What is a Travel Nurse?

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My story

Before I even got into nursing school I knew I wanted to be a travel nurse. Getting paid to travel across the U.S., seeing new places and meeting new people? Sign me up! As a person who loves to travel and loves change, it is a perfect career for my wandering gypsy soul.

I started way back in 2014( 7 years ago! 😳) after getting some experience in the ED. My first assignment was in New Hampshire and I was instantly hooked! I came back to permanent staff in 2017 in preop/PACU but the travel bug had me. I started traveling again in 2019 PC (That’s pre-Covid!). Back in 2014, travel nursing was fairly popular but nowhere near to the extent it is today in light of the COVID pandemic. Travel nursing has come a long way since I started. There are more resources, more companies, more education, and heck the money is dang good right now!

I have learned a lot along the way and I intend to share it with you!

So what is a travel nurse?

The simple answer: a travel nurse is a nurse who works on a contract basis at a facility brokered usually through a travel nurse company. Typical assignments are 13 weeks and can be anywhere within the U.S. The complicated answer: travel nurses are a vital resource for facilities to fill the ever growing shortage of staff nurses due to a variety of reasons. For better or for worse, travel nursing is a thriving career that is here to stay!

There are many things to consider when deciding to become a travel nurse, it isn’t a career made for everyone. How does it work? What do you do for housing? What do you really make? Nurse Never Lost aspires to support nurses looking to enter an exciting career as a travel nurse through education and first hand experience.

Happy trails!

travel nurse

Sound amazing? Ready to become a travel nurse? Get my FREE travel nurse starter guide!