If you’re a nurse who loves to travel and wants to explore new places, crosscountry travel nursing may be the perfect career for you. Travel nursing allows you to work in different healthcare facilities across the country, providing care and support to patients in need. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about being a crosscountry travel nurse.
What is a Crosscountry Travel Nurse?
A crosscountry travel nurse is a registered nurse who travels to different healthcare facilities across the country to provide care and support to patients. They typically work on a contract basis, with assignments lasting anywhere from 4 to 13 weeks. Crosscountry travel nurses work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
What are the Benefits of Being a Crosscountry Travel Nurse?
Being a crosscountry travel nurse comes with many benefits, including:
1. Travel Opportunities | As a travel nurse, you have the opportunity to explore new places and experience different cultures. You can choose assignments in cities or states you’ve always wanted to visit. |
2. Competitive Pay | Crosscountry travel nurses typically earn higher pay than permanent staff nurses. In addition, travel nurses may receive housing or travel allowances, which can help offset the cost of living in a new location. |
3. Professional Development | Travel nursing allows you to gain experience in different healthcare settings and learn new skills. This can help you grow as a nurse and increase your marketability in the job market. |
What are the Challenges of Being a Crosscountry Travel Nurse?
While there are many benefits to being a crosscountry travel nurse, there are also some challenges to consider, including:
1. Being Away from Home | Travel nursing can be exciting, but it can also be difficult to be away from home for extended periods of time. You may miss your family and friends or have to adjust to a new city or town. |
2. Adapting to New Work Environments | As a travel nurse, you will be working in different healthcare settings with new coworkers and patients. This can be challenging, as you must quickly adapt to new environments and learn new policies and procedures. |
3. Short Assignment Lengths | While short assignment lengths can be a benefit for some travel nurses, they can also be a challenge. You may have to adjust to a new work environment frequently, which can be stressful. |
How Can I Become a Crosscountry Travel Nurse?
To become a crosscountry travel nurse, you must first obtain your RN license and gain experience in a hospital or clinical setting. You can then apply for travel nursing jobs through staffing agencies or directly to healthcare facilities. Travel nursing jobs typically require at least one year of experience as a registered nurse.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about crosscountry travel nursing:
Q: What kind of nurse can become a travel nurse?
A: Any registered nurse with at least one year of experience can become a travel nurse.
Q: How long are travel nursing assignments?
A: Travel nursing assignments typically last anywhere from 4 to 13 weeks, although some can be longer.
Q: Do travel nurses receive benefits?
A: Travel nurses may receive benefits such as health insurance, 401(k) plans, and housing or travel allowances.
Conclusion
Crosscountry travel nursing can be an exciting and rewarding career for registered nurses who love to travel and want to gain experience in different healthcare settings. While there are challenges to consider, the benefits of travel nursing can far outweigh them. If you’re interested in becoming a crosscountry travel nurse, start by obtaining your RN license and gaining experience in a hospital or clinical setting.