For many nurses, the years after children leave home bring a new kind of freedom. Without the financial and time commitments of raising a family, many experienced nurses begin looking for ways to maximize income, explore new places, and strengthen their retirement plans.
One career path that perfectly aligns with these goals is travel nursing.
Travel nursing allows experienced nurses to take short-term assignments in hospitals across the country, often with higher pay, tax-advantaged stipends, and flexible schedules. For empty nesters, this can become a powerful strategy for accelerating retirement savings while enjoying a new lifestyle.
In this guide, we’ll explore how empty nesters can increase their income, reduce living expenses, and build stronger financial security for retirement through travel nursing.
Why Travel Nursing Works Well for Empty Nesters
Travel nursing is particularly appealing for nurses whose children are grown because it offers something many people want during this stage of life: flexibility and opportunity.
Unlike traditional staff nursing roles, travel nursing assignments typically last 8–13 weeks, allowing nurses to choose where and when they work. For empty nesters, this means:
- The freedom to work in different cities or states
- Opportunities to take time off between contracts
- Higher income potential compared to many permanent roles
- The ability to prioritize retirement savings
Many experienced nurses also find that travel assignments help them rediscover their passion for nursing by exposing them to new environments and healthcare teams.
Higher Pay Means Faster Retirement Savings
One of the biggest advantages of travel nursing is competitive compensation. Travel nurses often earn more than permanent staff nurses due to the demand for experienced clinicians.
Typical travel nurse compensation may include:
- Competitive hourly wages
- Weekly stipends for housing and meals
- Completion bonuses
- Overtime opportunities
These additional earnings allow empty nesters to direct more money toward retirement accounts, investments, or paying down debt before retirement. Even taking just two or three travel assignments per year can significantly boost annual income.
Take Advantage of Tax-Advantaged Stipends
Another financial benefit of travel nursing is the potential for tax-free stipends when nurses maintain a qualifying tax home.
These stipends typically cover:
- Housing
- Meals
- Incidentals
Because these payments are not always fully taxed like standard wages (depending on IRS guidelines), travel nurses may be able to keep more of their earnings, which can then be redirected into retirement savings.
It’s always a good idea to consult a tax professional familiar with travel healthcare professionals to ensure compliance.
Work Strategically to Maximize Income
Empty nesters often have more flexibility in scheduling, which can help them target the most profitable assignments. Some strategies include:
Choose High-Demand Locations
Certain states and regions frequently offer higher travel nurse pay due to staffing shortages.
Work Peak Seasons
Winter and flu season often bring increased demand for travel nurses.
Take Back-to-Back Assignments
Stacking contracts without long breaks can significantly increase annual income.
Focus on High-Paying Specialties
Experienced nurses in specialties like ICU, ER, OR, or Cath Lab often command higher rates.
By working strategically, travel nurses can generate substantial income in a short time frame.
Reduce Living Expenses While Traveling
Many empty nesters also find ways to lower overall expenses while on travel assignments. Common strategies include:
- Downsizing or renting out the primary home
- Living in provided housing
- Traveling in an RV
- Taking assignments in lower-cost areas
Reducing housing costs while earning travel nurse pay can dramatically increase the amount available for retirement contributions and savings.
Contribute More to Retirement Accounts
Higher earnings from travel nursing can create an opportunity to maximize retirement contributions. Empty nesters may consider increasing contributions to:
- Employer-sponsored 401(k) plans
- Traditional IRAs
- Roth IRAs
- Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
If you are over age 50, you may also qualify for catch-up contributions, allowing you to contribute even more each year. Combining travel nurse income with consistent retirement investing can significantly improve long-term financial security.
Explore the Country While Building Your Future
While the financial benefits are important, many empty nesters also appreciate the lifestyle advantages of travel nursing. Assignments allow nurses to explore new destinations while continuing their careers. Many nurses intentionally select assignments near:
- Beaches
- National parks
- Major cities
- Warm winter destinations
This combination of career, travel, and financial planning makes travel nursing a compelling option during the empty nest stage of life.
Finding the Right Travel Nursing Agency
Working with a trusted staffing partner can help nurses find assignments that match their financial and lifestyle goals. Agencies like Anders Group specialize in connecting experienced nurses with travel opportunities nationwide. A knowledgeable recruiter can help identify contracts that offer competitive pay, strong benefits, and locations that fit your preferences.
Final Thoughts
For nurses entering the empty nest stage of life, travel nursing offers a unique opportunity to increase income, explore new places, and strengthen retirement savings.
With higher pay potential, flexible scheduling, and tax-advantaged stipends, travel nursing can help experienced nurses accelerate their financial goals while enjoying a new chapter in their careers.
Whether you choose to take a few assignments per year or fully embrace the travel nurse lifestyle, the years after raising a family can become an exciting time to invest in your future while doing the work you love.
