How to Know if Travel Nursing Is the Right Career Path for You
If you’re considering a change in your nursing career, travel nursing offers a dynamic path filled with new and exciting adventures.
More healthcare professionals are turning to travel nursing to gain experience, boost their earnings, and enjoy the flexibility of contract assignments. But how do you know if this path is truly right for you?
In this blog, we’ll break down what travel nursing involves, the pros and cons, and how to determine if it meshes with your career goals and lifestyle.
What Is Travel Nursing?
Travel nursing is a flexible, contract-based nursing role that enables licensed professionals to work in various healthcare facilities across the nation.
It’s designed to help fill staffing gaps, often in high-demand areas, while giving nurses the freedom to choose where and when they work.
Specifics About Travel Nursing Assignments
Travel nursing assignments are short-term contracts that are typically thirteen weeks long, though some may extend much longer.
These roles are designed to address temporary staffing shortages in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and specialized care centers.
Assignments often change significantly in terms of location, duration, and clinical setting. You might work in a large urban trauma center one month and a rural community hospital the next.
This variety allows you to expand your skills while experiencing different patient populations and workplace environments.
Market Demand and Opportunities
The nursing field is projected to grow by 6% from 2022 to 2032, according to data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Within that, travel nursing has seen even more rapid growth due to staffing shortages and strain on the healthcare system.
Is Travel Nursing Right for You?
Deciding if this path is right for you starts with understanding your motivations and lifestyle preferences.
Some nurses are energized by the freedom and variety that travel assignments bring, while others prefer consistency and familiarity.
Key Signs You’re a Good Fit
You value flexibility. Traveling offers the ability to choose where and when you work, which appeals to many healthcare professionals.
You thrive in new environments. If the idea of changing hospitals, cities, and teams every few months excites you, you might be built for travel nursing.
You seek variety in your work. Travel nurses gain exposure to diverse settings, patient populations, and healthcare systems.
You’re independent and organized. Since travel nurses have to adapt to new roles and settings quickly, self-motivation and clear communication are must-haves.
Common Challenges to Consider
Frequent relocation. Constantly moving can be exhausting, especially if you enjoy the stability of a routine or a home base.
Emotional fatigue. Leaving behind coworkers and patients after each assignment can be emotionally taxing.
Navigating new systems. Each facility may use different charting tools, protocols, or communication styles.
Logistics management. From housing to licensing, travel nurses often coordinate many moving parts on their own.
How to Become a Travel Nurse
If you’re feeling drawn to the flexibility and adventure of travel nursing, you’re probably wondering how to get started. These essential steps will help you launch your travel nursing career with clarity and confidence.
Education and Licensure
Before you can take your first assignment, you’ll need to meet some core education and licensing requirements. At minimum, you’ll need:
- An active RN license
- A nursing degree (ADN or BSN)
- Basic certifications like BLS and ACLS
If you want to work across state lines, you should obtain a multistate license through the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
Getting Started
Most travel nurse agencies request that applicants have at least one year of bedside experience. After that, you’ll:
- Partner with a reputable agency (preferably clinician-owned, like Lucid Staffing)
- Get matched with contracts that fit your experience and preferences
- Complete onboarding and credentialing requirements
Evaluating Career Alignment
Before diving headfirst into travel nursing, it’s essential to pause and evaluate whether this lifestyle fits into the bigger picture.
Taking some time to determine this alignment will make all the difference in your life.
Personal and Professional Goals
To figure out whether travel nursing aligns with your broader goals, reflect honestly on your ambitions, preferences, and plans. Ask yourself:
- Do I want to explore different cities and facilities?
- Am I comfortable being “the new person” often?
- Does my long-term vision include continued clinical growth and development?
Travel nursing can be a fantastic stepping stone into advanced practice roles or specialized certifications.
Financial and Lifestyle Factors
Travel nurses often earn more than staff nurses due to housing stipends and tax benefits. But pay can vary widely by location, specialty, and demand.
Consider the following if you’re worried about travel nursing’s impact on your lifestyle:
- The cost of living in your assignment city
- How often you want to take breaks between contracts
- Whether the nomadic lifestyle fits your personal life
Travel Nursing Career: Final Thoughts & Your Next Steps
Travel nursing isn’t for everyone, but if you crave flexibility, variety, and adventure in your nursing career, it might be precisely what you’re looking for.
At Lucid Staffing, we’re clinicians too, so we understand the challenges and opportunities ahead. We’re here to help you explore whether travel nursing aligns with your professional goals and personal values.
Let’s talk about your future in travel nursing.
Connect with our team to discover assignments that align with your lifestyle, skills, and career aspirations.