Exploring The Life Of A Travel Nurse In The Uk

A travel nurse is a registered nurse who works on a temporary basis in different locations, often filling in staffing gaps. Travel nurses are sent to different places in the UK, but they can also work internationally. Travel nursing is a career pathway that can be more complicated than other nursing careers because it involves working in different facilities and performing different kinds of work. Travel nurses work for nurse staffing agencies and must be adaptable, flexible, and have excellent communication skills.

Travel nurse job requirements

Becoming a travel nurse can be more complicated than other nursing careers, as you will be working in different facilities and performing different kinds of work. Travel nursing also comes with logistical challenges, such as attaining the correct licensure to work in different states or countries.

The baseline requirements for becoming a travel nurse are the same as for other nursing careers. Travel nurses must be registered nurses (RNs), which means completing a nurse training program, passing the NCLEX-RN exam, and applying for licensure.

In the UK, you will need a nursing degree. This can be an associate's degree (ADN) or a bachelor's degree (BSN) in nursing. A bachelor's degree is the most reliable way to show employers that you have the knowledge required to work in the field and demonstrates your dedication to landing a role in the nursing sector. A nursing degree can take longer than a standard degree, indicating that you are someone who intends to dedicate yourself to your job.

Once you have completed your nursing degree, you will need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse. After this, you will need to gain experience in a nursing specialty. Most travel nurse agencies require a minimum of one year of clinical experience, so you typically cannot become a travel nurse straight out of college. Expect to spend at least two years working as an RN before applying for travel nursing positions.

In addition to the above requirements, there are several personal characteristics that will help you work effectively as a travel nurse:

• Adaptability: Travel nurses must adjust to different tasks and working environments, as well as living in new locations.
• Communication skills: Travel nurses should have exceptional communication skills to ensure they can integrate into changing work environments and quickly become part of a team.
• Customer service skills: You may need to deal with patients whose views of their ailments differ from the medical reality, and you may be required to change their views on treatment.
• Teamwork: Working closely with other nurses and medical professionals is essential for ensuring top-quality patient care.
• Compassion: As a nurse, your role revolves around your desire to help others. You may often find yourself in uncomfortable situations, but it is essential to put your concerns aside to ensure your patient gets the care they need.
• Resilience: Travel nurses face the constant challenge of being the "new nurse", on top of moving to different states and taking care of difficult patients. Resilience is needed to withstand these challenges.
• Flexibility: Travel nurses have the freedom to create their own schedules, such as working for nine weeks and then taking a month off.
• Comfort with working in new environments: Travel nurses need to adapt to different organizations and care teams, often when those teams lack the resources to run properly.
• Strong support network: Travel nurses may need to leave their support systems behind when they take on temporary jobs in new locations. Having a supportive person or group of people to act as an emotional sounding board is crucial for working long-term in the chaotic assignments of a travel nurse.

Travel nurse salary

Travel nurses in the UK typically earn around £39,000 per year, with an hourly rate of approximately £18.82. This salary can vary depending on location, experience, qualifications, and other factors. For example, the average salary for a travel nurse in London is £62,628 per year or £30 per hour, while the national average salary for a travel nurse is £39,000 per year. According to Jooble, the average monthly income for a travel nurse in the UK is £3,968, and the average hourly rate is £23.52.

The salary for a travel nurse position can also depend on the length of the assignment. A newly qualified nurse in the UK can expect to earn an average of £24,904, while the average nursing salary is around £33,384. Travel nurses with more experience and expertise can command higher salaries, with some earning up to £67,500 per year or more.

In addition to their salary, travel nurses may be entitled to additional benefits such as housing allowances, travel reimbursements, and healthcare coverage. The NHS, for example, provides benefits such as increased pay for unsociable hours, sick pay, annual leave, and flexible working.

Travel nurse career benefits

Variety of Work and Locations

Travel nursing is an excellent career option for those who want to explore new places and gain a wide range of experiences. Travel nurses can work in different locations, from big cities like London to smaller towns, and even internationally. They fill staffing gaps in hospitals and clinics, providing high-quality care to patients across the country.

Higher Pay and Benefits

Travel nurses are in high demand, and as a result, they often earn more than regular nurses. They receive higher-than-average pay and may also receive benefits such as travel reimbursement, accommodation, and assistance with passports and work visas.

Flexibility and Autonomy

Travel nurses have the freedom to create their own schedules and choose when and where they want to work. They can plan vacations around their nursing assignments and decide the hours or shifts they want to work. This flexibility makes it easier for travel nurses to spend time with family or pursue other interests.

Professional Development and Networking

The nature of travel nursing allows professionals to work in different hospitals and clinics, gaining experience in various healthcare settings. They can also work with a diverse range of healthcare professionals, which helps build a strong network beneficial for future career opportunities.

Personal Growth and Adventure

Travel nurses have the opportunity to explore new places, learn about different cultures, and meet people from various backgrounds. They develop adaptability, resilience, and flexibility, which are valuable skills both personally and professionally.

Support and Assistance

Many travel nurses work with agencies that provide support and assistance. These agencies advocate for secure housing and competitive salaries, and even cover travel expenses to new assignments. They also guide nurses through the registration and licensing process, making it easier for nurses to focus on their work and enjoy their adventures.

Travel nurse history

Travel nursing has existed in some form for almost as long as the profession of nursing itself. However, the concept of travel nursing as an established career path is a relatively recent development, becoming popular over the last few decades.

The First Travel Nurses:

The first instance of travel nursing occurred in 1854, when Florence Nightingale and 38 other female volunteer nurses travelled from the United Kingdom to the Ottoman Empire (modern-day Turkey) to provide aid during the Crimean War. The conditions they found were horrific, with wounded soldiers sleeping in overcrowded and unsanitary quarters, leading to mass infections. Nightingale's efforts to improve sanitation, such as advocating for handwashing, are credited with reducing the death rate from 42% to 2%.

The Growth of Travel Nursing:

Six and a half years after Nightingale's pioneering journey, Clara Barton, a school teacher and law clerk, became America's first travel nurse during the Civil War. Barton travelled to Washington, D.C., to nurse wounded soldiers from both sides of the conflict. She provided not only medical care but also emotional support, reading to the soldiers and writing letters to their families.

The emergence of travel nursing as a formal employment option can be traced to New Orleans, Louisiana, in the late 1970s. During Mardi Gras in 1978, hospitals were overwhelmed with patients, leading them to bring in nurses from around the country to provide temporary support. This marked the beginning of travel nursing as a solution to address staffing shortages, which became increasingly common in the 1980s and beyond.

Travel Nursing in the Digital Age:

The digital revolution and the advent of the internet have significantly impacted the travel nursing industry. With limitless information and mobile technology, hospitals and travel nurses can easily connect, making it more efficient to fill staffing gaps. Additionally, the rise of travel nursing agencies has provided a structured framework for nurses interested in pursuing this career path.

Travel Nursing in the Pandemic Era:

The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the essential role of travel nurses. The increased demand for healthcare workers, coupled with burnout and exhaustion among permanent staff, led to a skyrocketing need for travel nurses. As the population ages and life expectancy increases, the demand for travel nurses is expected to remain high, particularly in the field of home healthcare.

Travel nurse agencies

Travel nurses are registered nurses who work for nurse staffing agencies, rather than directly for a hospital or healthcare facility. They fill in staffing gaps, stepping in when there are not enough nurses available. Travel nurses can work locally, nationally, or internationally, and their assignments can vary in length, from short-term to permanent positions.

Benefits of Using a Travel Nurse Agency

Nurse staffing agencies have become increasingly popular due to a shortage of nurses. Agencies can provide a quick and flexible solution to staffing shortages, and nurses can benefit from higher pay, more choice, and the opportunity to travel.

Examples of Travel Nurse Agencies in the UK

Continental Nurse

Continental Nurse is a UK-based travel nurse company that places nurses in desirable locations across the country. They offer short-term contracts, typically lasting three months, and provide company housing or a housing allowance. They also offer permanent positions for nurses not eligible to work short-term in the UK.

Nurses Group

Nurses Group is a UK healthcare agency that provides training to support workers to enhance their skills and knowledge. They offer a personalised and caring service and can assist with UK registration, work and travel advice, and visa applications.

Ambition24hours

Ambition24hours is a leading nursing agency in the UK, providing temporary and permanent staffing solutions. They work with top-rated facilities across the UK and offer competitive rates, 24/7 availability, and nationwide coverage.

Globe Locums

Globe Locums is a specialist healthcare recruitment service that works with a range of healthcare providers across the UK and Ireland. They regularly update their job page, making it easy for aspiring travel professionals to find work. The team is on hand to answer any questions about working as a locum in the UK.

Frequently asked questions