According to Webster, the definition of “travel” is to go on or as if on a trip or tour or to move or undergo transmission from one place to another. So what is the difference between local travel and traditional travel nursing? Local travel is within a limited distance and usually requires the RN to belong to a float pool that travels among 2+ hospitals in a defined (usually less than 50 miles) radius. Traditional travel nursing is living in Georgia and going on an assignment in Colorado. There are benefits to traditional traveling with IRS provided tax free advantages for housing and meals/incidentals but you must travel over 51 miles from home to qualify. Also consider that many facilities have mileage restrictions of 50+ miles to be considered a traveler.
Many recruiters are facing difficult conversations right now and having to turn away very qualified RN’s who are really looking for local travel and not traditional. Recruiters are in this business to help medical professionals find jobs that are satisfying and enhancing to their career, and to tell someone that you can’t help them find a position (because they are only looking for something in their home area) is heartbreaking. As a RN looking for a job, it is important to determine what you are really looking for, do you want to travel and see friends, family members, new places, or do you really need a local position? Then do the research on agencies that can best help you with your career goal. This will save you and your recruiter a difficult conversation.
