Study Calls Travel Nurses “Lifesavers”

Good news for travelers, a new study was released yesterday by the University of Pennsylvania School Of Nursing. It reassures that the hiring of travel nurses ease shortages that could produce higher patient mortality rates for hospitals, calling them “lifesavers.”

“Our study showed these nurses could be lifesavers. Hiring temporary nurses can alleviate shortages that could produce higher patient mortality,” says Linda H. Aiken, PhD, RN, the lead researcher of the study.

At one point, hospitals believed that poor patient outcomes were a result of hiring supplemental nurses; this study thankfully disproves this and argues the cause is actually poor working conditions of permanent staff. Temporary/travel nurses merely help alleviate the workload and burnout.

“This research underscores the important role that supplemental nurses play in hospitals around the country,” says Richard Wahlquist, president and chief executive officer of the American Staffing Association.  He goes on to say that travel nurses are just as qualified as permanent nurses.

What does this mean for you? Well, If you’re thinking about a career in travel nursing, now is a good time to start. Or if you’re a veteran traveler, there should be no issue finding assignments in 2013.

For more information and to access the study, visit wiley.com.