Many ambitious certified surgical technologists look for new ways to further their careers or increase their income. A great way to get ahead is by considering a career as a traveling surgical tech. As a traveler you’ll go on 13 week assignments to hospitals in need of someone with your skills.
However, big career decisions like this shouldn’t be made hastily. To help you get a better idea if this career path is a fit for you, here’s a quick list of the pros and cons of being a traveling surgical technologist.
Pros of Being a Traveling Surgical Technologist
Combine a Love for Traveling with Your Career
For many, the top selling point of a career as a healthcare traveler is the opportunity to traveling while working. Your assignments as a traveling surgical technologist can take you anywhere in the country. Imagine how many places you could explore as a healthcare traveler.
Expand Your Job Opportunities
Surgical technologists get to enjoy a quickly growing field of work that provides plenty of job opportunities. In fact, total employment of surgical technologists is projected to increase by 12% from 2016 to 2026. This is much faster than the average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Instead of limiting yourself to job opportunities nearby, you can open yourself to jobs in cities all across America. The possibilities are endless!
Earn More Money
Healthcare traveling jobs exist to aid staffing shortages. Since these positions need to be filled with qualified individuals as quickly as possible, they usually offer higher salaries to lure in talent.
While salaries will vary by location and assignment, it’s fairly common for traveling surgical technologists to make more money than those with permanent positions.
Enjoy Free Housing
Beyond a higher base salary, traveling surgical technologists also earn amazing benefits such as free housing. Agencies like LRS Healthcare will offer a choice between free housing or a housing stipend. This is designed to cover the full cost of living. With such a large portion of a typical budget being completely eliminated, healthcare travelers can hold on to more of their paycheck.
Cons of Being a Travel Surgical Tech
Adjusting to New Work Environments
People who consider themselves “creatures of habit” may not thrive under constantly changing circumstances. Traveling for leisure is entirely different than traveling for work. For some people, it can be too stressful changing jobs and moving. Although, doing both at the same time can be tough for some people to handle.
Applying for New State Licenses
Not every state has the same legislation when it comes to healthcare professions. While most states don’t require certification, there are a handful that do. By choosing an assignment in a state that requires certification, you’ll have to go through an entire process that costs valuable time and money. However, if you choose to work with LRS Healthcare, we’ll guide you through the process. We even reimburse any costs associated with it.
Constantly Changing Pay Rates
It’s no secret that budgeting can be a challenge for anyone. For those who are used to a consistent pay rate, it can be a bit of a shock to move into a career space where salaries can change every 13 weeks. While you won’t have to worry about housing costs as a traveling surgical tech, other bills like student loans will still have to be paid with constantly changing levels of income. It will take some solid budgeting to make sure you’re making the most of your paychecks.
It Can Be Lonely
Traveling jobs of all kinds have the potential to get pretty lonely, especially for those who get homesick easily. Spending 13 weeks at a time away from home can be a blessing or a curse depending on your personal outlook. Many traveling surgical technologists choose to travel with significant others or pets so they aren’t going it alone. Also, if you work with LRS Healthcare you’ll be able to reach your recruiter 24/7, so you’ll always have someone to talk to if you need it.
If you’ve weighed the pros and cons and have decided that a career as a traveling surgical technologist is your ideal job, apply with LRS Healthcare today! As an industry leader in healthcare staffing, we’re equipped to find you the best surgical technologist jobs at some of the best hospitals in the country.
