Strike Nursing: How to Get Started

Nursing strikes, “workforce disruptions,” or unionization, and travel nurses who cover strikes can often be polarizing topics. 

So let’s start with a brief disclaimer: This article is not meant to be a commentary on strike nursing or the ethical and political implications that are often intertwined with this category of travel nursing. This is simply a brief summary of how strike nursing works and how to get into this particular line of work if you are interested. 

The first thing to know if you are interested in working in nursing strikes is that they are not a consistent line of work. Strikes can be unpredictable, nothing is guaranteed, and the length of a strike can change at any time. The goal of both the union and the hospital is to end the strike and get the nurses back to work. Sometimes it takes days, other times it may take weeks to accomplish this goal. 

How does a strike happen? 

Here is a very basic overview of how a hospital system ends up with a nursing strike. In a hospital system with a nursing union, the union approaches the hospital when certain pay or staffing requests are not being granted. If the hospital and the union cannot agree on a compromise to meet each other’s needs, then the nurses will give notice to strike.

Depending on the terms of the union, there is usually a set amount of notice that the union must give the hospital. The union tells the hospital they plan to strike, and agencies are alerted to the need for strike staffing. 

How long will the strike last?

The minimum length of the strike will usually be disclosed when you speak with a recruiter who is staffing the strike. At the very minimum, companies generally offer a guarantee for the number of hours or the pay you will receive. 

If the strike ends early or the union and the hospital “settle,” you would still be entitled to the minimum pay, but the company will usually fly you home early. If the strike is extended beyond the initial guaranteed hours, you will be offered the option to stay longer or go home. 

Strike nursing assignments often include overtime as well. For example, you might work five days in a row if that is the planned duration of the strike.

How do nurses learn about strike needs?

Some companies specialize in strikes. These companies are generally smaller, and you might have to seek them out. However, larger companies may also face strikes. Chat with your recruiters to see if they have staff strikes or a strike division in their company. 

Facebook also has some strike nurse groups where people can connect and alert one another if they hear about a potential strike. 

Can I only work strikes as a travel nurse?

You can–but not if you want a consistent income. The hospitals don’t want their nurses to actually strike. A lot of the time, once they receive notice that a union plans to strike, the hospital may work harder to meet the requests of the nurses and try to settle before the strike actually happens. 

Strikes are great because they often come with premium pay, but there is no rhyme or reason to how often they may happen. Instead, they are a good way to supplement travel nurse pay or to get some work in between assignments.

Are strikes safe?

In short, yes. Hospitals should be well-staffed for strikes, and security and transportation should be provided for relief staff. Strike nurses also get housed at hotels where they have security as well–just in case.

Strikes are a very unique part of the travel nurse world, but one that can be a useful tool if you go in with the right expectations. You have to be ultra flexible, willing to change plans last minute, and able to pivot in a new direction if the whole strike falls apart. But for some, they can be a great source of extra money and a new experience to add to their toolbelt! 

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