Travel Nurses Know These Secrets. You Must Read This Before You Think About Signing Up

I used to think travel nursing was all about glamorous assignments in Hawaii or California, big paychecks, and endless adventures. And honestly? Some of that is true. But the longer I’ve been around travel nurses (and done a few contracts myself), the more I’ve learned there’s a side to this lifestyle you don’t always see on Instagram.

If you’ve ever thought about taking the leap into travel nursing, let me pull back the curtain a bit. Here’s what travel nurses really want you to know before you sign that first contract.

1. The Money Is Good — But Not Always Simple

Yes, the paychecks are bigger than staff jobs. But it’s not just straight salary. You’re juggling hourly rates, stipends, housing allowances, and sometimes even per diems.

One travel nurse friend told me she once had three different checks coming in at once — one from the agency, one from housing reimbursement, and one from overtime. It can be a mess to track for taxes.

Pro tip: Get a tax person who knows travel nursing. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.

2. Housing Can Make or Break You

When you think travel nursing, you probably picture cute furnished apartments with ocean views. Reality check: sometimes it’s a studio near the hospital with questionable neighbors.

Some nurses take the housing stipend and find their own place (more control, but also more hassle). Others let the agency set it up. Either way, don’t skip reading reviews, checking maps, and asking questions. Your housing sets the tone for your entire contract.

3. You’re the “Newbie” Every 13 Weeks

Being a traveler means starting over — a lot. New unit, new charting system, new coworkers, new routines. Every. Single. Time.

Some units welcome you with open arms. Others treat travelers like outsiders. It takes flexibility and a thick skin to adapt quickly.

I’ll be honest: it can feel lonely at times. But the flip side? You learn to build confidence fast, and you grow a skill set that most staff nurses never touch.

4. Floating Happens — A Lot

Travel nurses often get floated before staff do. Why? Because you’re the guest, and staff usually have seniority. That means one day you might be on tele, the next day on med-surg, and sometimes even somewhere you don’t feel 100% comfortable.

Tip:  Before you sign, ask what units travelers are floated to. It can save you a ton of stress down the line.**

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5. The Friendships Are Real — and Fast

Something beautiful about travel nursing: the friendships you form are deep and quick. You bond with other travelers instantly because you’re in the same boat. And even with staff, sometimes those connections become lifelong.

But it can also be bittersweet — just as you’re getting close, it’s time to move on. Saying goodbye every few months can be harder than you expect.

6. You’ll Learn to Love — and Hate — the Flexibility

The freedom to pick your assignments, take time off between contracts, and explore new places? Amazing. But it also means instability. Contracts can be canceled. Assignments can end early. Benefits aren’t always as solid as staff roles.

One travel nurse told me she went six weeks between contracts once — great for her road trip, but tough on her bank account.

7. It’s Not Just a Job — It’s a Lifestyle

Travel nursing isn’t for everyone. It takes adaptability, independence, and a sense of adventure. Some nurses thrive in the constant change. Others burn out quickly from always being the “new one.”

The good news? You don’t have to do it forever. Many nurses do a year or two, pay off debt, or scratch that wanderlust itch, then go back to staff roles with no regrets.

Final Thoughts

Travel nursing can be one of the most exciting chapters of your career — but it’s not all sunshine and scrubs. The pay is great, but the taxes are messy. The adventures are real, but so is the instability. The friendships are strong, but the goodbyes are constant.

If you’re thinking about it, go in with eyes wide open. Talk to other travel nurses, ask all the questions, and know that it’s okay if it’s not your forever path.

At the end of the day, travel nursing isn’t just about where you go. It’s about who you become along the way.