Like most things in life, there are many facets to consider when becoming a travel nurse. As you're working on different assignments, you will have the opportunity to meet lots of new people and see different places. Even though your assignment may involve longer shifts, the experience of going to new places will make it all worth while.
Although travel nursing is a very rewarding career, you may want to keep in mind that your role during most assignments is going to be filling in the gaps where hospitals and clinics are low on staff. This can make for some unpredictable schedules, so you must be willing to work a variety of shifts. Because you'll be adapting to a new facility several times over the course of a year, you will also need to be able to catch on quickly and jump right in.
Orientation at a new location may be brief, so your ability to learn rapidly will be essential. This might be challenging at times, but future employers will be impressed by your ability to keep up in such a fast paced environment. Travel nursing will also give you the chance to learn many different nursing tasks and will expand your skillset for optimal professional growth. One assignment might find you working in a community hospital, and another you could be in a trauma center. You'll never have the opportunity to get bored as a travel nurse!
Since you may often be traveling to locations that are new to you, meeting people on assignment can be a great cure for loneliness. You'll make new friends with the people you're working with as well as others around town. Meeting new people is one of the best parts about this career. This is your chance to experience new cultures and explore new surroundings. Many people only dream of visiting all of the locations you'll get to visit as part of your job!
The great part about travel nursing is you get to pick where your assignments are. If you love urban settings, go on assignment in Chicago. Can't get enough Cajun cuisine? Head down to New Orleans! The possibilities are endless when you are a travel nurse. Just make sure you plan ahead if you want to work continually by lining up your next contract with the agency before the current contract expires. The freedom to go where you want and the flexible schedules you'll receive are huge perks in this career.