Pros and Cons of traveling RN style

KKEGS, MSN, RN · Mar 20, 2018

Hi there. There is a whole separate forum for Travel Nursing. Just FYI. :)

Angiebaby01 · Mar 20, 2018

Thanks!

NedRN · Mar 20, 2018

Same way you do now! Weekly work hours are the same. As far as housing goes, you can take agency provided housing. Safe housing is a priority for agencies. Pretty luxurious way to go, just show up and grab the key. Fully furnished (check about kitchenware though), utilities on, ready to go. Many travelers prefer to get their own housing, as typically you can pocket some excess cash. But it is a real hassle to get your own housing, take the provided housing for your first assignment. You will have enough stress just from adapting to a new facility with minimal orientation.

Swellz · Mar 20, 2018

Ned's right that taking company housing makes it easier, but I like the control of finding my own. That being said, some rental markets are harder than others; for example, this is the first time in a year or so of traveling that I took company housing, but I wasn't going to find anything better on my own in Florida during season.

I don't have safety concerns in general, but I travel with my husband. You always have the option of renting a room versus a whole apartment, where you'd have roommates if living alone makes you uncomfortable. But then you have to be comfortable living with roommates. If I were a solo traveler that is what I would do, and have discussed doing with my husband if he ever wanted to stay behind. I like the idea of traveling with a buddy - I know a lot of nurses who travel with a friend, which makes rent easy and helps stave off the loneliness that can come with travel nursing. I also know a lot of nurses who go it alone. It depends on you.

Vacation time is easy. If you need off during a contract, you let your recruiter and the manager know in the interview and make sure it's in your contract. Or, you just take it in between contracts. That's not to say that there won't be some contracts where a hospital won't want to give you the time off, but I haven't had that issue.

Angiebaby01 · Mar 20, 2018

Thanks for the feedback. Do you usually drive to your locations with your personal vehicle or rent a car once you arrive?

Swellz · Mar 21, 2018

We drive. I think it's more fun. I met a travel nurse from Canada who gets a friend or relative to drive with her to whatever her destination is, making a road trip out of it. Then after visiting for a bit her friend will fly home. So, if you want to drive but are nervous about a long road trip by yourself, I think that's a great idea.

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Apr 8, 2018

Research agencies. You should get paid travel and good housing completely paid for by the agency.

They should also pay for additional licensure fees and another other fees.

You should also get some type of health insurance coverage, it's not the best. Any vacation benefits, depends on the facility that you end up working for.

The agency is working for YOU. They don't get paid, until you do.

Happy travels.

Egobando · Mar 28, 2019

Pay is usually better with local agencies. But it all depends on your recruiter for the most part. Few are good and organized but most are just trying to hire you so they can get a commision. Be careful.

Housing will usually take a bulk of your weekly payment. Finding your own housing usually saves you a lot of money but if you are not experienced take the housing offered. Make sure you have housing. I traveled with onward healthcare for which my recruiter e-mailed me that my housing was arranged. I landed in California with no housing. They placed me in a motel for three days unitl they found a room for rent.

Review the contract related to exit clause and units. As a traveler they will take advantage and the facility can let you go if they don't like how you function or don't need you.