Tips For Travel Nurses Traveling With Family

Travel nursing -with a family in tow? While some folks would quickly respond with a firm, "Impossible!", we are here to tell you it is indeed possible. Many nurses make it work quite nicely.

The term "travel nurse" often conjures the picture of a twenty-something nursing professional hitting the road solo in pursuit of adventure. And that perception certainly does fit some who choose this vocation while others make this move as retirement nears. Still, others make travel nursing a family affair, toting spouse, children, and even pets from one assignment to another.

While the challenges involved will likely multiply, including the family in this career decision comes with several often-overlooked perks, including:

Assignments near extended family

These days, most folks have extended family scattered across the country—loved ones they too seldom have the chance to see. The opportunity to choose travel assignments near these special people can find a family visiting all the grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins in a couple of years.

Built-in road trip family vacations

Strategic planning can make traveling to the next assignment a fabulous family vacation. First, get the kids in on the pre-trip fun by assigning them to uncover adventures to take along the travel route. Include entertainment venues as well as historical and educational opportunities. Then, as the term in one location nears an end, let the planning begin for the next road trip. Mingle the thrill of exciting adventures with responsibility-building tasks to make this a genuinely enlightening time in the kids' lives.

The below tips will help the travel-nursing-with-the-family scenario be an incredible adventure for all involved.

Consider the best time for your family to be part of a travel assignment.

Each family has unique goals, needs, and quirks that must factor into a traveling-with-family decision. Maybe only summer assignments will include the family while the travel nurse chooses closer-to-home assignments during the school year or seeks to go solo for part of the year. Some families will choose to homeschool and be "on the road" all year. It's essential to evaluate what will work best for your family realistically, regardless of what may or may not have worked for colleagues. Short assignments of one to four weeks can be used as a trial run to gauge whether travel nursing with the family is the right choice.

Choose locations thoughtfully.

Maybe one opportunity will include the chance to explore family favorites. Then, gear everyone up for an assignment that offers the thrill of new adventures. In addition to exploration opportunities, consider safety, the cost of living, and the availability of educational services.

Choose housing that provides adequate space for family and any critters.

Outdoor space is always a plus, especially for school-aged children, and if "close quarters" describe the housing arrangement, host a family discussion. Get everyone on the same page about what each assignment will look like. How will it differ from "regular family life" if this is the first travel excursion, or how will it differ from past assignments. Encourage questions and concerns. Work together to find solutions to challenges.

Travel nursing with the family? With thoughtful planning and attention to your family's unique needs, why not?