​Did you know there are more job openings in nursing than there are nurses? That's one of the many reasons for the boom in travel nursing. Travel nurses can provide the same professional healthcare services but are employed on travel assignments lasting between 8 to 52 weeks long. Thirteen week commitments are the norm at most agencies.

When you pick an agency you will be assigned a Recruiter to work with you throughout the process of choosing your assignment and then making it happen. If you use our Request More Info form, we will submit your information to 15 of the top agencies in the field today. The agencies will then contact you after they have checked out the information you submit and matched jobs they have available with the preferences you listed.

Don't make any assumptions when it comes to your contract. Read the fine print. Read every paragraph of the contract so you will have no surprises. If there are things that are not what you had agreed to, make sure to bring it up right away and get it taken care of. Make sure you specify if you need time off and check for penalties in case of early termination of the contract.

Stay involved with the recruiter in all aspects. Housing is a very important part of the travel assignment. It is important that you are comfortable in your new home so that you can rest after stressful workdays. You should research the area that you are thinking about traveling to and make sure the housing provided is in a safe area relatively close to the facility. You can always accept a housing stipend and find housing yourself if you are not satisfied with the options provided.

Be selective and do your research. Travel nursing can be one of the most rewarding careers available today. You can go where you want and when you want, if you use your brain and plan accordingly. Safe travels!

Mary Crawford, HealthCare Employment Network