More hospitals and clinics are hiring travel nurses on a contract basis, meaning that some professionals might be able to choose between working in a big city or a rural community.
This choice can benefit a travel nurse who wishes to experience working in a variety of medical facilities across the United States. Healthcare Traveler reports that the American Hospital Association estimates that the nation has more than 5,800 registered hospitals, ranging in size from just a handful of beds to those that admit thousands of patients.
There are significant differences between these opportunities that a travel nurse should be aware of before heading out. Different geographic locations can make a world of difference, so it may be a good idea for nurses to spend time researching the facilities they may work at.
A short-term contract in a rural area will most likely request a travel nurse who is well-rounded and experienced in a variety of fields, according to Healthcare Traveler. This is because nurses may be required to float to a few different units in accordance to local needs. In contrast, an urban facility is more often going to request a travel nurse with a specialty. These nurses will need to be experienced in dealing with the specialty cases that come in the door. They will also need to be familiar with particular units, such as neonatal and those for intense critical injuries, reports Healthcare Traveler.
Researching the patient to caregiver ratio, the types of injuries seen in an area, available technology and the number of beds a nurse is expected to staff may be good points to consider before committing to an assignment. A travel nurse can enjoy both types of locations and might consider a variety of contract locations to diversify her professional and personal portfolio.
There are pros and cons to all types of assignments that a travel nurse may have to weigh. Determining which professional and personal scenarios a nurse is interested in experiencing can assist in deciding if a rural or urban setting is right for her. A nurse who wishes to spend a considerable amount of time outside or experience a tight network might try a small community. However, in an urban setting, there is often superior nightlife or restaurants to choose from. Nurses who need some help deciding can look to their recruiters for help, as they are usually a great resource for information on the location and the work environment.
The decision between urban and rural facilities can be tough. A travel nurse may soon come to find the perfect balance with greater travel experience.