Are you burnt out from your regular nursing or CNA gig? Want to experience a different way to administer healthcare to communities around the Midwest? Then a travel assignment might be the perfect fit for you!
The healthcare field has a wide range of assignments to fit your schedule, lifestyle, and ultimately, your passions. If travel and adventure are among your interests, then you’ve come to the right place! If you are still hesitant to take the leap, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions about fulfilling a travel assignment with GrapeTree!
1. What are travel assignments?
Travel assignments are when a healthcare professional fulfills urgent staffing needs in healthcare facilities that are typically 50+ miles away from your home address.
2. How long is a typical travel assignment?
Travel assignments are typically 8-13 weeks.
3. Can I stay longer than 8-13 weeks?
Absolutely! Let both your GrapeTree Recruiter and the facility that you are working at know, and your Recruiter will work on an extension at that facility. Our team loves extensions, because that means you and the facility are a great match!
4. How much can I earn as a traveling healthcare professional?
It’s no secret that traveling healthcare professionals earn a competitive wage compared to their local counterparts. This is due in part to the facilities you will be staffing, are likely very short staffed. Also, travel nursing is a huge commitment. You will be working away from your home for the duration of the assignment, so GrapeTree wants to make sure you are highly compensated is a guide of estimated weekly pay packages:
5. What are the benefits of a travel assignment vs. working locally?
The obvious benefit of working a travel assignment is travel. You have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the day-to-day life there while you work, stay, and play in different states all across the Midwest and beyond. Traveling also allows you to grow professionally in your career, learning to adapt and change in a new work environment plus making new friends like other traveling healthcare professionals. Both travel assignments and working local assignments with GrapeTree allow you the flexibility to choose what assignments you take on, allowing you to curate the perfect schedule. Travel assignments just have the added bonus of choosing where in the U.S. to go!
6. Where can I travel as a healthcare professional with GrapeTree?
Currently, GrapeTree is staffing healthcare professionals in 12 states throughout the Midwest! Our 12-state footprint includes Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, Minnesota, South Dakota, Indiana, Kansas, Wisconsin, Ohio, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. For travel opportunities specifically, we have also ventured into Idaho for one of our exclusive clients and are exploring some additional states in the near future, so stay tuned!
7. Do you offer stipends? How do they work?
Yes, our travelers are eligible for travel, housing and meal stipends. GrapeTree will provide you with the funds, you find the travel and housing options that work best for you! These stipends will be paid out on your weekly paycheck and are dependent on facility type, specialty, location, and the certification you have.
8. What experience do I need before I can become a traveling healthcare professional?
Similar to GrapeTree’s non-travel assignments, CNAs must still have at least 6 months of experience, while LPNs and RNs must have at least 1 year of experience.
9. What if I want to travel somewhere I am not certified/licensed?
Healthcare professionals must be certified/licensed in the state they choose to work their assignment in. But the good news is we have an entire team dedicated to helping you easily transfer your license and get reimbursed in other states through a process called getting “reciprocity” or “endorsement.” Our team has compiled a list of all our states’ registries so you can easily transfer your license to the state of your choice! Get certified with other states here.
10. Can I bring my family and/or pets with me on a travel assignment?
Absolutely! The great thing about travel assignments is you are in complete control. Bringing your family? Perfect, they get to explore right alongside you! Can’t leave home without your dogs? We can’t either, bring them with! Like other trips you have no doubt been on, just make sure to clear the pet policy with your landlord/host/hotel.
11. I’m interested! How can I start my travel adventure?
Yay! We are so excited to help you find your next adventure. Our knowledgeable team of Nurse Recruiters are here to help you book into your dream assignment. Contact a recruiter today and let’s get you on the road! Have a question that you don't see answered here? Check out our travel FAQs webpage for additional information.