Many people mistakenly assume that travel nursing is only appropriate for single people without children. However, travel nursing with a family is possible and can also be very rewarding.

Benefits of Travel Nursing with Kids

Travel nursing with the entire family offers a number of different benefits, including:

• A chance to see new locations - Travel nursing gives you the opportunity to visit new locations all around the country. Tacking on a quick vacation immediately before or after an assignment can be a great way to show your kids new, interesting places.

• Extra income - Travel nurses typically earn more than nurses who work in only one location. In fact, Fastaff's top travel nurse in 2013 earned more than $170,000 in a single year.

• Excellent benefits - Fastaff offers excellent benefits that are advantageous for you and your children alike, including access to a retirement plan, health insurance, education reimbursement and much more.

Things to Consider

Although travel nursing can be very rewarding for parents, it requires careful consideration and planning. Below are some of the things you should consider before you decide to tackle travel nursing as a parent.

Age

This may be the single largest factor for nurses who want to travel. If you have young toddlers or kids, it may be difficult to spend 6+ weeks away on a travel assignment. If you choose to do this, having a support system back home is crucial. Connecting on Skype and frequent texts will certainly help you get through your time away!

If you’re the parent of an older teenager and they’re responsible enough to be left with a single parent or on their own, travel nursing becomes much easier. While our older children’s needs are important, many teens are quite comfortable spending time without a parent.

If travel nursing is necessary for your immediate situation, it is more than possible to be successful away from home. Just consider the at-home factors while you’re away and limit yourself to shorter assignments.

Frequency of Assignments

Putting space between your nursing assignments is important in order to come home and reconnect with your kids – no matter their age. This is possible if you’re qualified for high-paying temp jobs around the United States. Be sure to check out multiple locations and find the best fit for you.

Location

Another way to make travel nursing a success is to work closer to your home. Working less than 100 miles from your home will allow you to come home during days off and spend some quality time before your next shift begins.

Travel nursing as a parent can be an exciting and memorable experience, but it isn't right for everyone. Before you decide to begin this journey, consider all of the topics above and talk to the members of your family so that you can make the decision that is best for you.