Newb question about traveling economics

[woknblues]

Forgive my ignorance, but I don't really understand how travel nursing relates to the present economic situation.

Why do hospitals hire travelers? I thought it was "more financially feasible". If that is so, then why are there not more demands for travelers during times of economic uncertainty?

There are probably some nuanced complex statistical economic graphs explaining this phenomenon, but can anyone explain how a facility can both freeze new hires AND stop travelers? I see a lot of this being posted on the CA nursing forum, and can't understand since state law enforces ratios. How can hospitals stop filling positions?

Just curious.

[bagladyrn, RN]

In times of economic stress many hospitals look for the "quick fix". Travel nurses show up as a big expense on the budget and do not come from the same part as staff nurses.

Also with the poor economy, many staff nurses will want to pick up overtime, or convert from part time to full time, especially if a spouse has been laid off. Since they are already hospital employees, there is not as much expense involved in using them. Nurse on staff are less likely to protest overwork or understaffing or poor pay if they are feeling economic pressure to keep a job, any job.

Lastly, there may be less patients in some areas as people who are economically stressed will put off any kind of elective procedure and some really necessary ones if they don't have insurance, have been laid off or are afraid of losing a job if they take time off.