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To all the nurses out there who love nursing and traveling: did you know that you can combine both of your loves in a career as a traveling nurse? The field of travel nursing has several benefits over other areas of nursing. Let's look at some of the outstanding benefits you'll enjoy in a career as a traveling nurse.

One of these benefits includes travel around the country working at jobs that can last anywhere from just a few weeks to as long as a year. Although many would not necessarily consider it a benefit because it is a part of the job, to many others it is a major benefit. A job as a traveling nurse allows you to work in many new areas. Often times these are areas that you might not normally consider for a vacation, but they are often in some of the most beautiful parts of the country. You can see many places across the United States as you work and you'll have plenty of time to take in all the sites.

Most travel nurse agencies offer a wide variety of benefits to nurses. Traveling nurses are some of the best-paid nurses in the country. Usually, the pay ranges from $21 to $48 an hour. This will vary based on your level of experience in your field as well as the location of the assignment. Some areas of the country will pay much better than others. Some agencies offer a number of bonuses, including sign on and completion bonuses. Some even offer bonuses when you renew your contract for at least 13 weeks. Loyalty bonuses sometimes offered include monetary rewards, upgrades in housing and paid vacations. Most agencies will also provide referral bonuses for any nurse completing a full assignment that you have referred.

Another major benefit often included when you sign on to travel with an agency is wonderful health benefits. Most agencies furnish fully paid medical insurance for you with the option to add your family at a reasonable expense. Also, often included with your benefits package, are vision and dental insurance, life insurance, long- and short-term disability and accident coverage. Exact benefits will vary from agency to agency, so it is important to investigate what is offered by each company that you speak with.

Many companies will furnish retirement plans, such as a 401K plan usually available after just one month of service. Roadside assistance packages, such as AAA, are frequently provided. Continuing education is often provided at no cost to you and some agencies will reimburse continuing education.

Travel nursing is not the perfect opportunity for everyone, so you must consider the pros and cons carefully. It is also important to investigate any agency that you are considering signing up with. Ask the agency you are considering to speak with some of the traveling nurses who are already a part of their company. A thorough search of the internet to see what others say about the agency can also turn up some interesting information.

There is such a high demand for nurses who are able, and willing, to travel for their jobs today. The benefits, rewards and bonuses available to those who decide to become a traveling nurse seem endless. Travel nursing could be just the shot in the arm your career needs if you are becoming tired of the same thing day after day, year after year. It could just be the change you are looking for.