A Comprehensive Guide to the World of Travel Nursing
Lifestyle Connections
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Embark on a thrilling journey where healing meets horizons, and scrubs become the passport to adventure! Welcome to the dazzling world of travel nursing, where each assignment unfolds like a chapter in a novel of endless possibilities. Picture this: a career that takes you to vibrant cities, tranquil coastal towns, and everywhere in between. Say goodbye to the mundane and embrace the extraordinary. From exploring new cultures to enjoying the perks of flexibility, travel nursing isn't just a job; it's a lifestyle brimming with excitement and professional fulfillment. Buckle up, because your next assignment isn't just a destination – it's a grand adventure in the heart of healthcare.
Opting for travel nursing has proven to be the ultimate game-changer for both my professional journey and family life. In a bold move, my husband and I bid farewell to our conventional jobs in 2022 to embrace the thrill of this nomadic lifestyle. Following extensive research, countless hours spent perusing RV options, and a fair share of overthinking, we took the plunge. Now, having embarked on this adventure in February 2022, I'm here to share the highs, lows, and everything in between. This guide holds all the essential insights, so keep reading to unravel the full spectrum of travel nursing details!
What Makes Travel Nursing a Compelling Choice?
Embarking on a career in travel nursing isn't just a job change; it's an invitation to a life rich in both professional and personal exploration. Imagine the freedom to choose your workplace as if it were a destination on a world map – each assignment offering a fresh experience, new challenges, and a chance to broaden your skill set. Travel nursing isn't bound by routine; it's a dynamic journey that allows you to adapt, learn, and thrive in diverse healthcare settings.
Beyond the rewarding financial incentives and competitive benefits, it's an opportunity to immerse yourself in different cultures, form lasting connections, and, ultimately, sculpt a career as unique as the places you'll go. So, if you crave adventure, desire flexibility, and thrive on the unexpected, consider the exhilarating path of travel nursing – where every assignment is a chapter in your extraordinary professional tale.
After determining that travel nursing aligns with your goals, there are a few crucial steps to undertake before handing in your resignation at your current job. Setting up for your inaugural contract requires a bit of time and, let's be honest, a considerable financial investment. Be prepared for the exciting journey ahead by navigating through these essential pre-travel nursing preparations.
Kickstarting the Journey
Embarking on a journey into travel nursing is a thrilling yet nerve-wracking experience. The prospect of exploring new places, meeting diverse people, and expanding professional horizons brings excitement, but the unknown can be daunting. It's a delicate balance of fun and fear, with each new assignment presenting a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Thoroughly researching potential locations, understanding hospital cultures, and connecting with fellow travel nurses can significantly ease the transition. Being well-prepared not only ensures a smoother start but also enhances the overall enjoyment of this adventurous career path.
Imagine it as a rollercoaster of exploration and growth, and your ticket to ride smoothly through it is none other than research. Before diving headfirst into this life-changing experience, I made research my trusty sidekick. Consider pondering over where your travel nest will be, the cool mode of transportation, your travel buddies, dream destinations, reliable companies to team up with, your homecoming frequency, and, of course, how the financial landscape will shape up amidst this thrilling adventure. Trust me, with a solid dose of research, you'll be geared up for success in this incredible ride called travel nursing!
Accommodation on the Go
Travel nursing offers a plethora of accommodation options, each adding its unique flavor to the nomadic lifestyle. Many nurses opt for the freedom of RV living, embracing the open road as their home. Alternatively, the comfort of AirBnb's provides a more local and flexible experience. Hotels, with their convenience and amenities, remain a popular choice. Some adventurous souls might crash at family or friends' homes, adding a touch of familiarity to the journey.
Selecting the RV as our humble abode was the best option for us. This article will share some personal insights and stories about RV living, along with providing information on various aspects of this lifestyle. It's important to note that RV living is just one option among many, and the choice should be focused on what is best for you. Should you choose the RV lifestyle, explore my Complete Handbook to RV Living available on our website under "blogs".
Regardless of the chosen abode, it's essential to track and duplicate expenses meticulously for tax purposes, ensuring a smooth and compliant financial journey in this dynamic career path.
Nomadic Companions
Embarking on a travel nursing adventure with fellow nurses or alongside your spouse and/or kids transforms the journey into an exhilarating team expedition. Picture this: sharing stories, navigating new cities together, and creating lasting memories as you collectively embrace the challenges and joys of each assignment. The camaraderie among travel nurse peers enhances professional growth, while experiencing the thrill of exploration with loved ones brings an added layer of excitement. Whether it's discovering hidden gems in a new town, collaborating on patient care, or turning each destination into a family adventure, the shared experiences elevate travel nursing into a dynamic and fulfilling expedition for everyone involved.
Commencing on the road of travel nursing with my son and husband in our trusty RV has been nothing short of amazing. Every twist and turn in the journey has become a shared adventure, transforming the mundane into unforgettable moments. The RV serves as our mobile home, a cozy haven where we create a textile of memories against the backdrop of diverse landscapes. From exploring quaint towns to basking in the beauty of nature, this shared experience has strengthened our family bond and enriched our lives in ways we never imagined. Witnessing my son's eyes light up with curiosity and sharing quiet moments with my husband under starlit skies, this nomadic life has woven a tapestry of joy, making the decision to embrace travel nursing on wheels an extraordinary and fulfilling choice.
Destination Dreams
Dream destinations in the realm of travel nursing are like a treasure map leading to exhilarating professional and personal experiences. Picture yourself navigating the vibrant streets of a bustling city, treating your taste buds to exotic flavors, and immersing in the rich culture of a place you've always longed to explore. Whether it's the sun-kissed shores of a coastal paradise or the charming cobblestone streets of a historic town, the possibilities are as diverse as the destinations themselves. Every assignment becomes a thrilling chapter in your travel nursing adventure, offering not just career growth but also a passport to excitement and discovery. So, buckle up for the journey of a lifetime as you chase your dream destinations, turning each work assignment into a vivid and unforgettable chapter in your professional and personal odyssey.
When it comes to travel nursing, my top rule is to diligently explore my travel company's app or website, jotting down potential applications for places that pique my interest. Following this, I delve into comprehensive research on the town, hospital, and nearby RV parks. I aim to keep my lodging within a 45-minute radius of the hospital, ensuring convenience. Communicating with park managers becomes key as I inquire about availability for my needed dates, making it clear that my travel nursing stint spans at least thirteen and a half weeks. Personally, I prioritize full hook-ups and 50-amp plug-ins for my RV, acknowledging that preferences may vary. While a 30-amp and minimal hook-ups suffice for some, the added convenience of comprehensive amenities streamlines the experience. Lastly, I inquire about rental costs, ensuring clarity on whether electric and water are inclusive in the pricing.
While personally, I haven't opted for Airbnb or hotels in my travels due to the inconvenience with a toddler, I suggest booking your stay early for maximum convenience. Whether you prefer proximity to the hospital or a different setting, diligent research helps you find the best place at the best price. In conversations with fellow travel nurses who stayed in hotels, their main concern was daytime noise, particularly problematic for night shift workers. As a seasoned night shifter, I strongly recommend essentials like a sound machine, blackout curtains, an eye mask, and earplugs to enhance your stay in potentially noisy hotel environments.
These steps empower me to make well-informed decisions regarding my application choices. I aim to avoid the frustration of initiating the application and interview process, only to find myself canceling a contract last minute due to unforeseen challenges, such as a lack of suitable parking or an inability or unwillingness to afford the rent. Taking these precautions ensures a smoother and more seamless travel nursing experience, minimizing unexpected hurdles and maximizing the potential for a successful assignment.
Choosing Travel Allies
During my initial foray into researching travel companies, my selection was primarily influenced by proximity, driven by a lack of understanding about the job application process. The uncertainty regarding whether I needed to visit the travel company's office for pre-employment tests or paperwork prompted this choice. As I delved deeper, I discovered the importance of requesting the pay breakdown for each job of interest and subsequently applying through the app/website or via the assigned recruiter.
Once the application is submitted, the anticipation builds, awaiting either an automated offer from the hospital/facility or an interview with the hiring manager/director. Post-interview, the hospital forwards a formal offer to the travel company, initiating the electronic signing process. A meticulous review of the contract details, covering pay rates, stipends, guaranteed hours, and additional compensations, is imperative before the official signing.
Following the contract endorsement, the travel agency's team proactively communicates via emails, outlining the prerequisites needed to be completed before a specified date. It's crucial to allocate ample time for online assessments, drug screens, lab work, fit tests, and other requirements before commencing the assignment. Your company should help guide you on scheduling tests and labs at a location convenient to your current whereabouts. Following the successful match with a job, your company will send out emails containing vital hospital information, your start date, and detailed reporting instructions.
Divergent policies among travel nursing companies exist regarding sick leave and compensations for missing contract hours, emphasizing the importance of scrutinizing the fine print. Some companies extend sick leave benefits, while others do not, and it's crucial to distinguish this from Paid Time Off (PTO).
Additionally, the approach to stipend disbursement in the event of a shortfall in hours varies, with some companies maintaining the practice and others not. When engaging with recruiters from these companies, it's advisable to pose inquiries about these nuances to ensure clarity. My company allows me to still receive stipends for missed hours as long as I complete at least one shift that week, however I have to pay a missed hours reduction back to my company which is essentially the same as losing that’s shifts stipends.
Operating simultaneously with three distinct travel companies is a common practice, although managing more could lead to confusion in tracking job applications. Applying for the same job with multiple companies should be avoided to maintain professionalism. Although identical positions may appear on different platforms, companies typically adjust their offered prices only if a hospital has extended an official job offer to the applicant.
Starting with a travel company often involves recommendations or personal research for the right company. Typically, upon signing up, you provide contact details, and an assigned recruiter will share information about their company, often including personal details to establish a relationship with you. If you encounter changes in recruiters within the same company, it's common as some may move into management. Prioritize trust and ensure your recruiter meets your needs and supports you during your assignments.
Red Flags Related to Your Recruiter or Travel Company
Red flags indicating a subpar recruiter often stem from communication issues. Recruiters earn through travel nurses, and while encouraging you to join is part of their job, transparency is crucial. A good recruiter should readily provide information, answer questions, and furnish all contract details. If you find a recruiter who consistently avoids your calls or messages, it's a significant concern. In a working relationship, timely communication is essential, and you should expect responsiveness during office hours or a clear alternative contact in their absence.
Another red flag is when recruiters submit your profile to jobs without prior discussion, especially if you've explicitly requested otherwise. Many companies offer an option where you can provide your preferences, enabling recruiters to submit your profile to positions they find suitable. While this "blind submission" approach suits some with a more adventurous spirit, those seeking structure and understanding prefer a thorough discussion. Researching the area and hospital helps make informed decisions about job fit, a practice I find beneficial in my approach to travel nursing.
I encountered a challenging situation when my recruiter, from my initial travel company, submitted my application to a hospital in New Mexico without informing me. To my surprise, I received a call from the manager for an interview, catching me unprepared, and was offered the job within 30 minutes after the conversation. Acting swiftly, I contacted nearby RV parks only to discover that one had an age restriction, while the other two charged over $1000 a month, plus electric. Given the hospital's less-than-ideal pay, it was financially unfeasible for me. Regrettably, I had to decline the offer, leaving me concerned about the impression it might have cast on my professional standing.
The final cautionary consideration pertains to potentially unsafe assignments within the realm of travel nursing. In the event of encountering issues that may result in professional or legal repercussions during an assignment, it is imperative to promptly communicate such concerns with your assigned recruiter. This encompasses a spectrum of challenges, ranging from interpersonal conflicts, workplace harassment, to instances of unsafe practices and potential legal infractions. Engaging in a candid discussion with your recruiter is fundamental, enabling them to evaluate the situation and explore appropriate courses of action, such as initiating a notice or removing you from the assignment, contingent upon your unique circumstances and available alternatives. A red flag emerges if a recruiter advocates for perseverance in untenable situations. It is acknowledged that terminating a contract prematurely may incur fees for the travel agency; however, this financial consideration should not outweigh the paramount importance of ensuring a safe and secure work environment or the security of the license for the traveling healthcare professional.
After engaging with multiple agencies and working with several recruiters, I've successfully identified an exceptional recruiter who has consistently met my needs. Whether securing contracts in proximity to my home or navigating challenging assignments, this recruiter has consistently demonstrated unwavering support. While the process may involve some time and exploration to find the ideal match, these indicators will undoubtedly assist in discerning the less favorable options along the way.
Let’s Talk Pay Packages
A critical aspect that should not be overlooked in the travel nursing field is the recruiter's failure to provide a pay package. In the early stages of my travel career, I was unaware that obtaining a pay package before applying for a position was standard practice. These packages play a crucial role as they comprehensively outline essential details about your compensation. Typically, a pay package includes information about your position, the hospital, city and state, contract duration, potential start date, shift, scheduled hours, weekly pre-tax pay (gross pay), net estimated pay, housing (covered by stipend for travelers), taxable hourly rate, weekly lodging and M&I stipends, benefits (if selected), overtime and callback pay rates, and any time-off requests.
While it might feel overwhelming initially, understanding all this information is vital. Accurate knowledge of these details ensures that you are well-suited for the job. If you apply for a position and are either uninformed or incorrectly informed about the pay, it could lead to a situation where you have to decline the position, potentially reflecting poorly on you. To mitigate such issues, I consistently request pay packages for every assignment before applying. If your recruiter hesitates or repeatedly "forgets" to provide a pay package, consider it a significant red flag. Accessing written documentation with all pay details for the position you're applying for should be standard practice.
Homecomings on the Journey
As we were in the midst of selling our main residence, we found ourselves returning home frequently during our travels. Once we finalize the sale of our primary residence, our plan is to relocate to our other property, thereby establishing it as our new tax home. This will be possible due to our ownership of two houses.
Due to our frequent need to return home, particularly in the initial year of our travels, we chose destinations within our home state to maintain close proximity to our house. As the dust settled and we successfully packed up most of our belongings, we finally expanded our horizons beyond state borders. Breaking through that geographical barrier, we were astounded by the newfound sense of freedom.
For tax compliance, it is recommended to return home for at least two weeks annually. However, it's crucial to take this information with a grain of salt and conduct thorough research independently, as regulations may vary. This requirement can pose challenges, especially if your travel assignments are far from home and you wish to extend your contracts. While it may be tricky, it's not impossible. Keep in mind that exceeding a year in a single location disqualifies you from being considered a traveler and claiming tax-free stipends. Many recruiters, including mine, actively monitor this aspect, so it's advisable to choose a travel company that provides assistance in navigating such regulations. Per my research, I have found that you should not stay in one location longer than 12 months in any consecutive 24-month period.
Please be sure to always discuss any tax questions or issues that may arise with your tax advisor. This article is not meant to take the place of tax advice but merely to provide information on my personal experience.
Embarking on a travel nursing adventure not only offers fantastic career opportunities but also opens up a world of vacation possibilities, especially if your finances are in top-notch shape. Some travel nurses opt for a work-play balance, dedicating around six months to work and leaving the rest for pure fun! Of course, there's the alternative of working the full year, which is equally fantastic, especially if you're planning a shorter stint of exploration. You're the boss of your vacation time—just remember to check in with your bank account, because even your money needs a vacation from excessive spending!
Financial Navigation
Financial management holds significant weight in this profession, necessitating vigilant oversight to avoid the pitfalls of exceeding your means. While it's not to discourage spending your hard-earned income, the crux lies in moderation. Ensuring that your earnings not only cover expenses but also allow for savings is paramount. Striking a balance between enjoying the fruits of your labor and building a financial safety net is the key to a sustainable and prosperous career in this field.
I strongly advocate for prioritizing savings from your paychecks, particularly if you choose not to enroll in a 401K with your travel company. Many individuals opt out of securing a 401K or insurance through their travel agencies due to potential complications. If your contract concludes, and you take an extended break, exceeding the agency's allotted time-off policy (usually around a week), your insurance and 401K accounts will be suspended until you commence another contract with the same company. Managing multiple agencies can make it challenging to monitor your finances effectively and track where your money is allocated.
To address this issue, a proactive approach involves planning ahead and requesting a form to set up a secondary bank account. This allows you to allocate a specified percentage of your paycheck, say 90%, to your primary account and the remaining 10% to your savings. The precise percentage will be contingent on your income and expenses, but adopting this method has proven to be a more straightforward way of saving money. While not equivalent to a 401K, as it lacks employer matching and allows for immediate accessibility, it serves as a viable interim solution.
I've conducted thorough research on optimizing your pay for the best tax return, and I've discovered that adjusting your hourly pay to the lowest possible amount while maximizing tax-free stipends can enhance your overall paycheck. This strategy has proven beneficial for us, yielding a fair return on our taxes. It's important to note that a higher taxable hourly rate results in reduced tax-free stipends. For personalized advice, consulting with a tax advisor is recommended to determine the most suitable option for your individual circumstances.
It's crucial to adhere to IRS guidelines when working as a travel nurse. Filing tax returns for each state you work in is a necessity. Additionally, if your assignment extends beyond 12 months, you risk losing the benefits of your tax home. The IRS places greater emphasis on where you work rather than your legal residence when determining your tax home. To err on the side of caution, I prefer leaving by the 364th day. In this scenario, your departure would typically be scheduled for the Saturday or Sunday preceding the 364th day, depending on the workweek's start day.
Ensure you retain all receipts related to duplicating your expenses such as rent, utilities, food, car expenses, gas, and any other costs incurred during your travels. These documents are vital for tax purposes. In the event of an audit, failure to provide proper documentation to substantiate your duplicate expenses throughout the year may lead to potential reimbursement of all stipend money received. Conversations with individuals who experienced this revealed they had to repay stipends for the entire year of travel, not just the period lacking proper documentation.
In conclusion, navigating the dynamic world of travel nursing is an exhilarating journey, and with these insights in your arsenal, you're well-equipped to embark on this adventure with confidence. Choosing travel nursing unfolds as a thrilling opportunity laden with diverse experiences and professional growth. This journey not only enriches your career but allows you to explore new destinations with the flexibility to align work and adventure seamlessly. The tips and tricks shared in this article act as your compass, guiding you through the intricacies of the travel nursing landscape. From selecting the right travel company and destinations to navigating financial nuances and homecomings, these insights empower you to make informed decisions. As you embrace the nomadic lifestyle, consider this guide as your companion, providing a roadmap to success, fulfillment, and a world of possibilities in the realm of travel nursing. Good luck on your next adventure!
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