How Much Money Does a Traveling Nurse Make?
Registered nurses make up the largest percentage of health care professionals. Some choose to become traveling nurses, working at facilities where temporary staff is needed. Traveling nurses are rewarded for their flexibility with increased pay, compared to regular staff, and bonuses.
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Education
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A minimum two-year program of study is necessary to become a registered nurse. Many continue on to receive their bachelor's degree in nursing. There are several specializations in which nurses can gain further education and experience. Pay reflects the amount of education received and can also vary from one specialization to another.
Salary
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The job-search website Indeed reports that, as of September 2010, a traveling nurse makes approximately $85,000 annually. This is in comparison to a registered nurse earning $68,000 annually. Benefits include insurance, 401(k) plans, tuition reimbursement for continuing education and incentive programs.
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Considerations
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Before considering becoming a traveling nurse, 12 to 18 months of work experience is needed. Requirements for this experience vary depending on the specialization. A nurse seeking this type of employment should look into different staffing companies that employ and place traveling nurses. These companies assign a personal recruiter to help nurses find the best job matches and pay rates.
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References
- Photo Credit nurse image by Peter Baxter from Fotolia.com