Being a travel nurse can be a good opportunity for people who want a flexible schedule. Flexibility comes in several forms, from the financial aspect to the benefits one can get from the position. First, it can help people build their savings and get paid in various locations. The second benefit of travel nursing is that it is highly flexible; you can choose where you want to work next.
Compensation
You can earn a good life as a travel nurse. While the hours are long and the travel is unpleasant, you may make good money and work wherever you want if you get recruited by a travel nursing agency such as Triage Staffing. Often, you can find assignments in faraway places, such as California and North Dakota. Although you may have to be away from home frequently, you will have the opportunity to earn up to 50 percent more than you would as a staff nurse. In some cases, you may be able to pay off your debt or complete necessary home renovations with this money.
Most travel nurse companies quote rates of $35 to $65 per hour, including housing, health insurance, and 401k matching. Some also offer tuition reimbursement and cover housing expenses. Remember to include other expenses, such as social security, workers’ compensation, unemployment, liability insurance, and recruitment costs, when figuring out your compensation for being a travel nurse.
Flexible Scheduling
One of the major benefits of the travel nurse profession is flexible scheduling. Travel nurses often have different schedules and can take time off for vacations or family events. These contracts can be quite flexible, which allows nurses to schedule their travel accordingly. Additionally, they can schedule the duration of their work hours based on the contract duration.
Another benefit of traveling nursing is the opportunity to experience different healthcare facilities around the country. This allows travel nurses to learn about different cultures and new skills. This experience is also a great way to expand their professional resume and shows that they are adaptable and eager to learn.
While there is some office drama in the travel nursing profession, it can be minimized. Travel nurses are not subject to the gossip and politics that are frequent in other sorts of work. They can also leave a stressful assignment quickly. A travel nurse can work at many facilities without getting bogged down in office politics. This makes the job a great choice for those who don’t want to deal with office politics.
A travel nurse profession can be an excellent option for nurses looking for a way to combine the rewards of working full-time with flexibility. Many travel nurses find that it offers them the chance to explore different regions of the country and choose a place where they can settle down. It also offers them an opportunity for personal fulfillment.
Multiple State Licenses
To practice as a travel nurse, you must obtain a nursing license in each state where you are expected to provide patient care. Although each state has its requirements, the Nurse Licensure Compact has helped standardize them. This compact was established in 1986 and now encompasses 33 states and two U.S. territories.
This compact allows nurses with nursing licenses from one state to practice in more than 50 states. This helps travel nurses transition to their new locations more easily and gives them a greater opportunity to offer professional help in times of disaster. Additionally, nurses with multiple state licenses are eligible for telenursing in states that are part of the eNLC.
Compact licensure has been particularly important for the travel nurse profession. This legislation is designed to make it easier for new nurses to practice in multiple states without delays, reducing the cost of license renewals and application fees. In addition, this legislation has helped reduce the financial burden of travel nurses, who must pay for travel expenses while working in multiple states.
As a travel nurse, you must have a multi-state nursing license, which will help you explore the different states around the country and reduce the paperwork involved. In addition to being a great benefit for new grads, a multi-state license will open up more than half of the country.
Taxes
As a travel nurse, you can take advantage of many tax benefits. First, you may not have to pay any taxes on the travel stipend. Most travel nursing contracts provide an allowance for meals and temporary housing, which is tax-deductible. However, it would be beneficial if you collected all receipts for work-related travel expenses. You will not be compensated unless you provide them.
Another advantage of being a travel nurse is the improved income possibilities. Remember that a travel nurse must return home at least thirty days every year. This should be spread out over some trips. This is important because the tax authorities will consider your primary location as your new tax home if you are not back home within a year. This will also reinforce your ties to your home state.
Secondly, you’ll be able to invest your hard-earned income in a Roth IRA. If you’re unsure how to do this, consider consulting a tax advisor or CPA. This way, you’ll be well-prepared to face a tax bill this year.
Wide Range of Medical Specialties
One of the benefits of being a travel nurse is the variety of medical specialties you can choose from. Whether you’d like to work in a hospital, the ER, or a hospice, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to choose a specialty that suits your needs and interests. You can even retain your nursing license and advance your career while working in the clinical environment of your choice. Another perk of being a travel nurse is meeting new people. You’ll be able to make friends while at work, and you can even discover new cities. Those interactions can have a significant impact on your life and career.
Travel nursing also allows you to experience many different areas of the country. You’ll be able to visit the places you’re interested in, and you can take time off between assignments to explore new places. You can also take extended vacations, which is an added perk.