Travel nursing - worth it?

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I currently love my job - great people, good pt ratio and support, always get breaks, etc. BUT, my student loans are bleeding me dry. I'm single and live alone, and I feel like I really need to make some headway on these loans or I'll never be able to buy a house, or stop worrying about making ends meet each month. (I'm already in my 30's and have serious debt.)

So, those of you who have done the travel nursing thing - how much money did you make a year? I really don't want to move, but I figure I could sacrifice a year if it would help my loans.

Did you truly have good control over where you went? How long were your assignments typically? How did it affect you emotionally? Any good travel nursing companies to consider? Thanks!

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Specializes in CVICU, PACU, OR.

You might get more responses in the travel nursing forum.

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Specializes in Home Health, Primary Care.

I can't answer most of your questions, but I know for sure u wouldn't have to move away if u can find a travel gig in your area.

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But then if I don't move, do I miss out on the stipend? How much of a living stipend do you get?

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I left a good telemetry job to take a travel assignment for six months. They pay was fantastic- I took home about $1,100 per week including the monthly housing allowance. I don't regreat it because it allowed me to pay off school debt quickly. I then took a direct hire to get some much desired ICU experience. Yes, you have complete control of where go accept a position. No, you don't forfeit housing if you stay in your area. I would suggest contacting the well known agencies.

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Be very careful, some of these agencies are like used car salesmen, tell you what you want to hear, then after the deal is signed, you find yourself with a lemon on your hands. Have you considered working thru a local agency on days off?

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Is travel nursing worth it? It depends. Many travel positions pay better than most staff jobs. But not every travel position pays a high salary and not all of them come with the same benefits/perks. You have to talk to different recruiters and then choose the opportunity that best suits what you are looking for and where you want to go. You might even find that travel nursing is not for you. Or, if you don't want to go too far you could always consider 'local' travel.

Come over to the travel nursing forum and read the posts. You will find a lot of useful information there about what to do and what not to do as a first time traveler.

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Have you considered taking a per diem job at another hospital?

That way you will be able to keep your current job and benefits, and work extra hours at your convenience at a higher pay rate. Weedend nights at my hospital pay $38/hr per diem. Holidays are time and a half.

Many of the per diem nurses I work with use a second per diem job to pay college tuitions, child support and debt.

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