Is Travel Nursing Right for You? Here’s What to Know Before You Dive In
If you’re a nurse who’s curious about flexibility, better pay, or seeing more of the country, you’ve probably considered travel nursing. But what does it actually take to thrive in this kind of role—and how has the landscape changed since the COVID-19 surge? At Hire Energy, we work with nurses every day who are navigating these choices, and we’re here to break it down.What Makes a Great Travel Nurse?
Adaptability is key. Unlike a staff role where you get to know your facility over time, travel nurses are expected to hit the ground running. After a quick orientation—often just 30 minutes to an hour—you’re expected to step into full patient care. Nurses who do well in these environments tend to be experienced, confident in their clinical skills, and flexible enough to adjust quickly to new systems, protocols, and team dynamics.How Travel Nursing Has Evolved
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for travel nurses soared—and so did pay rates. Assignments paid three times more than usual, and many staffing companies saw record growth. Today, that demand has normalized. While travel opportunities are still plentiful due to ongoing nursing shortages, compensation and contract terms have largely settled into more sustainable territory.PRN vs. Travel Nursing: What’s the Difference?
Travel nursing typically involves longer contracts—often 13 weeks—and may require relocation. Think cross-country assignments in places like Alaska, complete with housing stipends and travel reimbursement. PRN (or “per diem”) work, on the other hand, is more flexible and local. These are shorter, shift-by-shift opportunities, often at facilities you’ve worked in before. Many staff nurses pick up PRN shifts to boost their income while staying close to home.You Can Choose Where You Go
One of the benefits of working with an agency like Hire Energy is that nurses have a say in where they work and how long they stay. Most travel nurses keep a few agency apps on their phones and prioritize companies that are responsive, reliable, and consistent with pay. Trust matters. Assignments vary widely—from general hospitals to highly specialized facilities, including challenging environments like behavioral health hospitals—so it’s important to choose roles that align with your experience and comfort level.What Credentials Do You Need?
Credential requirements vary depending on the facility, but basic qualifications typically include up-to-date nursing licenses, CPR certifications, and any specialty-specific training. For example, behavioral health roles often require hands-on de-escalation training that can’t be completed online. Hire Energy works closely with nurses to verify that all necessary documentation is in place before any assignment begins.How Long Does Onboarding Take?
The timeline depends on how quickly a nurse can provide documentation. Onboarding can take a few days to several weeks, especially if credentials need to be gathered or renewed. For last-minute PRN shifts, Hire Energy relies on its pre-screened database of credentialed nurses who are ready to go.Why Many Nurses Make the Shift
For some nurses, travel roles are a full-time lifestyle. For others, it’s about supplementing income—especially around the holidays or for specific financial goals. Many nurses enjoy the freedom of working a few extra shifts at premium rates, turning one weekend of work into a serious paycheck boost. That flexibility is what draws many to PRN or travel roles in the first place.Thinking About Making the Leap?
If you’re considering becoming a travel nurse, here are a few smart first steps:- Research agencies – Find one you trust. Reputation matters.
- Talk to peers – Fellow nurses can share first-hand experiences with different agencies.
- Stay organized – Keep your credentials updated and easy to access. It will save you time and help you land assignments faster.
