Nursing is one of the most in-demand professions in the United States and travel nurses are in high demand as well. Hospitals and other healthcare facilities rely on travel nurses to fill staffing gaps and provide care for patients when there is a shortage of staff.
However the demand for travel nurses has driven up the rates that agencies charge for their services. This has made it difficult for healthcare facilities to budget for travel nurse staffing and has led to some facilities cancelling or postponing travel nurse assignments.
The question is when will travel nurse rates go down?
Unfortunately there is no easy answer to this question. The rates that agencies charge for travel nurse staffing are based on a number of factors including the demand for travel nurses the availability of travel nurses and the cost of living in the area where the travel nurse will be working.
The good news is that the demand for travel nurses is expected to decrease in the next few years. This is due to the increasing number of nurse graduates as well as the implementation of the Affordable Care Act which is expected to reduce the number of patients who need to be seen in hospitals.
As the demand for travel nurses decreases the rates that agencies charge for their services are also expected to decrease. This will make it easier for healthcare facilities to budget for travel nurse staffing and will make it more likely that travel nurse assignments will be approved.
The bottom line is that the rates charged for travel nurse staffing are constantly changing and it is difficult to predict when they will go down. However the overall trend is that the rates are expected to decrease in the next few years.
Is there a specific time of year when travel nurse rates are typically lower?
No there is not a specific time of year when rates are lower.
However rates may be negotiable depending on the facility’s budget and the nurse’s availability.
Are there any geographical areas where travel nurse rates are typically lower?
No there are not usually any specific geographical areas where travel nurse rates are lower.
However rates may be negotiable depending on the facility’s budget and the nurse’s availability.
How long do most travel nursing assignments last?
Most assignments last 13 weeks but some may be as short as 8 weeks or as long as 26 weeks.
What are the most common reasons that a travel nursing assignment might be shortened?
The most common reasons for a shortened assignment are staffing shortages at the facility or a change in the facility’s census.
How much notice do facilities usually give before requesting a travel nurse?
Facilities will typically give 1-2 weeks notice before requesting a travel nurse.
Will I be paid for orientation?
Yes you will be paid for orientation.
What is the average hourly rate for a travel nurse?
The average hourly rate for a travel nurse is $36-$37.
How are travel nurses typically paid?
Travel nurses are typically paid bi-weekly via direct deposit.
Will I be reimbursed for travel expenses?
Yes you will be reimbursed for travel expenses such as airfare lodging and rental car.
How much money should I expect to spend on housing while on a travel nursing assignment?
You should expect to spend $2000-$3000 on housing per month.
Are there any other expenses that I should be prepared for?
Yes you should also be prepared for the cost of food and incidentals.
What is the best way to find travel nursing assignments?
The best way to find travel nursing assignments is to use a staffing agency.
Do I need to have a specific type of nursing license to be a travel nurse?
No you do not need a specific type of nursing license to be a travel nurse.
How long does it take to get a travel nursing assignment?
It typically takes 1-2 weeks to get a travel nursing assignment.
What are the benefits of being a travel nurse?
Some of the benefits of being a travel nurse include the ability to travel to different parts of the country higher pay and flexible work hours.
