Travel Nursing Agencies - Nursing Benefits

What IS travel nursing, anyway?

One way to think of it is like good old fashioned temp work. Yes, the Kelley Girl has come to nursing. Healthcare hiring managers sometimes have no alternative. It may be because they are in small out of the way locales or due to an opening they simply can't, but must, fill. Occasionally there is a work stoppage and outside nurses must be brought in to keep the hospital open. But mostly, I would guess, it is a simple case of supply and demand.

Travel nurses are contracted for short term assignments through agencies that specialize in travel nursing. The agency normally supplies the travel nurse with housing and travel expense, help with licensing, benefits and payroll services. The hospital fills the position temporarily and the nurse gets paid above market wages to work and live in a new locale. Everybody wins.

How long are the travel nursing assignments?

This can vary with the agency and the healthcare employer. A typical assignment might last as little as 8 weeks or as long as 26 weeks. The assignment can be renewed sometimes and stretch out longer but this would only happen if both parties agreed. You can count on 8-13 weeks as a guideline for a normal contract.

What if I like it there and want to stay permanently?

It depends on the assignment. Often the agency has made arrangements that will allow the position to convert to a permanent position if the facility and travel nurse mutually desire. Some of the positions are temporary and will remain that way. I would say that most of the time if the travel nurse wants to remain in the area as a permanent nurse the agency and the employer will figure out a way to make it happen.

Can a friend and I get assigned together?

Sure! Obviously the needs of the hospital and the skill set of you and your friend dictate whether this will work, but what better way to experience the excitement of a new city or region then with a friend. We have seen lots of cases where husband and wife teams take assignments together and get the opportunity to travel to new and interesting places they may have never dreamed of living and working.

Let's talk housing and relocation?

This is all included in your contract with the travel nursing agency. Normally you are provided with furnished housing. Sometimes you are given a housing allowance and assisted with finding local housing of your choice. Think about it. It is in the interest of the agency to make this whole experience as positive for you as they can. The travel nurse is a treasured asset of the agency and they would like you to keep accepting assignments over and over. They will make sure you are taken care of. That's how agencies make their money and nurses wanting assignments are their number one priority.

As for travel expense, it will be handled by the agency. Some will fly you to the assignment, some will give you a mileage reimbursement. All of these things will be spelled out very specifically, in advance, in your contract with the agency.
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