Travel Nurses Provide One Solution To Nursing Shortage
Copyright 2005 Terry McDermott
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:
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.
Other Related Articles
Important Points in Buying Home Medical Supply
Hooray! So now you are leaving the hospital after confinement. Before you gather up your friends to celebrate your escape, er, discharge from the monotonous hospital routine, be very sure first if you will still be need some home medical supplies on an ongoing basis… What supplies?! Well, home...
Is Your Home Hazardous To Your Health? How Indoor Air Pollution May Trigger Illness
We tend to think of our homes as our havens--safe places to go in order to retreat from the assault of modern life. For the most part this is true. But there is a hidden danger lurking in the seemingly tranquil and protective confines of our houses, and it's something we ought to sit up and notice....
Warning: Lack Of Exercise Is Detrimental To Your Health
You just put in a good 10 hour day in front of your computer
screen, and the last thing you want to do is exercise. Let's
see, exercise, and improve your fitness level, or sit down with
a glass of wine and watch your favorite evening television show.
What would you do?
Seventy percent of...
Important Points in Buying Home Medical Supply
Hooray! So now you are leaving the hospital after confinement. Before you gather up your friends to celebrate your escape, er, discharge from the monotonous hospital routine, be very sure first if you will still be need some home medical supplies on an ongoing basis… What supplies?! Well, home...
Is Your Home Hazardous To Your Health? How Indoor Air Pollution May Trigger Illness
We tend to think of our homes as our havens--safe places to go in order to retreat from the assault of modern life. For the most part this is true. But there is a hidden danger lurking in the seemingly tranquil and protective confines of our houses, and it's something we ought to sit up and notice....
Warning: Lack Of Exercise Is Detrimental To Your Health
You just put in a good 10 hour day in front of your computer screen, and the last thing you want to do is exercise. Let's see, exercise, and improve your fitness level, or sit down with a glass of wine and watch your favorite evening television show. What would you do? Seventy percent of...