travel nurse job duties

• What Do Travel Nurses Do?

Where Do Travel Nurses Work?

A day in the life of a travel nurse, pros and cons of being a travel nurse, is travel nursing right for you.

Becoming a travel nurse can be an exciting opportunity to not only experience new places around the country but also network and build lasting connections with healthcare professionals. But if you're considering starting traveling, you may be wondering, what do travel nurses do? 

This article will take you through the responsibilities of a travel nurse, including the day-to-day duties, where you can work, and the pros and cons of the job. Keep reading to determine whether this fast-paced, exciting, and adventurous career is right for you.

>> Click here to see available high-paying travel nurse opportunities!

What Do Travel Nurses Do? 

The specific duties of a travel nurse will vary depending on the unit and department you work. For example, the expectations of an intensive care unit (ICU) nurse will vary greatly compared to those of an obstetrics (OB) nurse or an operating room (OR) nurse. In this section, we'll discuss what travel nurses do, their duties, and their responsibilities.

>> Related: How to Become a Travel Nurse

Bedside Responsibilities

Travel nurses are responsible for taking care of patients from triage to discharge. Typically responsibilities may include, 

• Administer medications and monitor for adverse reactions
• Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including ambulation, feeding, dressing, and bathing
• Insert and manage IV catheters
• Perform vital signs at required intervals and recognize abnormalities and report to appropriate healthcare providers
• Perform physical assessments and recognize signs
• Prepare patients for bedside procedures and surgeries

A large portion of a travel nurse’s responsibilities include education. Specifically, travel nurses will need to provide education to the patient, if applicable, as well as to family and caregivers throughout their shifts. 

Time spent educating patients and families will vary depending on your specific unit. For example, a travel nurse that works in a post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) and is discharging patients after surgery will be required to spend more time on education than other typical bedside duties. 

On the other hand, an ICU nurse will spend far less time focused on education because of the severity of their patient’s illness and disease. 

Travel nurses also may be responsible for educating new nurses and orientees. While rare, it is possible for a travel nurse to be asked to work with new nurses.

Patient Advocacy

While not the most obvious job responsibility, advocating for a patient is an important job duty of a travel nurse. This can range from speaking to healthcare providers to advocating for tests or new medications. It also can mean speaking to family members about the wants and needs of the patient. 

Travel nurses can work in a variety of locations. Essentially, they can work anywhere that a staff nurse may work. However, not all healthcare settings will have a need for travel nurses. Some of the locations travel nurses work in include, 

• Home health
• Long-term care facility
• Government agency
• Private MD office
• Urgent care
• Specialty clinic
• Surgical center

Travel nurse days might look a little different than a staff nurse because they can be the first to be floated to another unit, depending on their contract. So, travel nurses will generally report to the floor they are contracted but may have to work their shift on another unit or even another hospital (depending on their specific contract).

1. Get Their Assignments

Most travel nurses will start their shifts either at 7 am or 7 pm. After getting an assignment, the first task is to get a report on your patients. This typically takes about 30 minutes but may take longer, depending on the unit and the patients! 

2. Looking Through the EMR

After the report, travel nurses will spend a little bit of time looking through the EMR to go over orders and medications, including times they are due, and to find any missing information that was not communicated during the report. 

3. Performing Physical Assessments

The rest of the morning generally consists of performing physical assessments on your patients, vital signs, assisting in ADLs, and administering medications. 

Healthcare providers typically round in the morning so it is important to try and touch base with the medical team to learn the plan of care for the patient for the day and any changes to the orders and/or medications. 

The rest of the day is similar to the morning/evening but maybe a little less hectic. There are more vital signs, reassessment of your patients, admissions and discharges (depending on the unit), and road trips for MRI or CT scans. 

While this is a brief idea of what a typical day might look like for a travel nurse, it will vary greatly depending on your specialty and work location. 

Being a travel nurse may sound like a great opportunity: You get to travel the country, earn a higher wage, and experience new cultures. But like every job, there are pros, and there are cons as well. 

Travel Nursing Pros

• Higher compensation
• New locations
• Meeting new people
• Expand your skillset
• Adaptability 
• Flexibility between contracts
• Choice of contracts and location

>> Related: Travel Nurse Salary Guide

Travel Nursing Cons

• Always the new person
• First to float, first to cancel
• Relocating every 13 weeks 
• New computer modules for each assignment
• Lack of local support system
• Managing multiple nursing licenses
• Finding temporary travel nurse housing

Travel nurse requirements are the same as a staff nurse, except most travel nurse jobs require 1-2 years of experience and prefer a BSN degree over an ADN. Not meeting these standards can make finding travel nursing jobs in desirable locations more difficult and may dampen your experience.

Another reason travel nursing may or may not be right for you is variety. As a travel nurse, no two assignments will look the same. So, it may not suit you if you prefer stability and routine.

Kathleen Gaines (nee Colduvell) is a nationally published writer turned Pediatric ICU nurse from Philadelphia with over 13 years of ICU experience. She has an extensive ICU background having formerly worked in the CICU and NICU at several major hospitals in the Philadelphia region. After earning her MSN in Education from Loyola University of New Orleans, she currently also teaches for several prominent Universities making sure the next generation is ready for the bedside. As a certified breastfeeding counselor and trauma certified nurse, she is always ready for the next nursing challenge.

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What Is a Travel Nurse?

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How Long to Become 2-4 years

Job Outlook 9% increase from 2020-2030

Average Annual Salary $84,000

Becoming a travel nurse can be financially and professionally rewarding and offer nurses a chance to see the country. Travel nurses fill short-term vacancies across the nation, with assignments that may last from a few days up to several months.

Especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for travel nurses is high. In addition, these professionals can earn considerably more than full-time permanent positions. Keep reading for more about what travel nurses do and how to become one.

What Does a Travel Nurse Do?

As the healthcare industry experiences critical nursing shortages, travel nurses temporarily work on assignment in different locations to fill this gap. Instead of working in permanent positions at hospitals, travel nurses find employment at staffing agencies. Travel nursing assignments typically last a few weeks to a few months.

In terms of their day-to-day professional responsibilities, travel nurses take on the same roles as other registered nurses (RNs). Nurses perform these essential tasks:

JGI/Tom Grill / Getty Images

Key Responsibilities

• Educating patients on health, wellness, and illnesses
• Measuring patients’ vital signs, like blood pressure and body temperature
• Administering medication
• Monitoring patients’ conditions
• Collaborating with healthcare teams

Career Traits

• Adaptability and flexibility
• Critical thinking
• Communication
• Clinical Skills in both chronic and acute care

Where Do Travel Nurses Work?

Travel nurses work in various healthcare settings. They commonly find assignments in hospitals, but often staffing agencies send nurses to underserved areas like rural communities. They may also work in intensive care units, community health centers, clinics — in short, anywhere with a nursing shortage.

Rural Health Facilities

Travel nurses care for patients with both acute and chronic conditions, administer medication, facilitate communication with nearby facilities or hospitals, and educate patients on preventive health and wellness.

Travel nurses conduct physical exams, check patients’ vital signs, take patients’ healthcare histories, and work on healthcare teams.

Travel nurses provide patients who need specialized treatment with life-sustaining support, such as ventilators and other equipment. They also respond to medical emergencies with techniques like advanced cardiac life support and evaluate patients’ progress.

Why Become a Travel Nurse?

Like any profession, travel nursing has its pros and cons. Make sure to carefully consider these factors when deciding on whether or not to pursue this career.

Advantages of Becoming a Travel Nurse

Disadvantages of becoming a travel nurse, how to become a travel nurse.

To be a travel nurse , you must first become a registered nurse (RN) by earning either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). After graduating, you need to pass the NCLEX-RN and apply for a state nursing license.

Because travel nurses must adapt rapidly to a new hospital or other healthcare setting and be able to contribute immediately, most employers prefer to hire travel nurses with experience, especially for higher-paying positions. Certification distinguishes your skills from other applicants.

Most travel nurses work with agencies, since these agencies do the work of finding positions and much of the paperwork. Establishing a reputation and relationship with a travel nurse agency makes it much easier to get the best assignments.

Learn more about how to become a travel nurse .

How Much Do Travel Nurses Make?

Because they travel to where demand is highest, travel nurse salaries are typically higher than full-time permanent positions. Some travel nurse positions provide room and board or offer an allowance in addition to pay, while others pay a set amount. Therefore, salary ranges without this context may be misleading. According to Vivian , a healthcare jobs marketplace, the average weekly salary for travel nurses reaches $2,666 per week.

Demand, local cost of living, experience, and nursing specialties all affect travel nurse pay scales. Shorter-term assignments tend to pay proportionately higher than longer-term assignments. While the nursing shortage continues, travel nurse salaries are likely to remain high.

Some travel nurse agencies have been accused of price gouging during COVID-19 . While it is not clear what, if any, legislation might pass to address this, most of the complaints focus on the agency share of payments rather than nurse earnings. However, you may wish to keep an eye on how this might affect travel nurse salaries.

Frequently Asked Questions about Travel Nurses

How long does it take to become a travel nurse.

It takes at least two years to earn an RN license and become a travel nurse. However, most travel nurse agencies prefer to hire nurses with some experience or certifications.

Can travel nurses specialize?

Many travel nurses specialize. Operating room, critical care, emergency room, telemetry, and labor/delivery nursing are some of the most in-demand specialties, according to The Gypsy Nurse, a travel nurse agency blog.

How long are travel nursing assignments?

Travel nurse assignments typically last 2-26 weeks, with 13 weeks being a fairly common standard. However, the length varies based on employer needs and budget.

Why are travel nurses paid more?

Travel nurses can travel to where the demand is highest. Travel nursing is not for everyone and requires long periods away from home or loved ones. It can also be more difficult to build work relationships. Short-term housing or hotels are also typically more expensive than longer-term leases, so travel nurses have more expenses.

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Travel Nurse: Job Description, Salary, and How to Become One

Interested in becoming a travel nurse? Read more about the job description, responsibilities, salary, and steps to becoming one. Careers

• #Travel Nurses
• Table of Contents:
• Job Description
• Responsibilities
• Benefits of Travel Nursing
• Salary Expectations
• Becoming a Travel Nurse

Are you an experienced nurse seeking adventure? Consider becoming a travel nurse. This informative guide offers valuable insights into travel nursing, including job responsibilities, benefits, salary expectations, and the necessary steps to begin your journey.

Travel Nurse Job Description

A travel nurse is an experienced and skilled healthcare professional who takes on short-term contracted assignments in facilities that require additional nursing staff.

If you are an LPN, RN, or NP with a license, you can search for contracts to work as a traveling nurse. You can expect to work 13 weeks on temporary contracts with a weekly requirement of 36-48 hours. However, travel nurse contracts can vary from two to 26 weeks.

Related: Best Registered Nurse (RN) Jobs and Salaries in 2023

Where Do Travel Nurses Work?

Travel nurses have the flexibility to work in a wide range of healthcare settings across the country and even internationally for the most adventurous. Below are some healthcare settings where travel nurses work:

• Intensive care (ICU)
• Emergency room (ER)
• Stepdown (PCU)
• Medical-surgical
• Labor and delivery (L&D)
• Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
• Cardiac care
• Long-term acute care hospitals (LTACH)
• Urgent care facilities
• Outpatient clinics
• Rehabilitation centers
• Home health agencies
• Nursing homes
• Assisted living facilities
• Dialysis centers
• Psychiatric hospitals and mental health facilities
• Pediatric hospitals and clinics
• Oncology centers
• Operating rooms and surgical centers
• Women's health clinics and labor and delivery units
• Public health clinics

Travel Nurse Responsibilities

As a travel nurse, you share similar duties and responsibilities with staff nurses in your specified specialty, including: 

• Patient care
• Patient assessments.
• Vital sign monitoring. 
• Medication administration. 
• Evaluation of patients for changes in condition.
• Patient education. 
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and the healthcare team. 
• Documentation.
• Team Collaboration.
• Problem-solving.

But, there are some critical distinctions as a contracted worker. In addition to your typical staff nursing duties, your additional responsibilities as a travel nurse will encompass the following:

• Adapt rapidly to new healthcare environments, policies, and procedures to integrate into different facilities seamlessly
• Demonstrate proficiency in learning and navigating electronic health record (EHR) systems specific to each assignment
• Maintain compliance with specific facility requirements, such as specialized documentation processes, quality assurance protocols, and unique equipment usage
• Adhere rigorously to facility-specific safety protocols and infection control measures to ensure the well-being of patients, colleagues, and yourself
• Exhibit exceptional adaptability and flexibility to thrive in diverse assignments, embracing different cultural practices and regional variations in healthcare delivery

As a travel nurse, your ability to effortlessly integrate into different healthcare environments while delivering quality care is crucial. Your expertise and adaptability allow you to make a positive impact wherever you go.

Benefits of Becoming a Travel Nurse

Becoming a travel nurse offers a range of advantages that can enhance your personal and professional life. Here are some key benefits to consider:

• Power to choose your time off: As a travel nurse, you can decide when to take time off between assignments. This flexibility allows you to maintain a healthy work-life balance and prioritize personal commitments.
• Traveling and seeing the country: One of the main advantages of being a travel nurse is exploring different regions and cities. You can immerse yourself in diverse cultures, experience new environments, and create unforgettable memories while working in various locations.
• Making new friends: Each assignment introduces you to a new network of healthcare professionals, enabling you to expand your professional connections and form lasting friendships. Collaborating with diverse teams fosters a sense of community and provides valuable networking opportunities.
• Ability to make more money: Travel nursing often comes with competitive compensation packages, including higher pay rates, stipends, and bonuses. This financial advantage allows you to pay off debts, save for the future, or enjoy bonus travel experiences.
• Experience in various healthcare facilities: With exposure to multiple hospitals and facilities, you can enhance your expertise, flexibility, and understanding, making you a versatile and in-demand healthcare professional.

Travel nursing is an alluring pathway for those who crave excitement, freedom, change, and traveling.

Travel Nurse Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that in May 2021, the average annual salary for registered nurses was $77,600. 

As of May 2023, a report by ZipRecruiter states that the average annual salary for registered nurses is now $77,976, while travel nurses can expect a yearly salary of $105,021.

Nursing experience does not affect travel nursing pay. Instead, the salary varies on the state, healthcare facility, nursing specialty, travel nurse agency, and how many contracts you work in a year. 

Ziprecruiter's May 2023 report highlights that pay for travel nurses will vary depending on the state, with some offering higher compensation and others offering lower.

Highest Travel Nurse Pay by State 2023:

• New York: $128,277
• Arizona: $109,776
• Wyoming: $109,765
• Hawaii $109,653

Lowest Travel Nurse Pay by State 2023:

• South Carolina: $80,182
• Louisiana: $82,597
• North Dakota: $83,025
• Texas: $85,025
• Michigan: $86,825

How to Become a Travel Nurse

Step 1: complete an undergraduate nursing program .

Complete your associate's degree (ADN) or bachelor's degree (BSN) in nursing. Undergraduate nursing programs take 2-4 years to complete. Obtaining your BSN may be preferable, depending on the specialty you desire to work in. 

Step 2: Get Your Nursing License  

Take and pass the NCLEX-RN to become an RN. If you want to be a travel nurse, it may be worth applying for nursing licensure and obtaining your first nursing job in a compact licensure state. By getting your compact RN license, you can travel to 39 states without needing to endorse your nursing licensure for every assignment. 

Related: Best RN to BSN Programs in 2023

Step 3: Obtain Nursing Experience

Any travel position will require at least one to two years of nursing experience in the specialty you plan to work as a travel nurse. This fundamental nursing experience will set you up for success, as each healthcare facility will have varying systems and processes. By having a solid nursing foundation, you can adjust and adapt accordingly. 

Step 4: Find a Healthcare Staffing Agency

Research and set up your applications with preferable travel nursing agencies.

Step 5: Apply for a Travel Nurse Assignment

Apply to your desired travel nursing jobs.

Step 6: Start Your Travel Nurse Contract 

Explore the world of travel nursing further with our detailed resources. Whether you're a beginner or ready to start your journey, we've got you covered with our beginner's guide  and step-by-step instructions . 

As a travel nurse, you'll have the chance to work in various healthcare settings, discover new locations, and grow personally and professionally. Embrace the adventure and pursue a rewarding career that lets you make a positive difference in patients' lives while enjoying the excitement of travel.

About Erin Lee , BSN, RN

Erin Lee has 12 years experience as a BSN, RN and specializes in Critical Care, Procedural, Care Coordination, LNC.

More Like This

Sabrina S., RN

Is it possible to make an internship as a travel nurse?  best regards   

canoehead, BSN, RN

6,890 Posts

Sabrina S. said: Is it possible to make an internship as a travel nurse?  best regards   

Its not wise to travel as a new grad, and I doubt any hospital would hire someone without experience.

I'm a certified nurse since 2019. I want to do an internship for 3 months as an abroad experience. I'm looking for a place (hospital, citizens' residence, mobile care, ..) in California, LA. If you have any tips for me, let me know 🙏  

I'm living and working in Austria.

• Job Descriptions
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Travel Nurse Job Description

Travel nurses are healthcare workers who travel to patients and assist at healthcare facilities. They perform typical nursing duties and provide care in residential areas, at schools, and other organizations. Travel nurses also assist when hospitals are short-staffed.

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Travel Nurse Job Description Template

We are searching for a dependable travel nurse to join the healthcare team. The travel nurse will be responsible for traveling to patients and completing a number of duties, which may include performing tests, administering medication, as well as writing up reports. You should be able to follow instructions but also use logical thinking skills.

To be successful as a travel nurse, you should be well-organized, punctual, and able to effectively communicate. Outstanding candidates should be mentally strong, resilient, and flexible enough to work in a range of environments.

Travel Nurse Responsibilities:

• Traveling to patients’ homes, schools, and other organizations to administer medication and vaccinations, and complete blood pressure, glucose, and other tests.
• Performing wound inspections, changing dressings, and monitoring the patients’ overall wellbeing.
• Addressing patients’ concerns and providing healthcare and nutritional advice where possible.
• Monitoring patients’ recovery and compiling reports for the relevant doctors and other stakeholders.
• Completing your duties at hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities.
• Ensuring that all equipment and medical supplies are kept sterile and well-organized.
• Arriving in a timely manner to perform your duties.
• Keeping abreast of developments in healthcare by attending workshops as necessary.
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to develop improved diets and healthcare plans.
• Remaining professional and polite at all times.

Travel Nurse Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in nursing or an equivalent.
• A relevant license and certification.
• A completed apprenticeship or experience in a similar role.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to follow instructions but also to think independently.
• Excellent report writing skills and organizational skills.
• Empathy and a personable manner.
• Physical fitness and mental strength.
• A valid driver’s license or reliable transport may be required.

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Nurse job description, staff nurse job description, travel nurse interview questions, nurse interview questions, staff nurse interview questions, how to find travel nurses.

Travel Nurse: Job Description and Salary Expectations

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If you love nursing but also love to travel, there is a way to marry your two passions into one travel nurse career.

A travel nurse is a registered nurse, preferably with a BSN degree (but not exclusively needed), who works for a staffing agency instead of a healthcare facility.

The agency sends nurses to all parts of the country or the world to fill short-term positions in various healthcare facilities.

What is a Travel Nurse?

A travel nurse works short-term placements in a healthcare facility filling temporary staffing gaps. It’s a career that lets you meet new people and enjoy new experiences while rewarding you financially. As a travel nurse, you can build your resume and explore the country while working as a nurse.

How Does Travel Nursing Work ?

A travel nurse has the same responsibilities as a registered nurse working full-time. But as a temporary worker, you don’t work directly for the healthcare facility.

You work for a staffing agency or a recruiter who finds work opportunities for you. According to the available assignments, the agency will place you on short-term contracts ranging from 4 to 26 weeks.

The most common travel nursing contract duration is 13 weeks. You also have a choice to extend the contract if you want to and if the facility is happy with your performance.

It means that through a calendar year, you may work in four healthcare facilities located in different states or overseas. It’s a great way to visit new cities, expand your networking connections, and gain insight into how the other facilities work. 

The work is very flexible, and you can choose whether to accept or reject an assignment.

Some travel nurses start working temporarily for a healthcare facility and end up applying for a full-time position because they enjoy their work there so much.

How Do You Become a Travel Nurse?

Generally, to become a travel nurse, you need to qualify as a nurse by completing the required degree and passing the NCLEX board exam.

In addition, you will need at least a year or 18 months of experience working in your nursing specialty.

Many agencies prefer to hire only RNs licensed with a BSN degree, but not all do that. So, that’s something to keep in mind.

Also, if you want to travel internationally, you may be required to speak the language of the country you want to practice. 

You can become a travel nurse with general nursing experience or specialize in one of the many nursing specialties like OR nursing, ICU nursing, or pediatrics.

Nurses with more specialized experience and certifications are more in demand and receive higher pay. That is not to say that you must specialize.

Finding the Right Travel Job

Many jobs are available in medical or surgical units, psychiatric departments, and other general nursing specialties.

Travel nurses do not work for healthcare facilities but for nursing agencies or recruiters. So, you will need to choose and apply to a nursing agency to find temporary assignments for you.

There are many reputable travel nursing agencies you can contact on the internet. 

Being Licensed as a Travel Nurse

Licensing is another issue that can be tricky to navigate. Travel nurses must be licensed in the state where they want to work.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing made the process easier by allowing nurses to apply for a multistate license that allows them to practice in all participating states without obtaining additional licenses.

See the article I wrote about the nurse licensure compact for more information.

How Much Do Travel Nurses Get Paid?

Travel nurses often get paid more per hour than full-time nurses. Your pay will depend on many factors, unlike the salary that a permanent staff nurse can expect. 

While staff nurses in a health care facility get paid according to their education and experience, travel nurse pay is based on other components.

Usually, a travel nurse receives an hourly rate (which can vary at each placement), non-taxed housing stipends, or free accommodation for the duration of the placement.

Some agencies also pay non-taxed per diems and reimburse travel costs between placements.

Other factors affecting your take-home pay as a travel nurse are the location, your nursing specialty, and the type of shifts you work. 

Location influences how much you get paid because some states pay nurses higher wages than others. Southern states pay less per hour than California, Texas, and New York. So, where you will be placed will influence the amount of money you take home.

If you have a specialty nursing qualification like ICU, OR, or emergency nursing, you can expect to earn more than if you work in a non-specialty area.

Many healthcare institutions need extra personnel to fill in the hard-to-fill shifts. If you want to make more money, you may have to be prepared to work the night shift or other unpopular shifts.

You also get paid per hour, so the more you work, the more money you will make.

What you Can Make?

Overall, a traveling nurse can earn over $100 000 per year.

Having said that, travel nurses also have more expenses. Traveling from place to place can be costly.

Most travel costs are covered by the employer or the agency, but you may still need to pay some costs out of your pocket. 

Finding a place to live may also be pricier. Some travel nursing agencies have accommodation available for nurses to stay for free.

However, some agencies prefer to pay a tax-free living expense allowance separately from your hourly wage. You are responsible for finding a place to stay and paying for it yourself.

Is Travel Nursing a Good Nursing Career Path?

Exposure to various ways patient care is provided in different healthcare facilities will broaden your skill set and let you grow as a professional.

There are many benefits to being a travel nurse. Travel nurses are constantly working in different settings and learning something new.

The exposure to different patient care techniques, electronic record systems, and policies will help you develop a unique perspective on patient care as a nurse.

Interacting with new people you will meet during job placements will help you develop a robust professional network of people who can vouch for your capabilities.

It can come in handy when you finally want to settle down and apply for a permanent position. Having numerous references who can recommend you to employers is always a good thing,

Key Takeaways

Travel nursing is becoming more popular. The job has many pros and cons. Many nurses like the flexibility and excitement that travel nursing offers as opposed to working as a bedside nurse.

Spending time on various short assignments may help your career by providing a way to get to know more people who can recommend you for a job.

Some nurses use their time as travel nurses to learn as much as possible before settling down with a full-time position, while others enjoy their freedom and flexibility so much that they continue to work as travel nurses for many years.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is travel nursing.

Travel nursing is a type of nursing job where a nurse travels to different healthcare facilities and works on temporary assignments, typically lasting from 8 to 26 weeks.

What are travel nursing benefits?

Travel nurses typically receive benefits such as housing, travel expenses, and higher pay compared to permanent nursing positions.

What do you do as a travel nurse?

As a travel nurse, you perform the same duties as a regular nurse, which may include providing patient care, administering medication, monitoring vital signs, collaborating with healthcare teams, documenting patient information, and educating patients and families. Your specific responsibilities may depend on the healthcare facility, the unit or department you work in, and your experience and certification level. The key difference is that you may be working in a new environment every few weeks as a travel nurse.

What’s the difference between a travel nurse and a regular nurse?

A travel nurse and a regular nurse have similar duties and responsibilities in terms of providing patient care, administering medication, monitoring vital signs, collaborating with healthcare teams, documenting patient information, and educating patients and families. The main difference between the two is that a travel nurse works on a temporary, assignment-based basis, moving from one healthcare facility to another, while a regular nurse is typically a permanent employee at a single healthcare facility. Travel nursing offers the opportunity to work in different locations

How many years does it take to become a travel nurse?

To become a travel nurse, one must first become a registered nurse (RN). The time it takes to become an RN can vary, but typically it takes 2 to 4 years of education and training, including obtaining an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing and passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Once an individual is licensed as an RN, they can start applying for travel nursing positions. Some travel nursing agencies may require additional certifications or experience in specific specialties.

Is travel nursing worth the money?

Whether travel nursing is worth the money can depend on various factors, such as an individual’s personal and financial circumstances, career goals, and preferences. In general, travel nursing can offer financial benefits, such as higher pay compared to permanent nursing positions, reimbursement for housing and travel expenses, and potentially a sign-on bonus. This can make it an attractive option for those looking to increase their income and pay off debt or those who enjoy traveling and experiencing new places.

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How Does Travel Nursing Work? Requirements, Job Description, and Outlook

August 29, 2023

View all blog posts under Articles | View all blog posts under Master of Science in Nursing

Approximately 1.7 million travel nurses currently work in the United States, according to job website Zippia. Given that travel nurses in the 10th percentile of the salary range typically earn at least $120,000 per year, a nurse who wants to see the world may well consider pivoting to travel nursing.

Many registered nurses (RNs) are leaving the health care field altogether — to recover from burnout, to pursue an entirely different career, or to opt for early retirement. It’s a tough situation for health care providers because it takes years to educate and train nurses to replace those who leave the profession.

The RN shortage has challenged hospitals and health care facilities scrambling to do more with less. The ongoing pandemic has played a large part in creating this predicament. Additionally, an aging population, increased demand for health care services, and the nationwide nursing shortage have all placed even more strain on front-line medical workers.

Now more than ever, many understaffed facilities hire travel nurses to help with day-to-day health care demands until they can hire permanent nursing staff. This trend raises the question, "How does travel nursing work?"

Travel nurses deliver high-quality health care services to patients across the country by taking on short-term assignments at understaffed health care facilities. Travel nurse ranks among the better-paid nursing roles in the health care industry. Individuals interested in becoming a travel nurse can gain essential skills through an advanced education, such as an online Master of Science in Nursing program .

How Does Travel Nursing Work?

Travel nurses perform the same duties and play the same role in a health care facility as a local RN, but the difference is that they’re transitory, meaning they don’t live permanently in the locality in which they’re working. This is possible because geographical location has little impact on the training and skill set that’s needed from the nurse.

So, how does travel nursing work from the perspective of an understaffed health care facility that needs an immediate solution? Providers usually seek the services of a travel nurse because the hospital or health care facility has a gap in staffing. Finding a full-time local RN to fill that gap can pose a challenge for a facility. Either the pool of candidates is too small, or the facility has yet to find a candidate that’s a good fit with its current nursing staff.

Whatever the case may be, hiring a travel nurse is a temporary solution that can help the health care facility buy time while it looks for a permanent RN. In fact, it’s not uncommon for a hospital to make an offer to extend the travel nurse’s assignment given staffing demands.

A travel nurse’s employment is always on a contractual basis. The contract will usually last for three or more months, depending on the facility’s needs. During their employment, a travel nurse typically receives the following as part of their compensation package:

• Weekly stipend for expenses
• Lodging accommodations
• Signing bonus

However, these contract offers vary in terms of perks and compensation. For instance, a travel nurse may be offered a generous salary, lodging accommodations, and a weekly stipend but no signing bonus.

Additionally, stipends and lodging accommodations can vary dramatically depending upon the region. For example, a New York hospital may offer a much higher stipend, along with lodging accommodations, compared with a Salt Lake City hospital because the cost of living is so much higher in New York. When selecting locations, travel nurses need to be aware of how far their money will go in the city they’re considering.

Finally, location and seasonality play a big factor in the decision-making process as well. For instance, a travel nurse may be considering a high-paying contract role in Cleveland versus a lower-paying one in San Diego. If the two contracts happen to span December through February, the travel nurse might decide to go with San Diego simply because California winters are so much more temperate than Ohio’s.

Job Role and Main Duties of a Travel Nurse

The primary difference between travel nurses and RNs is the traveling element. Beyond that, the day-to-day responsibilities are nearly identical. The typical job duties of a travel nurse include:

• Assessing patients and logging their exact symptoms or conditions
• Administering medications and treatments
• Monitoring the status and vitals of patients
• Collaborating with physicians and other health care staff
• Explaining care plans to patients and their families
• Teaching patients how to better care for themselves
• Keeping detailed patient records
• Communicating with family members about a patient’s status

Similar to RNs, travel nurses work in hospitals, health care facilities, residential care facilities, outpatient care centers, and government facilities.

What Are the Travel Nursing Requirements?

Travel nursing requirements are similar to requirements traditional RNs need to meet but with a few key distinctions. The main educational steps an aspiring travel nurse needs to complete remain consistent:

• Complete an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program — though the latter is highly recommended for travel nurses who want to stand out to potential employers
• Pass the NCLEX-RN exam
• Obtain licensure in their state of practice

Once these three steps are completed, an ASN or BSN graduate is able to practice as a licensed registered nurse. However, travel nurses require two additional certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).

Travel nurses who plan to work in a specialized unit should also get the relevant certifications. For instance, a travel nurse who aims to work in an intensive care unit would benefit from getting the CCRN certification, which focuses on acute and critical care.

Another important step that travel nurses need to take is setting up what’s known as a "tax home" for the purposes of taxes and decreasing their overall tax liability. A tax home is the full-time residence where a travel nurse stays when they’re not working. Since travel nurses are away for months at a time, they generally try to secure tax homes with low rent and maintenance costs to help reduce their overall expenses.

For instance, a travel nurse would likely not set up a tax home in a luxury downtown apartment that rents for more than $2,500 per month. It makes more sense to find an affordable tax home to keep their overhead costs down. Travel nurses without a tax home can still work, but they must file under the status of an itinerant worker. This means they must pay taxes on all of their income, stipends, and reimbursements.

Finally, getting and maintaining licensure is of the utmost importance when considering travel nursing requirements. Through the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), nurses can earn a multistate license to provide care to patients in eNLC member states. Furthermore, renewing the eNLC license is a simple process that can be done anywhere.

However, non-eNLC states require a travel nurse to obtain an additional state license. This means the travel nurse must meet all the requirements of the new state. Additionally, some states require nurses to obtain continued education units (CEUs) to be allowed to work. When it comes to selecting contracts, travel nurses need to be aware of what — if any — new licenses or CEUs they’ll need to get before they decide to sign on.

Travel Nurse Practitioner vs. Travel RN

Just as RNs can travel to different parts of the country to fill in the nursing gap, the same is true for travel nurse practitioners. Compared with RNs, nurse practitioners (NPs) have more education (an MSN degree, at minimum) and more on-the-job experience, and they usually focus on one specific area of medicine, such as family care, adult-gerontology, or neonatal care. Additionally, NPs generally earn much higher salaries than their RN counterparts.

Scope of Practice

One of the biggest differences when comparing travel nurse practitioners and travel RNs is scope of practice. RNs take their marching orders from NPs, physicians, and physician assistants; this is consistent across all states. NPs, on the other hand, have full practice authority in certain states, meaning they can practice with full autonomy.

In some states, however, NPs operate under restricted or reduced practice, meaning they aren’t allowed to do certain things, such as prescribing medications. Additionally, NPs in reduced or restricted practice states are held accountable and sometimes work under the direct supervision of a physician or team of physicians.

For a travel NP, this means taking on a new contract may significantly expand or reduce their role in the health care facility. Serving in a greatly reduced or expanded role may not appeal to them, which will play a factor in their decision-making process. Travel RNs don’t have to worry about this because their scope of practice is consistent throughout the country.

Licensing for travel NPs is also different compared with travel RNs. While the licensing process is fairly simple for travel RNs working in eNLC member states, NPs usually carry two or three licenses per state.

They include the RN license, the APRN license, and a prescribing license to order medications for patients. A travel nurse practitioner also needs to update their Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) certificate to the state they’re practicing in so they may prescribe medications.

As a result of these various requirements, travel NPs have more to keep track of to maintain licensure.

Work Environment

Travel RNs typically work in acute care in a hospital or health care facility. Travel NPs, on the other hand, have more options, including:

• Health care facilities
• Doctors’ offices
• Community health centers
• Schools and universities
• Military bases
• Outpatient clinics
• Veterans clinics
• Women’s health care clinics

A travel nurse practitioner’s specialty usually dictates the types of contracts they’re eligible for. For instance, a women’s health nurse practitioner seeking travel assignments would likely find a placement in a women’s health care clinic.

Salary and Assignment Length

Similar to travel RNs, travel nurse practitioners see varying salaries, depending on job demand, the facility hiring, the length of the contract, and other factors. Travel RNs earned an average annual salary of approximately $80,900 as of January 2022, according to PayScale. Those in the ninetieth percentile made approximately $107,000 per year.

Salary information for travel NPs isn’t as readily available. However, travel nurses in the top five highest-paying states earned $120,000 or more in 2019, according to TravelNursing.org. California was the highest-paying state, with a salary of $133,800. The takeaway is travel NPs generally earn higher salaries than travel nurses.

One other area that bears comparison is assignment duration. Typical travel RN work assignments are approximately three months long. Travel NPs have the three-month contract option too; however, their assignments can also be much shorter or much longer. Travel NP assignments can range from a single day to well over a year, which is ideal for health care workers who prefer flexibility in their schedules.

What Is Per Diem Travel Nursing?

Per diem travel nursing is one of the most flexible positions in health care. Per diem travel nurses have the same role and responsibilities as a travel nurse, but they pick up their shifts on an ad hoc basis.

They can choose how much or how little they work, even if it’s just a short shift lasting only a few hours. Per diem nursing is the ideal fit for a nurse who needs the maximum amount of flexibility in their schedule and prefers not to work on weekends and holidays. Additionally, per diem travel nurses often get paid more than the standard rate.

One major drawback of per diem nursing is the lack of job security. When a hospital or health care facility is fully staffed, that usually means it no longer requires the services of per diem nurses. Another drawback is that because per diem nurses work only on a fill-in basis and usually part time, they might not develop a rapport with the full-time staff.

Is Travel Nursing Worth It?

Being a travel nurse means working in a new city with a new group of health care professionals every few months. It’s the opportunity to take in a completely new culture and sights. A travel nurse could be in the heart of New York City one month, only to relocate to sunny San Diego the next.

It’s a position that’s rich with possibilities. Plus, travel nurses rack up a vast amount of experience since they work in so many different environments and with different teams. Lastly, travel nurses command higher salaries and receive stipends, signing bonuses, and other perks that their non-traveling RN counterparts don’t.

Is travel nursing worth it? For RNs and NPs who like a change in scenery and want to sample several different work environments across the country, the travel nurse role might well be a great fit.

Begin Your Journey to Becoming a Travel Nurse

Travel nursing is an exciting opportunity for a health care worker to see the world while offering high-quality care to patients in need. With the ongoing nursing shortage still in full swing, travel nurses will likely stay in high demand and continue to command competitive salaries.

To pursue a career as a travel RN or travel NP, investing in education is a great way to begin. Take the first step toward your career goals by discovering how Hawai‘i Pacific University’s online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program further develops the skills and knowledge of current RNs, allowing them to specialize in family care, psychiatric mental health, or adult-gerontology.

An MSN degree opens the door for a travel RN to become a travel NP, which can mean higher salaries, plus the advantages of a wide variety of work environments and flexible work assignments. Start your adventure as a travel RN or NP and help providers save lives.

Recommended Reading:

Burnout vs. Compassion Fatigue in Nursing

The Importance of a Nurse’s Role in Patient Safety

Trauma Nursing in Vacation Cities

American Association of Critical Care Nurses, Frequently Asked Questions About CCRN Certification

CareerStaff Unlimited, "Comparing Travel and Per Diem Nursing Jobs: Which Is Right for You?"

Health Affairs , "COVID-19’s Impact on Nursing Shortages, the Rise of Travel Nurses, and Price Gouging"

Healthcare Dive, "Nurses Burned Out, Dissatisfied With Careers Consider Leaving the Field, Survey Finds"

Indeed, "How to Become a Traveling Nurse Practitioner (6 Steps)"

Indeed, Travel Nursing Salaries in the U.S.

PayScale, Average Travel Nurse (RN) Hourly Pay

Remede Group, "Are You More Comfortable With Per Diem or Travel Nursing ?"

Travel Nursing, "The Difference Between a Travel NP and a Travel RN"

Travel Nursing, "How to Become a Travel Nurse | 5 Requirements 2021"

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Registered Nurses

Zippia, Traveling Nurse Demographics and Statistics in the U.S.

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Travel Nurse Job Description

Travel nurse duties & responsibilities.

To write an effective travel nurse job description, begin by listing detailed duties, responsibilities and expectations. We have included travel nurse job description templates that you can modify and use.

Sample responsibilities for this position include:

Travel Nurse Qualifications

Qualifications for a job description may include education, certification, and experience.

Licensing or Certifications for Travel Nurse

List any licenses or certifications required by the position: BLS, ACLS, CPR, PALS, CPI, NRP, IV, BLC, ENPC

Education for Travel Nurse

Typically a job would require a certain level of education.

Employers hiring for the travel nurse job most commonly would prefer for their future employee to have a relevant degree such as Bachelor's and Associate Degree in Nursing, Associates, Science, School of Nursing, Education, Graduate, Medical, Nursing Program, Management, Health Care

Skills for Travel Nurse

Desired skills for travel nurse include:

Desired experience for travel nurse includes:

Travel Nurse Examples

• Microsoft Word (.docx) .DOCX
• PDF Document (.pdf) .PDF
• Image File (.png) .PNG
• Formulate the initial plan of care with the provider (physician or nurse practitioner) and collaborate with them to implement a comprehensive patient-centered plan of care to achieve expected outcomes
• Collaborate with physicians, medical professionals and other staff to ensure quality of care
• Provide care for the pediatric, adolescent, adult or geriatric patient
• Utilize knowledge of the principles of growth and development appropriate to the patients' age to ensure that care provided meets the unique, physical and psychosocial needs of the patient
• Involve appropriate parties (i.e., patients' family or guardian, outside agencies) in the assessment, treatment and continuing care of the patient as needed
• Chang diapers and feeding babies
• Keep parents well informed of their child's condition
• Act as a charge nurse
• Provide supervision to subordinate professional, paraprofessional and support staff in the performance of their patient/resident care duties
• Assisting new mothers with physical and emotional needs immediately after the delivery of a baby
• Strong OR experience
• 1+ year of Labor & Delivery Experience
• 1+ year of previous experience in an Emergency Department
• MICU experience
• BLS, PALS, IV Certified
• Understanding of what the new mother is experiencing and providing the proper education and treatment, through observation, resources and consistency
• Caring for patients with illness or disease that has led them to temporary or long-term hospitalization
• Providing direct care of a set of patients and facilitating their recovery through social interaction and traditional therapies
• Collaborating with a variety of interdisciplinary professionals to determine and providing the best possible care for patients
• Identifying the medical problems
• Act as a support system for parents and family of newborns
• Collaborating with the Surgical team members and providing nursing care to patients undergoing various procedures and operations
• Helping patients with recovery immediately following surgery and teach them, and their families, about at-home postoperative care
• Interviewing and assessing patients on the day of surgery
• Make sure that patients are receiving the best possible care
• At least 2 years of recent ER experience
• Adult ED Experience
• ChemoBioTherapy Card from ONS
• 2+ years of expereince in the specialty area
• Minimum of 2 years of CVOR experience
• Minimum 2 years of CVOR experience
• Patient care and relationships
• Assisting with endoscopies
• Independently performing some procedures
• Perioperative nursing care for pediatric, adolescent, adult surgical and geriatric patients
• Providing care through the use of the nursing process and in a manner that is cost effective without compromising quality of care
• Performing assessments, planning, and implementation of nursing intervention and evaluation
• Demonstrating competency to circulate for simple to complex surgical procedures
• Participating in department quality assessment, improvement activities, participates in student and new employee orientations teaching activities
• Providing superior nursing care to a wide patient population, with a focus on cardiac care
• Using established techniques in preparing for and assisting with surgical procedures
• BCLS, ChemoBioTherapy Card (ONS)
• WITT experience
• Circulate & Scrub experience
• Minimum 1 year of Acute Care experience
• 2+ years of Gastrointestinal experience
• Previous In-Room and Intake/Discharge experience
• Utilizes current knowledge of industry recruiting and staffing strategies and best practices to coordinate, source, interview, and hire for all position levels
• Providing and setting up necessary instruments, supplies and equipment for different types of operations, according to established routines and instructions of the Surgeon
• Setting up operating room with instruments as specifically required for type of operation to be performed
• Observing patient during surgical procedure to detect possible complications and/or breaks in sterile technique
• Managing contaminated instruments and supplies during operation procedures to prevent spread of infection
• Placing patients in recommended positions to assure access to the operative field
• Preserving and labeling operative specimens for laboratory analysis
• Observing progress of surgery
• Providing superior nursing care to a wide patient population, with a focus on cardiac
• Manage the care of patients experiencing life-threatening problems requiring complex assessment
• 2+ years of experience in PICU
• Previous experience in an Acute Care, Labor & Delivery, and/or Maternal Child setting
• Able to work in level III NICU
• Current OR experience
• Recent experience within an Emergency Room setting
• Recent Psych experience
• Perform assessment/data collection in an ongoing and systematic manner, focusing on physiologic, psychological and cognitive status of patients
• Analyze assessment data to determine appropriate nursing diagnoses
• Identify appropriate expected outcomes individualized to the patient
• Formulate a goal directed plan of care, which is prioritized and based on determined nursing diagnosis and patient outcomes
• Identify patient / significant other learning needs and implement appropriate measures to meet these
• Implement care in a knowledgeable, skillful, consistent and continuous manner
• Perform documentation duties on unit and in patient record, which is timely, accurate and concise
• Evaluate effectiveness of self, care given by all Healthcare team members, and contribution of systems, environment, and instrumentation in progressing patient toward outcomes
• Travel to different out of town locations to assist with the collection of data for clinical research protocol subject visits
• Provide oversight required to manage the cases assigned to ensure appropriate medical care is received
• Experience CCU/ ICU
• Experience within an ICU
• Acute Care Ventilator experience
• Experience within an Emergency Department
• Experience working within a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
• 2+ years of experience in an OB/GYN / Post-Partum setting

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What Is a Travel Nurse’s Job Description?

Table of Contents

Across the world healthcare industries are experiencing the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, we are experiencing a growing nurse staffing shortage. In a 2022 study submitted to the National Institutes of Health, several causes of the global nurse staffing shortage were identified including nurse burnout , an aging workforce, and regional growth in different parts of the country. Simultaneously, America’s population is aging and the demand for quality healthcare is growing. 

While the healthcare industry shifts, there is an increased the demand for alternative healthcare staffing solutions. Becoming a travel nurse is a great way to challenge yourself professionally, traveling to a new part of the country, and help fill a gap for a healthcare system by providing quality care to people in need. 

The Travel Nurse Job: Essential Information

Travel nurses are licensed professionals contracted in various types of healthcare facilities. The contract is a written agreement between the nurse, the nursing agency, and the healthcare facility. Most contracts are 13 weeks but can be longer through contract extensions and are in acute care hospitals involving direct clinical patient care. Travel nurse roles exist in other areas, including community health centers, surgery centers, clinics, and specialty healthcare facilities. 

Nurses often find opportunities by working with a travel nurse agency . Land your dream job faster when you travel with us. Get submitted quickly to top local and national travel nurse jobs and be first in line for an interview. Get started in On Demand , our powerful web app, today.

A travel nurse agency is a hiring employer that posts highly sought-after openings in healthcare facilities for healthcare professionals. The travel nurse is answering the need to temporarily fill positions for staffing shortages but also serving their quest for travel, adventure, and new experiences. Contracts outline far more than the hourly wage. The contract will include funds for housing, travel, and per diem expenses. Travel nurses can choose between housing provided by the agency or finding their own temporary housing. The actual travel is part of the adventure with the opportunity to explore the US from coast to coast.  

Key Responsibilities of a Traveling Nurse

As licensed healthcare professionals, travel nurses are responsible for following all professional and ethical standards, state board regulations, organizational policies, and procedures within the healthcare industry.  Travel nurses must have graduated with a nursing degree from an accredited nursing program and passed the national council licensure examination (NCLEX). Travel nurses must know the scope of their license through the state licensure board. State regulations can differ, and the nurse must be familiar with the nurse practice act for the state where they work. To learn which states you can work in with your current license, review Nursys.com, which outlines requirements for each state. Nurses should have a year or more experience to gain confidence and competence in their basic nursing skills as healthcare professionals. Nurses apply to a travel nurse staffing agency that will help to match the nurse's clinical skill set and experience with acute care hospital needs. All nurses must maintain their basic credentials for direct patient care, such as a CPR certification and current state-mandated continuing education units (CEU’s).

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Travel Nurse Job Description

Becoming a travel nurse is a rewarding and exciting career. Take control of your career faster when you travel with us. Get started in On Demand . Most travel nurses are registered nurses (RN) and can have a bachelor's or associate's degree in nursing. They are contracted for 13 weeks at a specific facility and unit for a designated shift in direct clinical patient care. 

Travel nurse responsibilities include the full scope of patient care. Duties involve physical and psychosocial assessment, medication administration, and patient-specific procedures in specialty areas of clinical practice. All nurses collaborate with the medical team, ancillary departments, and pharmacy. Nurses also coordinate the daily patient care plan through verbal and electronic communication using Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendations (SBAR).  

Clinical judgment by all nurses involves critical thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving. Travel nurses must be able to adapt to changing situations geographically and clinically as they travel in different states and facilities. 

Benefits of becoming a Traveling Nurse

Travel nurse jobs hold many benefits . One of the most enticing is the freedom over where you work, when, and for how long supporting work-life balance. The travel nurse also has the opportunity to be flexible and take their career throughout the US and even internationally. A travel nurse's salary is usually higher than a facility-employed staff nurse's. Still, it’s important to remember this is due to the lack of paid time off, certain benefits, and the temporary nature of the work. However, you will have options to choose your health, dental, 401K , and additional insurances once you have completed the initial application, background check, and human resource requirements. We offer premier benefits to support your career and lifestyle.

Travel nursing also affords some tax benefits, but all nurses should review IRS guidelines when traveling for work. Maintaining a permanent residence “tax home” can help reduce the burden of higher taxed income. (Colorado Nurse, 2022).  Each state has different tax requirements, so add this to your travel nurse prep checklist. You might even consider international travel nursing.

A travel nurse career will enable you to road-test other states, facilities, and specialty areas of nursing. The physical travel between contracts allows nurses to explore and see new places. Travel nurse housing in either corporate apartments or online housing markets for travel in the US and abroad. International travel nursing offers even more adventure. There are 50 states to explore, you have many options to build a solid clinical career, have a high income, and decide when and where you want to work. Did you know speed matters when submitting your application? Don't miss out on your dream job because you were 'too slow'. When you travel with us, you'll be submitted faster than your peers so you can be first in line for an interview. Get started in On Demand.

Brigette Quinn is a Registered Nurse with over 30 years of clinical experience. Her critical care, emergency, and perioperative nursing background built a strong foundation for undergraduate and graduate nursing education. For the past seven years, Brigette has expanded her career as a board-certified case manager and legal nurse consultant. While most of her writing experience has been in academic areas, she never stops building her skillset in honing the craft of writing for audiences.

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Home / Nursing Careers & Specialties / Travel Nurse

Travel Nurse

What is a travel nurse, how to become a travel nurse, travel nurse faqs, what does a domestic or international travel nurse do, travel nurse salary and employment, helpful organizations, societies, & agencies.

Travel nurses are RNs from various clinical backgrounds who work for independent staffing agencies. They are assigned to different care areas on a temporary basis to fill in short-term employment gaps.

Travel nursing is a specialty that took root when the field of nursing faced a nationwide shortage. Hospitals, clinics, and other care areas had unfilled positions, yet had patients needing care. To try and attract nurses to the open positions, employers offered higher pay, housing, and covered the cost of relocating.

Due to these shortages, health care facilities have vacancies that need to be filled—and travel nurses are often the ones to fill open positions. Not only do travel nurses work in health care in any state in the country, but they also work outside of the United States as international travel nurses. The adventure and excitement of new opportunities, along with higher-than-average pay, are facets of travel nursing that many RNs find attractive.

Why Are Travel Nurses Important?

Travel nurses are an important part of the health care team because they help bridge the gap between supply and demand in the field of nursing. Mandatory nurse-patient ratios have led to increased patient safety and lower patient mortality . While this is a positive finding, and more and more states are passing legislation to implement staffing ratios, there are not enough nurses to fill the openings. Travel nurses assigned those open positions help to increase patient safety and improve patient outcomes.

Additionally, nurses from different educational backgrounds, care areas, and geographic locations bring a great deal to the practice of nursing. Sharing ideas and practices not only benefits patients, but also other nurses.

A travel nurse should have the following characteristics to excel in the role:

• Enjoys experiencing new cities, towns, and organizations
• Enjoys freedom. Travel nurses choose when and where they work, and choose their duration of employment
• Enjoys flexibility. Travel nurses create their schedules, benefits packages, and income based on which agency they choose to work
• Thrives on challenges. Moving to different states or overseas and being “the new nurse” repeatedly is challenging. Learning new organizational systems and workflows is particularly challenging
• Loves learning new things. Each assignment takes travel nurses to new health care facilities, some with higher levels of technology or different standards of practice. Each experience helps nurses build upon their knowledge base

Additionally, travel nurses should have supportive families and friends. It's difficult to either pack up and move an entire family or leave your family and friends behind. The flip side to this is that new relationships are formed in each new location.

What Are the Educational Requirements for Travel Nurses?

Those interested in the specialty of travel nursing should first pursue a nursing degree through a two or four-year university. Obtaining an associate's degree ( ADN ) or bachelor's degree ( BSN ) in nursing is required. A BSN is not required to be a travel nurse, but some health care facilities only hire BSN-prepared nurses. The staffing agency in which the nurse is employed should match the nurse appropriately based on educational requirements.

After completion of an accredited nursing program, successful completion of the NCLEX-RN is required for licensure.

Most travel nurse agencies require a minimum of one year of hands-on experience in the chosen specialty of nursing. Additionally, some agencies will only hire BSN-prepared RNs. International travel nurses should speak the language of the country they are to practice in, as communication is an important part of effective healthcare delivery. Nurses are encouraged to research agencies when considering travel nursing.

Are Any Certifications or Credentials Needed?

No additional exams are required for travel nursing. Based on the specialty, certification(s) may be required. Examples include:

• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) may be required
• Stroke care certification
• Telemetry certification
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• Critical care nursing (adults, pediatric, neonatal)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) may be required
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
• Trauma Nurse Core Course (TNCC) certification

Additional specific requirements may be necessary for international travel nurses. These include:

• Acquiring a passport and work visa (usually handled by the agency)
• Additional immunizations
• Learning a new language
• Learning about diseases unique to the area

How Can a Travel Nurse Receive a Tax-Free Housing Stipend?

Housing is one of the most significant concerns for a travel nurse. There are a few options available, and it depends on the travel nurse agency/company regarding how accommodations are set up. Some companies provide housing (i.e., apartment, duplex, etc.). Some companies offer a housing stipend, or a fixed amount of money each month to apply towards housing.

First, nurses need to be aware of where their “tax home” is, as stipends are tax-free if working away from the tax home. Having a tax home is necessary to receive tax-free housing. A "tax home" is defined as the general vicinity of an individual's primary place of work (regardless of where the primary residence is). Generally, the IRS considers someone traveling away from home (i.e., their "tax home") if it exceeds one workday.

Different travel nurse agencies offer different stipends - it’s important to research what the living expenses are in a specific area to ensure housing is adequately covered. The General Services Administration (GSA) lists the maximum daily amount for lodging, meals, and incidentals with regards to travel expenses . The key word is MAXIMUM. It's not required that a company pay employees the listed stipend. In fact, some travel nurse agencies offer higher hourly wages instead of housing stipends. Additionally, the GSA rates are based on short-term travel - usually less than a month. Travel nurse contracts can last three months or more.

Are Nursing Licenses Valid When Traveling and Working in Other States?

Those interested in travel nursing may have questions about licensing; specifically, how are licenses recognized if practicing in another state.

Depending on the state, new licensure is not necessary. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) developed the Nurse Licensure Compact which is an agreement between specific states to recognize nursing licenses without having to apply separately for licensure in another state. In other words, a nurse living in a "compact state" (one which is part of this agreement) can practice in another compact state without having to obtain additional licenses. There are now uniform licensure requirements that must be met when seeking a multistate license under the compact agreement. States that participate in the compact agreement can be found on the NCSBN website .

If not part of the compact agreement, some states allow nurses to obtain temporary licenses by endorsement. These are valid for specific lengths of time, so nurses must visit each state’s Board of Nursing website to determine specific temporary license requirements. If extending the assignment past the temporary license time frame, nurses must apply for a permanent license. Permanent licenses are also required for states that don't grant licensure by endorsement and don't participate in the NLC.

Travel nurses have a broad range of responsibilities and duties, and specific tasks depend on the specialty in which the nurse is trained. General nursing responsibilities and duties include:

• Using the nursing process of assessing, diagnosing, planning, implementing, and evaluating to care for patients in a variety of healthcare settings
• Administering medications, and fluids, assisting with activities of daily living and patient mobility
• Reviewing and interpreting diagnostic tests such as lab work and imaging
• Provide monitoring and oversight in all aspects of patient care
• Collaborating with physicians in developing a plan of care
• Assessing the psychosocial needs of patients and families
• Recognizing and intervening in clinically unstable patients
• Providing resources for patients and referring as necessary
• Educating patients and families in all areas of healthcare maintenance and prevention
• Working in assignments anywhere from eight to thirteen weeks (on average) in the U.S., one to two years if outside the U.S.
• Learning various patient care systems/documentation
• Providing immediate medical care and aid for large populations during times of war or disaster

Domestic and international travel nurses also have different characteristics specific to their roles.

Domestic Travel Nurses

• Work within the U.S.
• Typically work assignments that range from eight to thirteen weeks
• Can respond to areas of the U.S that experience natural disasters or disease outbreaks

International Travel Nurses

International travel nurses should have excellent communication skills, should be open to new experiences and challenges, and should have a strong desire to learn. These nurses are responsible for performing a wide array of duties. As stated previously, the tasks an international nurse will have to perform depend entirely upon their medical specialty. Some of the more general or everyday tasks that international travel nurses will perform include administering medication, wound care, and providing emergency medical services and care. Since there are often nursing shortages in many of the regions that international nurses travel to, another general role of these nurses is to educate family members and caretakers about the appropriate patient and medical care. In summary, international travel nurses:

• Work outside the U.S.
• Typically work assignments that range from one to two years
• Respond to areas that experience natural disasters or disease outbreaks, such as the Ebola outbreak in West Africa
• Provide medical care and aid to underserved, rural , and remote populations
• Usually, must wait for document processing before traveling

Travel Nurse Working Conditions

As with any career, there are positive and negative aspects to working as a travel nurse. Nurses can suffer from stress as they may carry a heavy patient load and have many critical decisions to make. Additionally, travel nurses may suffer from feelings of isolation since they tend to relocate often. Having a strong sense of independence and a support system available, even remotely, can help.

Additionally, nurses may work in high-risk areas that may expose them to workplace violence, blood-borne pathogens, and chemicals. Travel nurses must always familiarize themselves with and adhere to safety standards set by the organization.

International travel nurses can face different challenges. Travel nurses must be familiar with the country's laws, and geographic-specific diseases, and always keep their overall safety as a priority.

Despite these considerations, travel nursing can be immensely rewarding. Many organizations and staff nurses appreciate the help travel nurses offer. Travel nurses help relieve staff nurses from burnout, as can happen when working short-staffed.

International travel nurses are also highly appreciated. They provide medical care and assistance to many patients in remote settings who otherwise would have no access to healthcare. They help with relief efforts in war zones or after disaster events, which can be both rewarding and enriching.

According to the American Nurses Association, as of 2015 fourteen states had mandatory nurse-patient ratios . Nurses are pushing for federal legislation supporting safe staffing and because of this, if more states pass safe-staffing laws, nurses will be in even more demand. Travel nurses will help mend the current and projected nursing shortage. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 16% overall growth for nurses until 2024, which is much faster-than-average growth for all occupations.

RELATED :  RN License Transfer and NLC Guide

Travel nursing has many incentives for nurses regarding pay and benefits including:

• Travel reimbursement
• Free housing
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement plans
• Assistance in obtaining passports/work visas
• Choice of location
• Selection of hours/shifts worked
• Competitive pay
• Higher-than-average pay for RNs

According to Indeed, the average yearly salary for a travel nurse is $75,109. However, since pay is competitive in travel nursing, some companies are offering salaries of around $100,00 annually for domestic travel nurses.

International travel nurses tend to have lower salaries than domestic, except for assignments in some middle eastern countries. This is because, for the most part, nurses tend to make less outside of the U.S.

Salary is dependent on the agency, and nurses should research each company to find the right salary and benefits that best fit their needs.

• International Council of Nurses
• Professional Association of Nurse Travelers
• National Association of Travel Healthcare Organizations
• American Travel Health Nurses Association

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Responsibilities of a Travel Nurse: Duties and Requirements

You might have already heard the buzz about the exciting and adventurous job of travel nursing. Some of you may even be considering a career in the field, whereas some might only know a little bit about what a travel nurse is. If you want to find out the duties and responsibilities of a travel nurse, then you’ve come to the right place.

A travel nurse’s job is pretty much the same as that of a regular staff nurse. The most significant difference is that a single hospital employs staff nurses at a single place and travel nursing agencies recruit them. They fill in staff shortages anywhere in the country, sometimes even outside of it.

Another prominent aspect of travel nursing, which makes it lucrative for many, is the higher pay and benefits. Experienced travel nurses can make up to twice the annual salary of regular staff nurses at the same level.

Whether you’re a fresh graduate nurse looking to kick off your career, or a seasoned nurse looking for a change of gear. You first need to understand the requirements, duties, and responsibilities of a travel nurse.

Who Employs Travel Nurses?

Travel nurses are required to work at hospitals, health care facilities, or on individual assignments.

However, they are employed by a Travel Nurse Recruitment Agency . These agencies provide hospitals with a skilled workforce in times of staff shortages.

They also provide qualified help to remote and rural areas where adequate healthcare professionals are scarce or nonexistent.

Travel nurses can also act as independent contractors if they have sufficient marketing skills. This means they can reach out to employers and offer their services on their own, cutting off the agency from the middle.

In many cases, hospitals offer permanent positions to travel nurses at the end of their assignments. You may use this option if the offer is attractive enough, or you want to settle down.

Educational Requirements

A travel nurse’s educational requirements are the same as that of a regular registered nurse. It means you need to have a nursing diploma, associate’s degree, or bachelor’s degree.

While most travel nurse agencies hire R.N.s with a diploma or associated degree such as ADN or ASN, some require you to have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. After one of these, you need to pass an initial licensure exam called NCLEX-RN and voila! You’re eligible to be a travel nurse.

Experience Requirements

After completing your education and passing your licensure exams, you need to get a couple of years of experience as a healthcare facility nurse. 

However, this requirement is not set in stone.

The recent surge in demand for travel nurses has reduced the experience requirement drastically. It is now at a point where an R.N. with just 4-6 months under their belt has enough experienced required for the job.

How Long Are The Assignments of Travel Nurse?

Travel nursing job assignments usually last 13 weeks. They can be shorter than that in certain circumstances. However, in cases of continued work shortages or emergencies, these assignments may get longer.

By the end of your assignment, you will get the option to either continue working on the same assignment or move to a new location. 

If the agency selects you for travel outside the country, then your assignments may be longer. Travel nurse jobs outside of the U.S. may last 1 to 2 years.

Therefore, You do not need to work during your assignment period continuously – time-off and holidays are available.

Make sure to discuss your days-off with your recruiter beforehand so your assignments can be scheduled accordingly without any objection to your allocated health facility.

Who Picks Your Assignments?

One of the perks of being a travel nurse is that you get to pick your assignments. Your recruiter will give you options to choose from, and in many cases, you have adequate freedom to select what you prefer from the choices available.

A good recruiter will never force you on an assignment or go behind your back to put you in an assignment. If your recruiter shows these red flags, it’s high time to look for another agency.

Lucky for you, there are plenty to choose from. Travel nursing jobs are at an all-time high, and there are many recruiting agencies offering good employee benefits.

Traveling and Lodging

While on a travel nurse assignment, the money you spend on tickets, fares, commute, fuel, lodging, and rent are all taken care of by your agency. It means that on top of earning higher than the average nurse, you also get to save a lot on various expenditures.

independently contracted travel nurses don’t afford such luxury. In this case, you might want to settle the matter of your travel and lodging expenses with your employer.

What You’ll Be Doing as a travel nurse

Since travel nurses have the same qualifications as regular staff nurses, their duties and responsibilities are quite similar. Typical responsibilities of a travel nurse include:

Travel Nurse responsibilities: Assisting local staff with workload

This is perhaps one of the most crucial responsibilities of a travel nurse. In fact, it is the most prominent reason for the existence of travel nurse agencies.

When healthcare facilities, clinics, or hospitals face staff shortages during emergencies or staff going on leaves, they call in travel nurses fill those gaps. Travel nurses assist the in-house staff by sharing their workload.

Travel Nurse responsibilities: Working at schools

Schools employ nurses to attend to students’ medical needs. Some schools hire travel nurses for when their regular nurse is unavailable or as a cost-cutting measure.

Your job as a school nurse is to attend to sick or injured students, oversee or conduct vaccinations, identify the extent of illness or injury, decide the next steps, etc.

Travel Nurse responsibilities: Administering medication

Like a regular nurse, one of your duties is to administer and oversee medication and dosage. You may also need to train family members or servants about the patient’s medication and dosage.

As a nurse, you are qualified to carry out medication and infusions in recommended dosages. You are also responsible for making sure that they are administered at correct times. And to observe and report the effect of those dosages on the patient to the supervising doctor.

Travel Nurse responsibilities: Taking samples and readings

You will have to take and report readings and samples from a patient or patients on the assignment. Readings include blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and other perimeter monitoring the patient’s health.

You may also need to take blood, saliva, stool, and urine samples from a patient and dispatch them to relevant laboratories.

Travel Nurse responsibilities: Attending to patients under intensive care

While assigned to a hospital, your duties are similar to that of a staff nurse. It includes monitoring and attending to patients in ICUs.

Vigilance and alertness are the essential qualities of a travel nurse attending to a patient under intensive care. You need to be available at all times during your hours and must have the energy to perform at your best level from the start to the end of your shift.

Travel Nurse responsibilities: Conducting vaccination drives

Conducting vaccination is also one of many responsibilities of a travel nurse. Contagious diseases or viral infections require immunization via vaccination. Some remote parts may require you to carry our vaccination drives. 

Vaccination programs may be in the form of camps where people can visit and get vaccinated. However, they may also require you to walk door to door and administer the vaccination to people at home.

Travel Nurse responsibilities: Comforting elderly and terminally ill patients

All kinds of healthcare settings acquire services of travel nurses. These include hospices, rehabilitation centers, and old-homes. Such jobs require you to be tolerant and kind.

Patients who are terminally ill, recovering from addiction, or are just old can often be challenging to deal with. So, Make sure you know the correct way to behave in such an environment.

Am I Fit For this job?

Before venturing out on the road as a travel nurse, you need to be sure you have what it takes to live that life. To be a successful travel nurse, you need to be able to overcome inconveniences, such as:

Leaving your home for your job

As a travel nurse, you must be comfortable leaving your home, loved ones, and friends for long periods.

Life on the road can get lonely, and you must mentally prepare for that before heading out.

Travel nurses do get off days in which they may visit their families. Make sure you plan them right to make the most out of them.

Dealing with occasional cold behavior

A travel nurse is often seen as an outsider when called in to fill staff shortages. It takes some time for locals to warm up to you. Your personality plays a huge part in making your stay pleasant or miserable for yourself and your colleagues.

Getting unwanted duties

Don’t be surprised if they select difficult or unwanted jobs for you during your assignment. You have to realize that you are the outsider and low in the pecking order. You may have to put up with discriminatory behavior to an extent.

Such assignments are a part of the responsibilities of a travel nurse. You should learn to welcome challenges to succeed in this field.

Language and cultural barriers

There may be language barriers, cultural variation, differences in values and norms, etc. for you to deal with. Adaptability is the key ability of a travel nurse. It is much easier to spend your time blended in rather than sticking out.

Switching gears with every job assignment

Health care facilities frequently call upon travel nurses to fill in different positions. As a travel nurse, you should be able to switch gears and match the pace of the assigned duty.

Your job can put you in the fast-paced environment or the slow and morose environment of a hospice or old-home. 

A travel nurse should be flexible enough to work in any kind of environment if needed. It is an important skill to pick up to strengthen you in this field of work.

Frequent change of environment

When you work at a singular facility, you eventually learn the ropes and get well set with the work environment. This luxury is not available to a travel nurse. No two places are similar, and you may even face completely different working environments at each assignment.

Learning the layout

Every hospital and health facility has a different construction. Learning the layout of a hospital building can take some time. Make sure your unawareness of the hospital’s layout doesn’t hinder your duties as a nurse.

Try to procure a portable map of the complex. Ask the local staff for assistance if you’re confused or lost. An ability to memorize locations quickly is a bonus for a traveling nurse.

Working long hours

Nurses often work beyond their shift timings. Many hospitals may require a nurse to fill in extra hours in case of a high workload.

Therefore, as a travel nurse, you need to make sure you have the required stamina and energy to perform your duty beyond your regular duty hours.

Final Words

Travel nursing is an adventurous and exciting job with lots of variation and opportunities to learn. The responsibilities of A travel Nurse are slightly more demanding than that of a travel nurse. But luckily you get compensated for that spectacularly.

The life of a traveling nurse has its challenges. But with patience, flexibility, and adaptability, you can eventually overcome those minor obstacles. And start to enjoy your life as a travel nurse.

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Travel Nurse Job Description [Updated for 2024]

In this era of global mobility, the demand for travel nurses has never been higher.

As healthcare needs shift and evolve, the call for versatile, resilient nurses ready to travel where they’re needed most grows louder.

But let’s break it down: What’s truly expected from a travel nurse?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker attempting to understand the scope of this role,
• A healthcare recruiter sketching out the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the dynamic world of travel nursing,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable travel nurse job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or healthcare recruitment sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Travel Nurse Duties and Responsibilities

Travel Nurses perform essential nursing duties while moving around different healthcare facilities or locations, providing critical care to patients wherever they are needed.

They fill gaps in nursing staff, often in areas of need or during times of crisis, and must be adaptable and flexible in their approach to care.

Travel Nurses have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Provide high-quality patient care in various healthcare settings
• Travel to assigned locations to fill staffing shortages and provide patient care
• Assess patients’ health conditions and administer appropriate treatments
• Consult with doctors and other healthcare professionals to create and implement patient care plans
• Monitor patient recovery and progress, adjusting treatment plans as necessary
• Administer medications, treatments, and other prescribed healthcare interventions
• Maintain detailed records of patients’ medical histories, symptoms, and treatments
• Provide emotional support and education to patients and their families
• Follow and uphold all healthcare laws, regulations, and standards
• Adapt quickly to new environments, protocols, and teams

Travel Nurse Job Description Template

We are looking for a compassionate and skilled Travel Nurse to join our healthcare team.

As a Travel Nurse, your role will involve providing high-quality patient care in different locations, adjusting to various working environments and staying up-to-date with latest medical practices.

Travel Nurses should have excellent clinical skills, a strong desire to help people, and the ability to adapt quickly to new environments and situations.

Responsibilities

• Providing patient care in various locations and healthcare settings
• Assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating patient care plans in consultation with healthcare professionals
• Documenting patient care, health status and nursing care
• Administering medications and treatments as prescribed by healthcare providers
• Teaching patients and their families about managing illnesses or injuries
• Performing diagnostic tests and procedures
• Responding to emergencies and initiating lifesaving measures
• Maintaining patient confidentiality and respecting patient rights

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (RN) license
• Minimum of one year of experience as a Registered Nurse
• Ability to work in different locations and adapt to varied work environments
• Strong clinical skills with the ability to perform all nursing duties
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Knowledge of healthcare laws, ethics and safety guidelines
• Willingness to travel
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Travel allowances
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

Additional Information

• Job Title: Travel Nurse
• Work Environment: Varied healthcare settings in different locations. This role involves travel.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Nurse Manager or Director of Nursing.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $66,510 minimum to $103,200 maximum
• Location: Various (specify the base location or indicate if no base)
• Employment Type: Full-time, Contract
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

What Does a Travel Nurse Do?

Travel Nurses are registered nurses who work on short-term assignments, typically lasting 13 to 26 weeks, in various parts of the country or world.

They work in different healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.

Their role is similar to a regular registered nurse, and they perform tasks like providing patient care, administering medications, monitoring patient health, and educating patients and their families about their medical conditions.

Travel Nurses also collaborate with doctors and other healthcare professionals to create patient care plans.

They may work in a variety of specialties, including emergency room, intensive care, pediatrics, or labor and delivery.

One of the unique aspects of being a Travel Nurse is adapting quickly to new environments, as they frequently change locations and often have to learn new protocols or systems with each assignment.

They also often have the added responsibility of finding housing in their new location, although some travel nursing agencies provide assistance with this.

The ability to be flexible, adaptable, and work well under pressure are key skills for this role.

Travel Nursing is an important field as it helps to fill nursing shortages in areas of need, ensuring patients receive the necessary care.

Travel Nurse Qualifications and Skills

Travel Nurses require a unique blend of skills and qualifications to effectively meet the dynamic needs of their role, such as:

• Registered Nurse (RN) certification and a nursing degree from an accredited nursing program are a must, along with several years of experience in nursing.
• Strong clinical skills to adapt to different hospital environments, equipment, protocols, and standards.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to build relationships with new coworkers and patients in a short period of time.
• Excellent communication skills to understand and explain patient conditions and treatment plans, and to coordinate effectively with medical teams across different locations.
• Flexibility and adaptability to adjust to new environments, schedules, practices and cultures at various assignments.
• Physical stamina to manage long shifts, frequently moving patients and standing for long periods.
• Problem-solving abilities to respond swiftly and efficiently to unexpected situations or emergencies.
• Critical thinking and decision-making skills to make accurate assessments and administer appropriate treatments.
• Time management skills to balance patient care, paperwork, and coordinating with other healthcare professionals.

Travel Nurse Experience Requirements

Travel Nurses are often required to have at least 1 to 2 years of experience in general nursing before specializing in travel nursing.

This foundational experience is usually gained in hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare settings.

This initial experience allows nurses to gain hands-on patient care knowledge and experience, and develop the necessary medical and soft skills.

For Travel Nurses, additional experience in the specialties they wish to pursue is often necessary.

These specialties can include areas such as critical care, emergency room, labor and delivery, pediatric, and others.

The experience requirements for these specialties can vary, but typically range from 1 to 2 additional years of focused experience.

Travel Nurses with more than 3 to 5 years of total nursing experience can often take on more challenging assignments, or work in more prestigious or demanding healthcare settings.

Those with significant experience, often more than 5 years, can consider positions such as Travel Nurse Supervisor or Manager, or they may choose to teach and mentor less experienced Travel Nurses.

Some may also choose to become Travel Nurse Recruiters, using their extensive experience to help recruit and prepare others for the challenges and rewards of travel nursing.

Travel Nurse Education and Training Requirements

Travel Nurses, like all registered nurses, are required to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) or an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN).

However, many employers prefer applicants with a BSN.

After the completion of the degree program, they must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a licensed registered nurse.

They also need at least one year of clinical experience in a hospital setting.

This experience provides the necessary skills to adapt to different work environments and patient populations, which is key for a travel nurse.

Specializations in areas such as critical care, emergency room, or labor and delivery may require additional certification.

These can be obtained through professional organizations, such as the American Association of Critical Care Nurses or the National Certification Corporation.

In addition to these, travel nurses should possess a multi-state license or be willing to obtain licensure in the states where they wish to work.

This is made easier by the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) which allows nurses to practice in multiple states with one license.

Continuing education is also important for travel nurses to keep their skills updated and maintain licensure.

This may be provided by the employer or sought independently.

Travel Nurse Salary Expectations

A Travel Nurse can expect to earn an average of $106,000 (USD) per year.

This salary can vary greatly based on the area of specialty, the duration and location of the assignment, as well as the nurse’s level of experience.

Some travel nursing assignments also offer additional benefits such as housing stipends and travel reimbursements, which can further increase the total compensation.

Travel Nurse Job Description FAQs

What skills does a travel nurse need.

Travel nurses need to have excellent nursing skills and be flexible and adaptable to new environments.

They should have great communication skills, both for interacting with patients and for coordinating with new teams at each assignment location.

Travel nurses also need to have strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, as they often need to make quick decisions in high-pressure situations.

What qualifications does a travel nurse need?

Travel nurses must be registered nurses, which requires a nursing diploma, associate’s degree in nursing, or a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

They must also pass the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain their nursing license.

Additionally, most travel nursing positions require a minimum of one year of experience in a hospital setting.

What should you look for in a travel nurse resume?

A travel nurse’s resume should show a solid history of nursing experience, ideally in a hospital setting.

Look for multiple assignments that are successfully completed, as this shows adaptability.

Specialized skills or experience in a specific area of nursing can also be a major asset.

What qualities make a good travel nurse?

A good travel nurse is adaptable, able to quickly feel comfortable in new locations and working with different teams.

They should be resilient, able to handle the stresses of travel and changing environments, and they should be independent, capable of working with minimal supervision.

Excellent interpersonal skills are also key, as travel nurses must build trust with patients and colleagues quickly.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of being a travel nurse?

Travel nursing can be rewarding, with higher pay rates, travel opportunities, flexible schedules, and the chance to learn from different healthcare systems.

However, there are also challenges, such as loneliness from being away from home, the stress of frequent travel and adjusting to new environments, and the lack of job security once an assignment ends.

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a travel nurse .

It’s not just about administering medical care.

It’s about providing health and hope, one patient at a time.

Armed with our indispensable travel nurse job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your next move.

But why halt your journey here?

Delve further with our job description generator . It’s your ultimate resource for creating precise job listings or refining your resume to excellence.

Always keep in mind:

Every patient you care for is a step towards a healthier world.

Let’s make that world together.

Reasons to Become a Travel Nurse (See the World Differently)

How to Become a Travel Nurse (Complete Guide)

Disadvantages of Being a Travel Nurse (Behind the Glamour)

Fun at Work? Yes, Please! Enjoyable Jobs with Great Pay

The Bottom Line: Jobs With Wages That Will Surprise You!

The Economic Armor: Careers That Shield You From Recessions

Employment at the Edge: Jobs Where the Stakes Are Sky-High

The Editorial Team at InterviewGuy.com is composed of certified interview coaches, seasoned HR professionals, and industry insiders. With decades of collective expertise and access to an unparalleled database of interview questions, we are dedicated to empowering job seekers. Our content meets real-time industry demands, ensuring readers receive timely, accurate, and actionable advice. We value our readers' insights and encourage feedback, corrections, and questions to maintain the highest level of accuracy and relevance.

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What is a Travel Nurse?

Learn about the role of Travel Nurse, what they do on a daily basis, and what it's like to be one.

• What is a Travel Nurse
• How to Become
• Certifications
• Tools & Software
• LinkedIn Guide
• Interview Questions
• Work-Life Balance
• Professional Goals
• Resume Examples
• Cover Letter Examples

Start Your Travel Nurse Career with Teal

Definition of a Travel Nurse

What does a travel nurse do, key responsibilities of a travel nurse.

• Providing direct patient care in temporary assignments across different locations, often in areas experiencing staffing shortages.
• Adapting to diverse healthcare settings and integrating with new teams to ensure continuity of care.
• Assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care plans in collaboration with healthcare professionals.
• Administering medications and treatments to patients and monitoring their responses.
• Documenting patient care services by charting in patient and department records.
• Communicating effectively with patients and their families, providing education and support.
• Maintaining a high level of clinical expertise and complying with all healthcare regulations and standards.
• Responding to medical emergencies and providing critical care as needed.
• Operating and monitoring medical equipment used in patient care.
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to create a multidisciplinary approach to patient care.
• Ensuring the transfer of medical information is completed accurately when transitioning to a new assignment.
• Staying current with nursing best practices and participating in professional development opportunities.

Day to Day Activities for Travel Nurse at Different Levels

Daily responsibilities for entry-level travel nurses.

• Providing direct patient care and performing routine nursing duties
• Documenting patient information and care in medical records
• Adapting to the policies and procedures of different healthcare facilities
• Collaborating with healthcare teams to deliver patient care
• Attending orientation and training sessions at new assignments
• Communicating effectively with patients and staff in diverse settings

Daily Responsibilities for Mid-Level Travel Nurses

• Independently managing patient care with minimal supervision
• Specializing in a specific area of nursing, such as critical care or pediatrics
• Assisting in the orientation and mentoring of new Travel Nurses
• Participating in quality improvement initiatives and committees
• Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care
• Providing input on patient care plans and contributing to clinical decisions

Daily Responsibilities for Senior Travel Nurses

• Leading and coordinating nursing care for critically ill or complex patients
• Acting as a liaison between the travel nursing agency and healthcare facilities
• Developing and implementing policies and protocols to improve patient care
• Mentoring and supervising teams of nurses and other healthcare professionals
• Participating in high-level problem-solving and decision-making processes
• Engaging in professional development and contributing to nursing research

Types of Travel Nurses

Critical care travel nurse, labor and delivery travel nurse, operating room travel nurse, telemetry travel nurse, psychiatric travel nurse, pediatric travel nurse, oncology travel nurse, what's it like to be a travel nurse , travel nurse work environment, travel nurse working conditions, how hard is it to be a travel nurse, is a travel nurse a good career path, faqs about travel nurses, how do travel nurses collaborate with other teams within a company, what are some common challenges faced by travel nurses, what does the typical career progression look like for travel nurses.

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What Is a Travel Nurse’s Job Description

Published: December 21, 2017

Read Time: 3 minute read

You’ve probably heard about travel nursing but thought it seemed to good to be true. Can you really travel to a new travel nurse assignment every 13 weeks? It’s true, and a travel healthcare staffing agency like Host Healthcare can help. Being a travel nurse is a great career path. But you may still be asking what is the job description of a travel nurse?  The job description for a travel nurse has similar functions compared to a non-traveling nurse. However, travel nursing jobs come with a lot of benefits. Read this article to learn all about what a travel nurse position entails .

Travel Nurse Job Essential Information

Being a traveling nurse comes with the same type of responsibilities as a staff nurse in any medical facility. Travel nurses are healthcare professionals who provide patient care and have a wide array of duties to perform , such as administering medication and preparing nutritionally-specific meals. However, a traveling registered nurse will take a temporary assignment, typically for 13 weeks, and travel from location to location. Some traveling nurses move between hospitals, healthcare organizations, clinics and schools.

Travel Nurse Job Description Requirements

To become a travel RN , you must follow the same guidelines for all regular nurses.

• You must attend a nursing school and get your degree, either your BSN or ADN.
• Once your nursing degree has been obtained, your next step is to pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
• From there, a travel nurse will need at least one year of experience working in a healthcare setting .

Traveling Nurses Benefits

Looking past the travel nursing job description, there are many advantages for a traveling medical jobs career.

• Travel Nursing Assignment Flexibility. Typically, a travel nurse will work 13 week periods per assignment. After that, you have the flexibility to extend your travel nurse assignments or to work someplace new.
• Higher Pay. A travel nurse salary is higher compared to any nurse working in a health care facility. They earn higher hourly wage  compared to the pay rate of a permanent nurse. For example, many travel nurses with acute-care experience earn over $100,000 per year when all benefits and allowances are included.
• Opportunities For Advancement. A travel nursing career comes with a huge opportunity for advancement. You can work in a variety of settings in facilities all over the world. The unique résumé of this qualified nurse opens new opportunities in health care organization, clinical, educational or management careers.
• Avoid Office Politics. Tension between coworkers is common in any industry. That is no different in a high-stress job like nursing. If you do encounter an office politics, don’t let it hinder your work. Remember you are a temporary nurse in a certain location for a short period of time and you will be back on the road in no time.
• See The World. If you have an adventurous spirit, enjoy moving around and exploring new locations, the travel RN career is perfect for you. As demand continues to rise, healthcare facilities look to hire international travel nurse to work in a specific nursing position for a short amount of time. You can even leave the country on a vacation between your travel nurse assignments with the length of your trip completely up to you!

Host Healthcare Travel Nurse Agency

At Host Healthcare, our mission is to provide you and every healthcare professional we encounter with the highest level of service. As a leading travel nurse agency , w e believe in honesty, respect, and a commitment to quality with our clients, our healthcare professionals, and our corporate employees. Host Healthcare offers an extensive list of travel nursing jobs . Call one of our friendly recruiters at (800) 585-1299 to find your ideal job and further advance your nursing career . We offer many job opportunities and benefits including competitive pay. 

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What Is a Travel Nurse? Job Responsibilities, Skills, and Salary

06 Mar, 2023 | By: AIAM Author

A travel nurse is a registered nurse (RN) with clinical experience in a temporary nursing role. These nurses may work in hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare settings, providing critical care to patients in need.

If you’re curious about what travel nursing is, how it works, or the average salary for a travel nurse, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to know about this exciting and rewarding career path.

What Is a Travel Nurse?

Travel nursing is a career that offers flexibility, adventure, and the opportunity to gain diverse clinical experiences while earning competitive pay and benefits.

A travel nurse is an RN who works on a temporary basis in various healthcare facilities across the country or internationally. These professionals typically work for a few weeks to several months at a time, filling in during staff shortages, assisting in high and unpredictable patient volumes, or providing specialized skills in certain areas of healthcare.

What does a travel nurse do?

A travel nurse is a highly trained healthcare professional who fills temporary roles in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities. Their primary responsibility is to provide nursing care to patients who are underserved or require additional support due to a lack of healthcare professionals in the area.

Travel nurses have similar responsibilities to traditional nurses, including wound examinations, changing bandages, and monitoring patients’ vital signs. They may travel to patients’ homes, schools, or other settings to administer medication and vaccinations and complete various tests. So, travel nurses must be comfortable working in fast-paced and chaotic circumstances and adapt to new environments quickly.

Characteristics and skills of a travel nurse

Travel nursing is a unique and challenging career that requires a specific set of skills and characteristics. To succeed in this field, a travel nurse must possess the following qualities:

• Adaptability: A travel nurse must be comfortable adapting to new environments, medical facilities, and patient populations. They should be able to handle various challenges, including unexpected changes in the work schedule or new medical equipment.
• Flexibility: Travel nurses must be flexible and able to work in a wide range of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. They may also need to work varying shifts, including nights and weekends, to meet the needs of their patients.
• Language skills: Travel nurses should be proficient in English and potentially other languages to communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare professionals from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Emotional intelligence: Travel nurses must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to connect with their patients, establish trust, and manage their emotions in high-stress situations.
• Critical thinking: Travel nurses must possess strong analytical skills to assess patients’ conditions quickly and develop effective treatment plans.
• Passion for travel: Travel nurses should be passionate about traveling and be willing to live and work in new locations every few months. They should be excited about exploring new cities and cultures while also performing their duties as healthcare professionals.

Education and qualifications

To become a traveling nurse, you generally need to have the following education and qualifications:

• A nursing degree: Most traveling nurse positions require a minimum of an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), although many employers prefer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Some positions may also require specialized certifications or training, such as in critical care, emergency nursing, or pediatrics.
• A nursing license: You must hold an active nursing license in the state where you plan to work. You will need to take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and meet your state’s licensing requirements.
• Clinical experience: Many travel nursing positions require a minimum of one or two years of clinical experience in a hospital or healthcare setting.

Note that the exact requirements for becoming a traveling nurse may vary depending on the healthcare facility, state, or country. It’s important to research the specific requirements and qualifications for the position you want to pursue.

Where Do Travel Nurses Work?

Travel nursing is an exciting career path that typically requires a few years of prior experience working as a nurse. However, due to the current nursing staff shortage, some agencies may be more flexible and willing to work with nurses who have less experience.

Travel nurses work in a variety of healthcare settings. While hospitals are a common option, staffing agencies often send nurses to underserved locations, such as rural communities. Travel nurses can find opportunities in emergency units, adult intensive care units, medical-surgical floors, and telemetry units, among other areas experiencing a nursing shortage.

What Is the Average Salary of a Travel Nurse in the U.S.?

The salary of a travel nurse in the United States can vary depending on several factors, including the location, the nurse’s experience and qualifications, and the specific healthcare facility where they work.

According to recent data, the average salary for a travel nurse in the U.S. is $105,818 per year . However, this can range from around $31,000 to over $185,000 per year, depending on the factors mentioned above. It’s also worth noting that travel nurses typically receive additional compensation, such as housing stipends, travel reimbursement, and bonuses, in addition to their base salary.

Benefits of Being a Travel Nurse

As a traveling nurse, you can enjoy a range of benefits that go beyond traditional nursing roles. From adventure and flexibility to job security and personal growth, here are the top advantages of being a traveling nurse:

• Opportunities to explore new places: As a travel nurse, you can visit new cities and countries while doing the work you love. This can broaden your horizons and give you a chance to experience different cultures.
• More freedom and flexibility: This job offers more freedom and flexibility than traditional nursing careers. You can choose where and when to work, allowing you to plan your schedule around your personal life.
• Professional growth: This career can expose you to new and innovative approaches to healthcare. Working in different healthcare facilities can enhance your clinical skills and make you a well-rounded healthcare professional.
• Job security: With the demand for healthcare professionals at an all-time high, travel nurses have a secure job outlook. This means you can enjoy job security while pursuing your passion for travel and adventure.
• Socialization: Working in new environments with different people can broaden your social circle and provide opportunities for networking and professional connections.
• Competitive salary: Travel nurses generally earn more than traditional nurses, thanks to the demand for their specialized skills and willingness to relocate.
• Minimal workplace politics: As a travel nurse, you can avoid the office politics and drama that often come with working in one facility for an extended period.
• Find the perfect place to settle down: By exploring different locations and environments, you can discover the ideal place to call home in the future.
• Avoid burnout: By taking breaks between assignments and escaping the monotony of a more traditional nursing profession, you can avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Develop new interests and hobbies: This career can expose you to new hobbies and interests that you might not have otherwise discovered. From outdoor activities to local cuisine, every location has something unique to offer.

Challenges of Being a Travel Nurse

Travel nursing can be an exciting and rewarding career, but it also comes with its unique set of challenges. Here are some common challenges that travel nurses may face:

• Job insecurity: Travel nursing assignments are typically short-term, which means that you are constantly looking for your next job. This can be stressful and can make it difficult to plan for the future.
• Adjusting to new environments: Each new assignment will require you to adjust to a new hospital, new coworkers, and a new city or town. This can be overwhelming and can take time to get used to.
• Loneliness and isolation: Travel nursing can be a lonely experience, particularly if you are away from friends and family for extended periods of time. Making new connections can be challenging, especially if you are introverted or shy.
• Cultural differences: Different parts of the country or even different hospitals can have their unique culture and ways of doing things. As a travel nurse, you need to quickly adapt to these differences, which can be challenging.
• Burnout: Travel nursing often involves working long hours and taking on high-stress assignments. This can lead to burnout, which can be detrimental to your mental and physical health.
• Lack of support: As a travel nurse, you may not have the same level of support as you would in a permanent position. This can make it challenging to advocate for yourself or to access resources when you need them.
• Housing issues: Finding affordable and safe housing in a new city or town can be challenging, particularly if you are on a tight budget.
• Personal finances: Depending on your assignment, you may need to cover travel expenses and other costs, which can put a strain on your personal finances.

The Bottom Line

Becoming a travel nurse can be a rewarding and exciting career path for those interested in experiencing new cultures and meeting different healthcare professionals every few months. It offers a unique opportunity to grow personally and professionally while positively impacting the lives of patients in need.

If you are considering a career as a travel nurse, the first step is to pursue the necessary education and become a registered nurse . Consider enrolling in our holistic nursing program that emphasizes patient-centered care and the development of psychomotor skills. With the right training and mindset, you can embark on a fulfilling journey as a travel nurse and enjoy all the benefits this career has to offer.

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Essential Guide to Becoming a Travel Nurse: Opportunities, Duties, and Compensation

• Certified Nurse's Aid (CNA)

Essential Guide to Becoming a Travel Nurse : Opportunities, Duties, and Compensation

Are you drawn to the idea of being a travel nurse? In this profession, you’ll tackle short-term assignments in different healthcare environments, addressing critical staffing needs while gaining the freedom to explore new regions. You’ll need a nursing degree and must pass the NCLEX-RN to start your temporary nursing role, but what lies ahead is a promising blend of adventure and admirable earnings. This article provides a no-fluff roadmap for your travel nursing journey, detailing the qualifications, day-to-day responsibilities, and the tangible benefits of this unique nursing role.

Key Takeaways

• Travel nurses are valuable in addressing healthcare staffing shortages and can work in a variety of healthcare settings, with the flexibility to take assignments ranging from a few weeks to several months.
• The path to becoming a travel nurse includes obtaining a nursing degree, passing the NCLEX-RN exam, gaining specialized experience, and partnering with a travel nurse agency for job placement and administrative support.
• Travel nursing offers a competitive compensation package that includes benefits such as tax-free stipends, travel reimbursements, and health insurance, in addition to the opportunity for professional and personal growth.

Understanding the Travel Nurse Profession

A travel nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who takes on temporary assignments across various healthcare settings, usually to address staffing shortages or serve regions with a higher need for healthcare services. Their role is indispensable in maintaining balanced nurse-to-patient ratios health care facilities, thereby ensuring patient safety. Moreover, their expertise and skills significantly influence patient health outcomes and nurse retention rates.

The nature of assignments can vary greatly, ranging from a few weeks to several months. This reflects the flexible and adaptable nature of the role that has become a defining characteristic of travel nursing. Whether it’s filling in for a short-term staffing shortage or providing specialized skills in a healthcare setting, every travel nurse assignment offers a unique opportunity and a challenging experience.

Embarking on a career as a travel nurse offers:

• A dynamic role with the capacity to transform healthcare delivery
• The opportunity to positively impact patient care
• Challenges, excitement, and rewards in equal measure

It’s about taking on a career that invites you to make a difference.

Path to Becoming a Travel Nurse

Wondering how to become a travel nurse? The path involves a series of important steps:

• Earning a nursing degree
• Clearing the NCLEX-RN exam
• Acquiring specialized experience
• Partnering with a travel nursing agency

We will explore each of these steps in more detail.

Obtaining a Nursing Degree

The first and foundational step towards becoming a travel nurse is obtaining a nursing degree. Aspiring travel nurses must earn an associate degree, either an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The ADN curriculum covers nursing practice, evidence-based practice, patient monitoring, and education, while a BSN goes a step further to include health promotion, healthcare systems and management, community health, and more extensive clinical experience.

For those who start with an ADN, there’s an opportunity to transition to a BSN through RN-to-BSN bridge programs. These programs offer a faster completion time compared to the traditional four-year BSN program, providing an effective route for career advancement.

Passing the NCLEX-RN Exam

Once you’ve secured a nursing degree, the subsequent vital step involves clearing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), mandatory to obtain a registered nurse license. Passing this exam not only validates your competency as a nurse but also serves as the vital stepping stone towards a career in travel nursing.

However, maintaining licensure across different states can be a challenge for travel nurses due to the variability in state licensing requirements. The solution? The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) offers a streamlined approach, allowing licensed nurses to practice in multiple participating states. This significantly broadens the scope of opportunities for travel nurses, making it easier staff nurses to take on assignments in different locations.

Gaining Experience and Specializations

Before stepping into the realm of travel nursing, it’s recommended to have at least one year of experience in a specialty area. Specializing in areas such as:

• Emergency Room (ER)
• Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
• Progressive Care Unit (PCU)
• Labor and Delivery (L&D)
• Pediatric nursing

Not only enhances your skill set but also makes you more competitive in the job market.

Furthermore, employers generally favor travel nurses who possess experience, especially for higher-paying positions. Having certifications not only underscores your skills but sets you apart from other applicants. Attaining advanced nursing degrees or certifications can lead to access to higher-paying travel nurse salaries, nursing positions and a broader range of job opportunities.

The Role of Travel Nurse Agencies

Travel nurse agencies, such as a travel nurse or travel nurse staffing agency, play a pivotal role in shaping the careers of travel nurses. Among most travel nurse agencies, they provide a broader reach for healthcare facilities searching for candidates than could be achieved independently. These agencies help nurses with:

• Locating travel nursing positions
• Negotiating contracts, including pay rates
• Ensuring nurses receive additional support, such as health insurance and retirement benefits.

In addition to job placement and contract negotiation, travel nurse agencies also assist with:

• Travel and housing arrangements
• Reimbursing nurses for state-specific licensing fees when working in non-compact states
• Insurance coverage
• Professional development courses
• Tools for managing credentials

Agencies ensure nurses maintain necessary certifications throughout their assignments by enrolling them in an accredited nursing program.

Travel Nurse Work Settings

Travel nursing introduces nurses to a wide array of work environments, facilitating the accumulation of diverse experiences across the healthcare continuum. Some of the work environments that travel nurses can find assignments in include:

• Emergency rooms
• Adult intensive care units
• Medical-surgical floors
• Telemetry units

These travel nurse jobs allow travel nurses to have permanent positions that match their skills and interests.

Not limited to hospitals, travel nurses extend their services to community health settings, outpatient clinics, urgent care centers, and community health centers, as well as specialty facilities such as dialysis clinics and healthcare facility. They can work with the federal government in the Veterans Administration, Federal prisons, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and even manage patient care in skilled nursing homes and residential care facilities. As healthcare professionals, travel nurses play a vital role in the healthcare system, providing care across various settings.

Moreover, the rise of telehealth services has created even more opportunities for travel nurses. They can:

• Offer remote consultations
• Monitor patients
• Analyze patient data trends
• Facilitate emergency interventions via digital tools.

Compensation and Benefits for Travel Nurses

Pay in travel nursing can fluctuate, swayed by factors like the length of assignments and ongoing nursing and staff shortages. On average, a travel nurse can earn a weekly salary of $2,666, with an annual salary range stretching from roughly $31,000 to over $185,000. However, the financial benefits of travel nursing go beyond mere salary. Some additional financial benefits include:

• Tax-free housing and meal stipends
• Reimbursement for travel expenses
• Health and dental insurance coverage
• Retirement savings plans
• Bonuses and incentives for completing assignments

These additional benefits can significantly increase the overall compensation package for travel nurses.

“Travel nurse salary contracts often include funds for housing and commuting expenses, as well as per diem allowances to cover daily expenses. Housing stipends for travel nurses can range from $700 to $5,000 per month, offering reassurance that lodging expenses will be adequately covered.

Key Responsibilities and Duties of a Travel Nurse

The primary responsibility of travel nurses, or travel nurse responsibilities, revolves around holistic patient care. This is critical care that includes physical and psychosocial assessments, administering medication, performing patient-specific procedures, and monitoring status and vitals. They also collaborate with physicians and other healthcare staff to ensure comprehensive patient care is delivered seamlessly.

In addition to general nursing responsibilities in acute care, a travel nurse job description may also include providing specialized treatments and support vital functions with life-sustaining devices such as ventilators and advanced cardiac life support systems. To qualify for diverse assignments, maintaining current certifications such as BLS, ACLS, PALS, CEN, and CCRN is essential for travel nurses.

Challenges and Adaptability in Travel Nursing

Despite its rewards, travel nursing presents its own set of challenges. Travel nurses need to navigate a myriad of issues, including:

• Language barriers and cultural differences that can affect communication and integration into local practices
• Difficult or unwanted job assignments
• Discriminatory behavior
• The need to quickly adapt to new healthcare systems, facility policies, and routine procedures

This role demands resilience and adaptability.

Building rapport with new patients and staff can be challenging due to the short-term nature of the positions of traveling nurse. The transient lifestyle of travel nursing can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, especially when spending extended periods away from familiar support networks. Additionally, the lack of job security in travel nursing contributes to frequent uncertainty, as nurses need to secure new assignments regularly.

Yet, adaptability can translate these challenges into growth opportunities. An adaptable travel nurse stays present-focused, maintains a positive attitude, and accepts continual personal growth. Successfully blending into new work environments is a clear indicator of effective adaptability.

Personal Growth and Advantages of Travel Nursing

Travel nursing paves the way for substantial personal growth and advantages. It provides the chance to gain new skills both within and outside of nursing, such as a deeper understanding of patient care and improved communication and problem-solving abilities. The variety and change of environment can break the monotony experienced in stationary jobs, and nurses can renew their sense of purpose by assisting diverse populations.

Moreover, travel nurses can expand their professional network, meeting new colleagues and recruiters across different healthcare settings, which benefits their future career prospects. Engaging in travel nursing also allows for immersion in new cultures and locales, and new environments, offering a unique opportunity for personal enrichment and adventure.

Tips for Success as a Travel Nurse

To succeed in travel nursing, thorough preparation is paramount. This involves researching staffing agencies, keeping certifications up to date, and being proactive with financial management and assignment planning. Successful integration into new work environments includes arriving early on the first day, understanding the workplace culture, confidently demonstrating skills, and familiarizing oneself with the commute beforehand.

Building a professional reputation as a travel nurse comes from networking with peers, maintaining a positive attitude, asking the right questions during interviews, and being flexible with travel nursing assignments. Enhancing personal life through the travel nursing experience is achievable by making friends at work and within the community, and engaging in local activities to create memorable experiences.

Travel nursing is a dynamic and fulfilling career path that offers a unique blend of professional and personal growth opportunities. This blog post has provided a comprehensive guide to understanding the profession, the path to becoming a travel nurse, the role of travel nurses work and nurse agencies, the various work settings, compensation and benefits, key responsibilities and duties, challenges and adaptability, and tips for success.

In conclusion, becoming a successful travel nurse involves not only the right education and experience but also adaptability, resilience, and a passion for healthcare. It’s a journey filled with many exciting career opportunities, varied experiences, and the chance to make a difference in healthcare delivery across various settings. Ready to embark on this rewarding journey?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the highest paid travel cna.

Travel CNAs completing assignments in California were earning an average of $1,792 per week as of February 2023, making it one of the highest paid locations for travel CNAs.

What is another name for a travel nurse?

Another name for a travel nurse is a “Locum Tenens.” This term aligns with industry standards and is used to refer to advanced practice nurses who travel for work.

What type of nursing gets paid the most?

The highest-paid nursing specialty is Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), with an average annual salary of $217,000, according to the Medscape’s 2022 APRN Compensation Report.

Do travel nurses make money?

Yes, travel nurses typically earn more than full-time salaried RNs because they often take job assignments where there is a nursing shortage, and they also receive additional benefits such as housing and meal stipends. This can result in an average weekly income ranging from $3,000 to $7,000, depending on the work assignment.

What is the point of being a travel nurse?

Being a travel nurse offers great pay, endless opportunities for adventure, career enhancement, and personal fulfillment.

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Travel nurse jobs

Travel nurses are valuable members of the healthcare workforce. The demand to fill travel nurse jobs has always been steady but reached new heights during the COVID-19 pandemic due to short staffing and a high volume of critically ill patients. Today, travel nurse jobs remain a top priority for facilities to fill. That’s why Nomad Health helps nurses find high-paying travel nurse jobs across the country with facilities who need support. Our travel nurse job database includes jobs in popular RN specialties including:

• Medical-surgical
• Emergency room
• Labor and delivery
• Operating Room
• Rehabilitation
• Cardiac ICU
• Critical care
• Long-term care

Travel nurse job requirements

The requirements for travel nurse jobs are not much different from staff travel nurse job requirements, with a few exceptions. Below are the key requirements you will need to have in order to qualify for a travel nurse job.

Education requirements

Travel nurses must have either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing program.

Licensure requirements

To secure a travel nurse job, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and obtain state licensure. Depending on your home state, you may be eligible to apply for a compact license, which would allow you to work in all states that are part of the nurse licensure compact (NLC) . Having a compact license could be beneficial if you plan on taking travel nurse jobs in multiple states. If the state is not part of the compact, you must obtain an individual license.

Experience requirements

Nomad Health usually requires at least one to two years of experience working in the field before you can qualify for a travel nurse job. However, every facility has their own unique requirements for travel nurse jobs, so make sure you read up on the job description to make sure you have enough experience required for the role.

Certifications

Depending on the specialty, you may need to obtain certain certifications to qualify for a travel nurse job. Some of the most common certifications travel nurses need to have include:

• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• Operating Room - First Assist
• Bone Marrow Transplantation
• Cardiovascular OR
• Medical-Surgical

Jobs by Specialty

• Allergy and Immunology
• Cardiac Care Unit
• Case Management
• Chemotherapy
• Critical Care
• Emergency Room
• Home Health
• Hospice & Palliative Care
• Infusion Therapy
• Intermediate Care
• Interventional Radiology
• Labor & Delivery
• Long Term Acute Care
• Long Term Care
• Medical ICU (MICU)
• Medical Surgical - Telemetry
• Mother/Baby
• Neonatal ICU (NICU)
• Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Occupational Health
• Operating Room - Circulating
• Operating Room - Scrub
• Orthopaedics
• Otolaryngology (ENT)
• Outpatient Clinic
• Pediatric ER
• Pediatric ICU (PICU)
• Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
• RN First Assistant
• Special Care Unit
• Surgical ICU (SICU)
• Transitional Care Unit
• Urgent Care

Travel nurse jobs require you to possess specific hard and soft skills. Depending on the specific travel nurse job you’re applying for, some of these skills may be more essential than others. In general, facilities hiring for travel nurse jobs want you to have the following skills:

• Strong clinical skills
• Adaptability
• Excellent communication skills
• Experience working in new and diverse environments
• Collaboration with other healthcare professionals

Health requirements

Travel nurse jobs require applicants to have an up-to-date physical examination in addition to immunizations. Depending on the facility, you may also be required to take and pass a drug test such as a urine test.

Travel nurse job duties and responsibilities

Each specialty within travel nursing has its own unique set of job duties and responsibilities. However some duties and responsibilities are common across most specialties, including:

Patient care

Travel nurses provide direct patient care using the training and skills from their area of specialization. Travel nurses may assist with medical procedures, administer medications and treatments, respond to emergencies, and assist patients with activities of daily living.

Assessments and monitoring

Travel nurses conduct assessments to determine the patient's status and needs. They also monitor patient vital signs, symptoms, and responses to treatment.

Develop care plans

Travel nurses develop tailored care plans in collaboration with other healthcare team members. They work together to adjust care plans based on the progress of the patient.

Documentation

Travel nurses maintain up-to-date and accurate patient records by documenting treatments, interventions performed, patient responses, and patient progress notes.

Patient and family education

Travel nurses educate patients and their families about health conditions, medications administered, treatment plans, and discharge care.

Emergency response

Travel nurses respond quickly during medical emergencies and coordinate with other healthcare professionals.

Travel nurses adhere to facility policies along with any state-wide nursing regulations. This can include things like maintaining patient confidentiality and following proper infection control guidelines.

Operate equipment and technology

Travel nurses know how to operate medical equipment and technology used for patient care and monitoring.

Continuous learning

Travel nurses stay up to date with the latest nursing practices and standards.

Why consider a travel nurse job?

There are plenty of good reasons why considering a travel nurse job is a smart move. From financial incentives to personal growth, a travel job might be just what you need to take the next step in your nursing career.

High demand for travel nurses

With persistent nursing staff shortages, travel nurse jobs remain in demand. Because the demand is high, you can sleep easy knowing that your job is secure and less susceptible to economic downturns.

Competitive pay

Travel nurse jobs may pay more than staff nurse jobs. Many things can impact travel pay including your experience, education, location, credentials, and facility needs. When you browse travel nurse jobs on Nomad, you’ll see a pay breakdown (including the travel stipend) of every job to know what you can earn before you apply.

Travel nurse jobs provide an opportunity to work with new technologies. Common technology that travel nurses get exposure to may include:

• Electronic health record systems (EHR)
• Telehealth platforms
• Portable monitoring devices
• Smart infusion pumps
• Patient lifts and transfer devices
• Wearable health technology
• Mobile health apps
• Barcode medication administration systems (BCMA)
• Advanced wound care technologies
• Communication tools

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Travel nurse jobs allow you to collaborate cross-functionally with interdisciplinary healthcare staff such as physicians and staff nurses to allied health professionals. When you work closely with these teams, you’ll get a broader perspective on patient care which you can add to your skill set.

Career advancement

Travel nurse jobs can put you on the fast track to learn about the latest education, techniques, treatments, and equipment used in the field. If you’re interested in getting ahead of the curve, applying for a travel nurse job might be right for you.

Visit new locations

One of the biggest perks of travel nurse jobs is deciding where you want to work. From the city to the facility, it’s up to you. Accepting travel jobs in new locations also exposes you to new facilities and patient populations you may not experience in a regular staff position.

Tips for finding the best travel nurse jobs

Most nurses agree that the best travel nurse jobs offer a combination of high compensation and opportunities to expand your clinical experience. However, what makes a travel nurse job the “best” usually depends on personal preferences, career goals, and financial goals.

Research travel nurse job agencies

To find the best travel nurse job for you, research is key. First, you need to determine which travel agencies offer travel nurse jobs. Unfortunately, not all agencies work with travel nurses.

Read travel nurse reviews

Next, you should consider the reputation of the agency you’re considering working with. Use a search engine to read testimonials and reviews other travel nurses have left about the agency. These reviews should give you a general idea of whether the agency meets your standards, and if other travel nurses recommend them.

Compare job benefits

While pay may often be the most important factor in travel nurse jobs, remember that additional perks such as stipends for scrubs, licenses, and travel, along with health insurance and the option to invest in a 401(k) should be factored into the equation. Unlike Nomad, not all agencies offer these types of benefits, so it's important to compare the additional perks before you accept a travel nurse job.

Top locations for travel RN jobs

The demand for travel nurse jobs varies across different states based on factors such as the overall demand for nurse support, the number of healthcare facilities, and the demographics of the regional population. Additionally, states with larger populations and an advanced healthcare infrastructure may need more travel nurses than others.

As one of the biggest states, California has multiple medical facilities in densely populated areas like Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, and San Francisco that often hire for travel nurse jobs. California also has strict nurse-to-patient ratio laws, which bodes well for patient safety and nurse satisfaction. Additionally, California has a high cost of living, which may result in attractive pay rates.

Like California, certain high-growth metropolitan areas in Texas have travel nurse jobs available including Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin. Because Texas regularly experiences public health emergencies like tornadoes, hurricanes, and other natural disasters, the need for travel nurses may be high.

Because Florida has an older-than-average population and an expansive medical system, the demand for nurse travelers is high, especially in cities like Jacksonville, Tampa, Miami, and Orlando. Like Texas, Florida also experiences several natural disasters, including hurricanes, which often result in spikes in demand for travel nurses.

The dense population and high number of healthcare facilities in New York make it a hotspot for travel RN jobs, especially in New York City. Additionally, due to extremely cold winters, there may be an increase in cold-weather emergencies that require medical attention.

Because Arizona experiences a yearly influx of winter visitors, there is a seasonal strain on healthcare systems there which can increase the demand for travel nurses.

How to prepare for your first travel nurse job

If it’s your first time accepting a travel nurse job, there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind that will help you feel prepared and ready to go on your first day. Every travel nurse job is different, but excelling in one or more of these areas may ensure you are set up for success.

Ask about orientation

One of the most important questions you can ask your hiring manager is about the orientation and onboarding process for your travel RN job. Knowing how much support you will have at the beginning and during your assignment will help you set realistic expectations for your first week on the job.

Be adaptable

Being adaptable is the key to starting any travel RN job. You will need to be prepared for ambiguity and performing tasks that you may not have much experience with.

Build relationships

Along the way, remember to network and build relationships with your new colleagues. Connect with other travel nurses and learn about their experiences with the facility and traveling in general.

Pack wisely

Remember to pack all the essentials you will need for the duration of your travel assignment. Depending on where your travel nurse job is, it may be difficult to find a drug store or other convenience stores for items at the last minute, especially if you’re working in a rural area. We recommend packing extra pairs of scrubs, toiletries, and anything else to make you comfortable during your stay.

Frequently asked questions about travel nurse jobs

Are travel nurse jobs in high demand.

Yes, travel nurse jobs remain in high demand. Because the number of patients that require care continues to increase, facilities may need extra clinical support from travel nurses.

How long do travel nurse jobs last?

Travel RN job contract length varies depending on the needs of the facility. In general, most travel nurse job contracts are 13 weeks long, although it’s not uncommon to find contracts that last eight weeks.

What qualifications do I need to get a travel nurse job?

To qualify for a travel nurse job, you will need a two or four-year college degree, an RN license for the state where you want to work, at least two years of experience working in a specialty, and basic certifications like BLS and ACLS. However, each facility has different requirements for travel nurse jobs, so make sure you review the individual qualifications before you apply.

Can I choose the location for my travel nurse job?

Yes, you can choose the location for your travel nurse job. Nomad Health features travel RN jobs across the United States. Some are in desirable locations like Hawaii, California, and Florida.

How quickly can I start a travel nurse job?

How soon you can start your travel nurse job will depend on the needs of the facility. Sometimes facilities need you to start quickly, while others may allow you to negotiate a start date based on your convenience.

What kind of support will I have during my travel nurse job with Nomad?

You’ll have ongoing support from Nomad Navigators . Once you’re on assignment, you will also have access to Clinical Navigators who are clinicians who have been in your shoes and are equipped to help you navigate any facility or clinical-related issues that may arise.

Do travel nurse jobs provide opportunities for professional growth?

Yes! Travel nurse jobs are an excellent way to fast-track professional growth. When you accept a travel nurse job, you can get exposure to new environments, patient populations, and technology that may help level up your skillset and compensation.

Travel nurse job sources

• National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). (n.d.). Home. Retrieved December 6, 2023, from https://www.ncsbn.org/
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). (n.d.). Home. Retrieved December 6, 2023, from https://www.aacnnursing.org/
• Nurse Licensure Compact. (n.d.). Applying for Licensure. Retrieved December 6, 2023, from https://www.nursecompact.com/how-it-works/applying-for-licensure.page

IntelyCare for Healthcare Facilities > Resources > Nursing Job Description Samples > Travel Nurse Job Description Template

Travel Nurse Job Description Template

Search resource center.

Travel nurses are healthcare professionals who take on short-term assignments at facilities and residences with increased demand for staff. This allows facilities to fill open positions with flexibility. A strategically crafted travel nurse job description is essential to finding quality professionals for your facility when you need them.

It’s important to note that travel nurses are often registered nurses (RNs), but nursing professionals from other specialties can also travel to assignments. This includes licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) — keep in mind that the responsibilities and qualifications of each role differ.

The template below is optimized to find qualified travel nursing RNs, but you can switch out the certification specifics depending on the needs of your organization. Pair this template with targeted interview questions to help narrow down the best candidates for your facility. You can also check out how other facilities are reaching out to travel nurses on our job board and gain real-time insights into how to make your organization stand out.

Travel Nurse

Tips: Your travel nurse job description should start with one or two paragraphs that highlight your organization’s mission, values, and culture. The travel nurse work environment can vary from facility to facility, so be sure to highlight how your organization will provide a positive workplace culture. Most travel nurses have many locations to choose from — this is your chance to show what sets your organization apart. What makes your facility unique? Take this opportunity to prove that your facility would be a great next destination for an adventurous and dedicated travel nurse.

Next, include specifics about your open travel nurse position. What specialty will they be working in? What particular skills are you looking for? Describe the job duties in detail to give the applicant a clear idea of whether their experience aligns with the role. Since travel nursing involves moving to new places, this is a great place to highlight why your location is appealing, such as any cultural attractions, public transportation, or recreation activities.

Travel Nurse Benefits

Tips: Elaborate on your organization’s benefits and perks to keep your candidates’ attention. Your introduction piqued their interest, so provide additional reasons they might be interested in the role. When describing your benefits, exercise caution to avoid any misleading language. To be on the safe side, consider asking your human resources team to review the list before posting.

• Flexible scheduling
• Scrub stipend
• Commuter benefits
• Education reimbursement
• On-site childcare
• Continuing education benefits
• Bonuses associated with the position

Travel Nurse Skills and Responsibilities

Tips: Once you’ve highlighted the benefits, the candidate will likely want to learn more about the job itself. This section of your travel nurse job description is an excellent place to outline what specific tasks a candidate will be responsible for. List the most important duties first and use active verbs and straightforward wording to clearly get your message across.

• Adapting to new healthcare environments and protocols quickly and seeking clarification from care team as needed
• Monitoring vital signs
• Administering medications, dressing wounds, placing IVs, and operating medical equipment
• Collaborating with a multidisciplinary healthcare team, such as doctors, therapists, and social workers
• Maintaining accurate records and notifying medical team of any changes in a patient’s condition
• Communicating effectively with patients, families, and colleagues

Compensation and Shifts

Tips: Mention the pay up front, even if it’s just a range, so you’ll have a better chance of attracting top-notch applicants. It’s better to avoid investing time in interviewing if the compensation isn’t aligned with their expectations. This section is also a good place to emphasize any travel reimbursements, hazard pay, or associated bonuses.

Travel nurse jobs often appeal to individuals who appreciate flexibility, so make sure to include information about scheduling shifts. If your organization offers a degree of flexible scheduling, this could be a major selling point. You can also include information about nurse-to-patient ratios and any other details that would provide a better picture of the workplace environment.

• Travel nurse pay range: $30-$70/hour
• Overtime, incentive pay, and holiday pay available
• Weekly or bi-weekly pay periods
• Shift preference flexibility (day vs. night)
• Nurse-to-patient ratio between 1:4 and 1:5 (day) and 1:6 (night)

Travel Nurse Qualifications and Skills

Tips: When you list qualifications, it’s important to remember that an applicant may not apply if their skills don’t perfectly align with those in the posting. Be sure to list only the necessary qualifications, including licensing requirements and education. If you have preferred travel nurse job requirements, make sure to list those in a separate, clearly identified section.

• Adaptability and the ability to learn new procedures quickly
• Excellent communication skills and a caring attitude toward patients
• A team-oriented approach to work, with the ability to follow through on directives
• Skillful task prioritization and delegation
• Physical and mental stamina to perform job duties
• Completion of a state-approved registered nursing certificate program
• Passage of the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN)
• Additional licensing requirements vary by state
• 2 years experience as a registered nurse
• American Heart Association BLS certification
• American Heart Association ACLS certification

Call to Action

Tips: Now that you have a solid foundation for your travel nurse job description, make sure candidates know how to apply. Tell prospective candidates how you’d like them to submit their application: on your company website, as an email, or through a job board. If you require references or supporting documentation, be sure to mention that here.

Ready to embark on your next nursing adventure? Take the first step today by visiting our website, clicking “apply now,”and submitting your application.

Need Help Finding Qualified Travel Nurses?

It can be an ongoing challenge to fill high-need positions within your facility. Looking for effective places to advertise your travel nurse job description? IntelyCare’s nursing professional-specific job board can help you collect high quality applications with ease.

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What Is a Travel Nurse? Job Description and Salary

When healthcare organizations face staffing shortages, they call on travel nurses. What is a travel nurse? As skilled professionals, travel nurses take temporary nursing positions in high-need areas. They jump into hospitals, clinics, and other facilities, giving patients across the country quality care.

The COVID-19 pandemic created a nationwide staffing crisis and, as a result, a surge in demand for travel nurses. Health leaders attribute this change to two main factors: First, as CNN reports, staff nurses, demoralized and exhausted, have been quitting and retiring at a faster rate than facilities can hire new ones. Second, many nurses are leaving their stable jobs for well-paying temporary jobs, netting $5,000 or more per week working through travel-nurse agencies, according to AP News.

Students and professionals interested in this career path can benefit from exploring the roles and responsibilities of travel nurses, reading travel nursing tips, and learning about the travel nurse salary and job outlook. 

History of the Travel Nurse

The travel nurse industry emerged in the 1970s in response to high-census healthcare contexts. 

• High census is when the patient population in a healthcare facility becomes higher than the current staff can appropriately care for. In effect, high census means that a facility is understaffed. 
• Low census is when the patient population in a healthcare facility becomes too low for the facility to use its entire nursing staff. In essence, low census means a facility is overstaffed for a period of time. 

In the 1970s, persistent nursing shortages in warmer southern states, such as Florida, drew nurses from northern states over the winter. These nurses followed the seasonal influx of so-called snowbirds — people who move for part of the year to get away from harsh northern winters. 

At first, these nursing work arrangements were informal. Nurses would travel to meet demand but were hired as regular permanent employees who would leave when the season ended. Because these nurses had no special contract with their hospitals and clinics, these healthcare organizations also did not provide housing or extra wages. This worked well for facilities in warmer states that could not afford to hire so many staff members year-round. 

Today, professionals fit a similar travel nurse description . Travel nurses often work for healthcare staffing agencies that specialize in placing temporary contractors across the country. Agencies take a cut of what a hospital might pay a travel nurse, and in exchange, they advocate for secure housing, competitive travel nurse salaries , and all-expense-paid transportation to new assignments for their travel nurses.  

Culture Fit: What to Expect as a Travel Nurse

What does a travel nurse do? Travel nurses routinely jump into roles at understaffed healthcare settings. Facilities expect them to perform all the duties of a traditional nurse with little to no context for care. Because of this, travel nurses must become comfortable with working in extremely fast-paced, chaotic environments.

For example, a travel nurse may take an assignment at a severely understaffed neonatal intensive care unit. The nurses on staff may not have the time or bandwidth to explain all aspects of the hospital charting system or details about specific patients; travel nurses may need to pick these details up as they go.

Travel nurses sign a contract to fill a temporary position. This can last several days, weeks, or months — or longer. When contracts end, travel nurses either extend their stay at the same location or move on to a new destination and opportunity. The length of their contracts can vary, although most placements are between eight and 26 weeks. Some travel nurses find a temporary assignment they enjoy and work to secure a full-time position, but many continue to travel and keep flexible working hours. 

Working as a travel nurse has many perks. Here are some of the benefits of travel nursing:

• Assistance in obtaining passports/work visas (if working internationally)
• Choice of location
• Competitive pay
• Free housing
• Higher-than-average pay for RNs
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement plans
• Selection of hours/shifts worked
• Travel reimbursement

Travel Nursing Tips and Personal Characteristics

Travel nurses need to cultivate the skills of learning new systems quickly, taking criticism in stride, and adapting easily to change.

Some personal characteristics that serve travel nurses on the job include:

• Ability to learn quickly. Travel nurses all have experience working in a traditional nursing context, but they need to be able to draw upon their broad knowledge bases as they adapt to new healthcare facilities. Some healthcare settings have different standards of practice and different technologies to learn. Travel nurses need to adopt new practices and technologies quickly. 
• Resilience to persevere in challenging contexts. The combination of moving to different states, being the “new nurse” constantly, and taking care of difficult patients comes with many challenges. Travel nurses need to be able to withstand these challenges. 
• Flexibility. Travel nurses have the freedom to create their own schedules with the agencies they work for. For example, travel nurses might work for nine intense weeks on the other side of the country and then take a month off. 
• Comfort with working in new environments. Travel nurses need to adapt to different organizations and care teams, often when those organizations and teams lack the adequate resources to run properly. 
• A strong support network. Travel nurses may need to leave their families and friends for long periods of time to take temporary jobs. Having a supportive person or group of people who act as an emotional sounding board can be crucial for working long-term in the chaotic assignments of a travel nurse.

Navigating Crises as a Travel Nurse: Pandemic Pressure

The demand for travel nurses has accelerated over the course of the pandemic. Rising clinician burnout continues to be a challenging issue in the healthcare field.

A recent National Academy of Medicine report suggests that between 35% and 54% of U.S. nurses and physicians have symptoms of burnout due to pandemic pressures. These burnout symptoms include:

• High emotional exhaustion
• High depersonalization (expressed in cynicism about the healthcare system or healthcare in general)
• A low sense of personal accomplishment from work

Even in more normal times, the American Nurses Association’s Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation project found that at least 69% of U.S. nurses said they agreed or strongly agreed that they put their patients’ health and safety before their own.

Given the added stressors of the pandemic — including abnormally high patient mortality rates, the lack of personal protective equipment, political decisiveness surrounding pandemic precautions, and polarized public responses to the vaccine rollout — nurses have clearly borne the brunt of the pandemic chaos.

In the wake of so much nursing burnout, hospitals and health systems have relied on travel nurses to pick up the slack. As a result of severe staffing shortages, healthcare organizations are paying steep rates for much-needed staff.

How to Become a Travel Nurse

After determining what a travel nurse is and what a travel nurse does, current and future nurses may want to know how to become a travel nurse.

The steps involved in becoming a travel nurse include:

• Earning an ASN or BSN degree
• Passing the NCLEX to become a registered nurse (RN)
• Gaining experience on the job
• Getting licensed
• Signing with a travel nurse staffing agency

Earn a Nursing Degree

Any nurse who has completed an associate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited nursing program is eligible to be a travel nurse. Several paths lead to meeting this education requirement:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree for entry-level RNs
• LPN to BSN bridge program for licensed practical or vocational nurses or licensed paramedics
• LPN to ASN degree for licensed practical nurses

Pass the NCLEX to Become a Registered Nurse

After graduating with an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing, the next step to becoming a travel nurse is passing the National Council Licensure Examination, also known as the NCLEX-RN exam.

Once they have passed the NCLEX exam and met the state board of nursing requirement, candidates will be eligible to become a registered nurse. From there, they need to start gaining enough experience in a nursing specialty to pursue opportunities as a travel nurse.

Gain Experience in a Specialty

Nursing professionals interested in travel nursing should look ahead and gain experience in the specialties they desire while still working full time as a regularly scheduled nurse so that they can work in specialized care environments as a travel nurse.

For example, a travel nurse with no experience working in a neonatal intensive care unit will not be competitive for NICU jobs. This is true for all specialties. 

Attain Licensure

To be a registered nurse, a professional must be licensed in the state where they work. The Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) allows RNs to hold a single nursing license valid in several states.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing keeps track of the states that have implemented the NLC. For professionals who live in a state that participates in the NLC, additional licensing may not be required to work as a travel nurse. However, travel nurses seeking to work outside of the NLC will need to get an additional license in the state(s) they seek to work in. 

Work With a Travel Nursing Agency

The last step to becoming a travel nurse involves signing with a travel nursing agency.

The benefits offered by each staffing agency will vary, along with the alliances they may have with specific hospital or healthcare networks, specific geographic areas, or even specific nursing specializations.

Travel Nurse Salary and Job Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the nursing profession to grow at a rate of 16% between 2014 and 2024. Due to the current nursing shortage, the job outlook for travel nursing is even greater. The BLS predicts a 19% growth for travel nurse jobs by 2022.

Skilled RNs will have opportunities to fill open positions in travel nursing. The BLS predicts a 9% increase in the employment of RNs from 2020 to 2030 due to the aging general population of the United States and a large number of older nurses retiring in the workforce. According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), 55% of today’s nursing workforce is 50 years or older. That means there will likely be even greater need for travel nurses in the future as older nurses retire.

See the Country as a Skilled Travel Nurse

Traveling to provide patient services opens doors for travel nurses. They work for independent staffing companies that recruit RNs to fill positions throughout the United States and abroad. A lucrative career awaits nurses who are willing to take the leap, leave their traditional nursing jobs, and work in high-need areas across the country.

The ongoing shortage of nurses makes it challenging for hospitals and clinics to maintain their staffing needs. Travel nurses can help with persistent staffing issues, and they can also fill in temporary gaps when nurses go on leave. Travel nurses don’t always need to work in different states ; s ome serve at local understaffed hospitals.

For current and aspiring nurses with a desire for new experiences, an interest in meeting new people and visiting new areas, and a drive to develop an understanding of healthcare in other communities, becoming a travel nurse can be an exciting career move.

Learn more about opportunities for nursing pre-professionals with St. Catherine University’s accredited nursing degree program . Through comprehensive nursing instruction, St. Kate’s equips students with the technical skills to succeed on the job. 

Sources: American Traveler , “Travel Nurse Salary” AP News, “US Hospitals Hit With Nurse Staffing Crisis Amid COVID” CNN , “ Traumatized and Tired, Nurses Are Quitting Due to the Pandemic” Forbes, “What It's Like to Be a Travel Nurse During a Pandemic” Professional Association for Nurse Travelers , “History” Travel Nurse Across America, “New Grad Nursing & How to Start Travel Nursing” Travel Nurse Across America, “ Travel Nursing Basics: Agencies, Requirements & More” TravelNursing.com, “Which Travel Nursing Specialties Are in Demand?” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2020 - Registered Nurses The Wall Street Journal , “High Pay for Covid-19 Nurses Leads to Shortages at Some Hospitals” 

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Travel Nurse Career

What is a travel nurse.

Travel nursing is the practice of registered nurses (RNs) traveling to and from different healthcare facilities like hospitals or clinics on assignment, filling short-term nursing employment gaps on a temporary basis. Usually assignments come based on staffing issues at a hospital or clinic, and a recruiter will help gauge staffing needs to help make assignments. And where do travel nurses work? Nurses can travel within the U.S. or internationally, just depending on the need and the job.

Travel nurses may get assignments to go help in disease ridden areas, or get assigned to go fill gaps that are large due to nursing shortages around the United States. Nursing involves long hours and hard work, and this is also true for travel nurses. But travel nursing gives you a unique opportunity to work while visiting cities, states, or even countries you never would have gotten to visit otherwise.

RESPONSIBILITIES

What does a travel nurse do.

Travel nurses perform the same tasks and duties as a registered nurse, for the most part. Some may learn unique specialties, practices, or skills during their travels based on the needs where they are working. For example, nurses working in mosquito heavy areas may learn specific skills for treating mosquito-borne illnesses. Others may be working in an area with a swine flu outbreak and learn how to treat those patients. Others may work in an area with a large elderly population, and will learn more skills on treating older patients. As a traveling nurse, you never know what kind of patients and medical situations you may face in your assignment.

EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES

How do i become a travel nurse.

Traveling nurses will usually need to have at least one year of experience working as an RN. While you can become an RN without a degree, more and more nursing positions are requiring bachelor’s degrees, especially for traveling positions. WGU’s online programs allow current RNs to pursue their bachelor’s or master’s degree while working. This degree can set you apart from the competition, and help you land your dream travel nurse position. Similarly, WGU offers licensure for RNs along with a bachelor’s degree in some states.

Additionally, you will also have to reach out to travel nurse agencies like  American Traveler  or  Aya Healthcare  to begin working as a travel nurse. There are many reputable options, and it's important to research ones near you to ensure you're picking a high quality company.

Best Degrees for a Travel Nurse

Nursing (Prelicensure) – B.S.

A one-of-a-kind nursing program that prepares you to be an RN and a...

A one-of-a-kind nursing program that prepares you to be an RN and a baccalaureate-prepared nurse:

• Locations:  Due to in-person clinical requirements, students must be full time residents of FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, NE, NV, NM, NC, OH, OK, SC, TN, TX, UT to enroll in this program. The coursework in this program is offered online, but there are in-person requirements.
• Tuition:  $6,430 per 6-month term for the first 4 terms of pre-nursing coursework and $8,755 per 6-month term for the remaining 4 terms of clinical nursing coursework.
• Time:  This program has a set pace and an expected completion time of 4 years. Certain coursework may be accelerated to finish faster.
• WGU offers the prelicensure program in areas where we have partnerships with healthcare employers to provide practice sites and clinical coaches to help teach you and inspire you on your path to becoming a nurse.
• If you don't live in one of our prelicensure states or don't qualify to apply, consider getting our  Bachelor's in Health and Human Services  instead. This degree allows you to work inside the healthcare industry, while also working directly with patients who need help.

Nursing (RN-to-BSN Online) – B.S.

An online BSN degree program for registered nurses (RNs) seeking the added...

An online BSN degree program for registered nurses (RNs) seeking the added theoretical depth, employability, and respect that a bachelor's degree brings:

• Time: 77% of graduates finish within 24 months.
• Tuition:  $4,685 per 6-month term.
• Courses : 23 total courses in this program.
• Transfers: Students can transfer up to 90 credits.

With over 35,000 BSN alumni, this is one of WGU's most popular online degree programs. View our RN to BSN degree guide.  If you are an RN ready to earn your BSN, this program will help you accelerate to earn your degree.

If you don't currently have an RN and don't qualify for your nursing prelicensure program, consider getting our Bachelor's in Health and Human Services  instead. This degree allows you to work inside the healthcare industry in a unique way.

Nursing – Leadership & Management (RN-to-MSN) – M.S.

This program for RNs includes a BSN component and is a substantial leap...

This program for RNs includes a BSN component and is a substantial leap toward becoming a nurse leader.

• Time: 75% of RN-to-MSN grads finish within 42 months.
• Tuition:  $4,685 per 6-month term during undergraduate portion and $4,795 per 6-month term during graduate portion.
• Courses : 32 total courses in this program.

Some careers and jobs this degree will prepare you for:

• Director of Nursing
• Chief Nursing Officer
• Quality Director
• Clinical Nurse Leader
• Project Manager

If you're driven to lead, this online nursing degree will provide you everything needed to make that career a reality. This program is ideal for current RNs who are interested in earning both their BSn and MSN in an accelerated program.

Compare degrees

This program is not the only degree WGU offers designed to create leaders in the field of healthcare. Compare our health leadership degrees.

Nursing – Leadership & Management (BSN-to-MSN) – M.S.

For registered nurses with a bachelor's degree who are ready for...

For registered nurses with a bachelor's degree who are ready for additional career opportunities.

• Time: 68% of grads finish within 24 months.
• Tuition: $4,795 per 6-month term.
• Courses : 15 total courses in this program.

This program is ideal for current RNs who have a BSN and are ready for the next step in their education.

Sample careers and jobs this degree program will prepare you for:

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of medical and health services managers to grow 17% by 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Nursing Leadership and Management – Post-Master's Certificate

A certificate for registered nurses with a master's degree in nursing who...

A certificate for registered nurses with a master's degree in nursing who are ready for greater responsibility in a leadership and management role.

• Time: 12 months.
• Tuition:  $4,795 per 6-month term. The cost to sit for the NAHQ Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) exam is included in tuition.
• Courses : 8 total courses in this program.

How Much Does a Travel Nurse Make?

According to the  Bureau of Labor Statistics , the average RN salary is $81,220 per year. But a travel nurse salary is likely to be more than this, due to their high demand. It’s best to look at a  travel nurse salary per state  to help you calculate exactly what you can expect your travel nurse salary to be, based on your assignment, the hospital or nursing clinic, and more. According to Ziprecruiter, the average salary of a travel nurse is $105,021 per year .

What Is the Projected Job Growth?

From 2022 to 2032,  employment for registered nurses is expected to grow 6% . Travel nursing is expected to rise as part of that outlook as well. Travel nurses have the ability to relocate to regions in great need of nurses, allowing the projected job growth to rise for this industry.

What Skills Does a Travel Nurse Need?

All travel nurses will need to have current licensure and nursing skills in order to get a job. But travel nurses also need other skills to help them succeed. Those skills include:

• Emotional intelligence. Travel nurses have to be able to give bad news to people, and help them cope.
• Critical thinking. Nurses of all kinds deal with complex problems and need to find solutions.
• Flexibility. Travel nurses especially need to be flexible to work different hours, move to new places quickly, and more.
• Adaptability. Travel nurses are in new hospitals and clinics all the time. They must be able to adapt to their new circumstances quickly and effectively.
• Strong communication skills. Travel nurses need to be able to communicate well to patients, and to be able to ask questions when needed.
• Love of traveling. It may seem like a no brainer, but traveling nurses will be traveling a lot! So a love of travel and a sense of adventure is a must.

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No need to wait for spring or fall semester. It's back-to-school time at WGU year-round. Get started by talking to an Enrollment Counselor today, and you'll be on your way to realizing your dream of a bachelor's or master's degree—sooner than you might think!

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Interested in Becoming a Travel Nurse?

Learn more about degree programs that can prepare you for this meaningful career.

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