plan a travel nursing

9 Best Travel Nurse Companies of 2023

Are you ready to try travel nursing? Working with a travel nurse staffing agency can make it easier to find travel nursing jobs and to negotiate pay rates and benefits. An agency gives you a point of contact who can help you navigate job listings and compensation packages.

The sooner you find the right company, the faster you can start traveling.

Click here for today’s top travel nursing opportunities.

How To Find The Right Travel Nursing Company

When looking for the best travel nursing company to suit your needs, you first have to know what your needs are.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself when considering travel nursing companies:

  • Are you going to need health insurance?
  • How important is it that you contribute to your retirement?
  • Do you prefer to find your own housing or do you want your company to find it for you?
  • Where do you want to travel?
  • How do you plan on getting there?
  • Do you plan on working per diem as well?
  • What kind of healthcare facilities are you hoping to work in?

What to Look for in Travel Nursing Agencies

When looking into travel nurse agencies you should first make sure that they provide the basics: free housing or a housing stipend, health and dental insurance, a retirement plan, travel reimbursement, 24-hour customer support, and a variety and abundance of travel nursing jobs all over the country.

Here are a few tips from my experience about the basics:

Travel Nurse Housing:

Do you want your agency to find housing for you, or do you want to take the housing stipend and search for housing yourself?

I personally found it much easier to have my agency set up my housing for me. This way I knew it was safe, furnished, close to where I was working, and paid for. If there were any problems, all I had to do was call my company and it would be handled.

Many people choose to find their own housing and take the housing stipend instead. There are pros and cons to this choice:

Pros To Choosing Housing Stipends

  • Your housing stipend depends on the city you live in, but oftentimes, it is more than the rent you end up paying. This is a good way to make some extra tax-free cash.
  • You can find exactly the type of housing you’re looking for at the price you’re willing to pay. You can rent just a room for yourself and pocket a lot of cash. Or rent an entire house if you’re bringing your family or pets along. If you’re traveling with fellow coworkers, you can find a bigger house to share that fits everyone.
  • You can choose where you live. Maybe you’re going to Seattle and you’d rather live downtown and commute to work than vs. living next to the hospital in the suburbs.
  • There are several websites and groups now to help you find housing
  • Once you’ve done it once, you understand how to find housing and can repeat the process in the next location.

Cons To Choosing Housing Stipends

  • It can be difficult to find short-term furnished housing.
  • Many landlords require a deposit, so you have to front that money before you get your first paycheck.
  • If you end up extending your contract, it’s not guaranteed that your landlord hasn’t rented out the place to someone else.
  • If you have never been to that city before, it can also be tough to determine whether a neighborhood is safe or not.

Another thing to keep in mind, if you are traveling with a pet, it may make it difficult to find your own housing. Oftentimes, travel nurse agencies have housing already contracted that accepts pets.

There are pros and cons to using your a travel nurse agency’s contracted housing vs. finding your own housing. It just depends on how much time and effort you can put into the search and if you’re hoping to pocket any extra housing stipend cash.

Benefits for Travel Nurses:

  • The majority of travel nurse companies offer health and dental insurance.
  • Now that the Affordable Care Act is in place, it might be wise to research whether or not it would be more cost-effective for you to go with your agency’s healthcare plan or purchase one of your own through healthcare.org. The benefit of going through healthcare.org is that if you do plan on switching travel nurse agencies, you won’t have to change your insurance.
  • Some smaller travel nurse companies will give you a healthcare stipend if you don’t take their health insurance so you can purchase your own.
  • As far as retirement plans go, I decided to open up my own Roth IRA and not contribute to the 401K because I didn’t know how long I was going to be traveling.  With some companies you can contribute to your 401K from day 1 and with others you have to wait as long as 1 year.

Travel Nurse Reimbursements

When talking with your potential travel nurse agency, make sure you ask them what the reimbursement is for travel. “Travel” cost is considered the amount of money it takes you to get from your “tax home” to your travel assignment or from one assignment to the next. Often times this can be negotiated if there is a high need in one state that happens to be across the country.

I have found that the average reimbursement is $500.

They will pay you half on your first paycheck and the other half when you complete your assignment. You have the option of either driving or flying to your next destination. I personally drove to each of my assignments; I couldn’t imagine trying to fit all my belongings into suitcases and I love road trips.

Important Pay and Benefits Questions to Ask

Not all benefits or pay packages are created equal. It is important to find an agency that offers benefits, housing, and pay packages that are specific to your needs.

1. What destinations does your agency serve?

The whole point of travel nursing is to travel…right? So it is important to find a company that serves the city or cities you want to travel to. Some agencies claim they have contracts nationwide, however, that may not be the case.

If you know of a specific hospital that you would like to travel to because it looks good on your resume or a specific city you want to explore, then make sure your potential agency has a contract at that location. This is especially important if you want to travel to places such as Hawaii and Alaska.

Match with a travel company here.

2. How are your pay packages broken down?

Does the company tend to pay a higher base rate with lower non-taxable reimbursements or a lower base rate with higher non-taxable reimbursements?

Having a higher base rate may serve you better if you plan on taking company housing, plan on buying a house, or getting a loan in the near future. If you are someone who likes to find their own housing, then a higher housing stipend may be the way to go with a lower base rate.

3. What types of housing do you provide?

Most agencies offer a one-bedroom furnished apartment for your typical 13-week contract. This typically does not include dishes, linen, a washer and dryer, a T.V., or even a vacuum. If you don’t like lugging your belongings around with you all over the country or paying out of pocket to rent this stuff, then it may be wise to either ask if the agency provides any of these necessities at no cost or find your own housing.

If your contract is only eight weeks, then you could get stuck in an extended-stay hotel. I personally like to have nice housing, so I wanted a company that focused on providing comfortable and safe housing options. If you like to find your own housing then this may not apply to you.

4. What type of benefits do you offer?

Most agencies offer medical/dental benefits and a retirement package. If these benefits are important to you, then finding a company with good benefits is essential.

If you like to live on the edge with no health benefits and you brush and floss your teeth like a champ, then maybe you don’t care about benefits. If this is the case then you can ask the company if they are willing to pay you a higher base rate for not taking their benefits.

As far as retirement packages go, I found it easier to do my own Roth IRA on the side. This way, if I switched companies I didn’t have to worry about moving my money all over the place.

Click here to discover new high paying opportunities.

5. What types of extra work-related costs do you reimburse for?

Travel nurse companies can reimburse you for the following:

  • Licensing fees
  • CEU (Continuing Education) requirements
  • Certifications
  • Required immunizations

Some travel nurse agencies have a CEU database that is free for their employees. This helps cut costs in those states that require a certain number to maintain or acquire a new license.

These extra costs add up over time so it’s nice to know your agency is looking out for your pocketbook.

6. What are your missed and canceled shift policies?

A missed shift means you called in sick, and a canceled shift means they canceled you for low census. For the most part, the hospital determines how the travel nurse agency handles this, and it will be written in your contract.

This is important because in the travel nurse world if you don’t work, you don’t get paid. And in some cases, you may have to reimburse your agency for housing costs.

There may be a clause written in your contract that allows you to “miss” a certain amount of shifts without being penalized. There will also be a clause that states how many shifts the hospital can cancel you. Usually, it’s once a pay period, and your agency shouldn’t require you to reimburse them for housing costs.

There are even some agencies that offer 100% guaranteed shifts meaning no matter what you will not get canceled.

Find travel assignments in your specialty here.

Other Questions To Ask a Travel Nurse Agency:

  • What is the travel reimbursement?
  • How much will health insurance cost me?
  • If I don’t take health insurance, do I get a healthcare stipend?
  • When can I start contributing to my 401K?
  • Are there bonuses for extending assignments?
  • How often do I get paid?
  • Does the company also contract per diem work?
  • Do they offer paid time off?
  • Are there any referral bonuses available?

9 Best Travel Nursing Agencies

Here is a list and highlights of a few travel nursing companies to consider.

All of these companies offer the basics such as housing, benefits, travel reimbursement, staffing in all 50 states, and 24-hour customer support.

Click here to find the right company for you!

Find the Best Travel Nurse Agency for You

There are a number of travel nursing companies to choose from.

Finding the best travel nursing company that fits your needs and a recruiter that has your best interests in mind are absolutely essential for an enjoyable travel nursing experience.

The right staffing agency for you is out there, now is the time to find them!

  Click here for today’s top travel nursing opportunities.

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Nurse.org

What is a Travel Nurse? Everything You Need to Know

How to become a travel nurse.

  • State Licensing
  • Agencies & Recruiters
  • Certifications
  • A Travel Nurse's Journey
  • Final Thoughts

Mountains and lake looking out airplane window

The world of nursing is not confined to traditional hospital settings. For those seeking excitement, flexibility, and diversity in their nursing careers, travel nursing presents a unique and rewarding opportunity.

This guide will discuss  travel nurse requirements , essential steps, qualities, and perks of becoming a travel nurse, offering valuable insights into this exhilarating profession.

Want to learn how to become a travel nurse ? The first step is obtaining the necessary education and licensure.

Aspiring nurses can choose to pursue an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution. Opting for a BSN opens doors to a broader range of job prospects, including prestigious healthcare systems and trauma centers.

After completing their nursing education, nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to obtain their state nursing license, laying the foundation for their travel nursing journey.

As a travel nurse, certain certifications are commonly required and highly recommended to ensure the nurse’s readiness to handle various clinical situations and emergencies. The two critical certifications that travel nurses typically need are:

Basic Life Support (BLS): BLS certification by the American Heart Association is a fundamental requirement for all healthcare professionals. BLS training equips nurses with the skills to recognize and respond to life threatening emergencies such as cardiac arrest, choking, and respiratory distress.

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS): ACLS certification by the American Heart Association is essential for nurses working in settings where they may encounter patients with cardiac issues or in critical care situations. ACLS skills build upon BLS skills and provide additional knowledge and techniques to manage cardiac arrest, stroke and other cardiovascular emergencies. 

Depending on your specialty and the requirements from the facility you wish to travel to, other certifications such as PALS, NRP, and Stable may be required, so be sure to ask your recruiter before applying to travel nursing positions. Additionally, it's important for nurses to keep their certifications up to date, as they typically require renewal every few years.

>> Related: What do Travel Nurses Do?

The most important element to becoming a travel nurse is experience. Most travel agencies and hospitals require nurses to have a minimum of two years of nursing experience prior to applying for travel nursing contracts.

>> Click here to see available high-paying travel nurse opportunities!

Navigating State Licensing as a Travel Nurse

Travel nurses frequently move between states, requiring them to research and understand each state's licensing requirements. Some states offer temporary "walk-through" licenses, enabling nurses to obtain short-term licenses swiftly. Familiarity with individual state licensing procedures and timelines is crucial for successful travel assignments.

Compact state licensure for travel nurses is a game-changer in the healthcare industry, streamlining the licensing process and making it easier for nurses to practice across state lines. By participating in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), qualified nurses can hold a single multi-state license, granting them the privilege to work in any other NLC state without the need for additional licenses. 

This simplification not only reduces bureaucratic barriers but also addresses the growing demand for healthcare professionals in various regions. Travel nurses can now embark on new assignments swiftly, providing crucial medical support where it's needed most, and ultimately enhancing patient care across the nation.

Key Attributes of a Travel Nurse

Effective travel nurses possess a unique set of qualities that enable them to excel in diverse healthcare settings. These attributes include:

Adaptability and flexibility : The ability to quickly adjust to new environments and handle various patient populations and healthcare systems

Strong communication skills: Effective communication is essential for collaborating with different healthcare teams, patients, and families

Problem-solving and critical thinking : Travel nurses encounter new challenges regularly, necessitating strong problem-solving skills and critical-thinking abilities

Compassion and empathy: A genuine love for patient care and empathy are vital in providing exceptional nursing services as a travel nurse.

Leadership abilities: Travel nurses should be comfortable assuming leadership roles when needed and confidently handling responsibilities

  • Love for adventure: A spirit of adventure and a curiosity to explore new places and cultures is essential.

Benefits of Travel Nursing

Apart from competitive pay, travel nurses often enjoy an array of benefits:

Non-taxed stipends: Additional stipends for housing and living expenses on top of hourly rates if you qualify

Healthcare insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.

Retirement plans: 401K investment options for long-term financial planning

Bonuses: Sign-on, completion, and referral bonuses as incentives

Continuing education: Access to free courses for continuous professional development

License reimbursement: Support for renewing and maintaining licenses

Reliable pay: Weekly or bi-weekly pay schedules

Tax advantage plans: Tax-saving options for travel-related expenses

Insurance coverage: Coverage for life, liability, disability, and worker's compensation

Travel reimbursement to and from your assignment

Support: 24/7 support from the staffing agency. 

Travel Nurse Salary

The compensation for travel nurses varies significantly based on location, specialty, experience, and the chosen agency ZipRecruiter.com reports the national average for travel nurses is $118,400 per year.  While the pandemic and nursing shortage temporarily drove higher wages due to increased demand, these exceptional rates have not since been sustained post-pandemic. 

​​Travel Nurse Salary by State

Source: ZipRecruiter

Wages for travel nurses involve more than a straight hourly rate. They can receive non-taxed stipends for travel nurse housing and living expenses. Stipends are paid on top of the nurse’s hourly rate.  Other benefits for travel nurses, depending on the staffing agency,  include, 

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401K investment options
  • Sign-on, completion, and referral bonuses
  • Free continuing education courses
  • License Reimbursement 
  • Weekly/Bi-weekly Pay
  • Tax Advantage Plan
  • Life Insurance
  • Liability Insurance, Disability Insurance, and Worker’s Compensation
  • 24/7 Support

Additionally, you can increase your travel nurse salary through specialization or advancing your education. The average travel nurse practitioner salary is significantly higher than that of travel RNs.

What Are The Best Travel Nurse Agencies and How Do You Pick One?

Your travel nurse company and recruiter can make or break your experience, so this question should not be taken lightly. 

When you’re starting your travel nurse journey, one of the first steps you need to take is finding a travel nurse company and recruiter. This process might feel overwhelming because there are so many options out there. How do you know if you’ve found a good travel nurse company and a recruiter who has your best interest at heart?

When looking into travel nurse agencies, you should first make sure that they have these non-negotiables:

  • A dedicated housing department of experts to help you find housing or do they give you a stipend to find your own housing
  • Day 1 health, dental and vision insurance, and premium cost
  • 401K that you can start contributing to immediately
  • Travel reimbursement
  • 24-hour customer support. Make sure to choose one with a clinical department that is available as a resource for you. 
  • Have a variety and abundance of travel nursing jobs all over the country for your specialty.

Make sure to ask if they are Joint Commission credentialed. Agencies that obtain this certification must complete a strict qualification process, and it helps ensure that the company is upheld to the highest standards in the industry.

What to Look Out for When Working With Travel Nurse Recruiters

Travel nurse recruiters play a vital role in connecting nurses with suitable assignments. A skilled and honest recruiter advocates for the nurse's best interests, secures desirable contracts, and provides transparent and accurate information in a timely manner. 

Conversely, nurses should be cautious of unprofessional recruiters who submit them to assignments without consent or make false promises. In many cases, travel nurses build long-time friendships with their recruiters! You want to find a recruiter with whom you can connect quickly and establish a bond. They should be someone who helps put your mind at ease, has your back, and actively listens to what you want instead of pushing their agenda.

Don’t be scared to interview recruiters to find the right one. Working with a recruiter whose personality, values, and humor complement yours will make your travel nurse experience even more worthwhile.

We encourage you to work with travel nurse recruiters who have been vetted and highly recommended by fellow travel nurses or with our trusted partner, travelnursing.org.

Certifications for Travel Nurses

While there are no specific national nursing certifications for a Travel Nurse, having advanced RN certifications can make an individual look more desirable to hospitals. There are a plethora of nationally recognized certifications including, 

  • CCCTM - Certified in Care, Coordination, and Transition Management
  • CDN - Certified Dialysis Nurse
  • CMSRN - Certified Medical Surgical Registered Nurse
  • CNN - Certified Nephrology Nurse
  • CNOR - Certified Nurse Operating Room
  • CPAN - Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse

The most common certifications for travel nurses are,

  • CPN - Certified Pediatric Nurse 
  • CCRN - Certified Critical Care Nurse
  • CEN - Certified Emergency Nurse

What Are the CEU Requirements for Travel Nurses?

Continuing education is essential for all registered nurses, including travel nurses, to maintain their active licenses. Each state has specific continuing education requirements that nurses must fulfill to remain compliant.

Examples of continuing education requirements for RNs are as follows: 

  • Washington - 8 contact hours every year
  • Texas - 20 contact hours every 2 years
  • Florida - 24 contact hours every 2 years
  • California - 30 hours every 2 years
  • Hawaii - 30 contact hours every 2 years 
  • Arkansas -20 contact hours every 2 years
  • Florida -24 contact hours every 2 years
  • Illinois - 20 contact hours every 2 years
  • Iowa -36 contact hours every 2 years
  • Pennsylvania -20 contact hours every 2 years

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. 

Nurse.org has a comprehensive list of CEUs by state for RNs here .

Brandy Pinkerton's Journey to Becoming a Travel Nurse

Brandy Pinkerton shared with us why she decided to become a travel nurse and what her journey was like.

Why did I decide to become a travel nurse ? I was burned out in my staff job and needed to renew my passion for nursing. After finding a great company and a trustworthy recruiter, I embarked on my first assignment solo with my two doggies in tow and never looked back! 

Since pursuing a career as a travel nurse and completing over 15 assignments, I’ve had adventures in Florida , Colorado , Nevada , South Carolina , Texas , and Montana . Becoming a travel nurse was the best decision I could have made for myself! While I’m grateful I made the decision to become a travel nurse, I also know that there are a lot of logistics involved in getting started. I’ll tell you all there is to know about travel nursing, so that you can feel prepared to take the leap into this exciting, rewarding profession!

Here are a few things travel nursing has given me:

  • A better compensation package with benefits. Because of this, I could pay most of my debt, and I no longer had to work two jobs. 
  • More time off and flexibility with my schedule. You can imagine all the wonderful things that can happen when you have more time back.
  • Experiences that I would never usually get to have. Through these experiences, I discovered what I like and some new hobbies.
  • Less burnout – this is HUGE!
  • New relationships and friendships all over the U.S.
  • More confidence. I have grown both professionally & personally.
  • The ability to build my resume. I’ve been able to try out so many hospitals and have great takeaways from them. Who knows? There are some I may go back to one day.

Final Thoughts on Travel Nursing

Becoming a travel nurse is a thrilling journey that promises adventure, personal growth, and unique experiences. From education and licensure to acquiring experience and embracing essential attributes, travel nurses embark on a profession that combines professionalism with exploration. With competitive salaries, a range of benefits, and the potential to make a meaningful impact on patients across various locations, travel nursing offers a gratifying and fulfilling career path like no other! 

Kathleen Gaines

Kathleen Gaines (nee Colduvell) is a nationally published writer turned Pediatric ICU nurse from Philadelphia with over 13 years of ICU experience. She has an extensive ICU background having formerly worked in the CICU and NICU at several major hospitals in the Philadelphia region. After earning her MSN in Education from Loyola University of New Orleans, she currently also teaches for several prominent Universities making sure the next generation is ready for the bedside. As a certified breastfeeding counselor and trauma certified nurse, she is always ready for the next nursing challenge.

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  • Nurse Spotlight
  • Student Resources

How to Become an International Travel Nurse

portrait of Gayle Morris, BSN, MSN

Gayle Morris

Contributing Writer

Learn about our editorial process .

Updated February 1, 2023

Reviewed by

Brandy Gleason

Contributing Reviewer

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Traveling nurse wearing scrubs and a face mask rides a European commuter train.

Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

Great pay and boundless opportunities are just some reasons why nurses choose travel nursing. The job options are a good fit for nurses who love to travel, discover new places, and want to broaden their skill set.

Travel nurses help temporarily fill shortages. In the U.S., assignments may range from 13-26 weeks, but international assignments are often at least one year.

European countries offer some of the highest-paying jobs. Benefits can include a housing stipend, travel costs, and partially covering food and other living expenses.

Travel nursing jobs within the U.S. are simple to arrange. Travel nursing internationally, however, has a few added prerequisites.

Discover how to become an international travel nurse, types of assignments available, and the required certifications.

How Long to Become: 4-6 years

Degree Required: ADN, BSN, or MSN

Job Outlook: 6% growth, 2021-2031 Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

What Is an International Travel Nurse?

There is a global nursing shortage . Countries with shortages need to increase nurse graduates by an average of 8% annually. One out of every eight nurses works in a country where they were not born or trained. This is what international travel nursing looks like.

Travel nursing is available domestically. But you can also choose to travel and work internationally.

Nursing shortages have hit countries across the world and they require medical personnel to fill their needs. This offers travel nurses an opportunity to expand their skills and learn new medical techniques.

Many countries need to fill positions in nursing specialties . Hospitals, doctors' offices, and outpatient care clinics are just some of the settings in need of international travel nurses.

The most sought-after nurses often have experience in emergency rooms (ERs)/ emergency departments (EDs) as an ER nurse , intensive care, and cardiac care. Nurses with experience as a labor and delivery nurse and in neonatal nurse care are also desirable.

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Steps to becoming an international travel nurse.

Becoming an international travel nurse is much like working as a domestic travel nurse. However, there may be additional requirements depending on your destination.

A nurse must hold licensure from the state board of nursing , which confers the registered nurse (RN) credential.

Earning this requires passing the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN). Some states have additional requirements.

To start your journey as an international travel nurse, take the following steps:

Earn a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree.

International travel nursing demands high-level nursing skills in your specialization. This starts with earning a four-year bachelor of science in nursing degree from an accredited school.

A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) improves patient care and prepares you for leadership and management positions.

Nurses with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) may enroll in an RN-to-BSN degree bridge program to complete their BSN. If you are entering a BSN program with a bachelor's in another field, consider accelerated nursing programs .

Pass the NCLEX-RN exam.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing offers the NCLEX exam . It is a national exam all U.S states accept. The test demonstrates your clinical competency in nursing and decides if your state will issue you a nursing license.

To take the exam, you must hold either an ADN or BSN, which can also help you develop a NCLEX study plan . You are tested on care management, pharmacology, and safety and infection control, among other areas. NCLEX practice questions are available through various study sites.

Gain experience.

To work and travel domestically, the best travel nursing agencies may want you to have at least one year of experience in your specialty. However, international travel nursing positions may require even more experience or nursing certifications . This depends on the country and the facility you'll work from.

Earn proper credentials.

Domestic travel nursing requires that you have a nursing license in the state where you will be working. For international travel nursing, your destination country may have a longer list of requirements.

This list can include a valid passport, visa to work in the country, and vaccinations needed before traveling . Some facilities may require special certifications. Others may require a language test to demonstrate proficiency before travel.

Find employment.

International travel nurses may work in hospitals, doctors' offices, or outpatient clinics. While it's not necessary to work with a travel nursing agency, it can help you look for work, finalize your contract, and move.

Note the length of your contract as you decide on your location. Domestic travel nurses often work 13-26 weeks. International nurses may be offered one- or two-year contracts.

International Travel Nurse Schooling

As you consider your options as a travel nurse, know the educational and skill requirements you may need. Most organizations prefer a BSN degree.

To work internationally, you need an undergraduate degree in nursing from a four-year program, such as an in-person or online BSN program . To apply for a graduate-level program, students often must hold a BSN.

Admission Requirements

Program curriculum, time to complete, skills learned, choosing a specialization.

Whether choosing to work in a nursing specialization or advancing your career through a graduate program , nursing offers the opportunity to specialize. Nurses graduating from a BSN program can choose to become certified in a specialty, which demonstrates their advanced knowledge.

For example, nurses may choose certification as a rehabilitation nurse , a pain management nurse , or in cardiac care.

Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) can choose to practice as a family nurse practitioner, pediatric nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology nurse practitioner , acute care nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, certified registered nurse anesthetis t, and more.

The specialty you choose will help determine your opportunities as an international travel nurse.

International Travel Nurse Credentials

International travel nurses need a nursing license in the U.S. An APRN needs to take the certification exam in their specialty. After these two requirements, you will need a passport, visa, work permit, and any sponsorship for your destination country.

Each country may have its own list of necessary documentation. This can include professional references, birth certificates, immunization records, and proof that you can speak the language.

Certifications

APRNs need certification in their specialty field. For example, those who want to become a family nurse practitioner (FNP) must pass the FNP certification exam. This is a valid, reliable demonstration of your competency in the field.

An RN may choose to have certifications that demonstrate advanced knowledge in rehabilitation nursing, pain management, or other specialty areas. Professional associations offer certifications that have specific requirements to maintain the credential.

Nursing requires state licensure that confers the credential of RN on the nursing candidate. To get the license, nurses must pass the NCLEX-RN.

Additional requirements depend on the state, including background and fingerprint checks, or school transcripts. Each state board of nursing has requirements to maintain licensure, including continuing education .

Working as an International Travel Nurse

Nursing gives you a unique opportunity to work and travel the world. The severe global nursing shortage has opened up opportunities for nurses who work in operating and emergency rooms, cardiac and neonatal units, and other specialties.

Countries with the highest salaries for travel nurses are Luxembourg, Switzerland, and the United States. However, they also have the highest cost of living. The average salary is $115,020 per year according to ZipRecruiter as of January 2023, or about $2,210 per week.

The simplest way to get into international travel nursing is to sign up with an agency that works with international organizations. They help refine your travel search based on your skills and past work experience.

Consider testing the waters as a travel nurse within the U.S. before exploring long-term contracts overseas.

Another option is working with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD, which has international jobs for nurses. The DoD works with you to ensure you have the necessary documentation to work overseas. You can receive job alerts for their international postings.

Beyond documentation, you need skills. Nurses should have communication, conflict resolution, and team player skills. Without a strong command of the local language, it is impossible to be successful.

The following are some common workplace settings for international travel nurses. Note that your specializations and certifications will help determine the positions available to you.

Organizations seek nurses who have specialty skills in the intensive care unit, emergency room, telemetry, or the operating room. These areas require critical thinking for nurses , initiative, and leadership.

Outpatient Care Clinics

In an outpatient setting, nurses must be proficient at triage, assessment, educating patients, starting IVs, and RN case management .

Doctors' Offices

In a doctor's office, a nurse needs mastery of communication, assessment, medication administration, wound management, and minor medical procedures.

Becoming an International Travel Nurse: FAQs

Do travel nurses go internationally.

Travel nurses can choose to travel domestically or internationally. To travel and work overseas, you need a license and certification in your specialty, passport, and work visa. You may also need to take a language test to prove proficiency and provide reference letters. While domestic travel assignments can last up to 26 weeks, international ones can last up to two years.

How much do international travel nurses make?

Travel nurses are well paid to offset the stress of living and working away from home. Travel nurse salaries depend on your nursing specialty and country placement. Your compensation package includes an hourly salary, housing stipend, and travel expenses. It may also cover food and other living expenses.

How do I become an international nurse?

The first step is to earn your BSN from an accredited school. After graduation, you must pass the NCLEX-RN and apply for a license in your state. Most travel agencies want new nurses to have at least one year of bedside experience. Many recommend two years to gain proficiency in a specialty to practice internationally.

Once accepted by an agency, it can take up to one year to gather the necessary documents required by the country if you do not already have them. This can include a passport, work visa, recommendation letters, and testing in the language. Some countries may also require sponsorship.

Where is the best place to work as an international travel nurse?

International travel nursing is an opportunity to travel overseas while working. The best place depends on your goals. For example, Luxembourg is one of the highest-paying countries, but they also have a high cost of living. Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia do not require learning a new language. The Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, and Bolivia can offer a chance to make a real difference in people's lives.

Learn More About International Travel Nurses

Page last reviewed January 23, 2023

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Home / Nursing Careers & Specialties / Travel Nurse

Travel Nurse

What is a travel nurse, how to become a travel nurse, travel nurse faqs, what does a domestic or international travel nurse do, travel nurse salary and employment, helpful organizations, societies, & agencies.

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Travel nurses are RNs from various clinical backgrounds who work for independent staffing agencies. They are assigned to different care areas on a temporary basis to fill in short-term employment gaps.

Travel nursing is a specialty that took root when the field of nursing faced a nationwide shortage. Hospitals, clinics, and other care areas had unfilled positions, yet had patients needing care. To try and attract nurses to the open positions, employers offered higher pay, housing, and covered the cost of relocating.

Due to these shortages, health care facilities have vacancies that need to be filled—and travel nurses are often the ones to fill open positions. Not only do travel nurses work in health care in any state in the country, but they also work outside of the United States as international travel nurses. The adventure and excitement of new opportunities, along with higher-than-average pay, are facets of travel nursing that many RNs find attractive.

Why Are Travel Nurses Important?

Travel nurses are an important part of the health care team because they help bridge the gap between supply and demand in the field of nursing. Mandatory nurse-patient ratios have led to increased patient safety and lower patient mortality . While this is a positive finding, and more and more states are passing legislation to implement staffing ratios, there are not enough nurses to fill the openings. Travel nurses assigned those open positions help to increase patient safety and improve patient outcomes.

Additionally, nurses from different educational backgrounds, care areas, and geographic locations bring a great deal to the practice of nursing. Sharing ideas and practices not only benefits patients, but also other nurses.

A travel nurse should have the following characteristics to excel in the role:

  • Enjoys experiencing new cities, towns, and organizations
  • Enjoys freedom. Travel nurses choose when and where they work, and choose their duration of employment
  • Enjoys flexibility. Travel nurses create their schedules, benefits packages, and income based on which agency they choose to work
  • Thrives on challenges. Moving to different states or overseas and being “the new nurse” repeatedly is challenging. Learning new organizational systems and workflows is particularly challenging
  • Loves learning new things. Each assignment takes travel nurses to new health care facilities, some with higher levels of technology or different standards of practice. Each experience helps nurses build upon their knowledge base

Additionally, travel nurses should have supportive families and friends. It's difficult to either pack up and move an entire family or leave your family and friends behind. The flip side to this is that new relationships are formed in each new location.

What Are the Educational Requirements for Travel Nurses?

Those interested in the specialty of travel nursing should first pursue a nursing degree through a two or four-year university. Obtaining an associate's degree ( ADN ) or bachelor's degree ( BSN ) in nursing is required. A BSN is not required to be a travel nurse, but some health care facilities only hire BSN-prepared nurses. The staffing agency in which the nurse is employed should match the nurse appropriately based on educational requirements.

After completion of an accredited nursing program, successful completion of the NCLEX-RN is required for licensure.

Most travel nurse agencies require a minimum of one year of hands-on experience in the chosen specialty of nursing. Additionally, some agencies will only hire BSN-prepared RNs. International travel nurses should speak the language of the country they are to practice in, as communication is an important part of effective healthcare delivery. Nurses are encouraged to research agencies when considering travel nursing.

Are Any Certifications or Credentials Needed?

No additional exams are required for travel nursing. Based on the specialty, certification(s) may be required. Examples include:

  • Basic Life Support (BLS)
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) may be required
  • Stroke care certification
  • Telemetry certification
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
  • Critical care nursing (adults, pediatric, neonatal)
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) may be required
  • Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification
  • Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
  • Trauma Nurse Core Course (TNCC) certification

Additional specific requirements may be necessary for international travel nurses. These include:

  • Acquiring a passport and work visa (usually handled by the agency)
  • Additional immunizations
  • Learning a new language
  • Learning about diseases unique to the area

How Can a Travel Nurse Receive a Tax-Free Housing Stipend?

Housing is one of the most significant concerns for a travel nurse. There are a few options available, and it depends on the travel nurse agency/company regarding how accommodations are set up. Some companies provide housing (i.e., apartment, duplex, etc.). Some companies offer a housing stipend, or a fixed amount of money each month to apply towards housing.

First, nurses need to be aware of where their “tax home” is, as stipends are tax-free if working away from the tax home. Having a tax home is necessary to receive tax-free housing. A "tax home" is defined as the general vicinity of an individual's primary place of work (regardless of where the primary residence is). Generally, the IRS considers someone traveling away from home (i.e., their "tax home") if it exceeds one workday.

Different travel nurse agencies offer different stipends - it’s important to research what the living expenses are in a specific area to ensure housing is adequately covered. The General Services Administration (GSA) lists the maximum daily amount for lodging, meals, and incidentals with regards to travel expenses . The key word is MAXIMUM. It's not required that a company pay employees the listed stipend. In fact, some travel nurse agencies offer higher hourly wages instead of housing stipends. Additionally, the GSA rates are based on short-term travel - usually less than a month. Travel nurse contracts can last three months or more.

Are Nursing Licenses Valid When Traveling and Working in Other States?

Those interested in travel nursing may have questions about licensing; specifically, how are licenses recognized if practicing in another state.

Depending on the state, new licensure is not necessary. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) developed the Nurse Licensure Compact which is an agreement between specific states to recognize nursing licenses without having to apply separately for licensure in another state. In other words, a nurse living in a "compact state" (one which is part of this agreement) can practice in another compact state without having to obtain additional licenses. There are now uniform licensure requirements that must be met when seeking a multistate license under the compact agreement. States that participate in the compact agreement can be found on the NCSBN website .

If not part of the compact agreement, some states allow nurses to obtain temporary licenses by endorsement. These are valid for specific lengths of time, so nurses must visit each state’s Board of Nursing website to determine specific temporary license requirements. If extending the assignment past the temporary license time frame, nurses must apply for a permanent license. Permanent licenses are also required for states that don't grant licensure by endorsement and don't participate in the NLC.

Travel nurses have a broad range of responsibilities and duties, and specific tasks depend on the specialty in which the nurse is trained. General nursing responsibilities and duties include:

  • Using the nursing process of assessing, diagnosing, planning, implementing, and evaluating to care for patients in a variety of healthcare settings
  • Administering medications, and fluids, assisting with activities of daily living and patient mobility
  • Reviewing and interpreting diagnostic tests such as lab work and imaging
  • Provide monitoring and oversight in all aspects of patient care
  • Collaborating with physicians in developing a plan of care
  • Assessing the psychosocial needs of patients and families
  • Recognizing and intervening in clinically unstable patients
  • Providing resources for patients and referring as necessary
  • Educating patients and families in all areas of healthcare maintenance and prevention
  • Working in assignments anywhere from eight to thirteen weeks (on average) in the U.S., one to two years if outside the U.S.
  • Learning various patient care systems/documentation
  • Providing immediate medical care and aid for large populations during times of war or disaster

Domestic and international travel nurses also have different characteristics specific to their roles.

Domestic Travel Nurses

  • Work within the U.S.
  • Typically work assignments that range from eight to thirteen weeks
  • Can respond to areas of the U.S that experience natural disasters or disease outbreaks

International Travel Nurses

International travel nurses should have excellent communication skills, should be open to new experiences and challenges, and should have a strong desire to learn. These nurses are responsible for performing a wide array of duties. As stated previously, the tasks an international nurse will have to perform depend entirely upon their medical specialty. Some of the more general or everyday tasks that international travel nurses will perform include administering medication, wound care, and providing emergency medical services and care. Since there are often nursing shortages in many of the regions that international nurses travel to, another general role of these nurses is to educate family members and caretakers about the appropriate patient and medical care. In summary, international travel nurses:

  • Work outside the U.S.
  • Typically work assignments that range from one to two years
  • Respond to areas that experience natural disasters or disease outbreaks, such as the Ebola outbreak in West Africa
  • Provide medical care and aid to underserved, rural , and remote populations
  • Usually, must wait for document processing before traveling

Travel Nurse Working Conditions

As with any career, there are positive and negative aspects to working as a travel nurse. Nurses can suffer from stress as they may carry a heavy patient load and have many critical decisions to make. Additionally, travel nurses may suffer from feelings of isolation since they tend to relocate often. Having a strong sense of independence and a support system available, even remotely, can help.

Additionally, nurses may work in high-risk areas that may expose them to workplace violence, blood-borne pathogens, and chemicals. Travel nurses must always familiarize themselves with and adhere to safety standards set by the organization.

International travel nurses can face different challenges. Travel nurses must be familiar with the country's laws, and geographic-specific diseases, and always keep their overall safety as a priority.

Despite these considerations, travel nursing can be immensely rewarding. Many organizations and staff nurses appreciate the help travel nurses offer. Travel nurses help relieve staff nurses from burnout, as can happen when working short-staffed.

International travel nurses are also highly appreciated. They provide medical care and assistance to many patients in remote settings who otherwise would have no access to healthcare. They help with relief efforts in war zones or after disaster events, which can be both rewarding and enriching.

According to the American Nurses Association, as of 2015 fourteen states had mandatory nurse-patient ratios . Nurses are pushing for federal legislation supporting safe staffing and because of this, if more states pass safe-staffing laws, nurses will be in even more demand. Travel nurses will help mend the current and projected nursing shortage. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 16% overall growth for nurses until 2024, which is much faster-than-average growth for all occupations.

RELATED :  RN License Transfer and NLC Guide

Travel nursing has many incentives for nurses regarding pay and benefits including:

  • Travel reimbursement
  • Free housing
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Retirement plans
  • Assistance in obtaining passports/work visas
  • Choice of location
  • Selection of hours/shifts worked
  • Competitive pay
  • Higher-than-average pay for RNs

According to Indeed, the average yearly salary for a travel nurse is $75,109. However, since pay is competitive in travel nursing, some companies are offering salaries of around $100,00 annually for domestic travel nurses.

International travel nurses tend to have lower salaries than domestic, except for assignments in some middle eastern countries. This is because, for the most part, nurses tend to make less outside of the U.S.

Salary is dependent on the agency, and nurses should research each company to find the right salary and benefits that best fit their needs.

  • International Council of Nurses
  • Professional Association of Nurse Travelers
  • National Association of Travel Healthcare Organizations
  • American Travel Health Nurses Association

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  • An Ocean-Lover's Dream: Working as a Nurse at Sea
  • 10 Pros and Cons of Becoming a Travel Nurse
  • 5 Specializations For Nurses Who Enjoy Travel
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New Grad Travel Nursing: A Guide for 2022

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As a result of the COVID pandemic, travel nursing became more popular than ever before. In 2022, the world has adapted to a new normal of living life with coronavirus, and the demand for travel nurses remains high. As a new graduate nurse or a seasoned nurse new to traveling, you may have a lot of questions about how to work your way into this popular and lucrative business. As you learn how to become a travel nurse, weigh the pros and cons and decide if it makes sense for you to pursue it now. 

What is Travel Nursing

Travel nursing was developed as a way for hospitals to fill short-term staffing needs.

A typical travel nurse assignment of thirteen weeks could be enough time for the hospital to train a new permanent employee. A travel nurse is a quick albeit temporary fix to a hospital or clinic’s staffing problem. Currently, hospitals are facing severe staffing challenges with no end in sight. Because of this, travel nurses are often given the opportunity to extend contracts and stay in the same facility for longer than thirteen weeks, sometimes for up to a year. 

A travel nurse is an employee for an agency rather than the hospital system where they are working. The travel agency is responsible for the new-hire checklist items, such as immunizations and background checks. Orientation with the hospital system will be very short, usually no longer than a few shifts. To be successful in the industry the nurse needs to learn and adapt quickly while being extremely confident in his or her skill set.

Can a New Grad Be a Travel Nurse

That depends on how ‘new’ the new grad is. The ability to succeed in a new facility and work with confidence in your skill set requires experience; there’s really no way around it. Generally speaking, a fresh out of school nurse cannot be a travel nurse — yet. But, a new grad can be a traveler after a year of experience. This means the new grad can start working on the checklist needed to travel when the time is right. 

What’s Required for a New Grad to Be a Travel Nurse

In order to work in any nursing job, first you have to earn a nursing degree through an accredited program, pass the NCLEX and hold an active Registered Nursing License in the state in which you desire to work. Typically one to two years of total RN experience are needed, with at least one of those years in the area of work you plan to travel in. The current nursing shortage has definitely made it easier for new grads to start traveling after meeting these minimum requirements. 

Where Should a New Grad Work With the Goal of Traveling

If you know you want to travel as soon as possible while searching for your first RN job, seek out positions with a plethora of travel job openings. Medical-surgical, intensive care, and emergency departments tend to have high demands for travelers. If your experience will be in a more specialized unit, your job search may take longer. 

Seek out facilities with Magnet designation. These facilities have earned this award for their history of nursing excellence. Hospitals with this designation are your best bet for getting the experience that you need to be prepared for traveling.    

How Can a New Grad Build a Competitive Travel Nurse Resume

Build a competitive resume by highlighting your expertise in the area you wish to work while traveling. Start studying to get certified in your specialty . Trust me, studying for certification is a breeze compared to nursing school and studying for the NCLEX! Not only that, but the detailed knowledge you will gain in your specific field will help you in your practice. Check with your manager on hospital policy regarding reimbursement, as hospitals may pay to reimburse certification costs. 

Volunteer to precept newer nurses or nursing students, and represent your unit on a hospital-wide committee to highlight yourself as a leader. Being part of a committee outside of your unit also helps you to broaden your perspective on nursing, and an open perspective is something you will need as a traveler! 

Build relationships with nurse leaders as soon as you can, and collect positive reference letters from managers, charge nurses, and other coworkers you work with to have stellar reference letters on hand when needed. When asking for a reference letter, give your letter writer adequate time to provide one to you. You don’t want your writer to feel rushed. 

When educational opportunities arise through your hospital, make it a priority to take those courses and add them to your resume. Keeping your resume updated as you go along will reduce  stress when you need it most. That will also allow time for others to review your resume and provide suggestions for edits. 

Pros of Travel Nursing

In my opinion, the ‘pros’ of travel nursing greatly outweigh the ‘cons.’ As a travel nurse, you have the opportunity to travel the country on your company’s dime. You can go places for 13 weeks that most people would only travel to on vacation. You have enough time to really see the area but short enough to not miss home too much. It’s also short enough that you may be able to convince a friend or family member to travel with you. Or, you can stay close to home by taking a local contract. Depending on your schedule you can choose to travel far at certain times of the year and stay close at other times. For example, if you’re a parent with kids in school, you could travel with your family further away during the summer while staying close to home during the school year.   

Another ‘pro’ to travel nursing is the schedule flexibility. Staff nursing jobs tend to have set limits of time off, and you have to compete with others in your unit months in advance for highly desired vacation times. In addition, hospitals may have a ‘black-out’ vacation period. These are highly desired vacation times such as during Christmas or Thanksgiving when either no staff nurses or only the most senior staff nurses are allowed time off. As a travel nurse you state the time off you need during a contract prior to signing, and if accepted you are guaranteed to have that time off. Even though you might not know the exact days you will be working when signing, you have the opportunity to know that you are off when you need it most. 

One of the most well-known pros of working as a travel nurse is the money. Nursing is known to be a stable job with middle-class salary offerings, but since the 2020 COVID travel nursing boom, travel nurses have been able to earn six-figure salaries. This sudden increase in pay is a huge benefit, especially if trying to pay off loans, save for a house or start a family. In addition, many travel jobs also pay stipends-money for housing and food- which is untaxed. Even though you will be spending at least a portion of that stipend money on your housing and food needs, remember that you were spending money on housing and food before your travel gig, but all of that money was taxed. This way, you can earn a higher salary without having to pay it all back in taxes. 

Cons of Travel Nursing

All the ‘pros’ being said, as a travel nurse you are thrown into new challenges daily. Depending on your view, this challenge can be a pro or con . Working through and overcoming challenges in your nursing career will build skills and confidence, making you more marketable in future job searches as well as nurturing your own personal resilience. But any challenge adds stress, and depending on what else is going on in your life you need to decide if the added stress is doable for your life at this time. With the new challenges at work you may have decreased mental and emotional energy left over for home and family life. To be a successful travel nurse it’s incredibly helpful to have  supportive people close to you.

13 weeks is not that long in the grand scheme of things, but if you have a significant other or close family who can’t travel with you, 13 weeks is plenty of time to feel homesick. If you find yourself struggling with this, encourage your family to visit even if they can’t be with you for your whole travel assignment. Even a weekend visit in the middle can help break up the longevity of the time away. 

Though travel nursing has stabilized since the start of the pandemic and the need for travel nurses remains great, in general, travel nursing is not as stable as a traditional staff nursing job. The pay and job openings for travelers are subject to change with the market. No matter how stable the market is, there is always the risk that the hospital could cancel your contract at any time. This doesn’t happen often - if it did the travel industry would not be booming! However if you’re at a point in your life where you are not able to take a risk it might not be the best time for you to travel. Some nurses may choose to mitigate this risk by staying PRN at their staff job so they have something to fall back on should their travel contract end early for any reason. 

Where Can a New Grad Find Travel Nurse Opportunities

When I worked as a staff nurse, I started my travel job search simply by talking to all the travelers I came into contact with. Every travel nurse I had a rapport with was casually interviewed about their travel nursing experience. How long and where did they work before traveling? What company did they travel with? How many assignments had they done so far, and what were the most fun and hardest parts? By asking those few questions I learned so much, and was armed with the basic knowledge I needed before browsing travel companies. Something that became clear to me upon every interview though was that it is incredibly important to work for a travel company that has your back through the ups and downs of your assignment. The quality that Trusted Health possesses makes Trusted Health a fantastic place for new grads to start their travel nursing job search. 

How Can Trusted Health Help New Grads Looking to Travel

In your job search with Trusted Health, you will speak with a Nurse Advocate, not just a nurse recruiter. In your shifts at the bedside you advocate tirelessly for your patients, and your Nurse Advocate works for you with the same attitude in mind. The Trusted Health Nurse advocates are available via phone call, message or e-mail so you can communicate in whichever way is most convenient for your unique schedule. Trusted Health is also unique in its plethora of resources they provide for new nurses. All that being said, the most important way Trusted Health assists new grads wanting to travel is they have thousands of job opportunities waiting for the right nurse to fill them. One of those nurses could be you. 

‍ Log in or sign up with Trusted to get started today.

A registered nurse since 2016, Mary Dies, RN BSN has experience in internal medicine, international medical aid and emergency medicine where she currently practices. Mary is most passionate about empowering patients through education and creating safe, supportive work environments for nurses. In her free time Mary finds joy in her catholic faith, running, trying new recipes and spending time with friends and family.

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The Best Traveling Nurse Services to Work for in 2024

The travel nursing agencies we recommend for your next short-term post

Traveling nurses often find working in different parts of the country, or even the world, exhilarating and fulfilling. Many agencies focus on matching registered nurses (RNs) with short-term working opportunities in a variety of healthcare specialties and settings across the United States and internationally. Healthcare facilities in the U.S. rely on travel nurses to meet the demand for nurses, which is expected to soar by 275,000 between 2020 and 2030.

"Being able to explore other healthcare systems and connect with other providers can help give a travel nurse new experiences and perspectives," says Rachel Norton , BSN, RN, a clinician support manager at Vivian Health , a national travel nurse hiring marketplace.  We reviewed more than 20 agencies and studied hundreds of reviews to create this list of the best travel nursing agencies. We considered factors such as company quality, customer service scores, company reputation, wage ranges, housing options, and benefits.

  • Best Overall: Triage Staffing
  • Best for Sick Pay: Aya Healthcare
  • Best for Education: Travel Nurse Across America
  • Best Customer Service: Axis Medical Staffing
  • Best Track Record: FlexCare Medical Staffing
  • Best Newcomer: Advantis Medical
  • Best for Benefits: RN Network
  • Best Recruiters: Host Healthcare
  • Best for Recent Graduates: Fusion Medical Staff
  • Best Job Board: TotalMed
  • Our Top Picks

Triage Staffing

Aya Healthcare

Travel Nurse Across America

Axis Medical Staffing

FlexCare Medical Staffing

Advantis Medical

Host Healthcare

  • Fusion Medical Staff
  • See More (7)

Final Verdict

  • Compare Providers
  • Guide to Choosing

Best Overall : Triage Staffing

  • Pay: Hourly wage paid weekly, overtime, bonuses, per diem
  • Housing: Tax-free stipend or company-secured housing for 13 weeks
  • Benefits: Health coverage, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, 401(k) with company match, vacation, education reimbursement
  • Contracts nationwide: Yes

Triage Staffing tops our list because it provides a higher hourly wage and more frequent bonuses than its competitors. Additionally, the agency offers extensive perks, like tuition reimbursement and 401(k) on the first day.

Contracts available in all 50 states

Insurance available on first day

Paid by direct deposit each week

Dedicated support team available 24/7

Reports of poor weekend support for billing issues

Must have 2 years experience for most positions

Triage Staffing , founded in 2006, is considered by industry professionals as one of the most well-rounded travel nurse agencies among the companies listed here and in general. The company was recognized in 2023 by Inc. Magazine and Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA).

The company, which currently has about 1,500 employees, is based in Omaha, Nebraska, and has an impressive rating on Glassdoor .

Triage Staffing specializes in helping nurses and healthcare professionals find 13-week assignments across the U.S. The company strives for transparency and "to build relationships deeper than simple business transactions." Those who are hired are paid weekly (based on an hourly wage) via direct deposit.

The benefits package includes a wage, overtime, bonuses, per diems, and a housing stipend. Triage will also help its travel nurses find housing, if that's their preference. Health insurance is provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield, and those hired get dental insurance, vacation time, and a 401(k) plan.

Best for Sick Pay : Aya Healthcare

  • Pay: Hourly wage, overtime, bonuses, per diem, stipends when called off
  • Housing: Tax-free stipend or company-secured housing
  • Benefits: Health, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance; 401(k) with company match; sick pay; wellness and fitness programs; employee assistance programs; tuition reimbursement; loan forgiveness options

Of the many benefits Aya Healthcare offers, one makes it stand out from other agencies: providing sick pay should you become ill during an assignment. You can rest assured knowing if you get sick, Aya will support you through recovery.

Benefits include sick pay (after 90 days)

Offers local and nationwide travel assignments

Requires only 1 year of experience

Insurance coverage for you and your dependents from day 1

Complaints about communication during recruitment

Large agency size might be challenging

401k eligibility begins after 4 consecutive months of work or 1 year after hiring

Aya Healthcare is one of the most talked-about travel nursing agencies around, literally. A 2017 independent study analyzed the frequency of top travel nursing companies mentioned by users on social media sites. The study concluded Aya Healthcare is the most frequently referenced in user comments.

Aya Healthcare is also one of the only travel nursing agencies that have sick pay, which begins accruing on the first day of an assignment. Nurses can earn one hour for every 30 hours worked, but it can't be used until after at least 90 days after their start date.

In addition to its rare sick pay policy, the company boasts comprehensive benefits. Travel nurses working for Aya Healthcare can start contributing to a company-matched 401k plan after four consecutive months of work for the agency, or one year after their hiring date. It also promises to cover or reimburse nurses for the cost of licensure and help them navigate and expedite the process in the states where they are assigned. Aya Healthcare offers discounts, wellness, and nutrition plans in addition to its medical, vision, and dental benefits, which are available to nurses (and their spouses and children) from their first day with the company.

Aya Healthcare has a strong online presence, including a blog and active social media accounts on nearly every contemporary platform. Its website proudly displays several company awards and accolades, including the Joint Commission's Golden Seal of Approval. The agency has placed thousands of travel nurses and allied workers nationwide and offers a program for  travel nursing from Canada .

Best for Education : Travel Nurse Across America

  • Pay: Hourly wage paid weekly, overtime, bonuses, per diem (guaranteed)
  • Benefits: Health, dental, and vision coverage; liability insurance; 401(k) with company match; sick pay; travel reimbursement; free continuing education; mental health resources; employee assistance program; chaplain assistance program

Travel Nurse Across America (TNAA) offers comprehensive benefits; however, its continuing education programs are what really sets the agency apart. Thanks to a partnership with Aspen University, the agency helps you earn your BSN with tuition reimbursement upon completion.

RN to BSN tuition reimbursement

RN specialty exam/recertification reimbursements

Insurance coverage available on first day

Offers free mental health resources

Per diem guarantee

Unable to see pay rates on the site

Large agency size might feel less supportive

Travel Nurse Across America (TNAA) had the highest average score when analyzing the top 10 travel nurse agency lists across several well-known sites.

Founded in 1999 in North Little Rock, Arkansas, this company was present on three "Top 10" lists in 2019, a notable feat that speaks to its history of satisfaction. According to BluePipes, TNAA was among the top 10 travel nursing agencies, one of the biggest (in terms of company size) on its 2022 list.  

TNAA uses a full-team approach to assist travelers, with specialty staff equipped to handle a variety of needs, including housing experts and clinical leadership, This agency also offers a wide array of benefits, such as low census pay, tuition reimbursement, and paid licensure fees prior to travel. Overtime is included in the payment for any extra hours worked and in every state, paid sick leave starts to accrue from day one.

TNAA also partnered with Aspen University, so individuals can get their Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 12 months. Upon completion, TNAA will even reimburse tuition expenses. It also offers reimbursements for recertification fees to certain eligible nurses.

Best Customer Service : Axis Medical Staffing

  • Benefits: Health, dental, and vision coverage; 401(k) with company match; state license reimbursement; transportation stipends; continuing education

With around-the-clock support 365 days a year, Axis Medical Staffing has one of the best customer service reputations in the industry. It offers a wide array of benefits, including healthcare coverage and company-matched 401(k) plans.

Dedicated support team available 24/7/365

Wide variety of specialty contracts

Offers company matching 401(k) with immediate vesting

Can submit questions to real travel nurses

Provides quick email responses

Pays for housing and assists in securing it

Not transparent about pay rates

Doesn't include paid sick leave in benefits

User reviews for Axis remain the highest on this list. Formed in Seattle, Washington, in 2004, Axis provides several coveted benefits, including payment of paid personalized housing options (with pet deposit costs covered by the agency), as well as immediate vesting in its company-matched 401(k) plan.

This agency regularly features a new  Traveler of the Month nurse on its blog. Additionally, the Axis website has a page dedicated to Ask an Axis Travel Nurse , which features an easy submission form where a nurse can answer all your questions.

This encouraging way of connecting can provide novice or even seasoned travelers with a trusted source in the form of a nursing peer who has traveled with this specific agency several times, instead of hosting an impersonal message board. Axis also offers a live chat feature that's easily accessible on the homepage. These features earned Axis the top spot on BluePipes Best Travel Nursing Companies list in 2022.

Axis promises reimbursements and benefits similar to other companies, but it is not immediately clear from the company's website whether it offers paid sick leave.

Best Track Record : FlexCare Medical Staffing

  • Benefits: Health coverage, dental and vision coverage, 401(k) with company match, state license reimbursement, transportation stipends, meals and incidentals stipend, rental car, travel reimbursement, continuing education, license reimbursement

Boasting more than 50 industry awards, including BluePipes’s 2022 Best Travel Nursing Companies list, FlexCare Medical Staffing has a track record of exceeding expectations and fulfilling its promises to traveling nurses.

Award-winning, highly reputable agency

Single point of contact for all your needs

Outstanding benefits

Features a referral program

Have to make an account to view wages

BluePipes refers to FlexCare Medical Staffing as the "most decorated travel nursing agency of all time," with more than 1,727 reviews reported. This agency obtained a gold finish on Travel Nursing Central’s 2019 list of top travel nursing companies and has consistently placed since 2014. FlexCare has also been on the Highway Hypodermics list since 2011.

FlexCare’s website touts its  Premier Traveler Access program, offering prospective travel nurses the opportunity to unlock and view pay ranges for a wide variety of open jobs, in addition to personalized alerts via text and email. This agency explains its mission to support travelers by providing a single recruiter who is able to meet every need (termed “S1NGLEPOINT” on the website) and help simplify the entire process.

This one point of contact can advocate for the traveler, assist in searching for jobs and housing, provide a transparent and competitive salary rate, as well as ensure timely payment.

Best Newcomer : Advantis Medical

  • Benefits: Health coverage, dental and vision coverage, 401(k) without company match, transportation stipends, partial license reimbursement

Advantis Medical has a nurse care team available to help you every step of the way—from setting up your profile and walking you through the onboarding process to helping you find your next assignment—making it an excellent choice for those just starting out.

Excellent reviews from its travel clinicians

Quick response times from trained care team

Has a great reputation in the industry

Site offers several communication methods

Site lacks information on benefits package

No company match for 401(k)

Founded in 2018 as a subsidiary of Advantis Global, Advantis Medical's user reviews are limited in number but are glowing regarding people's experiences with the company.

Advantis Medical recruits travel nurses and places them in top institutions across the United States. The agency offers client connections with hospitals, outpatient clinics, same-day ambulatory surgical centers, as well as skilled nursing facilities.

Advantis Medical’s specialization opportunities include placements in divisions like medical-surgical (M/S), emergency department (ED), intensive care unit (ICU), labor & delivery (L&D), and more. Its benefits include highly competitive compensation packages, direct deposit available from day one, assistance with housing options, health insurance (medical, dental, vision), and a 401(k) option.

The agency also has payment incentives for referrals. To make the process as seamless as possible, Advantis Medical has a one-minute application form which could not be any easier, especially for a traveling nurse who is always on the go.

Best for Benefits : RN Network

  • Benefits: Health, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance; employee assistance program; Sanvello membership; Talkspace membership; Teladoc access; credentialing assistance; continuing education; traditional and Roth 401(k); travel reimbursement; loyalty program

RN Network provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes day-one health insurance and 401(k) options, plus additional perks like access to virtual therapy and medical care.

24/7 clinical support

Transparent about pay rate

Provides access to virtual therapy and medical care

Weekly pay via direct deposit

Completion, extension, and referral bonuses

No paid time off

Complaints of lower-paying contracts

Founded in 1998, RN Network has over two decades of experience in the travel nursing industry. Its experience shows in the company's user reviews, many of which highlight its great communication, support, and benefits.

The agency provides an impressive benefits package that includes day-one health insurance with a zero-premium option, as well as a 401(k) with company match, both traditional and Roth options. RN Network also offers access to Talkspace, Teladoc, and Sanvello's mental health app—ensuring its healthcare professionals have the mental health resources they need while on assignment.

Available contracts and pay rates are transparent on their user-friendly website, which can be a rarity in the industry. The company hires RNs, LPNs/LVNs, PCTs, and surgical techs for a variety of specialties throughout the country. Only one year of clinical experience is required, and the company offers a comprehensive onboarding program to help simplify the transition.

Best Recruiters : Host Healthcare

  • Pay: Hourly wage paid weekly, plus overtime, bonuses, per diem, COVID quarantine pay
  • Benefits: Health, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance; 401(k) with company match; travel reimbursement

Host Healthcare recruiters are some of the best in the business, according to clinician reviews. With exceptional customer service , the company strives to make the job hunt and placement process as smooth as possible for its candidates.

Excellent customer service

Straightforward job hunt and placement process

Offers a variety of housing options, including pet-friendly

24/7 support via multiple channels

COVID-19 quarantine pay available

Can’t view facility or pay without an account

Site lacks information on reimbursement offers

Founded in 2012, Host Healthcare is a travel healthcare staffing agency that works with some of the nation's top facilities. The company has earned multiple awards over the years, including being named one of the Top Travel Nursing Companies by BluePipes.

What sets Host Healthcare apart from other agencies are its recruiters, who are consistently praised by clinicians for their exceptional customer service. In reviews, nurses rave about their recruiters being responsive, receptive, and thorough in their onboarding and placement processes. The company also offers a variety of housing options, including pet-friendly ones, to ensure you have a comfortable place to call home while on assignment.

In addition to its comprehensive benefits package, which includes health insurance, dental, and vision coverage, Host Healthcare also offers a 401(k) with company match and COVID-19 quarantine pay. If your facility quarantines you due to possible COVID-19 exposure, the company will compensate you for the duration of your time off work.

One drawback is that the company requires users to sign up for an account before viewing facilities and estimated weekly pay . However, it hires across multiple specialties and licensure types, including nursing professionals, therapy professionals, and other allied health professionals.

Best for Recent Graduates : Fusion Medical Staff

  • Pay: Hourly wage paid weekly, plus overtime, per diem, and bonuses
  • Benefits: Health coverage, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, 401(k) with company match, short-term disability, travel and transportation per diem

Fusion Medical offers competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and transparent information about opportunities, and welcomes new graduates to sign up.

Transparent information for each job posting

Nationwide network

Attentive recruiters

Competitive pay and benefits

Open to new graduates

Per diem reimbursements may be less convenient for expenses like travel

Past complaints from LGBTQIA employees

Fusion Medical Staffing urges applicants to "choose your own adventure." With thousands of travel nursing positions across the U.S. available on its website, Fusion will definitely give you a lot to choose from.

Founded in 2009 in Omaha, Nebraska, Fusion doubled its size by 2016. The company racked up awards from Inc., People, and Staffing Industry Analysts for being among the best places to work and is rated 4.7 out of 5 on Indeed.com .

Assignments through Fusion Medical typically run 13 to 26 weeks and are available across a broad spectrum of nursing specialties. We particularly like how transparent the pay, terms, and benefits for each opportunity are on Fusion's website.

But what really makes the company stand out is its recruitment. Fusion offers 24/7 support and many of its travel nurses rave about their attentive recruiters. Fusion has a new graduate traveling medical job program recruiting nurses who have just finished training. Most travel nursing agencies require at least two years of experience, so Fusion may be a great choice if you're about to finish school and eager to see the country or aren't sure of where you want to call home yet.

Of note: Some LGBTQIA+ travelers and employees have complained of inclusivity issues and unsupportive leadership. In 2021, the company published a blog post about forming an oversight group dedicated to LGBTQIA+ inclusivity and support and alluded to its efforts to "grow" and "learn."

Best Job Board : TotalMed

  • Pay: Hourly wage paid weekly, plus overtime, bonuses, and guaranteed hours
  • Housing: Company-provided housing or stipend
  • Benefits: Health insurance, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, 401(k) with company match, short-term disability up to 12 weeks plus up to 60% of monthly earnings

TotalMed is one of the biggest agencies in the business and has the job board to match. The company is known for making it easy for travel nurses to quickly find a new post in any state.

Large, well-connected agency with huge job board

Solid day-one benefits

Flexible housing options

Pay guaranteed

Generous short-term disability policy

Some nurses complain of long onboarding process

Pay is competitive, but perhaps not the highest of any agency

Focus on placing nurses in areas of urgent need

Few travel nursing agencies have a job board as full as TotalMed 's. The company leverages its wide network of partner hospital systems to offer nurses a plethora of assignments to choose from.

TotalMed prides itself on placing nurses and other medical workers in new postings quickly and prioritizes assigning workers to places urgently in need of additional staff. It offers a standard array of benefits, plus a pay guarantee and a generous short-term disability policy that covers up to 12 weeks of injury or illness with up to 60% of your pay.

Some travel nurses have complained of a protracted onboarding process, but once the initial paperwork is out of the way, most seem very happy with the company's efficiency and the quality of its recruiters. Its pay may not always be the highest of any agency, but travel nurses working with TotalMed still enjoy the benefit of payment guarantees and the confidence that a new job will almost always be available, and fast. TotalMed also goes a long way to smooth out the transition process by organizing and covering the cost of any licensing and certifications its travel nurses may need, as well as offering reimbursement for pesky costs like new scrubs.

Even though some agencies on our list require account registration to access pay rates, each one offers competitive benefits and wages. Triage Staffing is our choice for best overall travel nursing agency because of its positive reviews, superior customer service, and competitive wages. Day one 401(k) and tuition reimbursement are just a few ways it provides long-term support for travelers. 

Compare the Best Travel Nursing Agencies

Guide to choosing the best travel nursing agencies.

Travel nursing agencies are  staffing agencies  that place registered nurses and healthcare professionals in hospitals and clinics with short-term staffing needs. They often send individuals to national or international locations where there are nursing shortages.

Here are a few tips for choosing the best travel nursing agency to meet your needs.

Is a Travel Nursing Agency Right for You?

There are many advantages to working with a travel nursing agency in addition to the obvious benefit of being able to travel and explore new places. Some of the other advantages of working with a travel nursing agency include:

  • Competitive pay: Travel nursing agencies offer competitive pay rates that are often higher than what you would make as a staff nurse and recruiters can help you find lucrative positions.
  • Benefits : Health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits are typically included in a travel nursing agency's compensation package.
  • Housing: Travel nursing agencies often provide housing or help nurses find housing in their assignment location.
  • Specialty assignments based on nursing field: Agencies can help place you in an assignment that matches your specialty, interests, and skills . Some facilities accept travelers into new specialties or a float pool that covers multiple units, as long as they have prior travel nursing experience. This is an added bonus for those who wish to explore new areas of nursing.
  • Flexibility: Agencies offer a variety of assignment lengths and locations, so you can choose an assignment that fits your lifestyle.
  • Perks and discounts : Free or reduced-cost continuing education courses, travel expenses, gym memberships, completion bonuses, and other perks are often available through travel nursing agencies.

How to Choose a Travel Nurse Agency

Consider the following when choosing a travel nursing agency:

  • Average pay rates: Pay rate varies by agency, location, and assignment. Travel nurses often work with multiple agencies at the same time to find the best assignments and pay rates.
  • Benefits package: Make sure the agency's benefits are comprehensive and meet your needs. Benefits may include health coverage , dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, 401K, vacation time, and education reimbursement.
  • Housing options: Determine if the agency provides housing or assists with finding housing. Some nurses prefer to find their own housing, while others prefer the convenience of having the agency secure housing for them.
  • Reputation: Check out online reviews and ratings to get an idea of the agency's reputation. Talking to other travel nurses who have worked with the agency is also a good way to get first-hand information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which travel nurses are most in demand.

Staffing agencies report that demand is high for critical care and medical-surgical nurses. Emergency room staff and labor and delivery staff are also in great demand.

Do Travel Nursing Agencies Pay for Housing?

Your agency will either have housing available for you or will reimburse you for your housing expenses. If you choose to secure your own housing, most agencies will give you a stipend to help offset the cost of rent and utilities. Talk with your agency recruiter about your housing options and what will work best for you.

How Long Are Travel Nursing Assignments?

Some travel nursing opportunities can be as short as eight weeks, while others can last for up to six months at a time. There are often options and offers to extend assignments, too.

What Experience Do You Need to Be Recruited by a Travel Nursing Agency?

Most agencies require new travelers to have recent experience as a nurse—meaning you can't become a travel nurse right out of nursing school. A year or two of experience is commonly required. A qualified nurse may also need more experience to work in the intensive care unit (ICU) or another specialty area.

Can Travel Nurses Choose Where They Work?

Yes, and that's generally a benefit of the job. Some agencies work to assign candidates throughout the United States, while others place travel nurses internationally. Before deciding to work with an agency, it makes sense to find out where they place travel nurses if you have a specific placement location in mind.

Methodology

We reviewed more than 20 agencies and studied hundreds of reviews from travel nurses around the country to identify the best travel nursing agencies. We then analyzed company quality and customer service scores across multiple sources to determine which companies are most reputable. Wages, housing options, and benefits were also a top priority. We reviewed the range of assignments, as well as the quantity and quality of each agency's listings in all 50 states.

VERYWELL Health / Design by Amelia Manley

U.S. Department of Labor. U.S. Department of Labor announces $80M funding opportunity to help train, expand, diversify nursing workforce, address shortage of nurses .

Healthcare Research & Analytics. Social listening: Evaluation of travel nurse companies: Analysis of travel nurse sentiment towards travel nurse companies .

BluePipes. Best Travel Nursing Companies 2022 .

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plan a travel nursing

How to Plan an Epic (and Easy) Road Trip as a Travel Nurse

plan a travel nursing

Table of Contents

As the demand for nurses continues to grow, travel nurses have become an increasingly popular option. Travel nursing companies place nurses in healthcare facilities throughout the country. The life of a travel nurse is exciting and travel nurses understand how to make the most out of everything they do. Each new assignment brings the opportunity to explore a new city, network with new people, and gain valuable professional experience.

Many travel nurses choose to drive to their assignments, taking the opportunity to experience the cities they pass through. The freedom to stop and explore along the way is the beauty of travel nursing. Travel nurses often take detours to visit national parks, historic landmarks, and local attractions. Travel nursing road trips are one of the most exciting parts of being a travel nurse.

Another benefit to driving to your next assignment is the ability to bring personal belongings and equipment. Many nurses choose to travel with their car so they don’t have to figure out transportation to and from their assignments each day.

After you iron out the details of your travel nursing contract with your recruiter , plan an epic travel nurse road trip to experience a mini-vacation before digging your heels in your next assignment.

Why a Good Trip Is Important

Traveling is one of the best ways to disconnect and recharge. Planning a travel nursing road trip to your next destination is a great way to decompress before your next assignment. Some nurses opt to travel with a companion to make the journey more enjoyable and less lonely. Whether you make the trip alone or with a partner, family, or friend, you know you are in for a memorable and epic adventure.

Planning your travel nurse road trip can help you get excited about your upcoming assignment. Taking the time to relax on the road can help you unwind and lessen any anxiety about your new assignment. Road-tripping will help you explore new areas along your route and expose you to new people and places. It is a great time to check off those bucket list travel destinations you have been wanting to check out.

A good travel nursing road trip is important to lessen stress and boost your mood before you settle into your next assignment.

Consider these ideas for things to see and do along the way:

  • National parks : For travel nurses who are nature lovers, visiting a national park is a relatively inexpensive way to get your fix of flora and fresh air. Camping is also an option for those adventurous travelers.
  • Fun eats : Explore the best and most interesting flavors along the road to reward yourself for a long day of driving.
  • More than just parks : Use this site to help you plan your epic road trip.

Factors to Consider for a Trip

Logistics aside, the recipe for any epic travel nurse road trip includes yummy snacks, beautiful sights, spontaneous adventures, and a solid playlist. Plan out the details of your trip, such as how long it will take, where you will stay , and places you want to see along the way. Planning ahead, staying alert while driving, and taking regular breaks are all important steps to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Once you have the essentials of your trip mapped out, you can leave the rest for adventure and spontaneity.

1. Plan your drive: Find out the total drive time from your initial departure to your final destination on Google maps. Break up the drive into manageable chunks while zooming in on cities to stay in along the way. The shorter the drive time per day, the more room you will have for spontaneous activities. Try to be reasonable about how long you (and your potential driving buddy) can drive in one day. Allowing extra time to sightsee is optional but can make the drive feel less tedious.

2. Choose where you will spend the night: Consider lodging expenses when calculating your budget. Decide if you want to book a home on Airbnb or make a reservation in a hotel. Compare prices and see what makes the most sense for the amount of time your stay will be. Remember to factor in any travel stipends to help you keep costs low. If you have any family or friends along your route, you may want to ask if you can crash with them to save on lodging and while spending time with loved ones.

3.Give a little love to your vehicle: A quick safety check is necessary to ensure your car is up to date on any oil changes, lights, fluids, and filters. Make sure your brakes and tires are in good condition. Clear any check engine lights or error messages before beginning your journey. The last thing you want to do is to be stuck on the side of the road. Consider signing up with a roadside assistance agency like AAA and keep their information and any insurance and registration documents readily available.  

Depending on weather conditions you may want to pack ice scrapers and tire chains if you will be driving through snow. Check the weather ahead of time to know what to expect. You want to avoid any possible dangerous situations. It is also a good idea to make sure you have a spare tire, jack, flares, and a first aid kit with extra water, blankets, and flashlights available for worst-case scenarios. In the event, you lose your cell phone signal and are unable to access your GPS you may want to pack a paper map of your route just in case.

Pack road trip essentials: Your personal road trip survival kit should include plenty of healthy snacks, toiletries, and comfort-boosting items.

Your travel nurse road trip essentials may include:

  • Sunglasses and prescription glasses (if needed for driving.)
  • Prescription medication or any medication or supplements you anticipate needing. Being prepared will give you easy access when you need it.
  • Flexible clothing and comfortable sneakers.
  • Sunscreen: You are still getting a considerable amount of UV exposure while driving in the car. In the same vein, grab a good chapstick with SPF. Traveling tends to exacerbate chapped lips—especially if the air conditioning is running for long hours.
  • Car phone chargers and auxiliary cords for music if you do not have Bluetooth capabilities.
  • Keep a mini-cooler stocked with water within arm’s reach. Consider packing fresh and healthy options to avoid eating overly processed, high-sugar snacks. It will help you save money along the way.
  • A small blanket and pillow for comfort and taking short breaks.
  • An extra outfit in case you need to freshen up or something to wear to explore. Weather depending, you may want to add a swimsuit, workout attire for hiking, a rain jacket, or a winter coat if you are traveling through a cold climate. It is helpful to have a sweatshirt or light jacket on hand if you get cold in the car. You won't want to waste time riffling through your neatly packed luggage.
  • Self-care items to help you unwind, such as a yoga mat or a small foam roller to relieve tension in your hip flexors and neck.
  • Wipes for cleaning spills and small bags to collect your trash.

Stay safe: Make sure to stay alert while driving and take regular breaks to rest and stretch your legs.

Keep yourself entertained: Sometimes, long drives can be a time of deep contemplation and peaceful daydreaming. Although, hours of staring at the road might leave you seeking some stimulation.

There are plenty of options to keep you lively and focused on the road, such as listening to podcasts, audiobooks, and music. Whether you are listening to three hours of Justin Beiber’s top hits, your favorite travel nursing podcast dishing out travel nursing job tips , or the pristine silence of the drive whistling around you, there is a pleasure to be found in every moment of the journey.

Some ways to stay entertained include:

  • Spotify and Itunes : These services offer access to a large selection of popular podcasts and artists for a small fee. Sing along to your favorite tunes, learn about a new topic, dive into a true crime mystery, or laugh at your favorite comedian.
  • Consider downloading Audiobooks for free through public library systems or a paid service like Audible .
  • Listen to a travel nursing podcast to learn about traveler road trip essentials and travel nursing companies. Take comfort that other travel nurses understand the journey you are embarking on.
  • Go old school and turn on the radio. You never know what you may hear, and it will keep you on your toes.
  • Play car games if you have a buddy with you.
  • Call a friend and catch up with them (if it is legal to be on your phone in the area and if you can do so safely without distraction).

1. Allow for spontaneity: You do not have to take the most linear path if you have a little wiggle room in timing. Plan for a small detour if it means you can stop by that national forest or waterfall you have been dying to see.

2. Give yourself time to settle: Try to arrive at your travel assignment destination at least a few days before the contract begins. Give yourself enough time to acclimate to your new travel nurse housing and surroundings. Take a walk or drive around your new neighborhood to scope out your new surroundings. Take the time to stock up on groceries and find new restaurants. Locate the local gas station, gym, and anything else you need to be comfortable in the area. You may also want to do a practice run to the healthcare facility to know where it is and how long it will take you to get there daily.

About Health Carousel Travel Nursing

Remember that this epic road trip is only the beginning of your travel nursing adventure and there is more to look forward to during the rest of your assignment with one of the top travel nursing companies. Health Carousel Travel Nursing offers full-circle support to help travel nurses further their careers and improve their quality of life. We offer comprehensive benefits packages as well as travel nurse housing, to ensure that you are covered whether it's on assignment or during your travels. Our nurse recruiters are well-versed in travel nursing jobs and travel nursing job tips. Contact one of our travel nurse recruiters to discover your dream job and start that epic travel nurse road trip today.

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Budgeting, Earning, and Saving Tips for Travel Nurses

by Trusted Nurse Staffing | Nov 12, 2022 | News | 0 comments

budgeting as a travel nurse

You’re trying to figure out how to save money while on the road as a travel nurse.

Paying for your living expenses — plus your travel costs and your bills back home — it’s all adding up quickly.

You wonder how you can better manage your money, and you’re looking for tips.

With our step-by-step guide, you will learn the best budgeting, earning, and savings tips for travel nurses on the road.

Table of Contents

7 budget tips for travel nurses.

  • 5 Cost-Minimizing Tips To Help Travel Nurses Stay on Budget 

3 Ways To Earn Extra Income as a Travel Nurse

Let trusted nurse staffing help you find the assignment with the earning potential you desire.

Budgeting tips for travel nurses include creating a budget, tracking spending, and looking for ways to reduce expenses. 

Keep reading to receive practical tips for saving money while on your travel nursing assignments.

Do you already have a budget in place for your next nursing assignment? 

If so, let Trusted Nurse Staffing help you find your dream assignment as a travel nurse. 

Click below to create your free profile. 

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#1: Establish a Comprehensive Budget That Includes Savings

One of the best ways to save money is to be aware of where your money is going. 

A comprehensive budget will allocate a category for every purchase you make, which may include expenses for:

  • Entertainment; and
  • Transportation costs

Remember to make your savings a priority in your budget, which can give you some “cushion” as you transition to your next assignment or have extended time off of work.

From there, you can make adjustments to ensure your spending aligns with your overall need and lifestyle goals.

#2: Set Clear and Measurable Spending and Saving Goals

Setting measurable spending and saving goals is a vital part of any budget, and it’s especially important for travel nurses. Without a clear goal in mind, it’s easy to overspend on unnecessary things.

Considering the following format for setting clear and measurable goals for your spending:

  • I will only spend $X on restaurants this month.
  • I will only spend $X on shopping this month.
  • I will only spend $X on entertainment this month.

Your saving goals might include:

  • I will save $X from each paycheck.
  • I will put $X into my savings account each week.
  • I will save 10% of my income each month.

Whatever your goals are, make sure they are clear and specific so that you can easily track your progress and make adjustments as needed.

#3: Track Expenses, Evaluate Spending, and Make Adjustments

Before you can budget, be aware of your spending and evaluate your expenses periodically. 

Tracking your expenses is a great way to get started. You can then make adjustments as needed. 

Sometimes you don’t realize where your money is going. 

For example, you may find that you carelessly spend over $300 for snacks at the vending machine at work each month.

By tracking your expenses, evaluating your spending patterns, and making adjustments as needed, you can ensure you are staying on track with your budget and reaching your financial goals.

#4: Pay Off Debt

One of the best ways to save money as a travel nurse is to pay off any debt you may have while on assignment. 

Not only will this free up more of your income to save or spend as you please, but it will also help you avoid accruing any new debt while on the job.

If you have …

  • Student loans
  • Credit card debt; or
  • Other types of debt

… consider using some of your savings to pay it off so that after your next travel nurse assignment, you can take that well-earned vacation.

travel nurse budget tips

#5: Plan Ahead for Time Off Between Assignments

After a long and rewarding assignment, most travel nurses look forward to some well-deserved time off. 

But if you’re not careful, this time off can be more expensive than you think.

Consider these three tips to help you plan ahead and save money while you’re between assignments:

  • Make sure you have enough money saved to cover your expenses for the entire time you’ll be off between assignments.
  • Try to schedule your time off so it coincides with slower times of the year for travel nursing and find more affordable housing and transportation options.
  • Get creative with your housing options and consider staying with friends or family, renting an RV or camper, or even house-sitting for someone going out of town.

It’s nice to take some time to chill and refresh before the next one — but if you don’t plan for it, it might be difficult to afford. 

#6: Choose an Assignment That Allows You To Stay on Budget

When you’re a travel nurse, it’s important to choose an assignment that allows you to stay on budget. 

For example, if you are considering Hawaii for your next assignment, you need to be sure that your salary will compensate for the higher cost of living .  

To help you choose an assignment that allows you to stay on budget, consider these five tips:

  • Research the cost of living in your assignment location.
  • Make sure your compensation package covers your basic expenses.
  • Consider signing a longer-term contract to get a discount on your housing.
  • Use your per diem to cover incidentals like meals and entertainment.
  • Stay in budget-friendly accommodations like hostels or vacation rentals.

Following these tips will help you stay on budget and enjoy your travel nursing adventures.

#7: Take Advantage of Your Agency’s Benefits

Take advantage of all the benefits your agency offers.

Your agency should offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Referral bonuses ; and
  • Travel nursing stipends 

It’s important to research these and other benefits before you accept a position, as different agencies offer different levels of coverage. 

You should also find out if your agency offers any other perks, such as:

  • Pet insurance
  • Roadside assistance; or
  • Discounted travel rates

Are you looking for a travel nursing agency?

Check out Trusted Nurse Staffing and let us help you find your next assignment with the earning potential and benefits you desire.

5 Cost-Minimizing Tips To Help Travel Nurses Stay on Budget

#1: look for coupons or groupon deals.

When you’re on the road for several months at a time, look for deals and coupons. 

Many stores offer deals to customers who sign up for their mailing lists. 

Others will have special sales or coupons available online or in-store. 

Groupon is also a great source for finding exclusive local deals, such as:

  • Restaurants
  • Events; and
  • Fitness centers

#2: Make Your Own Meals and Coffee

One of the quickest ways to deplete your travel nursing budget is to eat out for every meal and make $4 Starbucks runs every morning.

While it’s fine to enjoy the occasional restaurant meal or specialty coffee, you’ll save a lot of money in the long run if you cook most of your meals and make your own coffee.

If you’re not into making your own coffee, consider buying a reusable filter and using grounds from your local coffee shop instead of single-use pods.

If cooking meals from scratch sounds like too much work, consider preparing several meals in advance and reheating them throughout the week. 

There are tons of great recipes online for healthy and budget-friendly meals that can be easily prepped in advance.

#3: Use the Agency Stipend

Are you wondering how to best use your stipend? 

It’s important to use the stipend for what it is intended — after all, it is there to help cover the cost of your housing and other living expenses while you are on assignment.

However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t use the extra money for other things.

Here are some tips for how to use your stipend:

  • Cover the cost of your housing and other living expenses as your first priority.
  • Save some money to have a savings cushion for when unexpected expenses may come up.
  • Use the extra money for fun activities or souvenirs. When you are only in a place for a few weeks or months, it can be easy to blow all of your money on nights out or activities. 

And remember, there is nothing wrong with treating yourself.

Make sure you are also budgeting for souvenirs or other things you want to take home with you from your experience.

#4: Travel With Friends

One of the best ways to save money while travel nursing is to find a group of travel nurse friends and travel together. 

When you travel with a group, you can share living costs on things like:

  • Transportation
  • Groceries; and
  • Other incidentals

If you are on a tight budget, traveling with a group can be a great way to save money.

#5: Be Creative With Transportation

There are countless ways to save money on transportation costs while travel nursing. 

If the hospital is in a city with public transportation, take advantage of it. Many times, a travel nurse can get a discount on public transportation costs by showing their ID badge. 

If the location isn’t ideal for public transportation or if you prefer to get some exercise, consider biking or walking to work. 

And of course, there are always ride-sharing programs like Uber and Lyft.

#1: Take on Per Diem Work

Per diem work is a great way to boost your earnings as a travel nurse. 

By picking up a few extra shifts here and there, you can really pad your bank account. 

Just be sure to factor in the cost of transportation to and from the hospital.

#2: Work the Night Shift

If you’re looking to maximize your earnings as a travel nurse, working the night shift is a great way to do it. Working the night shift can add up to 50% to your hourly rate.

Of course, working the night shift can be tough. It can be difficult adjusting to sleeping during the day, and you may miss out on some of the social aspects of travel nursing.

But if you’re looking to boost your earnings, it’s worth considering.

#3: Earn a Specialty Certification or Advanced Degree

There are many ways to qualify for higher-paying travel nursing jobs . 

One way is to earn a specialty certification or advanced degree in a particular area of nursing. 

For example, nurses with a certification in intensive care or emergency room nursing can command higher salaries than their non-specialized counterparts.

While it may take some time and effort to pursue these higher levels of education, doing so can pay off handsomely in the long run for both salary and job satisfaction.

At Trusted Nurse Staffing , we understand that one of the biggest factors in deciding whether to accept a travel nursing assignment is the pay. 

You want to find an assignment that pays well, but you also want to be sure you can manage your finances and make the most of your earnings.

Whether you’re a seasoned travel nurse or just starting out, finding the right assignment can be a challenge. 

You want an assignment that meets your needs of … 

  • Salary; and 

… but you may not know where to start. 

That’s where Trusted Nurse Staffing comes in. 

Our professional team can help you find the right assignment, with the earning potential you desire. 

We can also offer guidance and support throughout your career.

Click below to contact us today.

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Travel Nurse Pay & Benefits

Understanding Travel Nurse Salaries and Your Benefits Package

How much do travel nurses make?

There are many factors to consider when talking about how much travel nurse get paid, including:

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When looking to optimize pay, it’s important to understand that pay packages differ based on specialty and location. For instance, a travel L&D nurse in California will make a different amount than a travel med-surg nurse in Kentucky.

Many travel nurses bounce around between states — sometimes even between specialties — and will be paid differently from assignment to assignment. You may also be eligible for housing, meal and incidental stipends to reimburse you for actual expenses incurred while on assignment. Your recruiter will discuss all these details with you during your search. Your recruiter will work diligently to find you positions that meet your financial goals. Keep in mind that flexibility during your job search with location, shift and other factors usually results in the potential of higher paying opportunities.

Log in and view pay packages and facility information for all jobs.

Travel Nursing Benefits with Aya

You can enroll and contribute to your 401k on the first of the month following eligibility, which is working 4 consecutive months or one year from your original hire date (with at least 1,000 hours worked). After a year (with at least 1,000 hours worked) you’re eligible for matching!

Medical Plan

A comprehensive medical, dental and vision plan from the first day you start an assignment with Aya Healthcare. You also have the option to add a spouse and/or dependents to your plan!

Sick Pay While on Assignment

You’ll start accruing sick time on the first day of your assignment and earn 1 hour for every 30 hours worked which you can start to use after 90 days.

Perks & Discounts

Wellness and fitness programs (like free virtual meditation and yoga) employee assistance programs (including clinical escalation if your work environment could be improved) and so much more.

Aya Scholars Program

This is the industry’s only clinical ladder program for travel nurses. In exchange for dedication to professional development, Aya Scholars candidates may be eligible for reimbursements for tuition and a specialty certification exam.

Where can I make the most money as a travel nurse?

Like we mentioned earlier, quite a few factors affect your pay, including specialty and location. But like with any job, you need to consider more than just pay. When evaluating an assignment, you should also consider the cost of living in the area. You can rely on your recruiter and the rest of your Aya Healthcare team for valuable advice to help you make the best career choice for you.

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Travel Nurse Pay – 401K and Retirement Planning

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401Ks are yet another travel nursing pay benefit that many travel nursing agencies offer. As recruiters we found that many travel nurses addressed 401Ks as important variables in our original conversations and then never utilized them. This is an undesirable approach. You may potentially pass up on good agencies because they don’t have a benefit that you aren’t going to use. You may also select an otherwise poor performing agency because they offer a benefit that you aren’t going to use. Like many other aspects of the pay package, there’s a lot you need to be aware of when determining how important 401Ks are for you.

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Before we begin, I must point out that I am not a licensed financial adviser. The details I provide here are for informational purposes only. I am not making any recommendations. You should consult with a certified professional to discuss your specific circumstances. That said, I was formerly a licensed stock broker and principal, and I do have a firm grasp on financial issues.

Travel nursing 401k: tax deferred considerations

A 401k is a type of retirement savings account that lets the individual make “tax deferred” contributions to the 401k account. Tax deferred means that the individual is not required to pay Federal Income taxes on the money contributed to the 401k. For example, if a traveler made $50,000 in a year and contributed $7,000 to a 401k, then their taxable income would be $43,000 assuming they had no additional adjustments or deductions.  This is the first potential benefit of the 401k; you’re able to save the money without having to pay income taxes on it. If you have a large income tax burden, then this is a great benefit.

However, if you don’t have a large income tax burden, then this is not much of an advantage at all. This is because there may be better options out there if you don’t pay a lot in income taxes. You see, “tax deferred” means that you don’t have to pay taxes on the money now, but you do have to pay taxes on it later when you withdraw it. The fact that you don’t have to pay taxes now may not really matter if you’re already paying really low (or no) income taxes because you have a low taxable income and/or a lot of deductions.

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Many travelers fall in to this category. This is because they typically receive a large percentage of their pay from tax-free stipends . Therefore, they tend to have lower taxable incomes . Furthermore, travel nurses may qualify for other tax deductions that will drive their taxable incomes even lower . As a result, many travelers will have a very low, and sometimes no, federal income tax burden .

If you find yourself in this situation, then you could invest your money in a Roth IRA instead of a 401k. A Roth IRA is another type of retirement savings account that allows you to contribute post tax dollars now, but withdraw them later without paying any taxes. As a result, you may end up paying much less in taxes with the Roth IRA than the 401k in the long run. Keep in mind that the annual contribution limit for a Roth IRA is currently $5500 and it changes periodically. So if you choose to go with a Roth IRA and intend on investing more than $5500, then you’ll want to also have a 401K. This way, you can make your additional retirement contributions to the 401K.

Travel nursing 401k: employer match considerations

There is another potential advantage to 401ks that must be considered. 401ks are a type of retirement account known as “defined contribution plans.” A defined contribution plan is one in which the employer can make specified annual contributions. For 401ks, this is commonly referred to as “matching.” The employer will essentially give the employee some extra money in the form of a retirement contribution.  For example, the employer will contribute $.25 for every dollar that the employee contributes. This may not sound like much, but that represents a 25% return on your investment and it’s free of risk to boot! This is a huge advantage in the investment world. Matching is a huge advantage for 401ks. I can’t stress this enough.

Free eBook: How To Negotiate Travel Nursing Pay

Unfortunately, while many agencies advertise that they have matching contribution benefits, you’ll be hard pressed to find one with realistic requirements to qualify. This is typically the result of “vesting periods” that are unrealistic for travel nurses to meet. A “vesting period” is a period of time before the employer contributions are actually owned by the employee.

For example, the agency will say that they have 25% 401k matching, vesting after 1 year. This means that you’d have to work with the agency continuously for a full year before the matching contributions were actually released to you. This is just one example and you’ll see that different companies have different “vesting schedules.” Because travel nurses tend to move from company to company in order to land ideal travel nursing jobs , they rarely meet the vesting requirements. In any case, you’ll want to know everything about the company’s matching and vesting schedule before making any judgments.

Again, I’m not providing advice and I recommend that you seek the advice of a qualified licensed financial professional. That said, my experience tells me that the vast majority of travel nurses will not utilize 401Ks by choice despite the fact that they treat them as important. Furthermore, the single biggest advantage of the 401k, the employer match, is hardly ever realized in the industry. Moreover, travel nurses will most likely not realize much benefit from the 401k tax deferment feature. The reason is that the typical traveler has very low income taxes because they’re getting paid a relatively lower taxable wage and have tax deductions that reduce their taxable income even more.

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Therefore, the 401k typically becomes important when you have maximized your Roth IRA contribution. The maximum Roth IRA contribution for 2012 is $5500 for individuals making less than $183,000 per year. As a result, travelers concerned with retirement investing would be wise to determine how much they’re interested in saving each year and splitting that up accordingly between their Roth IRA and 401k.

Managing Your 401K(s) as a Travel Nurse

At this point, you may be wondering what happens to all that money that’s getting contributed to your 401K. Typically, 401Ks are administered by an investment company. This means that the investment company holds and tracks the money for the employer and employee by establishing individual 401k accounts in the employee’s name. The money is put in to the employee’s 401k account where the employee can invest the money in any number of available investment vehicles. Typically, the employer and the investment company have agreed on a set of investments that will be made available to the employee. Typically, these investments will include a very low risk money market fund, and a host of mutual funds with varying investment strategies and levels of risk. The employee then decides where the money will be invested. This may be accomplished over the internet or on the phone with the investment company.

As mentioned previously, travel nurses can expect to switch agencies at a higher rate than permanent employees would switch employers. Therefore, if you decide to make 401K contributions, then you’ll want to have a plan in place for when you switch companies. If you don’t have a plan in place, you could end up with 401k accounts all over the place.

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This is fine if you’re okay with keeping track of all these accounts, but there’s another disadvantage aside from the organizational issues. As mentioned previously, 401k accounts typically have a very limited set of investment options and more options is always better than limited options. When you leave a company, you’re able to transfer the 401k to an investment account with unlimited options. Chances are very good that you’ll be charged less in management fees and be able to find investment options with higher returns and lower risk.

To accomplish this, you can set up a 401k rollover account with a brokerage firm of your choice. You can choose a traditional broker, or an online broker like E*Trade. In any case, you’re going to establish the 401k rollover account and complete the required transfer documentation. The broker you choose will help you with all of this. It typically takes 6-8 weeks for your 401k investments and/or funds to be transferred from your old 401k to your 401k rollover account. Once the transfer is complete, you can invest the funds as you see fit and you’ll have one central location to manage your funds.

As always, your comments and feedback are welcome!!

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Related posts:

  • Travel Nursing Pay – Qualifying for Tax-Free Stipends and Tax Deductions: Part 2: Maintaining Temporary Status In our previous blog post we laid out the criteria under...
  • Should You Know Your Travel Nursing Pay Before Submission? Many travel nurses wonder whether or not they should negotiate...
  • Travel Nursing Pay: Flexible vs. Rigid If you’ve discussed travel nursing pay with multiple agencies, then...

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Smart Ways for Travel Nurses to Save for Retirement

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Please note: While we have some of the most experienced recruiters and other staff members in the travel nursing industry, we at TNAA are not licensed, financial advisers. The advice below is for informational purposes only and we suggest consulting a professional before making any decisions about your financial or retirement planning.

It’s Never Too Soon to Start

We know travel nurses come in all ages , but many are between the ages of 25-29. Although retirement couldn’t sound any farther away to this age group, it’s very important to begin saving as soon as possible. Why start socking your hard-earned money away when there’s fun to be had now? Compound earnings , that’s why. The money you save will earn more money over time, so you want to give it as much time as possible to get to work!

For example, contributing $200 per month to a retirement account from age 25 until age 65, a total of $96,000, would yield a total of $402,481 assuming a 6% rate of return compounded monthly. Contributing $200 per month to a retirement account from age 35 until age 65, a total of $72,000, would yield a total of $203,112 assuming the same conditions. Many factors vary over time, including contribution amount and rate of return, but this simple example shows the power of compound earnings and why it pays to start as soon as you can .

What Retirement Resources Are Available to Travelers?

Each agency offers different retirement resources to its travelers, so check with your recruiter to find out more. Some travel healthcare agencies offer 401(k) plans, which allow both the employee and the employer to make tax-deferred contributions. Tax-deferred plans do not require participants to pay income tax on the money they contribute until they withdraw it. Some agencies offer a 401(k) matching program, where the company matches each employee’s contributions up to a certain percentage. At TNAA, we offer a 401(k) plan that offers a match along with 100% vesting  for eligible travelers.

This basically gives you “free” money from your employer in the form of a match, but one thing to watch out for is something called the vesting schedule. Being “vested” in the plan means that 100% of the money in the plan belongs to you, no matter if it was originally contributed by you or the employer. Many times, employers will set a vesting date of one of more years to encourage employees to stay with the company. For travel nurses who don’t plan to stay with the same agency for long, this means forfeiting any matches you’ve received when you leave the agency.

Managing Multiple Accounts

Once you’ve held several jobs with different companies, you may find that you have a number of different retirement accounts open. What should you do with your money? In most cases, you have four options:

  • Leave the money where it is. There’s nothing wrong with having multiple accounts open, and many times you can choose to leave your money alone. In some cases, you will have to move your money to another account if your employer will no longer allow you to stay in the plan.
  • Move the money to your new employer’s plan. If you’re working with a company that offers an employer-sponsored retirement plan and you’ve opted to participate, you can transfer money from other accounts into this new account. Always check with your plan’s advisers for the best way to do this.
  • Move the money to an IRA account. You can also choose to move your money to an IRA with the investment options of your choosing. By using a “ direct rollover ” to transfer your money, you can avoid getting hit with taxes.
  • Cash out and take the money as a distribution. Most people agree that this is a bad idea because of the steep tax penalties you’ll pay if you make a withdrawal before retirement age. But, it’s an option!

Travel nursing is perfect for the wandering soul, but even the most adventurous spirits hope to settle into retirement someday. In order to accomplish this, many of years of planning and saving must be done, starting as soon as possible. And because travel nurses take a non-traditional career path, beginning and ending employer relationships more frequently than many others, a high degree of vigilance is necessary. Read below for some tips on how to stay on top of travel nurse retirement planning. Please note: While we have some of the most experienced recruiters and other staff members in the travel nursing industry, we at TNAA are not licensed financial advisers. The advice below is for informational purposes only and we suggest consulting a professional before making any decisions about your financial or retirement planning. It’s Never Too Soon to Start We know travel nurses come in all ages, but many are between the ages of 25-29. Although retirement couldn’t sound any farther away to this age group, it’s very important to begin saving as soon as possible. Why start socking your hard-earned money away when there’s fun to be had now? Compound interest, that’s why. The money you save will earn more money over time, so you want to give it as much time as possible to get to work! For example, contributing $200 per month to a retirement account from age 25 until age 65, a total of $96,000, would yield a total of $402,481 assuming 6% rate of return compounded monthly. Contributing $200 per month to a retirement account from age 35 until age 65, a total of $72,000, would yield a total of $203,112 assuming the same conditions. Many factors vary over time, including contribution amount and rate of return, but this simple example shows the power of compound interest and why it pays to start as soon as you can. What Retirement Resources Are Available to Travelers? Each agency offers different retirement resources to its travelers, so check with your recruiter to find out more. Some offer 401(k) plans, which allow both the employer and the employee to make tax-deferred contributions. Tax-deferred plans do not require participants to pay income tax on the money they contribute until they withdraw it. Some agencies offer a 401(k) matching program, where the company matches each employee’s contributions up to a certain percentage. This basically gives you “free” money from your employer in the form of a match, but one thing to watch out for is something called the vesting schedule. Being “vested” in the plan means that 100% of the money in the plan belongs to you, no matter if it was originally contributed by you or the employer. Many times, employers will set a vesting date of one of more years to encourage employees to stay with the company. For travel nurses who don’t plan to stay with the same agency for long, this means forfeiting any matches you’ve received when you leave. At TNAA, we offer our nurses personalized guidance through Principal Financial Group. Principal’s licensed advisers are available through a dedicated help line to assist our travelers in setting up a variety of Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) suited to each traveler’s unique needs. These accounts and all contributions belong 100% to the traveler and, although we hope you never leave, can easily be taken along to new places of employment. Managing Multiple Accounts Once you’ve held several jobs with different companies, you may find that you have a number of different retirement accounts open. What should you do with your money? In most cases, you have four options: 1. Leave the money where it is. There’s nothing wrong with having multiple accounts open, and many times you can choose to leave your money alone. In some cases, you will have to move your money to another account if your employer will no longer allow you to stay in the plan. 2. Move the money to your new employer’s plan. If you’re working with a company that offers an employer-sponsored retirement plan and you’ve opted to participate, you can transfer money from other accounts into this new account. Always check with your plan’s advisers for the best way to do this. 3. Move the money to an IRA account. You can also choose to move your money to an IRA with the investment options of your choosing. By using a “direct rollover” to transfer your money, you can avoid getting hit with taxes. 4. Cash out and take the money as a distribution. Most people agree that this is a bad idea because of the steep tax penalties you’ll pay if you make a withdrawal before retirement age. But, it’s an option! Saving for retirement can make anyone’s head spin – no matter what career you’ve chosen! As a travel nurse, it pays to stay on top of your savings plan as you move from place to place. Even though it may seem a long way off, setting aside a few dollars from each paycheck now is a painless way to prepare for one of life’s biggest adventures – retirement.

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Qualified Expenses You Can Pay for With a 529 Plan

Families can pay for qualifying expenses, but not all college costs are covered by 529 plans.

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Qualified expenses that 529s cover

Anyone can open a tax-advantaged 529 college savings plan , including students, parents, grandparents and other relatives. It is used to pay for college, but not all expenses qualify. Withdrawals from 529 plans are called distributions, and they must be used toward qualified education expenses – otherwise they will face federal income tax and a 10% penalty. Health insurance and child care , for example, don't qualify. That warning aside, "funds from a 529 plan have become even more flexible in recent years" to include more typical college costs, Tony Durkan, vice president and head of 529 relationship management at Fidelity Investments, wrote in an email. Read on to see some qualified educational expenses that can be paid using 529 funds.

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  • College tuition and fees

Money saved in a 529 plan can be used to pay tuition and fees associated with college or graduate school. Eligible schools include any postsecondary educational institution that participates in the federal student aid program administered by the U.S. Department of Education. Parents and college-bound students can see whether their school qualifies by checking if the institution is listed on the Federal School Code List . "Don't wait until your kid's about to go to college to start thinking about it," says Paulina Mejia, national fiduciary counsel at Fiduciary Trust International, a wealth management company. "When you have a kid or grandkid, think about setting one up and having it grow and compound tax-free. It's really a powerful investment vehicle."

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  • Vocational and trade school tuition and fees

The 529 college savings plan can be used to cover certain expenses at eligible higher education institutions other than four-year colleges and graduate school, including community colleges , trade schools and apprenticeships . If a student decides to become a chef, for example, funds from a 529 plan may be used to pay expenses related to attending a culinary institute , provided the institution participates in the Education Department's federal student aid program.

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  • Elementary or secondary school tuition

Money from a 529 account is not reserved just for higher education expenses. Up to $10,000 per year can be spent on tuition costs at qualified private, public or religious K-12 schools . "It's important to know that the $10,000 annual limit is per beneficiary, not per account – the money can come from multiple 529 accounts," Durkan says. "Any amount over that $10,000 limit will be subject to income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax."

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  • Student loans

Borrowers can use tax-free 529 funds to pay off student loan debt without paying a penalty. However, there is a lifetime limit of $10,000 in student loan payments that can be made penalty-free with 529 funds. "If you've got a loan and the ability to pay it off with money that's been earmarked, so it can only be used for certain things, and if you're not using it for education anymore or any of the ancillary expenses that are allowed, it could be a great way to reduce your debt ," Mejia says.

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  • Off-campus housing

While investors can use 529 funds to pay for a college's room and board fees, housing arrangements off campus also count. However, funds for off-campus housing qualify only up to the cost of on-campus room and board, experts say. For instance, if university-owned housing is $800 per month, then the disbursement for an off-campus rental can't be more than that amount.

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  • Food and meal plans

Since room and board costs are qualified expenses for students enrolled at least half time, that means an on-campus meal plan can be paid for with 529 funds. Students living off campus can designate food as a qualified purchase also, as long as the amount spent is less than or equal to what is included in the college's cost of attendance allowance for room and board.

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  • Books and supplies

Paper, pens and any textbooks or supplies required by specific classes are qualified expenses. Schools will set the budget limit for books and supplies, so experts recommend checking with the institution on the allowable amount for each academic year.

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While some electronics such as computers are eligible expenses, these items must be required as part of the student's attendance. Experts recommend trying a web search to determine whether owning a laptop is explicitly listed as a requirement for enrollment. For instance, Michigan State University 's website reads: "All undergraduate students at Michigan State are required to have a laptop computer." A 529 distribution can also be used to pay for internet service.

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  • Computer software

Some computer software may count as a qualified expense, if it's necessary to complete coursework. For instance, if a student is studying to be a graphic designer and needs design or editing software, funds from a 529 plan can cover those purchases. But "if your kid is a gamer and wants to get the latest games or consoles, that's not college-related equipment," says Kate Goesel, a certified financial planner with Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium, an investment advisory company. "So that's not a qualified expense."

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  • Special-needs equipment

A 529 plan can cover certain services and equipment that a student with special needs may require, such as a wheelchair. Transportation costs, which are generally considered a nonqualified expense, may qualify depending on a student's special needs. "There really are a lot of ways to be creative with 529 plans," Mejia says.

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As part of the federal SECURE 2.0 Act, up to a lifetime limit of $35,000 in unused 529 assets can be rolled into a beneficiary's Roth IRA , an individual retirement account, as of 2024. Still, experts advise against overfunding a 529 plan. "This is for people that just happen to have an extra balance that they may not need," Goesel says. "There's so many other things you can do with a 529 balance that may make more sense. ... You can change beneficiaries. You can use the funds for graduate school."

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29-year-old earns $187,000 and only works 9 months a year — and his job doesn't require a bachelor's degree

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In 2020, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Aspen Tucker was working as a staff nurse at a hospital in his native Spartanburg, South Carolina, making roughly $2,000 per biweekly paycheck. When he saw a posting for a travel-nursing job in Amarillo, Texas, paying $6,700 a week, he was practically on the next flight.

"I hate to say this, but I didn't give notice. I got my stuff, went to Texas, and told my manager when I got there, 'I'm sorry, I've got to go. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,'" Tucker told CNBC Make It .

Tucker, now 29, has been on the road ever since, picking up travel-nursing contracts that range from four to 13 weeks long. While on contract, he typically works 48- to 60-hour weeks, putting in long shifts to maximize overtime pay.

The goal behind all that overtime is downtime. Tucker works only nine months out of the year and spends the rest of his time back in South Carolina or on vacation. His 2022 income: $187,000.

"I absolutely love living in Spartanburg and being a travel nurse. Spartanburg has a small-town feel. I know everyone here. I have family here," he says. "The big benefit is the low cost of living in South Carolina. I'm able to have a high salary as a travel nurse, but come back to where the cost of living is low."

The advantages and drawbacks of travel nursing

For someone like Tucker, who says he has dreamed of traveling since childhood, travel nursing offers some obvious appeal. His jobs have taken him all over, from Rhode Island to California.

As a profession, it's a no-doubt price performer. Tucker began his career as a travel nurse after earning an associate's degree. On average, a four-year undergraduate degree will cost about $29,000 per year, compared with just over $11,000 for two-year degrees, according to the latest data from the National Center for Education Statistics .

A more expensive education often coincides with a higher salary. The median annual pay among American workers with a bachelor's degree is about $69,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics . Those with an associate's degree average just over $50,000.

Travel nursing bucks that trend — but it isn't for everyone. It comes with drawbacks both personal and financial.

Time away from family

Life on the road means time away from your usual support system. "I'm away from home, I'm away from family, I'm away from my dog," says Tucker. "I'm way outside my comfort zone — usually in different cities or different states. It does have its challenges."

A tricky work environment

Hospitals bring in travel nurses when they need extra staff pronto, so there's no time to ease into things.

"As a staff nurse you may get eight, 10, even 13 weeks to get [integrated] working there, but as a travel nurse, you get a day," Tucker says. That may mean learning new workflows amid language barriers or with staff that's less than delighted you're there.

It's not unusual for staff nurses to ask him about his pay, Tucker says.

"In their mind they're thinking, 'This company doesn't want to pay us, but they're willing to pay somebody to come here for a short period of time to make this kind of money.' It creates a little bit of animosity there," he says.

Spotty health care

What's more, travel nurses pay premiums for health insurance when they're under contract but aren't covered between jobs. "I try to think smart and get everything done while I'm under that contract," Tucker says.

Recently, that meant getting aching wisdom teeth pulled while working in California.

That also means when he's on break, he's learned to live cautiously. "I used to play a lot of basketball and stuff. And now I'm like, 'If I don't have health insurance, I can't go ahead and break my leg.'"

Complicated finances

If you're not willing to live a completely nomadic lifestyle, being on the road means paying for a lot of things twice.

In December 2022, while working in Fresno, California, Tucker paid for a mortgage on his house in Spartanburg, plus the cost of a long-term stay in an Airbnb. He paid for a rental car for the month in addition to the payment on his truck. He also took care of his living expenses while paying friends to walk his dogs and keep an eye on his house and cars.

Tucker's solution to defray the costs: earning extra income from real estate . He recently purchased a duplex in Spartanburg and rents half the home to a long-term renter while listing the other half on Airbnb. He's planning to rent his primary residence too when he's out of town.

In fact, that's how Tucker hopes to use real estate income to replace or supplement his salary when he eventually stops travel nursing.

"I want to create more real estate opportunities for myself [so] that I can work less and less," he says.

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CHECK OUT: 29-year-old travel nurse seized a chance to make $187,000 and only work 9 months a year: It’s ‘a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity’

How a 22-year-old making $32,000 in Cincinnati, Ohio spends her money

Mother of 2 dies mysteriously while on flight back from Dominican Republic

Stefanie Smith's friends and family said she had no preexisting conditions.

Family and friends of an Indiana mother said they were shocked and stunned by her sudden death as she was aboard a flight returning from a vacation in the Dominican Republic last week.

Investigators in Turks and Caicos said they are investigating the Feb. 28 death of Stefanie Smith, who was onboard the American Airlines flight from the Dominican Republic to North Carolina. Smith, 41, fell ill mid-flight which prompted an emergency landing in Turks and Caicos, where she was transported to a hospital and later died, the Turks and Caicos police said in a statement.

PHOTO: Stefanie Smith in a photo with her brother Chris Volz.

A cause of death was not immediately determined and medical examiners are conducting an autopsy, the police said.

MORE: American Airlines to buy 260 planes from Airbus, Boeing, Embraer amid growing demand

Smith was vacationing with her boyfriend for five days and seemed healthy right before the flight, according to her friend, Maria Yannotti, who was also on the trip.

"She loves going to the gym every day, even while we were in the Dominican. She made it a point to get up every morning to go to the gym and run on the beach," Yannotti, who traveled to the Dominican Republic separately, told ABC News.

PHOTO: Stefanie Smith seen with her son and daughter in an undated photo.

Smith's boyfriend was sitting next to her on the flight and said her eyes rolled back and she started convulsing, according to Yannotti.

A doctor and nurses on board the plane helped to administer CPR to Smith before the plane made an emergency landing, according to a source with knowledge of the investigation.

MORE: Flight attendant found dead with sock lodged in her mouth in airport hotel room

Smith was the mother of two children, an 18-year-old son and a 16-year-old daughter, according to her brother, Chris Volz. Volz told ABC News that he was not aware of his sister having any preexisting health conditions.

"She was a special person. ... Her kids really ... love her a lot, and I know she loved them," he said. "And so it's tough."

ABC News' Anselm Gibbs contributed to this report.

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Privately owned vehicle (POV) mileage reimbursement rates

GSA has adjusted all POV mileage reimbursement rates effective January 1, 2024.

Airplane nautical miles (NMs) should be converted into statute miles (SMs) or regular miles when submitting a voucher using the formula (1 NM equals 1.15077945 SMs).

For calculating the mileage difference between airports, please visit the U.S. Department of Transportation's Inter-Airport Distance website.

QUESTIONS: For all travel policy questions, email [email protected]

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PER DIEM LOOK-UP

1 choose a location.

Error, The Per Diem API is not responding. Please try again later.

No results could be found for the location you've entered.

Rates for Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. Territories and Possessions are set by the Department of Defense .

Rates for foreign countries are set by the State Department .

2 Choose a date

Rates are available between 10/1/2021 and 09/30/2024.

The End Date of your trip can not occur before the Start Date.

Traveler reimbursement is based on the location of the work activities and not the accommodations, unless lodging is not available at the work activity, then the agency may authorize the rate where lodging is obtained.

Unless otherwise specified, the per diem locality is defined as "all locations within, or entirely surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city, including independent entities located within those boundaries."

Per diem localities with county definitions shall include "all locations within, or entirely surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city as well as the boundaries of the listed counties, including independent entities located within the boundaries of the key city and the listed counties (unless otherwise listed separately)."

When a military installation or Government - related facility(whether or not specifically named) is located partially within more than one city or county boundary, the applicable per diem rate for the entire installation or facility is the higher of the rates which apply to the cities and / or counties, even though part(s) of such activities may be located outside the defined per diem locality.

IMAGES

  1. All You Need to Know about Travel Nursing

    plan a travel nursing

  2. How Much Experience Is Needed For Travel Nursing

    plan a travel nursing

  3. Travel Nursing Checklist

    plan a travel nursing

  4. Travel Nursing 101: Get Started with Your Travel Nursing Career

    plan a travel nursing

  5. Do You Need Experience To Be A Travel Nurse?

    plan a travel nursing

  6. [INFOGRAPHIC] Are You Up for the Travel Nursing...

    plan a travel nursing

COMMENTS

  1. 10 Ways to Prepare for a Career in Travel Nursing

    Keep your options open until you find the right company and recruiter. Travel nursing agencies vary in rules, benefits, and assignment quality. Be honest and forthright with pushy recruiters who may want you to commit from the beginning. Tell them that you are looking out for your own interests and stand firm. 4.

  2. 9 Best Travel Nurse Companies of 2023

    What to Look for in Travel Nursing Agencies. When looking into travel nurse agencies you should first make sure that they provide the basics: free housing or a housing stipend, health and dental insurance, a retirement plan, travel reimbursement, 24-hour customer support, and a variety and abundance of travel nursing jobs all over the country.

  3. How to Become a Travel Nurse

    How to Become a Travel Nurse 5 min read • May, 18 2023 . Becoming a travel nurse can be a bit more complicated than other nursing career pathways, even though travel nurse schooling and certification requirements aren't that different from those of RNs who don't travel.That's because travel nursing means you won't always be working in the same facility and may not perform the same kind of ...

  4. How To Become A Travel Nurse: Qualifications, Perks And Career Data

    A travel nurse must first become an RN, which requires at least an associate degree in nursing. However, most travel nurse agencies and clients prefer or even require nurses to have at least a ...

  5. What is a Travel Nurse? Everything You Need to Know

    Apart from competitive pay, travel nurses often enjoy an array of benefits: Non-taxed stipends: Additional stipends for housing and living expenses on top of hourly rates if you qualify Healthcare insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage. Retirement plans: 401K investment options for long-term financial planning Bonuses: Sign-on, completion, and referral bonuses as incentives

  6. 20 Tips for a First Time Travel Nurse

    When selecting a travel nurse company, set aside a few hours to look up reputable travel agencies. Check reviews. Places to look include glassdoor, travel nurse websites, or the travel nurse community on nurse.org. Ask friends who are planning to travel or who are already traveling which agencies they like.

  7. How to Become a Travel Nurse

    The baseline steps to becoming a travel nurse are the same as those for other nursing career paths. Travel nurses must be registered nurses (RNs), which means completing a nurse training program, passing the NCLEX-RN exam, and applying for licensure. In addition, most nurse staffing agencies require a minimum amount of clinical experience, so ...

  8. How To Become a Travel Nurse (Plus Salary and Tips)

    Steps to become a travel nurse. Here are the steps you can take to become a travel nurse: 1. Earn a degree. Many nursing agencies and employers prefer to hire nurses with bachelor's degrees, though you can typically start your career with an associate degree.

  9. How To Become A Travel Nurse

    Steps to Becoming a Travel Nurse. A travel nurse must meet the same educational and clinical requirements as all registered nurses (RNs). You must first earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Once you earn your degree, you need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and acquire your state nursing license.

  10. How To Become An International Travel Nurse

    International travel nursing demands high-level nursing skills in your specialization. This starts with earning a four-year bachelor of science in nursing degree from an accredited school. A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) improves patient care and prepares you for leadership and management positions.

  11. What is Travel Nursing?

    According to Indeed, the average yearly salary for a travel nurse is $75,109. However, since pay is competitive in travel nursing, some companies are offering salaries of around $100,00 annually for domestic travel nurses. International travel nurses tend to have lower salaries than domestic, except for assignments in some middle eastern countries.

  12. New Grad Travel Nursing: A Guide for 2022

    What is Travel Nursing. Travel nursing was developed as a way for hospitals to fill short-term staffing needs. A typical travel nurse assignment of thirteen weeks could be enough time for the hospital to train a new permanent employee. A travel nurse is a quick albeit temporary fix to a hospital or clinic's staffing problem.

  13. Travel Nurse Across America: Travel Nurse Agency & Staffing Company

    TNAA is one of the top travel nursing agencies. Visit our site to find travel nurse jobs and allied health travel jobs. Looking for travel nursing jobs? TNAA is one of the top travel nursing agencies. ... The plan offers a match along with 100% vesting for eligible travelers through payroll deduction. Your Way is Paid. We cover licensure fees ...

  14. FAQs

    Travel nursing gives you the opportunity to get paid to see the country, work at top teaching hospitals and trauma centers and join a community of fellow adventure seekers — all while making a difference at hospitals in need. ... starting with learning more about your goals and coming up with a game plan to get you an assignment. Throughout ...

  15. The Best Traveling Nurse Services to Work for in 2024

    The Best Traveling Nurse Services to Work for in 2024. Best Overall: Triage Staffing. Best for Sick Pay: Aya Healthcare. Best for Education: Travel Nurse Across America. Best Customer Service: Axis Medical Staffing. Best Track Record: FlexCare Medical Staffing. Best Newcomer: Advantis Medical.

  16. How to Plan Your Travel Nurse Schedule to Be Successful

    SCHEDULE OVERVIEW. The most common schedule for a travel nurse is a 13-week contract with an organization, and potentially some time off in between new contracts. This can vary, especially the time frame with longer or shorter contacts, or renewing contracts with the same location. Take a travel assignment where you want, faster, with us.

  17. How to Plan an Epic (and Easy) Road Trip as a Travel Nurse

    2. Give yourself time to settle: Try to arrive at your travel assignment destination at least a few days before the contract begins. Give yourself enough time to acclimate to your new travel nurse housing and surroundings. Take a walk or drive around your new neighborhood to scope out your new surroundings.

  18. Saving and Budget Tips for Travel Nurses

    3 Ways To Earn Extra Income as a Travel Nurse #1: Take on Per Diem Work. Per diem work is a great way to boost your earnings as a travel nurse. By picking up a few extra shifts here and there, you can really pad your bank account. Just be sure to factor in the cost of transportation to and from the hospital. #2: Work the Night Shift

  19. Travel Nurse Benefits

    Travel nursing and healthcare travel in general comes with a lot of benefits, but here we're specifically talking about healthcare and 401k benefits. Choosing the Best Health Insurance for Travel Nurses. When you're looking into health insurance for travel nurses and allied travelers, the company you take a contract with matters.

  20. Pay and Benefits

    Travel Nursing Benefits with Aya 401k Plan You can enroll and contribute to your 401k on the first of the month following eligibility, which is working 4 consecutive months or one year from your original hire date (with at least 1,000 hours worked).

  21. Travel Nursing Pay

    Travel Nurse Pay - 401K and Retirement Planning. 401Ks are yet another travel nursing pay benefit that many travel nursing agencies offer. As recruiters we found that many travel nurses addressed 401Ks as important variables in our original conversations and then never utilized them. This is an undesirable approach.

  22. How to Choose the Best Travel Nurse Health Insurance Plan

    Health insurance for travel nurses comes with several key benefits. First, it provides financial security by covering a range of medical expenses, including routine check-ups and emergencies, allowing travel nurses to focus on their work without incurring high healthcare costs. Second, health insurance offers access to a network of healthcare ...

  23. Retirement Planning for Travel Nurses: 401k, IRA, & More

    Contributing $200 per month to a retirement account from age 35 until age 65, a total of $72,000, would yield a total of $203,112 assuming the same conditions. Many factors vary over time, including contribution amount and rate of return, but this simple example shows the power of compound earnings and why it pays to start as soon as you can.

  24. The Travel Nurse Retirement Plan

    When you begin your travel nurse retirement plan, you'll also want to consider whether or not you want the "tax deferred" benefit. Tax-deferred means that you don't pay income taxes on the money now. However, you do pay income taxes on the money when you withdraw it. This is something to consider. If you can afford to have taxes taken ...

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  26. Qualified Expenses You Can Pay for With a 529 Plan

    The 529 college savings plan can be used to cover certain expenses at eligible higher education institutions other than four-year colleges and graduate school, including community colleges, trade ...

  27. Travel nurse earns $187,000/year without a bachelor's degree

    Tucker, now 29, has been on the road ever since, picking up travel-nursing contracts that range from four to 13 weeks long. While on contract, he typically works 48- to 60-hour weeks, putting in ...

  28. Mother of 2 dies mysteriously while on flight back from Dominican

    Family and friends of an Indiana mother said they were shocked and stunned by her sudden death as she was aboard a flight returning from a vacation in the Dominican Republic last week.

  29. Baylor Class Of 2028 on Instagram: "Hi!! My name is Emma DelGhiaccio

    165 likes, 20 comments - baylorclass.2028 on March 8, 2024: "Hi!! My name is Emma DelGhiaccio and i'm from Scottsdale, Arizona. I am 100% commited to Baylor a..."

  30. Privately owned vehicle (POV) mileage reimbursement rates

    Per diem rates look-up Allowances for lodging, meal and incidental costs while on official government travel. Mileage reimbursement rates Reimbursement rates for the use of your own vehicle while on official government travel.