Travel Nursing as a Single Parent: What You Should Consider

Are you a single parent and considering taking a travel nursing assignment, but don't know if it's possible? Well, being a single parent or single mom travel nurse is entirely possible! In this blog, we review considerations of travel nursing with children, the benefits of travel nursing, and advice for single-parent travel nurses.

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Can You Travel Nurse as a Single Parent?

Being a single parent and a nurse can be difficult, especially regarding childcare. Maybe you have been considering travel nursing to earn extra money for your family, but don't know if travel nursing with children is even possible. Well, being a single parent or single mom travel nurse is achievable! There are some major considerations to take into account that will require research and planning on your part.

Major Considerations for Single-Parent Travel Nurses

As a single parent or single mom travel nurse, there are several items to consider when looking for travel nurse assignments. First, when looking for assignment locations, you will want to consider if the area is family friendly. Since your child's safety is paramount, look up the crime rates in the area. Also, when selecting an area, make sure there are plenty of activities for your children and you to do on your off days.

Travel nurses make a higher salary than travel nurses. However, when traveling with children, you must also account for extra expenses. Depending on the number and age of your children, you will need to look for housing arrangements with more bedrooms, which can be more costly. Before signing any contract, make a budget. Estimate your living expenses for the area, childcare costs, and activities that you would like to complete with your family. Then compare your budget to your weekly pay information. See if your pay covers your estimated expenses.

Another major consideration is school and childcare. Since you will be working as a single mom travel nurse, you will need to plan for this. To save on childcare costs and not take your children out of their current school, you may want to consider taking a local travel assignment. This will also save you the time of applying for additional state travel nursing licenses. If you plan on taking an assignment that is not local or in another state, having a support system is key. This includes a mental health support system!

Benefits of Travel Nursing

There are several benefits of travel nursing, including for a single parent or single mom travel nurse.

First, you can travel together, which means spending more time together as a family. With most healthcare facilities, you will also have scheduling flexibility. So if you need to work certain days and shifts for childcare purposes, this is possible. Just make sure you communicate this to your travel nursing recruiter, along with any requested days off.

Traveling with family is great because you can explore new places together on your off days. Your family members will meet new friends and explore places with you. Your children will become more adaptable and get to experience different cultures, which is an experience that can’t be taught in school.

Travel nurses also receive higher pay than staff nurses. You will most likely be able to make more money, which means saving more money. It's important to view travel nursing jobs as a whole and compare your weekly pay information with your expected expenses.

Also, most travel nursing agencies offer great benefits to nurses and their families, including medical and dental insurance. Sometimes good benefits are hard to find!

Advice for Single Parents Travel Nurses

As a single parent or single mom travel nurse, you will want to research and plan as much as possible.

First, make a list of your and your family's priorities and interests. When looking for travel nurse assignments, review your budget and ensure it aligns with your priorities and goals. You may find that a location interests you or offers high pay, but isn't that family friendly. So, when you view travel nursing jobs, look at them as a whole. One assignment may look appealing initially, but you may change your mind when you start researching the area.

In addition, having a support system is key. You will need help with childcare for the days you are working. So initially, it may be in your best interest to take a local assignment. Or, if you are looking at assignments in different locations, consider places near family members and friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Now let's review some frequently asked questions of travel nurses that are single parents.

Can you be a traveling nurse with kids?

Being a travel nurse with kids is achievable. However, you will need to plan. You must choose more family-friendly destinations and search for areas with plenty of activities. While researching assignments and destinations you are interested in, you will also need to account for housing, expenses, childcare, and schooling. This take can be a little extra work, but it will be well worth it to save you the headache later.

Is it hard to be a travel nurse with a baby?

Being a travel nurse with a baby may be difficult. However, with proper planning, it is possible! Childcare will be a major consideration when researching and planning. When choosing your assignment location, you may want to take a local assignment first, so you can still be around the comforts of your own home. If you decide to travel and take an assignment further away, look in an area where you have a support system or family members that can help with childcare.

Is it hard to be a travel nurse with a family?

Many travel nurses have families that travel with them and there are travel nurse testimonials to prove it. Planning and having a support system (including mental health support) are two important factors. With proper planning of housing, activities, childcare, etc., it is possible to be a travel nurse.

How to be a single mom and nurse?

Being a single mom travel nurse is possible! You will need to plan accordingly for childcare, school, and housing. Having a nearby support system (even for your mental health support) is key. If you don't have a nearby support system, hiring a nanny can help alleviate some of the childcare concerns. Since you will be working, look for activities on your off days to spend some extra family time together. Search online for more travel nurse testimonials of single moms who are travel nurses to give you ideas.

Learn More about Health Carousel

Are you interested in learning more about Health Carousel Travel Nursing? Click here to view travel nursing jobs available through our job board. With our On Demand platform, can apply for and view travel nursing jobs. You can even upload and save your travel nursing licenses and documents, so they are available for your recruiter to review.

HCTN offers many benefits for travel nurses, including mental health support and a 401k retirement savings account with a match. To help you take advantage of our benefits, visit our full circle of support. Every month we're going to be sharing practical tips and helpful insights.