I was a traveling nurse years ago and things may have changed but some things to consider.
1. Cost of nursing license. Some states have reciprocity and some don't. Some companies will pay for your license and some won't.
2. Distance of jobs. Will you fly or drive? If you fly then you will need a car once you get there.
3. Travelers often get dumped on by hospitals and other staff as far as assignments. She may or may not have guaranteed hours. It depends on the company and the facility. The facilities pay travelers more, so if they don't need the staff they may want to cancel them unless they can't because of the contract. She may also be required to work extra hours. And usually there is a clause where her contract can be canceled if they no longer have a need for her.
4. You can have down time in between jobs. Conversely you can renew contracts numerous times at the same facility. I was a traveler for two years at the hospital where I met my husband. After a while, the stress of never knowing if they would renew my contract got old. They would drag it out until the last minute.
5. Subsidies are for your wife not you. It may or may not cover her expenses. It won't cover yours.
6. It's a little stressful always being the new employee and not knowing the policies and procedures, or the routine, or the paperwork. Flexibility is a big key.
7. It can definitely put a strain on your marriage if she is working long hours and you're just along for the ride.Picking up an online job would be great and definitely make things easier moving from place to place.
Just a few things to check into. As I said, things may have changed from 20 + years ago when I was a traveler, met my dh, got married, and lived happily ever after.
Thanks so much for your response. This is how I would answer your concerns. Feel free to call me out if you think I'm being ignorant and not fully understanding. You are obviously the one that has been there and done that.
1) she currently works in MO which has reciprocity with several other states (around 15 I think). Agencies will typically offer to pay for your license (granted it will come out of your hourly rate, but at least it is done tax free).
2) we will likely drive (except when we go to Alaska, which will be somewhat a vacation). We want to be able to operate without a car (even though we will likely still have 1).
3-4) we are planning on down time as her vacation. We are planning on her working 35 hours a week (let's just say that MMM article on safety margin resonates with us), and having a few weeks break between contracts. She has done more research on this than I have, but I will ask her to look into the likelyhood of getting canceled or shorted on hours. We are planning on moving around every 3-6 months. So there should be less stress of getting an extension.
5) housing stipend- I can live there. Travel stipend- I can ride along in the car (granted it typically won't cover all of the cost). Meals stipend- it looks like the agencies give a fixed amount per week (that would be well more than enough for both of us). Now I believe the portion that I consume would actually be taxable, (but the agency will still give it). Also, we only spend about 300 a month on groceries for the 2 of us (including lots of organic fruit, veggies, and gluten free for her). While the stipends are not intended for me, it doesn't mean that I can't benefit from them.
6) this is the one that I am most concerned with her. However, if she doesn't like it, then we will just finish the contract and go back home. If it doesn't suit her well we can always change. However, she loves to travel. We have been to South Africa, Haiti, India, and all across America.
7) she enjoys working a decent amount of hours. She is full time at an ER. PRN at a surgery center. She has a speaking arrangement where she goes into middle schools and high schools and gives a presentation on STD's.