Reasons to Consider Traveling CNA Jobs

If the job market has got you down, and you wouldn't mind a change of pace, you may want to look into becoming a traveling CNA. 

Not only will you have the opportunity to work in different places, but you'll also get the chance to build relationships and continue to develop your nursing skills. 

With that said, there are some drawbacks that come with the benefits of traveling nursing assistant jobs. 

Here's a quick rundown of both.

The Pluses of Traveling CNA Jobs

For most certified nursing assistants, the primary attraction of traveling positions is, of course, travel. Getting the chance to go to other states, or even other countries, and have your employer cover all of your expenses is quite appealing to some. You'll undoubtedly still spend a good amount of time caring for your patient, but that doesn't mean that you won't still enjoy the benefits of travel along the way.

Another benefit is the opportunity to work on a short-term contract. This is often seen as a positive because it allows the CNA the opportunity to determine whether or not he or she likes working for the client before committing to a longer-term work commitment.

The Negatives to Working as a Traveling Nurse

The biggest drawback to working as a traveling CNA is probably the fact that, as a short-term contractor, you won't receive health coverage or retirement benefits. This is fairly standard with contract work and may not be a big deal to some people. Then again, dependent upon your own personal situation, this could very well dissuade you from taking such a position.

Another common negative aspect of working as a traveling nurse is the fact that your current CNA certification may not be recognized in the other states, provinces or countries where you'll be working. This is usually fairly easy to remedy either by enrolling in CNA classes online that offer the credentials needed in the desired area, or by attending a quick night course at a local school.

What Kind of Pay Can Be Expected?

On average, traveling nurses aides are paid very well for their services in comparison with standard certified nursing assistants. They generally work a lot of overtime during their assignment, and their base salary is also often significantly higher than what most of their peers receive. Naturally, you will have to keep in mind that this increased pay is off-set by the lack of benefits when evaluating your compensation as a whole.

Are You Ready to Pack Your Bags Yet?

There you have a brief breakdown of the standard advantages and disadvantages of working as a traveling CNA. If travel and the flexibility to change your path at will are important to you, this is certainly a nursing position to consider. On the other hand, the limitations of these jobs are certainly not something that everyone can live with. For those who do enjoy traveling nursing work, it often seems like they have the best of all worlds.