Travel Nursing With a Family
It might seem impossible to partake in the joys of travel nursing if you have a family. But with careful planning, you too can be a traveling Nurse!
In this post, we’ll discuss some of the ways you can make it easier to bring family along with you.
Housing
Finding a place to stay can be a bit more difficult when you’re not alone. A small apartment probably won’t be a good fit.
Be sure to discuss your plans with your Recruiter early so you can find appropriate housing. Don’t forget, you can always take a housing stipend and find suitable housing on your own.
Another option that is becoming more popular is to buy an RV, trailer or tiny home. You can bring your house with you to each new location!
If you have kids, this could be a great option. Because their home itself won’t change, they may feel more comfortable with moving.
Regardless of where you decide, make sure you’re prioritizing safety and comfort. Try to avoid high crime areas, and check for locations with parks and good schools nearby.
Child care
Finding good child care can be challenging when you’re unfamiliar with the area.
If you’re traveling with someone who can care for the kids while you’re at work, this may not be a big deal. But if you’re going to rely on day care, you should check out your options before you accept an assignment.
In some cases, you’ll be able to find child care at the facility you’re working at. If not, do your homework on child care services nearby. Pay special attention to ratings and reviews.
Websites such as Care.com can connect you with in-home care providers who have been background checked and reviewed. Travel Nurse groups on Facebook can also be a source of help for finding child care in different cities.
Know your contract’s stance on missed shifts. Kids get sick and, if you’re the only person to take care of your children, sick days will happen.
Education
Travel nursing with school-aged children can require more work. But it can also be a great benefit to your child’s education.
Traveling brings your children into contact with different cultures and environments. Each assignment brings new museums, historical sites, zoos and national parks.
Research the schools in potential assignment locations, before you accept an assignment. This is an important consideration when you’re deciding where to live.
Some Nurses choose to homeschool their children while on the road. It’s more work than your other options but, combined with the other benefits of traveling, it can be positive for your child.
Another option is an online school. Like remote work, access to the internet can make any location a classroom!