Local Travel

I am a NICU nurse with 12 years of experience. I have 2 per diem jobs - one of which I work every Sunday and the other I've been cancelled from regularly. I'm looking for a way to make money as a full time employee without actually changing my position to staff at either of these hospitals. Considering traveling, but only locally, to make a significant amount of money in a relatively short period of time. I have never traveled before but I'm hoping this would allow me to make enough to pay off my bills and enjoy the summer with the flexibility of my other per diem jobs once my travel contract was over. I understand I won't get the true benefit of traveling if I work too close to home but is there any other downside? I have options that are 25 miles and 53 miles away - trying to decide between the 2.

Also, with having required shifts from another job that I need to work, how will this affect my ability to be hired as a traveler? Is there much flexibility in your schedule as a traveler? Do you typically self schedule or get placed on shifts that can't be changed? Tips and experiences welcomed.

Is my plan too too far fetched? Does it seem reasonable? I would love to actually travel but I have 3 young kids and need to stay close for them for now. Just trying to pay off some bills without having to go back to staff and work weekends and holidays again on a more permanent basis!