Can You Travel Nurse as a Single Parent?

Did you know that about 10.5 million adults are single parents? Without a second parent to share childcare duties with, these moms, dads, and caregivers may feel limited to jobs that don’t require long hours or extensive travel. Shifting contracts and moving every few weeks or months can make travel nursing seem especially out of reach.  

However, being a single parent doesn’t mean travel nursing is off the table. With careful planning, smart budgeting, and a flexible mindset, travel nursing can offer you and your children the chance to explore new places, gain enriching experiences, and build lasting friendships across the United States. Here are some practical tips to help turn your travel nursing aspirations as a single parent into a fulfilling reality.

Factors to consider when travel nursing with kids

How to travel nurse as a single parent easier

1. Hire a nanny

Travel nurses make a lot more money than traditional staff nurses. While the average hourly rate for staff nurses falls just below $40, travel nurses can make between $3,000 and $7,000 each week. This is because a shortage of nurses overall has fueled high demand for travel nurses.  

If you’re a single parent who’s also a travel nurse, you can use these extra wages to hire a nanny. They can travel with you and your child wherever your assignments take you. A highly trained nanny can even homeschool your child to provide continuity throughout the school year, no matter where you go!

2. Travel to facilities at your convenience

Some parents prefer to keep their children in public school. You can still be a travel nurse as a single parent who prioritizes public school experiences for your child. All you have to do is choose your travel nurse jobs strategically.  

During the school year, you can choose travel assignments that are close to home. This way, you can drive to your assignment for each shift instead of packing up to live in another city for several weeks.  

You can also choose assignments that are further away from home during the times your children are on school breaks. This also gives you the opportunity to choose fun travel nurse locations that your family will enjoy. Working in a facility close to a beach, mountain, or amusement park gives you the opportunity to take your children on an adventure whenever you’re not working. Just make sure you have childcare while you’re at work!

3. Share childcare with another travel nurse

With so many single parents in this country, you’re bound to know at least one or two who are also licensed nurses. Or you might have a childless friend who’s also a nurse. Teaming up with another travel nurse is a great way to make travel nursing work as a single parent. You can take alternating shifts at the same facility or facilities that are close proximity to each other. Whoever isn’t working can watch after the kids.  

4. Lean on family

If you can’t find any other way to make it work, your family might be a great support system if you want to pursue travel nursing. A trusted family member can either mind your children while you’re traveling or travel with you so your children are safe while you work. Single parents who have close relationships with their siblings or parents may be more comfortable with this arrangement.  

Become a travel nurse today

Pursuing a travel nursing career can be complicated if you’re a single parent, but it’s not impossible. If you’re ready to take the plunge, let Advantis Medical help! Whether you’re looking for assignments within driving distance to your home or contracts that let you travel the 50 states, we’re sure to have something for you. Check out our current assignments and apply with an AdvantisConnect profile.  

There’s no better time to start travel nursing. We’d love to help you find adventure and propel your nursing career forward!