What do travel nurses do

Travel nurses are registered nurses who work temporary assignments at hospitals and medical facilities around the country. Here are some of the main things they do:

• Fill open positions: Travel nurses help fill needs for nurses where hospitals or medical facilities have staffing shortages. This can be due to seasonal needs, spikes in patient volumes, or ongoing nurse shortages.

• Work 13 week assignments (typically): Travel nurses typically sign contracts for 13 week assignments, though some may be longer or shorter. After an assignment ends, travel nurses can choose to extend the assignment or find a new one.

• Provide variety: Travel nursing allows nurses to see different parts of the country and experience different facilities and specialties. This can provide a variety some nurses desire in their careers.

• Live temporary lifestyles: Since travel nurses work on assignments that typically last 3-6 months, they live out of suitcases and maintain temporary housing while on assignment. Some travel nurses enjoy this transient lifestyle.

• Receive higher pay: Travel nurses usually receive higher pay than staff nurses. This is because the travel assignments are temporary in nature and facilities need incentives to attract travel nurses. Compensation packages often include hourly pay rates that are 1.5x to 2x that of staff nurses, plus benefits.