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Travel Nurse Jobs & Travel Nursing Assistant Jobs

If you're interested in working and venturing away from home, travel assignments are perfect for you travel and explore what the world has to offer, all while doing what you do best — providing quality care., travel contract jobs for nurses & nursing assistants.

Your opportunities with GrapeTree are endless! Along with per-diem shifts and local long-term assignments, our healthcare professionals have the opportunity to travel and explore new areas without giving up a regular income. Travel contracts are 8-13 weeks in length, offer opportunities to work outside a 50 mile radius of your home, and include travel + housing stipends. Mesh your career with new personal life experiences by becoming a travel CNA/STNA, LPN, or RN with GrapeTree!

You get the best of both worlds. Earn a competitive wage while exploring your surroundings in your down time.

Live in, make memories in, and explore a new area with every new travel assignment

Receive a weekly, non-taxed per diem, to assist with travel, meals, housing, incidentals, and other necessary expenses.

Guaranteed hours

Your schedule is set from the moment you are booked into a travel assignment with GrapeTree.

We currently offer travel opportunities throughout the states below – but we are still expanding! Check out all of the fun things to do in each of our states and pick your next home-away-from-home.

Make More With Travel Contracts

The weekly package range for travel assignments is a combination of hourly taxed rate and a weekly non-taxed per diem reimbursement to cover housing, meals, incidentals, and other necessary costs. Package amount is based on facility type, specialty, location, and certification of healthcare professional.

CN A s /STN A s

$1,200-$1,700 per week.

Must have 6 months of experience working as a CNA or STNA.

$1,600-$2,000 PER WEEK

Must have 1 year of experience working as an LPN.

$2,000-$2,700

Must have 1 year of experience working as an RN.

Your h ome address must be least 50 miles away from the facility to qualify for travel pay rates. Contracts are available as local assignments at a lower pay rate for those whose home address is less than 50 miles away from the facility address.

Get Certified in Other States

Only certified to work in your home state? No problem! While each state has their own process for becoming licensed, it is easy to get your license transferred. This process is called getting "reciprocity" or "endorsement." Our team has compiled a list of all our states' registries so that you can easily transfer your license. Give our team a call to learn more about getting reimbursed for gaining reciprocity in other states! Click the button below to get started.

The Perks of Travel A ssignments

Flexibility.

You have the flexibility to choose where you go and what assignments you take on.

Avoid Burnout

Experience higher job satisfaction working in a travel assignment by avoiding overtime.

Gain Knowledge

Explore what you love about nursing by working with more people in diverse settings.

Career Advancement

Strengthen your experience an build up your resume to show that you thrive in all environments.

What People Are Saying

I've been working and traveling with GrapeTree Medical Staffing for about five months now and have loved every minute of it! The communication is great, the pay is excellent and I love how flexible they are! If you are looking for a great company to work for I highly recommend GrapeTree!

Alissa | Travel CNA

Got questions we've got answers..

Book Your Dream A ssignment

Our team is waiting to hear from you! Learn more about our travel opportunities or book your dream assignment by giving us a call at (712) 336-0800 and select option 4.

Interested in More Information?

Short-Term Nursing Travel Assignments: Embracing Short-Term Growth and Flexibility

by Trusted Nurse Staffing | Apr 1, 2024 | News | 0 comments

Maybe you’re a registered nurse who is starting to feel bored working at the same hospital day after day. 

You love what you do, but you could really use a change of scenery.

Your lifestyle is pretty flexible. You enjoy traveling, and you have a desire to help wherever there is a need.

Or maybe you’re already a travel nurse who is used to 13-week contracts and would like to move around a little more often.

In either case, short-term travel nurse contracts could be perfect for you.

In this article, we will highlight why travel nurses are so critical, the significant benefits of taking short-term nursing assignments, and how you can start your travel nurse career today.

Table of Contents

Why short-term nursing assignments are available.

• 3 Reasons Why Hospitals Need Short-Term Travel Nurses for Rapid Response 

3 Big Benefits of Short-Term Nursing Assignments for Travel Nurses

• Possible Cons of Short-Term Travel RN Assignments 

Trusted Nurse Staffing Can Offer You Short-Term Travel Nurse Assignments 

Travel nurses are trained registered nurses sent to hospitals and facilities with short-term staffing needs. 

To qualify for short-term travel nursing assignments, you must:

• Hold a nursing degree and have passed the NCLEX exam.
• Generally have a minimum of 12 months of recent acute care experience in your specialty of choice.
• Provide references.
• Obtain necessary certifications.
• Obtain RN licensure in the state where you’ll work or use a multi-state license based on the Nurse Licensure Compact .

Travel nurse contracts are typically about 13 weeks long but may vary depending on the job and facility. 

Most recruiters consider short-term travel nurse contracts less than 13 weeks in length — generally, anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks.

Short-term travel nurse jobs may become available in the following circumstances:

• Seasonal staffing demands
• Short-term staffing gaps
• Facility-wide nursing strikes
• Disaster relief 
• Crises resulting in surge capacity 

Short-term travel nurses are used to supplement facility demands at a moment’s notice. They are essential in providing patient care and support in times of dire need. If you find this possibility exhilarating, short-term travel nursing may be the career path for you. 

To get started in this rewarding and lucrative career path, you’ll need a travel nurse staffing agency that you can trust. Trusted Nurse Staffing is leading the industry with great benefits, pay, and a new way to find short-term travel nursing assignments quickly. 

You can use Pronto to sort jobs by specialty, location, pay, shifts, and assignment link. With Pronto, we allow our travel nurses to customize their search as much as possible so that they can find their dream assignment. Begin your search for short-term travel nurse contracts on Pronto today.

Rapid Response Travel Nurse

A rapid response travel nurse is the most common type of travel nurse because they are typically needed the most during situations that exceed a facility’s surge capacity. These situations may be crises caused by mass casualty situations, disasters, or pandemics.

Rapid response nurses are usually:

• Able to start very quickly — typically within two days to two weeks.
• Good at working under pressure.
• Highly adaptable and able to adjust to new environments.
• Flexible in their assignment length.

As a rapid response travel nurse, you might be able to negotiate for a better contract since you are usually needed quickly and on short notice. You may also likely have greater flexibility in the assignment length.

Travel Nurses Working During Nurse Strikes

Strike nurse travel jobs are usually available to help fill regular hospital staff positions while they are off of work due to a labor dispute. While labor strikes are vital to driving change in the healthcare industry, facilities and patients still rely on nurses for treatment. 

Sometimes, strikes can leave a facility altogether void of nursing staff. For example, in January 2023, 7,000 nurses went on strike at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx and Mount Sinai in Manhattan. To supplement the staffing gap during the strike, travel nurses were called in to continue to render care and avoid delays in patient treatments.

As a strike nurse, you:

• Are probably needed very short-term, maybe a few days to a few weeks.
• May receive high pay since hospitals are in dire need of nursing staff.
• Might have a few weeks’ notice (hospitals usually know a few weeks in advance if their staff will be striking).

3 Reasons Why Hospitals Need Short-Term Travel Nurses for Rapid Response

Short-term nursing assignments for rapid response happen quickly and are often an unexpected need.

There are three common reasons that hospitals tend to need short-term travel nurses for rapid response situations:

• When hospitals update medical software
• For filling remote positions
• An increased need for staff due to a crisis, natural disaster, etc.

Reason #1: Electronic Medical Records Conversions

Electronic medical records ( EMR ) conversion is a complex process that involves migrating paper patient files and/or legacy EMRs whenever a facility adopts, updates, or switches software. 

This may sometimes require the facility to pull staff members from the floor to complete the necessary training, which may leave gaps in the schedule and require additional nurses. 

For example:

Nicole is an ICU nurse at a busy hospital. Every few months, she and her coworkers must undergo training to ensure they’re up-to-speed on how all of their medical software works. These different training sessions can last hours, sometimes even the length of an entire shift, depending on the type of training.

Instead of operating understaffed, rapid-response travel nurses can be utilized to adapt to scheduling and patient needs. This allows the facility to operate safely, remove excess burden on staff nurses, and provide high-quality patient care. 

Reason #2: Remote Positions 

Remote positions are considered hard to fill because they are not highly desired by nurses.

A remote position is a job at hospitals or clinics that are further away from “civilization,” like many travel nursing jobs in Montana .

These positions are often at facilities in secluded areas that are typically less busy, which may make be difficult for them to retain steady, full-time staff. 

Since there may be an expected turnover rate for these hard-to-fill positions, extra staff may be needed to supplement gaps caused by absenteeism, terminations, and resignations. 

As a short-term travel nurse, you can take on a remote position for a limited time and then be on your way to a new assignment in a matter of weeks — maybe another short-term assignment or a typical 13-week assignment.

Reason #3: Unexpected Fluctuation in Staffing or Patient Loads: 4 Crisis Scenarios 

Sometimes, hospitals experience an unexpected fluctuation in their staff or patients, which leads to an increased need for more nurses. These fluctuations may be the result of the following crisis scenarios:

• Natural disasters
• Man-made disasters

These situations may enact surge capacity protocols, often involving contingent workers like short-term travel nurses. Contingent staffing helps curb the consequences of these crises by:

• Supplementing nurse-to-patient ratios to reduce poor patient outcomes.
• Reducing the need for overtime in staff nurses.
• Supporting permanent staff to remove additional burdens and curb mental exhaustion, stress, and burnout.

Trusted Staff Nursing is on a mission to connect facilities with top talent at a moment’s notice. We also help travel nurses find in-need facilities quickly and efficiently. 

Don’t want to spend too much time sorting through countless short-term travel nursing assignments? You can set up notifications that alert you when a job with your requirements comes up. 

Scenario 1: Flu Season 

Flu season generally begins around October and is most active between December and February. In many locations, flu season can last into the spring as late as May.

The CDC estimates that although we are only in the 10th week of the 2024 flu season there have been an estimated 29 million cases, 320,000 hospitalizations, and 20,000 deaths. These numbers can easily overwhelm a facility already suffering from staffing gaps. 

Since the elderly are at greater risk for complications from the flu, states with higher populations of senior citizens — like Maine and Florida — may have a greater need for short-term travel nurses during flu season.

Scenario 2: Natural Disasters

Natural disasters can cause major injuries or illnesses that might cause an increase in patients at hospitals.

The following qualify as natural disasters:

• Earthquakes
• Landslides or mudslides
• Extreme heat
• Winter weather

In the event of a natural disaster, short-term travel nurses can help with:

• Blood drives
• Health education (CPR, first aid)
• Staffing hospitals
• Providing extra resources
• Alleviating the strain of other care facilities like nursing homes

Scenario 3: Man-Made Disasters

A man-made disaster results from hazards caused by people or groups. These disasters include:

• Civil disturbances
• Terrorism attacks
• Cyber-attacks
• Biological or chemical threats

During these disasters, short-term travel nurses help facilitate care, support staff nurses, and assist in the coordination and other logistics involved in disaster response plans. 

Scenario 4: Pandemics

A pandemic is a global illness that affects a large number of people, such as COVID-19. 

The flow of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic maxed out most facilities’ emergency departments and intensive care units. While the lack of staff and supplies initially impeded hospitals’ ability to evaluate and supply aid, travel nursing was an effective resolution to a potentially catastrophic problem. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of travel nurses doubled as hospitals across the country responded to increased numbers of critically ill patients in their facilities. This spike in demand was not without reward. The growing need for travel nursing resulted in massive salary hikes for travelers. 

Short-term nursing assignments might not be for everyone. 

Maybe you don’t do well being distanced from your friends and family for any length of time.

Maybe you require more time to adjust to a new facility. 

Maybe the continual job searching is stressful and not as stable as you’d like to be.

However, for those who are committed to short-term nursing travel assignments,  there are some pretty big benefits that come along with the job.

Benefit #1: Shorter Assignments and Flexibility 

If you like to travel and have flexibility in your schedule and your life, short-term travel nurse contracts might be right for you.

The short contract lengths allow you to work in a variety of hospitals and positions. You get to travel, immerse yourself in our country’s different cultures, and make new friends.

It’s a flexible job opportunity that lets you get a taste of new experiences and settings. Once your assignment ends, you can immediately find another short-term travel nursing contract or take a break. And if you decide that you’re not ready to leave, the professionals at Trusted Nurse Staffing can help you extend your contract. 

Benefit #2: Great Pay

As of March 2024, the nationwide average salary of travel nurses is $1,944 per week, which is 1.1 times higher than the national average of registered nurses ( $1,689  per week). 

Keep in mind how much you make as a short-term travel nurse may depend on the following:

• Specialization
• Facility needs
• Geographical location
• Year of experience 

The highest-paying states for travel nurses are:

• New York : $2,310 per week
• Pennsylvania : $2,115 per week
• New Hampshire : $2,068 per week
• New Jersey : $2,037 per week
• Wyoming : $2,015 per week
• Washington : $2,012 per week
• Wisconsin : $1,998 per week
• Massachusetts : $1,998 per week
• Alaska : $1,992 per week
• Oregon : $1,976 per week

Benefit #3: Travel More Often 

Short-term travel nurse jobs allow you to break from your normal environment and enter new landscapes full of new horizons, opportunities, and adventures. With so much to do and see, short-term travel nursing assignments allow you to quickly flit from place to place so that you can see it all. 

If you love to travel , why not get paid to do it?

Imagine spending two weeks working in New York, then traveling to Miami for six weeks before finishing up with a four-week assignment in rural West Virginia. In just three months’ time, you earned good money while enjoying the big city, the beach, and the mountains.

Pronto and Trusted Nurse Staffing make it easy to find the right job in the right location for you. Sign up with Pronto to get scrolling toward your next big break today. 

Possible Cons of Short-Term Travel Nurse Assignments 

While the benefits of short-term travel RN assignments are appealing, the job might not be for everyone.

Some cons to short-term travel nurse jobs include:

• Feelings of homesickness or loneliness.
• Less choices in contracts compared to longer term assignements.
• Navigating the logistics of travel (time changes, language barriers, travel stress).
• Always learning how to work with a team that already knows one another well.
• Consistently having to adapt to new environments, policies, and procedures.
• Potentially limited choices in housing. 

Working short-term travel nurse assignments can be a fun and rewarding job. You can travel, negotiate your contracts, make good money, and have some flexibility with work.

You’ll also have access to these amazing benefits and perks:

• Travel, housing, and meal stipends
• Referral and completion bonuses
• Dental, health, and vision benefits
• Sign-on bonuses

At Trusted Nurse Staffing, we want to help our travel nurses explore all of the possibilities for flexibility, growth, and opportunity. We encourage our nurses to continue to hone their potential, which is why we now support employees with a tax-free student loan reimbursement of up to $5,250 annually.

We hope that this allows our nurses to breathe easier and pursue further education without being burdened by their student loans. 

It is also important that our travel nursing allies can find assignments granting them job satisfaction and purpose in an industry that can sometimes be hard to navigate. We created Pronto to give travel nurses the power to find and choose the travel nursing assignments that would best suit their preferences, needs, hopes, and dreams. 

Empower your travel nursing experience with the help of Trusted Nurse Staffing and Pronto. Begin your search for short-term travel nursing assignments today. 

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Travel Nursing Jobs

Aya has the most travel nursing assignments in the country.

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Aya delivers:

• The most jobs in the industry. We have the largest and most reliable job database, which means the jobs you see are open, updated in real time and ready for you!
• Competitive advantage over other agencies. Front-of-the-line access through our direct facility relationships — many with quick (even same-day) offers, giving you the best chance of securing your ideal opportunity.
• Expedited licensing and streamlined compliance. An industry-leading on-time start rate and strong relationships with boards of nursing across the country to accelerate the process in all 50 states.
• Expert career guidance. A dedicated recruiter to help you achieve your dream career. Travel, per diem, permanent — we have the reach and access to get you the jobs you want, and the expertise to help you realize your long-term goals.
• A best-in-class support system and an exceptional experience. Enjoy accurate, weekly pay, and an entire team dedicated to your happiness on assignment, 24/7.

Plus, you get everything you expect from the largest healthcare staffing company in the industry:

• Exceptional benefits, including premium medical, dental, vision and life insurance beginning day one of your assignment. Want to take time off? Keep insurance coverage for up to 24 days between assignments.
• A generous 401(k) match.
• Paid company housing (we'll help you bring your pets along, too!) or a generous housing stipend.
• Paid sick time in accordance with all applicable state, federal, and local laws. Aya's general sick leave policy is that employees accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. However, to the extent any provisions of the statement above conflict with any applicable paid sick leave laws, the applicable paid sick leave laws are controlling.
• The industry's only clinical ladder program for RNs on assignment.
• Access to unlimited continuing education units online.
• Licensure, relocation and other reimbursements, when applicable.
• Pay listed above includes taxable wages and tax-free expense reimbursements.

For all employees and employee applicants, Aya is an Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") Employer, including Disability/Vets, and welcomes all to apply. Please click here for our EEO policy.

• Bi-weekly weekend travel home.
• A rental car and paid housing.

With Aya Locums you get:

• Access to top hospitals and healthcare systems in diverse care settings.
• Highly competitive, transparent locum tenens pay.
• Dedicated application and assignment support.
• In-house credentialing and licensing teams.
• Full coverage of licensing costs.
• Travel and lodging coverage.
• Easy timekeeping and streamlined management of documents.
• Malpractice coverage and risk management support.
• Premium medical, dental, vision and life insurance beginning day one of your assignment.
• Paid sick time. Aya provides paid sick leave in accordance with all applicable state, federal, and local laws. Aya's general sick leave policy is that employees accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. However, to the extent any provisions of the statement above conflict with any applicable paid sick leave laws, the applicable paid sick leave laws are controlling.
• Generous 401k match.
• Aya may provide other benefits where required by applicable law, including but not limited to reimbursements.
• Aya coordinates all travel and lodging accommodations.
• 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.
• Your safety is Aya's top priority. We work closely with the facility to ensure additional security measures are taken onsite so you can focus on what really matters: patient care.
• Licensure, relocation and other reimbursements.

Experience the Aya difference today

• A dedicated recruiter who advocates for you every step of the way.
• We'll ensure the hiring manager prioritizes your interest and schedules an interview quickly.
• A streamlined hiring process means offers are often presented within 24-48 hours after an interview with a hiring leader.
• Flexible start dates that work around your availability.
• We make it simple with one point of contact the entire time.
• University of Washington (UW) offers a wide range of benefits as part of your total compensation package. Choose from top medical and dental insurance programs; plan for your future with tax-deferred investing through the UW retirement options; enjoy generous vacation and sick leave policies; and protect yourself and your family with life and long-term disability insurance. For more information, follow the links shown below or explore the Benefits website at http://hr.uw.edu/benefits/

With Aya, you get:

• Higher compensation - we negotiate on your behalf.
• Work-life balance - contracts are up to 40 hours per week, with workdays ending mid-late afternoon and weekends off!
• An employee advocate - our team ensures you have the support needed to be successful in your role.
• Options post contract - extend, convert to a permanent employee or find a new job.
• Paid company housing (pets are welcome to tag along) or a generous housing stipend.
• If qualified, continued insurance coverage over the summer.
• A generous 401k match.
• A robust team to support you every step of the way.
• A credentialing specialist to streamline the entire compliance process.
• Freedom and flexibility around your current schedule.
• The easy-to-use Shifts app. Select shifts anytime, anywhere.
• Premium medical, dental, vision and life insurance.
• Front-of-the-line access to exclusive jobs at thousands of healthcare facilities nationwide.
• A robust team to support you every step of the way to ensure you start on time, have accurate payroll and an exceptional experience.
• Certification and other reimbursements, when applicable.

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The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Travel Nurse Assignment

• September 5, 2023

Travel nursing is one of the most rewarding nursing professions. It is characterized by working on short-term assignments in different locations. This could be from city to city and even country to country. 

This approach lets you do two things: you can combine work and travel, and you can also help in healthcare settings with staff shortages. 

As the travel nursing industry becomes necessary daily, nurses must understand how to work in this field effectively. 

Through this article, we want to provide better insights into finding the perfect travel nurse assignment. Let’s start!

Benefits of Travel Nursing Assignments

Are you attracted to travel nursing? Who wouldn’t?  Not only does it provide you with an opportunity in different places, but it also brings huge benefits. These benefits are both professionally and personally rewarding. 

Below, we dive into some of the advantages that come when choosing travel nursing assignments:

1. Financial Rewards

Did you know that travel nurses usually earn higher wages than permanent positions? If not, you need to learn more about becoming a travel nurse .

On top of the base salary, many assignments come with a few rewards:

• Sign-on bonuses
• Completion bonuses
• Referral bonuses
• Housing allowance 
• Travel expenses

All these are part of agencies that can boost your overall compensation package. 

2. Professional Development

If you’re looking for a nursing field to broaden your skills, travel nursing assignments are a fantastic way. Not only that, but you can also gain more clinical experience.

Since your job is to fill in for those with staff shortages primarily, you have to work in different clinical places. This is from teaching hospitals to rural community clinics. 

Having this kind of exposure also makes you quickly adapt. It is a continuous learning experience approaching professional growth. 

3. Flexibility Over Your Schedule

If not the most, the travel nursing field is relatively more flexible than the others. With your assignments, you can choose how long you want it to be. This is from 8 to 26 weeks. Of course, this is dependent on your agency contract and hiring facility. 

Plus, you can take extended breaks between your assignments. This field offers a work-life balance. It’s more achievable than traditional nursing jobs. 

4. Opportunity to Travel

Travel nursing is not travel nursing if it does not involve exploring different places. If you are on for an adventure, you can explore other parts of the world.

Your assignment lets you:

• Learn a new culture
• Explore popular attractions
• Make new friends

You can combine your passion for healthcare and adventure in one. 

5. Building a Diverse Network

Most importantly, prepare yourself and open your doors to networking opportunities. You’ll be working with doctors, therapists, and administrators that lead to lasting relationships. 

Not only that but you can:

• Advance your career
• Learn about job openings
• Get professional references

Travel nursing assignments offer a path that can be both fulfilling and rewarding. 

How to Become a Travel Nurse

Being a travel nurse means being able to adapt to new clinical environments. But before you start your career path, you need to know how exactly to have what it takes to be one. 

1. Educational Background

Here are a few ways to get a good educational background: 

Nursing Degree

To start, aspiring travel nurses must have either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Nursing License

After completing the degree, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) .

2. Gaining Experience

Clinical experience.

How to get this? You need at least one to two years of clinical experience in your specialty. This experience is really, really important. Travel nurses usually start working without an extended orientation. 

Specialization

Consider specializing in a particular area of nursing, such as:

• Critical care
• Emergency Nursing

These specializations can open doors to more travel nursing opportunities. Plus, it has potentially higher compensation.

3. Obtaining Licenses and Certifications

State licensing.

If you plan to work outside your residence, you may need to obtain additional nursing licenses for those states. The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) allows you to practice in multiple states with one license. All you have to do is check if your state is a member.

Additional Certifications

Depending on your specialty, you might consider obtaining certifications. 

• For ICU nurses – take the Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN)
• For pediatric nurses – consider Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) 

These not only boost your qualifications but can also give you more career opportunities.

4. Preparing a Resume and Portfolio

To achieve this, you need to emphasize a few things to stand out in your application. For example:

• Highlight your skills
• Flex your past experiences (past assignments, specialization, etc.)
• Prepare a list of professional references (supervisors, colleagues, etc.)
• Organize your licenses, certifications, and education credits

With all these, you’ll be well on your way to exploring new destinations while significantly impacting patients’ lives across the country.

Researching Travel Nurse Agencies

Looking for the perfect travel nurse assignment is also based on the agency you partner with. Agencies help you gain experience and find the right compensation to satisfy you in your role.

Are you feeling overwhelmed? We can guide you to streamline this process as you find the agency for you. 

Here are a few factors for you to consider:

1. Reputation

We advise you to look for an agency that’s been in the industry for years. This usually means they have a strong reputation, consistent service, and positive feedback. You need to check if it’s recognized by institutions and they have good nurse reviews.

2. Benefits Offered

Some agencies provide advantages better than others. 

• Some may provide a higher income
• Others have better health insurance
• Others give allowances for housing and travel

Consider the benefits most important to you and weigh agencies based on these offerings.

3. Support Systems

For every nurse in every field, there are unexpected situations that you might face. It might be housing issues or local regulations. You need an agency that strongly supports you. Make sure that both your professional and personal needs are met. 

Now that you know these factors, engaging with them is the best way to decide on your agency. Think of it as give and take: while assessing your fit for assignments, you see them as a partner.

Here are some questions you might want to ask: 

• How long have you been in the travel nursing industry?
• What’s the average assignment duration?
• How does your compensation package compare with industry standards?
• What kind of support do you provide nurses during assignments, especially in emergencies?
• Can I speak to one of the travel nurses who’ve worked with you for a reference?

By thoroughly researching and engaging with potential agencies, you’ll be well-equipped to find the perfect partner for your travel nursing journey.

Finding the Right Travel Nurse Assignment

Now that you’re set with the agency, it’s time to land that ideal assignment!

1. Maximize Your Agency Connections

We’ve mentioned earlier how to get a reputable agency because they can become your best ally. Aside from that, they can:

• Have wide access to nursing assignments
• Provide insights into every role
• Negotiate facilities on your behalf

2. Using Online Job Boards and Networks

There are several online job boards dedicated exclusively to travel nursing assignments. 

Beyond job boards, consider joining:

• Online forums
• Facebook groups
• Other social media platforms.

These communities can offer insights, reviews, and firsthand experiences from peers. It can improve your decision-making. 

3. Interviewing with Potential Facilities

Once you’ve narrowed down potential assignments, the interview process begins. This is not just a chance for the facility to evaluate you but also an opportunity for you to assess them. 

Prepare questions regarding:

• Patient ratios
• Available resources
• Onboarding processes
• Other concerns

The more you understand the facility’s environment and expectations, the better you can gauge if it’s the right fit for you.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Travel Nurse Assignment

Travel nursing is more than just a job. It’s an opportunity to expand your horizons, both in a professional and personal sense. Here are careful considerations when choosing an assignment. 

1. Location

Think about the climate, cultural experiences, and recreational activities available. In addition, check how far it is from your family and friends. This is so you can anticipate how often you need your support system or do frequent visits.

2. Facility Reputation

Research the facility’s patient care standards, reviews, and recent accolades or issues. Speaking to current or past employees can offer unfiltered insights.

3. Workload

Determine what the standard patient-to-nurse ratios are. If they align with your comfort and capability levels. A higher percentage offers more compensation but also a more hectic schedule.

4. Available Resources

Before considering what you need for your first day, look into the training and orientation processes. Find out about the availability of necessary equipment and the supportiveness of the management and staff.

5. Terms of the Assignment

While some assignments might be short-term (like 8 weeks), others can span several months. Ensure you’re comfortable with the duration, like the expected overtime or on-call duties.

6. Compensation Package

Research about the entire package, including:

• Stipends for housing
• Travel reimbursements
• Health benefits
• Retirement plans
• Potential bonuses

Always compare packages from different assignments to ensure you get a fair deal.

Tips for a Successful Travel Nurse Assignment

At this point, here are essential tips that can pave the way for a successful travel nurse assignment.

1. Building Strong Communication

From understanding the terms of your assignment to discussing any challenges you might face on the ground, it’s crucial to:

• Regularly check in with your agency with all your concerns or updates.
• Seek clarifications on the details of your assignment to prevent misunderstandings.
• Foster a good relationship at your assigned facility. Make sure you’re on the same page.

2. Be Open to New Experiences

Every new assignment is a new adventure. Embracing change can make the journey smoother:

• Stay curious, and be open to learning from the professionals you’ll meet.
• Embrace the local culture and community.

3. Networking with Other Travel Nurses

• Connect with fellow travel healthcare professionals in your area. They can offer insights, tips, and support that you really need.
• Engage in online communities and forums dedicated to this field. 
• Attend conferences or seminars to build your professional network.

4. Managing Work-Life Balance

• Allocate time for your hobbies or anything that makes you relaxed.
• Ensure you get enough rest.
• Maintain connections with family and friends back home.

5. Keeping Up with Continuing Education and Certifications

• Schedule regular periods for taking up online courses or attending workshops. 
• Track the expiration dates of your certifications and licenses so you can review them.
• Engage with nursing associations to be informed about the latest trends in the field.

Common Challenges Faced During Travel Nurse Assignments

Below are some common challenges encountered and insights into each.

1. Homesickness

This feeling is one of the most common challenges affecting you emotionally. To help you overcome this, maintain your connection with your loved ones to feel connected. 

2. Adjusting to a New Environment

You need to expect you won’t be too good at adjusting to different locations. Combatting this requires the willingness to learn and adapt.

3. Navigating Issues

Sometimes, some details in the contract are not according to your liking, and that’s normal. You have to clarify your terms and seek advice if any issues arise.

4. Unexpected Changes

There will be instances that things can happen in an instant. It could be a patient surge, an emergency, or schedule changes. Always maintain open communication with your agency for support during such times.

5. Work-Life Imbalance

Long shifts, being on-call, or even adjusting to night shifts can make it challenging to have a work-life balance. Make sure to find ways that can allow you to rest. 

Resources for Finding Travel Nurse Assignments

While your agency plays a significant role in assisting with placements, continuously finding opportunities can help you find positions that align with your wants. Here are some resources to guide you in getting your ideal travel nurse assignment.

General Information:

1. visittheusa.

Through this site, you can familiarize yourselves with your new assignment’s local culture and attractions.

2. City Search

This is a valuable tool for nurses wanting to explore their new locale.

3. National Weather Service

This service ensures you’re prepared, come rain or shine.

4. Total Nurses Network

A treasure trove of nursing experiences, tips, and advice from an experienced travel nursing agency.

Housing Information

1. homeaway.

A platform to find vacation rentals, ensuring a comfortable stay during your assignment. 

2. VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner)

Similar to HomeAway, VRBO offers many vacation rental options for nurses seeking a home away from home.

Offers both short-term and extended-stay options.

4. Furnished Finder

Specifically designed for travel nurses, this platform offers furnished housing options, taking away the hassle of moving and setting up in a new place.

5. Corporate Housing by Owner

These properties are often fully serviced, ensuring convenience.

Travel Information

1. for directions.

• Google Maps

2. Financial Information

• Travel Costs: Hopper, Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kiwi.
• Bill Management: PAYTRUST

Navigating a travel nursing assignment can feel overwhelming, but everything can be more manageable with these resources.

In every assignment, travel nurses get to touch lives, learn from diverse work cultures, and truly understand healthcare across places.

However, the cornerstone to making the most of this experience allows you to thrive. This is where the Total Nurses Network can play its role. With our commitment to your welfare, you can rely on us. We prioritize placing you in assignments that can make you thrive.

Let us help and guide you into your travel nursing journey that is nothing short of exceptional!

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Everything you need to know before accepting a travel nursing assignment.

Travel nurses and allied professionals go where the wind takes them. Or rather, where there is a shortage or immediate need for their skills. Travel nursing was created to address shortages of registered nurses in various parts of the country. There is always demand for qualified nurses anywhere you go, but there’s not always enough personnel to meet the demand. This is even more true in times of a medical crisis. 

Because travel nursing and allied pro assignments are run as-needed, the length of time and the kind of work you can expect to do as a travel nurse will vary from post to post. You might find yourself filling in for a nurse on parental leave for 6 months on one job. Then turn around and help an overloaded ER for a week on your next assignment. What you need to take with you and how you prepare for each job will change with each assignment. In this article, we’ll go over need-to-know information to help you prepare for your next adventure as a travel nurse.

How Does Travel Nursing Work?

Before we jump in, let’s talk about what it takes to be a travel nurse. The basic qualifications to become a travel nurse are the same as standard nursing. Travel nurses must hold an associates or bachelor’s degree in nursing, be certified in BLS and ACLS, and hold an LVN or RN certification. Here at Medely we also require a minimum of one to two years working in the specialty of the specific assignment. Find out more about being a travel nurse with Medely here . 

The most common length of travel nursing and allied pro assignments is around 13 weeks, although shifts can vary from 1 week to upwards of 26, depending on the need and your preferences. Many agencies, including Medely, allow travel nurses to search for assignments with specific time parameters. Getting travel assignments with Medely works essentially the same as any other job-hunting platform. Positions are posted by the facilities, allowing you to browse potential assignments. Urgent needs may be highlighted or promoted. Nurses and allied pros can apply for your ideal position with the click of a button, which will kick off an interview and approval process. Once the facility approves your application and you sign your contract, you’re off on your adventure!

But before you hop on a plane, there are a few things to get in order: 

• Housing – Staying in a hotel gets old fast. The good news is, there’s better options.
• Pet/Plant Sitting – Do you have plants or animals that will need care, either with you or while you’re away?
• License – Travel nurses have to be licensed in the state they are working in. Make sure your license and other credentials are up-to-date for the state your assignment is in.?
• Travel – How are you getting to your new assignment? Does your agency offer reimbursement? (Medely does)
• Expenses – What is the cost of living in the new city? How much does your agency cover? (again, Medely has you covered with the maximum tax-free stipends available for your assignment)

In the next section, we’ll talk more about specific needs and top tips to follow, no matter the length of your assignment. 

Nursing and Allied Pro Assignments by Length

1 week travel nursing assignment.

Shorter assignments, including week-long jobs, typically fall under the “rapid-response” category. This means nurses working these fast-turnaround positions will need to be ready to go in as little as two days. 

These assignments are easy to pack for but the planning and financial aspect can be rough. Last-minute plane tickets get expensive fast. However most agencies reimburse travel costs, especially for rapid-response assignments. 

Housing can also be a little tricky, but you might be able to get away with staying in a hotel for such a short duration. 

If you have children or pets that need to stay home, longer assignments might be a better fit for you. 

As with all short-term assignments, be prepared for a potential extension.

2 Week Travel Nursing Assignment

These assignments are rare. But if you’ve been bit by the travel bug and only have a small window of availability, you ask your agency to keep an eye out for these short assignments. 

As with 1 week assignments, you might need to be ready to move fast as facilities will typically need you to start right away. We recommend finding housing through a travel-nursing specific website, for a more affordable and more amenity-filled home away from home during your stay.

3 Week Travel Nursing Assignment

The biggest considerations as nursing assignments lengthen are housing-related. It’s easy enough to pack everything you need for short-term assignments, but you want to start thinking about practical concerns as your job extends. Look for affordable, comfortable housing with proximity to your place of work, laundry facilities, and grocery stores or restaurants. 

4-6 Week Travel Nursing Assignment

One month is the magic number for many nursing assignments. In fact, it’s the minimum length of assignment  Medely offers. Additionally, many travel nurse housing sites also have a four week minimum. 

Four week and longer assignments typically have time between application and orientation, giving you some breathing room when it comes to planning housing and travel. We recommend looking for locations you think you’ll enjoy when considering these longer assignments.

8+ Week Travel Nursing Assignment

Nurses on tour! Home and home-away-from-home begin to blend together when you’re working in a new location for this long. But they are often easier to budget and plan for and you can take your time in figuring out next steps. Longer assignments are often a good bet for travel nurses with families and animals.  The assignment length means you have the time to make the necessary arrangements for your loved ones. 

Last Thoughts: Travel Nurse Assignments

What you need for your next travel assignment will vary by length. There’s a world of difference between a 1-week stay and a 2 month job. But by planning and preparing ahead of time, you’ll be ready to go no matter what. 

Not sure what to pack? Medely has the answers. Check out our post: The Nomad’s Packing Guide for Travel Nurses .

How Does Travel Nursing Work? | Salary and FAQ

Travel nursing is a great way to advance your career and earn great pay while traveling the country. Plus, travel nursing can provide advantages to nurses who value flexibility in their careers and don’t want to be locked into one facility or specialty. Travel nursing can also help nurses who are looking for variety in the nursing profession to learn new skills and gain valuable experience.

And while providing excellent patient care is one part of the job that won’t change, there are some differences between being a travel nurse versus a staff nurse that you should be aware of before you make the switch.

Below you’ll learn the travel nurse basics as we answer 15 of the most frequently asked questions about travel nursing.

Discover available travel nursing assignments in the area of your choice!

Table of Contents

• How Does Travel Nursing Work?
• Who Can Become a Travel Nurse?
• What is The Salary Like as a Travel Nurse?
• How Long are Travel Nursing Assignments?
• Where Can Travel Nurses Go?
• Can I Take a Travel Assignment Close to My Home?
• Am I Eligible for Benefits Like Health Insurance and Vacation?
• Does the Staffing Agency Pay For My Living Expenses?
• Can I Travel With My Family and/or Pets?
• Can I Travel With Another Travel Nurse?
• Will I Get the Worst Assignments?
• If An Assignment is Cut Short Due to Low Census, Do I Get Full Pay?
• Is Travel Nursing Good for Career Advancement?
• How Long Will There Be Demand for Travel Nurses?
• How Do I Become a Travel Nurse?

1. How Does Travel Nursing Work?

Travel nurses are hired to bridge staffing shortages, which may be caused by a variety of factors:

• A lack of qualified nurses in the area
• Seasonal patient population increases
• Natural disasters or pandemics
• Staff nurses taking expected leaves of absence like maternity leave or vacations

To find skilled nurses to fill these often short-term assignments, these facilities work with recruitment agencies.

Most travel nursing assignments are around 13-14 weeks long, so as the travel nurse, you sign a contract with a travel nursing agency to work that length of time at a designated facility. While 13-14 weeks is an average length of time, there may be other assignments that are shorter or longer.

Every facility will have different policies, but most will also have clearly explained policies about what will happen if you feel unsafe, are unable to complete your assignment, or if the hospital decides to cancel your contract before the length of time is up.

Your travel nurse recruitment agency will work with you to place you at a facility and help you arrange things like housing, meals, and other practical things you might need during your stay, like internet or utilities.

You also have the option to receive retirement benefits and insurance for the duration of your assignment, although those benefits usually end when your assignment does, so some travel nurses opt to pay out-of-pocket for the benefits they need so they last between assignments.

There are travel nurse assignments available in nearly every specialty, from ICU to labor and delivery to advanced nurse practitioner positions like CRNAs and NPs. In general, the more specialty experience you have, the higher pay you may earn as a travel nurse. If you have specialty training or would like to gain it, be sure to talk to your nurse recruiter.

2. Who Can Become a Travel Nurse?

Travel nurses are Registered Nurses with typically 12-18 months of hospital-based RN experience in their field. Depending on the specialty or the specific requirements of the facility, the required work experience may be longer. Travel nursing assignments are available for multiple specialties, but some specialties like ICU and oncology are more in demand. Nurses with advanced certification, such as NPs, CNMs, and CRNAs can also take travel positions.

See other high-demand travel nurse specialties.

3. What is The Salary Like as a Travel Nurse?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a Registered Nurse in 2021 was $77,600 per year, while travel nurses can make on average approximately $131,807 per year.

However, you may want to keep in mind that the 2021 average for travel nurses may be a bit higher than you should expect to make in 2022-2023, because that rate takes into account some higher-than-normal travel nurse wages that occurred during the pandemic. While high-rate travel nursing positions are still available, they are not as high as they were reaching at the peak of the pandemic.

Total travel nurse compensation depends on multiple factors such as your specialty, the contract details, and the location of the hospital. In general, travel nurses are often paid well, because they’re filling a high demand for nurses.

In addition to your hourly rate, you’ll often be eligible for these perks:

• Medical and dental benefits
• Stipends for housing
• Travel expenses

Keep in mind, that when working as a travel nurse, you’re employed by the travel nursing agency and not the facility. It’s also important to remember that travel nurses are paid (and taxed) differently than staff nurses . Travel nurses are paid through agencies, not the hospital, you have to look at your total pay, which includes your hourly base pay + your non-taxable stipends, which is what things like housing and meals are considered.

Your hourly base pay may look lower than you expect, but when you factor the stipends in, you can get a more accurate picture of what your total pay looks like. You’ll also need to be sure you have a “tax home” to avoid paying taxes on the stipends as well.

4. How Long are Travel Nursing Assignments?

The standard travel nursing assignment lasts 13 weeks, but anything between 8 and 26 weeks is common. Hospitals will often offer to renew your contract, too, if you agree — called extension assignments.

Extension offers usually occur during the last 3 to 5 weeks of your assignment, but if you’re interested in staying on longer, you should talk to your recruiter. You don’t have to wait to be approached by the facility.

Standard travel nurse hours are five 8s, four 10s, or three 12s, though this will vary by facility. Your shift and hours should be written in your contract.

The beauty of being a travel nurse is that you can work as long or as little as you would like — you can choose to extend an assignment, take on a new one as soon as one contract ends, or take an extended break between assignments.

5. Where Can Travel Nurses Go?

Travel nursing jobs are available across the country, but available assignment locations will depend on current staffing needs. While vacation destinations like Hawaii or California might be the dream for many travel nurses starting out, they’re also high in demand and as such, may not come with as high of pay.

On the flip side, choosing less in-demand areas may garner you higher pay and help you build your resume and experience. You can also sign up to be on a list for crisis travel nursing positions so that when something pops up last minute, like a hurricane in Puerto Rico, you can take a crisis pay travel nurse position.

Ultimately, you decide where you want to go — chances are if your dream location isn’t available now, it will be in the future.

Read more: Best Cities for Travel Nurses

It’s also very important to remember that in order to legally work as a travel nurse, you’ll need an RN license for that state. Some states are part of the Compact State licensure, which means that if you have a compact state license and want to work in any of the states under that license, you’re covered. Otherwise, you’ll have to apply for each individual state you want to work in. Ask your recruiter about Compact State licenses , which allow you to work in many states with one license.

6. Can I Take a Travel Assignment Close to My Home?

A common myth is your assignment must be at least 50 miles away from your permanent residence — often called the “50-mile rule.”

The truth is, you can work a contract assignment at a hospital close to your home if you choose. In fact, some nurses even choose to quit their staff positions and take on travel nursing roles at the hospitals they work at. (Keep in mind that your hospital may frown upon that or even ban nurses from doing that, so be sure to tread carefully if that’s your plan). Additionally, if you do choose a location close to home, you can’t collect the non-taxed housing stipend, which can reduce your overall pay.

To collect the housing stipend, you must be duplicating expenses — rent or own a home in your home area AND rent a place in the area you’re working. Basically, you can’t work a contract and go home to your main residence at the end of your shift and receive a non-taxed stipend.

7. Am I Eligible for Benefits Like Health Insurance and Vacation?

Most travel agencies offer medical and dental benefits as well as other benefits like a 401K that you can collect directly through the agency— some even offer matching 401K plans!

To maintain health insurance, though, you cannot take off more than 30 days. If your plan is to take extended time off between assignments, it would be better to get your own health insurance. You can purchase your own benefits through Marketplace.gov or go through an insurance agency that offers health insurance. You can also open your retirement accounts and contribute directly to them as you please.

Also, most travel nurse companies do not offer paid time off (PTO) or short-term disability. You’ll need to get your own insurance policy if you’re concerned with the possibility of getting hurt and not being able to work.

Bottom line: In the world of travel nursing, if you don’t work, you don’t get paid. But some nurses still find that thanks to the high wages travel nursing offers, that they can actually earn more money by working fewer hours and still reap all the benefits of a staff position.

8. Does the Staffing Agency Pay For My Living Expenses?

There are two housing options available to travel nurses:

• Agency-placed housing
• Taking a housing stipend

If you choose agency-placed housing, the agency arranges your living situation, but it isn’t free. The housing fees come out of the bill rate and ultimately reduces your take-home pay. Housing is deducted from the travel nurse’s “cut” of the bill rate. Agencies will coordinate and set up housing, which is helpful if you’re new to travel nursing.

However, if you want to bring home the most money, we recommend taking the stipend and finding your own housing. In that scenario, you can still collect the housing stipend, but you have the freedom to choose your own living quarters, so if you find a place that’s lower than the stipend allows, you get to keep the difference. Many travel nurses choose to do this to keep their housing costs low and take home more pay.

When you get housing through an agency, it’s also important to know that things like a television, washer and dryer, or a vacuum are often not included, but you have the option of renting these items from the company that furnished the apartment. Let your recruiter know what you’ll need, so they can help arrange the rentals.

If you opt for the housing stipend, you’ll be responsible for finding your own housing as well as all of the living expenses.

See available housing listings by state.

9. Can I Travel With My Family and/or Pets?

Yes! You can travel on assignment with your family and/or pets — though finding housing may become a bit trickier. Most travel nurse companies provide a one-bedroom apartment (some just a studio or an extended-stay hotel), which probably isn’t doable if you’re bringing your children. To get housing with additional bedrooms and space, you may be required to pay for part of your housing (if using agency-placed housing). Or, you’ll have to find your own housing (using the housing stipend).

Let your recruiter know if you’d like to travel with your pet, so they can find pet-friendly housing. Keep in mind, that some housing has breed or weight restrictions, which can limit your options. You’ll also likely have to pay an additional security deposit.

Learn more about how to find travel nurse housing with your pets.

10. Can I Travel With Another Travel Nurse?

Yes! It’s not uncommon for RNs to select travel nursing assignments together. You can even request to work in the same hospital or city and to share an apartment or apartment complex. Traveling with another nurse gives you someone to explore with and often saves on housing costs. It’s also possible to do travel nursing as a couple — learn how one couple does it and their advice for other nurse couples .

11. Will I Get the Worst Assignments?

Some travel nurses have reported that many facilities tend to give travel nurses the “easier” patients and leave the sickest to the staff nurses, especially for acute patients. Why? It takes time for a charge nurse to get to know you and learn what you can handle.

However, this may not be the case for you, especially if you are taking on a specialty assignment, like working in a COVID or ICU unit. Additionally, in critical staffing positions, there may not be an option to delegate “easier” patients, as every patient may be critically ill.

As a travel nurse, however, you’ll usually be the first to float. If you dislike that, then you may not enjoy being a travel nurse.

Read more: Are Travel Nurses Treated Unfairly?

12. If An Assignment is Cut Short Due to Low Census, Do I Get Full Pay?

No — typically you will not be paid if your assignment is cut short due to low patient counts. However, your recruiter will attempt to find you a replacement assignment quickly. Also, the number of shifts allowed to be canceled is written in your contract. Some contracts may also have policies about what will happen if the entire assignment is canceled. As a side note, you may also want to confirm that you can get out of your housing contract should your contract be canceled.

13. Is Travel Nursing Good for Career Advancement?

Traveling as a nurse increases your skill level and makes you a more eligible candidate for future nursing jobs. Why?

• It exposes you to different regional nursing procedures and patient populations
• You may have the opportunity to work in a wider variety of specialties
• You have experience learning a new clinical environment quickly
• Some agencies may also help you get more specialty training or certifications—if you’re interested in this, be sure to talk to your recruiter about what your agency might offer for continuing education!

14. How Long Will There Be Demand for Travel Nurses?

While the pressing need for travel nurses through the pandemic may have slowed, there will always be a demand for travel nurses. Not only do nursing shortages nationwide continue to be a problem, but the rate of new nurses replacing nurses leaving and retiring from the workforce is not an adequate number. Additionally, there will always be things like natural disasters and emergencies that crop up, which will require an influx of travel nurses who can work on short notice.

Nurses comprise the largest section of the healthcare profession, and continuing shortages are still a real problem. The US Bureau of Labor and Statistics projects that over 1.2 million nurses are required to meet the current need and that employment opportunities for nurses are growing at a 15% rate through 2026 when compared to all other occupations (an average of 6% growth).

15. How Do I Become a Travel Nurse?

We’ve compiled a complete step-by-step guide on how to become a travel nurse . You can also fill out this short form to get connected with up to four travel nursing agencies. We work with the top staffing companies whose recruiters work hard to connect you with the best opportunities available.

Start your travel nursing adventure today!

Make all the right career moves!

Don't miss out on your adventure., learn more about travel nursing.

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Motivations for travel nurses accepting temporary assignments go beyond the big pay boost

by Ivan Gan, The Conversation

Travel nurses take short-term contracts that can require long commutes or temporarily living away from home. Time and again, they have to get used to new co-workers, new protocols and new workplaces.

So why would staff nurses quit their stable jobs to become travel nurses?

Well, for one, they get bigger paychecks . But U.S. nurses have other rationales besides making more money, according to a study I conducted .

To do this research, I interviewed 27 registered nurses based in different places.

Many of the people I interviewed disclosed that they left permanent positions to combat burnout. Although they welcomed the bump in pay, travel nursing also gave them the autonomy to decide when and where to work. That autonomy allowed them to pursue personal and professional interests that were meaningful to them, and it made some of the other hassles, such as long commutes, worth it.

On top of earning more money, travel nursing "gives you an opportunity to explore different areas," said a nurse I'll call Cynthia, because research rules require anonymity. "When you actually live there for three months, it gives you a chance to really immerse yourself in the area and really get to know not just the touristy stuff, but really hang out with the locals and really be exposed to that area."

Other study participants said they enjoyed the novelty and educational opportunities.

"You don't get bored or stuck in a routine," Michelle said. "You're always trying to learn new policies at the new hospital that you're in, learning about the new doctors, nursing staff, new ways of doing things, where things are located. That helps keep me from feeling burned out so quickly."

Said Patricia: "I want to see how other operating rooms across the country do things and how they do things differently. I do learn a lot of things going from place to place."

Why it matters

A growing number of U.S. nurses were obtaining temporary assignments before the COVID-19 pandemic began.

But travel nursing became much more widespread in 2020, when hospitals were scrambling to keep their staffing levels high enough as millions of Americans were becoming infected with the coronavirus, straining capacity in many communities.

While compensation varies widely, the median pay of registered nurses in 2022 was US$81,220 , about 35% less than the $110,000 that registered nurses who traveled earned .

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, travel nurses could earn an even bigger premium . Many were paid twice as much as staff nurses.

Once the number of Americans with severe symptoms fell, that premium declined too . But there are still over 1.7 million travel nurses in the U.S. Hiring them is one of the main ways that hospitals cope with a long-term shortage of nurses .

But nurses with permanent jobs can get aggravated by this arrangement when they learn how much more travel nurses earn for doing the same work, as I found through another research project .

What other research is being done

Research supports a widely reported trend: More Americans have temporary jobs and freelance employment than in the past.

While travel nurses can help hospitals, nursing homes and doctors' offices meet staffing needs, there are signs that patients don't always fare as well with their care.

And a Canadian study found that when hospitals let staff nurses work part time and offer other alternative arrangements, their retention rates may rise .

Explore further

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