Health & Medical Newswire

In recent years, the need for traveling nursing has grown dramatically as a way to fill a nationwide shortage of nurses at hospitals. What started in the 1980s as a short-term solution to staffing problems has blossomed into an essential part of hospital operations.

“Travel nurses are people looking for some adventure in their lives,” says Marcia Faller, chief nursing officer and executive vice president of San Diego-based AMN Healthcare. “It’s a nice, easy way to experience different types of jobs without being tied down to one hospital.”

Most travel nursing companies act as your personal recruiter, helping you determine where in the United States you want to work and the type of facility that’s best for you.

Travel nursing jobs usually last about 13 weeks, Faller says, but some nurses choose to extend stays for up to a year or more. Many companies, including AMN, cover moving, housing and utility costs as well as offer a full benefits package in addition to a competitive salary.
Travel nursing also offers flexibility, as there are typically no annual contracts involved and you can work for as many assignments as you’d like.

“You can go anywhere you want in the country,” Faller says.