What to Know When Travel Nursing with a Spouse

The life of a travel nurse has many perks and can be especially appealing to individuals who are not currently in a long-term relationship or marriage. It's easier to move only yourself than compared to you and your plus one. This is not to say, however, that nurses with significant others can’t get all the benefits of travel nursing—doing so simply requires a little more planning. Perhaps you’ve been considering taking advantage of the perks of travel nursing, but you’re married and you’re not sure how it would work. There are a few things to consider when travel nursing with spouse. Let's review trends in the latest nursing news and travel nursing with spouse below.

What Does Travel Nursing Look Like?

In the latest nursing news, travel nursing has grown across the United States tremendously over the past several years. This is due to the real nursing shortage. With the real nursing shortage and higher patient acuity, many healthcare facilities are turning to travel nurses to fill the staff nursing shortages. And the brutally honest truth is that many staff nurses are becoming travel nurses. This is because travel nurses earn a higher income than staff nurses. Travel nurses complete the same responsibilities and job duties, and have the same specialties as staff nurses. So why not do the same job for more money and get to travel the country?

Also, with the 2023 nurse licensure update, travel nursing is becoming even more accessible. The compact 2023 nurse licensure update allows travel nurses to hold a compact nursing license. Thus, nurses can travel and work in other compact states without having to obtain an additional individual state nursing license.

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Can a Travel Nurse Bring Their Spouse?

Travel nurses oftentimes bring their spouses or significant others on travel assignments. While it's not impossible, there are a few things to consider. Some of these items include childcare, housing, and local activities.

Make a list of the pros and cons of bringing your spouse and weigh your options. Pros include being able to spend extra time with your travel nursing spouse instead of being far away while on assignment. You'll also get to explore your new location together on your days off. Also, the brutally honest truth is that travel nursing away from home can be difficult, emotionally and mentally. With a travel nursing spouse, you'll have a travel support person.

On the other hand, if you have children, finding large enough temporary housing can be difficult. This depends on your assignment location, but you'll still need to plan ahead. Also, if your travel nursing spouse works, you'll need to consider childcare options. Travel nursing with your spouse can also get expensive, depending on the location or if they have to commute. Thus, it's crucial to estimate your expenses and potential income before accepting any assignment.

DOES YOUR HUSBAND OR WIFE ALSO WORK?

The perfect scenario: your travel nursing spouse works from home—wherever that home may be! If this is the case, talk with your recruiter about housing for two and pack your bags. You and your travel nursing spouse can explore all of your dream destinations while you work together to achieve your financial goals. Hopefully, your spouse can work at home during the same hours that you’re at the hospital so you can spend your mutual days off exploring.

Another scenario that is no less perfect: your financial obligations can be covered by the substantial salary you will make as a travel nurse, so your travel nursing spouse doesn’t have to work outside the home. Again, work with your recruiter to find appropriate housing and explore away with your husband, wife, or significant other.

Unfortunately, a one-income household is not feasible for many couples. Many travel nurses choose the lifestyle knowing they will have to leave their spouse at home for extended periods. There are definitely ways to make this change a successful one, however. Consider only taking assignments within a reasonable driving distance so days off can be spent together. Work with your recruiter to hammer out a schedule (if possible) that allows maximum time with your spouse. Communication between you and your travel nursing spouse is huge, and finding ways to ensure both of your emotional needs are met is vital to successfully traveling without your spouse. Skype dates, FaceTime, and unlimited text and data plans will go a long way toward maintaining a healthy relationship if the distance becomes a factor.

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Advice for Bringing Your Spouse

Your recruiter will be your guide to navigating travel nurse life with a spouse. Housing is an important consideration. If your spouse is coming with you, you’ll need enough space to be comfortable. Will you bring one car or two? Pets? Children? If your spouse isn’t coming with you, your recruiter can help you find travel assignments that keep you within reasonable driving range of your home. Honest communication about expectations with your spouse (as well as with your recruiter) will help to ensure success in travel nursing with your significant other.

Also, consider creating a budget and estimating your expenses while on assignment. Research locations that are more cost-effective or where your travel nursing pay package can go further. Review your options with your travel nursing spouse and determine what best suits both of your goals and needs.

Travel nursing with a spouse is possible and fun! Make sure your financial and relationship goals align. Make a list of pros and cons and weigh your options for each assignment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can travel nurses take their spouses?

Travel nurses can absolutely take their spouses on their travel assignments. As a travel nurse, you will need to coordinate housing, expenses, etc. Also, you will need to determine if your travel nursing spouse will be able to work remotely or have a reasonable commute. Many travel nurses choose to take local travel assignments so they can stay near their travel nursing spouse.

What can my husband or wife do while I travel nurse?

First, determine if your travel nursing spouse can work remotely in their current role. If they do not have that opportunity, then they can consider looking for a remote job or something with flexibility. Some ideas are freelancing, seasonal work, being a Uber/Lyft driver, or virtual assistant.

How do I travel nurse with my husband or wife as a nurse?

First, it's best to review your goals with your travel nursing spouse and make sure they align. Determine if your travel nursing spouse has the ability to travel with you. If they are not able to travel, then you can look at taking local travel nursing assignments instead. Next, determine a budget for how much money you would need and like to save. For more travel nursing spouse tips on what you need to know, click here.

Is travel nursing hard on relationships?

Travel nursing can be hard on any relationship, especially if you aren't traveling with your spouse or significant other. What's nice about having a travel nursing spouse is that they can be your travel support person. If your spouse isn't able to travel with you, consider taking a local assignment. If they are unavailable or if this is not an option, consider scheduling phone dates or return visits to spend time with your spouse.