Work-Life Balance
Travel nursing is an exciting and increasingly popular career choice for nurses craving adventure, flexibility and higher pay. With healthcare staffing shortages on the rise, hospitals nationwide depend on travel nurses to fill critical gaps. Whether you're fresh out of college or an experienced nurse considering a change, travel nursing offers exciting opportunities—but it’s not for everyone.
Before you pack your bags and sign your first contract, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of travel nursing. This guide will help you decide if it’s the right path for you.
The Pros of Travel Nursing
If you’re looking for more adventure, better pay and the freedom to design your own schedule, traveling nursing comes with plenty of perks. It’s a unique way to grow your career while you explore new places—and get well-compensated for it.
1. Higher Pay and Financial Incentives
Let’s talk money—because it’s one of the biggest reasons nurses choose to travel for work. If you’re looking to make more money as a nurse, this might be the perfect fit. Travel nurses often earn higher salaries than staff nurses, thanks to tax-free stipends, bonuses and overtime pay.1
- Many agencies offer housing stipends that can significantly cut down your living expenses.
- Some assignments come with sign-on and completion bonuses, adding to your overall earnings.
- High-demand specialties like ICU, labor and delivery or critical care can bring even bigger paychecks.
If boosting your income is a top priority, travel nursing might be the perfect fit.
2. Flexibility and Work-Life Balance
Unlike traditional nursing roles, travel nursing puts you in control of your own schedule. Here’s how:
- You can choose contracts based on location, shift schedule and contract length, making it easier to create a work-life balance that actually works for you.
- Many travel nurses take extended breaks between assignments to rest, travel or spend time at home, for a level of freedom that staff nurses don’t always have.2
- If a contract isn’t the right fit, you’re not locked in long-term—you can move on once it ends and find a better opportunity.
- You have the option to work in different settings, whether that’s a fast-paced hospital or a smaller, quieter medical facility.
- If you need a breather after a tough contract, you can opt for a slower-paced role before diving back into high-intensity work.
More freedom, more flexibility, less burnout—it’s a win-win.
3. Travel Opportunities and New Experiences
If you've got a case of wanderlust, travel nursing lets you satisfy your adventurous spirit while advancing your career.
- You can work in hospitals across different states—or even internationally.
- You’ll gain experience in a variety of healthcare environments, from large teaching hospitals to small rural clinics.
- You can live like a local in different regions, meeting new people and immersing yourself in diverse cultures.
It’s a career that keeps life interesting while giving you priceless experiences along the way.
4. Professional Growth and Skill Development
Every new assignment is a chance to learn and level-up. Travel nursing pushes you to adapt, think on your feet and become an even stronger nurse.
- You’ll gain hands-on experience with different hospital protocols, medical equipment and patient care techniques.
- Working in various facilities helps you build adaptability and strengthen problem-solving skills.
- I f you’re considering specializing in a specific area, travel nursing allows you to gain experience in high-demand specialties before making a long-term commitment.
You won’t just build your resume—you’ll build confidence in your skills.
5. Networking and Career Advancement
Travel nurses work with healthcare professionals from all over, creating opportunities for career growth and valuable connections.
- You’ll meet and collaborate with nurse managers, physicians and hospital staff, opening doors for future job opportunities.
- Connecting with experienced nurses can provide mentorship, guidance and support throughout your career.
- Working with multiple hospitals and agencies gives you a chance to test out different employers before committing to a full-time role. This is a great nursing tip for new nurses.
If career growth and networking matter to you, travel nursing is a great way to expand your professional circle while exploring new possibilities.
The Cons of Travel Nursing
While travel nursing comes with exciting benefits, it also has its fair share of challenges. Before making the leap, consider these drawbacks and how they might impact your career and lifestyle.
1. Job and Financial Instability
Higher pay is a major perk, but travel nursing doesn’t always come with financial security.
- Assignments can be canceled unexpectedly, leaving you scrambling for a new job.
- Pay rates fluctuate based on staffing shortages, location and demand, making your income less predictable.
- Unlike staff nurses, you won’t have guaranteed hours, and if you’re between contracts, you won’t be getting paid.
If financial consistency is important to you, the unpredictability of travel nursing could be a challenge.
2. Licensing and Credentialing Challenges
Every state has different licensing requirements, which can make securing contracts more complicated.
- Some states participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), allowing nurses to work across multiple states with one license. However, non-eNLC states require individual licensing, which can be time-consuming.3
- Credentialing can be frustrating, as each facility may have different expectations for onboarding travel nurses.
- While some agencies offer licensing assistance, you’ll still need to stay on top of renewal deadlines to avoid delays.
If you’re not a fan of paperwork and bureaucratic processes, the licensing maze of travel nursing might be a hassle.
3. Adjusting to New Workplaces Constantly
Every few months, you’ll need to adapt to a new hospital, which can be overwhelming.
- Policies, procedures and charting systems vary between hospitals, making it tough to find your flow.
- Unlike staff nurses, you won’t have time for a long orientation period—expect to learn quickly and hit the ground running.
- Workplace culture changes with every contract, so you’ll need strong communication skills to build relationships fast.
If you thrive on routine and familiarity, the constant change might feel exhausting.
4. Housing and Relocation Stress
Finding a place to live for each assignment isn’t always easy.
- While some agencies offer housing stipends, finding short-term leases or furnished rentals can be expensive and stressful.
- Moving every few months means constantly adjusting to a new living situation, which can be mentally and physically exhausting.
- If an assignment is canceled last minute, you could be stuck with housing costs you weren’t prepared for.
Travel nursing comes with a level of uncertainty that isn't for everyone. If you struggle with unpredictability and managing anxiety or depression, this lifestyle may easily feel overwhelming.
5. Lack of Job Benefits and Stability
While travel nursing offers financial advantages, it doesn’t always provide the same job security or benefits as full-time positions.
- Some agencies offer healthcare benefits, but they may not be as comprehensive as those offered to full-time staff nurses.
- Retirement plans and paid time off are often limited, making long-term financial planning harder.4
- Since you’re always moving, building seniority at a hospital isn’t an option, which may impact future career growth.
Is It Worth It to Become a Travel Nurse?
So, is travel nursing the right fit for you? The answer depends on your career goals, financial situation and lifestyle preferences.
If you thrive in new environments, enjoy the excitement of travel and want to maximize your earning potential, then travel nursing can be a great opportunity. But if you value job stability, long-term relationships with coworkers and consistent benefits, a staff nurse position might be a better fit.
Before you decide, ask yourself:
- Do I have the flexibility to move frequently?
Can you handle relocating every few months, adjusting to new places and leaving familiar coworkers behind? Constantly moving can be exciting for some but exhausting for others, so consider whether this lifestyle suits your personality. - Can I manage job uncertainty?
Contracts can get canceled, pay rates fluctuate and work isn't always guaranteed—are you financially prepared for that? Having a solid financial plan or emergency savings can help you navigate these unpredictable moments. - Am I comfortable with licensing requirements?
Some states require separate licenses, and credentialing varies. Do you have the patience to manage the process? Keeping track of renewals and state regulations is a necessary part of travel nursing, and staying organized will make the process smoother. - Can I adapt quickly to new workplaces?
Every hospital operates differently. If you’re good at picking up new systems and fitting into new teams, you’ll thrive. If you prefer consistency in workflows and hospital culture, frequent changes may feel frustrating. - Do I enjoy working independently?
As a travel nurse, you won’t always have the same support system as permanent staff. Are you comfortable figuring things out on your own? While resources are always available, being self-sufficient and proactive will help you succeed in this role.
If you answered "yes" to most of these, travel nursing could be the perfect next step in your career! And with the right scrubs on your side, you can make your travel nurse job more enjoyable and comfortable.
Stay Prepared for Any Assignment with Cherokee
Travel nursing isn’t for everyone, but for those who embrace the adventure, it can be a rewarding and life-changing experience. From exploring new cities to expanding your skills in diverse healthcare settings, this path offers both professional and personal growth.
If you’re considering taking the leap, do your research, talk to experienced travel nurses and weigh the pros and cons carefully. The right decision is the one that aligns with your goals, lifestyle and vision for your nursing career.
No matter where your assignments take you, having the right scrubs makes all the difference. Long shifts, new environments and constant travel call for workwear that’s as flexible and reliable as you are. That’s why Cherokee’s bestselling women’s scrubs and men’s scrubs keep you comfortable and confident every step of the way. Whether you’re working in fast-paced hospitals or rural clinics, Cherokee’s durable, professional scrubs are designed to support you through it all.
Sources:
1 Health Carousel Nursing & Allied Health. Travel Nurse vs. Permanent Staff Nurse Salaries: A Detailed Comparison. https://www.hctravelnursing.com/blog/travel-nurse-vs-permanent-staff-nurse-salaries#:~:text=Yes%2C%20travel%20nurses%20often%20make,and%20higher%20rates%20of%20pay. Accessed on February 21, 2025
2 AMN Health. How Does Time Off Work During Travel Nursing Assignment? https://www.amnhealthcare.com/blog/nursing/travel/how-to-does-time-off-work/. Accessed on February 21, 2025
3 Nursing License Map. Nurse Licensure Compact. https://nursinglicensemap.com/resources/nursing-licensure-compact/. Accessed on February 21, 2025
4 Nurse First. Comparing Nursing Pay Packages: Travel Nursing vs. Traditional Roles. https://nurse1sttravel.com/comparing-nursing-pay-packages-travel-nursing-vs-traditional-roles/. Accessed on February 21, 2025