How Long-Time Travel Nurses Land High-Paying Jobs

Travel nursing offers new experiences that can be both professionally and personally fulfilling. It allows nurses to explore different states, work in diverse settings, expand their skills, and learn about different healthcare systems. The financial benefits and the opportunity for personal growth make travel nursing an appealing option for those seeking a change and new adventures in their nursing careers.

While travel nursing has changed a lot post-pandemic, the ability to travel and get paid more than a staff job, avoid hospital politics, and experience freedom has remained the same! 

>>Listen to How Long-Time Travel Nurses Land High-Paying Assignments with Travel Nurses Nalina Mendez and Natalia Zapata

In this episode of the Nurse Converse podcast, Nalina Mendez discusses the world of travel nursing and how to find the best assignments and agencies. She is joined by guest Natalia Zapata, an experienced travel nurse of seven years. Natalia shares her insights and experiences, highlighting the diverse settings and cultural experiences she has encountered throughout her career. 

5 Tips For New Travel Nurses

Both travel nurses provide valuable tips for those considering travel nursing including: 

1. Join travel nurse groups on social media. This is a great way to get connected with other travelers. It’s also an amazing resource for information, especially when you’re first getting started. 

2. Find housing that is clean and safe. You can use websites like Airbnb or Vrbo, but Furnished Finder is very traveler friendly. It offers a wide array of furnished properties that are available for stays of 30 days or more, helping medical professionals that travel find suitable housing.

3. Give yourself time to adjust. It’s normal to feel nervous when trying something new, but don’t let it overwhelm you and take over. Get adapted to your new location. Find your local amenities like the bank, gas station and grocery store. 

4. Find a tax consultant. Taxes can get confusing, especially if you’re traveling in different states. Consider finding a tax consultant, specifically one that specializes in travel taxes. All of the specifics about stipends for meals and lodging can get overwhelming and it’s easier to refer to someone that knows the ins and outs. 

5. Embrace the journey. There will always be reasons not to do something. If you’re scared to try traveling, don’t overthink it and don’t try to plan the perfect time because there will never be one. Travel nursing may not be for everybody, but you won’t know until you try. 

• Consider referrals when selecting agencies. When considering travel nursing, it’s crucial to select the right agency to work with. One effective method of choosing an agency is by seeking referrals from friends or colleagues who have had experience with travel nursing. They provide valuable insights and recommendations from individuals with firsthand experience. A bonus here is that most agencies offer a referral bonus of between $500-$2000+ for referring nurses to work with them. You and your friend could even split it! 

• Advocate for yourself in travel nursing. This involves asking the right questions, researching agencies, and considering various factors such as benefits, guaranteed hours, and sick time policies. By advocating for oneself, travel nurses can ensure they choose an agency that will provide them with a rewarding and fulfilling experience.

• Teamwork is crucial in healthcare, particularly in the context of travel nursing. The challenges faced during the pandemic underscored the importance of collaboration and support among healthcare professionals. By being team players, travel nurses can ensure the safety and well-being of their patients while also fostering a positive and fulfilling work environment.

• Maintain relationships while traveling. This can be a daunting task. Leaving behind partners and families for extended periods of time can create feelings of loneliness and isolation. However, with proper communication, commitment, and support, it is possible to maintain strong and healthy relationships while on the road. By making their partners a priority, having common goals, and dedicating time for communication, travel nurses can ensure that their relationships remain strong and fulfilling. It is a challenging journey, but with love, understanding, and dedication, relationships can thrive even in the face of distance and separation.

Travel nursing is a great adventure. It offers numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth, allows individuals to explore new places, experience different healthcare systems, and provides a chance to meet new people. Don’t forget to take the time to see the beauty of the country you’re in, to do your work, make money, and also have fun. Travel nursing is not just about work, but also about experiencing new places and making the most of the journey. 

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