Being a travel nurse is more than a career; it's a lifestyle. Travel nurses are just like regular nurses, except they work one short-term contract at a time, usually about 12-14 weeks each, and can travel across the country to different locations for each assignment. 

<p>Being a <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/travel" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">travel nurse</a> is more than a career; it's a lifestyle. Travel nurses are just like regular nurses, except they work one short-term contract at a time, usually about 12-14 weeks each, and can travel across the country to different locations for each assignment. Sometimes, these contracts get extended, and a nurse will stay at one hospital longer. Other travel nurses prefer to always be on the go, exploring new cities, states and clinical settings. Travel nurses who maintain steady assignments without lengthy gaps in between typically average about four contract assignments per year.</p><h2>Benefits of Travel Nursing</h2><p>Travel nursing offers many benefits, including adventure, travel, competitive pay, robust benefits and maximum flexibility. Let's dive deeper into some of the best benefits of travel nursing.</p><h3>Access Competitive Pay</h3><p>Travel nurses may enjoy the adventure of a lifetime, but we know how important it is to be paid at competitive rates, on time, every time. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, travel nurses receive a median salary of $81,220 per year, but there are dramatic pay differences based on location and experience. <em>Sign-on, completion and referral bonuses are also regular parts of the packages.</em></p><h3>All the Benefits You Need</h3><p>Each healthcare provider likes to do things a little differently, but most provide benefit options that include:</p><ul><li>Medical, dental, and vision insurance</li><li>Professional liability coverage</li><li>Full travel reimbursement</li><li>Stipend for housing and utilities</li><li>Assistance with state licensing and certification</li></ul><p>At Cross Country, you can trust that our travel nurses receive competitive <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/travel" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">benefits</a> and compensation.</p><h3>Enjoy Maximum Flexibility</h3><p>As a travel nurse, flexibility is not just a perk—it's a cornerstone of the profession. Offering nurses the freedom to dictate their schedules and choose their work environments, travel nursing presents a compelling solution to combat nurse burnout and foster a healthier work-life balance.</p><p>Nurses can take extended breaks between assignments. This crucial time off allows nurses to rest, recharge, spend quality time with family, or embark on bucket-list adventures. The decision of when to commence the next assignment lies entirely with the nurse, empowering them to curate their professional journey in alignment with their personal needs and aspirations.</p><p>Beyond time off, travel nursing offers increased flexibility in choosing where to work. Whether yearning for the serenity of coastal retreats, the majesty of mountain landscapes, or the quaint charm of small-town settings, our extensive network of healthcare facilities across the U.S. provides an array of exciting options for nurses to explore. Not sure where to start? Check out these <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/travel-guides" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">travel guides</a>.</p><p>Many travel nurses tell us they enjoy the freedom to select their preferred work environment and find fulfillment in professional duties and the surroundings that resonate with their individual desires.</p><h3>Forge Lifelong Connections</h3><p>Travel nursing creates opportunities to forge meaningful connections and nurture a robust professional network across the U.S. Engaging with diverse healthcare professionals exposes travel nurses to varying hospital cultures, novel methodologies, and the opportunity to cultivate enduring friendships.</p><h3>Focus on What Matters</h3><p>Bid farewell to drama, gossip, and unnecessary stress and instead focus on the core mission: delivering exceptional patient care and positively impacting lives, regardless of the working location.</p><p>By traversing various healthcare settings across the country, travel nurses accumulate invaluable experience and cultivate adaptability—an indispensable trait that fortifies them against any challenge. This diverse exposure enhances their skills and versatility, resulting in stronger, more resilient healthcare professionals.</p><h3>Grow as a Professional</h3><p>The breadth of experiences enjoyed as a travel nurse knows no bounds. From remote rural facilities grappling with limited resources to prestigious facilities renowned for their cutting-edge care, each assignment presents a unique opportunity for growth and learning.</p><p>Regardless of the destination, every journey enriches skill sets and hones competencies in collaboration within diverse teams. Every new environment offers fresh perspectives and innovative approaches.</p><h2>How Do You Know You're Ready to Be a Travel Nurse?</h2><p>If you feel ready, you don't have to experience this journey alone. Cross Country offers support every step of the way. Regardless of your specialization, whether it's in med/surg, psychiatric, cardiac, the operating room, or another RN function, Cross Country provides access to thousands of <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/jobs/results?term=&amp;jobType=&amp;profession=&amp;specialty=&amp;tags=noTags&amp;sort=relevant&amp;view=list&amp;offset=1&amp;size=9&amp;companyId=&amp;location=&amp;geoLocationRadius=100&amp;page=" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">jobs</a> annually across the U.S. Individuals can opt for temporary assignments at any of the thousands of partner facilities, allowing you to explore a variety of geographical locations and clinical settings.</p><p>We're here to make it easy for you. Call us at&nbsp;<strong>800.530.6125</strong>, and a recruiter will walk you through the process, get to know you and learn about your personal and professional goals so that you can explore various travel possibilities based on those criteria. If you already have travel nurse experience, feel free to search our current opportunities and apply online. A recruiter will reach out to you after you submit the application form.</p><p>Interested in joining us? <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/apply-now" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apply online</a> for one of our current positions.</p>

Is Travel Nursing Worth It?