Are you looking to combine your passion for nursing with a love for travel? Or maybe you’re a property owner interested in renting to traveling nurses and curious about what to expect. Whether you’re drawn to the lifestyle of a traveling nurse, wondering about the career’s earning potential, or exploring rental opportunities, this guide has you covered!
Traveling nurses play a unique and essential role in healthcare, offering both flexibility to healthcare facilities and enriched life experiences for themselves. In this article, we’ll explore what it means to be a traveling nurse, the education and certification requirements, typical work hours, vacation time, and much more. We’ll also cover the rental market associated with this profession, including tips for property owners looking to rent to traveling nurses. Get ready to uncover the details and benefits of this exciting career path!
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What is a Traveling Nurse?
A traveling nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who works on short-term assignments in various healthcare facilities, often in different cities or states. According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), assignments typically range from 8 to 26 weeks and are arranged by staffing agencies that match travel nurses with healthcare facilities facing staffing shortages. The demand for travel nurses has surged in recent years, and the flexibility and competitive pay make this career path attractive for many RNs seeking new experiences and career growth .
Can Having a BSN Make You a Traveling Nurse?
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) isn’t strictly required to become a travel nurse, but it can be advantageous. The American Nurses Association (ANA) points out that many hospitals and facilities prefer or require a BSN for their nursing staff, especially for more specialized roles. Some agencies and healthcare systems prioritize candidates with a BSN, as it demonstrates advanced training and may make adapting to new clinical environments easier.
Benefits of a BSN in Travel Nursing:
- More Employment Opportunities: Healthcare facilities often look for travel nurses with a BSN as it indicates a broader knowledge base and better adaptability to varying patient care settings.
- Higher Pay Potential: Some travel nursing agencies offer higher pay to BSN-prepared nurses, particularly in specialized roles such as ICU, emergency, or critical care.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that RNs with a BSN generally have higher earning potential and career advancement opportunities than those with only an associate degree .
How Do Traveling Nurses’ Hours and Contracts Work?
One of the primary draws of a traveling nurse career is its flexibility, but it’s essential to understand how work hours and contracts generally operate in this field.
Work Hours
Traveling nurses typically work similar shift structures as permanent staff, often with 8, 10, or 12-hour shifts, depending on the facility’s requirements. According to data from American Traveler, a travel nursing agency, many facilities offer travel nurses overtime, allowing them to boost their weekly pay significantly if they choose to take on additional hours .
- Night and Weekend Shifts: Since traveling nurses fill immediate staffing gaps, they may be assigned night or weekend shifts. This often comes with differential pay, increasing total earnings.
- Flexible Scheduling: Travel nurses have the flexibility to take time off between assignments, which can serve as a built-in vacation after completing a contract.
Vacation and Time Off
- Vacation Time: Unlike permanent staff, travel nurses don’t typically receive vacation days within their contracts. Instead, the breaks they take between assignments act as flexible vacation time.
- Scheduled Breaks: Travel nurses can request specific dates off when negotiating contracts, which can be a huge advantage for those looking to plan personal activities or trips.
What Are the Requirements to Become a Traveling Nurse?
The requirements to become a traveling nurse vary depending on the agency and facilities, but here are the common steps:
- Obtain an RN License: All traveling nurses must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to practice as licensed RNs. This is the foundational step to becoming eligible for travel nursing.
- Gain Clinical Experience: Most agencies require at least 1-2 years of experience in a specialized area, such as critical care or labor and delivery.
- Consider Earning a BSN: While not mandatory, a BSN can enhance career prospects and pay, especially in specialized or high-demand roles.
- Get Certified in Specialty Areas: Specialized roles often require specific certifications, such as a CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse) for ICU nurses.
- Multi-State Licensure: Nurses should consider obtaining a compact multi-state license through the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows them to work in multiple states without needing separate licenses .
Pro Tip: Some specialties, such as critical care, emergency, and labor and delivery, are more in demand and thus higher-paying. Investing in certifications can increase marketability and earning potential.
How Much Can Traveling Nurses Earn?
Travel nursing is well-known for competitive pay, often exceeding that of permanent nursing roles. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median salary for registered nurses in 2022 was approximately $77,600 annually, but travel nurses can earn much more depending on location, specialty, and contract terms .
- Weekly Pay: Travel nurses typically earn between $1,800 and $3,500 per week. This figure can vary widely based on the assignment’s location, experience level, and agency.
- Per Diem and Housing Stipends: Travel nurses receive non-taxable stipends for housing, meals, and incidentals, which can increase overall pay substantially, especially in high-cost areas.
- Bonuses: Many agencies offer signing, completion, or referral bonuses that can add thousands of dollars annually.
- Overtime: Travel nurses are often paid higher rates for overtime hours, which many choose to work to increase their weekly income.
According to Travel Nurse Across America (TNAA), traveling nurses in high-demand fields like ICU and ER can earn up to $120,000 or more annually when factoring in stipends and bonuses .
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How Long Are Travel Nurse Contracts?
Travel nurse contracts vary based on the facility’s needs and the nurse’s availability, typically lasting from 8 to 26 weeks, with 13 weeks being the average. Contracts can often be extended by mutual agreement, allowing nurses to stay longer at a preferred location without changing facilities .
Pro Tip: If you enjoy a specific location, ask about contract extensions. Many facilities are open to keeping travel nurses longer, as it benefits both parties and eliminates the onboarding process for new staff.
How to Rent to Traveling Nurses: A Lucrative Opportunity for Property Owners
The high demand for traveling nurses has also created a unique rental market, making renting to them a potentially profitable opportunity. Here’s how to get started:
Why Rent to Traveling Nurses?
- Reliable Tenants: Nurses typically have a stable income, reducing the risk of missed rent payments.
- Short-Term, High-Demand Market: Rentals near hospitals or healthcare centers are in high demand, allowing property owners to charge premium rates, especially for furnished units.
- Reduced Vacancy Periods: Short-term stays mean frequent tenants and lower vacancy rates, especially in cities with high healthcare demands.
How to Rent to Traveling Nurses
- List on Niche Platforms: Websites like Furnished Finder, specifically catering to healthcare professionals, are ideal for short-term rentals and help property owners connect directly with traveling nurses .
- Offer Flexible Leasing Terms: Many travel nurses need housing aligned with assignment durations, so month-to-month or 3-month leases can make your property more attractive.
- Provide Furnished Units: Since travel nurses bring minimal belongings, a move-in-ready, fully furnished rental is often preferred.
Success Tips for Traveling Nurses and Property Owners
For Traveling Nurses:
- Choose the Right Agency: Look for a reputable agency that offers support, benefits, and various assignment options.
- Stay Organized: Track your contracts, licensures, and certifications to make transitions smoother.
- Specialize for Higher Demand: Developing skills in high-demand specialties like ICU or ER increases job security and earning potential.
For Property Owners:
- Market to Traveling Nurses: Use platforms like Furnished Finder and consider advertising through local healthcare facilities.
- Include Amenities for Short-Term Tenants: Move-in-ready units with essential furniture and appliances appeal to traveling nurses.
- Flexibility is Key: Offering lease terms that align with typical travel nurse contracts can improve occupancy rates and income.
Final Thoughts
Travel nursing offers flexibility, competitive pay, and new experiences, making it a fantastic career path for adventurous RNs. For property owners, renting to traveling nurses can yield consistent income, especially in high-demand areas. Whether you’re an aspiring nurse, a property owner, or simply curious, the world of traveling nurses is full of opportunities to explore.
Sources:
- American Nurses Association (ANA)
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
- Travel Nurse Across America (TNAA)
- American Traveler
- Furnished Finder
