Travel nursing is exactly what it sounds like. Instead of working in one city, nurses accept short-term assignments in cities around the country. This gives the the chance to travel, to see more of the world and enjoy the benefits of a mobile lifestyle, while earning a living and being able to follow their calling of helping people in their time of need.
Because these assignments are temporary, nurses are never tied to a specific hospital or city. They can pick up at the end of the job and move on. Most assignments last between eight weeks and thirteen weeks, though there are assignments that are as long as a year and some hospitals may request a nurse extend their original agreement. It is up to the individual to choose the location and length of assignment that appeals to them.
These temporary placements appeal not just to those with a nomadic nature. Nurses who have been laid off due to funding problems may consider taking a travel nurse assignment in order to keep working. They will fill the time between jobs in their hometown with assignments in other cities.
Since many different parts of the country are experiencing nursing shortages, there are assignments available in all types of settings. Nurses can explore working in large urban hospitals as well as suburban and rural communities . The placement agency will help them with certification and licensing arrangements as well as provide housing and transportation to the new assignment. All the nurse has to do is show up and work.