There is no doubt that travel nursing has been a trendy topic and is more popular than ever due to the pandemic and nursing shortages. You may have met some travel nurses in your unit or have seen their adventures on social media. However, travel nursing may have been a goal and dream of yours for quite some time.
For me, travel nursing had been my intention long before it became so popular, so you can imagine how scary the unknown was for me personally. Unfortunately, I had to learn some things the hard way, and I wish I had someone to guide me through the process. There are also many misconceptions out there, so I wouldn’t want them to keep you from travel nursing. If you are scared to take the leap into travel nursing, I am here to help you through this transition and help set you up for success. Trust me, the rewards will be worth it!
Why So Many Nurses Are Choosing Travel Nursing
Travel nursing continues to grow as more healthcare professionals look for flexibility, career growth, and new experiences. Working short-term assignments allows you to gain diverse clinical experience, explore different facilities, and expand your professional network.
Many healthcare travelers also find that stepping into new environments strengthens their confidence and helps them develop both personally and professionally.
Debunking a Few Common Myths
If you are one of the many nurses considering a career in travel nursing, you’ve probably heard some horror stories or, at the minimum, some misconceptions. From being “too old” to start travel nursing, being assigned to the worst patients on the unit, floating, having no control over your schedule, being bullied by co-workers, or feeling like you don’t fit in. I’d like to share my perspective, both as a travel nurse and as a charge nurse.
You’re Too old to Try Travel Nursing:
My friend, you are never too old to set a new goal or have a new adventure. There is no set way you have to live your life; travel nursing isn’t just for young nurses. I will tell you one thing: you do not want to have regrets, and as I’ve gotten older, thinking about that has helped give me a new perspective on every decision in my life!
Travel Nurses always get the worst assignments and patients:
First of all, the charge nurse isn’t familiar with your skill level, and core staff often need the experience with higher acuity pts. No matter how many years of experience you have as a nurse, there’s always a chance to grow and learn while traveling. Being in a new environment requires you to adapt and be flexible. You’ll need to know your resources because with each new contract, there are new policies, new people, and new technology.
Travel Nurses are first to float:
While in many facilities, this may be true, you should not be asked to float to a unit that you are not comfortable with unless you are asked to be “helping hands” to take vital signs and help answer call lights and phones, etc. Learning to float and be flexible is a skill; a skill mastered by only a few. During your interview, make sure to discuss floating with the unit manager. Make sure to get the units you are required to float to in your contract. It is very likely that after a few assignments, you will not care as much because you have learned to be flexible and adaptable. Step out of your comfort zone and remember your purpose as a travel nurse is to fill a hospital’s needs.
Ready to Take the Leap?
Explore travel nursing opportunities, connect with other healthcare travelers, and discover resources designed to help you succeed in your journey.
Travel Nurses get the worst schedule:
The units I chose to work on have had self-scheduling with a weekend and holiday requirement, which was the same for staff nurses. Your schedule may not be exactly as you asked, but it’s usually close. If you know you need time off during your assignment, it’s important to have those dates ready when you interview and to make sure they are written into your contract.
Travel Nurses are bullied:
Unfortunately, this is a very real issue for both staff nurses and travelers. Here are my “two cents.” If you go into your new unit with a positive, helpful attitude, you are much more likely to be well received by staff. Choosing a unit that already has a few travel nurses has always seemed better to me. The nurses are less stressed, the onboarding process is more thorough, and the management is generally more supportive.
Don’t let these common myths prevent you from pursuing a travel nursing career— and enjoying the many perks that come with it: a great compensation package, professional development, and adventure! My Call to Action to you is to try it at least once!!!
What You Gain When You Take the Leap
In addition to overcoming fear, travel nursing can offer long-term career benefits that last throughout your journey.
Some of the biggest advantages include:
- Exposure to different charting systems and workflows
- Increased adaptability and clinical confidence
- Opportunities to work in new cities and environments
- Professional growth through diverse experiences
- Building connections with healthcare professionals across the country
These experiences can help you grow in ways that extend far beyond a single assignment.
Simple Steps to Prepare for Your First Assignment
If you are thinking about travel nursing, a few simple steps can help you feel more prepared:
- Keep your resume and certifications updated
- Gather professional references
- Research licensing requirements for different states
- Connect with other healthcare travelers to learn from their experiences
- Explore available opportunities to understand what is possible
Preparation can help ease uncertainty and make your transition smoother.
Take the leap!
Check out TravelNurse101.com for more tips and education about Travel Nursing. Schedule your complimentary 1:1 mentoring session with Brandy today!
We hope you found this article on debunking myths and why you should take the leap into travel nursing helpful. Did you take the leap into travel nursing? Please share your story below.
Are you looking for your first travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board.
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Nursing
Is it normal to feel nervous before your first travel assignment?
Yes. Many healthcare travelers feel nervous at first, but confidence grows quickly with experience.
How much experience do you need to become a travel nurse?
Most facilities prefer at least one to two years of recent clinical experience in your specialty.
Does travel nursing help your career?
Travel nursing can help you build skills, gain confidence, and expand your professional opportunities.
Is travel nursing worth it?
Many healthcare travelers find travel nursing rewarding both professionally and personally.
