If you are currently a travel nurse or are considering pursuing this exciting field, you may wonder if there are certain times of the year when the pay rate is higher. While travel nurses, in general, make a great salary, certain factors can affect how much a company is willing to pay for your services. Let’s take a closer look at how you can get the most out of your traveling nurse position and whether or not you could make more in winter.
Do the Season Affect the Availability of Traveling Nurse Positions?
The short answer to this question is yes; seasonal staffing changes do affect nursing positions and pay rates. The reason is simple: areas with temperate climates are more appealing, and regions with more extreme winter weather conditions must entice nurses to stick around. That’s good news for traveling nurses who don’t mind the cold since it can mean a significant pay increase.
When are the Highest Paying Months for Traveling Nurses?
Typically, January is the most common month for newly opened travel nurse assignments since employers are working with fresh budgets for the year. However, fall through wintertime, in general, offer ample opportunities, especially in harsh weather regions, for those who are willing to bundle up!
How to Get the Most Out of Wintertime Positions
As a travel nurse, you are uniquely situated to take advantage of seasonal openings, which can ensure you get the highest pay rates possible. Below are a few tips to help you maximize this exciting opportunity.
1. Do Your Research
Researching which areas experience the highest seasonal turnovers is an excellent way to seek out high-paying positions. Some states that experience the harshest weather conditions include Alaska, North and South Dakota, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wyoming, but there are many others with long winters. Knowing beforehand which regions you do or do not want to travel to can make it easier to find the ideal winter position.
2. Plan Ahead
Once you have a general idea of where you want to work, you need to ensure you have everything in place to accept your new position. Winter nursing jobs can open as early as October, so you want to have everything in place beforehand. Be sure you’ve applied for a nursing license in your desired state since turnaround time can be slow. The earlier you can get all the technicalities worked out, the easier the transition is to your new position.
3. Utilize Placement Agencies
A healthcare agency specializing in travel nurse placements is the best way to find quality nursing positions quickly and easily. These agencies have a wide network of hospitals, doctor offices, and more throughout the country, offering a unique opportunity to access hundreds of positions at once.
RNvip is proud to provide direct access to the nation’s top travel nurse employment companies, making it easy to find a placement that perfectly fits your needs. With RNvip, you can take advantage of seasonal openings and maximize your earnings without wasting hours filling out countless applications. Contact us today and see how you can get the most out of travel nursing with RNvip
