Travel nursing has become a popular career choice for many registered nurses. The profession offers the opportunity to travel while still being able to pursue a career in nursing. But what happens after the first year of being a travel nurse? What can registered nurses expect from their second travel nursing assignment? In this article, we’ll take a look at what happens after one year of being a travel nurse.
What is a Travel Nurse?
A travel nurse is a registered nurse who works for short-term assignments in various healthcare facilities across the country. These assignments usually last between 8 and 26 weeks. Nurses can choose from a variety of locations, such as hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and more. The primary reason for travel nursing is to fill in temporary vacancies in hospitals or other medical facilities due to a shortage of nursing staff.
What Does a Travel Nurse Do?
Travel nurses perform the same duties and responsibilities as regular nurses. They provide direct patient care, administer medications, and provide emotional support to patients and their families. The primary difference is the location and duration of the assignment. Travel nurses must be self-reliant and adaptable to different working environments, patient populations, and electronic medical records systems.
What Happens After One Year of Being a Travel Nurse?
After one year of being a travel nurse, many registered nurses choose to pursue a different career path. However, those who decide to continue as travel nurses can expect a few things:
1. More Experience
Travel nurses will have a year of experience under their belt and be more familiar with the lifestyle, expectations, and challenges associated with the profession. They will have gained a thorough understanding of different working cultures, electronic medical records systems, and clinical environments. This experience can make them more competitive in the job market and more confident in their skills as a nurse.
2. Increased Earnings
Travel nurses typically earn more than staff nurses. After one year of experience, travel nurses can expect to earn even more money. According to Glassdoor, the average travel nurse salary in the United States is $81,000 per year. This figure varies depending on location, experience, and other factors.
3. Better Job Opportunities
After one year of experience, travel nurses can expect better job opportunities. They will have established a strong professional network and achieved a level of expertise in their field. They can apply for more specialized positions or work in more prestigious healthcare facilities.
4. Increased Flexibility
Travel nurses enjoy a degree of flexibility that is not available to staff nurses. They can choose their assignments, location, and schedule. After one year of experience, travel nurses may have more opportunities to negotiate the terms of their assignments based on their personal preferences.
Is it Worth Continuing as a Travel Nurse?
Continuing as a travel nurse after one year of experience is ultimately a personal decision. The profession offers numerous benefits, such as increased earnings, flexibility, and travel opportunities. On the other hand, it can be challenging to maintain a work-life balance and establish long-term relationships. Before deciding to continue as a travel nurse, it’s essential to consider your priorities and goals.
Conclusion
After one year of being a travel nurse, registered nurses can expect more experience, increased earnings, better job opportunities, and increased flexibility. Ultimately, deciding to continue as a travel nurse is a personal decision that depends on individual priorities and goals. However, continued success as a travel nurse is highly achievable for those who are committed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary of a travel nurse?
The average travel nurse salary in the United States is $81,000 per year, according to Glassdoor.
What is the primary difference between travel nurses and staff nurses?
Travel nurses work for short-term assignments in different healthcare facilities, while staff nurses are permanent employees of a specific healthcare facility.
Is it worth continuing as a travel nurse after one year of experience?
Continuing as a travel nurse after one year of experience is a personal decision that depends on individual priorities and goals.
What happens after one year of being a travel nurse?
After one year of being a travel nurse, registered nurses can expect more experience, increased earnings, better job opportunities, and increased flexibility.