Travel Nurses
Provide One Solution
To Nursing Shortage
America is in the midst of a nursing shortage that is
expected to get worse as baby boomers age and the need for
health care increases. Complicating the nursing shortage
problem is the fact that nursing schools and universities
across the country are having difficulty maintaining
enrollment levels that remain insufficient to meet the
projected demand for nursing care.
Based on a recent survey, it is common knowledge that there
is a nursing shortage and this is viewed as a serious issue.
The study revealed that 75% of Americans think that the
nursing shortage is a very real and very important health
care concern. The general view is that the nursing shortage
will have a negative effect on health care services. The
poll indicates that 81 percent of the population is acutely
aware of the nursing shortage and fully 65 percent believe
that the nursing shortage is nearing crisis levels.
The survey also found that, despite the nursing shortage
most Americans are confidant that nurses' opinions on
medical issues are highly credible and that the nursing
profession is generally respected and admired. Because of
the nursing shortage there are many more nursing positions
available than can be filled. This is despite the fact that
average nurse salaries match up quite well with other
professions.
Many potential solutions, such as travel nursing, are being
developed to address the current nursing shortage. The
position of travel nurse was created more than 20 years ago
in order to address shortfalls in staffing in states that
experienced dramatic swings in seasonal population. Now,
being a travel nurse is regarded as operating in a
specialized nursing category and has become a crucial factor
in potential solutions to the worsening nursing shortage.
Becoming a travel nurse opens the door to a world of
possibilities. Agencies that specialize in travel nurse
placement will help locate a variety of travel nurse
positions in areas of the U.S in which a nurse has an
interest. A travel nurse assignment will normally last for
about 90 days but may continue for up to six months. After
selecting the region or state the nurse must decide which
travel nurse position tol accept. It is entirely up to the
nurse which type of program and which type of medical
facility to join.
The compensation for a travel nurse is well above average
and is attracting more nurses into the travel nurse
profession. The salary or a travel nurse is well above the
norm. What's more, the travel nurse package usually includes
complimentary housing. Plus, travel expenses are also
covered. A travel nurse will also receive generous benefits
such as health insurance or a retirement plan, if it is a
good travel nurse agency.
Most travel nurse assignments provide a substantial bonus
upon completion of a tour. The collective compensation for a
travel nurse is far greater than permanent, local nursing
positions. In many cases being a travel nurse can result in
a six figure annual income.
About the author:
by: Terry
McDermott
Copyright 2005 Terry McDermott
Terry McDermott is the administrator of
http://www.TravelMedPro.com,a website that specializes
in providing resources and opportunities for travel nurses
and other medical professionals.