Should you consider a contract nursing position? If you’re looking for a job in healthcare and can fill a specific need, this may be a great opportunity. These professionals work on a contract basis, typically through a medical staffing agency, instead of directly for the healthcare provider. They are currently in demand due to the nursing and medical professional shortage, and it’s most common in communities that are under-served and when hiring or retaining nurses is especially difficult. If you think a 13-week contract assignment could be a fit for you, let’s take a look at the pros and cons.
Pros:
Expand your skills.
Accepting short-term assignments like a contract nursing position allows you to enhance your current skill set. Each time you work on a new assignment, you’re gaining the knowledge of not only different specializations but also how to work with different teams and groups.
Opportunity to travel.
Contract nursing positions are almost always travel nursing positions. They may be in areas where hiring specialized nursing talent is difficult. In any case, this gives you an opportunity to try out living in a new place for only a short period of time.
Higher salaries.
Due to the flexible and on-demand nature of contract nursing jobs, most of these positions will pay significantly more than a traditional, full-time nursing job. If you have the ability to handle the schedule, it can be a great way to boost earnings.
Cons:
Frequent job searches.
Of course, with a 13-week assignment, you will be on the job market frequently. If you don’t like that uncertainty, it might not be a good fit for you. But working with a dedicated agency will help mitigate some of the risk.
Risk of homesickness.
Traveling frequently isn’t for everyone, either. If you don’t want to be away from your support network, you may want to consider other options. But having the flexibility means you can take time between assignments as well
Contract uncertainty.
These contract jobs can be uncertain. While they are generally estimated at 13 weeks, they can go shorter or longer based on the needs of the facility. But that means you can be flexible as well and working with a recruiter will help keep you on track.
Find the Best Nursing Jobs in DC
Do you think contract nursing jobs are for you? Contact the team at NRI Staffing, now hiring for healthcare jobs in DC.