Do you think that you have to wait until your kids are older to pursue travel nursing? Think again.
Travel nursing may have its challenges with the little ones, but the experience is well worth it! Travel nursing is a great way to have them tag along as you explore the country, all while getting paid for it.
3 Days on, 4 Days off
Many nurses move forward with travel nursing before they have children, or when they are older and ready to retire. During the in-between years, there is a misconception that you can’t travel, because it could negatively affect your children.
This article debunks those myths, and dives into the ways that travel nursing may work for you and your family.
1. Moving around isn’t a bad thing.
If you’re a family that enjoys adventure and are not ready to settle down in one location, travel nursing can be a great fit. Most assignments are 13 weeks long, giving you ample time to explore the area and see if it’s the right match long-term. If it’s not, you have the flexibility to head somewhere new in three months.
Deanna, a former travel nurse, says:
“Being able to spend 13 weeks in one place allowed us to really get to know the area and people. This is much different than a short vacation, since you are actually living there, going to the park, and buying groceries. Instead of saying that we went there on vacation, we lived there!”
2. Have family out of state? Travel nursing pays you to visit them.
If you have relatives that never get to see your children, travel nursing can be a solution. Try to find an assignment at a hospital near their town. You can also save money by living with them, if hosting children is an option.
Travel nursing offers the flexibility to work as little or as much as you want – including weekends and holidays. If you love your family and are not ready to pack up and leave after the 13 weeks is up, ask the company for an extension or find another assignment in that area!
3. You’re on a permanent vacation.
Road trips to new assignments present opportunities for exciting adventures. Take stops along the way to explore different amusement parks and other attractions your children might enjoy.
You can also give them a map and pins (or stickers) to show where you have been so far. This is a fun way for young ones to share their experiences and adventures with friends!
4. Expand your schooling options.
Schooling is an issue that holds many parents back from travel nursing. However, online schooling offers easy options for children – all they need is a computer and WiFi.
If you’re not comfortable with online school, or your children aren’t the right age for this type of education, remember that summer is three months long – and so are travel assignments!
5. Childcare is available everywhere.
There are times when you will have to work, and may not have a spouse or family member who’s available to watch your children. Luckily, you have options.
There are childcare providers throughout the nation, found by local research or online via sites like Care.com. Meetup.com is another great place to meet other people in the area with common interests and get recommendations. You may even find another mom who’s available short-term for group play dates.
Don’t let fear stop you from moving forward with your travel nursing dreams. Deanna adds:
“Be open-minded. Your new location may not do things the way you were used to doing where you previously worked, but this is a great time to learn something new.”
While travel nursing may seem more difficult with children, it’s an experience you won’t forget. Adequate preparation and determination will help you make the most of it.
