Travel or Per Diem: Which option is right for you?

As a registered nurse, you have the opportunity to choose from various career paths that offer flexibility, adventure, and the chance to make a significant impact. Among the most popular options are travel nursing and per diem nursing which we happen to offer both Trinity Health FirstChoice . Both paths offer unique advantages and challenges, making the decision between them a critical one for your career and lifestyle. In this blog post, we'll explore the key differences between travel nursing and per diem nursing to help you determine which path aligns best with your professional goals and personal preferences.

As always if you are curious to speak with with a member of our team about travel or per diem, please text "choice" to 60184 to go into greater detail.

Understanding Travel Nursing

Travel nursing involves taking temporary assignments in different locations, often across various states or even countries. Typically, travel nurses sign contracts ranging from 8 to 26 weeks (ours are typically 13 weeks), working in hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare facilities that need short-term staffing.

Advantages of Travel Nursing:

• High Earning Potential: Travel nurses often earn higher hourly rates, along with tax-free stipends for housing, meals, and other expenses.
• Exploration and Adventure: Travel nursing allows you to explore new cities, states, or countries, offering a sense of adventure and variety in your work and personal life.
• Professional Growth: Working in diverse healthcare settings can enhance your skills, expose you to new practices, and make you a more versatile nurse.

Challenges of Travel Nursing:

• Frequent Relocation: The constant need to move from one assignment to another can be challenging, especially if you prefer stability or have family commitments.
• Licensing Requirements: Travel nurses must obtain nursing licenses in each state they work in, which can be a time-consuming and costly process, depending on the state's requirements.
• Adjustment Periods: Adapting to new work environments, colleagues, and protocols with each assignment can be stressful.
• Tax Prep: Being that you are working in other states you are required to file in each state you work in.

Understanding Per Diem Nursing

Per diem nursing, also known as PRN (pro re nata) nursing, involves working on an as-needed basis, often filling in for staff shortages or covering shifts during busy periods. Per diem nurses are typically local and can choose to work in one or multiple healthcare facilities.

Advantages of Per Diem Nursing:

• Flexibility: Per diem nurses have the flexibility to choose their shifts, making it an ideal option for those who need to balance work with other commitments, such as family or education. Many of our Trinity Health FirstChoice use this flexibility to continue their education.
• Variety in Work: You can gain experience in different specialties or healthcare settings without committing to long-term assignments.
• Supplemental Income: Per diem nursing is a great way to supplement your income, especially if you already have a full-time job or are semi-retired.

Challenges of Per Diem Nursing:

• Inconsistent Work: The availability of shifts can fluctuate, leading to inconsistent income. Per diem nurses may face periods with fewer work opportunities.
• Lack of Benefits: Unlike full-time positions, per diem nurses often do not receive benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, or paid time off.
• Limited Professional Growth: While per diem nursing offers variety, it may not provide the same depth of experience or opportunities for advancement as travel nursing.

FirstChoice: Supporting Both Travel and Per Diem Nurses

Whether you're drawn to the adventure of travel nursing or the flexibility of per diem work, FirstChoice is here to support you every step of the way. As a program within Trinity Health, FirstChoice offers exceptional opportunities for both travel nurses and per diem nurses, ensuring you have the resources, support, and benefits you need to thrive in your chosen path.

For Travel Nurses:

• Comprehensive Support: FirstChoice assists with every aspect of your travel nursing career, from obtaining state licenses to finding housing and navigating new work environments.
• Competitive Pay and Benefits: Travel nurses with FirstChoice enjoy competitive pay rates, along with generous stipends for housing, meals, and other expenses, ensuring you're well-compensated for your expertise and flexibility.
• Diverse Assignments: With access to assignments across the Trinity Health system, FirstChoice travel nurses can work in a variety of healthcare settings, gaining invaluable experience and advancing their careers.

For Per Diem Nurses:

• Flexible Scheduling: FirstChoice allows per diem nurses to choose shifts that fit their schedules, offering the perfect balance between work and personal life.
• Local Opportunities: As a FirstChoice per diem nurse, you can work at multiple facilities within the Trinity Health system, gaining experience in different specialties without the need to travel.

Consider Your Lifestyle:

• If you enjoy traveling, exploring new places, and have the flexibility to relocate frequently, travel nursing with FirstChoice may be the better choice. It offers the excitement of new experiences and the chance to see different parts of the country while being well-supported.
• If you prefer staying close to home, value a stable routine, or have family and other commitments that require you to be local, per diem nursing with FirstChoice offers the flexibility to work on your terms without the need for relocation.

Evaluate Your Career Goals:

• For those looking to expand their skills and experiences in various healthcare environments, travel nursing through FirstChoice offers unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and development.
• If your goal is to maintain your skills while having control over your schedule, per diem nursing through FirstChoice allows you to work when you want, with the freedom to pursue other interests or commitments.

Financial Considerations:

• Travel nursing often provides higher pay, including stipends for housing and other expenses, which can make it a financially rewarding option.
• Per diem nursing can also be lucrative, especially if you pick up shifts during high-demand periods, but it may lack the consistency and benefits of travel nursing.

Conclusion

Both travel nursing and per diem nursing offer unique opportunities and benefits, making them appealing career paths for different reasons. Your choice between the two should be guided by your personal and professional goals, lifestyle preferences, and financial needs. With the support of FirstChoice, whether you choose the adventure of travel nursing or the freedom of per diem nursing, you’ll have the resources and backing you need to excel in your nursing career.

If you're considering a career in nursing and are unsure which path to take, explore the options available through FirstChoice. Whether it's the excitement of travel or the flexibility of local work, FirstChoice offers tailored opportunities that align with your goals.

Please text "choice" to 60184 to learn more!