Aussie RN, WHAT IS TRAVEL NURSING? Sick/Holiday Leave?

Hi All,

I've been reading these forums for a while, and have ideas about individual issues, but not the basic question of assumed knowledge, WHAT IS TRAVEL NURSING? We don't have an equivalent here that I know of, apart from agencies that organise individual shifts.

I would like to travel in the US, Canada and anywhere with my wife and two kids under 4, and from what I've read, travel nursing seems to be what I'm looking for, I think.....

What are the contracts like? Is there sick/holiday leave incorporated, or are you completely casual? Is there any job security or can you arrive somewhere and be told that someone else already has the job?

I understand that a lot depends on what agency you go with, does anyone know who caters for travel nurses from overseas, helping with exams, registration etc?

I am an experienced OT RN with postgrad qualifications.
VERY interested to hear what your opinions are. Thanks in advance.