How do you manage the traveling assignments, do you prefer per diem or on call?

I think it depends on what you want to do when you are “off the clock”

If you like to travel and explore different areas of the country (climates and culture) then travel nursing might be for you. I think you have to be someone who is flexible with living quarters and be a light packer since you can change locations 3-4x a year

If you like/need flexibility. No obligations re: weekends/holidays/off shifts etc and you don’t need benefits like PTO, sick time, health insurance, retirement, then per diem might be for you

Also travelers tend to work the same unit or group of units (ICU/CCU/CVICU/Neuro ICU/SICU) for the assignment.

Per diem you can work any u it that is short staffed, so it *might* be the same unit, but it might not, and if the census would drop, you are the first to be sent home (because you’re the more costly one)

These are generalized and it’s been 10-15 years since I’ve been in that situation and I know things have changed drastically but this advice is based on my experience

It depends on what you are looking for. Per diem gives you more freedom and flexibility but contracts usually pay more.

I prefer per diem