Ask a Travel Nurse: What if I want to work during the holidays as a travel nurse?

This week I wanted to add a bit to the post that Jeff (the site moderator) made in regard to the Holiday season.

Jeff brings up a good point about securing an assignment for the new year, but what about those that are willing to work through the Holiday season?

Let’s face it, no one likes working on what some call the “Big Three” (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years), but we also work in a profession that does not close its doors just because of a holiday. However, those that are willing to work on these days, or accept a travel contract just prior to the Holiday season, might be able to take home a little extra cash by doing so.

I recently heard from a traveler that just accepted an assignment with an early December start date. She received an upfront bonus for signing up prior to the Holidays. Keep in mind that if you do receive such a bonus, you are almost certainly saying that you will be willing to work each holiday shift. For some with families, this just does not work. But, if you do not mind working Holiday shifts, this could be an opportunity to make an extra $500 or even $1000.

Some travel nursing companies will also pay double time or added incentives for working on Holiday shifts. I recall a past year when one of the companies I was working for paid an extra $1000 for the traveler that worked the most overtime in the month of December.

If you are currently coming to the end of your assignment, you can do as Jeff suggests and secure your next contract beginning in the new year, or you can try cashing in by signing a contract starting prior to the often “hard-to-cover” Holiday shifts.