While careers in medicine continue to be high in demand and high in salary, not every medical professional wants to be tied to an office or specific facility. There’s a big world out there, and it can be beneficial for both your career and mental health to see what else is out there. The good news is that for healthcare professionals, there are plenty of options to consider that might just satisfy your wanderlust. If the idea of staying in one place for too long strikes you with fear, then here are some health-related career choices that could find you seeing the sights of the world.
Travel Nurse
While the traditional image of a nurse is very grounded in hospitals and care facilities, there is another area to consider if you are training to become a qualified nursing professional. Travel nurses escort travelers with healthcare requirements, or plan their journeys with their healthcare needs in mind. Becoming a medical escort is a great option for those that prefer to roam the world while using their skills to make life easier for those that need it. For RNs, LPNs, and NPs, this can be a good way of getting a healthier work/life balance, but you will need to make sure that your certification covers you for extensive travel. There are some useful guides available for those that are interested in finding out more about becoming a medical escort with info about potential salaries and career expectations.
The Military
One branch of healthcare that is often overlooked is the military. This not only provides you with the opportunity for extensive global travel, it also comes with some very clear processes for advancing your career. If you enlist in the military as a healthcare professional, then you may be able to take advantage of advanced degree programs. This is an excellent way to get more professional qualifications without racking up more student debt. Of course, this is not a medical career choice that is suitable for everyone. You will need your existing medical qualifications, but you will also need to meet the basic enlistment requirements, and will usually have to undergo the sometimes lengthy officer training. The salaries of a military doctor or nurse are nowhere near as high as those in the private sector, but you do get benefits like free accommodation.
Humanitarian Careers
Most people start training for healthcare roles because they want to help. For those that dream of making a positive impact on the world, there are organizations that will allow you to travel to remote locations to provide help in disasters and other devastating events. Financially, this is not a career choice that will make you rich, and you will earn a lot more money if you stay stateside and work in a hospital. However, on a satisfaction level, humanitarian work can be hard to beat, and many trained professionals sign up for organizations like Doctors Without Borders in order to reignite their passion for medicine. This can be a dangerous career option to consider, as it will (like military doctors and nurses) mean that you travel to areas that are very high risk.
Becoming a doctor or nurse can be very rewarding on a personal level. If you have started your training and you’re thinking about your options, or you’re a professional who is getting itchy feet and feels the need to see the world, these healthcare travel jobs can be the ideal way to continue your career and give you personal satisfaction. All while seeing a little more of the world around you.
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