Why Become a Travel Nurse

Why Become a Travel Nurse

Why Become a Travel Nurse

Discover a Career That Blends Adventure, Professional Growth, and Meaningful Impact

Travel nursing has become an increasingly popular path for Canadian RNs, LPNs, NPs, and allied health professionals seeking flexibility, diverse clinical experiences, and the chance to explore new regions. 


But why become a travel nurse instead of pursuing a traditional staff position? Below, we’ll explore the top travel nurse benefits, address common misconceptions, and highlight why Select Medical Connections is the ideal partner to guide you on this exciting journey.

Woman traveling looking at trees.
Woman traveling looking at trees.
Woman traveling looking at trees.

The Growth of Travel Nursing

The Growth of Travel Nursing

The Growth of Travel Nursing

Travel nursing is a unique career path where Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and other healthcare professionals accept short-term contracts (ranging from a few weeks to several months) in healthcare facilities across different regions. In Canada, that could mean working in major metropolitan hospitals, remote northern clinics, or coastal communities with breathtaking ocean views.

So why is travel nursing gaining popularity? 


  • Increased Demand for Specialized Skills: Healthcare facilities need short-term help to fill staffing gaps—especially for high-demand specialties such as ICU, ER, or OR.


  • Work-Life Flexibility: Many healthcare professionals crave a balance between professional challenges and personal exploration.


  • Enhanced Compensation Packages: Travel nurse roles often come with competitive pay, allowances, and additional perks to attract top talent.


Travel nursing is a unique career path where Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and other healthcare professionals accept short-term contracts (ranging from a few weeks to several months) in healthcare facilities across different regions. In Canada, that could mean working in major metropolitan hospitals, remote northern clinics, or coastal communities with breathtaking ocean views.

So why is travel nursing gaining popularity? 


  • Increased Demand for Specialized Skills: Healthcare facilities need short-term help to fill staffing gaps—especially for high-demand specialties such as ICU, ER, or OR.


  • Work-Life Flexibility: Many healthcare professionals crave a balance between professional challenges and personal exploration.


  • Enhanced Compensation Packages: Travel nurse roles often come with competitive pay, allowances, and additional perks to attract top talent.


Travel nursing is a unique career path where Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and other healthcare professionals accept short-term contracts (ranging from a few weeks to several months) in healthcare facilities across different regions. In Canada, that could mean working in major metropolitan hospitals, remote northern clinics, or coastal communities with breathtaking ocean views.

So why is travel nursing gaining popularity? 


  • Increased Demand for Specialized Skills: Healthcare facilities need short-term help to fill staffing gaps—especially for high-demand specialties such as ICU, ER, or OR.


  • Work-Life Flexibility: Many healthcare professionals crave a balance between professional challenges and personal exploration.


  • Enhanced Compensation Packages: Travel nurse roles often come with competitive pay, allowances, and additional perks to attract top talent.


Top Travel Nurse Benefits

If you’re wondering “why become a travel nurse,” here’s a closer look at the wide array of advantages this path can offer.

Competitive Pay & Perks

Competitive Pay & Perks

  • Higher Hourly Rates: Travel nurse contracts frequently offer pay above standard staff roles to attract qualified nurses quickly.


  • Travel & Housing Allowances: Most contracts include free travel and accommodations, or reimbursement to cover travel costs, accommodation, and sometimes even meals.


  • Bonuses: Contracts could include a per diem, license reimbursement, referral bonuses, and more. Some facilities also offer completion bonuses—further boosting your overall earnings.

Flexible Scheduling and Work-Life Balance

Flexible Scheduling and Work-Life Balance

  • Choose Your Contracts: Select the duration, location, and type of facility or unit you want to work in.


  • Gaps Between Contracts: Enjoy breaks between contracts to recharge, travel, or take continuing education courses.


  • Control Over Career Path: You can try different specialties and regions without being locked into a permanent position.

Professional Growth & Skill Development

  • Exposure to Diverse Settings: Develop adaptability and resilience by working in rural clinics, urban trauma centers, teaching hospitals, or specialized units.


  • Accelerated Learning Curve: Hone your clinical skills faster and become more confident in handling varied patient populations.


  • Boost Your Resume: Future employers often value the unique experiences and problem-solving abilities gained through travel nursing.

Explore Canada as a Travel Nurse

Explore Canada as a Travel Nurse

  • Adventure & Scenery: Witness the natural wonders of Canada—from the rugged mountains of the West to the historic East Coast villages.


  • Cultural Exchange: Immerse yourself in local communities, meet people from diverse backgrounds, and expand your worldview.


  • Personal Fulfillment: Many nurses find it deeply rewarding to provide care in under-served or remote areas where their contributions are most needed.

Is Travel Nursing Right for You?

Travel nursing can be a life-changing decision, but it’s not for everyone. Here are a few personal and professional factors to consider:

Adaptability

You’ll need to be comfortable jumping into new environments and learning on the fly.

Licensing Requirements

Verify you’re licensed in the province where you plan to work. If you’re from outside Canada, you may need to navigate additional credentialing steps.

Family & Lifestyle

Consider whether you have the flexibility or support system to relocate for short-term contracts.

Financial Goals

Travel nursing can be lucrative, but remember to factor in potential costs (transportation, food, etc.).

Common Questions & Concerns

Common Questions
& Concerns

How long are typical travel nursing contracts?

Contracts can range from 4 to 26 weeks (on average), but some contracts can extend longer if both you and the facility agree.

Will I have benefits like insurance coverage and retirement plans?

Can I travel with family or pets?

How do I handle licensing in multiple provinces?

What if I want to switch specialties?

How long are typical travel nursing contracts?

Contracts can range from 4 to 26 weeks (on average), but some contracts can extend longer if both you and the facility agree.

Will I have benefits like insurance coverage and retirement plans?

Can I travel with family or pets?

How do I handle licensing in multiple provinces?

What if I want to switch specialties?

How long are typical travel nursing contracts?

Contracts can range from 4 to 26 weeks (on average), but some contracts can extend longer if both you and the facility agree.

Will I have benefits like insurance coverage and retirement plans?

Can I travel with family or pets?

How do I handle licensing in multiple provinces?

What if I want to switch specialties?

How Select Medical Connections Supports You

At Select Medical Connections, we specialize in helping nurses across Canada find rewarding, flexible contracts. Our mission is to make every aspect of travel nursing as seamless—and beneficial—as possible.

Personalized Recruiter Assistance

You’re paired with a dedicated recruiter who offers one-on-one support, from application to contract completion.

Extensive Facility Network

We have long-standing relationships with hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities nationwide, ensuring we find you the right match.

Transparent Contract Negotiation

Our team negotiates pay rates, reimbursements, and benefits on your behalf. We believe in clarity and fairness in every contract.


Ongoing Professional Guidance

Need help with licensing forms or have questions about a new region? We’re here to provide insights, resources, and encouragement.


Ready to Start Your Adventure?

If you’ve been asking yourself “why become a travel nurse?”—the benefits speak for themselves: higher pay, freedom to choose contracts, unique experiences across Canada, and a fast track to expanding your skill set.

Ready to Start Your Adventure?

If you’ve been asking yourself “why become a travel nurse?”—the benefits speak for themselves: higher pay, freedom to choose contracts, unique experiences across Canada, and a fast track to expanding your skill set.