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The Best Traveling Nurse Services to Work for in 2024

The travel nursing agencies we recommend for your next short-term post

Traveling nurses often find working in different parts of the country, or even the world, exhilarating and fulfilling. Many agencies focus on matching registered nurses (RNs) with short-term working opportunities in a variety of healthcare specialties and settings across the United States and internationally. Healthcare facilities in the U.S. rely on travel nurses to meet the demand for nurses, which is expected to soar by 275,000 between 2020 and 2030.

"Being able to explore other healthcare systems and connect with other providers can help give a travel nurse new experiences and perspectives," says Rachel Norton , BSN, RN, a clinician support manager at Vivian Health , a national travel nurse hiring marketplace.  We reviewed more than 20 agencies and studied hundreds of reviews to create this list of the best travel nursing agencies. We considered factors such as company quality, customer service scores, company reputation, wage ranges, housing options, and benefits.

  • Best Overall: Triage Staffing
  • Best for Sick Pay: Aya Healthcare
  • Best for Education: Travel Nurse Across America
  • Best Customer Service: Axis Medical Staffing
  • Best Track Record: FlexCare Medical Staffing
  • Best Newcomer: Advantis Medical
  • Best for Benefits: RN Network
  • Best Recruiters: Host Healthcare
  • Best for Recent Graduates: Fusion Medical Staff
  • Best Job Board: TotalMed
  • Our Top Picks

Triage Staffing

Aya Healthcare

Travel Nurse Across America

Axis Medical Staffing

FlexCare Medical Staffing

Advantis Medical

Host Healthcare

  • Fusion Medical Staff
  • See More (7)

Final Verdict

  • Compare Providers
  • Guide to Choosing

Best Overall : Triage Staffing

  • Pay: Hourly wage paid weekly, overtime, bonuses, per diem
  • Housing: Tax-free stipend or company-secured housing for 13 weeks
  • Benefits: Health coverage, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, 401(k) with company match, vacation, education reimbursement
  • Contracts nationwide: Yes

Triage Staffing tops our list because it provides a higher hourly wage and more frequent bonuses than its competitors. Additionally, the agency offers extensive perks, like tuition reimbursement and 401(k) on the first day.

Contracts available in all 50 states

Insurance available on first day

Paid by direct deposit each week

Dedicated support team available 24/7

Reports of poor weekend support for billing issues

Must have 2 years experience for most positions

Triage Staffing , founded in 2006, is considered by industry professionals as one of the most well-rounded travel nurse agencies among the companies listed here and in general. The company was recognized in 2023 by Inc. Magazine and Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA).

The company, which currently has about 1,500 employees, is based in Omaha, Nebraska, and has an impressive rating on Glassdoor .

Triage Staffing specializes in helping nurses and healthcare professionals find 13-week assignments across the U.S. The company strives for transparency and "to build relationships deeper than simple business transactions." Those who are hired are paid weekly (based on an hourly wage) via direct deposit.

The benefits package includes a wage, overtime, bonuses, per diems, and a housing stipend. Triage will also help its travel nurses find housing, if that's their preference. Health insurance is provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield, and those hired get dental insurance, vacation time, and a 401(k) plan.

Best for Sick Pay : Aya Healthcare

  • Pay: Hourly wage, overtime, bonuses, per diem, stipends when called off
  • Housing: Tax-free stipend or company-secured housing
  • Benefits: Health, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance; 401(k) with company match; sick pay; wellness and fitness programs; employee assistance programs; tuition reimbursement; loan forgiveness options

Of the many benefits Aya Healthcare offers, one makes it stand out from other agencies: providing sick pay should you become ill during an assignment. You can rest assured knowing if you get sick, Aya will support you through recovery.

Benefits include sick pay (after 90 days)

Offers local and nationwide travel assignments

Requires only 1 year of experience

Insurance coverage for you and your dependents from day 1

Complaints about communication during recruitment

Large agency size might be challenging

401k eligibility begins after 4 consecutive months of work or 1 year after hiring

Aya Healthcare is one of the most talked-about travel nursing agencies around, literally. A 2017 independent study analyzed the frequency of top travel nursing companies mentioned by users on social media sites. The study concluded Aya Healthcare is the most frequently referenced in user comments.

Aya Healthcare is also one of the only travel nursing agencies that have sick pay, which begins accruing on the first day of an assignment. Nurses can earn one hour for every 30 hours worked, but it can't be used until after at least 90 days after their start date.

In addition to its rare sick pay policy, the company boasts comprehensive benefits. Travel nurses working for Aya Healthcare can start contributing to a company-matched 401k plan after four consecutive months of work for the agency, or one year after their hiring date. It also promises to cover or reimburse nurses for the cost of licensure and help them navigate and expedite the process in the states where they are assigned. Aya Healthcare offers discounts, wellness, and nutrition plans in addition to its medical, vision, and dental benefits, which are available to nurses (and their spouses and children) from their first day with the company.

Aya Healthcare has a strong online presence, including a blog and active social media accounts on nearly every contemporary platform. Its website proudly displays several company awards and accolades, including the Joint Commission's Golden Seal of Approval. The agency has placed thousands of travel nurses and allied workers nationwide and offers a program for  travel nursing from Canada .

Best for Education : Travel Nurse Across America

  • Pay: Hourly wage paid weekly, overtime, bonuses, per diem (guaranteed)
  • Benefits: Health, dental, and vision coverage; liability insurance; 401(k) with company match; sick pay; travel reimbursement; free continuing education; mental health resources; employee assistance program; chaplain assistance program

Travel Nurse Across America (TNAA) offers comprehensive benefits; however, its continuing education programs are what really sets the agency apart. Thanks to a partnership with Aspen University, the agency helps you earn your BSN with tuition reimbursement upon completion.

RN to BSN tuition reimbursement

RN specialty exam/recertification reimbursements

Insurance coverage available on first day

Offers free mental health resources

Per diem guarantee

Unable to see pay rates on the site

Large agency size might feel less supportive

Travel Nurse Across America (TNAA) had the highest average score when analyzing the top 10 travel nurse agency lists across several well-known sites.

Founded in 1999 in North Little Rock, Arkansas, this company was present on three "Top 10" lists in 2019, a notable feat that speaks to its history of satisfaction. According to BluePipes, TNAA was among the top 10 travel nursing agencies, one of the biggest (in terms of company size) on its 2022 list.  

TNAA uses a full-team approach to assist travelers, with specialty staff equipped to handle a variety of needs, including housing experts and clinical leadership, This agency also offers a wide array of benefits, such as low census pay, tuition reimbursement, and paid licensure fees prior to travel. Overtime is included in the payment for any extra hours worked and in every state, paid sick leave starts to accrue from day one.

TNAA also partnered with Aspen University, so individuals can get their Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 12 months. Upon completion, TNAA will even reimburse tuition expenses. It also offers reimbursements for recertification fees to certain eligible nurses.

Best Customer Service : Axis Medical Staffing

  • Benefits: Health, dental, and vision coverage; 401(k) with company match; state license reimbursement; transportation stipends; continuing education

With around-the-clock support 365 days a year, Axis Medical Staffing has one of the best customer service reputations in the industry. It offers a wide array of benefits, including healthcare coverage and company-matched 401(k) plans.

Dedicated support team available 24/7/365

Wide variety of specialty contracts

Offers company matching 401(k) with immediate vesting

Can submit questions to real travel nurses

Provides quick email responses

Pays for housing and assists in securing it

Not transparent about pay rates

Doesn't include paid sick leave in benefits

User reviews for Axis remain the highest on this list. Formed in Seattle, Washington, in 2004, Axis provides several coveted benefits, including payment of paid personalized housing options (with pet deposit costs covered by the agency), as well as immediate vesting in its company-matched 401(k) plan.

This agency regularly features a new  Traveler of the Month nurse on its blog. Additionally, the Axis website has a page dedicated to Ask an Axis Travel Nurse , which features an easy submission form where a nurse can answer all your questions.

This encouraging way of connecting can provide novice or even seasoned travelers with a trusted source in the form of a nursing peer who has traveled with this specific agency several times, instead of hosting an impersonal message board. Axis also offers a live chat feature that's easily accessible on the homepage. These features earned Axis the top spot on BluePipes Best Travel Nursing Companies list in 2022.

Axis promises reimbursements and benefits similar to other companies, but it is not immediately clear from the company's website whether it offers paid sick leave.

Best Track Record : FlexCare Medical Staffing

  • Benefits: Health coverage, dental and vision coverage, 401(k) with company match, state license reimbursement, transportation stipends, meals and incidentals stipend, rental car, travel reimbursement, continuing education, license reimbursement

Boasting more than 50 industry awards, including BluePipes’s 2022 Best Travel Nursing Companies list, FlexCare Medical Staffing has a track record of exceeding expectations and fulfilling its promises to traveling nurses.

Award-winning, highly reputable agency

Single point of contact for all your needs

Outstanding benefits

Features a referral program

Have to make an account to view wages

BluePipes refers to FlexCare Medical Staffing as the "most decorated travel nursing agency of all time," with more than 1,727 reviews reported. This agency obtained a gold finish on Travel Nursing Central’s 2019 list of top travel nursing companies and has consistently placed since 2014. FlexCare has also been on the Highway Hypodermics list since 2011.

FlexCare’s website touts its  Premier Traveler Access program, offering prospective travel nurses the opportunity to unlock and view pay ranges for a wide variety of open jobs, in addition to personalized alerts via text and email. This agency explains its mission to support travelers by providing a single recruiter who is able to meet every need (termed “S1NGLEPOINT” on the website) and help simplify the entire process.

This one point of contact can advocate for the traveler, assist in searching for jobs and housing, provide a transparent and competitive salary rate, as well as ensure timely payment.

Best Newcomer : Advantis Medical

  • Benefits: Health coverage, dental and vision coverage, 401(k) without company match, transportation stipends, partial license reimbursement

Advantis Medical has a nurse care team available to help you every step of the way—from setting up your profile and walking you through the onboarding process to helping you find your next assignment—making it an excellent choice for those just starting out.

Excellent reviews from its travel clinicians

Quick response times from trained care team

Has a great reputation in the industry

Site offers several communication methods

Site lacks information on benefits package

No company match for 401(k)

Founded in 2018 as a subsidiary of Advantis Global, Advantis Medical's user reviews are limited in number but are glowing regarding people's experiences with the company.

Advantis Medical recruits travel nurses and places them in top institutions across the United States. The agency offers client connections with hospitals, outpatient clinics, same-day ambulatory surgical centers, as well as skilled nursing facilities.

Advantis Medical’s specialization opportunities include placements in divisions like medical-surgical (M/S), emergency department (ED), intensive care unit (ICU), labor & delivery (L&D), and more. Its benefits include highly competitive compensation packages, direct deposit available from day one, assistance with housing options, health insurance (medical, dental, vision), and a 401(k) option.

The agency also has payment incentives for referrals. To make the process as seamless as possible, Advantis Medical has a one-minute application form which could not be any easier, especially for a traveling nurse who is always on the go.

Best for Benefits : RN Network

  • Benefits: Health, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance; employee assistance program; Sanvello membership; Talkspace membership; Teladoc access; credentialing assistance; continuing education; traditional and Roth 401(k); travel reimbursement; loyalty program

RN Network provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes day-one health insurance and 401(k) options, plus additional perks like access to virtual therapy and medical care.

24/7 clinical support

Transparent about pay rate

Provides access to virtual therapy and medical care

Weekly pay via direct deposit

Completion, extension, and referral bonuses

No paid time off

Complaints of lower-paying contracts

Founded in 1998, RN Network has over two decades of experience in the travel nursing industry. Its experience shows in the company's user reviews, many of which highlight its great communication, support, and benefits.

The agency provides an impressive benefits package that includes day-one health insurance with a zero-premium option, as well as a 401(k) with company match, both traditional and Roth options. RN Network also offers access to Talkspace, Teladoc, and Sanvello's mental health app—ensuring its healthcare professionals have the mental health resources they need while on assignment.

Available contracts and pay rates are transparent on their user-friendly website, which can be a rarity in the industry. The company hires RNs, LPNs/LVNs, PCTs, and surgical techs for a variety of specialties throughout the country. Only one year of clinical experience is required, and the company offers a comprehensive onboarding program to help simplify the transition.

Best Recruiters : Host Healthcare

  • Pay: Hourly wage paid weekly, plus overtime, bonuses, per diem, COVID quarantine pay
  • Benefits: Health, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance; 401(k) with company match; travel reimbursement

Host Healthcare recruiters are some of the best in the business, according to clinician reviews. With exceptional customer service , the company strives to make the job hunt and placement process as smooth as possible for its candidates.

Excellent customer service

Straightforward job hunt and placement process

Offers a variety of housing options, including pet-friendly

24/7 support via multiple channels

COVID-19 quarantine pay available

Can’t view facility or pay without an account

Site lacks information on reimbursement offers

Founded in 2012, Host Healthcare is a travel healthcare staffing agency that works with some of the nation's top facilities. The company has earned multiple awards over the years, including being named one of the Top Travel Nursing Companies by BluePipes.

What sets Host Healthcare apart from other agencies are its recruiters, who are consistently praised by clinicians for their exceptional customer service. In reviews, nurses rave about their recruiters being responsive, receptive, and thorough in their onboarding and placement processes. The company also offers a variety of housing options, including pet-friendly ones, to ensure you have a comfortable place to call home while on assignment.

In addition to its comprehensive benefits package, which includes health insurance, dental, and vision coverage, Host Healthcare also offers a 401(k) with company match and COVID-19 quarantine pay. If your facility quarantines you due to possible COVID-19 exposure, the company will compensate you for the duration of your time off work.

One drawback is that the company requires users to sign up for an account before viewing facilities and estimated weekly pay . However, it hires across multiple specialties and licensure types, including nursing professionals, therapy professionals, and other allied health professionals.

Best for Recent Graduates : Fusion Medical Staff

  • Pay: Hourly wage paid weekly, plus overtime, per diem, and bonuses
  • Benefits: Health coverage, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, 401(k) with company match, short-term disability, travel and transportation per diem

Fusion Medical offers competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and transparent information about opportunities, and welcomes new graduates to sign up.

Transparent information for each job posting

Nationwide network

Attentive recruiters

Competitive pay and benefits

Open to new graduates

Per diem reimbursements may be less convenient for expenses like travel

Past complaints from LGBTQIA employees

Fusion Medical Staffing urges applicants to "choose your own adventure." With thousands of travel nursing positions across the U.S. available on its website, Fusion will definitely give you a lot to choose from.

Founded in 2009 in Omaha, Nebraska, Fusion doubled its size by 2016. The company racked up awards from Inc., People, and Staffing Industry Analysts for being among the best places to work and is rated 4.7 out of 5 on Indeed.com .

Assignments through Fusion Medical typically run 13 to 26 weeks and are available across a broad spectrum of nursing specialties. We particularly like how transparent the pay, terms, and benefits for each opportunity are on Fusion's website.

But what really makes the company stand out is its recruitment. Fusion offers 24/7 support and many of its travel nurses rave about their attentive recruiters. Fusion has a new graduate traveling medical job program recruiting nurses who have just finished training. Most travel nursing agencies require at least two years of experience, so Fusion may be a great choice if you're about to finish school and eager to see the country or aren't sure of where you want to call home yet.

Of note: Some LGBTQIA+ travelers and employees have complained of inclusivity issues and unsupportive leadership. In 2021, the company published a blog post about forming an oversight group dedicated to LGBTQIA+ inclusivity and support and alluded to its efforts to "grow" and "learn."

Best Job Board : TotalMed

  • Pay: Hourly wage paid weekly, plus overtime, bonuses, and guaranteed hours
  • Housing: Company-provided housing or stipend
  • Benefits: Health insurance, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, 401(k) with company match, short-term disability up to 12 weeks plus up to 60% of monthly earnings

TotalMed is one of the biggest agencies in the business and has the job board to match. The company is known for making it easy for travel nurses to quickly find a new post in any state.

Large, well-connected agency with huge job board

Solid day-one benefits

Flexible housing options

Pay guaranteed

Generous short-term disability policy

Some nurses complain of long onboarding process

Pay is competitive, but perhaps not the highest of any agency

Focus on placing nurses in areas of urgent need

Few travel nursing agencies have a job board as full as TotalMed 's. The company leverages its wide network of partner hospital systems to offer nurses a plethora of assignments to choose from.

TotalMed prides itself on placing nurses and other medical workers in new postings quickly and prioritizes assigning workers to places urgently in need of additional staff. It offers a standard array of benefits, plus a pay guarantee and a generous short-term disability policy that covers up to 12 weeks of injury or illness with up to 60% of your pay.

Some travel nurses have complained of a protracted onboarding process, but once the initial paperwork is out of the way, most seem very happy with the company's efficiency and the quality of its recruiters. Its pay may not always be the highest of any agency, but travel nurses working with TotalMed still enjoy the benefit of payment guarantees and the confidence that a new job will almost always be available, and fast. TotalMed also goes a long way to smooth out the transition process by organizing and covering the cost of any licensing and certifications its travel nurses may need, as well as offering reimbursement for pesky costs like new scrubs.

Even though some agencies on our list require account registration to access pay rates, each one offers competitive benefits and wages. Triage Staffing is our choice for best overall travel nursing agency because of its positive reviews, superior customer service, and competitive wages. Day one 401(k) and tuition reimbursement are just a few ways it provides long-term support for travelers. 

Compare the Best Travel Nursing Agencies

Guide to choosing the best travel nursing agencies.

Travel nursing agencies are  staffing agencies  that place registered nurses and healthcare professionals in hospitals and clinics with short-term staffing needs. They often send individuals to national or international locations where there are nursing shortages.

Here are a few tips for choosing the best travel nursing agency to meet your needs.

Is a Travel Nursing Agency Right for You?

There are many advantages to working with a travel nursing agency in addition to the obvious benefit of being able to travel and explore new places. Some of the other advantages of working with a travel nursing agency include:

  • Competitive pay: Travel nursing agencies offer competitive pay rates that are often higher than what you would make as a staff nurse and recruiters can help you find lucrative positions.
  • Benefits : Health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits are typically included in a travel nursing agency's compensation package.
  • Housing: Travel nursing agencies often provide housing or help nurses find housing in their assignment location.
  • Specialty assignments based on nursing field: Agencies can help place you in an assignment that matches your specialty, interests, and skills . Some facilities accept travelers into new specialties or a float pool that covers multiple units, as long as they have prior travel nursing experience. This is an added bonus for those who wish to explore new areas of nursing.
  • Flexibility: Agencies offer a variety of assignment lengths and locations, so you can choose an assignment that fits your lifestyle.
  • Perks and discounts : Free or reduced-cost continuing education courses, travel expenses, gym memberships, completion bonuses, and other perks are often available through travel nursing agencies.

How to Choose a Travel Nurse Agency

Consider the following when choosing a travel nursing agency:

  • Average pay rates: Pay rate varies by agency, location, and assignment. Travel nurses often work with multiple agencies at the same time to find the best assignments and pay rates.
  • Benefits package: Make sure the agency's benefits are comprehensive and meet your needs. Benefits may include health coverage , dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, 401K, vacation time, and education reimbursement.
  • Housing options: Determine if the agency provides housing or assists with finding housing. Some nurses prefer to find their own housing, while others prefer the convenience of having the agency secure housing for them.
  • Reputation: Check out online reviews and ratings to get an idea of the agency's reputation. Talking to other travel nurses who have worked with the agency is also a good way to get first-hand information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which travel nurses are most in demand.

Staffing agencies report that demand is high for critical care and medical-surgical nurses. Emergency room staff and labor and delivery staff are also in great demand.

Do Travel Nursing Agencies Pay for Housing?

Your agency will either have housing available for you or will reimburse you for your housing expenses. If you choose to secure your own housing, most agencies will give you a stipend to help offset the cost of rent and utilities. Talk with your agency recruiter about your housing options and what will work best for you.

How Long Are Travel Nursing Assignments?

Some travel nursing opportunities can be as short as eight weeks, while others can last for up to six months at a time. There are often options and offers to extend assignments, too.

What Experience Do You Need to Be Recruited by a Travel Nursing Agency?

Most agencies require new travelers to have recent experience as a nurse—meaning you can't become a travel nurse right out of nursing school. A year or two of experience is commonly required. A qualified nurse may also need more experience to work in the intensive care unit (ICU) or another specialty area.

Can Travel Nurses Choose Where They Work?

Yes, and that's generally a benefit of the job. Some agencies work to assign candidates throughout the United States, while others place travel nurses internationally. Before deciding to work with an agency, it makes sense to find out where they place travel nurses if you have a specific placement location in mind.

Methodology

We reviewed more than 20 agencies and studied hundreds of reviews from travel nurses around the country to identify the best travel nursing agencies. We then analyzed company quality and customer service scores across multiple sources to determine which companies are most reputable. Wages, housing options, and benefits were also a top priority. We reviewed the range of assignments, as well as the quantity and quality of each agency's listings in all 50 states.

VERYWELL Health / Design by Amelia Manley

U.S. Department of Labor. U.S. Department of Labor announces $80M funding opportunity to help train, expand, diversify nursing workforce, address shortage of nurses .

Healthcare Research & Analytics. Social listening: Evaluation of travel nurse companies: Analysis of travel nurse sentiment towards travel nurse companies .

BluePipes. Best Travel Nursing Companies 2022 .

travel nursing in usa

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 Nurse

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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  • 10 Pros and Cons of Becoming a Travel Nurse
  • 5 Specializations For Nurses Who Enjoy Travel
  • Tips on Maintaining a Healthy Diet as a Traveling Nurse
  • See all Nursing Articles

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9 Best Travel Nurse Companies of 2023

Are you ready to try travel nursing? Working with a travel nurse staffing agency can make it easier to find travel nursing jobs and to negotiate pay rates and benefits. An agency gives you a point of contact who can help you navigate job listings and compensation packages.

The sooner you find the right company, the faster you can start traveling.

Click here for today’s top travel nursing opportunities.

How To Find The Right Travel Nursing Company

When looking for the best travel nursing company to suit your needs, you first have to know what your needs are.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself when considering travel nursing companies:

  • Are you going to need health insurance?
  • How important is it that you contribute to your retirement?
  • Do you prefer to find your own housing or do you want your company to find it for you?
  • Where do you want to travel?
  • How do you plan on getting there?
  • Do you plan on working per diem as well?
  • What kind of healthcare facilities are you hoping to work in?

What to Look for in Travel Nursing Agencies

When looking into travel nurse agencies you should first make sure that they provide the basics: free housing or a housing stipend, health and dental insurance, a retirement plan, travel reimbursement, 24-hour customer support, and a variety and abundance of travel nursing jobs all over the country.

Here are a few tips from my experience about the basics:

Travel Nurse Housing:

Do you want your agency to find housing for you, or do you want to take the housing stipend and search for housing yourself?

I personally found it much easier to have my agency set up my housing for me. This way I knew it was safe, furnished, close to where I was working, and paid for. If there were any problems, all I had to do was call my company and it would be handled.

Many people choose to find their own housing and take the housing stipend instead. There are pros and cons to this choice:

Pros To Choosing Housing Stipends

  • Your housing stipend depends on the city you live in, but oftentimes, it is more than the rent you end up paying. This is a good way to make some extra tax-free cash.
  • You can find exactly the type of housing you’re looking for at the price you’re willing to pay. You can rent just a room for yourself and pocket a lot of cash. Or rent an entire house if you’re bringing your family or pets along. If you’re traveling with fellow coworkers, you can find a bigger house to share that fits everyone.
  • You can choose where you live. Maybe you’re going to Seattle and you’d rather live downtown and commute to work than vs. living next to the hospital in the suburbs.
  • There are several websites and groups now to help you find housing
  • Once you’ve done it once, you understand how to find housing and can repeat the process in the next location.

Cons To Choosing Housing Stipends

  • It can be difficult to find short-term furnished housing.
  • Many landlords require a deposit, so you have to front that money before you get your first paycheck.
  • If you end up extending your contract, it’s not guaranteed that your landlord hasn’t rented out the place to someone else.
  • If you have never been to that city before, it can also be tough to determine whether a neighborhood is safe or not.

Another thing to keep in mind, if you are traveling with a pet, it may make it difficult to find your own housing. Oftentimes, travel nurse agencies have housing already contracted that accepts pets.

There are pros and cons to using your a travel nurse agency’s contracted housing vs. finding your own housing. It just depends on how much time and effort you can put into the search and if you’re hoping to pocket any extra housing stipend cash.

Benefits for Travel Nurses:

  • The majority of travel nurse companies offer health and dental insurance.
  • Now that the Affordable Care Act is in place, it might be wise to research whether or not it would be more cost-effective for you to go with your agency’s healthcare plan or purchase one of your own through healthcare.org. The benefit of going through healthcare.org is that if you do plan on switching travel nurse agencies, you won’t have to change your insurance.
  • Some smaller travel nurse companies will give you a healthcare stipend if you don’t take their health insurance so you can purchase your own.
  • As far as retirement plans go, I decided to open up my own Roth IRA and not contribute to the 401K because I didn’t know how long I was going to be traveling.  With some companies you can contribute to your 401K from day 1 and with others you have to wait as long as 1 year.

Travel Nurse Reimbursements

When talking with your potential travel nurse agency, make sure you ask them what the reimbursement is for travel. “Travel” cost is considered the amount of money it takes you to get from your “tax home” to your travel assignment or from one assignment to the next. Often times this can be negotiated if there is a high need in one state that happens to be across the country.

I have found that the average reimbursement is $500.

They will pay you half on your first paycheck and the other half when you complete your assignment. You have the option of either driving or flying to your next destination. I personally drove to each of my assignments; I couldn’t imagine trying to fit all my belongings into suitcases and I love road trips.

Important Pay and Benefits Questions to Ask

Not all benefits or pay packages are created equal. It is important to find an agency that offers benefits, housing, and pay packages that are specific to your needs.

1. What destinations does your agency serve?

The whole point of travel nursing is to travel…right? So it is important to find a company that serves the city or cities you want to travel to. Some agencies claim they have contracts nationwide, however, that may not be the case.

If you know of a specific hospital that you would like to travel to because it looks good on your resume or a specific city you want to explore, then make sure your potential agency has a contract at that location. This is especially important if you want to travel to places such as Hawaii and Alaska.

Match with a travel company here.

2. How are your pay packages broken down?

Does the company tend to pay a higher base rate with lower non-taxable reimbursements or a lower base rate with higher non-taxable reimbursements?

Having a higher base rate may serve you better if you plan on taking company housing, plan on buying a house, or getting a loan in the near future. If you are someone who likes to find their own housing, then a higher housing stipend may be the way to go with a lower base rate.

3. What types of housing do you provide?

Most agencies offer a one-bedroom furnished apartment for your typical 13-week contract. This typically does not include dishes, linen, a washer and dryer, a T.V., or even a vacuum. If you don’t like lugging your belongings around with you all over the country or paying out of pocket to rent this stuff, then it may be wise to either ask if the agency provides any of these necessities at no cost or find your own housing.

If your contract is only eight weeks, then you could get stuck in an extended-stay hotel. I personally like to have nice housing, so I wanted a company that focused on providing comfortable and safe housing options. If you like to find your own housing then this may not apply to you.

4. What type of benefits do you offer?

Most agencies offer medical/dental benefits and a retirement package. If these benefits are important to you, then finding a company with good benefits is essential.

If you like to live on the edge with no health benefits and you brush and floss your teeth like a champ, then maybe you don’t care about benefits. If this is the case then you can ask the company if they are willing to pay you a higher base rate for not taking their benefits.

As far as retirement packages go, I found it easier to do my own Roth IRA on the side. This way, if I switched companies I didn’t have to worry about moving my money all over the place.

Click here to discover new high paying opportunities.

5. What types of extra work-related costs do you reimburse for?

Travel nurse companies can reimburse you for the following:

  • Licensing fees
  • CEU (Continuing Education) requirements
  • Certifications
  • Required immunizations

Some travel nurse agencies have a CEU database that is free for their employees. This helps cut costs in those states that require a certain number to maintain or acquire a new license.

These extra costs add up over time so it’s nice to know your agency is looking out for your pocketbook.

6. What are your missed and canceled shift policies?

A missed shift means you called in sick, and a canceled shift means they canceled you for low census. For the most part, the hospital determines how the travel nurse agency handles this, and it will be written in your contract.

This is important because in the travel nurse world if you don’t work, you don’t get paid. And in some cases, you may have to reimburse your agency for housing costs.

There may be a clause written in your contract that allows you to “miss” a certain amount of shifts without being penalized. There will also be a clause that states how many shifts the hospital can cancel you. Usually, it’s once a pay period, and your agency shouldn’t require you to reimburse them for housing costs.

There are even some agencies that offer 100% guaranteed shifts meaning no matter what you will not get canceled.

Find travel assignments in your specialty here.

Other Questions To Ask a Travel Nurse Agency:

  • What is the travel reimbursement?
  • How much will health insurance cost me?
  • If I don’t take health insurance, do I get a healthcare stipend?
  • When can I start contributing to my 401K?
  • Are there bonuses for extending assignments?
  • How often do I get paid?
  • Does the company also contract per diem work?
  • Do they offer paid time off?
  • Are there any referral bonuses available?

9 Best Travel Nursing Agencies

Here is a list and highlights of a few travel nursing companies to consider.

All of these companies offer the basics such as housing, benefits, travel reimbursement, staffing in all 50 states, and 24-hour customer support.

Click here to find the right company for you!

Find the Best Travel Nurse Agency for You

There are a number of travel nursing companies to choose from.

Finding the best travel nursing company that fits your needs and a recruiter that has your best interests in mind are absolutely essential for an enjoyable travel nursing experience.

The right staffing agency for you is out there, now is the time to find them!

  Click here for today’s top travel nursing opportunities.

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Join the many nurses already traveling.

Don't miss out on your adventure..

Travel Nursing from Canada!

Your international travel nursing ticket to the usa.

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Want to join fellow Canadian nurses working in the USA?

Travel nursing from Canada to the US is easier than you might think. At Aya Healthcare, we handle the paperwork so you can focus on what you do best: taking care of patients. We’ll take care of everything else.

And we mean EVERYTHING! We don’t think coming to the USA should cost you a lot of time or money. That’s why we offer this concierge service to make things as easy as possible.

Become a Canadian Nurse Working in the USA

International travel nursing can be intimidating. That’s why we walk you through each step of the process.

What’s the timeline for travel nursing from Canada? The short answer is around six months (with Aya). That’s around half the time it would take you to do it on your own or go through other Canadian travel nursing agencies. Our experts walk you through the process and review your paperwork for errors before you submit. We get you there faster by removing the barriers that slow your application.

As a Canadian nurse moving to the USA, here’s what you’ll need:

VisaScreen certification through CGFNS

CGFNS evaluates your education/credentials and verifies that you can work in the US by granting the VisaScreen certification. If you qualify for our licensure project (see right) we'll reimburse your $540 application fee once you start working. And more good news ... we can take care of the following requirements simultaneously. Again, the ENTIRE process should only take six months.

US State License

You’ve applied for VisaScreen certification. Great job! Now you need a US state license (we’ll pay for this too if you qualify). This can take anywhere from 4-12 weeks to be issued. Again, we can work on your license while you’re waiting for your VisaScreen certification.

Book a travel nursing job!

Now, you’re ready to go. Because you’re smart, you’re working with an experienced Canadian travel nursing agency. As we say in the US, “this isn’t our first rodeo.” We have deep relationships with facilities across the country. We know which healthcare facilities will book you with some of the paperwork pending.

Border crossing documentation

Congrats! You got a job and it’s time to join your fellow Canadian travel nurses in the USA! We’ll walk you through what you need to bring. Gather that documentation and cross the border within 10 days of your contract start date. Request TN Status (AKA the TN Visa for Canadian nurses) at the border. Again, we’ll help with this!

Apply for a US Social Security Number

Once you’re in the US, it’s time to apply for your social security number. This number allows you to work in any state. You should get your social security card in the mail in 4-8 weeks. This won’t affect your timeline. You can work at certain facilities while waiting for your social security card.

(Offices are currently closed due to COVID-19. This doesn't affect your ability to work.)

If any of this sounds complicated, don’t worry! We send you detailed instructions for each step of the process, track the status of your application and provide updates along the way. We have an expert licensing team dedicated to Canadian nurses. They can answer questions and provide guidance. Contact them anytime!

Start Travel Nursing in the US Today!

Here’s what it takes to qualify for Aya’s licensing project:

  • RN degree from a Canadian nursing program
  • At least 2 years of experience in your specialty
  • Proof you passed the NCLEX

If you don't fit these criteria, don't be discouraged. Get in touch with us, we're still happy to help any way we can.

Meet travel nurses in the USA

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Aya Healthcare is the preferred supplier at multiple facilities in North Carolina, New York, Minnesota, Washington and Texas. We can get you licensed quickly in those states. While you’re working your first contract (which will likely last 13 weeks or longer) we’ll help you get licensed in any state of your choosing!

We have a deep understanding of the units we staff and of fluctuations in census across the country. Essentially, we know when facilities will need RNs. We can book you assignments months in advance and ensure the units you choose are a good fit for your skill set and personality. These career planning services are just part of the package you get with Aya Healthcare.

Aya is your travel insurance policy.

International travel nursing opens the door to many wonderful experiences, but anytime you travel you may encounter bumps in the road. Things happen. When they do, we’ll be there.

We have 9,000+ open RN assignments across the country. (If you ever have an assignment cancelled, we’ll find you another #JobSecurity!) If you miss your flight and get stranded at the airport, if you have a clinical issue on the job, if you’re sick and can’t make a shift … never fear. We’ll be here. 24/7. We’ll send you an emergency contact number so you can reach us at all hours of the day or night.

Don’t want to go it alone? No problem. Bring a friend (or friends). If you ever get lonely as a Canadian nurse working in the USA, refer someone! With our smooth, easy process for getting you ready to work stateside, feel free to entice as many Canadian RNs as you’d like to join you on your journey.

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Frequently Asked Questions

If you skipped the top of this page you may not know, so we’ll say it again … absolutely! Apply now and we’ll help get you started.

Pretty easy if you stick with us. We’ll walk you through the process and make sure everything goes smoothly. We have an expert team who’ve helped hundreds of Canadian nurses working in the USA. They can help you too.

In general, you’ll make more as a travel nurse in the United States than as a permanent nurse in Canada. Pay depends on where you go: states and specialties pay differently. Your recruiter (we’ll assign you one when you apply) can help you maximize your pay!

Good question! That’s up to you. You can either choose housing that we provide or take a housing stipend and find a place on your own. If you prefer the stipend, our housing team can provide you with resources that should make your search easy and, dare we say, enjoyable?

We’d love to! We bet we’ve answered a lot of your questions higher up on this page. But, if you have a question that isn’t answered on this page or would just like to talk things through, contact us and we’ll be in touch.

Aya Healthcare will provide your TN letter if you book an assignment with us. Travel nursing in the US here you come!

We might be biased, but we think you’ve found us. 😊 Check out our reviews if you’re looking for external corroboration that we’re one of the best travel nursing agencies for Canadian nurses.

You’ll have an entire Aya support team to help with each step of your journey. Your recruiter is your first point of contact (he or she is your guru, your guide.) We’ll also assign you housing , payroll and licensing experts — plus a travel experience specialist to make sure you’re happy with everything, down to the tiniest details of your assignment.

There are many reasons Canadian nurses work in the USA. Some are looking to expand their clinical skill set by working in new facilities, others want to travel to new and exciting places and some are looking to make great money. Some want all the above! Whatever your reasons for international travel nursing, we’re more than happy to help.

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Finding the perfect place to live in a new city can be daunting, but TNAA is here to simplify the process. Our housing specialists are experts on the market, and they are here to offer you housing options – something you don’t get with every travel nurse agency.

Tax rules are complicated, but TNAA is there for you every step of the way. TNAA’s support team works closely with you to make travel nurse taxes easier to navigate, ensuring you receive the maximum legal tax benefit while staying in full compliance with IRS regulations.

Get real advice from real nurses. Our clinical services team of Registered Nurses is here to help you succeed, offering counseling and career advice anytime you need it.

Our Quality Assurance Specialists can help expedite the licensure process in certain states, helping you obtain licenses weeks or even months faster than doing it on your own. This is just one way that TNAA obsesses over the experience for our healthcare travelers.

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USA Travel Nursing for Canadians: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide

USA Travel Nursing for Canadians: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide

Are you a Canadian nurse feeling burnt out, facing denied vacation requests, and longing for more control over your career and life? If the answer is yes, you're in the right place! Travel nursing in the USA could be the transformative experience you're seeking, and as a Canadian nurse, you absolutely can make it happen.

Why Consider Travel Nursing in the USA?

I took the plunge into USA travel nursing, and it changed my life. My first 13-week contract brought in $80,000 USD gross – that's a whopping $104,000 CDN. It's not just about the money; it's a chance to explore a new healthcare system, work with state-of-the-art equipment, administer different medications, and meet new people. If you're ready for a change, this might be your opportunity.

A Guide Tailored for Canadian Nurses

While most information about USA travel nursing is geared towards Americans, this guide breaks down the process for Canadian nurses in actionable steps. From writing the NCLEX to getting your TN Visa, here's a concise roadmap to landing your first USA travel nursing contract. 

I’ve also included a free downloadable travel nursing checklist that you can use to make sure you’ve completed all the steps.

Woohoo! Let’s get into it already, shall we?

• Step 1: Write the NCLEX • Step 2: Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) • Step 3: Apply for a State License • Step 4: Get your American Heart Association (AHA) Certifications • Step 5: Find a Travel Nurse Agency to Sponsor You • Step 6: Fill Out Your Profile & Apply for Contracts • Step 7: Get a USA Bank Account • Step 8: Crossing the Border to Travel Nursing in the USA • Step 9: You Are a USA Travel Nurse • The Total Application Cost to be a USA Travel Nurse • Other Travel Nursing Resources • Free USA Travel Nurse Checklist 

Travel Nursing in the USA – Is Travel Nursing Worth It?

Each individual embarks on the journey of travel nursing with unique motivations. In my case, the allure lay in being compensated for exploring new destinations, immersing myself in local cultures, gaining fresh professional experiences, enhancing my nursing skills and resume, and bolstering my professional adaptability and confidence. These aspirations materialized into reality for me, and they can seamlessly become your reality too.

Undoubtedly, a significant, if not the primary, motivation for many is the financial gain. Crossing borders brings an automatic 30% raise, courtesy of the currency exchange rate – a fact that might strike you as pleasantly surprising! While monetary considerations are undeniably crucial, it's essential to recognize that travel nursing in the USA offers an enriching experience beyond just financial rewards. Working in a distinct healthcare system, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment, administering diverse medications, navigating a new metric system, and forming connections with new people are integral aspects of this remarkable journey.

CONGRATULATIONS on taking this next step in your career, a decision you likely won’t regret! You will probably ask yourself why you didn’t decide to do it earlier. Get ready for LOTS of paperwork (you know how we all love double charting….’cause it’s a lot like that), and stay patient during the process of your application. Trust me, the investment of time and effort during the application process will yield dividends in the form of a rewarding and fulfilling travel nursing experience.

How to Become a Travel Nurse – Canada to the USA

Step 1: write the nclex what is the nclex.

The NCLEX is a computer-adaptive board exam that every nurse must write and pass before being able to practice as a Registered Nurse in Canada and the United States. The NCLEX is the same exam in both countries, you only need to write it once.

Everyone that has graduated from a Nursing School in Canada from 2015 on has written the NCLEX. If this is you (amazing!), continue to the next step. If you have not written the NCLEX you must do so in order to gain nursing licensure to work in the USA.

Note: the NCLEX is changed to Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) in April 2023. Please make sure you do your research if you're writing after this date.

How to Write the NCLEX – For RN’s Already Licensed in Canada

I wrote my NCLEX the first year it came to Canada in 2015 so I had this done, but if you haven’t and you are already licensed as an RN in Canada you will need to write the NLCEX through a USA state board and not through the province you are currently working. You can, however, write the exam in Canada at a supported location for whichever State you choose to write for.

“But what State should I write through?” you might ask. Great question!

You can only apply to States that do not require a Social Security Number (SSN) to gain licensure (you can get one of these later). Why? As Canadians we do not have this, we have our own Social Insurance Number (SIN) which does not apply in the USA. The States that you can apply to gain licensure are as follows:

• Minnesota • West Virginia • Idaho • Washington • Texas • New York • Ohio • Montana • Colorado • Illinois • Connecticut

Go to any of the Board of Nursing websites for the abovementioned states to apply for Licensure Through Examination. You will fill out the online application and pay the required fee. Each State will be a little bit different in terms of fees and turn-around times.

Step 2: Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS)

Every RN wanting to work in the USA must be certified with CGFNS, they are the gatekeepers to ensure your credentials are up to par with USA-educated nurses. Please create a free account on the CGNFS website .

On the CGFNS website home page, click on “Select Service by Profession” and then find Registered Nurses. Create you free account.  

For those of you who haven’t written the NCLEX exam, you will need to choose and register for the CGFNS Certification Program and submit all necessary documents and pay the processing fee. Please note fees are in USD.

For those of you who have written the NCLEX you will need to choose and register for the VisaScreen: Visa Credentials Assessment and submit all required documents and pay the processing fee. Please note fees are in USD.

You will need to provide the following documents to CGFNS in order for them to assess your profile: 

• Secondary School (High School) Education (Unless it has been 10 or more years since graduation) • Licenses, registrations and diplomas from every jurisdiction you have worked • Evidence of passing the NCLEX • University transcript of your Nursing Degree • English proficiency exam (if the degree was not in English) • Passport-style photo • Pay the application fee

Processing times can be from 1-4 months, so make sure you get on this ASAP. I also just want to make a note here as I know many of you will be like, “OMG, the fee comes out to be about $700CDN!”. Don’t let that scare you because the travel agency you work with will 9/10 times pay you back for that once you are on contract. Make sure you ask your agency about this!

Step 3: Apply for a State License

If you have chosen the State through which you are writing your NCLEX through, this counts as part of your travel nursing licensure application for that State license. If this is you, skip to the next step.

If you have already written the NCLEX in Canada after graduating, you will need to choose a State to apply for a License by Endorsement for your travel nursing license. There will also be a fee associated with the application that must be done at the time of application.

Above I mentioned which States you can apply for without a SSN. Again, the only States you can start your USA travel nursing experience in are:

In my experience, Minnesota is the easiest state to gain licensure in, you don’t need a SSN, and it only takes about a week to get licensed once all of your documentation has been received.

Step 4: Get your American Heart Association (AHA) Certifications

Some travel nursing agencies will say that hospitals will accept your Canadian Heart & Stroke Certifications. Whatever you do, DO NOT listen to them! Please just get your AHA certifications, your life will be so much easier when applying for contracts. Since COVID, it is much easier to get your AHA certifications as a Canadian. You can do them online in the comfort of your own home as long as you have a way to do it via video. I recommend doing:

• BLS • ACLS • PALS • TNCC (if specialty requires)

Do these all at once, that way you have them and you’ll be ready for any contract. Since TNCC is done through ENA, it is recognized in both Canada and the USA.

I used AHA for the online theory version and I used Citywide CPR for the virtual skills portion. It was very simple. There are many third-party companies that are certified to provide AHA certifications, do your research, ask around, and everything will be great.

Step 5: Find a Travel Nurse Agency to Sponsor You

This part can be time-consuming but is a very important step. There are TONS of Travel Nurse Agencies out there, some better than others, so do your due diligence before settling with one. Choosing an agency and a recruiter that cares about your needs, wants, and career goals are so important. Another thing to remember to ask while you are on your deep dive researching agencies is to ask if they sponsor Canadians for a TN Visa . The TN Visa is what allows you to work in the USA legally. If they say no, move on.

The travel nurse company I use is American Mobile Network (AMN). I have completed two contracts and looking to do a third one soon. I have been very happy with my recruiter and company. If you would like to find out the name of my recruiter I am happy to do so. Fill out our contact form.

Step 6: Fill Out Your Profile & Apply for Contracts

At this point, you may have found a recruiter that you trust and like. Fill out the application/profile section on your chosen agency’s online platform. This will include where you want to work, the time frame you want to work, what kind of hospital you want to work at, how many hours a week you want to work (typically 36-48hrs), what shift you want to work (most times it will either be only days or only nights, no rotating schedule), etc.

Once your recruiter knows what kind of travel nursing opportunities you’re looking for, you can either apply for available jobs on your agency website or you can ask your recruiter to send you some jobs. Your recruiter will then “present you” to hospitals and the hospitals will tell your recruiter they want an interview. The interview is usually writing answers to typical nursing interview questions and then submitting them, or it could be a pre-recorded phone call where your answers are recorded.

Once you get the job your recruiter will send you an offer and contract to sign. Read it over, ask questions and negotiate. Your recruiter can help with all of this. Once you sign on the dotted line, you are contracted to this position.

How to Get Your TN Visa

Once you have signed your contract, your recruiter will have the paperwork done up and send your TN Visa letter to you in the mail. You need this before you cross the border. To make sure this is being done, just confirm with your recruiter that this will be sent priority mail.

Step 7: Get a USA Bank Account

Since you will be working in the USA you will be getting paid in USD. This means you need a US bank account. Yes, you can use your Canadian account but you will lose a lot of your money to conversion fees. I don’t want that for you.

Get a bank account that is based in the USA so you avoid getting charged conversion fees. You can get a US Bank Account with any of the major Canadian Banks. If you are with one of them, I would suggest sticking with the same bank. I use TD Bank and all I did was make an appointment with a TD representative and we opened an account that day. It’s called a TD Cross Border Bank Account. You will receive a bank card to your new US bank account in the mail that you can use in the United States.

Step 8: Crossing the Border to Travel Nursing in the USA

This is so exciting!! This means you landed your first contract and you are on your way!

Once you arrive at the Canada/USA border, let the Border Agent know that you need to apply for your TN Visa for your travel nurse contract in the USA. You will be asked to park and brought inside to sit down with a Border Services Agent to go over your documents. Make sure you have all of the required documents (See the checklist below) in order for your TN Visa to be processed. There is also a $56USD fee for this. Bring exact cash if you can, if not, they can process cards.

Once Border Services is done processing and is happy with everything, they will provide you with your TN Visa which is a small piece of paper stapled to the inside of your passport. It looks unofficial if you ask me! This Visa will be good for three years.

Step 9: You Are a USA Travel Nurse Congratulations!

You are now officially one of many Canadian nurses working in the USA! Now is the time to have fun, learn, and explore your new surroundings. I hope you have a blast. Best yet, you now have newfound freedom, you are getting paid your worth, you can have the time off you want, and you get to travel at the same time.

Other Travel Nursing Resources

Join facebook groups.

Some of the groups I joined to get real advice and real-time information were: • The Travel Nurse Guide • Travel Nurse Network – The Gypsy Nurse • The Travel Nurses Guide

Our PAX Carry-on Set is your new best friend for packing up your scrubs and some outfits for your first and many more nursing contracts.

Please  contact me know if you have any questions or information. I’d love to hear about your successes, failures, favourite places to work, and everything else in between in the comment section!

Travel Nurse Checklist

Join the PAX list

For new product releases and early access to sales and promotions.

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  • Travel Nursing and Allied Jobs

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Travel Nursing In The USA: What Is It, And What Are The Qualifications?

travel nursing in usa

If you dreamt about pursuing a career in travel nursing but are unaware of its eligibility criteria and qualifications, then you’ve come to the right place.

Out of all the RNs in the USA, only 14% are working as a travel nurse , which, while a small percentage, is still a big jump from pre-pandemic numbers.

This article guides you about what travel nursing is and the qualifications needed to become a travel nurse in the USA.

What is Travel Nursing?

In a nutshell, to be a travel nurse means taking your skills across the USA on 13-week assignments in a variety of cities, settings, and facilities.

You’ll be taking shifts, usually 12 hours long, in any type of hospital, tertiary care facilities, clinics, old age homes, and private hospice. Yes, you can travel and work in other places besides a traditional hospital.

How to Become a Travel Nurse in the USA?

Before pursuing a career in travel nursing, you’ve to acquire certain qualifications to meet its criteria. The qualifications required to work as a travel nurse are given below:

Obtain a Nursing Degree

I realize that may sound trite, but the fact is you first have to be a nurse to pursue this career path.

Many travel nursing agencies and even some facilities prefer candidates with a Bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), but in my experience, it’s generally not a big deal. As long as you have an RN license in good standing is the critical piece.

If you are an LPN/LVN, you’ll be more limited in the types of positions and may not be able to work in every state.

Pass the NCLEX Exam

The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is a nationwide examination for the licensing of nurses in the United States.

After you have completed your nursing program, the next step is to take and pass the NCLEX exam to obtain your RN license.

Get a Minimum of 1-2 Years of Experience

Most travel nursing agencies will want you to have at least one year of experience as an RN before you can start working with them.

Some agencies may require two years of experience, and a few don’t have any requirements at all. It really varies, so it’s best to ask when you’re applying for a position.

Get Some Specialty Training or Experience

While it’s not required, many travel nursing agencies prefer candidates who have experience in a specialty area like ICU, ER, OR, and L &D.

If you don’t have any specialty experience, that’s okay. You can still apply and get a job, but you may be more limited in the types of positions that are available to you. For some travel RNs, that’s no big deal, but for others, they will only work in their specialty areas and don’t want to float while on assignment.

Join a Travel Nursing Agency

Now that you know what qualifications are necessary to pursue a career in travel nursing, it’s time to join a travel nursing agency.

There are many agencies to choose from, so it’s best to do your research and find one that’s a good fit for you. Be sure to ask about pay rates, housing options, benefits, and anything else that is important to you. Not only that, but it’s also critical to make sure you get along and like your recruiter.

After all, they will likely be your lifeline and first-line resource for you while you’re on the road.

The Final Word

Becoming a travel nurse is a great way to see the USA, meet new people, and gain experience in different hospitals and specialties.

The qualifications required are not too difficult to obtain, but it’s important to pass the NCLEX exam and have at least one year of nursing experience. Joining a travel nursing agency is the best way to get started on your career as a travel nurse.

Take it from me, a multi-year travel RN.

To learn more about the travel nursing opportunity and cities across the country, visit Bestica Healthcare and start planning your next assignment today.

>>  www.BesticaHealthcare.com

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Travel nurses' gold rush is over. Now, some are joining other nurses in leaving the profession altogether.

Image: Travelling nurse at field hospital

Working as a travel nurse in the early days of the Covid pandemic was emotionally exhausting for Reese Brown — she was forced to leave her young daughter with her family as she moved from one gig to the next, and she watched too many of her intensive care patients die.

“It was a lot of loneliness,” Brown, 30, said. “I’m a single mom, I just wanted to have my daughter, her hugs, and see her face and not just through FaceTime.”

But the money was too good to say no. In July 2020, she had started earning $5,000 or more a week, almost triple her pre-pandemic pay. That was the year the money was so enticing that thousands of hospital staffers quit their jobs and hit the road as travel nurses as the pandemic raged. 

Image: Reese Brown

Two years later, the gold rush is over. Brown is home in Louisiana with her daughter and turning down work. The highest paid travel gigs she’s offered are $2,200 weekly, a rate that would have thrilled her pre-pandemic. But after two "traumatic" years of tending to Covid patients, she said, it doesn’t feel worth it.

“I think it’s disgusting because we went from being praised to literally, two years later, our rates dropped,” she said. “People are still sick, and people are still dying.”

The drop in pay doesn’t mean, however, that travel nurses are going to head back to staff jobs. The short-lived travel nurse boom was a temporary fix for a long-term decline in the profession that predates the pandemic. According to a report from McKinsey & Co., the United States may see a shortage of up to 450,000 registered nurses within three years barring aggressive action by health care providers and the government to recruit new people. Nurses are quitting, and hospitals are struggling to field enough staff to cover shifts. 

Nine nurses around the country, including Brown, told NBC News they are considering alternate career paths, studying for advanced degrees or exiting the profession altogether. 

“We’re burned out, tired nurses working for $2,200 a week,” Brown said. People are leaving the field, she said, “because there’s no point in staying in nursing if we’re expendable.”

$124.96 an hour

Travel nursing seems to have started as a profession, industry experts say, in the late 1970s in New Orleans, where hospitals needed to add temporary staff to care for sick tourists during Mardi Gras. In the 1980s and the 1990s, travel nurses were often covering for staff nurses who were on maternity leave, meaning that 13-week contracts become common. 

By 2000, over a hundred agencies provided travel contracts, a number that quadrupled by the end of the decade. It had become a lucrative business for the agencies, given the generous commissions that hospitals pay them.  A fee of 40 percent  on top of the nurse’s contracted salary is not unheard of, according to a spokesperson for the  American Health Care Association , which represents long-term care providers. 

Just before the pandemic, in January 2020, there were about 50,000 travel nurses in the U.S., or about 1.5 percent of the nation's registered nurses, according to Timothy Landhuis, vice president of research at Staffing Industry Analysts, an industry research firm. That pool doubled in size to at least 100,000 as Covid spread, and he says the actual number at the peak of the pandemic may have far exceeded that estimate.

By 2021, travel nurses were earning an average of $124.96 an hour, according to the research firm — three times the hourly rate of staff nurses, according to federal statistics. 

That year, according to the 2022 National Health Care Retention & RN Staffing Report from Nursing Solutions Inc., a nurse recruiting firm, the travel pay available to registered nurses contributed to 2.47% of them leaving hospital staff jobs.

But then, as the rate of deaths and hospitalizations from Covid waned, the demand for travel nurses fell hard, according to industry statistics, as did the pay.

Demand dropped 42 percent from January to July this year, according to Aya Healthcare, one of the largest staffing firms in the country. 

That doesn’t mean the travel nurses are going back to staff jobs.

Brown said she’s now thinking about leaving the nursing field altogether and has started her own business. Natalie Smith of Michigan, who became a travel nurse during the pandemic, says she intends to pursue an advanced degree in nursing but possibly outside of bedside nursing.

Pamela Esmond of northern Illinois, who also became a travel nurse during the pandemic, said she’ll keep working as a travel nurse, but only because she needs the money to retire by 65. She’s now 59. 

travel nursing in usa

“The reality is they don’t pay staff nurses enough, and if they would pay staff nurses enough, we wouldn’t have this problem,” she said. “I would love to go back to staff nursing, but on my staff job, I would never be able to retire.” 

The coronavirus exacerbated issues that were already driving health care workers out of their professions, Landhuis said. “A nursing shortage was on the horizon before the pandemic,” he said.

According to this year’s Nursing Solutions staffing report, nurses are exiting the bedside at “an alarming rate” because of rising patient ratios, and their own fatigue and burnout. The average hospital has turned over 100.5% of its workforce in the past five years, according to the report, and the annual turnover rate has now hit 25.9%, exceeding every previous survey. 

There are now more than 203,000 open registered nurse positions nationwide, more than twice the number just before the pandemic in January 2020, according to Aya Healthcare.

An obvious short-term solution would be to keep using travel nurses. Even with salaries falling, however, the cost of hiring them is punishing.

LaNelle Weems, executive director of Mississippi Hospital Association’s Center for Quality and Workforce, said hospitals can’t keep spending like they did during the peak of the pandemic.

“Hospitals cannot sustain paying these exorbitant labor costs,” Weems said. “One nuance that I want to make sure you understand is that  what a travel agency charges the hospitals  is not what is paid to the nurse.”

Ultimately, it’s the patients who will suffer from the shortage of nurses, whether they are staff or gig workers. 

“Each patient added to a hospital nurse’s workload is associated with a 7%-12% increase in hospital mortality,” said Linda Aiken, founding director of the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research.

Nurses across the country told NBC News that they chose the profession because they cared about patient safety and wanted to be at the bedside in the first line of care. 

“People say it’s burnout but it’s not,” Esmond said about why nurses are quitting. “It’s the moral injury of watching patients not being taken care of on a day-to-day basis. You just can’t take it anymore.”

Jean Lee is an associate reporter with NBC News’ Social Newsgathering team in Los Angeles. She previously reported for the NBC News consumer investigative unit.

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The majority of us travelers plan to do a road trip this summer: survey.

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Travel experts at The Vacationer released their 2024 summer travel survey results this week, giving an overview of what travelers can expect this summer season beginning on Memorial Day weekend.

The anonymous survey asked more than 1,000 American adults if and how they plan to travel this summer. Mathematics professor Eric Jones of Rowan College, South Jersey, analyzed the results.

According to the survey, nearly 82% of Americans plan to travel this summer, which could be more than 212 million adults throughout the season.

This number is down from summer 2023, with 3% fewer people intending to travel at least once this summer.

While nearly 52%, or 132 million Americans, said they would fly this summer, air travelers are down compared to last summer, when 54% intended to fly at least once.

According to The Points Guy, airline passengers could be in for another busy summer travel season in the U.S. and internationally. Experts also don’t expect fairs to drop significantly compared to last summer.

82% of Americans plan on traveling this summer.

The average domestic airfare for June will cost about $303, with round-trip routes trending lower for July and August, according to The Points Guy.

According to The Vacationer survey, the most popular method of travel is by road. Seventy-five percent of Americans intend to take at least one road trip this summer, most driving somewhere within 100 miles of their home. 

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Less than 21% will stick to a destination within 250 miles from home, and 5.8% will drive more than 1,000 miles from home. 

How much road trip travelers pay at the gas pump this summer remains to be seen. 

According to AAA, the increasing gas prices may be about to stall – at least for a little while. The national average for a gallon of gas is $3.67, about two months ahead of Memorial Day weekend, when the summer travel season begins. 

“The situation overseas with war in both the Middle East and Ukraine has the oil market on edge,” AAA Andrew Gross spokesperson said. “But this is also the time of year we may see a bit of a lull in gasoline demand between the end of spring breaks and ahead of Memorial Day. So the national average for gas may waffle a bit with small increases, some flat days, and even some price dips.”

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VP Harris to unveil nursing home rules in battleground state of Wisconsin

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travel nursing in usa

VP Kamala Harris returns for third time to Wisconsin in 2024

U pdate April 22, 12:25 p.m. , VP Kamala Harris talks with home care workers, highlighting the importance of their work and the final rules mandating minimum standards for nursing home staffing on Monday before arriving in La Crosse.

11:40 a.m. The Vice President was received in La Crosse, Wisconsin, by Attorney General Josh Kosh and Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski.

In the battleground state, she will talk to nursing home care employees about their work. Harris also will hold a campaign event focused on abortion rights.

Vice President Kamala Harris is making a return trip to the battleground state of Wisconsin.

She will travel to La Crosse on Monday.

Harris is expected to talk about the administration's efforts to fight for workers and improve health care.

In the latest Marquette University Law School poll , among both registered and likely voters, 51% supported Trump and 49% Biden, just some 200 days out from Election Day.

This will be the vice president's third trip to Wisconsin this year and her seventh since being sworn in.

READ MORE: VP Kamala Harris returns for third time to Wisconsin in 2024

CHECK OUT WISN: Get the top Milwaukee news weather and sports. With the day’s biggest stories and ones you may have missed, our Wisconsin news team has you covered.

VP Kamala Harris returns for third time to Wisconsin in 2024

IMAGES

  1. All You Need to Know about Travel Nursing

    travel nursing in usa

  2. Travel Nursing Career and Benefits

    travel nursing in usa

  3. What is Travel Nursing?

    travel nursing in usa

  4. What Travel Nurse Benefits Should You Be Receiving?

    travel nursing in usa

  5. How to Become an Occupational Health Travel Nurse

    travel nursing in usa

  6. Why Are Travel Nurses Valuable to Hospitals?

    travel nursing in usa

COMMENTS

  1. Travel Nursing Jobs

    The average salary for a Registered Nurse is $2,114 per week. Last updated on April 21, 2024. Based on 119,934 active jobs on Vivian.com in the last 7 days. Explore all travel Registered Nurse salary insights.

  2. Travel Nurse Across America: Travel Nurse Agency & Staffing Company

    TNAA is one of the top travel nursing agencies. Visit our site to find travel nurse jobs and allied health travel jobs. Travel Nursing Jobs - Travel Nurse Across America - TNAA.com

  3. Travel Nursing Agency

    As America's largest travel nursing agency, and a leading allied and locums agency, we make things simple. We provide you with the opportunities, resources, technology and support you need to grow your career. Traveling with Aya is as easy as 1-2-3. Register now and complete your profile.

  4. The Best Traveling Nurse Services to Work for in 2024

    Travel Nurse Across America (TNAA) had the highest average score when analyzing the top 10 travel nurse agency lists across several well-known sites. Founded in 1999 in North Little Rock, Arkansas, this company was present on three "Top 10" lists in 2019, a notable feat that speaks to its history of satisfaction.

  5. What is Travel Nursing?

    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.

  6. Travel Nursing Jobs

    Travel information is received the evening prior to your scheduled departure. Airfare is covered and, if driving to the assignment, reimbursement is available. Once notice is received, communication from our team is sent via email and text to ensure you are kept in the loop as soon as information becomes available.

  7. 9 Best Travel Nurse Companies of 2023

    They also offer tuition reimbursement for up to $12,000 as well as paid time off (PTO) after working 2,080 hours. Established in 2002, Trustaff has thousands of jobs nationwide for all specialties, nursing and allied. They also offer licensure reimbursement, benefits starting at $23/week, and 24/7 clinical support.

  8. Travel Nurse Jobs

    For any questions about travel nursing, explore our Q&A page or call us at (800) 884-8788 to speak with our knowledgeable recruiters. They are available to answer any questions you have regarding our travel nurse jobs. Whether you're gathering information or ready to start an assignment, we're here for you.

  9. Travel Nursing Agency

    American Traveler, a top-rated, Joint Commission certified travel nursing agency, offers travel nursing jobs at leading USA hospitals nationwide. be_ixf;ym_202404 d_22; ct_50 be_ixf; php_sdk; php_sdk_1.4.26

  10. Travel Nurse Agency with High Paying Jobs

    A travel nurse with American Mobile receives high compensation to explore the country while gaining critical nursing experience. You'll match with jobs that are a perfect fit for your career development, allow you to gain financial stability, and meet amazing people while traveling to new destinations.

  11. Travel Nurse Jobs, Employment

    37,068 Travel Nurse jobs available on Indeed.com. Apply to Registered Nurse, Registered Nurse - Medical / Surgical, Travel Nurse and more! Skip to main content. ... Travel Nurse Across America (820) PRN Healthcare (763) Jackson Nurse Professionals (733) Cross Country (721) GHR Healthcare, LLC PM Acute Team 5 (670)

  12. Travel Nursing Canada

    Brandon and Tyler, Travel RNs (NYC) Amber, Travel RN (Washington) Aya Healthcare is the preferred supplier at multiple facilities in North Carolina, New York, Minnesota, Washington and Texas. We can get you licensed quickly in those states. While you're working your first contract (which will likely last 13 weeks or longer) we'll help you ...

  13. 622,000+ Travel Nurse jobs in United States (113,602 new)

    Springfield, MA. Be an early applicant. 6 hours ago. Today's top 622,000+ Travel Nurse jobs in United States. Leverage your professional network, and get hired. New Travel Nurse jobs added daily.

  14. New Travel Nurses USA Jobs (Apply Today)

    New. Focus Staff 4.4. Fort Wayne, IN 46845. $1,953.82 - $2,013.63 a week. Contract + 1. Day shift + 2. Easily apply. Focus Staff is seeking a Med Surg Registered Nurse for a travel contract in Fort Wayne, IN. The ideal candidate will have at least 1 year of experience in a….

  15. 7 Things Canadian Nurses Must Know to Work in the U.S

    Glassdoor estimates the average Canadian RN salary to be about $63,000 USD per year. With an average U.S. travel nursing pay of $2,584 per week, you'd earn about $33,592 in a 13-week travel assignment. When you do the math, you can see the potential to make more than half your yearly Canadian wages just by completing one 13-week travel ...

  16. Full-Team Approach for Travel Nurses

    TNAA's support team works closely with you to make travel nurse taxes easier to navigate, ensuring you receive the maximum legal tax benefit while staying in full compliance with IRS regulations. Our Tax Compliance. "I have been an RN for 25+ years and a traveler for 15. No sense looking any farther than TNAA. It's the best with the best staff.

  17. The State of Travel Nursing in 2024 · The Gypsy Nurse

    According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual travel nurse salary in the United States is $105,021 or $50/hr as of May 2023. This is much higher than the national average for registered nurses, which is $77,600 per year or $37.31 per hour, according to the BLS. Travel Nursing Is Still A Viable Option For Nurses

  18. USA Travel Nursing for Canadians: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide

    Step 8: Crossing the Border to Travel Nursing in the USA. This is so exciting!! This means you landed your first contract and you are on your way! Once you arrive at the Canada/USA border, let the Border Agent know that you need to apply for your TN Visa for your travel nurse contract in the USA.

  19. International Travel Nursing To USA: A Guide For Foreign Nurses

    International Travel Nursing in the United States. In the United States, nursing practice is regulated by a State Board of Nursing in each respective state. For example, here is the website for the North Dakota Board of Nursing. To go to any state's website, simply click on this map on this page, then click "visit member website".

  20. Travel Nursing In The USA: What Is It, And What Are The Qualifications

    What is Travel Nursing? In a nutshell, to be a travel nurse means taking your skills across the USA on 13-week assignments in a variety of cities, settings, and facilities. You'll be taking shifts, usually 12 hours long, in any type of hospital, tertiary care facilities, clinics, old age homes, and private hospice.

  21. U.S. Travel Nursing Jobs for Canadian RNs

    See the opportunities for Canadian RNs and how you can get your U.S. travel nursing career started! AMN Passport Login. Call Us 800-282-0300. U.S. Travel Nursing Jobs For Canadian ... US Nursing License: Must be eligible for an RN license in the state of intended employment. Some states have a reciprocal arrangement with Canada, which means ...

  22. How to Become a Travel Nurse in Seven Steps

    Seven Steps to Become a Travel Nurse. If you are considering becoming a travel nurse, here are the seven steps you must follow. 1. Earn a BSN Degree. First, start by getting a degree in nursing. You'll need at least an associate's degree (ADN), or a more advanced degree such as a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN).

  23. Travel Certified Nursing Assistant Jobs

    The average salary for a CNA is $1,930 per week. Last updated on April 21, 2024. Based on 28 active jobs on Vivian.com in the last 7 days. Explore all travel CNA salary insights.

  24. Travel nurses' gold rush is over. Now, some are joining other nurses in

    Travel nursing seems to have started as a profession, industry experts say, in the late 1970s in New Orleans, where hospitals needed to add temporary staff to care for sick tourists during Mardi Gras.

  25. Travel Nurse Certifications To Consider (With FAQs)

    Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) CEN certification is recognized internationally and is vital for travel nurses working in the emergency department. It establishes your competence to work in high-stress environments, and your ability to provide high-quality care for patients experiencing trauma or other emergencies.

  26. The majority of US travelers plan to do a road trip this summer: survey

    Seventy-five percent of Americans intend to take at least one road trip this summer, most driving somewhere within 100 miles of their home. Less than 21% will stick to a destination within 250 ...

  27. VP Harris to unveil nursing home rules in battleground state of

    U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris will travel to the political battleground state of Wisconsin on Monday to announce two final rules aimed at improving access to long-term care and ensuring the ...

  28. VP Kamala Harris returns for third time to Wisconsin in 2024

    Update April 22, 12:25 p.m. , VP Kamala Harris talks with home care workers, highlighting the importance of their work and the final rules mandating minimum standards for nursing home staffing on ...