The UK nursing system is struggling with a high rate of nursing vacancies. As of late 2023, NHS England highlights a staff shortage of ~10.3%, which equates to 42,306 vacancies. NHS Scotland reports a similar situation in 2024. Although recruitment strategies and plans have been in action, there are still unfilled positions reflecting a shortage of staff in various areas across the NHS. This persistent decrease or shortage in the workforce leads healthcare organisations to fill positions temporarily—-introducing travel nurses into the workforce. So, what is a travel nurse, and what do they do?
What Is a Travel Nurse?
A travel nurse is someone who is assigned for a limited period of time to a clinical setting or healthcare organisation. The employment is contract based, often spanning a few weeks to months. They are hired to fill facilities facing staff shortages. Nurses select assignments based on their preferences and travel to the designated location to provide care. Such nursing experts are assigned through staffing agencies, the government, emergency response programs, and hospitals or healthcare programs. Assignments could be located locally or internationally. Additionally, all travel nurses must have an active RN license to be eligible.
In the UK and various other areas, nurses are especially drawn to this role. This is because of the flexibility and benefits this position offers to nursing experts as compared to other registered nurse jobs. Let’s have a comprehensive glance at why nurses pursue being a travel nurse:
The Perks of Being a Travel Nurse
Higher Pay & Incentives
One of the most important advantages of being a travel nurse is high pay and increased income. This is because, being in this role, you are offered bonuses, travel and meal allowances, housing stipends and more, which automatically add to your overall income.
Travel Opportunities
If you are someone who constantly craves a change in the scenario and likes to explore places, you will love being in this role. This is because it offers you various opportunities to visit new cities, states, or countries.
Professional and Personal Growth
Travel nurse assignments come from all places and distinctive clinical settings, including rural, urban, community and more. Exposure to various clinical experiences and working with diverse patient populations helps enhance nursing expertise, adaptability, and overall professional advancement.
Flexibility & Job Freedom
Another major benefit of a travel nursing job is increased job flexibility. You can take the assignment you are most comfortable with, depending upon your preferred location, duration and clinical setting. Plus, the break you get between contracts offers a great balance between professional and personal life.
No Work Monotony
Monotony at the job leads to decreased motivation, mental fatigue and a tendency to errors. This is another plus point that excites nurses about being a travel nurse—they do not have to face repetitive tasks for years at a single location. Rather, they experience different work routines and scenarios with every new contract, leading to skill enhancement, adventure and increased job satisfaction.
Professional Networking
When you work at different facilities in distinct roles every time, you get to meet many professionals. This not only expands your networking circle but also leads to permanent job offers based on your desired roles and specialisation opportunities.
Purposeful Job Roles
Travel nurses are often hired for underserved or crisis affected areas. This is a perfect job opportunity for those who want to make their jobs meaningful and purpose driven. Being a travel nurse enables them to contribute to society in an impactful manner.
Summing Up
Considering the world of benefits a travel nurse offers, it is perfectly understandable why most of the UK nursing experts will want to pursue it. However, it is also necessary to take into account that being a travel nurse not only requires proficiency in clinical practices but also demands academic excellence, which is where most nursing aspirants struggle. If you are in the same boat, consider getting nursing writing services UK from professional agencies. They can help you write assignments, handle research and learn well, bringing you closer to meeting your goals.
The nursing profession is a rewarding one in itself, whether you are associated with travel nursing or not. However, job satisfaction, mental health, and sense of purpose are necessary factors in anyone’s career, and you should never compromise on them.
If being a travel nurse is what inspires you, then start working for it. Become an RN, engage with an agency and get ready to explore!
