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The Guide to Local Travel Nursing

Table of contents, about the author.

Who said you can’t be a travel nurse and work in your same state?! Local travel nursing is a great option for new travelers dipping their feet in the agency waters.

What is local travel nursing?

Local travel nursing refers to taking 13-week contracts at a facility in a local area close to your primary residence. Some people consider local travel nursing when the contract is in their hometown and others consider contracts in neighboring states local. You can work locally in one of two ways; you can travel nurse or you can contract nurse. The real difference between the two is if you are duplicating housing expenses. Travel nurses duplicate housing expenses and are eligible for tax-free money, known as travel stipends. Contract nurses do not duplicate housing expenses and stay close enough to home to sleep in their bed every night. Normally if a facility is further away than one hour from their home, they will consider staying in a hotel or Airbnb. Don’t worry, our housing coordinator makes finding short-term housing easy!

The 50-mile: myth or reality?

If you are unfamiliar with the 50-mile rule , it is said to be if you travel over fifty miles to a facility you will automatically be eligible for tax-free money. The 50-mile rule is actually a myth. We understand traveling 50 minutes away from home, seems like traveling. However, it doesn’t matter how far you drive away to work. If you are not duplicating your housing expenses, you will not be eligible for tax-free stipends. This rule was set by the IRS. Agencies and facilities have no control whether or not you will receive tax-free money.

The Pros and Cons of Local Travel Nursing

Typically when people think of travel nursing they think of traveling the nation but that is not necessarily the case. The ability to travel close to home is alluring too! When debating between local travel nursing and cross-country travel nursing, both offer different benefits. We’ll break down the pros and cons of local travel nursing below!

Pros of Local Travel Nursing

• Short distance to work most times, not required to obtain second source of housing
• Limited travel costs
• Experience working with different patient populations
• No need to pack your belongings and move every 13 weeks
• Familiarity with the local area
• No homesickness – close to family and friends
• Networking with other professionals in your area

Cons of Local Travel Nursing

• No Tax-free Stipends if you don’t duplicate your housing expenses
• Won’t explore and travel around the nation
• Narrows the opportunities you qualify for
• Some facilities have mileage rules (example: must be 100 miles away to qualify)
• Most facilities want applicants who have travel nurse experience outside of their local area, so if you don’t have that it will limit your opportunities

Salary of a Travel Nurse Versus a Local Contract Nurse

Let’s talk money, honey! Salary is a huge factor in wanting to travel nurse.  On average a travel nurse will make 16% more than a staff nurse. During the pandemic with crisis rates, travel nurses were making upwards of 30% more than staff nurses.

So what is the difference in pay between local travel nursing contracts and travel contracts? Normally a local contract nurse will see a higher hourly wage than a travel nurse. This is because a travel nurse has their housing and travel built into their pay package. A travel nurse gets around $672 per week in tax-free stipends. If the traveler does not use all the money on their housing or travel, they get to pocket it! So even though a travel nurse makes less hourly, they can have a nice bonus at the end of the week if they do not utilize their full stipend.

How to Become a Local Travel Nurse

To become a local travel nurse you must first check all the boxes that you would for becoming a registered nurse . This includes: graduating from an accredited program, passing the NCLEX, and obtaining state licensure .

Once you are a registered nurse with a valid state license, you now have to get experience! This will set the course for becoming a travel nurse . You need at least one year of experience within the last two years in a given specialty to be eligible to travel nurse.

• Graduate from an accredited program
• Pass the NCLEX
• Obtain state license or compact license
• Get one year of experience
• Find the perfect healthcare staffing agency

After you have one year of experience it is time to look for the perfect healthcare staffing agency! This truly is like finding a glass slipper. You will want your agency to be Joint Commission Certified , and match your values. Sometimes it can be easier to click with a recruiter first and then join the agency they work for. Here are five qualities to look for in a travel nurse recruiter !

What to Look for in a Local Travel Contract

Healthcare staffing is a fast-moving industry. One moment a job can be live and the next hour it is already filled. This can make you feel like you have to act fast and sign your contract quickly to lock-in your position. The whole process can feel chaotic for new travelers. We break down what is in a contract and what key details you need to be aware of!

What is a Travel Nurse Contract

A travel nurse contract is a legally binding contract between you, the facility, and the agency. Reading through a contract can seem overwhelming with some of the law verbiage. Do not let the chaos make you skim and sign the contract. You will want to know what you are signing and what you are on contract for. Always review the contract before signing on the dotted line. These are the key things you will want to look for:

• Facility name
• Your certification and specialty
• Contract dates
• Requested time off
• Weekly and hourly pay
• Facility Information (time-keeping system, float policies)
• Agency Information (Cancellation policy)

Want to see what goes on behind the scenes of a contract? Hop over to the making of a travel nurse contract blog!

Verify all Information

I know, this sounds like a no brainer. If you don’t catch a mistake in the contract though you will be legally bound to a contract you didn’t intentionally sign up for. Double and triple check to make sure the facility name, location, wage, and all contract dates are accurate. If you find an error, don’t be afraid to point that out to your recruiter and account manager!

Ensure Vacation Days are Cited

If your vacation days are not in your contract, the facility does not have to give you vacation. You always want to make sure your vacation days are listed in the original contract. Make sure to chat with your recruiter beforehand about any big trips or family events you will need off for.

Review Facility Float Policy

Floating is when a nurse “floats” from their home unit to another unit in the facility because of staffing shortages. Nurses dread having their nurse managers say they need to float during a shift. Floating to a new unit with new patient needs and routines can be frustrating and stressful. Make sure you always feel safe in an assignment by only agreeing to float policies if you are comfortable. Since you are a travel nurse, you will most likely be the first to float.

Understand Agency Cancellation and Breaking Contract Policies

A travel nurse contract legally binds you, the facility, and the agency together. If you break a contract with no good reason it can be costly and hinder your future work opportunities. Facilities and agencies have cancellation costs you will have to pay out of pocket for, including housing. Cancelling contracts also looks bad professionally, so you may be added to a “do not hire” list at the agency or hospital system. The caveat is if you are uncomfortable with your assignment. Then you will need to talk to your recruiter and DON and they will work with you to get you a new contract. No contract is worth risking your license for!

Local travel nursing is a great opportunity for healthcare professionals who want to work in their home state or local region. This allows you to be closer to home and friends and family. Local contracts and travel nursing contracts both have their own pros and cons. Chat with your recruiter about which option fits your goals and lifestyle best! Start looking for local assignments here !

Also read our other articles about travel nursing!

Travel Nurse Salary Travel Nurse Housing How To Become A Travel Nurse Travel Nurse Licensing Learn How to Make a Winning Travel Nurse Resumé Understanding Travel Nurse Taxes Travel Nurse Apps Top Travel Nurse Podcasts Types of Travel Nurses Health Insurance For Travel Nurses

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Stay Close to Home with Our Local Contract Nursing Jobs

Do you want flexibility in your schedule while furthering your nursing career and staying close to home? Becoming a local travel nurse is the perfect solution. Work with Advantage Medical Professionals, one of the leading local travel nurse agencies in the United States, to obtain local travel nurse contracts.

What Is a Local Travel Nursing Contract?

Local travel nursing contracts involve working at a medical facility or hospital in your hometown or nearby based on contracts. The contracts you work on could be anywhere from two weeks to six months long. You have more flexibility when you work on a contract because each job is temporary and only lasts for a set term. After a contract ends, you can pick a new one at a different facility to gain experience elsewhere.

Most local contracts are within 50 miles of the travel nurse’s residence.

Why Become a Local Travel Nurse?

Becoming a local travel nurse can help you gain the desired experience without moving far from home. You can grow professionally by enhancing your skills and connecting with new people at various facilities. Working as a travel nurse also means you have job security. If one position doesn’t work, you can always find another one elsewhere because registered nurses are in demand in almost every area. The freedom to work and pursue new interests is an excellent advantage of being a local travel nurse.

With your local proximity, you enjoy the benefits of traveling and staying close to home since all the assignments you may work on fall within 50 miles of your home. Additionally, travel nurses, even local ones, often have the potential to earn a high salary. Your services are acutely needed in many places, so organizations offering these contracts will likely pay the wages nurses need and want.

How to Become a Local Travel Nurse

Consider joining local travel nurse companies like Advantage Medical Professionals. We help our travel nurses find local contracts that suit their needs and goals. You can rely on us to help further your career by identifying jobs that align with your skill set.

We are Joint Commission certified, so you can trust that we are committed to maintaining the  highest standards of quality and ethics  when helping you get local travel nursing jobs.

Besides working with a local nursing travel agency, you must also have the proper licenses and education clearances. The requirements include:

• Being a registered nurse
• Having proper nursing licenses for the state you’re in
• Having at least two years of work experience
• Maintaining proper certifications, like CPR and basic life support

Your expertise helps you be successful in various assignments. You likely have a specialty you studied during nursing school, which can help you get diverse placements in different facilities as you work contract to contract.

Benefits of Joining Advantage Medical Professionals

When you join our agency as a local travel nurse, you gain access to multiple benefits, including:

• Competitive pay:  Working through an agency like Advantage Medical Professionals lets you access competitive pay rates. You can receive daily pay through direct deposits.
• Insurance coverage:  Receive insurance through us to ensure you are fully covered professionally and personally. You’ll have access to liability and malpractice policies, and you can also get health insurance through us, including dental and vision.
• Perfect placements:  Our team ensures excellent job placements matching your career goals. We work closely with you to ensure you find the best placements possible to fit your schedule and distance preferences.
• Supportive team:  Behind every job placement is a team that supports you through the entire process, from finding an assignment to securing and starting it. We leverage decades of experience as a staffing partner to help you learn about and secure the jobs you want.

Wherever you are in the country, our team will help you find jobs in or near your area. We want to help you succeed, so we’ll do everything we can to support you and your career.

Join Advantage Medical Professionals for Local Travel Nursing

Are you looking to become a local travel nurse in your area? Advantage Medical Professionals can help. When you join our agency, we make sure to find positions that fall within your desired radius so you can stay close to home while gaining a wide range of experience to help further your nursing career.

Learn more about our local nursing jobs and how you can become a local contract nurse when you  complete our contact form  today.

Questions? Call our award-winning support team at (504) 456-0073 .

WHY TRAVEL WITH US?

Testimonials

“My experience with Nancy has been refreshingly wonderful. She has renewed my confidence in working with Advantage and has proven to be the perfect recruiter thus far!”

“Jay Laine is an awesome person with great personality and perspective.”

“Chris always gets back to me fast on any questions I may have. He goes above and beyond and always is kind, knowledgeable and professional. I am thankful he is my recruiter. Great job Chris!”

“Erica McGary is supportive and always had my best interests in mind. I could not have asked for a better recruiter! She definitely made getting into travel nursing much easier and more comfortable for me.”

“Jay didn’t bother me with a lot of phone calls. He demonstrated a clear understanding of what my desires were for a travel assignment and came through in an outstanding manner! I can’t say enough good about Jay Laine. He’s professional, proactive and timely! All assets required in this industry.”

“Nancy Mumphrey is awesome. It’s always a pleasure reaching out to her because any problems I run across she responds fast and the issue is resolved. She reaches out weekly to make sure everything is going okay and shows a true concern. Keep up the great job Nancy!”

“I’ve been traveling for a few years now, and taken on assignments with several companies. Never have I had a recruiter like Aerin Alexander. Besides me reaching out just for a general question, Aerin always checked in with me to make sure things were going smooth while on my assignment. Aerin became more than just a recruiter, she’s a genuine friend asset to AMP, I can’t wait to cross paths with her again, and I pray God blesses her and grants her every wish – she’s a jewel!”

“Katrina Dunson is the best recruiter I’ve had. She goes above and beyond her call of duty. I even brag to my coworkers about her checking on me and how I gained a new family member. She is top tier.”

“This is my first time going on a travel assignment and I must say the process was a breeze thanks to Jay Laine. He was there every step of the way and answered all my questions promptly.”

“Chris always responds quickly during the week, weekend or even when he is on vacation, he’s always available. He is courteous, friendly, always looking to find the best package for me.”

“I originally spoke with Aerin but chose another agency for my first contract. Aerin still kept in contact with me while I was working with the other agency – I actually spoke with her more than my actual recruiter. When I finished that contract, I knew my next contract would be with Aerin. She is a wonderful person to work with and puts me at ease. I wish I had went with her from the beginning.”

“Erica is amazing! She always keeps in touch and checks on me no matter if I’m on assignment with her or not.”

“Roxanne is very sweet, patient, professional and polite! She made that assignment better for me after speaking with her/texting me after extremely crucial shifts!”

“Nancy is definitely the best recruiter I have had since I started. She is knowledgeable, understanding, sincere. She checks on me weekly and is truly genuine. So glad I’m with you!”

“AMP has been a phenomenal company to work for. Their service to their employees is top notch. My recruiter is exceptional and has always been there for any needs or questions I have.”

“Chris is very knowledgeable and helpful. He is the best recruiter I have ever had the pleasure of working with. He follows up quickly and thoroughly. I will continue to work with him as my recruiter in my agency nursing career.”

“Katrina listens to my needs and always finds the right assignments for me. Katrina’s easy to talk to and always available. Thank you Katrina for being my recruiter!”

“Nancy is a great recruiter! She answers questions in a timely manner, understands your needs and wants, and makes sure you are happy with your assignment. She is always a phone call away if you ever need anything. She loves her job and is very kind. I would recommend her to anyone looking to do travel.”

“I am very satisfied with my recruiter Jay. He kept me well informed about my assignment that has been ongoing and I would definitely recommend my nurse friends to him.”

“Working with Aerin is always a positive experience. She is upfront and honest. It feels like she has known me forever.”

“Rick is an awesome and amazing recruiter! He goes above and beyond for his recruits. I’m blessed to have him as my recruiter and look forward to working when him more in the future!”

“Crystal is very responsive! She has been very helpful from the beginning and throughout the duration. Definitely would refer her to my nursing colleagues.”

Can You Do Local Travel Nursing? | Pros & Cons

One of the most common myths about travel nursing is you have to travel across the country, or even work out of state. You may have heard your travel position has to be at least 50 miles away from your permanent residence in order to collect the tax-free stipends of a travel nurse.

Click here for high-paying travel nursing assignments near you!

But this is one of the most common myths about travel nursing. The IRS does not have a specific ‘50-mile rule’ describing a certain distance you have to work away from home. This 50-mile or 100-mile radius is used by many hospital facilities as a general rule of thumb, to prevent their own full-time staff nurses from picking up the contracts themselves.

So, that being said, you can do local travel nursing without spending a small fortune on flight costs, additional housing, or traveling across state lines. For more specifics on the actual tax deductions you can claim while working local contracts, check out our travel nurse tax guide and consult with a tax professional who can give you the most accurate information for the laws in your specific state.

How To Be A Local Travel Nurse

I first learned about local contract nursing from a nurse I use to work with. She explained to me she actually worked at another hospital across the city, and she was under a short-term contract with our hospital for 3 months as a float nurse.

She ended up getting an extension as well, so she was actually there for a total of 6 months while working her other “local” healthcare job at the same time. She did this to save up for her wedding and was actually able to pay for the whole thing in cash.

She managed this by making sure her scheduled shifts didn’t conflict with each other and allowed for time to eat and sleep in between. She also rented a small apartment on the other side of the city to stay in while she worked her three, 12-hour shift days at that hospital.

Travel benefits include free housing, travel reimbursement, and a sign-on bonus.  Get started now.

When those three days were through, she would drive a few hours home and work her normal job.

If you’re wondering whether local travel nursing could work for you, here are some of the pros and cons of taking a travel nursing assignment in your home state.

Pros of local travel nursing

• Limited travel costs
• You’ll likely receive perks including a housing stipend which means more money in your pocket per shift
• It’s possible to still keep your day job while making extra money
• No messing with tons of luggage or furniture
• Home is still accessible through a short drive
• You’ll be more familiar with the area, making it easier to find a nice hotel or apartment
• You’ll never have to miss a family function (but you’ll still have a good excuse if you don’t want to go)
• Feelings of homesickness can be quickly remedied
• You’ll still have the security of friends and family being close to you

Cons of local travel nursing

• You don’t get to travel far to see other parts of the country, like California , Alaska , or New York .
• Drastically narrows your opportunity of getting a travel contract
• You lose the ability to work with different patient populations
• You’re basically working a job but with a longer commute and temporarily living in two locations
• You still need to set up housing
• You lose the true experience of life as a travel nurse

A lot of first-time travelers would prefer to try something close to home, in order to “test the waters” and see if they actually enjoy it. When you do, you’ll find out what is important for you, and decide why you want to be a travel nurse. Is it for the experience of being out on your own, forced to make new friends and keep yourself entertained?  Or is it more for the money, education, and career advancement?

Whatever your nursing career goals, travel nursing, whether local or across the country, can help you reach them.

Find your dream travel assignment here.

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Travel Nursing Vs. Local Contracts: Your Guide to Getting Started in 2024

Are you a nurse ready to take the plunge into new horizons? Whether you’re contemplating taking on a more “on-the-go” lifestyle of travel nursing or seeking a bit more stability in local contracts closer to home, a career in healthcare travel offers exciting new possibilities.   

Travel vs. Local Contracts: What’s the Difference?   

The distinction between travel and local nursing contracts revolves around location, duration, and terms of the work arrangement. When considering one over the other, it’s important to weigh all of your most important personal preferences, like flexibility, compensation, and career advancement opportunities.   

• Travel nursing : Clinicians work in healthcare facilities that are typically located 50+ miles from their home.
• Local contract : Clinicians work in healthcare facilities within their local area, usually under 50 miles, requiring only a short commute.  
• Travel nursing : Contracts are temporary assignments that typically last between 8 to 26 weeks, although some could extend for longer durations. 
• Local contract : Contracts vary but are mostly known for shorter-term shifts ranging from per diem to a few weeks.   
• Travel nursing : Clinicians are hired to fill in temporary staffing shortages, cover peak seasons, or help facilities that are experiencing higher patient volumes than usual. 
• Local contract : Clinicians are hired on an as-needed basis, depending on the facility’s needs. This could be to cover unexpected gaps in coverage, like callouts or employees on vacation.   
• Travel nursing : Travelers often receive competitive pay rates along with additional benefits, like housing stipends, health insurance, and loyalty and referral bonuses.  
• Local contract : Most local travel clinicians are hired as independent 1099 contractors, but some organizations, like Matchwell, hire clinicians as W2 employees, ensuring they receive all the benefits and protections that W2 has to offer.   

Basic Requirements to Get Started:  

Before you can officially hit the ground running, both travel nursing and local contract organizations have some basic requirements you must first meet.  

• Licensure : Obtain a nursing license in the state or country where you plan to work. Each state has its own requirements, fees, and timeframes for processing. Organizations like the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) provide helpful resources on licensure by endorsement for different states.   
• Experience: Typically, agencies or organizations require a minimum of two years of clinical experience in a specialty before you can start travel or local contracts. Because clinicians are expected to hit the ground running at each new assignment, both agencies and facilities want to ensure that your clinical skills are rock-solid.   
• Certifications: Some assignments may require specific certifications, such as ACLS, BLS, or others. Most agencies will reimburse the cost of specialty certifications needed for traveling an assignment with them.   

Additional resources for aspiring travel or local contract clinicians:  

• Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) FAQs  
• American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)  
• 6 Types of Nurses Who Should Seriously Consider PRN/Local Contracts  
• What I Wish I’d Known: Advice for New Travel Clinicians  
• Ask a Travel Nurse FAQs  
• Search Facebook and LinkedIn for public nursing groups for advice, support, and networking with healthcare peers.   

Which Path is Right for You?   

As you gear up for your nursing journey in 2024, the “right” choice depends on your individual goals, preferences, willingness to travel, and the specific demands of the current job market. Whether you’re seeking unique new experiences or more stability in your career, both travel nursing and local nurse contracts are rewarding paths that can take you to new heights!  

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Traveler Tips // June 08, 2022

Local travel nursing contracts: great pay & benefits.

By Next Move

Have you heard about local travel nursing contracts? Chances are if you’re an RN you’ve (at bare minimum) considered travel nursing and chances are even though the high salaries may have seemed tempting – you just couldn’t imagine leaving home for 13-weeks at time.

Perhaps you have familial responsibilities such as young children or aging parents. Perhaps you have community projects you’re committed to such as a local PTA or a church group. Or perhaps you just love coming home to familiar surroundings in the comfort of your own home.

Whatever the case may be – we assure you that you CAN travel nurse without having to travel.

Here is how you can travel nurse locally, get that great pay, take more time off work, have access to full healthcare benefits, and have 24/ access to a nurse advocate without leaving the comforts of home:

Take a Local Contract

This will typically be a contract at a local hospital in your hometown. Many do hire local travel nurses for travel contracts at the same great rates you’ve been seeing but with one major difference: stipends.

Here’s how your income will be different with a local travel nurse contract:

• Nurses on a travel assignment are typically paid an hourly rate + a travel stipend to cover the costs of travel. The stipend being tax free.
• Nurses who take local travel contracts will not get a travel stipend (because there is typically minimal travel involved), but will have a higher hourly pay.

Take a Travel Nurse Contract 50 Miles Away

If you’re not against a long commute – it is possible to meet some hospital’s “radius” requirements for travel nurses – by choosing a contract in a hospital that is 50 miles away.* This way you’ll qualify for the contract, get paid like any travel nurse with a tax free travel stipend and be able to tuck that stipend away each week.

Fifty miles is usually a one-hour commute each way – which – can seem like a long time – especially after a 12-hour shift – but if you look at it like your “down-time” it can be a relaxing way to start and end each day with a hot beverage, some good tunes, or your favorite murder mystery podcast.

If that commute sounds the most “relaxing” nightmare you’ve ever had – you can also talk to your recruiter about block scheduling. Block scheduling simply means your shifts are blocked together so that you can go home in between shifts. For example: you could work three, 12-hours shifts Monday through Wednesday, and go home Thursday through Sunday.

To read more about block scheduling: click here! 

*Hospitals have various policies on just how far a travel nurse must live from the facility in order to qualify for the travel contact. This can be anywhere from 50 to 150 miles away.

Local Travel Nursing Contracts Q&A

Question : Are There Local Travel Nursing Contracts Near Me?

Answer: None of the following should come as any surprise: If you live in a small rural area, without many nearby hospitals – the chances of landing a “local” contract are going to be slim. But if you live in a pretty populated area with a few hospitals in the vicinity, the chances for landing a local contract are going to be high!

The best way to learn about your options for a local contract is to speak to a recruiter who will be able to give you some better insight into what’s available in your area.

Click here to learn more about local contracts or speak to a recruiter. 

Question: Will I make more money than a staff nurse?

Answer: Highly likely. Even at the low end, a travel contract that pays $3,000 a week works out to $156K a year. Most of the travel nursing contracts at Next Move pay between $3,000 & $5,500 per week gross, depending on your specialty and location.

And remember, no one wants to work every single week of the year. Most travel nurses take between 2-8 weeks off per year and still gross over $100K annually. Staff nurses earn anywhere from $55-85K per year gross depending on their specialty and years of experience.

Trusted Health Blog

Local Contracts vs. Travel Contracts for Registered Nurses & Allied Health Professionals

Did you know that you can work as a contracted nurse close to home? Or as an allied health professional? 

Local travel has become a popular option for healthcare workers who want to stay closer to home but are interested in the flexibility of travel work. The good news is that many facilities are open to taking local travelers and Trusted offers local contracts! If you aren’t sure where to get started, we are here to help debunk the rumors and share some helpful tips! 

What is a local contract?

The primary factor that distinguishes local contracts from travel contracts is the distance from a worker’s home to the facility. Generally speaking, most facilities have a mileage rule. The facility uses this mileage rule to determine if a healthcare pro qualifies for a travel rate or a local rate. One common misconception is that a traveler’s tax home must be at least 50 miles away from the facility. While this is true in some cases, the mileage rule varies from facility to facility. Keep in mind while job searching that the package that is listed on the Match page is an estimated travel package, which includes an hourly wage portion and a tax-free stipend portion (which is designed to reimburse you for housing, meals and incidentals while away from home). Make sure to reach out to your Nurse Advocate to see what your local package would look like! 

One common misconception is that a traveler’s tax home must be at least 50 miles away from the facility.

Your next question may be - does Trusted determine what type of package I will receive? No! It is up to you to determine whether you should receive a local or a travel package, since the actual rules are very specific for each person. Only you can determine if you qualify for the untaxed stipends which is what we consider a “travel contract”. Since we specialize in travel nursing and allied health specialties (not taxes), we always recommend speaking with a tax professional when making this determination. Keep in mind that there is no option to take a fully taxed travel contract. If you are not eligible for stipends or do not wish to receive the stipends then you would qualify for our local contract. 

👉 Read more: Are you wondering - what is a tax home ?

Local contracts versus travel contracts

So let’s say, you’ve decided to take a local contract. It’s important to note that there are some differences beyond how your package is structured. At Trusted, there are a couple of fundamental differences between travel and local contracts.

• The first difference is that you will not receive untaxed stipends. Local contracts are formatted to be all taxable hourly pay. 
• Another important difference to mention is that local travelers do not receive guaranteed hours. No guaranteed hours means that you are not guaranteed hourly pay if the facility were to call you off. While they can cancel you at any time, the facility is hiring you to work contracted hours and expect to fully need you for that time. 

Our Travel and Local contracts are carefully designed by our team at Trusted to give nurses and allied health professionals the best experience possible - as either a local or travel worker. The contracts have been carefully vetted by our legal team to ensure that our contracts are fully compliant with the law. For any additional questions you may have about local and travel contracts please reach out to your nurse advocate. 

Looking for more resources?

Check out these related articles:

📍 What Should I Know About Pay Rates

‍ 📍Trusted Guide to Nurse Pay ‍

📍 Travel Nurse + Allied Health Tax Guide

📍 Tax Deductions for Travel Nurses & Allied Health Pros

And sign up or log in to get started with Trusted today!

Jessica Pinto has been a nurse for seven years, currently serving as a Nurse Advocate for Trusted Health. Before coming to Trusted, she was a Pediatric nurse and spent 4 years as a travel nurse! She currently lives in the Philadelphia area and enjoys spending time outside with her pup - Atlas, going to the beach and spontaneous adventures! Jessica Crabtree has been a nurse for 4 years and currently serving as a Nurse Advocate at Trusted Health. Before coming to Trusted she was a Pediatric Float Pool and NICU nurse! She currently lives in the Cincinnati, OH region and enjoys spending her time outdoors and with her two dogs Bronson and Milo!

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Comprehensive Guide to Travel Nursing Contracts

Table of Contents

Travel nursing can be a lucrative and fulfilling career choice for registered nurses, providing opportunities to work in different healthcare settings and explore new places. However, it's essential to understand the legal and logistical aspects of this work, particularly when it comes to contract negotiations. In this comprehensive guide, we provide an in-depth look into travel nursing contracts, the skills required for success in this field, and the recruitment process.

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Understanding Travel Nursing Contracts

Travel nursing jobs are gaining popularity as many healthcare professionals seek flexibility and adventure in their careers. Travel nursing contracts are essential tools for travel nurse resources, providing guidelines and expectations for both the healthcare worker and the recruitment team throughout the assignment. This blog will help you comprehend the key components, negotiation techniques, and legal aspects of travel nursing contracts.

Key Components of a Travel Nursing Contract

When considering travel nursing contracts, several elements must be carefully reviewed and understood by employee applicants. A typical travel nursing contract includes the following:

• Assignment Duration: This states the length of the travel assignment , typically 13 weeks.
• Payment Structure: The contract should clearly outline your hourly pay, overtime rates, and any additional compensation.
• Shift Requirements: The facility may have specific requirements regarding the shifts you'll work; make sure these are explicitly stated.
• General Sick Leave Policy: Familiarize yourself with the policy for paid and unpaid sick leave.
• Housing and Travel Reimbursement: Understand the free expense reimbursements and allowances offered by the agency for housing and travel expenses.
• Mental Health Support: Confirm that your employer provides mental health support resources.
• Equal Employment Opportunity: Ensure that the contract explicitly states the company's commitment to equal employment opportunities for all.
• Cancellation Policy: Review the terms for contract cancelation to avoid misunderstandings.

These components serve as a foundation to ensure that you arrive well-informed at your travel assignment and are supported throughout your tenure.

Negotiating Your Travel Nurse Contract

Before signing a travel nursing contract, it is essential to negotiate terms that best suit your needs. Factors to consider during negotiations include:

1. Confirming work hours, schedules, and pay rates before accepting a contract. Clarification on holiday pay and shift differentials are also paramount.

2. Discussing any additional certifications required and whether the agency would pay for the necessary courses.

3. Clarifying if any licenses or certifications will be reimbursed or covered by the employer. Credentialing specialists can assist travel nurse RN applicants with this process.

4. Discussing travel reimbursement and the ACT Program to help manage your travel expenses effectively.

Being prepared and informed will make the negotiation process smoother and allow you to focus on the actual travel nursing job and exploration opportunities.

Legal Aspects of Travel Nurse Contracts

Understanding the legal aspects of travel nursing contracts contributes to a more secure and hassle-free experience. Keep the following in mind while reviewing your contract:

1. Your contract should be abiding by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) as well as the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) guidelines for travel nursing.

2. Confirm that your contract adheres to state-level overtime laws, ensuring that you are correctly compensated for your work.

3. Signing a non-compete clause may limit your opportunities after the contract ends, so review this section critically with a legal professional if needed.

4. A well-drafted contract will also include clauses on indemnity, liability insurance, and medical malpractice coverage, protecting all parties involved.

Before commencing work at medical facilities, having a comprehensive understanding of the legal aspects of travel nurse contracts will safeguard your interests and make for a fulfilling travel assignment.

Skills Required for a Successful Travel Nurse

Operating Room Travel Nurse RNs and other specialties require a great deal of flexibility and adaptability to succeed. The core competencies of a registered nurse combined with the capacity to navigate the dynamic challenges of a travel nursing career are indispensable qualities.

Core Competencies of a Registered Nurse

As a travel nurse RN, you are expected to possess and enhance these core competencies:

1. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills that allow you to foster positive relationships with patients, families, and colleagues.

2. Confidence and competence in carrying out nursing procedures and managing clinical situations, including emergency situations.

3. Commitment to ethical and moral principles in patient care and decision-making. This also includes ensuring patient confidentiality and privacy.

4. Absorb and adjust rapidly to new technologies, processes, and procedures in different medical facilities.

5. Consistent dedication to personal and professional development through advanced nursing education and certifications.

Possessing these skills will set the foundation for a flourishing travel nurse RN career.

Enhancing Your Adaptability as a Travel Nurse

Beyond the indispensable core competencies, your adaptability as a travel nurse is equally important. Enhancing adaptability starts with:

1. Committing to a growth mindset and embracing change as a constant part of your journey in travel nursing.

2. Effectively managing stress by having a support network in place, tapping into available mental health support, and prioritizing self-care.

3. Researching the surrounding area of your travel assignment to become familiar with the local culture, communities, and available resources.

4. Engaging in continuous learning and professional development opportunities to remain up-to-date and flexible in your skills and knowledge.

Developing adaptability is a life-long endeavor and contributes to your holistic success in the exciting realm of travel nursing.

Navigating the Travel Nursing Recruitment Process

The recruitment process for travel nursing jobs can be complex and overwhelming, especially for first-time travelers. With a plethora of staffing agencies and recruiters to choose from, travel nurses must navigate the recruitment process to secure their ideal assignments and gain the ultimate travel nursing experience.

Having a strong recruitment team can be the key to success in this industry. This team will serve as a support system and provide the necessary guidance to help you find the perfect travel nursing assignment. By collaborating with a reputable agency like Health Carousel Travel Nursing, you ensure access to a vast network of healthcare facilities and travel nurse resources.

Upon submission and acceptance of your travel nursing staffing request, the recruitment team will outline the detailed travel assignment expectations. This may include travel reimbursement, housing options, and other perks like free expense reimbursements and signing bonuses. Additionally, a credentialing specialist from the agency will work with you to gather all necessary licensure and certifications for your desired destination.

Submitting Your Travel Nursing Staffing Request

A fundamental step in the recruitment process is submitting your travel nursing staffing request. This request serves as a guideline for the recruitment team to find positions that align with your preferences, expertise, and specified location.

As a travel nurse, it is crucial to be transparent about your skillset and experience level when submitting a staffing request. Being upfront about your skills helps the recruitment team find travel nursing contracts that not only match your qualifications but also provide ample opportunities for professional growth. Additionally, explicitly state your preferred travel reimbursement schemes, proposed housing solutions, and any other specifications that you deem important for your assignment.

Furthermore, your staffing request must be submitted accurately and on time. This ensures that your agency and recruitment team have ample time to find suitable opportunities for you, improving your chances of finding the best travel assignments possible.

Preparing for an ACT Program Assessment

The Accountability, Care, and Teamwork (ACT) Program aims to assess the competency of travel nurses and other medical professionals joining its ranks. Before embarking on any travel nursing assignment, you should prepare adequately for this assessment.

First, familiarize yourself with the agency's general sick leave policy, life insurance, mental health support, and any other policies related to the well-being of employees. By doing so, you ensure that you understand your rights and benefits during the course of your assignment.

Next, research the healthcare facility you are assigned to, looking into the facility's equal employment opportunity policies, operating room practices, and compliance with applicable state laws. This research empowers you to be more confident and knowledgeable during the assessment, which could increase your chances of a successful employment experience.

Meeting Applicable Law Compliance in Travel Nursing

As a travel nurse, you are expected to adhere to all applicable state laws and facility-specific policies during the course of your travel nursing contracts. This includes complying with licensure requirements, adhering to the agency's life insurance beginning day policies, and understanding the facility's operating room protocols.

To ensure compliance, work closely with your recruitment team and travel nurse resources provided by your agency. Whether it's through your credentialing specialist or the facility's human resources team, familiarize yourself with any compliance issues or changes to applicable laws that may impact your travel nursing assignment.

Moreover, always maintain open lines of communication with your agency and recruitment team. If any compliance concerns arise during your assignment, discuss them with your agency promptly. Such proactive measures will not only safeguard your travel nursing career but also foster a positive working relationship with your agency.

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What is local travel nursing | host healthcare.

Reviewed by Wendy Williams BSN, RN, CCM

Published: September 20, 2022

Read Time: 6 minute read

If the freedom, challenge, and paycheck of travel nursing appeals to you, but you can’t imagine leaving your home, local travel nursing jobs might be an attractive alternative. Working as a local travel nurse marries many of the benefits of out-of-state travel nursing with the perks of working and living in a community you already know and love.

Before you scrub in to local contracts, let’s take a closer look at the reality of local travel nursing, its advantages, and how to decide whether it’s the right fit for your travel expenses and lifestyle.

Local Travel Nursing 101

Many nurses see their work as a calling, but the long hours and static wages can still lead to burnout and staff drop-off over time. 

To fill the gap, many hospitals turn to travel nurses, who work temporary contracts at different hospitals, as needed. Travel nurses tend to make more than staff nurses—in some cases, the equivalent of a staff nurse’s salary in only a few months of work as a travel nurse. 1

For some travel nurses, the adventure of traveling across the country is part of what makes it so rewarding. But the same area, many nurses who enjoy staying close to home may wonder, can I work as a travel nurse locally?

The Answers is Yes!

Though it might sound like an oxymoron, but you can become a local travel nurse when working with Host Healthcare.

Standard vs Local Travel Nursing: Are There Different Requirements?

Local travel nursing is a great option for clinicians who want to take advantage of the benefits of contract work without going too far from home. Though the requirements to become a local contract travel nurse may vary from agency to agency, at Host Healthcare, local travel nurses are anyone who has a permanent tax home less than 50 miles from the facility they are taking a local contract at.

As a local traveler you are not eligible for tax free stipends, this is known as the 50 mile rule. Tax free stipends are one of the primary financial benefits of being a travel nurse outside of your local area. On the other hand, a standard travel nursing assignment requires that the facility the travel nurse reports to is over 50 miles away from their permanent tax home. With this requirement, a traveler is duplicating their housing expenses, therefore they are eligible for weekly tax free travel stipends.

For local travel nursing contracts, it’s assumed that the traveler does not need to duplicate housing expenses since they aren’t going as far from their primary residence. In this case, the local traveler would receive an hourly rate, but not be eligible for tax free travel stipends. A local travel nurse may still be able to apply for bonuses and student loan reimbursements depending on their eligibility.

Travel nursing is an opportunity to gain experience, pay, and a lifestyle beyond what a staff nurse may achieve in their career. The benefits of working as a travel nurse extended beyond it’s access to travel assignments across the country, the tax free stipends, or the ability to take become a local travel nurse. Travel nurses take advantage of these benefits along with taking control of their nursing career.

The ability to choose when you want to take travel contracts and when you want to take time off to relax and recharge your battery, is what bring so many to pursue a travel nurse career. You may be asking your self now how do I become a travel nurse? Check out our How it Works page for more information on the steps to becoming a travel nurse with Host Healthcare.

What to Expect as a Local Travel Nurse

So, what is local travel nursing? Like general travel nursing, local travel nurses work short-term contracts to support hospitals in need of more nurses. However, with a local travel nursing job , you stay much closer to your local area. 

While placing geographic restrictions on your travel nursing plans can somewhat filter down the available job opportunities, it can also offer a fresh career path and a host of benefits.

Benefits of Local Travel Nursing

Local travel nursing combines some of the best benefits of staff nursing and travel nursing, into one position. 

These benefits include:

Staying close to home – If you’ve finally found a house or apartment you love or built a network of close friends and family, you might feel reluctant to leave your own city. That makes sense—in fact, one study found it can take 100 hours in someone’s company before that person feels like a “real” friend.2 A local travel nursing job offers you career flexibility while letting you stay close to the home and community you’ve built. In addition, being a travel nurse with a pet is much more feasible as a local travel nurse.

Increased family stability – One study found that frequent moves can negatively impact some children’s ability to form high-quality relationships. When you’re stressed about moving, it can also affect how much energy you have to devote to parenting.2 If you have children or an older family member in the area who depends on you, local travel nursing allows you to access the career benefits of travel nursing while also continuing to offer your family more stability.

Lower travel costs – Compared to out-of-state travel nursing, local travel nursing has significantly lower travel costs, meaning more of your salary can go toward other financial priorities. 

Familiarity with the healthcare facilities – As an RN in your area, you may already be familiar with many of the local healthcare institutions and the different communities they serve. Staying local with your travel nursing means you can start each job with a broader context and deeper understanding of the community. In turn, this could help you to better bond with other staff nurses and serve your patients.

Access to different workplaces – Local travel nursing offers you the opportunity to try out different hospital work environments in your area. Whether you’re hoping to make a permanent switch to travel nursing or test out potential future employers, local travel nursing can help give you a feel for what you want—and what you want to avoid—in your future workplaces.

Exploring work beyond your specialty area – The floating schedules associated with local travel nursing might mean you end up working outside your normal nursing specialty. This can prove beneficial for people looking to gain experience in other areas of their profession.

Increased pay – While the exact pay will fluctuate by region and employer, local travel nursing generally pays significantly more than staff nurse positions.1 If you’re willing to learn quickly, embrace flexibility in nursing , and rise to the challenge of working in a new place, local travel nursing can prove a lucrative and rewarding option. 

If you think working as a local travel nurse might be for you, it’s time for the next step: pursue local travel nursing opportunities in your area with Host Healthcare! 

Explore Local Travel Nursing Options with Host Healthcare

At Host Healthcare , we match travel nurses with nursing contracts for the healthcare providers that need them. Whether you’re looking for an adventure on the other side of the country or an exciting professional opportunity in your own backyard, we aim to make the travel nursing process as smooth and comfortable as possible. If you are not sure if working as a local travel nurse or standard travel nurse is right for you, our top rated recruiters are here to help answer your questions and steer you in the best direction for your needs and preferences.

In addition to helping you land the travel nursing jobs you want, we provide premium employment benefits, like medical benefits that continue up to 30 days between your travel nurse assignments, and 401K matching. We also offer access to a highly responsive support team to help you navigate any challenges you encounter while settling into your new position.

If that sounds like a breath of fresh air in an industry that too often takes healthcare workers for granted, then consider applying to Host Healthcare. Your career as a local travel nurse could start today. 

Hilgers, Lauren. “’Nurses Have Finally Learned What They’re Worth’.” The New York Times , The New York Times, 15 Feb. 2022, https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/15/magazine/traveling-nurses.html

Stiefvater, Sarah. “Explained: The Psychological Effects of Moving Frequently on Adults and Kids (and How to Ease the Transition).” PureWow , PureWow, 2 Oct. 2019, https://www.purewow.com/wellness/psychological-effects-of-moving

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Local Nursing Contracts: A Guide for Clinicians Seeking Career Flexibility

Job seeker, local contract nursing, nursing.

For many, nursing is a calling, but for some clinicians, long hours in the same facility, day after day can lead to a serious need for change. Clinicians who love a good adventure may find the thought of traveling around the country for months on end an appealing solution. But if you’re more of a homebody or have commitments requiring you to stay near home, you might wonder: Is there a best of both worlds?  

The short answer—yes! Local contracts let you experience the flexibility of travel nursing while remaining closer to home.  

What are local nursing contracts?  

Local contract nurses usually work in healthcare facilities nearby, within 50 miles of their permanent address. With local contracts, temporary nurses are brought in to help facilities with understaffing or to fill scheduling gaps. Most travel nurse agencies, like Medical Solutions , hire local contract clinicians as W2 employees, so they still receive full benefits and incentives.  

While there are a few differences between local contract clinicians and travel nursing, there are many reasons local might be the perfect fit for you:   

• You want to “test the waters” before committing to long-distance travel contracts.   
• You’re in between jobs or are looking for some supplemental income.  
• You have family commitments and would like to stay closer to home.  
• You’re looking to ease out of full-time nursing with contract work.  
• You’re seeking more flexibility in your career.   

When choosing between local contracts or long-distance travel contracts, it’s helpful to understand the benefits available to ensure all your boxes are ticked . Here are some advantages to consider when exploring local contracts:  

A Work Schedule that Suits Your Lifestyle  

Work at your own pace! Local contracts empower you to work on your terms—be it a 13-week contract followed by a 3-week break or 6 months of contracts followed by 6 months off. This type of gig work allows you to craft a career that works for you, not vice versa.   

Grow Your Clinical Skills at New Facilities  

Each new assignment is an opportunity to invest in yourself. Expand your skill sets by adapting to different facilities and acuity levels, from nonprofits to community hospitals. Challenge yourself to learn new technologies, enhance your communication skills, and grow both clinically and personally.  

Work Where Help is Needed Most in Your Community  

Local contracts allow you to answer the call to care in different facilities across your community. You could be a fresh face for the community health clinic across town or provide much-needed help at an understaffed hospital around the corner. Every assignment is a chance to make a meaningful impact on patients at facilities in your community.  

No Long-Term Commitment  

Local contracts mean less commitment, allowing you to test different work environments without long-term obligations. This may mean more time off to pursue a degree or new certification or to dedicate to friends, family, and loved ones.  The flexible nature of local contracts allows you to pursue goals and passions between assignments without putting your career on hold.  

Stay Close to Home  

If you’ve found your dream home or built strong connections with friends and family, the idea of starting over in a new city might feel daunting. For those with children or older family members nearby, local contracts are a great way to embrace career flexibility without sacrificing stability.  

If you’re drawn to the independence, excitement, and flexible rewards of travel nursing but the thought of parting from home doesn’t sit well, consider exploring local contract opportunities! Browse local contract opportunities here or connect with us at Medical Solutions to take your career to the next level!   

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Celebrating brenda k: a shining light in patient advocacy, what is a travel nurse salary, how much is a travel nurse salary.

Local Pay & Benefits

When you work a local contract, pay varies based on specialty, facility and a variety of other factors. Your recruiter will explain all the details to ensure you choose the job that best meets your personal and professional goals. Make an impact close to home, enhance your career and enjoy:

• Competitive pay
• Weekly direct deposit
• A 401k, once eligible
• Accrued sick time
• Reimbursements for licenses, certifications, scrubs and other necessities (only if working a full-time local contract)
• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance (only if working a full-time local contract)

Ready to get started?

If you’re interested in local contract opportunities, register today to get started.

Register Now

Privacy Overview

Travel RN - ER Nurse - Local Contract

Job description.

Offering Premium Pay, Customizable Contracts, Travel Reimbursement, Housing Allowance, Guaranteed Hours, and more!

Work within our network of 40 community hospitals as a full-time employee of Steward Health Care!

Local Travel Contracts Available!

DEPARTMENT:

Emergency Department

JOB SUMMARY:

· Current RN permit or licensure issued by the Board of Nurse Examiners of the State to practice professional nursing. The Travel RN will be eligible for assignments in various nursing departments of competency within designated facilities as needed. These departments may include, but are not limited to : Emergency Department

The RN is responsible and accountable for directing, planning, and organizing the nursing activities on the unit for an assigned shift with focus on patient, physician and staff needs.

• The RN is responsible for delivering skilled patient care through the nursing process in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• The RN is responsible for coordinating patient care through the nursing process in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• The RN is responsible for coordinating care among patient/family, medicine, nursing, ancillary, and other team personnel; acts as patient advocate; and maintains current knowledge and standards of professional nursing practice.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED :

• · Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing program, a valid license to practice in the State.
• · Minimum of two-year relevant RN clinical nursing experience and proven

COMPANY OVERVIEW:

Steward Health Care is the largest private, tax-paying physician-led health care network in the United States. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Steward operates 37 hospitals in the United States and the country of Malta that regularly receive top awards for quality and safety. The company employs approximately 42,000 health care professionals. The Steward network includes multiple urgent care centers and skilled nursing facilities, substantial behavioral health services, over 7,900 beds under management, and approximately 2.2 million full risk covered lives through the company's managed care and health insurance services.

BENEFITS OFFERED:

We have many plans with various deductibles, which can cover individuals or families so you can customize a plan that will work for you! Steward Health Care works with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts to provide affordable health insurance for our employees in benefit eligible positions. Our Health Plans Highlights are:

• Deductibles will not apply to services provided by a Steward provider (Tier 1).
• Office visits copays will be $0 when a member uses a Steward Provider (Tier 1).
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse office visits will be $0 for all In-Network providers (Tier1, Tier 2, and Tier 3).

Other Benefits provided:

Dental Insurance, Employee Assistance, Transitions Program, 401(k)

About Steward Health Care Over a decade ago, Steward Health Care System emerged as a different kind of health care company designed to usher in a new era of wellness. One that provides our patients better, more proactive care at a sustainable cost, our providers unrivaled coordination of care, and our communities greater prosperity and stability. As the country's largest physician-led, minority-owned, integrated health care system, our doctors can be certain that we share their interests and those of their patients. Together we are on a mission to revolutionize the way health care is delivered - creating healthier lives, thriving communities and a better world. Based in Dallas, Steward currently operates more than 30 hospitals across Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas. For more information, visit steward.org

Application Instructions

Please click on the link below to apply for this position. A new window will open and direct you to apply at our corporate careers page. We look forward to hearing from you!

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Posted : 4/4/2024

Job Status : Full Time

Job Reference # : 145710

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Watch CBS News

Solar eclipse maps showed 2024 totality path, peak times and how much of the eclipse people could see across the U.S.

By Aliza Chasan

Updated on: April 9, 2024 / 5:00 AM EDT / CBS News

A total solar eclipse  crossed North America Monday with parts of 15 U.S. states within the path of totality. Maps showed  where and when astronomy fans could see the big event  as skies darkened in the middle of the day Monday, April 8.

The total eclipse first appeared along Mexico's Pacific Coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT, then traveled across a swath of the U.S., from Texas to Maine, and into Canada.

About 31.6 million people live in the path of totality , the area where the moon fully blocked out the sun , according to NASA. The path ranged between 108 and 122 miles wide. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path of totality.

Solar eclipse path of totality map for 2024

The total solar eclipse started over the Pacific Ocean, and the first location in continental North America that experienced totality was Mexico's Pacific Coast, around 11:07 a.m. PDT, according to NASA. From there, the path continued into Texas, crossing more than a dozen states before the eclipse enters Canada in southern Ontario. The eclipse exited continental North America at around 5:16 p.m. NDT from Newfoundland, Canada.

The path of totality included portions of the following states:

• Pennsylvania
• New Hampshire

Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan also experienced the total solar eclipse.

Several major cities across the U.S. were included in the eclipse's path of totality, while many others saw a partial eclipse. These were some of the best major cities for eclipse viewing — though the weather was a factor :

• San Antonio, Texas (partially under the path)
• Austin, Texas
• Waco, Texas
• Dallas, Texas
• Little Rock, Arkansas
• Indianapolis, Indiana
• Dayton, Ohio
• Cleveland, Ohio
• Buffalo, New York
• Rochester, New York
• Syracuse, New York
• Burlington, Vermont

Map of when the solar eclipse reached totality across its path

The eclipse began in the U.S. as a partial eclipse beginning at 12:06 p.m. CDT near Eagle Pass, Texas, before progressing to totality by about 1:27 p.m. CDT and then moving along its path to the northeast over the following few hours.

NASA shared times for several cities in the path of totality across the U.S. People could have also  checked their ZIP code on NASA's map  to see when the eclipse was to reach them if they were on, or near, the path of totality — or if they saw a partial eclipse instead.

How much of the eclipse did people see if they live outside the totality path?

While the April 8 eclipse covered a wide swath of the U.S., outside the path of totality observers may have spotted a partial eclipse, where the moon covers some, but not all, of the sun, according to NASA. The closer they were to the path of totality, the larger the portion of the sun that was hidden.

NASA allowed viewers to input a ZIP code and see how much of the sun was to be covered in their locations.

Could there be cloud cover be during the solar eclipse?

Some areas along the path of totality had a higher likelihood of cloud cover that could interfere with viewing the eclipse. Here is a map showing the historical trends in cloud cover this time of year. 

You could have checked the latest forecast for your location with our partners at The Weather Channel .

Where did the solar eclipse reach totality for the longest?

Eclipse viewers near Torreón, Mexico, got to experience totality for the longest. Totality there lasted 4 minutes, 28 seconds, according to NASA. 

Most places along the centerline of the path of totality saw a totality duration of between 3.5 and 4 minutes, according to NASA. Some places in the U.S. came close to the maximum; Kerrville, Texas, had a totality duration of 4 minutes, 24 seconds.

What is the path of totality for the 2044 solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse that will be visible from the contiguous U.S. will be on Aug. 23, 2044.

Astronomy fans in the U.S. will have far fewer opportunities to see the 2044 eclipse they had on April 8. NASA has not yet made maps available for the 2044 eclipse but, according to The Planetary Society , the path of totality will only touch three states.

The 2024 eclipse will start in Greenland, pass over Canada and end as the sun sets in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota, according to the Planetary Society.

Aliza Chasan is a digital producer at 60 Minutes and CBSNews.com. She has previously written for outlets including PIX11 News, The New York Daily News, Inside Edition and DNAinfo. Aliza covers trending news, often focusing on crime and politics.

More from CBS News

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Bands of clouds could impact solar eclipse viewing in Philadelphia, Delaware Valley

Despite the clouds in Philly, the solar eclipse brought people together to share a moment of wonder

Philadelphia Zoo, Franklin Institute gear up for solar eclipse

Solar eclipse 2024 recap: The scene from Ann Arbor, Michigan

Looking to watch video of the 2024 solar eclipse as it appears from Michigan? You've come to the right place.

The Detroit Free Press was stationed in Ann Arbor to watch the Great American Eclipse as it crosses the midwestern United States. While Ann Arbor was not in the path of totality, it experienced 99% coverage of the sun .

Total solar eclipse 2024: Live updates during the celestial event

NASA and USA TODAY are providing live streams from the path of totality as the eclipse crosses the United States. Here's how you can view those live streams .

Watch a recap of the live stream in the above video player (or tap here if you can't see the player).