Exploring the Benefits of Becoming a Travel Nurse Practitioner
Travel nurse practitioners (NPs) help fill voids in the healthcare sector. They work in different hospitals and facilities to help provide coverage for an NP or other permanent employee on maternity, sick leave, or retirement until a permanent position becomes available. Working as a travel nurse practitioner has many benefits. One of the most attractive is the ability to make a career move at your own pace and time.
Flexibility
As a travel nurse practitioner, you can work at different facilities in various locations across the country. These facilities may include hospitals, senior care centers, clinics, or stand-alone emergency rooms. These facilities often need a nurse practitioner to fill temporary staffing needs such as maternity leave coverage, patient overflow, or filling a position for a full-time employee on leave. The flexibility of travel nurse practitioner jobs allows you to choose your schedule and living arrangements. You can work part-time or full-time hours or avoid working the night shift to spend more time with your family and friends. You can also work for an employer offering housing stipends and travel cost reimbursement. This allows you to explore new places and meet new people while earning a good living. Typically, you will have a recruiter who works with you to find the proper travel nurse position. They will listen to your goals and work hard to ensure you get the best opportunities available. In addition to working with a recruiter, you should investigate licensing requirements in the state you plan on traveling to. Some states have walk-through licenses that allow you to obtain a temporary nursing license in a day. These licenses are ideal for “strike” jobs and crisis contracts and are suitable for 30 days to 6 months.
Higher Pay
When you become a travel nurse practitioner, you can earn more than you would as a permanent nurse. The higher pay comes from various factors, including location, specialty, and experience. Flexibility is another benefit that comes with being a travel nurse practitioner. You can choose your assignments and take time off whenever you want. This gives you the freedom to go back home and visit friends, explore your new city or take some time for yourself. Keep in mind that while travel nursing jobs by state may differ in salary, they often compensate nurses with additional benefits. The higher pay also comes with an excellent benefits package. This includes 401K with matching, professional liability coverage, tax-free stipends, and accessible housing. This can vary widely depending on your region and what grants are offered. Understanding the full benefits package of any job is essential before you accept it. For example, stipends may not cover housing costs or other expenses in some regions. This knowledge will allow you to make the best decision for your situation. Moreover, you should also be aware of the number of certifications that are required. Some certificates can be costly, and saving up for them is better before you take an assignment.
Adventure
Becoming a travel nurse practitioner is the perfect option if you enjoy the adventure of living life on your terms. Not only will you have the freedom to go wherever you want, but you’ll also have a chance to explore new areas of the country you’ve always wanted to see. You’ll experience various hospital systems and work environments as a travel NP. Whether it’s a teaching hospital or trauma center, you’ll gain valuable experience that could benefit your career in the future. For example, you’ll learn new EMR systems, charting guidelines, medication protocols, and procedures for patient care. You’ll also meet new mentors and learn from their experience to become a better NP. Another great pro of being a travel nurse is the ability to get to know a new city and the people who live there. You’ll have a chance to see what the local culture is like, and you’ll be able to make friends that will help you along the way. Having the opportunity to experience a variety of different cities and settings is a great benefit for most travel nurses.
Networking
As a travel nurse practitioner, you’ll have the opportunity to build relationships with other healthcare professionals. This can help you stay current on the latest trends and advances in your field. It also enables you to network with other NPs from around the country and worldwide. One of the best ways to get started networking is by joining a nursing association or professional organization. These organizations often have regional or local chapters that host events and meetings; regardless of your network, remember that it’s essential to remain professional and maintain confidentiality. Another benefit of becoming a travel nurse practitioner is working in parts of the country that you would only sometimes have gotten to. This can lead to new opportunities and a new set of friends. This is a great way to expand your experience, gain new skills and become more confident in the care you deliver as an NP.
