Leah Perez
VP of Hire Up Healthcare
Travel nursing offers an exciting opportunity for healthcare professionals to explore new places while practicing their profession. However, working as a travel nurse during popular vacation times in 2023 can present unique challenges. In this blog, we will discuss the obstacles that travel nurses may encounter during peak travel seasons and offer some strategies to overcome them.
1. Decreased Demand and Increased Competition
Popular vacation times in 2023 see a decrease in travel nurse assignments as healthcare facilities experience a decrease in patients. The lower demand for travel nurses leads to increased competition, making it more challenging to secure desired assignments. It’s crucial for travel nurses to plan ahead, reach out to multiple agencies, and be flexible with their location preferences to increase their chances of finding suitable assignments. Being proactive and maintaining open communication with agencies can help navigate through this obstacle.
2. Limited Housing Options
During peak travel seasons, securing suitable housing can be a significant challenge for travel nurses. The influx of tourists leads to high occupancy rates in hotels and vacation rentals, making it difficult to find affordable and convenient accommodations. Travel nurses may need to explore alternative options such as extended stay hotels, shared housing, or reaching out to local housing resources. Planning and booking accommodations well in advance can help mitigate this obstacle and ensure a comfortable living situation during assignments.
3. Increased Cost of Living
Popular vacation times often coincide with increased cost of living in many tourist destinations. Prices for groceries, dining out, and recreational activities may rise, putting additional strain on travel nurses’ budgets. It is crucial for travel nurses to research the cost of living in their desired destinations beforehand and factor in the potential increase in expenses. Creating a realistic budget and exploring cost-saving measures like cooking meals at home can help manage finances effectively and alleviate the financial burden.
4. Impact on Work-Life Balance
Peak travel seasons can present challenges to maintaining a healthy work-life balance for travel nurses. Healthcare facilities experience higher patient volumes and increased staffing needs, leading to longer shifts and demanding work schedules. Travel nurses must be prepared for potential overtime and be proactive in managing their schedules to allow for personal time and exploration of their new surroundings. Setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and making the most of days off can help strike a balance between work commitments and enjoying the travel experience.
While travel nursing during popular vacation times in 2023 may present obstacles, with proper planning and proactive measures, these challenges can be overcome. By staying flexible, being resourceful, and maintaining a positive mindset, travel nurses can make the most of their assignments and create unforgettable experiences while delivering essential healthcare services to those in need.
If you are looking for your next contract, call us today! Contact us at 559-931-9011 or email me directly at [email protected] to start the conversation!
Leah Perez, VP of Healthcare | July 2023
As the Vice President of Hire Up Healthcare Leah focuses on the national level clients. Leah has over 20 years of recruiting experience in various industries from medical/clinical to administrative/accounting, all of which has launched her to being one of the most well-respected staffing leaders in California. Clients and candidates would describe her as urgent, ethical, and most importantly she takes the time to understand her clients needs so she can properly assist them. Leah would love to speak with you so she can help your business reach new heights.
