Travel Nursing: Local Work, Global Adventure?

Travel nursing is a rewarding career that offers financial benefits and flexibility. But is it possible to work locally as a travel nurse? The answer is yes! Local travel nursing allows nurses to work at hospitals near their homes, which can be just minutes away. This option provides all the perks of travel nursing, such as higher pay and flexibility, without the need to travel far from home. Local travel nursing is a great way to explore different hospitals and their operations while maintaining the security of family and friends nearby. However, there are some important considerations, such as tax stipends and radius rules, that aspiring local travel nurses should be aware of.

Local travel nursing: pros and cons

Local travel nursing is a great option for nurses who want to enjoy the benefits of travel nursing without having to leave their home state or city. This option offers flexibility, higher pay, and the ability to choose your own jobs and contracts. However, there are also some drawbacks to consider.

Pros of Local Travel Nursing:

• Limited travel costs: Local travel nursing generally involves short-distance travel of less than 50 miles, resulting in lower travel expenses such as lodging, gas, airfare, and temporary housing costs.
• Housing stipend: Local travel nurses often receive perks such as a housing stipend, resulting in more money per shift.
• Keep your day job: It is possible to maintain your regular job while taking on local travel nursing assignments for extra income.
• Familiarity: You will be more familiar with the area, making it easier to find accommodation and navigate your surroundings.
• Close to home and family: Local travel nursing allows you to stay close to your support system and easily visit family and loved ones. You can even go home to your family after work.
• No additional licenses required: Staying local means you only need one state license, avoiding the hassle and cost of obtaining multiple licenses.
• Short-term commitments: Contracts are generally short-term, typically lasting around 13 weeks, giving you the flexibility to choose the length of your assignments.

Cons of Local Travel Nursing:

• Limited travel opportunities: You won't get to explore other parts of the country and experience different locations as you would with traditional travel nursing.
• Narrowed job opportunities: Local travel nursing is designed to fill temporary staffing shortages, so there may be fewer job opportunities in your local area.
• Limited patient populations: Working locally restricts your exposure to different patient populations and healthcare practices from various regions.
• Longer commute: Some assignments may require a longer commute than your regular job, resulting in a temporary dual living situation.
• Ineligible for tax-free stipends: Local travel nurses are generally not eligible for tax-free stipends as they work within their tax home radius.
• Loss of the true travel nurse experience: You may miss out on the unique experiences and challenges of being a travel nurse, such as adapting to new locations and cultures.

Tax-free stipends and the '50-mile rule'

The "50-mile rule" is a common misconception in travel nursing. It is often discussed and accepted as truth among travel nurses, recruiters, and even agencies. However, this rule does not exist. The IRS does not specify a distance that would qualify someone for tax-free reimbursements. Instead, they state that you can accept tax-free reimbursements if "you need to sleep or rest to meet the demands of your work while away from home."

The 50-mile rule may have originated from state legislators, who can receive per diem payments when traveling more than 50 miles for legislative business. Additionally, the IRS requires that a taxpayer's new commute be more than 50 miles farther than their old commute to write off moving deductions. Many travel companies also use the 50-mile rule as an internal policy, which has likely contributed to the misconception.

To qualify for tax-free reimbursements as a travel nurse, you must be working away from your tax home, duplicate living expenses due to traveling for work, and maintain your status as a temporary worker. Your tax home is generally the entire city or general area where your main place of business or work is located, not necessarily your family home.

How to become a local travel nurse

A travel nurse is a skilled nursing professional who takes on short-term assignments, locally, across the country, or even internationally. These assignments can last from a few weeks to several months. Instead of permanent positions in healthcare facilities, travel nurses find temporary placements using the services of staffing agencies.

How to become a travel nurse:

First, you need to become a registered nurse. This requires earning an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). You then need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and acquire your state nursing license.

Once you are a registered nurse, you will need to gain at least one year of permanent nursing experience in the specialty in which you want to work.

After gaining the necessary experience, you can find a travel nursing agency that meets your criteria and apply. Decide on your preferences for setting, location, and length of assignment, and use these to help you find an agency that offers those types of assignments.

Local travel nursing:

Local travel nursing is a great option for those who want the benefits of travel nursing without having to travel far from home. Local travel nursing allows you to work at a hospital near you on a contract. It can be just minutes away from your home or a bit farther away.

One important thing to keep in mind with local travel nursing is the "50-mile rule." This rule states that if you take a contract over 50 miles away from your home, you can receive a tax-free stipend, which will increase your pay. If you take a contract within 50 miles of your home, you will not receive this stipend.

Overall, local travel nursing can be a great option for those who want the flexibility and higher pay of travel nursing without having to travel far from home.

Pay rates for local travel nurses

Travel nursing is a rewarding and exciting career path for nursing professionals who value freedom and wish to serve where they are needed most. Travel nurses typically work for a set period, ranging from 13 to 26 weeks, in locations facing staff shortages. They enjoy higher pay than staff nurses, with the opportunity to earn above-average hourly wages.

The average annual travel nurse salary in the US is $105,021, or $50 per hour, according to ZipRecruiter as of May 2023. However, salaries vary widely, with the lowest earners making $40,000 and the highest earners making $155,500 annually. Travel nurses can expect to make more than the average staff nurse due to the in-demand and transient nature of the job.

The average weekly wage of a travel nurse is around $2,000 per week, which equates to approximately $107,000 per year. However, salaries differ depending on location, specialty, and experience. For example, in January 2024, Nevada was the highest-paying state for travel nurses, with a median rate of $2,486 per week. In contrast, the average weekly contract for travel nurses in New Jersey during a nurse strike was $4,405, significantly higher than the national average.

Travel nurses are often employed by agencies that offer hourly rates for each assignment, allowing nurses to choose opportunities with ideal pay. Agencies may offer an hourly base pay with additional stipends for housing and meals, or a higher hourly rate to cover these expenses. Travel nurses may also receive sign-on and retention bonuses, as well as reimbursements for travel, licensing, and nursing supplies.

The salary of a travel nurse will depend on several factors, including the type of facility, the length of the contract, the nurse's specialty, and their full-time or part-time status. Travel nurses who work holidays often receive time-and-a-half or double-time pay. Crisis assignments, where nurses fill urgent staffing needs, also pay a premium.

To boost their salary, travel nurses can consider the following strategies:

• Get additional training for an in-demand specialty.
• Sign up for rapid-response postings, which require a fast turnaround.
• Work in less popular places or strike zones, which often offer incentives.
• Maintain nursing licenses in multiple states to access more assignments.

In summary, travel nurses enjoy higher pay than staff nurses, with salaries varying based on numerous factors. By being flexible and strategic in their choices, travel nurses can maximise their earning potential.

The benefits of local travel nursing

Local travel nursing is a great option for nurses who want to experience the benefits of travel nursing without having to travel far from home. By taking on short-term contracts at local hospitals or healthcare facilities, nurses can enjoy a variety of perks and advantages.

Higher Pay and Benefits

Local travel nurses often earn more than staff nurses, with higher pay being a significant incentive for many nurses to take on travel contracts. Additionally, local travel nurses may receive tax-free stipends for housing and travel expenses, further increasing their earning potential.

Flexibility and Control

Local travel nursing offers flexibility and control over your work life. You can choose the length of your contracts, typically ranging from 4 to 13 weeks, and even extend them if desired. This flexibility allows you to work around your personal schedule and commitments.

Limited Travel Costs and Familiarity

By working locally, you can avoid the high travel costs associated with cross-country travel nursing. You won't need to worry about packing your belongings or finding accommodation every few weeks. Additionally, working in familiar areas means you'll have a better understanding of the local housing market and won't experience homesickness or loneliness.

Professional Growth and Networking

Local travel nursing provides opportunities for professional growth and networking. You'll get to work with different colleagues and professionals, exposing you to a variety of working styles and practices. This can help broaden your nursing skillset and expand your professional network, which can be beneficial for career advancement.

Avoid Workplace Politics and Burnout

Short-term contracts in local travel nursing allow you to avoid workplace politics and drama. You can focus on patient care without getting caught up in long-term office dynamics. This helps prevent burnout and compassion fatigue, which are common issues in traditional nursing roles.

Local travel nursing offers a unique set of benefits that cater to nurses who want to enhance their careers, earn more, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. It provides a great balance between the stability of a local job and the excitement and perks of travel nursing.

Frequently asked questions