As with any job, travel nursing has its pros and cons. Unlike other jobs, however, these pros and cons are very extreme, and as most travel nurses will tell you, either you’ll love it or you’ll hate it.

Being a Travel Nurse

If you’re on the fence as to whether you want to embark on this job adventure, do your homework, talk to other travel nurses and find out whether you think it will suit you before you give up your permanent position.

Check out sites such as thegypsynurse.com where you’ll read about other travel nurses’ experiences and stories. Also consider the pros and cons before making your decision.

Pro: Travel

Pack up your bags and show up at your new apartment just minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge. If you like to travel, this is a job that is right up your alley. You’ll have a chance to see the United States from coast to coast. Most hospitals even reimburse your for your travel between locations including moving costs and transportation. And you can work with your agent to create a ‘wish list’ for your top choices in locations.

Con: Travel

Contracts for travel nurses usually last around three months, so unless you get a renewal of your contract, you may end up traveling more often than you might like. If you like nesting, travel nursing may not be the right fit for you.

Pro: Salary

Most travel nurses make well above the going hourly rate of a permanent RN. In some instances, hospitals that are desperate for workers will also add hefty incentives to attract traveling nurses to their ranks. They’ll also offer completion bonuses upon completion of hours.

Con: Requirements

Before you are eligible to be a travel nurse, you’ll need to have at least a few years of nursing experience. Most travel nurses have at least a BSN and those with higher degrees are often preferred.

Pro: Experience

Travel nurses get to see the ins and outs of several hospitals and various departments within those hospitals. It’s a great chance to get hands-on experience and learn from various nurses all over the country.

Con: Loneliness

While outgoing personalities thrive on moving into new communities and making new friends, more introverted types will find travel nursing a lonely road. You can get homesick, miss your family and find it difficult to build your social life in the short time you have in one location.

Pro: Neutrality

Because a travel nurse’s stint is around three months, it’s very difficult to get caught up in the political dynamics that exist in the unit. Travel nurses have the luxury of avoiding peer gossip and administrative issues.

Con: Advancement Issues

Travel nurses don’t typically climb any corporate ladders. If you’re more interested in ending up in nursing management positions, travel nursing may not be the best option. That said, travel nurses are known for being very well rounded and can often get into management positions down the road.

Travel nursing is an extreme occupation and it’s not for the timid, but for the right person, travel nursing can be a jackpot career move. Most travel nurses have good things to say about their experiences. As you try to decide on this new adventure, do your homework. Education and other travel nurses’ insight will make you feel more confident in your final choice.

Brett Harris is a healthcare professional and blogger. Enter the healthcare field by attending one of Top 10 best online Master of Science in nursing degrees programs.