another city like Lubbock, Texas, or Prescott, Arizona, then your paycheck will be much bigger than it would be if you worked in the same city where you live. 


4. Choose The Right Specialty  

If you have any specialty certifications (like critical care or pediatrics), then use them when applying for jobs! This can increase your salary by up to 20%.


5. Know Your Worth

Before you start applying for jobs, take some time to research what other travel nurses are making in your area. 

You can use websites like Glassdoor and Indeed to see salary ranges in your city or state.  


6. Search Strategically

Once you know what the going rate is for travel nurse positions in your area, it's time to start searching for jobs that fit within those parameters. 

Search sites like Indeed.com and Americanmobile.com will help keep you up-to-date with open positions around the country as they become available.


It's A Wrap!

The answer to the question, "How much does a traveling nurse make?" is: it depends.

It depends on what kind of traveling nurse you are and whether or not you have experience as one. It also depends on where and when.

If you're just starting out as a traveling nurse, you'll probably start with a lower salary than someone who's been doing it for years—and that's okay! 

You can still make great money, and there are plenty of opportunities for advancement and growth if you stick with it.

But if you want to make the most money possible? Then do your research and find out exactly who is hiring in your area—and then go get 'em!

FAQs

What is the starting salary for a traveling nurse?

The starting salary for a traveling nurse depends on the area of travel and the type of job. 

In general, you can expect to make anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 per year as a traveling nurse. The average salary is $65,000.

Do travel nurses make more money than doctors?

The answer is yes; travel nurses make more money than doctors. 

In fact, according to a Singaporean newspaper, most travel nurses could earn an average of $8,000 per week on the road.

Is it worth being a travel nurse?

It depends.

If you are a traveler who wants to make an impact and develop your skills, then YES! 

It is worth it! If you are looking for something temporary or just want to get through your training, then NO!

Travel nursing is not for everyone. There are many reasons why people choose to travel, but I believe the most important reason is because of the impact you can make on others. 

Travelers get to see so much more than just one hospital or one city.

We get to share our knowledge with other nurses and learn from them as well. It's a win-win situation!

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10 Nursing School Clinical Tips That Every Student Should Know https://nursepective.com/10-nursing-school-clinical-tips-that-every-student-should-know/ Tue, 19 Apr 2022 14:40:11 +0000 https://nursepective.com/?p=5865 As a nursing student, you are about to embark on one of the most challenging and rewarding journeys of your life. The clinical component of your education will be an...

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woman inside laboratory

As a nursing student, you are about to embark on one of the most challenging and rewarding journeys of your life. The clinical component of your education will be an invaluable experience that will test your knowledge and skills like never before. You need all the help you can get including some nursing school clinical tips from those who already survived medical school.

To help make the most of your time in the clinic, here are ten tips that every nursing student should know, here are ten tips.

Stay Positive

Apply for jobs for pre-nursing students

There’s no way around it: To be able to work as a nurse, you have to complete the clinical experience. However, what you choose to do with your clinical experience is up to you. You can learn from each situation and use that knowledge later on in your career. Some may say that their clinical rotation was one of the most frustrating, annoying experiences, but some look back and realize they learned more from their mistakes than their successes.

Try to stay positive throughout your time in nursing school (even when it seems impossible). If you’re having a bad day or an instructor or preceptor yelled at you, take a deep breath and remember that this is all part of becoming a better nurse. Remember why you went into the nursing program in the first place—because you wanted to help people! Look ahead and think about those who will depend on your skills as an RN. In situations where I feel overwhelmed during my journey through nursing school, I think of others who will depend on me for care and how much I want them to receive high-quality care from me someday.

Keep an Open Mind

a nursing student balancing studies working in nursing school

As a nursing student, your instructors and the nurses you work with will be happy to share their knowledge with you. Listen to them, but keep in mind that they may not have all the answers. Don’t reject ideas without considering them; later, you may need those skills. Also, don’t assume you know it all or understand everything right away; accept that there are gaps in your knowledge and try to fill them by learning more about what’s going on around you.

Actively Listen

A nursing student talking to a resident doctor.

As a nurse, you’ll listen to patients for the most important details about their condition. It’s not just about listening to what they’re saying but also paying attention to how they say it and their body language.

Patients will often tell you everything you need to know with their first sentence if you are willing to listen attentively.

Here are some tips for improving your active listening skills:

  • Use both your ears and your eyes. The patient’s face can convey a lot of information about the hidden meaning in their sentences. Did the patient’s eyes get big when she mentioned her pain level? Did her voice change when he talked about his family history? Did he emphasize one word or another? Was she agitated or calm when describing his symptoms? All these clues will help you determine what is going on with the patient.

  • Don’t interrupt! Let them finish telling their story to know they have been heard and understood before moving on with your exam or treatment plan.

  • Listen for the whole story. Do not jump right in and try to solve the problem before hearing all of it! You may miss an important detail that changes everything if you don’t listen carefully from start to finish. This includes asking questions at appropriate times during the interview rather than immediately diving in with 20 questions because it seems like there is a lot of info missing from the history given by the patient!

Always ask questions

You’re sitting in a classroom, and you feel like you have a question. You wonder if it is the right question. What do you do? Ask it! The act of asking questions is one of the best ways to progress through nursing school successfully. It shows that you care about what is happening in class, are engaged with the material, and think critically about the course content. Asking questions exposes your strengths and allows instructors and classmates to help you improve on your weaknesses. In addition, asking questions will enable peers to learn as they can compare their answers with yours.

Don’t be rude or sarcastic.

Nursing school clinical students studying scans.

Be respectful to everyone you come in contact with. As a nursing student, you represent your program, so make sure that you’re putting your best foot forward. You’ll find that the way you treat people trickles down to how they treat you. This can dramatically impact how many learning opportunities open up to you while on clinical rotations.

Be professional at all times.

No matter what type of uniform you wear (or don’t wear), always follow the dress code. Follow the personal hygiene guidelines set by the facility where you are completing clinicals, too. This means no mini-skirts or low-cut tops and no body odor! Keeping these things in mind will help other healthcare staff take the time to teach and include you in patient care activities, rather than have them try to make themselves scarce when they see a nursing student coming!

Show up prepared for class and at clinical sites.

This is one of the most important nursing school clinical tips: Always show up prepared every day at class and your clinical sites.

If you want to be successful in school and life, you will want to bring a few things with you all the time: pens or pencils, a notebook or binder, and a planner. Not only will these things help you keep track of what is going on in school, but they will also help you organize your other responsibilities like work schedules.

If you are going to clinical sites, there are a few things that we think would be helpful to bring along with you: white scrub pants (some facilities require this), a stethoscope (if your program requires this), a paper notepad for writing down notes and observations (if needed), and any personal items that would be helpful for keeping yourself organized (like a wristlet with wallet). You will also want to make sure that your hair is out of your face if it’s long to not get in the way when working with patients. Depending on where you’re going, you may need different outfits, so check ahead!

Before heading off for class or clinical site, something else important is ensuring that everything is up-to-date: vaccinations and physical exams. Some schools require vaccinations for TB skin tests or titers annually. Others require yearly physicals through their health centers before allowing students into hospitals where they could potentially expose vulnerable populations like infants/children/elderly adults/etc.

Get your name tag as soon as possible, and wear it everywhere

A traveling nurse in mask drinking coffee in street

As soon as you start nursing school, get your name tag. Some nursing schools will give you one automatically, while others require you to order it.

However, every student must wear a name tag because:

  • You might be mistaken for an actual nurse without it — especially if you’re wearing scrubs. There are multiple instances of students being mistaken for nurses at hospitals and clinics. (These facilities might seem chaotic, but there is no excuse for this error.)

  • When they realize that you’re not an actual nurse, some patients and their families could be outraged in certain situations — like when they believe that the delivery of care to their loved one was compromised by a student instead of a professional RN.

  • If there is a lawsuit or other negative consequences against the hospital or clinic due to your actions, not having on your name tag could cause them to take any legal action against the nurse who owned the badge (since you’ll probably have been using their badge).

Use each new opportunity as a learning experience.

Senior student sharing some nursing school clinical tips to his peers.

You will be assigned to different clinical locations with various preceptors and patients each semester. This can be overwhelming, but don’t panic. Rather than stress yourself the unknown, use each new opportunity as a learning experience.

Every nurse has made mistakes. Whether you are caring for your first patient or your 100th patient, you can learn some lessons from everyone you meet—including colleagues who have been in the field longer than you. (And yes, this means that even the most seasoned nurse is still learning.) You may not know everything just yet, but by paying attention to what other nurses do or say on the job, you can learn from their experiences and avoid those pitfalls yourself.

As a nursing student, it’s essential to focus on applying each new lesson as quickly as possible. The key is to identify these lessons and take something away from them, so they stick with you long after the clinical ends. You’re already doing this while at school; now it’s time to apply that knowledge during clinicals, so it becomes second nature by graduation day!

Finally, remember that nursing is one of those careers where lifelong learning is essential for you to continue advancing professionally and caring for patients effectively over time.

It’s vital for all nurses—especially students like you—to stay up-to-date on the latest best practices so that when situations arise where there isn’t an official protocol to follow (or if existing protocols need updating), you’ll be prepared with the skills required to address them appropriately based on your own experience and judgment as well as industry standards and guidelines.

Never turn your back on a situation that needs to be addressed. Stand up, look around, and handle the situation with confidence.

Always be assertive but respectful and professional. Nursing students are still learning, and the other nurses know that. They don’t expect you to do everything perfectly–they do expect you to step in, take control of situations, and have the confidence to keep moving forward when things get stressful.

That means not turning your back on a situation that needs to be addressed; instead, stand up, look around, speak up and handle any situation confidently.

Takeaway: These nursing school clinical tips can help you better prepare for your first clinicals and make them more enjoyable.

  • Stay positive

  • Keep an open mind

  • Be an active listener

  • Ask questions in a respectful manner

  • Be polite and not sarcastic or rude to your fellow students or professors

  • Read the syllabus and assignment instructions (don’t wait until the last minute)

Summary – Easy Nursing School Clinical Tips

Although the transition to nursing school clinicals can be difficult, it is essential to remember that you have many resources available to you. Utilize your classmates, instructors, and other nurses on your unit as often as possible. Ask some nursing school clinical tips. Remember, everyone is there to help you succeed! What are some of your favorite tips for surviving nursing school clinicals? Share them in the comments below!

Nursing School Clinical Tips: Frequently Asked Questions

Is nursing clinical scary?

There’s no question that nursing clinical can be a bit scary, but that’s part of the fun, right? I remember my first time in the hospital setting and how anxious I was. But it’s all good once you get started and realize that most nurses are happy to help.

Of course, you always want to be prepared for your nursing clinicals by studying hard and knowing your stuff. But don’t forget to have a little fun too – after all, you’re only in school once! So go out there and give it your best shot. And who knows, maybe you’ll even enjoy yourself in the process.

How do I stop being nervous about clinicals?

The nerves before clinicals are normal! Here are a few things that have helped me in the past:

  • Deep breathing exercises/meditation.

  • Envision myself going through each station calmly and confidently.

  • Listening to calm music.

  • Writing out a script of what I would say at each station.

  • Practicing with a friend or family member beforehand.

  • Staying positive and telling myself that I can do this!

How can I improve my clinical nursing skills?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The best way to improve your clinical nursing skills will vary depending on your strengths and weaknesses. However, some general tips that can help include studying hard for exams, staying up to date on the latest nursing research, and networking with other nurses to learn from their experience and expertise. You can improve clinical nursing skills by participating in continuing education courses. This includes attending conferences or seminars on relevant topics. Ultimately, the best way to enhance your clinical nursing skills is to simply put in the time and effort necessary to become the best nurse you can be!

How do I build my clinical confidence?

The best way to build clinical confidence is to get out there and start practicing. There’s no substitute for experience, so the more you can see and do, the better. There are a few things you can do to help build your confidence. Talk to your attending physicians and ask for their feedback. Find a mentor that you trust and can bounce ideas off. Join a study group or networking group with other similar-level clinicians. And finally, Observe procedures being done by more experienced clinicians. When in doubt, always err on taking action rather than inaction.

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Is Travel Nursing Stressful? 7 Amazing Tips To Deal With It! https://nursepective.com/is-travel-nursing-stressful/ Mon, 18 Apr 2022 14:58:39 +0000 https://nursepective.com/?p=5846 Nursing has its own share of stress. No matter your level of experience, there will always be tough days on the job. Here's a little secret: travel nursing is no...

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A travel nurse feeling stressed

Nursing has its own share of stress. No matter your level of experience, there will always be tough days on the job. Here's a little secret: travel nursing is no exception!

If anything, it can be even more stressful than permanent nursing positions for several reasons.

As a travel nurse, you likely face unique stressors that other nurses don't. From constantly moving to work long hours, the job can be demanding and overwhelming at times.

However, by employing some simple techniques, you can reduce your stress level and enjoy your work much more by using some simple methods.

In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best ways to deal with stress while traveling. Read on to learn more!

Why Does Travel Nursing Bring More Stress?

Travel nurse in Medical Frontliner Uniform

Photo byLaura James on Pexels

Travel nursing is undoubtedly a rewarding job, but it has its negative side. Click here to get a complete guide on how to become a traveling nurse. Anyway, there are a few reasons why travel nursing can be more stressful than permanent nursing positions, including:

  • No room to relax at home- Travel nurses are constantly moving around and are never in one place for long enough to settle in. When they take time off from work, there's still a lot of packing and unpacking as they move from contract to contract.

  • Leaving family and friends behind- Travel nurses have great opportunities to see new places and meet new people, but they must sometimes leave their loved ones behind. This can be tough, especially if you have young children.

  • Longer hours- Travel nurses often work longer hours than permanent nurses do. This can lead to burnout if you're not careful.

How Do Travel Nurses Deal With The Inevitable Stress That Comes With A New Job?

A recruiter is the best ally to have in a travel nursing career. They’re a knowledge keeper, stressing the importance of honest communication. A good recruiter will get you in front of the hiring manager while also getting your foot in the door with a resume that you may not have written yourself.

But what happens when they relocate? Well, they’ll let you know! Recruiters are there to field questions and connect travelers with their next opportunity. After all, no one wants to sit behind a screen for hours scouring job postings looking for their next gig. When people think about applying for jobs online, they picture endless frustration and hair loss from pulling it out. But with a recruiter at your side, this isn’t an issue!

Apart from it, there are a few more tips that will help you to cope with the stress of the new job:


1. Understand what your job entails

Before taking a new travel-nursing assignment, make sure you fully understand the job's demands. You will want to know your schedule, how many patients you'll be responsible for, and what patient population or specialty the assignment requires.

Be sure to read the job description thoroughly. If there is anything that seems unclear to you, ask questions! You can ask questions of human resources (HR) representatives at the facility (they're often called "travel coordinators" or "staffing coordinators").

Finally, contact your recruiter with any additional questions and, if necessary, speak with their supervisor; they are there to help guide you along each step in your journey as a travel nurse!


2. Get to know your co-workers

One of the most daunting parts about becoming a travel nurse is having to work and travel with many different people. You may be new in their hospital, or they may be new in yours! It's totally fine if you're not comfortable with working alongside strangers.

When this happens, it's especially important to get to know your co-workers before you start working together. You can do this by talking via phone or text message or meeting up in person.

FaceTime is also another great way of getting familiar with who you'll be spending time with on the job!


3. Develop a rapport with your manager or supervisor

You might want to get to know the people you will be working with and for. If you are lucky enough, your recruiter may have inside information on them.

They may have worked with this manager or supervisor before, but they can also share personal details like what they like and dislike, their management style, etc.

Take advantage of social media such as LinkedIn, where you can find out a lot of valuable things about people by just checking out their profiles. A little bit of Googling can turn up interesting tidbits about a person that would help break the ice if you meet them in person.


4. Get an understanding of your work schedule

A good understanding of your work schedule will help alleviate some stress when starting your new job. Ask as many questions as you can before accepting the assignment.

You don't want to find yourself in a situation where there are mandatory overtime or weekend shifts because you didn't ask questions prior to accepting the job. Keep in mind that schedules can change during the assignment.

If you've made plans for yourself or your family, make sure that you can adjust to the new schedule.


5. Prioritize a healthy lifestyle

Is travel nursing stressful? One of the most fantastic tips for dealing with stress is prioritizing a healthy lifestyle. To maintain a healthy lifestyle while working as a travel nurse, you must exercise.

A simple way of doing this is by going for walks around the hospital or running with other travel nurses in their spare time! You should also eat well and sleep enough so that your body has enough energy throughout each day- don't forget about getting "me" time, too--it's crucial if we want our mental state ready for anything else life throws at us.


6. Maintain a good relationship with others

One of the most important things you can do to cope with the stress of being a travel nurse is to maintain a positive relationship with others. A positive personal relationship is a critical component of happiness, but maintaining a good professional relationship at work is also essential for healthy well-being.

It's best to keep your relationships as separate as possible; don't try to mix your personal and professional lives. It's fine if you enjoy chatting with some of your coworkers during downtime, but it's not advisable to become too close too soon. First and foremost, you're on assignment for work, not leisure.

When dealing with coworkers and new friends, make sure you set boundaries early on about how much time you'll spend together or will be available in case they need anything outside of work hours—and stick to those boundaries! If things ever start getting stressful between people in any context, focus on being positive and looking at the bright side.

You should try your best never to let any interpersonal problems grow into something bigger than they have to be.


7. Have balance in your life

As a travel nurse, you'll be working long hours and going through a lot of different situations. So it is even more vital that you get enough time to relax, unwind and recharge. If you can't balance your professional life with your personal life, you risk burning out or having health problems.

Don't skip vacation time. Most travel nurses are contract workers, but that doesn't mean they have to work all the time. Don't be tempted to stay in one place for longer than the contract period because there is no PTO (paid-time-off).

Take your vacation days and make sure you allocate some downtime for yourself every once in a while. Don't let your job take over your life!


A New Nursing Position Often Brings Stress

Is Travel nursing stressful?

We could have named this section “the stress is coming,” but we figured you'd get enough of that from your travel agent. We'll be honest; there's no way to avoid the stress of a new position entirely -- you're going to be working with a new team and moving to a new city or even country. You may also not know much about where you're going and who you'll be working with.

The best thing you can do is prepare for the inevitable stress by doing whatever it takes to make yourself feel comfortable in your surroundings. If moving somewhere new overwhelms you, ask your travel agent for tips on doing things in the area. They've been there, done that!

If getting used to new equipment stresses you out, research what kind of technology will be available at the facility and explore how it works beforehand.

Asking questions and looking into the things that can make life more manageable while away from home will help reduce uncertainty (which contributes significantly to stress) before it arises!


Summary - Is Travel Nursing Stressful?

Stress is a natural part of life, but it can become overwhelming if we don’t have healthy coping mechanisms. Hopefully, the tips we shared will help you manage your stress levels and maintain your sanity while being a traveling nurse.

What are some of your favorite ways to deal with stress? Leave us a comment below and let us know!


FAQs

1. What is the travel nursing contract length?

The average length of a travel nursing contract is 13 weeks, but contracts can range from 8 to 26 weeks.

There are a variety of reasons why you might want to extend your contract length, such as wanting to explore a new city for longer or having loved your experience at a particular facility and wanting to stay there longer. 

Ultimately, it depends on what you're looking for in a travel nursing experience. 

2. Do travel nurses get to pick where they go?

It depends on the agency you work for. Some agencies will let you pick where you want to go, while others assign you to a specific facility.

If you have your heart set on a specific city or state, it's best to research the agencies that serve that area and see their policies. 

Even if an agency doesn't let you pick where you go, there's still a lot of flexibility in travel nursing. For example, you can usually choose what type of facility you want to work in (e.g., hospital, clinic, long-term care facility), and some agencies will even let you request specific shifts or days off. 

3. Do travel nurses make a lot of money?

It depends on their pay rate and the cost of living in their destination city.

For example, a travel nurse who works in San Francisco may make more money than one who works in Nashville because living costs are higher in San Francisco. However, a nurse who works in Los Angeles may make less money than a nurse who works in Nashville because living costs are lower in Los Angeles.

So it varies from case to case. But generally speaking, travel nurses make more money than regular nurses because they are willing to work in different locations, and they are not tied down to one specific place.

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