When your 13-week travel nursing contract is nearing its end, you may face a big question: Should you extend your assignment? While the idea of staying put can be comforting—and financially rewarding—there are also strong reasons to move on to your next opportunity. Before deciding, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons based on your personal goals, professional growth, and lifestyle preferences.
At Informatix Health, we help nurses across Massachusetts make the right call for their career path. Here’s what to consider before saying “yes” to an extension.
The Pros of Extending Your Assignment
1. Familiarity and Comfort
By the 13-week mark, you’ve adjusted to the facility’s protocols, built rapport with coworkers, and settled into a routine. Extending gives you the comfort of staying in a place you already know.
2. Financial Incentives
Many facilities offer bonuses or higher pay rates for extension contracts. You might also save money by staying in your current housing instead of relocating.
3. Skill Development
An extension can allow you to dive deeper into a specialty, take on more responsibility, or even pursue a leadership opportunity in your current unit.
4. Patient Continuity
If you’re working in a unit where patient care spans weeks or months, staying on means you can continue to support those you’ve already formed connections with.
The Cons of Extending Your Assignment
1. Missed New Opportunities
Staying in one place means passing up other exciting assignments in new cities, different specialties, or higher-paying locations.
2. Burnout Risk
If the facility is understaffed or high-stress, an extension could lead to mental and physical exhaustion. A fresh start may be what you need to recharge.
3. Delayed Career Goals
Maybe you wanted to try a different unit, work in a new state, or get closer to home. Extending might put those goals on hold.
4. Less Negotiating Power
Extension contracts may offer fewer incentives than brand-new contracts. It’s worth comparing what’s on the table versus what’s out there.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Extending
- Do I feel valued and supported at this facility?
- Am I growing professionally in this role?
- Is the location working for my lifestyle?
- What are my long-term career goals?
Your answers can help clarify whether an extension aligns with your path—or if it’s time for a change.
Ready for What’s Next? Let Informatix Health Guide You
Whether you’re thinking about staying or going, Informatix Health is here to support you. We connect nurses across Massachusetts with flexible, rewarding opportunities that align with their goals—whether you’re looking to extend your current assignment or find a fresh start somewhere new.
Serving nurses in Boston, Brockton, Cambridge, Norwood, and more.
Apply now or speak with our team today to explore your next move with confidence.