Top 10 Mistakes New Travel Nurses Make (and How to Avoid The

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Welcome to travel nursing! As an exciting and rewarding career path, travel nursing offers incredible opportunities, flexibility, and higher pay. However, the transition can come with its challenges. This guide will help you navigate the common mistakes many new travel nurses make and ensure you’re set up for success. 

Mistake: Not reading or fully understanding the terms of your travel nursing contract.

• What Happens: Missing important details about pay rates, shift expectations, or housing stipends can lead to dissatisfaction and surprises.
• How to Avoid It:  Always read your contract thoroughly, and ask questions about unclear terms. It’s vital to understand cancellation clauses, guaranteed hours, and overtime policies.

Mistake: Accepting assignments without considering the location.

• What Happens: You may end up in a place that doesn’t suit your lifestyle, offers a high cost of living, or lacks available housing.
• How to Avoid It: Research your destination before accepting a contract. Consider the cost of living, climate, and whether the area offers what you need (social life, amenities, safety, etc.).

Mistake: Bringing too much or too little for an assignment.

• What Happens: Overpacking leads to stress with moving, while underpacking may leave you scrambling for essentials.
• How to Avoid It: Use a packing checklist tailored to the assignment duration and location. Focus on versatile, professional clothing and don’t forget important documents, like your nursing license.

Mistake: Accepting the first offer without negotiating.

• What Happens: You might miss out on higher pay, bonuses, or extra benefits like stipends or paid time off.
• How to Avoid It: Always negotiate! Agencies expect it. Understand the pay breakdown (hourly rate vs. stipend) and inquire about bonuses, relocation assistance, and other benefits.

Mistake: Failing to understand how taxes work for travel nurses.

• What Happens: You could end up paying more taxes than necessary or be caught off-guard by tax liabilities, especially on stipends.
• How to Avoid It: Keep a tax home and consult with a tax professional who specializes in travel nursing to ensure you’re maximizing deductions and managing your stipend properly.

Mistake: Not budgeting or saving enough money for downtime between assignments.

• What Happens: Without a financial cushion, the periods between assignments can become stressful and financially tight.
• How to Avoid It: Plan for gaps between contracts. Set aside a portion of each paycheck for unexpected downtime or emergencies, and create a budget based on fluctuating income.

Mistake: Not asking about floating to different units in the hospital.

• What Happens: You might be required to float to a unit outside your comfort zone, impacting your performance and confidence.
• How to Avoid It: Before signing a contract, clarify the hospital’s policy on floating. If it’s not in your contract, ask to have the terms added or negotiated to suit your experience and comfort level.

Mistake: Opting for agency-provided housing without exploring other options.

• What Happens: You might get stuck with subpar accommodations or miss out on housing stipends that could save you money.
• How to Avoid It: Weigh the pros and cons of agency housing versus taking a housing stipend. Sometimes finding your own short-term rental can offer better living conditions and more flexibility

Mistake: Letting your nursing license or certifications expire.

• What Happens: Expired licenses or certifications can delay your ability to start assignments and lead to lost opportunities.
• How to Avoid It: Keep a digital and physical record of all your licenses and certifications. Set reminders to renew them on time, and be aware of licensing requirements for the states where you plan to work.

Mistake: Taking on too many assignments or not prioritizing self-care.

• What Happens: Travel nursing can be stressful, and without proper self-care, you risk burnout, impacting your job performance and mental health.
• How to Avoid It: Pace yourself by taking breaks between contracts when needed. Prioritize mental health, create a routine even on the road, and make time for activities that rejuvenate you.

Travel nursing is an exciting and dynamic career choice, but it’s important to avoid common mistakes that could derail your experience. By understanding contracts, budgeting, and prioritizing self-care, you can set yourself up for a successful and fulfilling career. At RN Broker, we’re here to guide you every step of the way!