As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, hospitals’ and clinics’ needs for healthcare heroes are intensifying. Capacity-bursting influxes of COVID-19 patients in California hospitals have constituted staffing emergencies with deadly consequences.
California’s most recent and malignant coronavirus spike reared its ugly head shortly after a large cohort of nurses deployed to the Midwest and mountain states, leaving the Golden State to juggle massive nurse shortages. However, here to save the day are COVID-19 era travel nurses who provide relief to understaffed medical facilities.
If you’re a passionate healthcare worker who’s feeling up to the challenge, consider these motivations for pursuing a career in travel nursing.
A day in the life of a travel nurse
Since travel nurses work in short-term roles at medical facilities experiencing a dire need for additional staff, you can almost guarantee you’ll be working amid the action. Travel nurses typically spend their days examining patients, delivering information, performing research, and supporting doctors and patients in making critical treatment decisions. If you think the job description is right up your alley, you can partner with traveler-driven marketplaces like Fusion Marketplace to compare pay packages and benefits.
You’ll earn an enticing wage
While your work as a travel nurse will undoubtedly be emotionally fulfilling, your wallet will feel the effects as well. Travel nurses work long shifts, but they are duly compensated and tend to make more money than staff nurses. Such competitive pay can be even higher if you work overtime shifts or have specialized skills. Many travel nursing agencies will even cover your travel costs and provide you with free or very affordable lodging.
Your schedule will be unbeatably flexible
When communicating your arrangements and position with a travel nursing agency, you’ll be able to express your desires and expectations regarding the location and duration of your contract. Your malleable schedule can allow for personal travel, shorter weeks, or some much-needed time off.
Travel nurses get to – you guessed it – travel
If you’re a wanderlust-plagued jet-setter who struggles to stay in one place for too long, travel nursing just might scratch your itch. Relocation assignments will push you out of your comfort zone and provide you with the opportunity to explore a new city every few months. What’s more, you’ll have the chance to meet diverse communities of people and engage in different cultures. The social enrichment and engagement may become a magical anecdote to your previously incurable travel bug.
Your repertoire will expand
While a staff nurse often works with the same people in the same location for years, a travel nurse can experiment with various nursing niches throughout their career. Moreover, COVID-era travel nurses will learn how to operate in unusually desperate hospital conditions, adding to their impressive resumes. From ICUs and pediatric units to non-profit clinics and trauma centers, you can get a taste of it all.
Wrapping up
The job of a travel nurse is both grueling and intensely rewarding. If you’re ready to take on adventure and in-demand job security, then it’s time to get packing.
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