Travel vs Local Contract Staffing
A facility perspective on choosing between travel nursing and local contract staffing based on cost, speed, and operational needs.
For Healthcare Executives: Travel nursing and local contract staffing serve different operational needs. Understanding the cost trade-offs, timeline differences, and ideal use cases helps facilities build effective contingent workforce strategies.
Both travel nursing and local contract staffing provide temporary clinical coverage, but they operate under different economic models and serve distinct facility needs. Travel nursing offers access to a national talent pool but includes housing and relocation costs. Local contract staffing provides cost savings and faster deployment but depends on local market availability.
This guide compares the two models across key decision factors: cost structure, deployment timeline, assignment duration, and ideal use cases.
Understanding Each Model
Travel Nursing Model
Licensed professionals who relocate temporarily to work at facilities outside their home geographic area, typically for 13-week assignments.
Characteristics:
- • 13-week standard assignment length (extensions possible)
- • Housing stipends or agency-provided accommodations
- • Travel reimbursement and relocation support
- • Higher bill rates due to comprehensive benefits packages
- • Access to national candidate pool
Local Contract Model
Professionals already residing in the facility's geographic area who accept temporary assignments (4-26 weeks) without relocation requirements.
Characteristics:
- • Flexible assignment lengths (4-26 weeks typical)
- • No housing or relocation costs
- • Lower bill rates than travel nursing
- • Faster onboarding and credentialing timelines
- • Candidates already familiar with local healthcare market
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Travel Nursing | Local Contract |
|---|---|---|
| Bill Rate Range | $65-$95/hr (RN avg), includes housing/benefits | $50-$70/hr (RN avg), no housing costs |
| Assignment Length | 13 weeks standard (8-26 week range) | 4-26 weeks (flexible) |
| Time to Fill | 4-6 weeks (relocation + credentialing) | 1-3 weeks (local credentialing) |
| Candidate Pool | National market access | Local market only |
| Ideal For | Specialized roles, surge capacity, rural markets | Cost-conscious staffing, urban markets, shorter gaps |
| Benefits Included | Housing, travel, health insurance, licensure reimbursement | Typically hourly rate only (candidate maintains own insurance) |
Cost Analysis: Total Facility Spend
While travel nursing has higher bill rates, local contract staffing provides cost savings through elimination of housing and relocation expenses.
Travel Nursing Cost Breakdown (13-week RN assignment)
Local Contract Cost Breakdown (13-week RN assignment)
Rates vary by specialty, geography, and market conditions. Rural facilities may have limited local contract availability.
When to Use Each Model
Use Travel Nursing When:
- ✓You need specialty skills unavailable in local market (e.g., CVOR, NICU, interventional radiology)
- ✓Rural or underserved locations with limited local talent pool
- ✓Seasonal surge capacity needs (e.g., flu season, summer census increases)
- ✓New unit openings or service line expansions requiring experienced staff
- ✓Extended coverage gaps (3+ months) where relocation makes sense
Use Local Contract When:
- ✓Urban or suburban markets with robust local candidate pools
- ✓Budget constraints require cost optimization without sacrificing quality
- ✓Short-term coverage needs (4-12 weeks) where relocation isn't justified
- ✓General nursing roles (Med-Surg, Tele, ER) available in local market
- ✓Faster deployment timeline critical (1-3 weeks vs 4-6 weeks)
Hybrid Strategy: Combining Both Models
Many facilities optimize contingent workforce spend by strategically deploying both models based on role type, urgency, and budget:
Tiered Approach by Specialty
Use travel nursing for high-acuity specialties (ICU, OR, L&D) where local candidates are scarce. Deploy local contract for general nursing and support roles.
Budget-Based Allocation
Set budget caps for travel nursing positions. Once budget is allocated, fill additional needs with cost-effective local contract staffing.
Timeline-Driven Selection
Use local contract for urgent needs (start within 1-2 weeks). Plan travel nursing for anticipated gaps 4-8 weeks in advance.
How Texas Nursing Services Supports Both Models
Travel Nursing Programs
- • National candidate network across all specialties
- • Comprehensive housing and relocation support
- • Full benefits packages and compliance management
- • 13-week standard contracts with extension options
Local Contract Staffing
- • Strong Texas market presence and local candidate pools
- • Flexible assignment lengths (4-26 weeks)
- • Cost-effective rates without housing overhead
- • Faster credentialing and deployment timelines
We help facilities determine the optimal mix of travel and local contract based on budget, timeline, and clinical needs. Compare with permanent placement costs.
Related Resources
Permanent Placement vs Contract Costs
Financial analysis of staffing strategies
How Hospitals Evaluate Staffing Agencies
Vendor selection criteria and evaluation framework
MSP vs Direct Vendor Models
Workforce management program comparison
Joint Commission Compliance
Accreditation requirements for temporary staff
Discuss Your Staffing Strategy
Let's review your facility's needs and determine the optimal mix of travel and local contract staffing for your budget and timeline.
Contact Our Facility Partnerships Team