Regardless of how long you’ve been part of the healthcare traveler industry, healthcare travel myths have a way of making their rounds.

That’s why we’re here to clear the air and bust those misconceptions wide open. From “healthcare travel is only for nurses” to “travelers get the highest patient ratios,” we’re tackling the rumors so you can feel confident, supported, and even more excited about your travel nursing or allied health journey. These are common healthcare travel myths vs facts that you should know about.

• Healthcare travelers earn more than perm staff
• People with families can’t have a healthcare travel career
• You’ll gain diverse clinical experience in your field
• Healthcare travel is only for nurses
• Leftover funds from your housing stipend are yours to pocket
• It’s better to work with multiple recruiters
• There’s a high demand for healthcare travelers nationwide
• Healthcare travelers are assigned the highest patient ratios
• You can explore your environment on your days off
• Healthcare travel is an unstable career
• You’ll find top-notch support at Fusion Medical Staffing

Healthcare Travel Myths Exposed: Here’s What’s True (And What’s Not)

Healthcare travelers earn more than perm staff: FACT

One of the most well-known facts about travel nursing and allied health travel is that, on average, travelers tend to earn more than their permanent staff counterparts.

Related: Healthcare Travel Pay Trends by State

According to recent data from CNBC, travel nurses may earn between 30% and 50% more than similar permanent staff nurse positions, especially where the demand for healthcare services is highest. That’s because allied health travel and travel nursing jobs include demand-based pay rates, housing stipends, and additional tax-free benefits that help boost overall compensation.

People with families can’t have a healthcare travel career: MYTH

Ever heard that people with families can’t have a successful and fulfilling healthcare travel career? That’s a myth.

The truth is that plenty of travel nurses and allied health travelers hit the road with their partners, kids, and pets in tow, and find a healthy work-life balance while they're at it. Plus, traveling with your loved ones can create unique opportunities for your family to bond and explore new places together.

Interested in traveling with your family? Here’s everything you need to know!

Not only is a healthcare travel career possible with a family, but it can also be an unforgettable adventure for everyone.

You’ll gain diverse clinical experience in your field: FACT

From bustling urban hospitals to small community clinics, each travel assignment offers exposure to different workflows, technologies, and patient populations that help you grow and gain diverse work experience in your healthcare field.

Related: Urban vs Rural Healthcare Traveler Jobs: What’s Right for You?

These broad ranges of experiences enhance your clinical skill set, as well as build adaptability and culture competence that enriches your perspectives and strengthens your expertise.

Healthcare travel is only for nurses: MYTH

Some may believe that healthcare travel is only for nurses, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Fact: healthcare travel offers opportunities for healthcare professionals across a wide range of specialties.

At Fusion Medical Staffing, we proudly provide staff in travel nursing, therapy, home health, long-term care, cardiopulmonary, radiology, medical lab, and cath lab divisions. Healthcare travel isn’t just for nurses — it’s for anyone looking to explore the country, build their expertise, and make a positive impact nationwide.

Leftover funds from your housing stipend are yours to pocket: FACT

You may know that travel nurses and allied health travelers receive a tax-free housing stipend to help cover the cost of temporary living while on an assignment. But did you know that any leftover funds you have from the stipend are yours to keep?

That means if your stipend amount exceeds your monthly rent, you can pocket the rest and spend however you like. Think: saving for your next adventure, treating yourself to something special, or investing in something for the future!

It’s better to work with multiple recruiters: MYTH

One of the biggest healthcare travel myths is the misconception that working with multiple recruiters, either at the same or different travel healthcare agency, will yield better job options. Fact is, working with multiple recruiters can complicate things.

Related: Working with Multiple Recruiters Doesn’t Benefit You. Here’s Why.

At Fusion Medical Staffing, we have a single recruiter approach. Here, you’ll be matched with one recruiter, who will be your main point of contact throughout your journey with us.

The reason why we pair you with a one dedicated travel nurse or allied health recruiter is to make things a little easier for you. With one recruiter, you know exactly who to go to when you have questions, need job recommendations, or just want to chat.

There’s a high demand for healthcare travelers nationwide: FACT

ICYMI, our healthcare system has been feeling the strain of a shortage of healthcare professionals for years. That’s where you come in!

Whether it’s helping overworked teams or providing specialized care where it’s needed the most, your ability to adapt, jump in, and deliver quality care is exactly what keeps the wheels turning in so many healthcare facilities nationwide.

Healthcare travelers are assigned the highest patient ratios: MYTH

Like permanent staff, travel nurses and allied travelers are bound by the same state-mandated or facility-specific staffing guidelines, which means that patient ratios should stay consistent. While every unit has its busy days, you’re there to help balance workloads, not take on the brunt of them.

You can explore your environment on your days off: FACT

Part of the fun of a healthcare travel career is the chance to travel to new places! And while you’re there, you can (and should) explore your surroundings.

No matter where you are, every assignment offers a fresh opportunity to discover the unique charm of your location, from visiting regional landmarks and trying local cuisine to uncovering hidden gems like quaint coffee shops or scenic parks.

“When I was younger, I wrote down a list of places I always wanted to travel,” said Travel Nurse Aspen. “[As a travel nurse,] I try to knock out every place on that list.”

The thing about healthcare traveling is it gives you the flexibility to turn your downtime into an adventure!

Healthcare travel is an unstable career: MYTH

A healthcare travel career comes with many things (i.e. more money and adventure) but what it doesn’t include is instability.

The ongoing shortage of healthcare professionals means there’s a constant demand for skilled providers across the country. Additionally, allied health and travel nursing agencies provide robust support systems to help you find assignments that fit your preferences and ensure you’re never left without job options.

Compared to traditional roles, travel healthcare may offer even greater job security by allowing you to pivot to areas with the highest demand. It’s not just a stable career — it’s one full of growth potential.

You’ll find top-notch support at Fusion Medical Staffing: FACT

When you travel with us, we don’t just have your back — we have your front and sides, too, and we have the support systems to prove it.

With us, your partnership doesn’t stop with your personal recruiter. Gain access to our Traveler Experience and Clinical teams, free mental, physical, and financial resources through our employee assistance program, exclusive traveler scholarships and awards, and more!

“Everyone [at Fusion] is great,” said Fusion Medical Staffing Home Health Traveler Fonda. “They take time to really get to know you. If you have questions or concerns, they promptly respond and listen, and don’t stop until it’s been resolved.”

Related: 12 Must-Know Perks and Programs for Fusion Travelers

No matter what you need, we’re here to help you reach your goals and handle some of the nitty gritty, so you can focus on making a meaningful impact where it matters the most.

Whether you’re on your first or hundredth healthcare traveler assignment, these myths surrounding healthcare travel seem to find their way into our orbit. From clarifying who can thrive as a traveler to addressing concerns about patient ratios, we’ve busted these misconceptions so you can feel confident, informed, and ready to embrace your journey!