Choosing travel therapy or nursing means choosing a career full of opportunities. You’ll regularly explore new places, meet new people, and make a difference no matter where you go. It’s a path that blends professional growth with personal adventure, offering experiences you won’t find in a traditional permanent role. In this blog, we’ll explore five ways you’ll grow on the road, plus why having an experienced recruiter will make all the difference.
Top 5 Ways You’ll Grow on the Road
You’ll Build Confidence
As a travel therapist or nurse, you often walk into the unknown. Every facility, team, and medical director has their own way of doing things, and you’ll need to adapt quickly. That means learning new systems, adjusting to different workflows, and hitting the ground running. With each successful transition, your confidence grows, not just in your clinical skills, but in your ability to thrive anywhere. By the time you head to your next assignment, you’ll carry that confidence with you, knowing you can handle whatever comes your way.
“I love the freedom of being able to move from place to place and see how things are done at different hospitals in different parts of the country. I feel that makes me a more well-rounded nurse.” – Amanda Schuk, Travel Nurse
You’ll Gain the Freedom to Be Flexible
Being a travel therapist or nurse means embracing flexibility and with it, incredible opportunity. Every assignment brings a new community, new colleagues, and new experiences. You might share housing with fellow travelers or rent a cozy room in a new town, but each move gives you the chance to explore different places and work settings. Many travelers find that relocating every few months keeps life fresh and adventurous. As one of our travelers shared in The Ultimate Guide to Travel Physical Therapy, “Be open-minded, sometimes the best cities are the ones you’ve never heard of!”
“You have to be someone who can go with the flow. Your day may not be what you thought it would be.” – Adina Love, CoreMedical Group travel nurse
You’ll Learn What You Want
As you travel from place to place, you’ll discover the areas you thrive in and areas of care that bring you joy and fulfillment in your job. You’ll also learn what you don’t like. You’ll also discover the places you love and could see yourself settling in the future. A traveling career will give you incredible insights into your preferences in a relatively short amount of time.
You’ll Learn What You’re Capable Of
You’re not expected to know it all at your travel assignment. But you will be tested in ways you may not have anticipated. You’ll find yourself troubleshooting in unfamiliar environments, leaning on your training in new ways, and pushing past your comfort zones. Each time you rise to the occasion, you prove to yourself just how capable you really are. Travel assignments often reveal strengths you didn’t even know you had. Over time, those small wins build into something bigger; a deep trust in yourself and your ability to grow, no matter where your career takes you.
You’ll Embrace Adventures
You need to enjoy (and even crave) traveling to be a traveling therapist or nurse. Sounds obvious, but it’s not for everyone. For those with wanderlust, this career path is full of adventure. So, dive in and embrace it! Record your adventures. Journal your experiences. Reflect on what they’ve taught you and what you’ve learned about yourself.
There are some specific things you can do to soak in your adventures. Here is some of what made our list of “Seven Ways to Maintain Work-Life Balance for Travel Healthcare Providers”:
- Bring a bucket list – This holds yourself accountable for big and little goals you have for your next destination. Whether you want to hike a famous mountain or try out every cafe in the area, write these wishes down so you can check them off! It’ll give you something to look forward to and make you feel accomplished outside of work.
- Embrace solo exploration – Embrace your time alone for the quiet, but also the excitement. When you’re living in a new place, a staycation is a vacation. Go exploring and see what you can find on your own.
- Find your community – This could mean meeting more nurses or finding a group of medical professionals who have weekly game nights. Find out about events going on in your area, and don’t be afraid to ask the locals what they recommend.
“Most of all, have fun. You are in a new place! It doesn’t have to be all work. Go out, explore, meet new people, and embrace the World of a Traveler!” – Ademola Giwa, PT
Why Having a Recruiter Matters
When you’re on the road as a travel therapist or nurse, your recruiter can be one of your most important allies. A good recruiter does far more than just connect you to jobs! They become your advocate, guide, and problem-solver behind the scenes.
Here are three advantages to using staffing agencies and recruiters:
- Negotiate more pay – Recruiters often know about harder-to-find jobs and can give you insight on a position or company before you interview. They listen to your needs, bring all options to the table, and work on your behalf to get higher pay.
- Medical benefits – Recruiters will often offer medical benefits, which is easier than using state healthcare exchanges. Note: If you change recruiting companies, you must apply for medical coverage again.
- They work for you – Your recruiter will work for you every day, even when you don’t realize it. Quality recruiters are highly responsive and will regularly check in. You have an advocate and cheerleader supporting you through every assignment.
>>>>Read more recruiter advantages: Ultimate Guide to Travel Physical Therapy
Don’t just take our word for it. Here is a testimonial from a CoreMedical Group travel nurse:
“My recruiter Erin checks in with me all the time just to see how I’m doing and if there’s anything she can help with. There was a situation where my caseload was too heavy, and the company wasn’t adequately staffed – this happens a lot in nursing. I reached out to Erin, and she spoke to the clinical team about the situation. That really helped. There was another instance where I was not paid correctly, and Core helped with that too. Not every staffing company or recruiter will do that, so I don’t take it for granted. In fact, I worry that if I ever quit traveling, I won’t have CoreMedical Group as my friend and advocate.”
“My recruiter helps when I am concerned about anything including housing, payroll, timesheets, or if I just need somebody to talk to. She has been the best.” – Amy Calderon, CoreMedical Group travel nurse
Your Adventure Starts Here
Ready to see what travel therapy or nursing can teach you about yourself? Partner with CoreMedical Group and take the first step toward your next adventure. Whether you’re looking for your first assignment or your next big move, our supportive recruiters will be with you every step of the way. They’ll find the right fit, handle the details, and make sure you feel confident on the road. Connect with us today and discover just how far you can go!
