{
  "id": 6597436,
  "title": "I soft-retired at 66 to become a traveling nurse practitioner. I earn 25% more, and employers host me in luxe Airbnbs.",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/i-soft-retired-at-66-to-become-a-traveling-nurse-practitioner-i-earn",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-10T14:30:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Insider",
    "slug": "business-insider",
    "url": "https://www.businessinsider.com/soft-retired-earn-more-traveling-nurse-practitioner-2026-09"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Pediatric nurse practitioner Karen Melde decided to \"soft-retire\" at 66, leaving her regular job to become a traveling NP. She enjoys the freedom and higher pay, which allows her to stay in luxurious Airbnbs across the United States. Melde's work as a travel NP involves providing temporary cover for pediatric nurse practitioners who may be on leave. She has worked in six states, including Alaska and California, while avoiding office politics. Melde specializes in ADHD diagnosis and prescribing medications, and she cherishes her patients while traveling the country. Her flexible schedule allows her to meet new people and explore various places, which she believes enhances her life and job satisfaction.",
  "summary": "At 66, Karen Melde burned out in her job as a pediatric nurse practitioner. She \"soft-retired,\" and travels across the US to provide temporary cover.",
  "key_points": [
    "Karen Melde soft-retired at 66 to become a traveling nurse practitioner",
    "Earns 25% more than her previous job, stays in luxury Airbnbs",
    "Works in six states, specializing in ADHD diagnosis and medication"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}