Contract nursing jobs come in various forms, catering to different lifestyles and career goals. Whether you seek flexibility, adventure, or specialized experience, there’s a contract job that fits your needs. Below are the most common types of contract nursing roles, each offers unique opportunities.
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Short-Term vs. Long-Term Contracts
Short-term contract nursing jobs are usually between 4 to 13 weeks long. They are ideal if you are the type of nurse who wants temporary employment without the pressure of a long commitment. A lot of healthcare facilities use short-term contract nurses to help with sudden staffing gaps seasonal surges, or leaves of absence.
The Benefits of Short-Term Contracts
- Provides flexibility to move between roles frequently.
- It’s ideal for nurses with other life commitments like travel, education, or caregiving.
- It offers an opportunity to test the waters in different specialties or hospitals without having to commit long-term.
The Negatives of Short-Term Contracts
- Frequent job changes can be stressful. Every time you start a new contract, odds are you’ll have to learn an entirely new environment.
- Short contracts may not offer the same benefits as full-time employment, like health insurance, or retirement plans.
- You’ll need to adapt quickly to new team dynamics and work cultures.
An example of a time a healthcare facility would use a short-term contract is filling in for someone on maternity leave.
Long-Term Contracts
Long-term contract nursing jobs range between 6 months to a year or more. They offer a good balance between stability and flexibility. Long-term contracts provide the continuity that some nurses prefer without the full-time commitment of being a permanent employee. They are especially common in hospitals or care facilities managing long-term projects or experiencing extended staffing shortages.
Long-Term Contacts Offer More Stability
- One of the biggest benefits of a long-term contract is that it offers more stability than short-term contract nursing jobs while retaining some of the flexibility
- Long-term contracts can provide a deeper experience in specialized units or facilities.
- Some long-term contract nursing jobs will offer benefits like paid time off or travel stipends.
The Challenges of Long-Term Contracts
- Less flexibility than short-term contracts if personal circumstances change.
- Long assignments can feel repetitive to nurses who thrive in variety.
An example of a time a facility would offer a long-term contract is during a system upgrade or while transitioning to new electronic medical records systems.
Travel Nursing Contracts
Travel contract nursing jobs are one of the most popular forms of contract nursing, it allows you to work in new states as a nurse. Assignments are usually between 8 and 13 weeks, but some might extend longer than that. Most travel nurses enjoy exploring new places and hospitals while enjoying competitive pay.
Travel Nursing Benefits
- Travel nursing usually includes housing stipends, free accommodations, or relocation bonuses.
- Pay packages are usually higher than full-time staff positions.
- Travel nursing offers a unique way to travel the country and gain professional experience.
The Challenges of Travel Nursing
- Nurses will need to maintain a multi-state license. Having a compact license makes it easier for nurses who live in a compact state.
- Travel can be physically and emotionally exhausting, especially if assignments are back-to-back.
- It can be challenging to be away from friends and family for long periods of time.
Healthcare facilities may use travel nurses to help cover things like seasonal upticks. For example, a healthcare facility in Colorado might need a registered nurse for 10 weeks to cover winter staffing shortages.
Travel nursing is best if you’re the kind of nurse who loves adventure and enjoys moving around to new places. It’s also a great opportunity for any nurse who wants to make as much money as possible by taking high-paying contracts in areas with critical needs.
Local Contract Nursing Jobs
Local contact nursing jobs are similar to travel nursing, but nurses work within their own community. Local contracts offer the benefits of contract work, like flexibility and higher pay–without the hassle of relocation. Local contracts are also great for nurses with family obligations or those who prefer staying close to home.
The Key Benefits of Local Contracts
- No need to move or apply for out-of-state licenses.
- Offers flexibility while allowing nurses to maintain their personal routines and commitments.
- Pay is usually higher than full-time staff roles.
The Challenges of Local Nursing Contracts
- Doesn’t offer the same adventure or variety as travel nursing.
- Some facilities might not provide the same housing or travel benefits.
Local contracts are best for nurses with families or other commitments. It’s also great for nurses who want flexible work without the need to relocate. Local contracts provide more commitment from the facilities than PRN nursing does. With a local contract, you’re guaranteed a certain amount of hours–something you wouldn’t get with PRN.
Crisis and Rapid Response Contracts
Crisis and rapid response contract nursing jobs arise when healthcare facilities face urgent staffing shortages or during emergencies, like pandemics or natural disasters. These roles are great for nurses who can adapt quickly to new environments with minimal training. The contracts are often short-term but highly intense, with expectations for long hours and high workloads.
Benefits of Crisis and Rapid Response Contracts
- Competitive pay and often bonus incentives because of the urgency of the situation.
- Provides a chance to make a significant impact in times of crisis.
- Great for building emergency response skills.
The Challenges
- High-stress environment with limited preparation time.
- May involve long shifts and emotionally draining work.
An easy example of a time a healthcare facility would use a crisis and rapid response contract is during the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare facilities used these contracts to combat the surges of COVID-19 cases.
Nurses who thrive under pressure and can jump to action quickly do best in these roles. The more experience you have with fast-paced and unpredictable environments the better.
Specialty-Specific Contracts
Some contracts focus on specific nursing specialties, like ICU, ER, Behavioral Health, Operating Room, or Labor and Delivery. Facilities often need specialized nurses for short-term projects, training, or to cover unexpected staff shortages in certain units.
Why are Specialty Contracts Good?
- Allows nurses to refine their skills in a particular specialty.
- Many specialty contracts offer premium pay since you’re required to be an expert.
- Provides opportunities to work in bigger facilities or teaching hospitals.
Why Aren’t Specialty Contracts for Everyone?
- They require you to have the right certifications and experience.
- Specialty roles can be demanding and involve complex patient care.
Specialty contracts are great if you’re a nurse who specializes in a certain area of nursing and want to make more money.
What Will You Pick?
There are many types of contract nursing jobs, each offering unique benefits and challenges. Whether you’re drawn to the excitement of travel nursing, the stability of long-term contracts, or the fast pace of crisis response, there’s a contract role that fits your career goals. By understanding these different options, you can make an informed choice about which contract type is right for you.
