One of the primary benefits of travel nursing is the flexibility. Most contracts are location-specific, but because of the extensive healthcare needs, there are travel nurse contracts everywhere – yes, even in your own city. 

Many people take up the travel nursing lifestyle because they enjoy exploring the world and experiencing a new place. However, there are many reasons why someone may choose to stay close to home while still working as a travel nurse. 

How Does It Work To Be A Travel Nurse in Your Own City?

Just like taking travel nursing contracts, you will be employed by a staffing agency and get matched with a healthcare provider with an opening. At IDR Healthcare, we work with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) that constantly distributes jobs at all nursing levels in many in-demand locations. 

Becoming a travel nurse requires fulfilling two key criteria: distance and living arrangements. Firstly, you must be at least 50 miles away from your permanent residence, a rule that cannot be negotiated. Some contracts may have additional radius limitations or tax home specifications, but these might be negotiable depending on the facility or agency. The other stipulation to being a travel nurse is that you cannot commute daily. You must have two residences. The stipend that travel nurses receive is an expense reimbursement to cover the costs of their secondary residence.

What Local Contracts Are Available For A Travel Nurse?

The types of contracts available to you may be the same as those available to travel nurses who are not from your local area. From skilled nursing facilities, medical centers, and psychiatric hospitals to rehabilitation units, inpatient nursing, and outpatient services, the opportunities for a local travel nurse will be the same. 

Benefits of Taking A Travel Nurse Contract In Your Area

Taking assignments in your local area allows you to stay close to home while still doing what you love and earning optimal pay. When you’re already familiar with the area,  your sense of working community has already been established. 

If you stay in your local area for work, you will also save on travel and moving costs and not have to file taxes outside of your home state. A local contract could also allow you to try something new for a short period of time without leaving the comforts of home.

Downsides of Travel Nurse Contracts In Your Local Area

One of the most appealing elements of travel nursing is the ability to travel anywhere. If that’s your favorite part of the job, a local contract may seem like a boring prospect. There will be no stipend paid out for travel expenses, and depending on the size of your city, opportunities may be limited. However, these downsides are minor! Local contracts offer a unique opportunity to experience the benefits of travel nursing without the upheaval of relocation. You’ll still enjoy the flexibility of short-term assignments, the chance to gain diverse experience in different healthcare settings, and most importantly, the higher pay associated with travel nursing positions.

The Best Travel Nurse Agency: Stay Home or Go Far With IDR

No matter where you desire to work, our travel nurse recruiters will help you build the perfect profile and match you with an aligned location. Our employees are paid weekly and receive generous stipends, travel bonuses, and access to a 401(K) and an ESOP when vested. Learn more and see current openings here.