As a seasoned Travel Nurse with Family and mom of two, I’ve discovered that bringing my family along on assignments isn’t just possible – it’s incredibly rewarding. Over the years, I’ve mastered the art of balancing my demanding career with creating unforgettable family memories across different states.
Many nurses believe they must choose between travel nursing and family life but that’s not true. I’ll share how I’ve turned my 13-week assignments into amazing family adventures while maintaining stability for my kids. From finding family-friendly housing to choosing the right schools and managing the logistics of moving together, I’ve learned valuable lessons that can help other nurses embrace this unique lifestyle.
Key Takeaways
- Travel Nurse with Family is possible and rewarding, requiring careful planning and organization for 13-week assignments across different locations.
- Housing considerations should focus on family-friendly neighborhoods, furnished 3-bedroom spaces, and essential amenities like laundry and internet connectivity for remote learning.
- Maintaining consistent routines and schedules helps create stability for children, including regular meal times, bedtime rituals, and designated spaces for homework and play.
- Financial planning is crucial, with typical monthly expenses ranging from $2,000-3,500 for housing, $800-1,200 for groceries, and additional costs for children’s activities and emergency savings.
- Educational options include online K-12 programs, public schools, or homeschooling, with preparation time ranging from 1-4 weeks depending on the chosen method.
- Comprehensive healthcare coverage through agency-sponsored plans or private insurance is essential, along with digital systems for managing family medical records across assignments.
Travel Nurse with Family
Travel nursing involves taking temporary nursing positions at healthcare facilities across the country, filling critical staffing gaps while experiencing different locations. I’ve found this career path offers unique opportunities for healthcare professionals seeking flexibility and higher compensation.
Contract Length and Assignment Types
Travel nursing contracts typically range from 8 to 26 weeks, with 13 weeks being the most common duration. Assignment types include:
- Crisis contracts: 4-8 week assignments for immediate staffing needs
- Standard contracts: 13-week positions in hospitals or medical centers
- Extended contracts: 26-week assignments for longer-term coverage
- Specialty assignments: Positions in ICU, ER, L&D or other specialized units
- Per diem shifts: Flexible day-to-day work opportunities
Salary and Benefits Overview
Travel nurses receive comprehensive compensation packages that include multiple elements:
| Compensation Component | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Base Hourly Rate | $40-$65/hour |
| Housing Stipend | $1,500-$3,000/month |
| Meal Allowance | $250-$500/week |
| Travel Reimbursement | $500-$1,000/assignment |
- Medical insurance starting day one
- 401(k) retirement plans
- Professional liability insurance
- Licensing reimbursement
- Completion bonuses
- Referral incentives
- CEU allowances
Making Travel Nursing Work With a Family
As a travel nurse with children, I’ve developed strategies to create stability within our mobile lifestyle. Here’s how I manage the essential aspects of family life while maintaining a successful travel nursing career.
Housing Considerations for Families
Finding suitable family accommodations starts with researching family-friendly neighborhoods 4-6 weeks before each assignment. I focus on 3-bedroom furnished apartments or houses with dedicated spaces for kids to study, play, and maintain routines. Key housing factors include:
- Researching crime rates, nearby parks, and community centers
- Securing properties with in-unit laundry, storage, and parking
- Confirming pet policies for families with animals
- Negotiating extended-stay rates at hotels for transition periods
- Verifying internet connectivity for remote learning options
- Enrolling children in accredited online K-12 programs for consistency
- Requesting academic records 30 days before transitions
- Coordinating with school counselors about mid-year transfers
- Documenting immunization records and required paperwork
- Identifying special education services or advanced programs
- Creating digital portfolios of children’s work for seamless transitions
- Joining virtual learning communities for social connections
| Educational Option | Benefits | Setup Time |
|---|---|---|
| Online School | Location flexibility | 1-2 weeks |
| Public School | Local integration | 2-3 weeks |
| Homeschool | Consistent curriculum | 3-4 weeks |
Essential Tips for Travel Nurses With Children
Travel nursing with children demands careful planning for daily routines, emotional stability, and reliable support networks.
Maintaining Routines and Stability
I establish consistent daily schedules across different assignments to create a sense of normalcy. My children wake up at 7 AM, follow structured meal times at 8 AM, noon, and 6 PM, and maintain bedtime rituals starting at 8 PM. I designate specific areas in each temporary home for homework, play, and family activities. Regular family meetings every Sunday evening help us discuss upcoming changes, address concerns, and celebrate achievements. I pack familiar items like bedding, favorite toys, and books to recreate comfortable spaces in each new location.
- Healthcare facility staff members through regular team activities
- Local community centers that offer children’s programs
- Parent groups at children’s schools or activities
- Virtual support groups for travel nurse families
- Professional childcare services for backup care options
| Support Network Element | Setup Timeline | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Local Parent Groups | 1-2 weeks | Playdates, Activity Recommendations |
| Healthcare Team | First Week | Emergency Coverage, Local Tips |
| Childcare Services | 2-3 days | Flexible Care Options |
| Virtual Communities | Immediate | Continuous Support, Advice |
Managing Family Life Between Assignments
I maintain strong family bonds during transitions by implementing structured routines and creating familiar environments in each location. Here’s how I manage family life effectively between travel nursing assignments.
Quality Time and Communication
I schedule dedicated family activities during the transition periods between assignments to strengthen relationships. My calendar includes 3 weekly game nights with my children aged 8 and 12. Regular video calls connect us with extended family members in our home state twice per week. I organize special outings on days off, such as visiting local attractions or exploring new parks. Daily check-ins at breakfast help address concerns about upcoming moves or changes in routine.
Creating a Mobile Home Environment
I establish consistent living spaces in each new location through portable organizational systems and familiar decor elements. My mobile home setup includes:
- Identical bedroom layouts with consistent furniture placement
- A designated homework station with portable desk organizers
- Family photo displays in matching frames for each temporary home
- Favorite bedding sets and comfort items from previous locations
- Color-coded storage bins for efficient packing and unpacking
- A portable art wall displaying children’s latest creations
- Essential kitchen tools and appliances that travel with us
- Dedicated spaces for family meetings and shared activities
| Category | Digital Tool | Update Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Bills & Utilities | Mobile App | Weekly |
| School Records | Cloud Storage | Monthly |
| Medical Records | Healthcare Portal | Quarterly |
| Family Calendar | Shared App | Daily |
| Moving Checklist | Project Manager | Per Assignment |
Healthcare and Insurance Requirements
As a travel nurse with family members, I maintain comprehensive healthcare coverage through a combination of agency-provided insurance plans supplemental policies. Managing healthcare requirements ensures continuous medical coverage for my entire family across different state assignments.
Coverage Options for Family Members
I select from three primary insurance coverage options for my family:
- Agency-Sponsored Plans
- Group health insurance covering spouse dependents
- Dental vision coverage extensions
- Prescription drug benefits for family members
- Coverage effective from day one of assignment
- Private Family Insurance
- Nationwide PPO networks for consistent care
- Portable coverage between assignments
- Customizable deductibles copayments
- Gap coverage during transition periods
- Marketplace Solutions
- ACA-compliant family plans
- State-specific coverage options
- Income-based premium subsidies
- Special enrollment periods for relocations
- Digital Record Systems
- Cloud-based storage for family health histories
- Encrypted medical document sharing
- Mobile apps for prescription tracking
- Electronic vaccination records
- Provider Communication
- Medical record transfer authorizations
- Direct provider-to-provider information sharing
- Electronic health record access
- Specialist referral documentation
- Documentation Organization
- Chronological health history files
- Emergency contact information updates
- Medication lists by family member
- Allergy immunization records
| Document Type | Update Frequency | Storage Method |
|---|---|---|
| Immunization Records | Every 6 months | Digital Cloud |
| Medical History | Each assignment | Secure Portal |
| Insurance Cards | Per contract | Physical Digital |
| Provider Notes | Each visit | Patient Portal |
Financial Planning for Travel Nursing Families
I’ve developed specific financial strategies to maximize my income while supporting my family’s needs during travel nursing assignments. My comprehensive approach focuses on both immediate expenses and long-term financial security.
Budgeting for Family Expenses
I track essential family costs through a detailed spreadsheet that includes housing ($2,000-3,500/month), utilities ($150-300/month), groceries ($800-1,200/month) and transportation ($400-600/month). My budget allocates funds for children’s activities ($200-400/month), emergency savings ($500-1,000/month) and entertainment ($300-500/month). I use digital banking apps to categorize expenses across three accounts: daily expenses, emergency fund and assignment-specific costs.
| Expense Category | Monthly Range |
|---|---|
| Housing | $2,000-3,500 |
| Utilities | $150-300 |
| Groceries | $800-1,200 |
| Transportation | $400-600 |
| Children’s Activities | $200-400 |
| Emergency Savings | $500-1,000 |
| Entertainment | $300-500 |
Saving and Investment Strategies
I maximize tax-advantaged accounts by contributing to a Roth IRA ($500/month) and my agency’s 401(k) (15% of base pay). My investment portfolio includes index funds (60%), bonds (30%) and cash equivalents (10%). I maintain separate savings accounts for education ($400/month per child), future housing down payment ($1,000/month) and retirement planning ($1,500/month). I automate these contributions to align with each assignment’s pay schedule.
| Investment Type | Allocation |
|---|---|
| Index Funds | 60% |
| Bonds | 30% |
| Cash Equivalents | 10% |
Flexibility and Growth
Travel nursing with my family has been an incredible journey that’s taught me valuable lessons about balance flexibility and growth. I’ve discovered that with proper planning and organization it’s absolutely possible to create a stable nurturing environment for children while pursuing a rewarding career as a travel nurse.
I’ve learned that success lies in the details – from maintaining consistent routines to selecting the right schools and creating familiar spaces in each new location. By embracing digital tools staying financially savvy and building strong support networks I’ve turned what seemed like a challenging lifestyle into an enriching experience for my entire family.
This adventure has shown me that travel nursing isn’t just about career advancement – it’s about creating unforgettable memories and showing my children the beauty of adaptability and resilience.
