In 2024, the allure of figuring out how to become a travel nurse continues, as this career path continues to captivate healthcare professionals seeking adventure, flexibility, and professional growth. As the healthcare landscape evolves, the role of travel nurses becomes increasingly pivotal, offering a unique blend of opportunity and experience. From the role’s fast-growing nature to its financial security, there is a growing interest in how one can get involved in this profession. Delving deeper into these top three reasons unveils not only the practical advantages but also the rewards that accompany this exhilarating career path.
In 2024, Nursing Remains the Fastest Growing Occupation
The US Bureau of Statistics suggests that the demand for registered nurses is expected to increase by 6 percent over the next ten years, making it the highest average growth rate for all professions. On average, approximately 193,100 positions for registered nurses are anticipated to become available each year during this period. With the aging workforce, as well as population, the demand for healthcare services will only increase.
Moreover, to prevent further shortages, it anticipates a need for an additional 1.1 million nurses to be hired within the upcoming year. When considering the steps of how to become a travel nurse, it is important to note that candidates must be a registered nurse and have spent at least two years working as an RN. While there is currently a deficit, this presents a unique opportunity for travel nurses to meet the rising demand, utilizing their skills across different locations nationwide. Becoming a travel nurse will enable you to leverage your skills and experience across the country to get the best jobs and the highest pay.
Enhanced Focus on Work-Life Balance in 2024
The landscape of travel nursing is undergoing a transformation, and one unmistakable trend in 2024 is the increase in adaptable work opportunities. Nurses now enjoy increased autonomy in managing their schedules, with the freedom to select the location and timing of their shifts. When researching how to become a travel nurse to plan their career paths, prospective travel nurses often factor in their contracts’ duration. In the United States, the standard assignment spans 13 weeks, approximately three months. These roles offer flexible hours, paid time off, and ample breaks between contracts, allowing nurses to fully engage with local cultures and explore the offerings of each location.
Being able to earn a paycheck while enjoying the freedom to explore new places truly offers the best of both worlds.
Guard against the economy
Many economists are predicting a recession is going to take place this year. You may be wondering how to become a travel nurse and gain extra benefits from a financial standpoint. Becoming a travel nurse can help you to guard against this in two ways. The first is job security. Opening your job availability to every state means there will always be a job that you can apply for. Plus, traveling allows you to expand your skills and get a wider variety of experience – making you a more sought-after candidate.
The second way that becoming a travel nurse can help you guard against a recession is the increase in pay. Travel nurses get paid more than on-staff nurses and so this increase in salary can help you fight against inflation and be able to save more.
There are a lot of reasons to become a travel nurse in 2024 – and Ventura MedStaff is here to help you on your journey. Our recruiters are available to talk to you and help to answer your questions about trying this career path in the coming year. Contact us today to get started!