Travel Nursing vs. Staff Nursing: Benefits and Drawbacks
A nursing career can take you in many directions, with opportunities to work in a variety of settings and shifts. Staff nursing and travel nursing are only two of the numerous options available to nurses. Yet, you’ve clicked on the proper link if you’re uncertain whether you want to work as a permanent staff nurse or a temporary travel nurse. We will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of staff and travel nursing here.
What Is a Travel Nurse?
The term “travel nurse” refers to the frequent relocations that this profession requires. Short-term nurses are registered nurses who work in hospitals and clinics around the world. As a result, travel nurses are always available to help when a shortage of registered nurses occurs.
What Is a Staff Nurse?
Staff nurses are RNs who work full-time in healthcare settings like hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. They have responsibilities, such as attending staff meetings and taking part in making decisions with long-term consequences for a healthcare organization.
Options for Allied Health Jobs: Travel or Staff
It’s up to you as an allied health practitioner whether you choose to go on the road or stay put. What follows is a brief explanation of the distinctions between the two in case you were wondering:
Travel Allied Health Jobs
A majority of people don’t realize that allied health occupations that require travel are only temp jobs. Those who are willing to hit the road in search of work in the medical field might do so by contacting travel companies.
Positions in this category are intended to fill vacancies caused by employee absences like vacations and departures. The facility may lack the human resources or time to find a suitable replacement for the absent worker, which is where travel nurses come in.
They are temporary, though, until the facility can secure permanent replacements. Several professionals who are interested in the healthcare industry choose allied health positions across the country to travel and see new locations while also gaining valuable work experience.
Pros and Cons of Travel Stability Healthcare Jobs
Besides the exciting new experience, there are numerous more benefits.
PROS
- Endless travel + flexibility
- Increased compensation
- Networking opportunities
- Block scheduling
CONS
- Moving and packing
- Feeling lonely
- Fluctuating pay packages
Staff Allied Health Jobs
Permanent positions in the allied health field are referred to as “staff” positions, and they involve being an integral part of an organization’s permanent team. You stay with the same company for many years and rise up the ranks.
Pros and Cons of Staff Stability Healthcare Jobs
Working as a salaried allied health practitioner has several benefits, including security.
PROS
- Fixed pay rates
- Orientation periods that are longer
- PTO (You can take time off during the year and receive your same pay)
CONS
- Workplace drama and different politics
- Reduced pay
Travel Nursing vs. Staff Nursing Similarities & Differences
Both of these professions have their unique challenges and rewards, but here are some general contrasts and similarities to keep in mind.
Benefits
Staff nurse roles that are full-time and permanent provide financial security through guaranteed wages, health benefits, vacation time, and retirement savings.
Some travel nurse agencies do not offer paid time off, making the benefits package less attractive.
Commitment
Not everyone can or should commit. A career as a travel nurse may suit you if you have a short attention span and value flexibility above long-term commitments. Staff nurses, on the other hand, have fixed schedules because they are dedicated professionals.
Pay
One of the biggest draws for RNs is the high pay offered by travel nursing jobs. They receive hourly compensation in addition to meal and housing stipends; therefore, the vast majority of their income is exempt from taxation. Bonuses for RNs who do travel work often range from $5,000 to $10,000.
Nurses on staff, on the other hand, might not be eligible for incentives like bonuses and reimbursements. Nonetheless, they earn vacation time and a raise as time goes on.
Bottom Line: Which One Should You Choose?
Both of these professions have their advantages and disadvantages, so ultimately, the individual must make the decision. If you are a nurse interested in working tax-free and don’t mind frequent relocations, then a travel nursing position may be ideal for you. This professional path is ideal for someone who doesn’t like to make long-term commitments because of the high wage and other perks they come with.
But if you don’t like uprooting your life every 13 weeks, a staff nurse position might be for you. Although this is likely to be more difficult, it will provide greater security in the long run. The pay is decent, and there are prospects for career growth.
Are you looking for a travel or staff nurse career option? Check out our job opportunities at Stability Healthcare and start a new step in your career!
