The Top 5 Lame Excuses to NOT Be a Travel Nurse

Are you guilty of any of these?

 

1. I’m tied down. I have kids. A house. A dog. A fish. A headache.

Guess what? You don’t have to get rid of any of these! (Well, the headache will probably go away on its own, but as far the rest of that stuff…no problem!) We haven’t heard of anyone who’s traveled with a fish, but we’re sure it’s possible if you get creative. We’ve had people travel with dogs, cats, even horses! Other nurses, like Christine and Dakota, have traveled with their entire families.

 

2. Career stagnation. I can’t advance if I’m a travel nurse.

Don’t get us wrong, this isn’t actually a “lame” excuse, it’s a valid one. We’ve heard this concern in the past, which is why we instituted the Aya Scholars Program. The program includes hands-on projects, CE hours and participation in professional organizations. The goal is to keep your career on track while you travel!

Aya Scholars are the best-of-the-best of our already phenomenal travel nurses. Patients nationwide experience better care because of them.

 

3. I’m Type A. I like to know who I’m working with and where everything is.

Many of our travelers would have described themselves the same way. Before they started traveling, that is. Aya traveling nurse Rachel credits the career with helping her let go a little. Now, she laughs at her previous Type A tendencies. Rachel says, “I’ve learned to let life happen and just enjoy it.”

 

4. Being a travel nurse is scary. I heard staff nurses don’t like travelers.

We can’t promise you’ll love everyone you meet, but most of our nurses tell us staff are happy to see them. They say it’s super easy to make friends with both locals and other travelers. Just ask Danish, Emily and Britni, who all love making friends with coworkers.

 

5. I’ll have to float as a traveling nurse.

Yep, you might. While you can get it written into your contract that you don’t float, we suggest you give it a try. You may end up loving a unit you’ve never considered.

 

BONUS – I like it where I am.

That’s fine, Dallas (or LA or NYC or Seattle) will always be there. Lots of nurses stay PRN at their home hospitals. Our question for you is, BUT have you been everywhere?!

Out of excuses? Maybe it’s time to start your travel nurse adventure.