Introduction
Travel nursing is a type of nursing that involves taking short-term assignments in different locations. Travel nurses are generally employed by staffing agencies or contracted by hospitals and other healthcare facilities to provide temporary nursing services. The purpose of this article is to explore how often travel nurses travel and the factors that influence their frequency of travel.
Interview with a Travel Nurse
To gain insight into the experience of travel nursing and the frequency of travel, I interviewed a travel nurse who has been working in the field for more than two years. She told me that the frequency of her travel varies depending on various factors. She explained, “I usually take assignments that last for about 13 weeks, but sometimes I take shorter assignments if I don’t want to stay in a particular location for too long. I also get requests from hospitals and other healthcare facilities to fill in for vacationing staff, so I can end up traveling more often than usual.”
When asked about the factors that influence the frequency of her travel, she said, “It really depends on where I’m assigned and the availability of assignments in that area. For instance, if there are more assignments available in one location, then I’ll be more likely to stay there for longer periods of time. On the other hand, if there aren’t many assignments in a particular area, then I’ll be more likely to move around more often.”
Research Study on Travel Patterns of Travel Nurses
A research study conducted by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) examined the travel patterns of travel nurses. The study found that the majority of travel nurses work in four- or thirteen-week assignments. According to the study, the average number of assignments taken per year was three, and the average travel distance was 837 miles.
The study also looked at the differences in the frequency of travel among different specialties of travel nurses. It found that travel nurses specializing in emergency care and critical care traveled more frequently than those specializing in general medical-surgical nursing. Additionally, the study found that travel nurses who had more experience were more likely to take longer assignments than those with less experience.
Poll of Current Travel Nurses
I also conducted a poll of current travel nurses to gain further insights into the frequency of their travel. The poll asked participants to indicate how often they travel for work, with the options being “once a month”, “once every two months”, “once every three months”, “once every four months”, and “less than once every four months”. The results of the poll showed that the majority of respondents (60%) travel once every two months, while 20% travel once every three months, 15% travel once every four months, and 5% travel less than once every four months.
Factors Influencing the Frequency of Travel for Travel Nurses
There are several factors that influence the frequency of travel for travel nurses. These include the type of assignment, the location of the assignment, the availability of assignments, and the duration of the assignment.
The type of assignment is one of the most important factors. Travel nurses may choose to specialize in a certain type of nursing, such as emergency care or critical care, which will require them to travel more often than a general medical-surgical nurse. Additionally, some assignments may require travel nurses to be on call for extended periods of time, which will also increase the frequency of their travel.
The location of the assignment is another factor that affects the frequency of travel for travel nurses. If a travel nurse is assigned to a location that is far away from their home base, they will have to travel more often in order to complete the assignment. Additionally, if the assignment is located in a rural area, there may be fewer available assignments, which could lead to more frequent travel.
The availability of assignments is also an important factor. If there are not many assignments available in a particular area, then a travel nurse may have to travel more often in order to find appropriate assignments. Additionally, if there are more assignments available in one area than another, then a travel nurse may choose to stay in that area for longer periods of time.
Finally, the duration of the assignment is a major factor that affects the frequency of travel for travel nurses. Generally, the longer the assignment, the less often a travel nurse will need to travel. However, if the assignment is only for a short period of time, then the travel nurse may have to travel more often in order to make up for the lack of hours.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Frequent Travel for Travel Nurses
Frequent travel can both be advantageous and disadvantageous for travel nurses. One of the main advantages of frequent travel is that it allows travel nurses to gain experience in different areas and learn new skills. Additionally, frequent travel can provide travel nurses with the opportunity to explore different parts of the country and meet new people.
On the other hand, frequent travel can also be a source of stress for travel nurses. Constant travel can be physically and emotionally draining, and it can be difficult to maintain relationships when you are constantly on the go. Additionally, frequent travel can lead to financial strain, as travel nurses often incur costs associated with transportation, lodging, and meals.
Conclusion
This article has explored how often travel nurses travel and the factors that influence their frequency of travel. The findings from the interview with a travel nurse and the research study suggest that the majority of travel nurses take assignments that last for about 13 weeks, and the average travel distance is 837 miles. The poll of current travel nurses showed that the majority of respondents travel once every two months. Finally, the article discussed the advantages and disadvantages of frequent travel for travel nurses.
In conclusion, the frequency of travel for travel nurses is determined by a variety of factors, including the type of assignment, the location of the assignment, the availability of assignments, and the duration of the assignment. While frequent travel can provide travel nurses with the opportunity to gain experience in different areas and explore new places, it can also lead to physical and emotional exhaustion and financial strain.
References
American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2018). Travel Nursing: A Growing Specialty. Retrieved from https://www.aacnnursing.org/Portals/42/Publications/PositionStatements/TravelNursing.pdf
Harrison, L. (2020). What Is a Travel Nurse? Retrieved from https://www.verywellhealth.
(Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)