Working as a traveling healthcare professional is an incredibly rewarding career. Travelers have a unique opportunity to go on new adventures, visit new cities, and experience new work environments. There are several stereotypes and misconceptions about healthcare traveling, but don’t let them drive you away from a great opportunity. Here are five myths you may have heard about healthcare traveling.
#1 “You can’t travel with family or pets.”
It’s common for traveling healthcare professionals to bring their spouses, children, pets, and friends along on their adventures! With enough planning and preparation, you can easily travel with family or pets. Here are a few things to consider:
What’s your travel plan? Are you taking the road or the skies? Will you rent a U-Haul, pack the RV, or travel light?
Where will you stay? How many bedrooms do you need? Do you need a dedicated workspace for homework or a remote job? Does it accommodate your furry friend?
What about education? Is school in-person, online, or homeschool?
Who is doing the childcare? Are you traveling with a family member, spouse, or nanny? Will you hire as you go?
Remember, communication is key when traveling with family or pets. You can create lasting memories on your travel assignment by keeping an open dialogue and being prepared.
#2 “It’s difficult to get an assignment.”
Nursing, Long-Term Care and Allied health positions are always in high demand in hospitals and other medical facilities. With positions open anywhere from small, rural communities to large cities, you’ll have no problem finding a travel assignment. As the demand for traveling medical professionals continues to rise, it’s essential to understand the benefits and drawbacks of healthcare traveling.
#3 “I’ll get the worst shifts and no vacation or PTO.”
One of the most significant benefits of working as a healthcare traveler is the ability to choose which assignments you take and negotiate for time off, allowing for a better work-life balance. With various contract durations available, healthcare professionals can enjoy flexible schedules that traditional staff positions can’t offer. And since you can choose when and where you work, you can also decide when and where you don’t, allowing you to enjoy vacations between assignments. Working closely with your recruiter can help you discover the perfect assignment. Ultimately, you have the final say, but keep in mind that hospitals and other facilities make the offers, not your recruiter.
#4 “There is no stability.”
It’s a common misconception that travelers don’t receive benefits. Just like you care for your patients, your medical staffing agency should care for you.
RTG Medical offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes the following:
- Medical, Dental & Vision Plans
- A Competitive 401(k) with Company Match
- Referral bonuses
- Elect life insurance
Despite a slight decrease in demand post-pandemic, there is still a constant need for healthcare travelers throughout the country. Stability remains in the healthcare traveling job market.
#5 “The pay really isn’t much higher.”
The average rate for a travel RN in 2023 is $51/hour— a significant increase compared to the average hourly rate of a staff RN which stands at approximately $38/hour. In addition to their salaries, healthcare travelers often receive housing stipends and reimbursements for daily expenses exempt from their taxes. This unique pay structure provides a higher net income than staff nurses whose entire income is taxable. In addition, travel positions may offer more opportunities for overtime pay, extra shifts, and contract extensions.
At RTG Medical, we are your traveling partner. We provide industry-leading competitive compensation packages customized to fit your needs. We offer a single point of contact, so your process is streamlined from profile submission to placement. If you are ready to become a traveling healthcare professional with us, contact us to get started.
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