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Being on the move all the time has its ups and downs. However, travel nursing has some incredible advantages. Your nursing degree provides you with a reliable career with hundreds of job opportunities and opens up the door for many side perks, like travel nurse discounts. And who doesn’t love a good discount?!
Since COVID, our communities have started to value nurses in a way they never have before. Many places began offering discounts for all healthcare workers and first responders. Many travel agencies also pay for access to different websites that grant access to group discounts. If you are a nurse working with a travel organization, it is well worth your time to ask the housing department about any potential discounts you might be missing out on. For now, here is a non-exhaustive list of some websites that could help save you money on your housing stay at your next assignment (or on a trip for fun!).
Looking for open travel nurse assignments? Speak with a recruiter today!
This site gives members exclusive rates and points on hotel bookings and up to 60% off hotel stays plus a $50 credit upon signing up for a new account.
This website honors “people who heroically serve their community.” They promote hotel rates up to 60% off or discounted resort stays. The site also provides many other services and discount options, including car rentals, cruises, tours and excursions, and flights. They even have a Heroes Vacation Club.
Hotel Planner’s website provides discounts for healthcare workers on select hotels, car rentals, long-term stay rentals, and even event space.
Nurses, medical providers, and hospital employees get an extra 10% off their stays at Caesar’s hotels utilizing the ID.me verification system. Vegas, anyone? In case you fall into any other categories, this discount also applies to first responders, teachers, military, seniors, and students.
The ocean is calling. Automatically get $150 off your next vacation booked through Cheap Caribbean Vacations simply by being a nurse.
In addition to always leaving the light on for you, participating Motel 6 locations offer nurses a discount through their perioperative nursing site. So whether you need long-term housing for your next contract or just need a place to stay on vacation, Motel 6 has you covered with their over 1,400 locations.
Hotwire utilizes ID.me to get nurses an additional 10% off for hotel bookings and car rentals. ID.me can be used on a variety of sites, so it’s definitely worth setting up.
Sign up with Priceline to browse deals on hotels up to earn cash back for hotels, rental cars, flights, and cruises. The current cash back percentage is 4% back, but it changes by category.
When in doubt, ask any hotel you’re staying with if they provide a discount for medical workers. Even if it is a small one, it might just offset the costs of taxes. Plus, it’s always worth saying thank you to nurses for their contribution to keeping us all safe and healthy!
Ready to start your adventure? Sign up today and start traveling next week.
Written by Chaunie Brusie with expert review by Kathleen Gaines
Your immediate vision of travel nursing may be exploring exotic destinations, but that’s not necessarily true. Being a travel nurse means you are employed by an independent nursing staffing agency instead of a single hospital.
This means you could travel as far as a different country, or you could work at a hospital near your home in need of temporary nurses. The choice of when and where to work is up to you, but travel nursing doesn’t always have to mean far away travel.
Looking for open travel nurse assignments? Speak with a recruiter today!
All travel nurses must meet certain requirements before applying for contracts. These include licensure, a degree, certifications, and some experience. Let’s look at each one.
Travel nurses are required to have an RN license in the state they are contracted. Now, if your permanent residence is one of the states that are currently part of the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC), then consider yourself lucky. You will not need an individual state license if you are contracted to work in another eNLC state.
However, if your home base is not an eNLC state – you will be required to apply for an individual state license. This must be granted prior to the start of your contract, so plan ahead and start drafting your ideal location list early to make sure you’re ready when a recruiter finds a contract for you.
Most travel nurses are expected to have a BSN. The minimum requirement for travel nursing is an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). However, depending on the hospital or facility, a BSN may be preferred. For this reason, some travel nurse agencies will only work with nurses who have completed a BSN degree.
More specifically, most large healthcare systems will require a BSN, especially those with Magnet designation.
Magnet is awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association (ANA), and is awarded to individual hospitals that have been recognized for achieving the “gold standard” of nursing care. According to the ANCC and ANA, nurses that have earned a BSN have a higher level of skill and abilities.
Find available, high-paying travel nurse opportunities.
Certifications will depend on the unit and the specific job requirements. All nurses (staff nurses and travel nurses) are required to have a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, and most will have either a Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS).
Travel nurses are expected to have and maintain these certifications prior to signing on with a travel nurse company. Additionally, some travel nurse agencies will assist their nurses with certification and recertification.
It’s important to speak with the nursing agency recruiter to determine eligibility. If the travel agency does not assist with recertification, some hospitals will allow travel nurses to attend in-hospital classes. The other viable option is through a certification agency.
All other job-specific certifications should be discussed in the contract prior to signing. Earning additional certifications will increase both your job opportunities and earnings potential.
Specific specialty certifications such as CCRN or CWON are not required for most travel nursing positions. However, those certifications will move your application to the top of the pile — especially in the highly competitive travel nursing industry.
These are the three most common certifications for travel nurses:
See below for additional information about each.
The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) offers the Certified Pediatric Nursing (CPN) certification. According to their website, more than 30,000 nurses currently hold a CPN certification. To apply, individuals must meet the following criteria:
The cost of the examination is $300 with a $100 non-refundable registration fee. In order to recertify, individuals must meet current PNCB eligibility criteria and pay the re-exam fee of $245.
The American Association of Critical Care Nurses (ANCC) offers the Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) national certification. Three exams are offered:
All exams follow similar eligibility criteria and examination guidelines. The difference is in the exam material.
In order to sit for the examination, the individual must meet the following criteria:
The above is for those applying for adult certification. Individuals interested in pediatrics or neonatal certifications must have direct care time in those fields.
AACN members will pay $255 for the exam while non-members will pay $370. Recertification is done by either examination or CERPs and a nominal fee.
The Board of Certification of Emergency Nursing offers the Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) for nurses specializing in emergency medicine. In comparison to other certifications, the CEN examination has fewer eligibility requirements. There are currently more than 41,000 Certified Emergency Nurses.
According to their website, to be eligible to sit for the CEN examination, candidates must meet the following requirements:
The exam is offered at computer testing sites throughout the country and the certification is valid for four years. The fee for the exam is $380, or $285 for ENA Members.
Most travel nursing agencies still require a minimum of two years of relevant bedside experience. This is usually because the hospital or healthcare facility will also want an experienced nurse as there isn’t a lot of training time on the front end of a contract.
Travel nurses get very few orientation shifts, so they must have the skills and knowledge to jump right into any assignment or situation. New nurses may not be able to do this. In fact, agencies will very specifically list the amount of experience needed prior to applying. Additionally, some hospital contracts will require other experience.
For example, while the travel agency may only require 2 years of ICU experience, a level 1 trauma center with a high acuity ICU might want a nurse with a minimum of 5 years.
Remember, if you do not meet the level of experience requirements, do not apply. It will be a waste of yours, the agency, and the hospital’s time, and your application will not be considered. The more experience you have, the more desirable you are.
The moment you’ve all been waiting for…how to become a travel nurse.
Travel nursing has become increasingly popular since the pandemic when travel and COVID pay rates made travel nursing highly desirable. But now that we are getting back to more traditional times, travel nursing is getting back to its basics with the perks being freedom, flexibility, and travel.
So, how do you become a travel nurse? Becoming a travel nurse can be easy if you follow these six steps:
Though there are several paths to becoming a registered nurse, the one that will provide you with the greatest opportunity and the educational background to become a travel nurse is the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). In fact, it is now becoming the standard.
This four-year degree provides you with foundational knowledge in a wide variety of topics. BSN programs incorporate clinical rotations through the various care departments in hospitals and clinics, exposing you to a wide range of patients and colleagues to give you a well-rounded nursing education.
The NCLEX-RN, or National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Every state has its own requirements for licensure and process for exam registration, so make sure that you are familiar with the requirements as they apply to you and your locale.
You will want to get a job in the specialty you are interested in. This is the experience you will need in order to gain a travel nursing position. Remember that you can only work as a travel nurse in a field in which you have experience. Once you have a position, it is possible that you may float within the hospital, but you will not be expected to work outside of your skill level.
There are countless travel nursing agencies, and each one has dozens of recruiters. There are big and small companies, and each company has pros and cons. Most travel nurses work with several different agencies.
Why? Well, some healthcare companies have contracts with only one specific agency.
So, what does that mean? If you want to work at a specific hospital that only works with one agency, then you will need to work with that particular agency.
While picking the right agency is important, picking the right travel nurse recruiter is even more important. Travel nurse recruiters act as liaisons between the travel nurse and the hospital. A great travel nurse recruiter will work hard to ensure you are paid your worth. They will be experienced and honest when working with you.
If you do not have an eNLC license or maintain residency in an eNLC state, then you will need to plan ahead. Also, even if you do have an eNLC license but are interested in traveling to a state that is not part of the compact license, you will need to plan ahead.
For example, Alaska and California are not part of the eNLC. California has been reported to take a very long time to gain licensure and is very specific in its requirements. So, you’ll want to plan ahead if California is on your list of destinations.
Remember to plan ahead, and consider in advance where you wish to travel.
This can be one of the harder decisions because everything must be in your contract and is negotiated between the travel nurse recruiter and the hospital.
These all MUST be in the contract. If the information is not in the contract, then the hospital does not have to honor it.
Picking an assignment location can be stressful. You need to determine whether you are traveling for money, location, experiences, or to be close to someone. For example, Hawaii pays travel nurses very well, but the cost of living is also very high. So, if you are interested in traveling for money, Hawaii may not be the best location. However, if you’re traveling for experience or location, it could be a top choice.
There are several housing options available to travel nurses. First, all travel nurse agencies will offer either a stipend for housing or company-provided housing. If you take the stipend, then you will be responsible for finding your own housing. The stipend may not be enough to cover your housing costs, and you will be responsible for the additional costs.
Travel nurses can find their own housing via Facebook, Airbnb, long-term stay hotels, or even Furnished Finders.
Travel nurses are looking for nurses ready to take off on their next adventure! Contracts typically move pretty quickly, especially in popular locations such as California, Hawaii, and Alaska. While you can reach out to a recruiter if you are ready to take the next step toward travel nursing – know that most recruiters will want to work with you once you are fully committed to submitting a contract offer.
Generally, travel nursing agencies are looking for nurses who meet the following criteria:
Everyone wants to know “how much does a travel nurse make?” And to be honest, travel nurse salaries can be confusing.
It’s important to figure out your weekly take-home pay because it might be significantly smaller than what is advertised. Here’s how you can calculate your pay:
According to ZipRecruiter.com, the national average for travel nurses is $121,710 per year, or $59 per hour. Travel nurse pay, just like staff nurse pay, varies greatly by location and healthcare system. Nurses in California earn some of the highest wages in the country, and travel nurses are compensated equally.
The national average for travel nurses is $121,710 per year.
In more desirable locations, like Hawaii, the pay is often not as high.
Additionally, travel nurse pay will also include housing stipends and other miscellaneous things. That is not factored into the hourly wage. Therefore, when looking at travel nurse pay, it’s important to look at all aspects of the contract.
Travel nursing recruitment often focuses on the benefits and perks, such as housing stipends or sign-on bonuses, but it’s also important not to overlook the tax implications that come with travel nursing.
In order to become a travel nurse, you will need to have what’s called a “tax home” in the eyes of the IRS. That simply means you have to prove that you have a full-time residence when you’re not working as a travel nurse.
If you don’t have a full-time residence that you maintain and pay for when you’re not working as a travel nurse, don’t worry — you can still work, but you will have a tax status as an itinerant worker, which means you have to pay taxes on all of your income, including any stipends or reimbursements.
For non-itinerant nurses with a tax home, your base wage pay is taxable income, while all “extras,” including meals, housing allotments, or travel reimbursement are non-taxable.
That means that you will save on paying taxes on that income, but it also means your adjusted income will not be as high in the eyes of say, a loan officer or for Social Security purposes. If you anticipate needing a loan soon or are approaching retirement, it may be more advantageous to you to have a higher taxable income reflected on your paycheck.
Read more in our Comprehensive Guide to Travel Nurse Taxes
To find a travel nursing job, a nurse must work with a travel nursing agency that will help secure their contract and negotiate with the hiring hospital or healthcare facility. It’s important to work with a recruiter and staffing agency that understands your needs and the contracts you’re interested in.
Working with a recruiter will also make sure that your contract has must-haves, such as:
Click here for available high-paying travel nurse opportunities!
For nurses with a compact license, maintaining your license as a travel nurse is no different than meeting the requirements of the home state where you received your original license. Once you renew your home state license, your license for the new location is considered updated, too.
If you had to obtain an additional state license, however, you will need to renew your home state license (if you want to keep it, that is) and meet the requirements for license renewal in the state you are working in as well.
Certain states, such as Florida and Washington, also require all nurses to obtain Continued Education Units (CEUs) in the specific areas of pain management and HIV awareness, so you will need to make sure you fulfill the CEUs for your home state and/or work state as well.
All travel nurses are required to maintain an active RN license. Most continue to maintain all active licenses in case they want to work in the state again. Examples of differing continuing education requirements for RNs are as follows:
Some states do not require CEUs to maintain an RN license. Examples include Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Indiana, Maine, and Maryland. Several states also require HIV/AIDS education, such as New York, Minnesota, and Kentucky. It is important for nurses to check their state’s RN credentialing body for exact CEU requirements.
In general, while it’s also good to prepare yourself as much as possible, becoming a travel nurse can be a pretty straightforward process.
Once you’re a nurse with an active license, have at least one to two years of bedside experience under your belt, and are ready to take on the challenge of a new location and work environment, you can take on the adventure of being a travel nurse.
If you’re interested in becoming a travel nurse, you can take the next step by learning more about travel nursing here.
Accepting your first travel nurse assignment can be scary but also exciting!
It’s important to remember, travel assignments are short-term, and if the location, hospital, and situation are not a good fit, you can always try somewhere new for your next assignment. If the assignment is not a good fit, speak to your recruiter about other opportunities for future assignments.
Here are the top tips for first-time travel nurses to make the transition a little easier:
Find travel nursing assignments by speaking with a recruiter today!
There are many benefits to travel nursing, but these are at the top:
Travel nurses have the opportunity to garner top wages in some of the top hospitals in the country. Typically, the demand is so high for nurses in a specific location and/or unit, that the contracted wage will be significantly higher than a full-time staff nurse.
Travel nurses also have other compensated benefits such as housing, meals, incidentals, and travel reimbursement. These additional stipends make the earned wage some of the highest for nurses.
Other benefits include:
Starting a career as a travel nurse can be scary and overwhelming, especially leaving friends and family behind, but it can be a very rewarding and exciting career.
There are six easy steps to becoming a travel nurse:
1. Become an RN
2. Get at least 2 years of experience under your belt
3. Find a travel nursing company to work with
4. Get all the proper state licensure and certifications
5. Pick an assignment and sign a contract
6. Find housing
It’s not hard to become a travel nurse. More and more nurses are leaving the bedside for other types of nursing jobs or to become travel nurses. Actually working as a travel nurse can take some adjustments, especially for those who have ever worked as a staff nurse. But it is a fun and exciting opportunity for many.
Travel nurses need to have a different set of skills than staff nurses. Why? Because they are constantly changing hospitals and are always the first to be floated to another unit. For that reason, travel nurses must be flexible and adaptable more than anything. They also should have a solid nursing foundation, critical thinking skills, strong communication skills, a love of travel, and be personable.
Some travel nurse agencies do still require the COVID-19 vaccine because the healthcare institutions they work with require it. However, check with your agency, because many hospitals no longer have this requirement.
The requirements vary from agency to agency and contract to contract. Generally speaking, you will need a minimum of two years of bedside nursing experience. Most will also require a BSN as well as certifications in CPR, PALS, ACLS, etc. The final requirement will be either a compact nursing license or an individual state license.
Nurses are not required to travel. Travel nursing is a unique niche within the nursing industry that allows individuals to take short contracts at different hospitals around the country. If you like your hospital and staff position, then there is no requirement for you to ever become a travel nurse.
To be a travel nurse, first and foremost, you must be ready for an adventure! You will also need a minimum of two years of bedside experience. Now, not every travel agency or position will require this, but with minimal orientation to a unit, more experience is always better. You will also need a license in the state you are applying to (unless you have a compact nursing license). Most recruiters and agencies will assist with the paperwork of obtaining a new state license.
Of course! In fact, many travel nurses are accompanied by their families and pets. Travel nursing can be a family affair if you travel with a spouse who’s also a travel nurse or plan to bring your children. If you are traveling with pets – it’s important to make sure your housing accommodations allow for animals and that your schedule allows time to take care of a pet. At times and in certain locations, it may be more difficult to find reasonable housing, but it is possible.
Travel nurses generally can obtain health insurance and retirement benefits such as 401Ks through their travel nursing agency. However, it is important to note that not all agencies offer benefits starting on day one of a contract, and others will terminate health benefits in-between contracts.
There are several differences between travel nurses and per diem nurses. The main difference is that, unlike per diem nurses, travel nursing hours are guaranteed. Generally speaking, they are not canceled, and if they are, most are still paid their contracted rate. Per diem nurses are used on an as-needed basis and can be canceled whenever they are not needed and without pay.
Travel nursing holds a lot of appeal for many people interested in the healthcare field because it offers perks like the chance to visit new places, competitive pay, and career flexibility. It’s also the perfect opportunity to gain valuable skills, get out of your comfort zone, and of course, make a difference in the lives of your patients.
For many travel nurses, housing is one of the most important pieces of the pay package, but it can also be one of the most challenging aspects of being a traveler. It provides the exciting yet terrifying adventure of finding a new home while having to sign a contract sight unseen most of the time.
Housing has certainly become a deal breaker for us — we won’t sign a contract until we know 100% what we’re getting into for housing.
Housing can make or break an assignment. Whether you’re a first-timer or a traveler who has been doing it for years, you’ll want to feel settled and comfortable in your new home.
With the transitions between new jobs and new friend groups, having a safe and comfortable place to come home to is one of the highest priorities in a new contract. Read on to learn everything you need to know about your travel nurse housing options.
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Travel nurse housing is available in two options:
I have used both options depending on the assignment. I know several travelers who only take agency-provided housing — it’s simple and one less thing to worry about. I also know travel nurses who take the stipend and either find their own housing or travel in an RV. One option isn’t necessarily better than the other. It really depends on what will work best for you.
Typically, the more stress-free option for finding housing would be to allow the agency to provide it for you.
Most agencies have an internal housing department that finds a place for a short-term lease (often they have long leases that they rotate travelers in and out). The agency also rents your furniture package, pays your utilities, and can even get you housewares like linens and dishes (typically, for an extra fee).
I’ve also heard of some agencies paying for cable and internet, though that’s not common. Often, they will set you up at an extended-stay hotel that has all of those amenities already provided.
Usually, agencies send you two to three housing options to choose from (if available and if you ask), but ultimately, they’re going to place you where is most convenient for them (typically what is currently available and the cheapest). You can request what you want, but there is no guarantee you will get it. Agencies often have access to discounts that are inaccessible to travel nurses.
Find travel nursing assignments by speaking with a recruiter today!
Understanding travel nurse contracts and the way a company pays travel nurses is the first step in deciding which route to go. Some companies pay nurses an extremely low hourly rate (as low as $20/hr), but that is the only money that is taxable.
The additional money falls into the housing and cost of living stipends, which are not taxed. Some agencies will look at the housing stipends and spend all of it, or the large majority, while booking your agency-provided housing. Then, you are left with a small amount of money earned while at work. However, if you can find cheaper housing on your own, you can pocket the rest of what is left over from the stipend.
When you choose stipend pay, you’re responsible for finding, booking, and paying for all of your own housing and the expenses that go along with it. The actual dollar amount will differ based on the location and your specific contract, but it is typically adjusted based on the cost of living in that region. The travel company will provide you with either a weekly or monthly total for the specific stipend.
The best way to go about this is to find a fully furnished place that will include utilities, cable, and internet. These types of rentals often include all housewares and basic furniture, so all you have to bring are personal items.
Other travel nurses rent a standard apartment or house and then rent, bring, or buy furniture and set up utilities, etc. on their own as if they were a long-term renter. While even more adventurous travel nurses live in an RV or try van-life and rent a spot in a campground or RV park, the location is not likely to be right in the heart of a city.
Even though the stipend may sound like a lot, finding a decent, inexpensive three-month rental isn’t easy — often, places charge a premium for short-term leases (sometimes double or triple the normal rent).
One of the other biggest challenges is trusting that the house/apartment will fit your needs without seeing it in person first. A lot of single travelers will rent rooms in houses, but that also poses a risk since you don’t have the opportunity to meet your roommates ahead of time. At a minimum, we recommend doing a video call with the landlord to meet them and view the property. Also, look for reviews from other nurses on Furnished Finder or Airbnb for the unit.
Ready to start your adventure? Sign up today and start traveling next week.
Travel nurse salaries have a wide range depending on where you take a contract, your specialty, time of year, and many other factors. Check out our comparison tool to compare rates.
If you take agency-provided housing and don’t ask for any upgrades, then yes. If you take the housing stipend and find something within that budget, then the answer is also yes. But if you want upgrades like two bedrooms, a vacuum, or a washer/dryer in the unit, you’ll have to pay extra. Likewise, if you can’t find what you want for the stipend amount, you may have to pay a little out of pocket.
Most agencies pay for utilities (gas, electricity, water) up to a certain point. With private housing, many landlords also include utilities (gas, electric, water, and internet) in the rent since it’s considered a “short-term rental”. Cable (and sometimes internet) may be at your own expense, although some companies do pay for that as well. As mentioned before, a lot of company housing involves extended-stay hotels, and therefore everything is covered.
Once you have an address (either agency-placed or arranged by you), contact the property manager or landlord and ask who the providers in the area are. Then compare pricing and schedule set up for your move-in day — you typically have to be present for the installation. Make sure whatever you sign up for doesn’t require a long-term contract. This often works in your favor, because cable companies generally offer promotional freebies for the first three months. Since contracts are generally three months, you’ll get a premium service at a base-level price. The benefit of finding a fully furnished apartment is that almost all of them include wifi with the cost of rent.
For most agency-provided housing, furnished means they’ll provide the following:
– Bedroom: Queen-size bed, one nightstand, one dresser, and a lamp
– Dining room: Small kitchen table with four chairs
– Living room: Couch, chair, an end table, coffee table, a lamp, and a TV stand
Dishes, linens, a TV, bedding, and a vacuum are considered extra and will cost more. A washer/dryer and even a microwave are not necessarily standard all the time either. You can negotiate some of these items. Oftentimes, nurses tend to travel with most of these “extras,” but other travelers I know buy them cheap each assignment, so they have less to move with.
For private housing, it’s best to confirm what exactly is included in the listing. Many properties listed on Furnished Finder or Airbnb provide similar amenities and supplies that you could expect at a short-term vacation rental. However, doing a video walk-through or seeing a full listing of what’s included will better help you prepare.
Your options for finding housing are nearly endless. Just make sure you thoroughly vet the place and area before signing a lease — a great money saver isn’t worth it if it’s a risk to your safety. Travel nurse housing sites have become very popular as this profession has been highlighted over the past two years.
A few options to consider when finding your own housing:
1. Furnished Finder specializes in housing for travel nurses. With no booking fees for the traveler and background-checked property owners, this company was built from the ground up with the travel nurse in mind. This has quickly become one of the most popular ways to find housing, and you can even get reviews from previous tenants.
2. Facebook There are many groups on Facebook that can be extremely helpful with housing, especially local groups. Some sites will have homes listed for rent, and others have travelers’ feedback about certain places. This can be a great platform to find answers to simple questions as well, such as “what part of town do you recommend living in,” or “does anyone want to split housing in ‘x’ while we work.”
3. Traditional house-hunting sites like forrent.com and apartments.com
4. Vacation rental websites like Airbnb.com, VRBO.com, and homeaway.com
5. Temporary housing sites like sublet.com
6. Non-traditional housing options like couchsurfing.com or houseboat rentals (search by the city for best results)
7. Extended stay hotels like Candlewood, Extended Stay America, Residence Inn, etc. Be sure to ask for Healthcare worker discounts.
8. Craigslist – Although it has a bad reputation for scammers (and yes, they definitely exist), some of the cheapest housing options can be found on craigslist. A tip is to post your own ad that you are searching for furnished housing, and more people might reach out with options.
9. Stay with a friend or family member (maybe even for free!)
Most staffing agencies will give you two to three options to choose from if you ask — and if they have more than one available. You’ll get the spiel though that even if you put in a request it doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed.
In my experience, most agencies aren’t typically overly accommodating when it comes to housing. If housing is important to you, it’s important to know what your deal breakers are and be upfront with your recruiter about that from the start. Even then, you may still end up being disappointed. But, contracts are short, and the housing is temporary.
The amount a company will pay you for your housing stipend is completely dependent on where you are traveling to. The GSA sets housing stipends, and they vary based on the city and state. For instance, the total amount a company will pay per week in Mississippi is vastly different than in San Francisco. Mississippi might be around $300 per week, but San Francisco would be more around $1000 per week. Your recruiter can give you an idea of how much you would make based on the locations you are looking at traveling.
The amount of the housing stipend is determined on the contract, the city, and how the particular agency breaks down its pay package. So, you may get a different amount for each travel nursing assignment.
This is dependent on what you want. Some short-term assignments like strikes do require you to room with a fellow nurse or take less pay to get a private room. Though, you should know this before you apply to the assignment. If you prefer to live alone, travel agencies can accommodate that, or you simply find housing yourself.
Yes! The options will be more limited, and you might have to pay more, but it is definitely possible. It’s something you’ll need to discuss with your recruiter from the start. They’ll have to find pet-friendly housing, and you’ll likely have to pay a pet deposit or pet rent.
Unfortunately, this does happen. Immediately contact your recruiter and in most cases, they’ll fix the problem if it’s truly unacceptable. I know a travel nurse who realized her housing was next door to a methadone clinic. When she contacted her agency, they moved her and the other travel nurses to a safer neighborhood. On the flip side, if you get there and the housing is more run-down than you’d prefer, they may not do anything. This is why I recommend you do your due diligence before you leave for an assignment — it’ll limit housing surprises!
It can be any of the above or even potentially a hotel. If your assignment is in a large city, then you’ll likely be housed in an apartment community. But in smaller towns where options are much more limited, there’s more variety in where you may get placed.
Contact your staffing agency and the landlord immediately. Once the sewage backed up in the house the agency rented us. We contacted our recruiter and the landlord, and someone was sent out that day to take care of the problem. The agency also offered to put us up in a hotel overnight if it wasn’t cleaned up by then — luckily it was. Usually, issues are more minor than this if they happen at all.
This is going to be on a case-by-case basis. If your agency is locked into a lease they can’t get out of, then you’re going to get some resistance. If the housing is truly unacceptable though, they should right the situation. But, if it’s just because you changed your mind, you might have some issues changing housing options last minute.
The big risk with taking the housing stipend is the chance your contract is canceled. Unfortunately, this is one of the biggest risks associated with travel nursing. In my personal experience, I have found most of my own places to live, and I know that the relationship that I have built with my landlords would have been crucial in this scenario. Although it never happened, I would imagine that most of them would have had me pay a few additional weeks’ rent, but then would have returned the rest of the money. However, if you have signed an agreement, not all landlords will take pity on your circumstances. Check the lease or agreement ahead of time and ask for something like this to be added in, if possible.
Sit down and write out what your priorities are. If ease and safety are high on your list, I would recommend going with company housing. But if potentially saving a bit of money and having a choice in where you stay seems more appealing, then venture down the path of taking the stipend.
I would always recommend Facetiming with potential roommates or landlords while shopping from afar. This gives you an opportunity to meet them and get a read on their personalities, and ask to see the current condition of the room you might be staying in. Ask a lot of questions and ensure that they are knowledgeable about the house and that it feels like a safe contract to enter into.
Personally, I have only taken company-provided housing for short, crisis contracts. These have been wonderful since finding housing on your own for three weeks can be difficult, and quite expensive. The ease of taking company housing was absolutely worth it for the short contracts. Overall, trust your gut. If something feels suspicious, it probably is.
Becoming a travel nurse is an exciting adventure, but determining where to take an assignment can be overwhelming.
Salary, housing options, location amenities, and staffing ratios can all factor into the decision. The location itself — its desirability and relative location to a nurse’s current assignment or hometown — can be a major consideration.
Most travel nursing assignments are only 13 weeks, so travel nurses can move on after an assignment if they are no longer needed or are unhappy with the placement. This flexibility appeals to many nurses and continues to make travel nursing one of the most desirable careers in the nursing industry.
Looking for open travel nurse assignments? Speak with a recruiter today!
Salary tends to be the number one driving factor for nurses comparing travel nurse jobs. However, the cost of living and housing affordability in those destinations are often overlooked. States with higher hourly wages generally have a higher cost of living, which means less affordable housing and higher taxes.
For example, a travel nurse in California will likely make more money per hour than a nurse in Texas. However, the nurse in Texas will likely end up bringing home a bigger paycheck because of the lower cost of living expenses and taxes. Assignments in states like Oklahoma or Kansas may not look undesirable, but with a low cost of living, nurses have the ability to make more money.
It is important to factor in the cost of living when determining where to take your next travel assignment. Hawaii, one of the most desirable locations for travel nurses, may have extremely high hourly wages, but the cost of living is among the highest in the country.
Furthermore, consider the housing stipend and rental costs in the area. If the housing stipend is lower than current rentals, this will impact your overall net salary.
A U.S. News & World Report looked at the most affordable states in the country. Topping the list was Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, and South Dakota. Currently, Arkansas is ranked #1 as the most affordable state. California currently ranks the lowest in affordability with the highest cost of living and the least affordable housing in the country.
Interestingly, California and Hawaii are some of the most desirable states for travel nurses, though their hourly pay is very low compared to what is needed for living expenses. In cases like this where the location is a travel or vacation destination, travel nurses may forgo pay for the experience of living in a vacation destination like Hawaii or San Diego for 13 weeks.
Other states recognized as the least affordable include Washington and New York, and Massachusetts — also popular travel nurse destinations.
According to ZipRecruiter.com, in 2024, travel nurses will earn the highest average salary in California with an average hourly wage of $44 and an annual salary of $90,766. It’s important to note wages can increase between travel nurse companies and vary depending on certifications and unit placement. ICU nurses tend to earn more than medical-surgical nurses, for example.
Find available, high-paying travel nurse opportunities.
Here’s a list of the top 10 highest-paying cities for travel nurses.
| City | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scotts Valley, CA | $164,925 | $13,743 | $3,171 | $79.29 |
| Aspen, CO | $160,571 | $13,380 | $3,087 | $77.20 |
| Santa Clara, CA | $155,118 | $12,926 | $2,983 | $74.58 |
| Burlingame, CA | $150,296 | $12,524 | $2,890 | $72.26 |
| Pittsfield, MA | $148,303 | $12,358 | $2,851 | $71.30 |
| San Francisco, CA | $148,150 | $12,345 | $2,849 | $71.23 |
| Marysville, WA | $146,374 | $12,197 | $2,814 | $70.37 |
| San Jose, CA | $143,569 | $11,964 | $2,760 | $69.02 |
| Alexandria, VA | $141,356 | $11,779 | $2,718 | $67.96 |
| Redwood City, CA | $140,665 | $11,722 | $2,705 | $67.63 |
Source: ZipRecruiter.com
Travel nurse companies and recruiters work with travel nurses to find the best placement at the highest possible salary. Some companies have specific contracts and can offer higher pay than others. In fact, two travel nurses working in the same unit at the same hospital may make two different salaries. It’s important to pick a company you feel comfortable will advocate on your behalf to get higher wages.
At times, the recruiter will be more important than the company. The recruiter is your direct liaison with the hospital administration and will be your go-to for all contract negotiations, extensions, cancellations, and any issue that may arise during the assignment.
A 2017 Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) study examined the specific projected job growth and demand of nurses in each state through 2030.
Based on the study, there are four states that will continue to have a deficit of nurses through 2030. Travel nurses are desperately needed in these states, and employers often give incentives to entice nurses. These states are:
As the country continues to see a mass exodus of nurses at the bedside, every state is desperately looking for nurses to fill the voids. Aya travel nursing company advertises over 14,000 travel nurse positions available on its website. Most other major travel nursing companies have countless unfilled nursing positions.
Additionally, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) says 55% of today’s nursing workforce is 50 years or older. The number of nurses retiring is also contributing to the ongoing nursing shortage.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for RNs to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Roughly 193,100 openings for registered nurses are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Unfortunately, the BLS does not differentiate between staff nurses and travel nurses, but it can be assumed that if there is a need for nurses in general, this will also include travel nurses.
California consistently has the highest demand for travel nurses throughout the year. Due to a powerful statewide union and specific laws regarding safe nurse-to-patient staffing ratios, there will always be a large need.
The time of year also affects which states need nursing resources. States such as Alaska, Maine, and Vermont have higher needs for travel nurses during the winter months but lower needs in the summer months – mostly because those are less desirable times to live in those locations. Conversely, Louisiana, Alabama, and Arkansas have higher needs during the summer and lower needs during the winter. Consider traveling to desirable locations during “off-peak” months for better assignments and pay.
Strictly choosing a travel nursing job and location based on pay and affordability can limit your decision. Travel nurses generally work three days a week, leading to a lot of time off to explore each new location. Thirteen weeks in a location that doesn’t fit can be exhausting and depressing.
When choosing a location, remember to consider your hobbies and what you like to do in your free time.
These questions are important when looking at job opportunities. It can be exciting to see the country and try new things, but if you know you hate the snow — don’t choose a snowy location in the winter.
Travel nursing isn’t strictly about seeing the country while earning a higher wage. It’s also about working at some of the top hospitals in the country.
Consider assignments at hospitals that will look good on your resume and help with your career advancement. Having worked at hospitals such as Johns Hopkins Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Mayo Clinic, Massachusetts General Hospital, UCLA Medical Center, and UCSF Medical Center will help travel nurses in future career endeavors. Assignments at these hospitals will open many doors for travel nurses, both professionally and academically.
Deciding which city to take an assignment can be daunting for new travel nurses, but with guidance from a seasoned recruiter, the task is more manageable. Remember to look at locations during off-peak months, consider house affordability, and evaluate the overall cost of living and location amenities when choosing your next contract.
Ready to begin travel nursing? Get started today!
I was originally drawn to the travel nursing field for the opportunity to travel the country while getting paid at the same time. I knew travel nurses were paid fairly well and had been bombarded with various emails advertising travel nursing pay scales as high as $40 an hour.
Find available positions here!
I am typically not the type of person to do something just for the money. I tend to be more interested in the experience, but I also realize that I have bills to pay too. I didn’t really pay attention to the breakdown of my travel nursing pay, all I cared about was whether or not I had enough money to live and to get from point A to point B.
Fortunately, I had a wonderful travel experience but wish I took the time to really understand travel nursing pay scales, expenses and how to deal with taxes. Many of your recruiters don’t take the time to break these topics down for you so it is ultimately your responsibility to seek out the information and educate yourself.
The most alluring advertisement travel nursing agencies use to get you in the door is the infamous “tax advantage plan”. This can also be referred to as per-diem, stipends, reimbursements or a combination of all three. What this basically means is that if you are traveling away from your home for work, there are certain expenses that are tax deductible and certain reimbursements that are non-taxable.
The most common types of stipends or reimbursements that you will hear about in the travel nursing world are referred to as meals and incidentals (incidentals include taxi/bus fares, parking, and tips), lodging or housing stipends, and travel reimbursements which cover your expenses to and from each assignment; other non-taxable items can include retirement plans, license reimbursements and health insurance. When travel nursing companies advertise pay rates, they will often tell you a blended rate. A blended rate combines an hourly taxable wage such as $20 an hour with your non-taxable reimbursements and stipends to give you a higher hourly rate. Here is an example of a typical pay package:
Your blended rate is calculated by breaking down your non-taxable stipends into an hourly rate and adding it to your taxable base rate. For instance, if you worked 36 hours per week on a 13-week assignment, your hourly rate would look something like this based on the above scenario:
| $250/wk for meals X 13 weeks: | $3,250 |
| $2,000 per month lodging X 3 months: | $6,000 |
| $500 travel reimbursement (one time): | $500 |
| Total: | $9,750 |
| Divided by total hours worked | /468 hours |
| Non-taxable stipend pay per hour: | = $20.83 |
| Add base pay: | +$20 |
| Total blended rate: | $40.83 per hour |
There are two different types of pay packages: flex pay and rigid pay.
Flex pay packages allow you to mix and match, add or subtract various non-taxable stipends such as healthcare, retirement, and license reimbursements to your pay package, while rigid pay packages are non-negotiable. The benefit of flex pay is that you can decrease your hourly taxable base rate and increase your non-taxable earnings by adding more benefits such as 401K. Many travel agencies have to be careful not to enter the illegal realm of wage re-characterization when dealing with flex pay packages. To learn more about wage re-characterization visit traveltax.com.
There are some travel contracts offering overtime; for example, some agencies will ask you if you want to work 4 days a week instead of 3 days a week. Overtime by law has to be paid time and a half of your taxable base rate. So, if you make $20 and hour, then your overtime pay will be $30 an hour. In the world of nursing, $30 an hour isn’t really that much extra money for an extra shift; however, over the long run it does add up. If this is something you are considering doing than make sure you negotiate a higher taxable rate for lower non-taxable stipends if possible so that you really get more bang for your buck. I have never heard of a part-time travel contract so if you are looking to work part-time than it would be better to consider an agency job in your desired destination.
Discover available travel nursing positions today!
The allure of low taxable income and high non-taxable income sounds appealing, but there are some potential downsides to this scenario. The first disadvantage comes into play when you are attempting to get a loan. Most banks do not take into consideration stipends and reimbursements when it comes to giving out money, so if you are trying to qualify for a loan, it looks like you only earned $30,000 in one year instead of $60,000.
We also have to take into consideration retirement. I know many of you aren’t necessarily thinking about your social security check right now, but it is important to take into consideration that the social security payments are based on 35 of your highest income earning years. Non-taxable money is not considered income.
Last but not least, if you get injured on the job, you only receive 2/3 of your hourly taxable base rate. These are some scenarios to take into consideration when thinking about a travel nursing pay package.
With all things considered, a travel nurses pay rate, is very comparable to a staff nurse’s pay rate. However, there are some out of pocket expenses travel nurses have to be aware of that regular staff nurses don’t have to consider;
Just like any of other profession, it is important to budget and prepare for the unknown. Take care of yourself make sure you are well organized.
In order to qualify for these non-taxable stipends or reimbursements, one must maintain what the IRS calls a tax home. A tax home is your place of residence that you maintain and pay for while you are out on your travel assignment. Ideally, the IRS would like a travel nurse to take an assignment somewhere and then return to their tax home where they maintain a PRN or full-time nursing job.
Most travel nursing agencies will have you sign a form stating that you do have a tax home. If you do not have a residence that you are planning on maintaining when you are traveling, you will be referred to as an itinerant worker. As an itinerant worker, you will be required to pay taxes on all income earned including stipends and reimbursements. When applying with different travel agencies, make sure they are aware of your itinerant status. You can get more information about tax homes here.
Ready to start travel nursing? Start here!
All of this talk about taxes and the IRS can be a little scary. Here are a few easy tips to follow to make your traveling experience a little less complicated:
Don’t let the IRS or financial aspects of travel nursing scare you. Travel nursing should be an enjoyable experience not an accounting nightmare.
As with any tax issues, you should seek advice from a licensed tax professional before filing. This article only offers suggestions and isn’t meant to be tax advice. We leave that to the pros.
Professionals can help you through this experience in combination with educating yourself about nursing pay packages. It sounds complicated in the beginning, but the more you learn the lingo, the more prepared you will be to negotiate your next travel contract.
Start your travel nursing adventure here!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional tax advice. Always consult your own CPA or tax preparer for tax advice.
Navigating travel nurse taxes can be a challenge, especially because travel nurse tax amounts can be a bit different depending on what state (or states) you worked in. In general, however, taxes are very different for travel nurses compared to traditional staff nurses. From choosing a tax home to keeping your receipts to knowing exactly how your income will affect your long-term financial goals, here is the information you need to know about travel nurse taxes.
RN’s can earn up to $3,200 per week as a travel nurse. Speak to a recruiter today!
Travel nurses are paid differently than staff nurses because they receive both a base hourly pay that is taxed and additional “payments” that are non-taxed to make up their “total” pay. When you sign up to commit to a travel nurse position you’ll receive a pay package that will detail all of the different aspects of what will make up your actual compensation.
It’s in the best interest of the travel nursing agency to keep the base rate of a travel nurse’s pay package low since many travel nurses have modest base pay but receive additional stipends. In a technical and legal sense, those additional stipends — which typically cover things like meals, housing, and work-related expenses — are considered “expense reimbursements” for doing your job as a travel nurse, which is why they aren’t classified as income and are non-taxable.
Travel agencies offer “standardized” bill rates. This means there is one rate for all workers with any given license covered by the contract. For example, all registered nurses have the same bill rate, all physical therapists have the same bill rate, and so on.
It’s also possible for the licenses to be broken down by specialty or level of experience. For example, Medical Surgical and Telemetry Registered Nurses have one rate while all other registered surses have another. Registered nurses with 1-3 years of experience get one rate, while those with more than 3 years of experience get a slightly higher rate. The important thing to understand is that standardized bill rates are set in stone by the contract for all intents and purposes. There is no possibility of negotiating a higher bill rate based on a particular travel nurse’s salary history or work experience.
Joseph Smith, EA/MS Tax, an international “taxation master” and founder of Travel Tax, explains that in addition to their base pay, most travel nurses can reasonably expect to see $20,000-$30,000 of non-taxed reimbursement payments in a typical year working as a travel nurse.
Find travel nurse credit cards to earn points or miles while traveling.
In order to avoid being taxed on those reimbursement payments, however, you need to clearly prove that you have what’s called a “tax home” to the IRS.
The IRS defines a tax home as “the entire city or general area where your main place of business or work is located, regardless of where you maintain your family home.”
Smith explains that you can qualify for a tax home in two main ways:
If you can’t prove that you have a tax home, or don’t meet the qualifications for having a tax home, you will be taxed on the stipend payments you receive as part of your travel nurse pay package. Additionally, Smith cautions that most travel nursing agencies will not verify that you qualify for a tax home, so it’s up to you, the travel nurse, to ensure that you are meeting all requirements for establishing a tax home in order to collect your non-taxable stipends.
Joseph Smith, EA/MS Tax, an international “taxation master” and founder of Travel Tax, explains that in addition to their base pay, most travel nurses can reasonably expect to see $20,000-$30,000 of non-tax reimbursement payments in a typical year working as a travel nurse.
While many people commonly believe that you must have your tax home at least 50 miles away from where you work as a travel nurse, there’s actually no specific distance requirement. The only real requirement is that you must prove that it’s farther away than a reasonable commute and requires rest and sleep before going back and forth.
You should always check with a tax professional, but in general, travel nurses can take the following steps to help ensure that they qualify for a tax home in the eyes of the IRS:
To file taxes correctly, it’s very important to maintain your tax home and prove that you have to actually pay for “double” of everything—for both your tax home and your new living situation as a travel nurse. That means that if you rent out your home temporarily while you’re gone, you no longer can classify it as a tax home.
Travel nurses should plan on filing their taxes by the April 15th deadline, just like everyone else in the United States. However, there may be a little wiggle room for extensions due to the nature of being a multi-state professional as a travel nurse, according to Smith.
Every state has different laws for filing taxes, but travel nurses may need to file a non-resident tax return in every state they have worked in, as well as the state that they consider their permanent tax home.
Smith advises travel nurses to keep a receipt book to help them make tax preparation a little easier by having all of their paperwork in one place. Although digital receipts may be more convenient or “modern” for younger nurses, keeping paper copies as a backup is always recommended. Your receipts can include things like:
The most recent tax reform laws did away with many job expenses at the federal level, which means that travel nurses can’t deduct certain travel-related expenses such as food, mileage, and gas on their federal return. You can still get a stipend or reimbursement from your travel agency for those expenses, but they may not count as deductions.
That being said, a handful of states still allow job expense deductions on your state tax return, such as New York, California, Alabama, Hawaii, and Arkansas, so there may be additional tax deductions you can make if you’ve worked in a qualifying state.
Smith also adds to be careful when filling out residency on your tax return, as he sees many travel nurses make the mistake that working a travel assignment means they have moved. However, working a temporary (under 12 months) travel nursing position does not qualify as a move of your permanent residence. Instead, they are just away from home temporarily, which is an important distinction to make come tax time.
Keep your tax home as a permanent residence address, and don’t change it unless you actually make a permanent move!
The travel nursing industry as a whole does tend to be scrutinized closely, says Smith. As a travel nurse, you may be more at risk for an audit if you’re displaying high expenses and low income. For instance, if your mortgage is $10,000 a month, but your overall income with your base pay as a travel nurse is only $20,000 annually, the IRS may be puzzled as to how you can actually afford your lifestyle.
You can reduce your risk of an audit, or increase your risk of getting through an audit favorably, by always making sure to work with a certified tax professional who is familiar with traveling healthcare professionals and not solely relying on your nurse recruiter or travel staffing agency for tax advice.
One of the appeals of travel nursing is that you have the potential to make a high income, especially through non-taxed stipends. And although at first glance, having non-tax stipends for things like housing may sound like a great deal for you as a travel nurse, it does come with a catch: because the additional stipends you receive as a travel nurse are not taxed, they are not considered income, and as such, will not be reflected in your annual income.
That may not sound like that big of a deal unless you find yourself in need of a loan, mortgage, or disability payment, or are nearing the age to collect Social Security. All of the aforementioned items are calculated based on your income. The lower your income, the lower the loan amount you will qualify for, and the less you are contributing to Social Security. You therefore won’t be eligible to collect as high of an amount when you’re ready for retirement.
If you know that you will be needing a loan or a mortgage in the near future, Smith suggests talking to your lender as far in advance as possible to explain your situation and plan ahead. Working with a lender who is familiar with the pay structure for travel nurses can also be helpful.
In some circumstances, such as for nurses who are nearing the social security retirement age, it may also be helpful to legally declare that you don’t have a tax home on your tax return, and instead, pay taxes on all of your stipends, so you can count it as taxable income.
And remember – you should use this guide as information to help you learn more about filing taxes as a travel nurse but remember that it is not tax advice. You should always consult your own CPA or tax professional before filing your tax return.
RN’s can earn up to $3,200 per week as a travel nurse. Speak to a recruiter today!
Yes, all travel nurses must pay taxes on all income that they earned. They will need to file a tax return for every state they worked in and their home state where they have permanent residence.
If possible, it’s always beneficial to work with a tax professional, such as a Certified Public Accountant or Enrolled Agent, who can help you file and pay taxes that you owe as a travel nurse. An accountant can provide you with the physical paperwork that you can use to mail your tax payment in or help you set up an online account if digital payments are acceptable.
If you file your own taxes using TurboTax or another software, you will be provided with the exact mailing address and instructions to submit payment. If you don’t have one already, you may need a book of checks in order to pay your taxes.
The most important thing you need to know about paying taxes as a travel nurse is that you will need to both pay taxes and file a tax return in every single state you have worked in. If you’ve worked in many different states, that’s where hiring a CPA can be very helpful to help you navigate all that paperwork and payment.
It depends. American Traveler explains that you may end up paying taxes in every state you worked in as a travel nurse, depending on which states those are. Some states have what’s called a “reciprocity” agreement, which means that they have agreed that travel nurses working in those states will only be responsible for paying taxes to one state in total. You will have to check with your accountant or look into the tax rules for each state that you’ve worked in to determine exactly how much you owe in taxes. You should also check with your travel nursing agency if this is your situation because you will most likely need to file tax exemption paperwork through them as well.
You will also need to pay taxes in both your home state and any state you worked in. That means that all income you make will be ultimately taxed through your home state taxes as well as the state where you earned the money. That might look like getting taxed twice, but the good news is, your home state will deduct the difference if the percentage rate of your home state is higher. And if it’s the other way around, you will generally only pay the higher state rate. This can get a little confusing, which is why we recommend hiring a tax professional.
Some states do not have state income tax, including Alaska, Washington, Wyoming, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Florida, New Hampshire, USVI, and the District of Columbia (if you don’t live there.) If you live in one of these states, you will still need to pay your federal taxes as well as any set income tax rate in the states where you work that require taxes be paid.
If you don’t live in those states but worked in those states throughout the year, you will still pay your home state tax rate, so be sure you keep that in mind with your total earnings so you can have enough to pay your taxes come tax time.
This depends on whether you’re considered a W2 employee or a 1099 contractor. However, in general, travel nurses may be able to deduct the following expenses:
– Mileage or the cost of gas
– A rental car
– Uniform and equipment costs
– Continuing education
– Licensing fees
– Travel expenses
– Some meals
– Retirement and insurance contributions
– Expenses that go into paying for your tax home
The material provided on this website is for informational use only and is not intended for financial or investment advice. Please also note that such material is not updated regularly and that some of the information may not therefore be current. Consult with your own financial professional when making decisions regarding your financial or investment management.
Travel nurses are registered nurses who work short-term contracts to fill the needs of hospitals, clinics, long-term facilities, and other healthcare institutions. Travel nurses can help when there are nursing shortages. However, it is not always a long-term solution.
Travel nursing is very enticing to those who want increased flexibility within the nursing sector, which traditional bedside nursing might not offer.
Looking for open travel nurse assignments? Speak with a recruiter today!
Travel nurse salaries vary depending on location and specialty. Most recently, travel nurses have seen a decline in salaries compared to several years ago. The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically increased wages for travel nurses, and many left the bedside in order to travel the country and cash in on the big paychecks. While now the salaries are not as large for contracts, there are still many contracts available at a competitive wage across the country.
ZipRecruiter.com reports the national average for travel nurses is $101,132 per year. The highest-paying states are New York, Vermont, and California, while the lowest reported salaries are in Florida and Arkansas. Even though Florida has the lowest travel nurse salary, the annual travel nurse salary is still $5,000 more than the $86,070 national average for staff nurses according to the BLS.
But don’t forget other ways to make money as a travel nurse, such as earning points or miles on all the travel that you already have to do. We now have travel nursing credit cards just for nurses to earn while they travel.
Salaries and stipends vary by state and city, as do housing and cost of living. Here’s a breakdown of travel nurse salaries and hourly wages for all fifty states, going from highest to lowest.
| State | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $135,031 | $11,252 | $2,596 | $64.92 |
| Vermont | $132,707 | $11,058 | $2,552 | $63.80 |
| California | $130,341 | $10,861 | $2,506 | $62.66 |
| Maine | $126,575 | $10,547 | $2,434 | $60.85 |
| Idaho | $125,217 | $10,434 | $2,408 | $60.20 |
| Washington | $124,240 | $10,353 | $2,389 | $59.73 |
| Pennsylvania | $123,669 | $10,305 | $2,378 | $59.46 |
| Massachusetts | $122,156 | $10,179 | $2,349 | $58.73 |
| Alaska | $121,382 | $10,115 | $2,334 | $58.36 |
| New Jersey | $120,934 | $10,077 | $2,325 | $58.14 |
| New Hampshire | $120,647 | $10,053 | $2,320 | $58.00 |
| Oregon | $119,997 | $9,999 | $2,307 | $57.69 |
| North Dakota | $119,877 | $9,989 | $2,305 | $57.63 |
| Wisconsin | $119,111 | $9,925 | $2,290 | $57.27 |
| Wyoming | $118,043 | $9,836 | $2,270 | $56.75 |
| Hawaii | $117,602 | $9,800 | $2,261 | $56.54 |
| Colorado | $116,968 | $9,747 | $2,249 | $56.23 |
| Indiana | $115,975 | $9,664 | $2,230 | $55.76 |
| Nevada | $114,771 | $9,564 | $2,207 | $55.18 |
| New Mexico | $114,453 | $9,537 | $2,201 | $55.03 |
| Minnesota | $114,294 | $9,524 | $2,197 | $54.95 |
| Arizona | $113,577 | $9,464 | $2,184 | $54.60 |
| South Dakota | $113,297 | $9,441 | $2,178 | $54.47 |
| Montana | $111,865 | $9,322 | $2,151 | $53.78 |
| Ohio | $111,315 | $9,276 | $2,140 | $53.52 |
| Rhode Island | $111,146 | $9,262 | $2,137 | $53.44 |
| Delaware | $110,939 | $9,244 | $2,133 | $53.34 |
| Alabama | $110,469 | $9,205 | $2,124 | $53.11 |
| Virginia | $109,735 | $9,144 | $2,110 | $52.76 |
| Connecticut | $108,976 | $9,081 | $2,095 | $52.39 |
| Iowa | $108,771 | $9,064 | $2,091 | $52.29 |
| Illinois | $107,945 | $8,995 | $2,075 | $51.90 |
| Mississippi | $107,802 | $8,983 | $2,073 | $51.83 |
| Maryland | $107,540 | $8,961 | $2,068 | $51.70 |
| Tennessee | $106,277 | $8,856 | $2,043 | $51.09 |
| Utah | $106,005 | $8,833 | $2,038 | $50.96 |
| Nebraska | $105,533 | $8,794 | $2,029 | $50.74 |
| Missouri | $104,121 | $8,676 | $2,002 | $50.06 |
| South Carolina | $103,067 | $8,588 | $1,982 | $49.55 |
| Georgia | $102,909 | $8,575 | $1,979 | $49.48 |
| Oklahoma | $102,199 | $8,516 | $1,965 | $49.13 |
| Texas | $102,065 | $8,505 | $1,962 | $49.07 |
| Kansas | $101,486 | $8,457 | $1,951 | $48.79 |
| North Carolina | $100,940 | $8,411 | $1,941 | $48.53 |
| Louisiana | $99,788 | $8,315 | $1,919 | $47.98 |
| Kentucky | $96,957 | $8,079 | $1,864 | $46.61 |
| Michigan | $96,919 | $8,076 | $1,863 | $46.60 |
| West Virginia | $95,511 | $7,959 | $1,836 | $45.92 |
| Arkansas | $92,113 | $7,676 | $1,771 | $44.29 |
| Florida | $91,074 | $7,589 | $1,751 | $43.79 |
Source: ZipRecruiter.com
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Wages for travel nurses involve more than just a straight hourly rate. Travel nurses can receive non-taxed stipends for housing and living expenses, and those stipends are paid on top of your hourly rate. Other benefits may include, depending on the staffing agency:
It’s important to remember that travel nurses are paid (and taxed) differently than staff nurses. Travel nurses are paid through agencies, not the hospital, so you need to look at your total pay. This includes your hourly base pay + your non-taxable stipends, which are things like housing and meals.
Travel nurse packages will vary depending on the company and the individual. For example, one travel nurse may take a housing stipend while another might take the company-provided houses. These small differences are important to remember when investigating travel nurse contracts and also speaking to your peers.
Furthermore, some travel nurse companies will have exclusive contracts with healthcare institutions, and packages will look different based on the exclusivity.
There are three major components to all pay packages:
The hourly pay is the dollar per-hour amount for each hour worked. It is the taxable portion of the pay package, which is important to remember. The actual amount you are paid will vary depending on the agency. Travel nurse agencies will want to pay you the least amount hourly as possible in order to make the whole pay package look attractive. The larger the hourly wage, the more taxes are taken out, which results in less weekly income.
This portion of the pay package is tax-exempt since non-taxable money is not considered income. This is the most alluring part of a travel nurse pay package and where travel nurses will make the most money. This money is directly determined by the travel nurse company.
These stipends will also vary depending on whether you decide to take housing provided by the company or find your own. If you decide to take company-provided housing, you will not receive a housing stipend. Many travel nurses decide to take the housing stipend and then find their own living arrangements. This can help nurses take home extra non-taxable pay. But be careful; it can also be harmful.
For example, if the housing stipend is $1,200 and you find an apartment for $1,000, you will get to keep the extra $200. Unfortunately, if the housing cost is more than the housing stipend provided by the company, you are responsible for the difference.
Pro tip: Look at housing costs before signing your contract!
As an example, a standard total pay package could look something like this:
*Assumes $20 per hour at 40 hours per week, minus taxes
To qualify for these non-taxable stipends or reimbursements, one must maintain what the IRS calls a “tax home.” A tax home is your place of residence that you maintain and pay for (either by rent or mortgage) while you are out on your travel assignment. Ideally, the IRS would like a travel nurse to take an assignment somewhere and then return to their tax home, where they maintain a PRN or full-time nursing job.
Travel nurses who have a tax home will need to keep proof of this. It’s important to keep all receipts that prove you are paying to maintain your primary residence (e.g., house sitters, utilities, and home maintenance expenses).
Per IRS Publication 463, three factors are used to determine if a location/residence qualifies as a tax home. These are:
Most travel nursing agencies will have you sign a form stating that you do have a tax home. If you do not have a residence that you are planning on maintaining when you are traveling, you will be referred to as an itinerant worker. As an itinerant worker, you will be required to pay taxes on all income earned, including stipends and reimbursements. When applying with different travel agencies, make sure they are aware of your itinerant status. You can get more information about tax homes here.
Itinerant status is not ideal for someone looking to make the most money and will cause a big difference in take-home pay. It can be confusing to navigate the difference between tax home and itinerant status. Speaking to a financial planner and/or accountant specializing in travel nurse pay is helpful. As a best practice, travel nurses are encouraged to return to their permanent residence between contracts.
There are numerous factors that can affect travel nursing pay. Some will be in your control, and others will not. These include:
The specific location of the assignment most heavily influences travel nurse pay. Simply put, pay rates often reflect the cost of living in the area and also regional trends. Historically speaking, the highest-paying states for travel nurses include California, Washington, and New York.
Southern states like Mississippi and Alabama typically have lower living costs and, in turn, lower travel nurse pay. Destination locations, like Hawaii, typically do not have the most desirable pay packages because the locations are highly sought after. Companies know that there are many travel nurses excited about the surf and sand of Hawaii, so pay packages are reflective of that competition.
The travel nurse’s specialty also impacts pay. Long-term care nurses and clinic nurses will see significantly lower rates than other specialties, but this is generally the case even for staff nurses. Increased certifications, credentials, and skills will command higher pay.
Historically speaking, the top-paying travel nurse specialties are:
Night shift assignments are generally more prevalent in the world of travel nursing. The increased need and the less desirable shift mean that many hospitals offer higher rates for their night shift assignments. Flexibility is key if you want to make the most money as a travel nurse.
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Travel nursing has been all the rage for the last few years, especially when there were extra incentives and pay for working during the pandemic. Travel nursing positions come with plenty of perks, such as high travel nurse salaries, incentives like sign-on bonuses, and the opportunity to work in glamorous places like Hawaii and Florida.
But do travel nurses really make more money? The answer is yes…usually. However, the exact amount of money you can make as a travel nurse really depends on a variety of different factors.
Below is a breakdown of a travel nurse’s salary and why travel nurses tend to get paid more than nurses in traditional roles.
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In general, travel nurses have the opportunity to make more money than staff nurses for two main reasons:
Travel nurse staffing agencies work specifically with hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities that have a high demand for nurses. These facilities are willing to pay more to reach adequate staffing levels or to cover a known leave of absence.
Unlike regular staff nurses, travel nurses are paid a “total pay package” that includes an hourly base wage pay plus additional monetary incentives, like the following:
Because these extra stipends are classified as reimbursements and not income, they’re non-taxable, so a travel nurse can bring home a higher total pay when compared to a staff nurse, who pays taxes on all of the income they bring home.
The average salary for travel nurses in 2023 was $114,591 according to Indeed.com. That is significantly higher than the average salary for staff nurses of $86,070 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The exact salary you can expect to make as a travel nurse will vary widely based on where you choose to work, the type of nursing position, and the length of your contract.
For example, you may make more in a month as a travel nurse compared to a staff nurse, but if you only work one- or two-month-long assignments with breaks in between, then your annual pay will be lower. However, if you take several assignments in a 12-month period, then you could make significantly more in one year than you could as a staff nurse.
Your total travel nursing pay package will look different than that of a staff nurse because it’s made up of your “base wage” pay — the hourly rate you earn for your nursing duties — and additional stipends, which are classified as non-taxable reimbursements and not considered income.
As an example, a standard total travel nurse pay package could look something like this:
| Taxable hourly base wage* | $3,200 |
| Monthly housing stipend | $1,200 |
| Monthly meals stipend | $800 |
| Monthly mileage stipend | $500 |
| Monthly continuing education stipend | $500 |
| Sign-on bonus | $2,000 |
| Total monthly pay | $8,200 |
*Assumes $20 per hour at 40 hours per week, minus taxes
You should consult your certified financial planner if you have concerns before starting travel nursing. It may help you evaluate if a travel nurse pay package is right for you based on your overall financial goals.
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Some travel nurse staffing agencies also offer travel nurses additional benefits, such as retirement options and health, dental, vision, and life insurance. Keep in mind, retirement options that include a 401(k) may not be the most effective option if your taxable income is already low. It may make more sense to invest in a Roth IRA or other retirement account. But again, consult with your tax professional before making any major financial decisions.
Most travel nursing companies also require that you work a certain number of months before the 401(k) becomes available for travelers.
Why? One of the main benefits of a 401(k) is that it allows you to contribute your income before it’s taxed, but a large portion of most travel nurses’ total pay packages is non-taxable. Contributing to a 401(k) can decrease a travel nurse’s overall taxable income considerably and may lead to issues down the road — if they need to qualify for a home loan, for example.
Where you choose to work as a travel nurse also plays a large role in how much you will make. Certain cities and states offer higher pay because they have such a high demand for nurses, while other areas pay more based on the time of year.
For example, if you’re willing to travel to Alaska in the winter, you can make more money than if you worked in Hawaii in the winter months. Travel nurses who are willing to relocate to “less popular” areas throughout the year or go places in the off seasons, stand to increase the amount of overall pay they can make over the course of the entire year.
You could also seek out assignments in the highest-paying states and cities for travel nurses. For example, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top 10 highest-paying cities for RNs (not specifically travel nurses) currently are:
| Metropolitan area | Annual Salary | Hourly Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | $ 174,370 | $ 83.83 |
| Vallejo-Fairfield, CA | $ 171,620 | $ 82.51 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $ 170,780 | $ 82.11 |
| Napa, CA | $ 166,180 | $ 79.89 |
| Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA | $ 154,510 | $ 74.29 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $ 152,930 | $ 73.52 |
| Modesto, CA | $ 145,190 | $ 69.80 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $ 140,880 | $ 67.73 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA | $ 140,560 | $ 67.58 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | $ 138,420 | $ 66.55 |
The Top Highest Paying States for RNs in 2023 – based on all specialties
Source: BLS
Keep in mind that the Bureau of Labor Statistics data lists average salaries for RNs, so the potential for travel nurses specifically in those areas is even higher. However, you should consider the cost of living in those areas and if the stipends you’ll receive for housing, food, and other expenses will adequately cover those costs.
Read more: Best Cities for Travel Nurses
Working a travel nursing assignment in a high-paying state or city is one way to increase your take-home salary. You can also increase your pay as a travel nurse by working in an in-demand specialty.
The average travel nurse’s salary does vary based on specialty.
For example, travel nurses who work in the following in-demand specialties can make more pay (or negotiate for higher pay). Did you hear that? You can negotiate!
Some of those specialties include:
If you have experience in an in-demand area, you should highlight that on your travel nursing application and bring it to the attention of the travel nurse recruiter to maximize your pay.
Additionally, you may be able to make more money if you seek out specialty certifications in your area on your own before signing with a travel nurse agency.
Having a nurse who is “ready to go” in a specialty area may be more lucrative to a staffing agency than a nurse who is simply willing to be trained but not yet certified.
Travel nursing can be a profitable way to boost your savings and overall take-home pay. But the benefits don’t stop with just your paycheck. Travel nursing has so many other perks:
As a travel nurse, you’ll have the opportunity to work in fields you may not have access to close to home or receive additional training to further your nursing skills as well. Also, because travel nursing is flexible and can accommodate both short and long-term positions, many nurses can try temporary nursing assignments whether they’re single, partnered, married, child-free, or have a family. Lastly, travel nursing is also a great way to experience other parts of the country to live in, see, and explore.
RNs can earn up to $2,300 per week as travel nurses. Speak to a recruiter today!
One of the most common myths about travel nursing is you have to travel across the country or even work out of state. Maybe you’ve even heard that your contract must be at least 50 miles away from your permanent residence to collect the tax-free stipends of a travel nurse. But let’s dive deeper into this common myth…
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The IRS doesn’t actually have a specific ‘50-mile rule’ describing a certain distance you have to work away from your home. This 50-mile or 100-mile radius is used by many hospital facilities as a general rule of thumb to prevent their own full-time staff nurses from picking up the contracts themselves.
That being said, you can do local travel nursing without spending a small fortune on flight costs, additional housing, or traveling across state lines. For more specifics on the actual tax deductions you can claim while working local contracts, check out our travel nurse tax guide and consult with a tax professional who can give you the most accurate information for the laws in your specific state.
I first learned about local contract nursing from a nurse I used to work with. She explained to me that she actually worked at another hospital across the city and was under a short-term contract with our hospital for three months as a float nurse.
She ended up getting an extension as well, so she was actually there for a total of 6 months while working her other “local” healthcare job at the same time. She did this to save up for her wedding and was actually able to pay for the whole thing in cash!
She did this by making sure her scheduled shifts didn’t conflict with each other and allowed for time to eat and sleep in between. She also rented a small apartment on the other side of the city to stay in while she worked her three, 12-hour shift days at that hospital.
Travel benefits include free housing, travel reimbursement, and a sign-on bonus. Get started now.
When those three days were through, she would drive a few hours home and work her normal job.
If you’re wondering whether local travel nursing could work for you, here are some of the pros and cons of taking a travel nursing assignment in your home state.
A lot of first-time travelers would prefer to try something close to home in order to “test the waters” and see if they actually enjoy it. When you do, you’ll discover what is important for you and decide why you want to be a travel nurse. Is it for the experience of being out on your own, forced to make new friends and keep yourself entertained? Or is it more for the money, education, and career advancement?
Whatever your nursing career goals, travel nursing, whether local or across the country, can help you reach them.
Find your dream travel assignment here.
Travel nursing provides an exciting opportunity to travel the country while working in the nation’s top hospitals, but figuring out nursing license requirements for each state can be overwhelming.
The good news: The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) developed the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC), which is an agreement between states that allows nurses to have one license and the ability to practice in all the states that participate in the program. Over recent years, additional states have been added to the eNLC making it easier for travel nurses when applying for positions and nurses living near a state border.
The Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) has been around since 2000 to assist with the nursing shortage and make travel across state borders easier and more accessible to nurses. This has been extremely helpful for nurses looking to start work in the travel nursing space. It was updated in 2018 to the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC) and includes standards for licensure, which the original compact license lacked. The eNLC allows nurses to hold one license to practice in participating states without having to pay additional licensing fees or experiencing delays due to licensing issues.
Looking for open travel nurse assignments? Speak with a recruiter today!
Multi-state licenses are simple and easy to use but do hold one caveat: In order to apply for the compact license, the applicant MUST have permanent residence in one of the current eNLC states. Unfortunately, travel nurses that do not hold residency in one of participating states will still need to apply for individual state nursing licenses. Information regarding each state’s individual license can be found on their state’s webpage.
You must claim residency in an eNLC participating state in order to apply for a compact license. (Your primary residence refers to the state where you file your tax returns, vote, and/or have a driver’s license.) As a non-resident of an eNLC state, you can apply for licensure by endorsement, but will only be issued a single-state license instead of the compact license. Nurses can hold multiple single-state licenses.
This may be confusing, so here are a couple of examples:
Example #1: A nurse has primary residence and obtained their license in the state of Colorado, but wants to take a travel nursing job in Arizona. Because Colorado and Arizona both participate in the eNLC, there is no need to obtain an additional nursing license — the nurse can start the position in Arizona immediately. (The nurse’s current licensing information is confirmed by the employer from a national database known as Nursys, and the nurse is required to complete a criminal background check and fingerprinting for the state of Arizona.)
Example #2: A nurse has primary residence and licensure in Kentucky, but wants to take a travel nursing job in Alaska. Kentucky participates in the eNLC, but Alaska does not. The nurse must obtain a single-state license for Alaska before starting their assignment.
Currently, 39 states participate in the eNLC. In order to be eligible for a multi-state nursing license, a nurse must meet these requirements:
Find travel nursing assignments by speaking with a recruiter today!
Source: National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) 2023
Pro tip: If you know the specific state you’d like to travel to, then visit its state board of nursing website or ask your recruiter about licensing in that state specifically.
Travel nurse staffing agencies may refer to some states as “walk-through states,” which refers to states that issue licensure by endorsement or “temporary licenses.” Temporary licenses are mainly used for nurses who are looking to move to another state or have accepted a job and are waiting for their permanent licensing application to be processed. These types of licenses are often used during nursing strikes too. For example, obtaining a license in California can take several months, but temporary licenses are processed more quickly so the demand for nurses during strikes can be met.
Temporary licenses are typically good for 30 days to six months. If the nursing assignment is longer than the length of the temporary license, then a permanent license is required. Temporary licenses can only be obtained once per state and not all states allow temporary licenses.
Current “walk-through” states include:
Multi-state licenses are particularly great for travel nurses because they prevent unwanted downtime between assignments. It also makes those nurses highly coveted by hospitals and agencies, because they will not have to wait for licensure and can be immediately available. There is an eNLC database that hospitals and agencies can access to see if a nurse holds a compact license. This could mean the difference in obtaining a placement quickly.
Also, there are fewer license fees! With the implementation of the compact license, there is a single fee that covers all of the states included in the license.
The licensing fee and requirements for licensure by endorsement and permanent licensing are similar. Those fees and requirements include:
Note: Some states also require two letters of reference and proof of work history when applying for licensure by endorsement.
Travel nursing agencies will often assist in paying for nursing licenses or license renewals. They can even help with paperwork and make the process more streamlined for you.
The cost of licenses can add up quickly for travel nurses especially when working in states that don’t participate in the eNLC.
Pro tip: Some states allow nurses to suspend their licenses for a nominal fee. Then to reinstate the license, it’s another small fee.
For example, if a nurse holds a primary nursing license in Washington and wants to take a travel nursing assignment in Oregon (neither of which participate in the eNLC), then they must apply for a permanent license in Oregon. To obtain a single-state license, the nurse must fill out an application, pay the licensing fees, and complete a background check and fingerprinting — this process may take several weeks.
If the same nurse wants to renew their Oregon license after two years, then they must complete the required continuing education hours and pay the renewal fees. Technically, this nurse should also maintain their Washington nursing license as it’s their primary residence. This means paying the renewal fees and completing any continuing education requirements for Washington as well.
While individual state nursing boards do not require certifications such as Basic Life Support (BLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), hospitals do require nurses to have these certifications. That means travel nurse staffing agencies will require that these certifications be up to date before submitting your travel nurse contract to a hospital.
Moving between compact states has never been easier. Nurses can stop working at a job in Arizona on a Friday and start working in Texas on a Monday. Travel nurses do not have to fill out any additional paperwork and the license is immediately effective.
If a nurse plans on changing their permanent residence to a different compact state than the original issuer of the license, they should apply for a change of address on the state’s Board of Nursing website. This can be important during the renewal process. While the nursing compact license is one renewal form, the number and type of continuing education hours will depend on the state that originally issued the license.
Obtaining a nursing license can take as little as two days in states like Hawaii or as long as six months in California or Ohio. (California and Ohio currently have the longest wait times for permanent licenses.) Travel nurses may have to take contracts in other states while they wait for their licenses to be approved. It’s important to plan ahead if there are non-compact states on your desired list of places to travel. Typical wait times for nursing licenses for non-compact states:
Currently, Alaska and California are not part of the eNLC nor do they have legislation pending. While Hawaii is not part of the eNLC and there is no legislation pending, the first steps are being taken to start the process. As hot spots for travel nurses, single-state licenses are required. For this reason, travel nurses interested in working in these states should apply well in advance while working in current compact nursing states. Registered Nurses can be licensed in numerous states at the same time.
If working as a travel nurse and figuring out licensing still seems daunting, don’t fret. Travel nurse agencies and recruiters are knowledgeable on the topic and in some states can help nurses expedite the licensing process.
Nurses with compact licenses have increased flexibility and can start new contracts immediately in other compact states with minimal paperwork and fees. This opens the door for more employment opportunities for nurses. The impact of the eNLC extends beyond the flexibility for nurses, though. It also increases access to care for patients and allows hospitals to hire the best nurses for a position by removing the limitation of geographical licensures.
If you’re considering travel nursing, then ensure your license is up to date and get ready for your next adventure.
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