The Pros and Cons of Pursuing a Career in Travel Nursing

[@sharon_rn2066]

I know several travel nurses who have a small RV so they get the stipend for housing but take their home with them! RV parks are usually much cheaper than hotels or apartments plus they have their own ‘stuff’ so no packing! Win! 👍🏼

[@gunchief0811]

All about that Van Life ...

[@BrDe135]

Dang that’s smart!

[@Snappycat2]

There are many places where you can't park an RV, How does that work?

[@KookinHaole]

with that much money why would it matter???

[@nicki-y2k]

I met a travel nurse couple who always took the same assignment and had an RV(camper, not motorhome) that they shared and got double stipend! So smart!

[@LADYDRVN]

I survived my first week on my first contract! I only received 8 hours of orientation in a 64 bed ED that is super busy! Thrown into the most critical pod on my first 12 hour shift. Multiple PNB’s & critically ill patients! Definitely overwhelming and scary! Huge con 🤯 But I survived and I know it gets better from here, I hope! Lol.

[@jma0612]

How’s everything going?

[@kiaharper7172]

So proud you took the leap! Nursing is just tough and yuck in general 😪 The ER?! Makes YOU tough and rough! 😋

[@mirandaalexis]

current travel nurse advice to new grads- please get 2 years of experience before starting travel nursing

[@LADYDRVN]

I agree with this completely!

[@mirandaalexis]

@@LADYDRVN Like they don’t realize you get the toughest patients and maybe have 1 day of orientation. You really on your own and these are peoples lives at the end of the day.

[@LADYDRVN]

@@mirandaalexis As a first time traveler, I couldn’t agree more. Even having 8 years of ER nursing experience, I was STILL overwhelmed on my first day off orientation. I can’t even imagine how these brand new baby nurses who are traveling after a years worth of experience do it?

[@vkwest1021]

Agreed!

[@BexnRN]

Omg NO you really shouldn’t travel straight out of school. Not sure this is even possible.

[@thetruthsayer8347]

Nurses have been conditioned to feel bad about making the money they are worth. No other healthcare profession is like this.

[@boogotti1173]

Well I'ma cry all the way to the bank . 😆

[@gunchief0811]

WORD!!!!! Dopest most positive nursing channel on KZbin..

[@ekippymyskippy5039]

Im currently taking the prerequisites for my ADN program and you gave me a lot of motivation

[@Katherine_Ann]

That's so encouraging to hear! Thank you so very much!

[@theopdominator4108]

Same here 🥹

[@NOLAqueen504A]

I kept my staff job and did PRN so that I can have income in between contracts. Best of both worlds and with ACA I can keep my health insurance plan.

[@Katherine_Ann]

Wow, great idea!

[@ericg9092]

Great video, thank you, Katherine! I'm a respiratory therapist taking prereq's that have aged out to go to nursing school and can't wait to get back on the travel circuit.

[@shubhamthakur8311]

Hey Eric,Are you working anywhere ? I am Shubham from First Connect Health.May I Help you,et me know if you are interested in getting A TN job.

[@CUPOFNURSES]

Greaet video! Travel nursing defintely has amazing flexilvity, make your own schedule with unlimited vacation time if done right 😎. We are also thankful for the the personal growth which travel nursing helped us explore.

[@Katherine_Ann]

Thank you! I would agree, there's definitely some great perks!

[@josephlapiana6782]

My sister inlaw is a travel nurse and she made 120000 last year and had 2 months off

[@darktoadone5068]

Contract work can be unstable sometimes because like you said, you don't know what's going to happen after a job is up, you basically live the gypsy life being on the road so much. I would say for a single person it's the way to go but if you have a family it can be hard sometimes. Also later if you apply for a job somewhere be prepared because some HR people will say you're a job hopper because you go from job to job when they have no idea how contracting works. They will judge you for sure.

[@Katherine_Ann]

Thanks for watching and for sharing your thoughts!

[@healthisagift5189]

Thanks for the great information. I have been a RN for 18 years. I have not worked in the hospital in many years. Ive worked in home health and case management/nurse educator roles (tele-health, remote jobs). I am researching trying to do some travel nursing. Is orientation always 1-2 days only? I feel like I could do it, but would need more than a day since I have been out of bedside hospital nursing for many years. I have the freedom at this point in my life to do something different, and I want to do this for 6 months so I can go to school full time for 6 months in a different career. In order to do that I would need to save money. I worked as a travel nurse years ago, back in 2006 and no one was nice to me, and they gave me the worst assignments every night. I worked nights and would have 7 acute patients all full care. I do not remember it fondly, but it wasn't the money that is being paid today. Would love to hear your thoughts, and honest feedback if you have the time to respond.

[@fernking-wall9077]

More than likely you would have to go back into bedside nursing it as a staff nurse for 1 to 2 years before most agencies would consider placing you. It's not their preference it's their contracts stipulation. Planning on doing the same thing. But heading back to the hospital first. Good luck to both of us!

[@kaylaelias5947]

I think you may need to do a year of bedside as a staff nurse just to get the hang of it. The agency I talked too said I needed 2 years of acute care bedside experience

[@BexnRN]

I have the same amt of experience as you but have not been at the bedside for the last several years. I just got a job last August to get my “year of recent experience”. I’m off to the races this fall! Good luck on your journey!

[@PeriWinkle33957]

I agree with the other commenters regarding the need for “recent” experience in the travel area you are looking to work in. They will not hire you unless your experience is current. Also, there are travel jobs for case managers. It’s usually acute care case managers though so still need that recent acute care experience, but there are several out there.

[@alexisclark6742]

I don’t see any cons for me 🤪 you’ve convinced me! I have heard the regular staff nurses are mean and unhelpful to travelers tho.

[@Chellebeller]

Yes, you can run into plenty of unfriendly staff nurses. Especially since this pandemic.

[@mujjuman]

i am a staff nurse and the other staff nurses are mean to ME, XD. nurses are mean as hell in general. im one of the few staff nurses who are nice and helpful to the travelers

[@AshleyHiggins-o1k]

If you are not duplicating expenses, then sure... you make way more money... until you get audited... or cancelled...still prefer it any day over being staff.

[@elfredawright]

It is not insane, it is not kind of illegal, you are being paid your worth, therefore, you should not feel bad about it.

[@satyaprabhu6207]

Wat about lab technician without experience,recently passouts!....

[@SherryXShi]

Hi, I love your energy. ❤ what staff agencies do travel nurses or dr. use? Could you name of few?

[@Katherine_Ann]

Thank you! I've worked for Aya Healthcare and Spire Workforce Solutions, but there are a bunch out there :)

[@electronicfellows2113]

regarding job security, how scary can it be at the end of your assignment not knowing for sure what or when your next assignment will be? you would have saved a ton of money by the end of the assignment to give some leeway until finding the next one, so i don’t see a stress there

[@Katherine_Ann]

Hey, that's a great point. I agree, if you're wise with your money, travel nursing gives you that buffer to find your next assignment. I think that's critical, that way you're not just taking any contract that's available and can be much more selective.

[@ordinarilycrafty2838]

CCU nurse here planning on going traveling for the first time since I graduated 1.5 years ago! Question: What do travel nurse’s spouses do (do they work part time, not work?)

[@Katherine_Ann]

My husband works full time! I'm local so it's just like being a staff nurse but getting travel nurse pay!

[@devinsonnenburg1360]

I'm the husband of a soon-to-be travel nurse. I am staying home with our youngest kid that's still in school (15). We are buying an RV. She is looking into no more than 6 hrs drive time from home. This way we can go see her or she can come home after her 3 12's if she wants. My wife's been a nurse for 18 yrs and we have been married the same. Honestly, if she is still doing it after our youngest is done, I will look at quitting and just going with her. I work at a school district and her contracts would cover my pay plus an extra 2k a month.

[@MNP208]

I'm a little confused by the "ambulatory" travel contracts. They almost seem like they're looking for inpatient nurses. Clinic and urgent care contracts are posted as such. Also, have you gone between Cerner and Epic? If so, how easy is that transition?

[@runfayalife]

Cerner sucks. It's too busy and too customizable.

[@irishb9993]

Thank you for explaining travel nurse job. Btw, what is a crisis response?

[@Katherine_Ann]

Thank you for watching! This means that the nurse is working on a contract basis in an emergency situation. In this case, it was during the pandemic.

[@Chellebeller]

I haven’t had them put me in a place lately, feel like that was a thing of the past. You need to find your own housing.

[@lukeanthony8310]

This was very helpful. Thank you.

[@Katherine_Ann]

Glad you like it, thank you for watching!

[@vayoha02]

How long have you been travel nursing? I've been doing it for 6 years and I've noticed some changes, especially since COVID.

[@Katherine_Ann]

Hey, you've got quite a bit more experience than I do. I've only done travel nursing for a little over a year, but I've definitely noticed changes even since then.

[@2ndchancehypnotherapy]

It would be interested to know the difference in travel nursing between Canada and the US.

[@Katherine_Ann]

Good question!

[@travel.nursing]

🤔Critical Analysis of "Pros and Cons of TRAVEL NURSING" Transcript In the digital age, video sharing platforms like KZbin have become significant mediums for professionals to share their insights and experiences. Nurse Katherine’s video, titled "Pros and Cons of TRAVEL NURSING", is a prime example of such an endeavor. Through the transcript provided, one can discern Nurse Katherine’s narrative approach, her credibility, the pros and cons of travel nursing she highlights, and the broader implications her insights may have for those considering the profession. Narrative Approach and Authenticity: Nurse Katherine commences the video with a personal touch, emphasizing her positive disposition. The engagement-driven style ("subscribe to my channel," "give this video a big thumbs up," "comment below") is typical of many KZbin creators aiming to foster community and build their channels. While this approach aids in audience engagement, it does little to bolster her professional insights. Yet, her forthcoming candidness about her experiences and the contextual reference that this is the fourth in a series on the subject grants her credibility. Credibility and Perspective: Nurse Katherine candidly admits she is relatively new to travel nursing, which offers both fresh insights and potential limitations to her perspectives. While this might be seen as a limitation, her honest stance is commendable and reinforces her authenticity. Pros of Travel Nursing: The enumerated benefits range from the tangible, like better pay and housing stipends, to the experiential, like the joys of constant change and avoiding administrative tasks associated with permanent positions. Her emphasis on flexibility and the ability to experience different healthcare systems can be especially appealing to those looking for variety in their careers. Her unique position as a "local travel nurse" introduces a novel concept to those unfamiliar with the profession's intricacies. Cons of Travel Nursing: Nurse Katherine does not shy away from the challenges of travel nursing. Her discussion about potentially substandard housing, intense competition, fleeting opportunities for deep connections, limited orientation, and lack of job security paints a holistic picture. Particularly poignant is her emphasis on job insecurity; while she enjoys better pay, the uncertainty of the next assignment looms large. Broader Implications: Beyond individual pros and cons, her insights shed light on the healthcare industry. The pay discrepancy between a staff nurse and a travel nurse is substantial, suggesting a possible premium on flexibility and adaptability in healthcare. The mention of competition underscores the profession's popularity or perhaps a current trend or shortage in the healthcare workforce. Constructive Critique: While Nurse Katherine’s personal anecdotes and genuine approach enrich the video, her analysis could benefit from data or studies reinforcing her claims. Given that this video is part of a series, incorporating testimonials from other travel nurses or healthcare professionals could offer a richer, more diverse perspective. Conclusion: Nurse Katherine's exploration of travel nursing provides a valuable resource for nursing professionals considering this career trajectory. Her balanced approach ensures viewers receive a holistic understanding of both the challenges and rewards associated with travel nursing. As with any career-related advice, potential travel nurses should view her insights as a single piece in a larger puzzle. Engaging with broader resources, including community groups, can provide a fuller picture. For those interested in further exploring travel nursing, the Facebook group facebook.com/groups/Travel.Nursing.Answers.Advice.Tips is an excellent resource. Here, one can find answers, advice, tips, and mentorship to make an informed decision.

[@Katherine_Ann]

Wow, thanks for watching, the detailed response and constructive critique!

[@ccalexander1924]

I keep hearing how much travel nurses make but I am a travel mri tech and I don’t make much more then staff tech. I want my next contract in my home town so I can go home sometimes.

[@yilingyc325]

Totally a new grade's question. If I've already started to build my nursing levels, but I decide to do travel nursing for several contracts. When I come back from traveling, will I need to restart my nursing levels, or i can build upon the earlier credits? Thank you so much!

[@Katherine_Ann]

Hey, that's a great question. I'm not sure about that. I think it would depend on various circumstances, education level and the experience that you have.

[@KookinHaole]

Could one become a travel nurse after aquring an ADN (on campus) then completing a BSN (online)

[@Katherine_Ann]

Absolutely! But you will need experience before traveling

[@monroesweldingservices6234]

I recently had to give up welding due to a seriously Lung and skull injury from welding and motorcycle wreck starting nursing school in a few days is it really worth it? I was makeing close to 65k and never left my town is travel nurse pay that good?

[@Katherine_Ann]

Hey, thanks for your comment. I'm so sorry to hear about your welding and motorcycle injuries. Nursing is a great profession and it can definitely be lucrative depending on what route you pursue. Depending where you live, I don't think you'll have any problem replacing your income immediately after graduating.

[@honestlyonnie]

Thank you so much for sharing! Btw, for the rate you were contracted, are you an ADN, BSN, MSN?

[@Katherine_Ann]

I have my BSN

[@brittany5496]

Thank you for this information , I am currently looking into local travel nursing .. what happens with the housing stipend if you stay local?

[@Katherine_Ann]

Hi Brittany, thanks for watching! So for my local contract, I do not get a housing stipend, but my hourly wage may be higher than other traditional travel nursing contracts. Also, I get a food/gas stipend.

[@brittany5496]

@@Katherine_Ann I see that is good to know for the near future!! Thabk you so much! 😇😇

[@chardt]

Hi. Is there such thing as a per diem local travel nursing job?

[@Katherine_Ann]

Yes! I have a friend who was doing that in Pennsylavnia!

[@chardt]

Great! Would you know what’s his/her schedule like? and how long is the contract?

[@Katherine_Ann]

@@chardt she had a baby so is no longer working but I believe she was 3 days a week then cut back to 2 days a week at the end of pregnancy, all 12hr shifts at a local Rehab.

[@pattysmith5547]

Thank you for the info! The flexibility sounds awesome! What do you recommend for health insurance? I don't want gaps, have 2 sons to cover and want to make sure it covers wherever I'm working.

[@Katherine_Ann]

Thank you for watching, Patty! Unfortunately, I don't have much insight on that as I'm on my husband's insurance. You could always do a med-share plan that isn't dependent on employment.

[@runfayalife]

Also, travel agencies don't like when you take off more than a couple of weeks.

[@Katherine_Ann]

I would say depends on the agency. :) I have taken off 3 weeks between a contract and they were okay with it!

[@lolashyalol]

taxed a little differently? Can you elaborate

[@Katherine_Ann]

Hi Ashya, when I was a staff nurse, my entire pay was taxed. However, as a local travel nurse, I was receiving a tax free food stipend. Traditional travel nurses generally receive a tax free housing stipend.

[@annaal-dean3252]

How are benefits with travel nurses?

[@Katherine_Ann]

Hey, Anna. Thanks for your question. It really depends on what agency you're with. Luckily, I'm on my husbands benefits so I don't have to use my agency's!

[@chazmonsi7672]

As a traveling nurse , Will I be taxed in the state I work or the state I live in? Example if I work in California, newyork which payrate is higher will I Be taxed by those states or the state I live in?

[@Katherine_Ann]

Hey, Chaz! Thanks for your question, I don't know first hand because I've only done local contracts. Just doing some research online, it looks like you would pay income taxes where you work.

[@CadillacCowboy620]

What about health insurance ?

[@Katherine_Ann]

That's a great question, Jared. I personally am on my husband's health insurance so I don't have to worry about it. If you need health insurance as a travel nurse, most agencies offer it. There's other ways that you can acquire it as well. Just make sure you do your research so you're not getting ripped off!

[@NCLEX-REVIEWS]

Super interesting 🙌

[@Katherine_Ann]

Thank you!

[@live__laugh_love]

@Stella Layla RN already 😌🥰

[@live__laugh_love]

@Stella Layla Thank you❤️. Im preparing lots of NCLEX review videos. I'll be uploading it here soon🥰

[@live__laugh_love]

www.KZbin.com/@nclex-reviews

[@lizzzzzzzzette]

Hi! I read your response to another comment where you said you work local as a traveler. Does your job have a be a certain amount of miles away from home to be considered a traveler?

[@Katherine_Ann]

Hi Lizette, so it depends whether you're considered a local travel nurse or a regular travel nurse. Generally, you have to be 50 miles away from the hospital you're working at to work as a traditional travel nurse. With local travel nursing, there's no such restriction. However, the benefits are different. There's definitely pros and cons to both options!

[@MrIowahawks77]

Great video

[@Katherine_Ann]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@marydanquah4631]

Hii cathy what learning material did you use fir ur CMSRN exams

[@Katherine_Ann]

There was a CMSRN book I used. The hospital I worked at had a library and we were allowed to check it out there. Can remember what the exact name was though, I'm sorry!

[@weeevan3078]

Do you have to pay self employment tax on top of income tax?

[@Katherine_Ann]

Hey, I'm actually considered a W2 employee!

[@weeevan3078]

@@Katherine_Ann is this because you work under the sttaffing firm and are not self contracting?

[@Katherine_Ann]

@@weeevan3078 I'm not too knowledgeable in this area, but I believe that is why

[@bluechex7881]

Is it true traveling nurses are hated by the local nursing staff?

[@Katherine_Ann]

I would not say that all! I have a great relationship with most of the staff nurses I work with. There can be challenging work dynamics regardless where you are.

[@AshleyHiggins-o1k]

they also hate each other so who cares. 13 weeks and you're gone!

[@pacopaella2759]

How about getting health insurance? Do you have to get one on your own?

[@Alexis_9339]

Depends on your company, many larger companies offer insurance through your contract.

[@ninaschvartz4703]

I want to be pedtraican travel nurse

[@Katherine_Ann]

That's great, Nina! Are you currently practicing as a pediatric RN?

[@lauren8135]

If you only take a couple contracts a year do you still have health insurance that rest of the year through the travel nursing company?

[@Katherine_Ann]

Hey Lauren! I am not sure on that! I know not all travelers stay with the same companies so I would imagine of you're not on contract then you wouldn't have coverage.

[@lauren8135]

@@Katherine_Ann ok yeah if I do end up going the travel nursing route I’ll just ask the company what their situation is. Thanks!

[@john6986]

Do you have paid vacation and paid sick leaves?

[@Katherine_Ann]

As a traveler you do accrue PTO but maybe if i remember correctly, I accrued maybe 12 hours total for a 13 week contract. No paid sick leaves, not sure if other nurses have that but I've never had paid sick leave as a nurse, always had to pull from my PTO time.

[@gunchief0811]

I'm in the process of Obtaining my ASN /LVN. and I want to Work in the E.R. and learn a lot..but then I want to possibly do travel nursing.....

[@Katherine_Ann]

Very nice, good luck with your program! You can't go wrong working in the ER!

[@Melissa-vj4io]

Can you do traveling nursing in different countries?

[@Katherine_Ann]

There are nurses who travel here to the US to fill voids so I know that is possible, I am not sure though if American Nurses can take jobs overseas, that would get into VISAs and all that I would imagine!

[@rishuramgiri2064]

I am planning to come in usa for nursing job please help me with agency

[@Katherine_Ann]

Hi RIshu! Where are you planning on working?

[@rishuramgiri2064]

@@Katherine_Ann hello katherine, presently m preparing for NCLEX RN EXAM il be coming to usa probably in the month of july.. Do NCLEX is required for travel nurse job too ?

[@runfayalife]

The first two weeks of any assignment suck.

[@jamie5mauser]

How far do you commute every day?

[@Katherine_Ann]

Only two miles, now! Perks of local travel nursing! My first contract was almost 50 miles, though.

[@lifewithbella0807]

By local travel nursing, are you driving 50 miles out from home to get stipends? Or are you closer to home? Looking into local travel nursing

[@Katherine_Ann]

I am driving under 50 miles which is considered local for who I work with :) hope that helps!

[@fernking-wall9077]

Good question! I was told by a couple agencies most hospitals require you to be at least 50 if not a hundred miles away. But each contract is different.

[@bobcabot]

Penny?

[@kellz9543]

Do you get a regular pension being a travel nurse?

[@Katherine_Ann]

I have never heard of any travel companies offering pensions. Pensions are hard to find in nursing in general!

[@2ndchancehypnotherapy]

@@Katherine_Ann that is interesting! In BC, Canada nurses here get great pensions. Most positions are unionized.

[@phoebewang4199]

Does anyone has experience about transferring credit of RPN diploma to ADN in US?

[@Katherine_Ann]

Hi Phoebe, I had my RN diploma and just immediately pursued my RN-BSN, but I never transferred credit to an ADN. I'm sorry that's not very helpful!

[@ericarutter7770]

Do travel nurses have to pay for benefits out of pocket?

[@Katherine_Ann]

Good question! Depends on the company that you're working for. Some companies offer benefits, others do not!

[@caseyjames5452]

👍

[@chanellemarie]

can my partner travel along with me

[@Katherine_Ann]

They can!

[@Amrknegypt]

I've been a Travel RN for 4 years. You don't make 3.5x what staff make, that's not accurate.... If you live in the middle or and south of the country and travel in coasts area maybe. If you are from the coasts and travel in and to the coasts you're making 2x max what staff make and that doesn't take into account the cost of living and or overhead in general. I know travelers who can't save a dime. It's best works for two income house holds.

[@Katherine_Ann]

Hey Ahmed, at one time, you definitely could make that amount, if not more. Especially during the height of COVID. My best contract was almost 4x more than what I made as a staff nurse and I saw contracts well higher than that. The pay has definitely gone down there over the past year.

[@wordsbykatarina]

Can I do it internationally instead? ♥️

[@Katherine_Ann]

I don't know anything about it, but I'm sure there's a market for it!

[@2ndchancehypnotherapy]

depends on the country's rules and there might be language requirements other than English.

[@kiberenigestsebez6633]

"travel nurse get paid .. insane amount, almost it is illegal to get paid that much " what would employers think when hear your comment. a ?

[@alexgrey5195]

How come there is no job security? There is a greatest nurse shortage ever.

[@Katherine_Ann]

Well some hospitals don't want to pay for travelers or they will find a replacement for you (which is the goal). Travelers are meant to be a short term solution.

[@johnnymiller4424]

I need a nurse I need help my insurance don't cover my nursing if someone can come and help me I'd appreciate it and I will pay them

[@satyaprabhu6207]

😂😂😂😂

[@bonniedunbar6717]

The money is amazing and my ex told me I was entertaining men in the hotel room at night.😅😂😅 Why???

[@Katherine_Ann]

I hope not!

[@kcb73mgb1]

Nurses are not worth crap they all think they are worth a ton per hour but could be replaced by an iPad easily and would be a better experience.

[@Katherine_Ann]

Thanks for sharing your opinion, but I would have to respectfully disagree.

[@alfredmarvin9990]

@@Katherine_Ann girl u too polite what's respectfully disagree ong!!!

[@blackbutterfly233ify]

@@Katherine_Ann that person is trolling

[@d.a.6608]

Travel Med pro here. I hate it. Some places are very horrible. The money is good. The toll it took on my mental and physical health was not worth the money. On my current contract NOBODY talks to me. The only people that do actually treat me like crap. No thanks.

[@satyaprabhu6207]

😂😂😂😂

[@satyaprabhu6207]

😂😂😂😂