Travel nursing offers the opportunity to take on multiple assignments in various locations. A reputable staffing agency can help you find a travel nursing job that fits your preferences and goals. While it’s not true for every state, some have a lower cost of living than others, which can increase your paycheck.
Boost Your Income
Choose assignments in areas with high nurse demand to maximize your travel nurse salary. This could include urban or rural locations and non-hospital roles. Also, consider working overtime.
Hourly rates for OT shifts are typically higher than standard rates, and often, the more hours you work, the more money you make. Another way to increase your salary is to pursue advanced practice nursing roles, like nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist, earning higher wages than registered nurses.
If you have a graduate degree, this may be a good option for exploring, depending on your long-term career goals and financial aspirations. It’s also important to remember that your total income can be impacted by the state you reside in, as some have higher living costs than others.
It’s best to consult with a tax specialist specializing in healthcare and travel nursing to ensure you take advantage of deductions and credits that can help boost your overall earnings. This can significantly impact your bottom line.
Explore New Places
Many nurses choose travel nursing jobs in Texas because of the desire to see new places. It’s like a second job that boosts your resume while enriching your personal and professional life. By taking a travel nursing assignment in another part of the country, you can experience different environments and cultures that would be difficult to see as a permanent staff nurse. You’ll amplify your work’s impact on others in some of their most vulnerable moments while expanding your clinical skills. If you want to explore the Lone Star State, a popular travel nurse destination, many options are available. You can choose assignments near bustling cities with lots of live music and recreation if that suits your lifestyle, or you can opt for rural areas in the South or Midwest to take advantage of lower living costs and tax rates. Keep in mind, though, that you’ll need to be able to rely on nearby transportation to get around once you start your assignment.
Take a Break
The excitement of new destinations, challenging assignments and a chance to make a real difference in people’s lives drives many nurses. However, excessive stress and fatigue can lead to burnout. Nurses need to know when to take a break. During breaks, nurses can focus on self-care and spend time with family and friends. It’s an opportunity to recharge and rejuvenate, allowing them to return to their nursing careers with a fresh perspective. Some travel nurses may struggle with returning to work after a break, but the benefits of doing so are numerous. Nurses who re-enter the workforce refreshed and ready to work with a renewed sense of purpose are likelier to thrive in their roles. In addition, a career break can be used to refresh your skills and explore different areas of nursing. It’s also an ideal way to gain experience in a new specialty while keeping your options open for the future.
Meet New People
When you work as a travel nurse, you can see the world while working. Texas offers many popular destinations for travel nurses, including beaches and historic cities. Plus, it has low state and local taxes, which can help you keep more of your paycheck in your pocket for fun activities like eating, recreation and travel. Meeting new people is one of the best things about being a travel nurse. You can make new friends while on assignment in a new city or build a network of colleagues through nursing groups and professional organizations. You can also volunteer at a hospital, nursing home or charity to meet people in the community and become more connected to your surroundings. Research the nursing licensure requirements beforehand if you are considering a new location for your next nursing contract. Some states require a license that may take weeks to obtain, which can delay your assignment start date. Also, be sure to choose a travel agency that works with hospitals and healthcare facilities in the areas where you want to work.
Travel the World
Working as a travel nurse allows you to see new places and experience different cultures while still being paid the same or more than you would be at your normal job. This is especially beneficial for nurses unhappy with their current hospital or location who don’t want to commit to a permanent position. Whether you prefer sunny beaches and vibrant culture or high-demand medical environments, there are plenty of opportunities nationwide. Research points to states with competitive pay, low cost of living, and exceptional quality of life as top destinations for nursing. If you’re looking for a new adventure, consider applying for a travel nursing position at a prestigious hospital or healthcare network. The experience will help you expand your skills and branch out into a new specialty, boosting your resume and making you more marketable. Plus, with 13-week contracts, you can take as long as you’d like between assignments to explore new cities, countries, or even the world.