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We Separate Fact from Fiction - Part 1 of 2
Travel nursing jobs are some of the most rewarding in healthcare. The pay is exceptional, health insurance and private housing are free, and the benefits are life enhancing. But still there are misconceptions circulating in the profession. Thousands of nurses have switched to travel nursing and enjoy the career’s personal and professional freedoms. Here's what these seasoned travelers know:
FICTION: Travel nurses are all young and single.
FACT: The average travel nurse is in their mid forties. Travel nurses come from all walks of life and every marital status: single, married, divorced, and in-between.
Travel nursing is ideal for qualified candidates with at least one year clinical experience. Tenured nurses are especially attracted to travel nursing after raising a family or reaching retirement requirements at their permanent position.
FICTION: Travel nurses can’t travel with family, friends or pets.
FACT: A quality travel nursing company promotes companionship, because it adds to overall job satisfaction.
 Studies by the American Psychological Association indicate that pet companions and loved ones increase one’s sense of well being. Taking walks together around town, sharing the exciting aspects of a new place and meeting people in the park all heighten travel nurse satisfaction and can enhance the professional experience.
| “Many travel nursing companies, like ours, provide accommodations for families and pets, but it’s often not a well advertised benefit,” reports 50 States Housing Supervisor, Elayne Wurman. "We'll also make arrangements for nurses to travel together if at all possible." |
FICTION: Travel nursing professionals are required to move every three months.
FACT: The skill set of the traveler and needs of the hospital are often a perfect match, resulting in an extended contract. In general, travel nurses average two consecutive assignments equal to 6 months, many times they even stay longer at that location.
| “Travel nurse jobs are often continued at the request of the nurse and the hospital. In fact, some travelers go on to permanent placement,” says 50 States Clinical Coordinator, Deborah Bacurin. |
FICTION: Travel nurses leave friends & family behind.
FACT: Many travel to family locations and make lifelong friends along the way. Many travel nurses take a family member along, or choose an assignment in a state where family is located. And let's not forget that meeting new people and learning about new places are among the top reasons for travel nursing.
FICTION: Travel nurses are treated like outsiders by permanent staff.
FACT: Travel nurses improve nurse/patient ratios and the life quality of permanent staff.
Typically the permanent staff knows that travel nurses have been hired to improve patient care. They know that travelers have strong nursing skills and are extremely adaptable. Travel nurse recruiters suggest taking full advantage of the interview process to ask management where they stand on the issue. Catch the next installment of "Travel Nursing Myths Debunked"
in the upcoming issue of News & Views |
