by: Terry McDermott

Copyright 2005 Terry McDermott

America is in the midst of a nursing shortage that is expected to
get worse as baby boomers age and the need for health care
increases. Complicating the nursing shortage problem is the fact
that nursing schools and universities across the country are having
difficulty maintaining enrollment levels that remain insufficient to
meet the projected demand for nursing care.

Based on a recent survey, it is common knowledge that there is a
nursing shortage and this is viewed as a serious issue. The study
revealed that 75% of Americans think that the nursing shortage is a
very real and very important health care concern. The general view
is that the nursing shortage will have a negative effect on health
care services. The poll indicates that 81 percent of the population
is acutely aware of the nursing shortage and fully 65 percent
believe that the nursing shortage is nearing crisis levels.

The survey also found that, despite the nursing shortage most
Americans are confidant that nurses' opinions on medical issues are
highly credible and that the nursing profession is generally
respected and admired. Because of the nursing shortage there are
many more nursing positions available than can be filled. This is
despite the fact that average nurse salaries match up quite well
with other professions.

Many potential solutions, such as travel nursing, are being
developed to address the current nursing shortage. The position of
travel nurse was created more than 20 years ago in order to address
shortfalls in staffing in states that experienced dramatic swings in
seasonal population. Now, being a travel nurse is regarded as
operating in a specialized nursing category and has become a crucial
factor in potential solutions to the worsening nursing shortage.

Becoming a travel nurse opens the door to a world of possibilities.
Agencies that specialize in travel nurse placement will help locate
a variety of travel nurse positions in areas of the U.S in which a
nurse has an interest. A travel nurse assignment will normally last
for about 90 days but may continue for up to six months. After
selecting the region or state the nurse must decide which travel
nurse position tol accept. It is entirely up to the nurse which type
of program and which type of medical facility to join.

The compensation for a travel nurse is well above average and is
attracting more nurses into the travel nurse profession. The salary
or a travel nurse is well above the norm. What's more, the travel
nurse package usually includes complimentary housing. Plus, travel
expenses are also covered. A travel nurse will also receive generous
benefits such as health insurance or a retirement plan, if it is a
good travel nurse agency.

Most travel nurse assignments provide a substantial bonus upon
completion of a tour. The collective compensation for a travel nurse
is far greater than permanent, local nursing positions. In many
cases being a travel nurse can result in a six figure annual income.



About the author:
Terry McDermott is the administrator of
http://www.TravelMedPro.com,a website that specializes in providing
resources and opportunities for travel nurses and other medical
professionals.