One way to think of it is like good old fashioned temp work. Yes, the Kelley Girl has come to nursing. Healthcare hiring managers sometimes have no alternative. It may be because they are in small, out of the way locales or due to an opening they simply can’t, but must, fill. Occasionally there is a work stoppage and outside nurses must be brought in to keep the hospital open. But mostly, I would guess, it is a simple case of supply and demand. The nursing shortage means that hospitals are commonly unable to fill their needs with local talent and must spend money and energy to find quality nurses.
Travel nurses are contracted for short term assignments through agencies that specialize in travel nursing. Assignments are usually for about 13 weeks although in some situations they can be shorter or longer. Most of the time you can extend the assignment if you like where you are and who you are working with.
The agency normally supplies the travel nurse with housing and travel expense, help with licensing, benefits and payroll services. The hospital fills the position temporarily and the nurse gets paid above market wages to work and live in a new locale. Everybody wins.
I’ll expand more on the details in future posts but if you would like like to get more information now look here.
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