One of the biggest perks of being a travel nurse is the flexibility to work in different facilities in various states at any time. Travel nurses can work in one place, pack up after several weeks, and do it all over again in a different facility when assignments are done. However, certain travel assignments — ones that offer great schedules or have amazing in-house nursing teams to work with — can entice you to temporarily waive your ability to jump to the next opportunity and stay for a bit longer.
In this article, we’ll talk about the cons and benefits of extending travel assignments so you can properly weigh your options and make an informed decision about whether you should extend or explore.
The benefits of extending your travel assignment
1. You’re familiar with everything and everyone
After working at a facility for several weeks, you would already have gained enough familiarity with the facility and your fellow nurses and doctors. You know all the floors and who to go to for specific tasks, and you’re familiar with the facility’s systems, and protocols. By extending your travel assignment at a facility you’re familiar with, you not only gain more proficiency and familiarity with their specific processes, but you also put off going through the application and moving process for a while longer.
2. You’ll build strong relationships
Because you’ve been working at the facility for several weeks, the chances you’ve already made a friend or two are quite high. Staying at the same facility for a few more weeks could give you more opportunities to work with people you already feel comfortable with. This is helpful for people who have a hard time making and maintaining connections. Extending your assignment will also help build trust with colleagues and patients alike, which can help improve productivity and efficiency.
3. You’ll have the opportunity to see more of your temporary home away from home
A few more weeks at your current facility can allow you to explore places you haven’t visited yet. If you enjoy hiking or biking, you can check out popular trails and national parks. If you’re a foodie, you can list down popular restaurants and hidden gems and visit them on your days off.
The cons of extending your travel assignment
1. Running into housing challenges
As a travel nurse, you must already be aware that not all housing situations are created equal. Your lease period might just be for the original travel assignment period you signed up for, and you might need to look for a different apartment or home to rent for your extension period. If you’re staying in a popular area, finding viable housing options might be difficult or costly, especially during peak travel seasons.
2. Experiencing burnout
Depending on the facility and the ratio of nurses to patients on the unit you’re assigned to, you might experience physical exhaustion that could lead to stress and burnout. Typically, travel nurses battle burnout by taking time off between travel assignments. However, if you decide to extend your assignment at a busy facility that can’t allow you to take a few weeks off before your extension, you might feel overworked. Stress and burnout could be damaging to your mental and physical health.
3. Feeling stuck
Most healthcare workers who find travel nursing appealing are those who enjoy exploring new places and facilities and scheduling flexibility. If you’re used to working at different facilities, staying at one facility for an extended period might make you feel stuck. This is especially true if you’re the type who longs for the feeling of excitement that traveling and working at new places brings.
Something to take note of if you’re planning on extending your travel assignment
If you decide to extend your travel assignment for just a few weeks or the full 13 weeks, it’s important to talk to your recruiter, especially if you have questions about your pay, stipends, and benefits. Great recruiters will also provide pertinent information, such as telling you how long you can work at one place without breaking the one-year limit if you’re a travel nurse with a tax home.
Our experienced and friendly Meda Health recruiters are always glad to help our travel nurses find jobs they’ll love — ones that match their personal and professional goals — and provide excellent guidance on assignment extensions. Experience the Meda Health difference, explore our job openings, and join our amazing pool of travel nurses today.
