Are you trying to determine if working as a travel nurse is the right move for your career? Are you wondering what factors should be considered before you sign on for this type of assignment? Working as a travel nurse is a unique opportunity, but it has to mesh with your personality and professional goals. Below are some of the pros and cons that you should consider.
The Pay is Good and Your Expenses are Covered
It all starts with good pay. Travel nurses typically get paid more than a nurse working at a local hospital. Compensation is higher because employers know that those who travel frequently face challenges and need extra incentive to work in this type of a career. On top of the good pay, though, you also get basic expenses like rent, electrical bills, and the like covered.
Resource: Highest Paying Nursing Jobs
Top-Notch Professional Experience
Another thing you should know is that traveling can put you in some of the top hospitals in your city and around the world. As a travel nurse, you get to experience different cultures and learn how doctors and nurses are working in areas that may be outside your normal comfort zone. You can get incredible experience that will help you during the rest of your career. The traveling can also give you new insights to the world and offers opportunities unlike any available at home.
Lack of Advancement and Seclusion from Hospital Politics
On the negative side, a travel nurse is cut off from the main hospital. Networking and politics often have as much to do with advancement as anything else, but you will not have time to put any energy into those things. You also do not have many advancement opportunities in your career, seeing as it is a temporary position. You are not going to be promoted while traveling in the field. You are putting all upward movement and promotions on hold while you travel. However, the one bright spot is that your experience might help you get more promotions after you return.
Loneliness
Perhaps the number one thing that anyone who has been a travel nurse complains about is the feeling of loneliness. You have to leave your friends and family behind. Since you are moving from one hospital to another, it can be hard to make new friends. There are temporary travel nurse positions, but you have to be prepared to live like this for at least a few months to a year, depending on your specific job description.
Is This the Right Career for You?
As you can see, this is not going to be the right career for everyone, but it could be a great move for you. Weigh the pros and cons against one another and decide if becoming a travel nurse sounds like something that could benefit you, both professionally and personally.
