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Experience The Gypsy Nurse’s most award-winning agency -as voted by over 1,054 real travelers like you

$1500 for you, $500 for your referrals, and $500 more for you with every additional assignment your referrals take!

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Travel with best-in-class benefits.

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• Physical Therapist 13 Weeks Days Estimated Total Pay $28,351.26 - $28,541.24 /wk*

*Includes estimated wage of $671.71 - $678.71/hr and non-taxable benefits if eligible

• RN 13 Weeks Days Estimated Total Pay $4,114.69 - $4,304.67 /wk*

*Includes estimated wage of $50.92 - $57.92/hr and non-taxable benefits if eligible

• RN 13 Weeks Days Estimated Total Pay $3,924.41 - $4,114.39 /wk*

*Includes estimated wage of $64.88 - $71.88/hr and non-taxable benefits if eligible

Featured Travel Nursing Jobs

We specialize in supporting travel nurses of all disciplines and specialties. Our travel nursing agency works quickly to place healthcare professionals in their preferred travel assignment destination at one of our partner healthcare facilities across the U.S. Our travel nurses get access to a highly-responsive support team to help with everything from day-1 benefits and housing to retirement planning. At Host Healthcare, we provided registered nurses and healthcare professionals the opportunity to see new places and work in new hospitals while supporting their career goals.

Premium Benefits that’ll put your mind at ease

A travel nursing assignment is more than a career change, it’s a lifestyle change. We give you a built-in travel nursing support system to make sure your needs are met from the moment you start. If you want to take some time between your travel nurse assignments, consider it done.

Exclusive Access to High-Paying Nursing Jobs

Access to tens of thousands of nursing positions across the United States. We only work with fully-vetted, top healthcare facilities and we personalize your job matches based on what you want.

Dedicated Housing Assistance

We’ll help you find and secure housing that makes you, your family, and your furry friends feel at home. Pet-friendly accommodations are available.

Responsive 24-hour support

You’re never alone, even on your first night in a brand new city. Reach us via text, live chat, phone call, or even DM us on Facebook or Instagram and we’ll be more than happy to listen and help.

Day-1 Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits

Your health and well-being are our top priority, which is why you get full health benefits on day one.

Insurance Coverage Between Assignments

Keep your medical, dental, and vision benefits for up to 30 days between assignments for stress-free time off.

401K Matching

We’re helping you plan for your future beyond your time with us by offering a competitive 401K investment plan with company matching.

Recruiters You’ll Love

Humble brag alert: Our recruiters have the best reviews in the business. Don’t believe us? See for yourself.

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Check out these reviews from real host healthcare travelers..

Alexis Lagan went above and beyond for me as host. She was an amazing recruiter I highly recommend. She made each one of my assignments awesome! Alexis was very detail oriented and organized in her communication with me. She would do everything she could to get me the best contract! I can’t say enough great things about her, she’s amazing!

I’ve had a great experience with Host Healthcare. Lauren Pollacci is an excellent recruiter and easily the best one I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with, she made the entire process painless. She is always extremely helpful with any need or concern I may have. I couldn’t imagine working with another recruiter at this point!

I've been working with Host Healthcare as a travel nurse for three years now and wouldn't change a thing. My recruiter Kat Cook has made the transition from staff nursing to travel nursing so easy. She is always available, listens to the needs of both myself and my wife (travel pair), and finds us the best jobs in the best locations! 10 out of 10 would recommend her and the agency every time.

Just started my 7th PT contract with Host and every contract has been a smooth transition. I’ve had great communication with my recruiter Kathryn Cook who has helped me land some great jobs and help with the credentialing process. I plan on staying with Host for many more years.

Where do you want to go? Your perfect travel nurse job is a few clicks away

You pick the city, we help you get there. It’s really that easy to take the next step in your travel healthcare career.

Learn more about travel nursing

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Discover a smarter way to find travel nursing opportunities., medely puts you in control.

Find more opportunities, from coast to coast, and apply with the press of a button.

Find the location, schedule, and facility that are right for you. Work where and when you want.

Medely offers premium rates and best-in-class perks and stipends for travel.

Freedom, flexibility, and support when you need it

As a healthcare professional your job is putting others first. medely puts you first, empowering you to spend your time on the things that matter, not managing your career., help when you need it.

Enjoy the freedom and flexibility to find opportunities on your terms. Our Career Advisors and Recruiters are here to guide you as needed.

Flexibility to fit your life

Land the perfect assignment – one that fits your life. Medely offers assignments from 4 to 13+ weeks, giving you the flexibility you need.

A place to stay

Need help with a place to stay? We got you covered. Our partnership with Hotel Engine will help you find the right place for you during your travel assignment

Travel assignments to fit every lifestyle

Find the right opportunity for you.

Quickly search the available assignments with contract details and pay breakdowns upfront.

Experience new adventures

With opportunities available from coast to coast, exploration and excitement is available with each new assignment.

Maximize your earnings

Adventure not your thing? Premium pay, maxed out travel stipends, and the ability to book per diem shifts while on assignment maximize your earning potential with Medely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Medely and how is it different from other staffing firms?

To start with, Medely isn’t a staffing firm at all. Medely is the leading digital marketplace for nurses and allied healthcare professionals to find both per diem and travel or long term assignments. Partnerships with facilities in over 50 cities from coast to coast connect Medely professionals with more opportunities than a traditional staffing firm, allowing them to book per diem jobs and travel assignments directly on the platform. With best-in-class perks, higher pay, and a transparent process, Medely is empowering healthcare professionals to take control of their careers with simple-to-use technology that gives them the freedom to work the schedules and locations that fit their lifestyle.

Is Medely Joint Commission Certified?

Medely is proud to have earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval. The Joint Commission’s certification is a recognition of Medely’s commitment to empowering qualified healthcare professionals and connecting them with the medical facilities that need them.

I already have scheduled commitments, can I still use Medely to work when I'm free?

We believe you should have the freedom and flexibility to build your career around your lifestyle. As such we are the only digital marketplace that enables our professionals the ability to work both per diem and long-term travel or local assignments.

Do I need to make a minimum commitment to Medely?

Not only is there zero working commitment, Medely offers flexible shift lengths starting at four hours and job opportunities in over 50 cities from coast to coast in both per diem and long-term assignments. Our long term assignments can be local or travel assignments and range from four to 13 weeks, many of which can be extended. All of this means you have the freedom to choose when and where you work with zero obligations.

What types of medical professionals can join Medely?

Medely works with facilities to place nurses and allied professionals in over 30 specialties including ICU, ER, Stepdown, Tele, and Med-Surg.

• Cardiac Cath Lab RN
• Certified Medical Assistant
• Certified Nurse Assistant
• Certified Phlebotomy Tech
• Certified Sterile Processing Tech
• Certified Surgical First Assist
• Certified Surgical Tech
• Circulating RN
• Dialysis RN
• Interventional Radiology RN
• Labor & Delivery RN
• Licensed Vocational Nurse
• Long-Term Care RN
• Medical Laboratory Technician
• Medical-Surgical RN
• Medical Technologist
• Moderate Sedation RN
• Mother Baby RN
• Nurse Practitioner
• Physician Assistant
• Radiology Tech
• Registered Nurse First Assistant
• Registered Respiratory Therapist
• RN Case Manager
• Sonographer
• Stepdown RN
• Surgical Tech
• Telemetry RN
• Telephone Triage RN

Fun fact: We also offer referral rewards for many specialties and positions. So if you love working with Medely and want your friends to have the same experience, look for the share button on eligible job posts.

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Travel Nursing Information

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

There are many reasons to become a travel nurse.

Travel nursing gives you the opportunity to get paid to see the country, work at top teaching hospitals and trauma centers and join a community of fellow adventure seekers — all while making a difference at hospitals in need.

Whether you’re providing additional support during a busy season or stepping in for a staff nurse on leave, your role will help fill gaps in care and ensure patient safety. As the largest travel nurse staffing company in the country, Aya Healthcare gives you access to the most travel nurse jobs in the industry — and because we work directly with facilities, you’re more likely to get the assignment you want!

• Pay & Benefits

How do I become a travel nurse with Aya?

Ready to travel, but not sure where to start? We’re here to help. The first step to becoming a travel nurse is setting up your Aya account. Once your profile is complete, a recruiter will reach out to help you begin your travel nursing journey. Your recruiter will guide you through the process, starting with learning more about your goals and coming up with a game plan to get you an assignment. Throughout your travel career, your recruiter is a helping hand when it comes to finding you an assignment that fits all your needs. You can start looking for positions by browsing our open jobs, and filtering by your preferred specialty and location. Once you’re registered, your recruiter will work with you to help you find the right job for you!

What are the specific requirements?

While travel nurse assignments may have facility specific requirements, there are a few things every traveler will need to work with Aya.

• At least one year of nursing experience in your specialty, preferably in a hospital setting.
• Active state nursing license — Our team will help guide you through the application process in any state (and will often be able to help expedite it too!).
• Preferred American Heart Association certifications – ACLS, BLS, etc. (varies by specialty).
• Must be willing to work a full-time travel assignment — at least 36 hours a week.

How Much Travel Nursing Experience Do I Need? | Aya Healthcare

Want to know how much experience you need to be a travel nurse? In this video, Chrystal gives a quick overview!

How far in advance should I apply for a travel nursing assignment?

You can apply as far out as you’d like. There’s no hard-and-fast rule regarding the best time to apply. We have worked with nurses, like Jessica, who apply and take a year to decide to accept their first assignment and we have others like Jill who apply and are out the door and on their way a few weeks or even days later. If you know you are ready to travel, or will be soon, we recommend you fill out an application so that you are prepared to seize the right opportunity. If you decide to apply well in advance of when you’d like to travel, we’ll keep your information on file and stay in touch until you’re ready.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Travel Nursing Job | Aya Healthcare

Looking to become a travel nurse with Aya but unsure of what’s next? Watch this one-minute intro to see just how easy it is to book an assignment.

How long are travel nurse assignments?

Assignment (you’ll sometimes see them called contracts, too) lengths vary, but they’re typically around 13 weeks. However, you can find both longer and shorter assignments. Flexibility is one of the greatest things about travel nursing! And there’s nothing holding you back from taking a break between assignments. It’s not often you can take three weeks off from your permanent position, but as a traveler you have the power to choose how often (and how soon) you take assignments. Once you create a profile with us, you’ll be able to log into your account and search for contracts based on contract length!

How Long Are Travel Nurse Assignments? | Aya Healthcare

Curious how long travel nurse assignments are? Typically, assignments are 13 weeks long. Some can definitely be shorter, some definitely longer. But that’s the beauty of travel nursing, you get to decide if you want to do a short or long assignment.

What specialties have the most travel nurse jobs available?

While ER, OR, ICU, med surg, telemetry and labor and delivery tend to have the most jobs available consistently, demand does fluctuate.

We have strong relationships with hospitals throughout the country, so we’re able to offer open RN jobs across all specialties. If you’d like to see what we currently have available, search all our open jobs.

Does Aya Healthcare have a mobile app to find the latest travel nursing jobs?

Yes! Download the Aya Healthcare mobile app on Google Play or the Apple app store to search the most jobs in the industry, including travel, per diem and permanent positions.

I’m an RN from Canada. How can Canadian nurses work in the US?

We have a program for getting Canadian RNs licensed in the US. You could be here in 2-3 months! Check out our Travel Nursing Canada page now, and let us know once you meet all the requirements to travel in the US. There are also permanent RN job opportunities that could get you here sooner. Let us know if you’re interested in a permanent position, and someone will contact you to discuss.

Can I travel with family, a significant other or friend?

This is often one of the first questions we get asked and the answer is a resounding yes! Many of our travel nurses, like best friends Mel and Cat, husband and wife Allen and Amy, and Dakota, her husband Ronnie and their two kids make it work. Even if your travel partner or significant other isn’t a nurse, it’s very possible to figure out a way to travel together!

Can I travel with a pet?

Absolutely! Many of our nurses travel with pets, like Morgan and her Burnese Mountain Dog, Turtle. When it comes to traveling with a pet, housing is often the biggest hurdle. While it’s a fact that many buildings do have pet restrictions you still have lots of options. You can either take Aya housing or choose to accept a housing stipend and search for housing on your own. Whatever you choose, we’ll always do our utmost to accommodate your furry friends. Just be sure to communicate your wants and needs with your recruiter ahead of time so that they can help you prepare!

Can I Travel with My Pet? | Travel Nursing FAQ | Aya Healthcare

“Can I travel with my pet?” is one of the most common questions we receive from travelers. Kristen is a seasoned Aya travel nurse who takes her dog, Beckett, on every assignment!

How do I find travel nurse housing?

There are plenty of options when it comes to travel housing. To learn more about the types of housing available to you, visit our Travel Nurse Housing page.

What does travel nursing pay?

Travel nurse pay varies for many reasons. These reasons include specialty, location, benefits, whether a traveler takes company-provided housing and more. There’s no “set pay” for any specialty. Wondering what jobs for your specialty are paying right now? Register today and view all our open jobs, estimated pay packages and detailed facility information — all in real time. Even if you aren’t ready to travel with us yet, you’ll gain great insight on what open travel nursing assignments we have and what the pay is in different locations across the country.

Do travel nurses get benefits?

Aya Healthcare offers many great benefits to travel nurses. From the first day of your assignment, benefits like medical, dental and vision insurance plans and sick pay accrual are available to travelers. Travelers who’ve worked at least four consecutive months are also eligible for 401k contributions. Plus, Aya also offers perks like front-of-the-line access to exclusive jobs, an expedited licensure program, a support team with designated credentialing experts, free virtual fitness classes and a pizza on your birthday! You can learn more about the benefits Aya offers on our Pay & Benefits page.

What if something goes wrong? How will Aya support me while travel nursing?

At Aya Healthcare, you have an entire support team helping you throughout your travel nursing career. In addition to your recruiter, you’ll have a credentialing specialist, payroll representative and travel experience specialist to provide their expertise before, during and after your assignment. Let’s say you’re heading home to South Carolina from your contract in Alaska and your flight is delayed and you miss your connection. You can call Aya in the middle of the night. We won’t leave you stranded. Or you get caught up in bad weather like one of our travel nurses who was evacuated during hurricane Matthew. We found her housing in Atlanta before the entire city sold out of rooms. No matter what bumps you encounter on your journey, the Aya team will always have your back.

How much orientation will I receive

You’ll be provided with enough of an orientation for you to get the job done and our clinical support team will help ensure that you’re placed in a facility that best matches your interests and skill set. Some healthcare facilities offer a more thorough orientation than others. If you’re a less experienced nurse, your Aya Healthcare recruiter will help you choose assignments that offer a more extensive orientation.

What is Travel Nurse Training and Orientation Like? | Aya Healthcare

Want to know what the travel nurse training and orientation looks like on assignment? In this video, Nurse Memi explains how different trainings and orientations have worked during her time as a travel nurse.

What are the benefits of becoming a travel nurse?

Travel nurses step in to fill critical needs for hospitals across the US. No matter where you take an assignment, you’ll know the work you do is making a difference for your patients and facilities.

Many travel nurses also enjoy learning how to adapt to policies and different ways of doing things at each facility — it’s a key to success and a valuable learning opportunity for future assignments. Having diverse nursing experiences will boost your resume and allow you to climb the clinical ladder.

Whatever your reasons for becoming a traveler, you’ll need a dedicated team to support you along the way. As the largest travel nursing agency in the country, Aya knows how to keep our travelers happy! We have the largest job database with thousands of exclusive assignments.

When you’re ready to start travel nursing, we’ll be here to make the process as smooth as possible. Register today and let’s build your travel career together!

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A Guide to Travel Nurse Assignments: Your FAQs Answered

Table of Contents

Whether you’re a new travel nurse or a seasoned traveler, travel nurse assignments can be confusing and sometimes difficult to understand the terms. Let’s review the advantages of working with a travel nursing agency and some FAQs below.

Find Travel Nursing opportunities all over the United States

Registered nurses have the opportunity to become travel nurses at any point during their nursing career. Most of the time, travel nursing agencies require at least two years of nursing experience before becoming a traveler. However, this varies by agency and specialty. 

Just like a career in nursing offers a variety of specialties and job opportunities, so does the world of travel nursing. As a travel nurse, you have the opportunity to work in your specialty while traveling the country. You get the opportunity to meet new people, work with a variety of patient populations, and expand your professional network.

If you’re interested in exploring what travel nursing opportunities are out there, many travel nurse agency websites offer job boards , including Health Carousel Travel Nursing. Most  job board postings detail the location, start date, assignment length, weekly hours, and expected pay ranges. Due to most job boards’ transparency in this criteria, it’s easy to compare agencies and nursing jobs.

Advantages of working with a professional Travel Nurse Agency 

There are several benefits of working with a professional travel nursing agency. Get to know your recruiter first. Your recruiter should understand your needs, wants, and preferences in an assignment. Once they understand your assignment preferences, they can help you with your travel nursing job search . Oftentimes, they can better filter nursing jobs and may offer new jobs that haven’t been made public yet. 

Next, your travel nurse agency recruiter is your assignment advocate and liaison between you and the healthcare facility. They will prepare you for your interview by providing typical questions and prepping your responses. If you need any days off or a more flexible schedule, they will help you ask for these as well. 

Once you have an offer, navigating a compensation package can be pretty difficult to understand. An advantage of working with an agency recruiter is that they will help you through every step of the process. This can include benefits, sick leave, stipend amounts, etc. If you don’t understand an area or amount, or would like more compensation, then ask. Your recruiter will help you negotiate Your recruiter will help you negotiate your travel nursing contract with the healthcare facility, depending on their company policy. Typically, no two contracts will look the same.

Now that we’ve reviewed the advantages of working with a travel nurse agency, let’s detail some frequently asked questions (FAQs) below.

How long are typical travel nurse assignments?

Travel nurse assignment lengths vary depending on the nursing demand, healthcare facility, unit, and season. Most assignments last 13 weeks but can be shorter or longer. Some crisis contracts are as little as two weeks. Other contracts start as 13-week assignments, but hospitals sometimes offer contract extensions of up to a year.

Do travel nurses get easy assignments?

Travel nurse assignments are based on nurse shortages and increased demands in the area and unit. Every travel nursing experience is different. There’s no way to determine beforehand if an assignment is going to be easy. We all know that one day at the hospital can be fairly easy and the next can be draining. 

To prepare, ask about typical unit assignments, patient-to-nurse ratios, and patient populations during the interview process. If the patient-to-nurse ratio seems high for your specialty, consider this before accepting an offer. 

How do I choose a travel nursing assignment?

Many travel nursing agencies offer nursing job boards for you to search for available assignments. Before beginning your search, write down a list of your preferences, including locations, units, and desired pay. This will help you filter your initial search. 

Many states are transitioning to the nursing licensure compact agreement . If you hold a compact license, this means you can practice nursing in that state without applying for a new nursing license. It makes it easier for travel nurses especially since they work in different states. However, keep in mind that you may only obtain a compact license if you reside in a compact state.

What type of travel nurses are most needed?

Travel nurses are  always needed. However, the demand for what specialty of travel nursing varies greatly, depending on the area, nursing shortages, and employers. Most of the time, there is a high demand for medical-surgical, intensive care, and emergency room nurses.

Is it hard to find jobs as a travel nurse?

Typically, it’s not hard to find travel nursing jobs. You may not get your first assignment choice, but there are always plenty of other options available. To make it easier during your job search, apply for several assignments and obtain your compact state nursing license if you haven’t already done so. 

Is travel nursing risky?

Working as a travel nurse comes with the same risks as working as a staff registered nurse. You will need to understand the state regulations, the scope of practice, and the healthcare facility’s company policies as you would with any other new nursing job. 

Is travel nursing worth the money?

Many registered nurses transition to travelers and make travel nursing their career. Most travel nurses find travel nursing worth the time and money. You get to travel the country, typically make higher pay than staff nurses, and make your schedule (for the most part). ZipRecruiter shows that the national average salary for travel nurses is $118,400, which is well beyond the average staff nurse salary.

Health Carousel Travel Nursing Boasts Travel Nursing Assignments To Advance Your Career

Health Carousel Travel Nursing has travel nursing jobs available for you throughout the country. Our recruiters work to understand your needs and want to keep you aligned with your career goals. We partner with top healthcare facilities throughout the United States, so you have many career options available. We also offer great benefits, including medical and dental insurance, and sick leave.

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What is a Travel Nurse? Everything You Need to Know

How to become a travel nurse.

• State Licensing
• Agencies & Recruiters
• Certifications
• A Travel Nurse's Journey
• Final Thoughts

The world of nursing is not confined to traditional hospital settings. For those seeking excitement, flexibility, and diversity in their nursing careers, travel nursing presents a unique and rewarding opportunity.

This guide will discuss  travel nurse requirements , essential steps, qualities, and perks of becoming a travel nurse, offering valuable insights into this exhilarating profession.

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Want to learn how to become a travel nurse ? The first step is obtaining the necessary education and licensure.

Aspiring nurses can choose to pursue an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution. Opting for a BSN opens doors to a broader range of job prospects, including prestigious healthcare systems and trauma centers.

After completing their nursing education, nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to obtain their state nursing license, laying the foundation for their travel nursing journey.

As a travel nurse, certain certifications are commonly required and highly recommended to ensure the nurse’s readiness to handle various clinical situations and emergencies. The two critical certifications that travel nurses typically need are:

Basic Life Support (BLS): BLS certification by the American Heart Association is a fundamental requirement for all healthcare professionals. BLS training equips nurses with the skills to recognize and respond to life threatening emergencies such as cardiac arrest, choking, and respiratory distress.

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS): ACLS certification by the American Heart Association is essential for nurses working in settings where they may encounter patients with cardiac issues or in critical care situations. ACLS skills build upon BLS skills and provide additional knowledge and techniques to manage cardiac arrest, stroke and other cardiovascular emergencies. 

Depending on your specialty and the requirements from the facility you wish to travel to, other certifications such as PALS, NRP, and Stable may be required, so be sure to ask your recruiter before applying to travel nursing positions. Additionally, it's important for nurses to keep their certifications up to date, as they typically require renewal every few years.

>> Related: What do Travel Nurses Do?

The most important element to becoming a travel nurse is experience. Most travel agencies and hospitals require nurses to have a minimum of two years of nursing experience prior to applying for travel nursing contracts.

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

Navigating State Licensing as a Travel Nurse

Travel nurses frequently move between states, requiring them to research and understand each state's licensing requirements. Some states offer temporary "walk-through" licenses, enabling nurses to obtain short-term licenses swiftly. Familiarity with individual state licensing procedures and timelines is crucial for successful travel assignments.

Compact state licensure for travel nurses is a game-changer in the healthcare industry, streamlining the licensing process and making it easier for nurses to practice across state lines. By participating in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), qualified nurses can hold a single multi-state license, granting them the privilege to work in any other NLC state without the need for additional licenses. 

This simplification not only reduces bureaucratic barriers but also addresses the growing demand for healthcare professionals in various regions. Travel nurses can now embark on new assignments swiftly, providing crucial medical support where it's needed most, and ultimately enhancing patient care across the nation.

Key Attributes of a Travel Nurse

Effective travel nurses possess a unique set of qualities that enable them to excel in diverse healthcare settings. These attributes include:

Adaptability and flexibility : The ability to quickly adjust to new environments and handle various patient populations and healthcare systems

Strong communication skills: Effective communication is essential for collaborating with different healthcare teams, patients, and families

Problem-solving and critical thinking : Travel nurses encounter new challenges regularly, necessitating strong problem-solving skills and critical-thinking abilities

Compassion and empathy: A genuine love for patient care and empathy are vital in providing exceptional nursing services as a travel nurse.

Leadership abilities: Travel nurses should be comfortable assuming leadership roles when needed and confidently handling responsibilities

• Love for adventure: A spirit of adventure and a curiosity to explore new places and cultures is essential.

Benefits of Travel Nursing

Apart from competitive pay, travel nurses often enjoy an array of benefits:

Non-taxed stipends: Additional stipends for housing and living expenses on top of hourly rates if you qualify

Healthcare insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.

Retirement plans: 401K investment options for long-term financial planning

Bonuses: Sign-on, completion, and referral bonuses as incentives

Continuing education: Access to free courses for continuous professional development

License reimbursement: Support for renewing and maintaining licenses

Reliable pay: Weekly or bi-weekly pay schedules

Tax advantage plans: Tax-saving options for travel-related expenses

Insurance coverage: Coverage for life, liability, disability, and worker's compensation

Travel reimbursement to and from your assignment

Support: 24/7 support from the staffing agency. 

Travel Nurse Salary

The compensation for travel nurses varies significantly based on location, specialty, experience, and the chosen agency ZipRecruiter.com reports the national average for travel nurses is $118,400 per year.  While the pandemic and nursing shortage temporarily drove higher wages due to increased demand, these exceptional rates have not since been sustained post-pandemic. 

​​Travel Nurse Salary by State

Source: ZipRecruiter

Wages for travel nurses involve more than a straight hourly rate. They can receive non-taxed stipends for travel nurse housing and living expenses. Stipends are paid on top of the nurse’s hourly rate.  Other benefits for travel nurses, depending on the staffing agency,  include, 

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401K investment options
• Sign-on, completion, and referral bonuses
• Free continuing education courses
• License Reimbursement 
• Weekly/Bi-weekly Pay
• Tax Advantage Plan
• Life Insurance
• Liability Insurance, Disability Insurance, and Worker’s Compensation
• 24/7 Support

Additionally, you can increase your travel nurse salary through specialization or advancing your education. The average travel nurse practitioner salary is significantly higher than that of travel RNs.

What Are The Best Travel Nurse Agencies and How Do You Pick One?

Your travel nurse company and recruiter can make or break your experience, so this question should not be taken lightly. 

When you’re starting your travel nurse journey, one of the first steps you need to take is finding a travel nurse company and recruiter. This process might feel overwhelming because there are so many options out there. How do you know if you’ve found a good travel nurse company and a recruiter who has your best interest at heart?

When looking into travel nurse agencies, you should first make sure that they have these non-negotiables:

• A dedicated housing department of experts to help you find housing or do they give you a stipend to find your own housing
• Day 1 health, dental and vision insurance, and premium cost
• 401K that you can start contributing to immediately
• Travel reimbursement
• 24-hour customer support. Make sure to choose one with a clinical department that is available as a resource for you. 
• Have a variety and abundance of travel nursing jobs all over the country for your specialty.

Make sure to ask if they are Joint Commission credentialed. Agencies that obtain this certification must complete a strict qualification process, and it helps ensure that the company is upheld to the highest standards in the industry.

What to Look Out for When Working With Travel Nurse Recruiters

Travel nurse recruiters play a vital role in connecting nurses with suitable assignments. A skilled and honest recruiter advocates for the nurse's best interests, secures desirable contracts, and provides transparent and accurate information in a timely manner. 

Conversely, nurses should be cautious of unprofessional recruiters who submit them to assignments without consent or make false promises. In many cases, travel nurses build long-time friendships with their recruiters! You want to find a recruiter with whom you can connect quickly and establish a bond. They should be someone who helps put your mind at ease, has your back, and actively listens to what you want instead of pushing their agenda.

Don’t be scared to interview recruiters to find the right one. Working with a recruiter whose personality, values, and humor complement yours will make your travel nurse experience even more worthwhile.

We encourage you to work with travel nurse recruiters who have been vetted and highly recommended by fellow travel nurses or with our trusted partner, travelnursing.org.

Certifications for Travel Nurses

While there are no specific national nursing certifications for a Travel Nurse, having advanced RN certifications can make an individual look more desirable to hospitals. There are a plethora of nationally recognized certifications including, 

• CCCTM - Certified in Care, Coordination, and Transition Management
• CDN - Certified Dialysis Nurse
• CMSRN - Certified Medical Surgical Registered Nurse
• CNN - Certified Nephrology Nurse
• CNOR - Certified Nurse Operating Room
• CPAN - Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse

The most common certifications for travel nurses are,

• CPN - Certified Pediatric Nurse 
• CCRN - Certified Critical Care Nurse
• CEN - Certified Emergency Nurse

What Are the CEU Requirements for Travel Nurses?

Continuing education is essential for all registered nurses, including travel nurses, to maintain their active licenses. Each state has specific continuing education requirements that nurses must fulfill to remain compliant.

Examples of continuing education requirements for RNs are as follows: 

• Washington - 8 contact hours every year
• Texas - 20 contact hours every 2 years
• Florida - 24 contact hours every 2 years
• California - 30 hours every 2 years
• Hawaii - 30 contact hours every 2 years 
• Arkansas -20 contact hours every 2 years
• Florida -24 contact hours every 2 years
• Illinois - 20 contact hours every 2 years
• Iowa -36 contact hours every 2 years
• Pennsylvania -20 contact hours every 2 years

Some states do not require CEUs to maintain an RN license. Examples include Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Indiana, Maine, and Maryland. Several states also require HIV/AIDS education such as New York, Minnesota, and Kentucky. It is important for nurses to check their state’s RN credentialing body for exact CEU requirements. 

Nurse.org has a comprehensive list of CEUs by state for RNs here .

Brandy Pinkerton's Journey to Becoming a Travel Nurse

Brandy Pinkerton shared with us why she decided to become a travel nurse and what her journey was like.

Why did I decide to become a travel nurse ? I was burned out in my staff job and needed to renew my passion for nursing. After finding a great company and a trustworthy recruiter, I embarked on my first assignment solo with my two doggies in tow and never looked back! 

Since pursuing a career as a travel nurse and completing over 15 assignments, I’ve had adventures in Florida , Colorado , Nevada , South Carolina , Texas , and Montana . Becoming a travel nurse was the best decision I could have made for myself! While I’m grateful I made the decision to become a travel nurse, I also know that there are a lot of logistics involved in getting started. I’ll tell you all there is to know about travel nursing, so that you can feel prepared to take the leap into this exciting, rewarding profession!

Here are a few things travel nursing has given me:

• A better compensation package with benefits. Because of this, I could pay most of my debt, and I no longer had to work two jobs. 
• More time off and flexibility with my schedule. You can imagine all the wonderful things that can happen when you have more time back.
• Experiences that I would never usually get to have. Through these experiences, I discovered what I like and some new hobbies.
• Less burnout – this is HUGE!
• New relationships and friendships all over the U.S.
• More confidence. I have grown both professionally & personally.
• The ability to build my resume. I’ve been able to try out so many hospitals and have great takeaways from them. Who knows? There are some I may go back to one day.

Final Thoughts on Travel Nursing

Becoming a travel nurse is a thrilling journey that promises adventure, personal growth, and unique experiences. From education and licensure to acquiring experience and embracing essential attributes, travel nurses embark on a profession that combines professionalism with exploration. With competitive salaries, a range of benefits, and the potential to make a meaningful impact on patients across various locations, travel nursing offers a gratifying and fulfilling career path like no other! 

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

Plus, get exclusive access to discounts for nurses, stay informed on the latest nurse news, and learn how to take the next steps in your career.

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Choosing the Right Travel Nursing Assignment

One of the many concerns of nurses starting their journey into travel nursing is choosing the right travel nursing assignment. Spoiler alert — the answer is different for everyone.  When I first started traveling, I chose assignments almost solely on location. I had a list of places I wanted to live during my travel nursing career and that dictated my decision making for assignments.

Last year, however, we became pregnant and decided we wanted to get out of debt as quickly as possible, so we pivoted and made our contract decisions solely on pay rate. We literally lived in a location that I said we would never live in because the pay was great (it ended up not being so bad of a location after all). And now with a baby, our decision-making process has shifted yet again!

Click here today’s best travel nursing opportunities.

The Many Factors of Choosing the Right Travel Nurse Assignment

The two main factors we considered when choosing the right travel nurse assignment were these

• Location or

Of course other factors come in to play too. For instance, my husband (Skyler) only works day shift CVICU or ICU – period. So, being that specific off the top automatically weeds out many potential job opportunities. At first, recruiters hated working with him on the day shift thing because it is very limiting. But, we stuck to our guns and accepted that being that specific would significantly limit our opportunities.

But for us, it was worth it. We don’t even consider night shift positions anymore. On the opposite end of the spectrum, we know many nurses who only work night shift contracts because it can pay better. Obviously, contract dates also play a role in choosing an assignment.

Whatever job you take has to fit into your schedule. We were looking at a position recently that we were very interested in, but the start date overlaps with our current contract so unfortunately, it didn’t work out.

Other factors that can play a role would be the hospital itself and/or agency loyalty. We have turned down contracts just because of the reputation of the hospital, so that is something to consider. Likewise, maybe there is a prestigious facility you have always dreamed of working for, and this could be your chance to test it out.

Factors like this could certainly sway your decisions. Also, some travelers are loyal to one agency and/or recruiter, so they only choose assignments that that particular agency offers. We work with several agencies, so that isn’t an issue for us. However, if it comes down to a couple of different positions to decide between, we do have agencies and recruiters we prefer working with, so that can sway our decision.

Money Talks

Like I said, location and money are the biggies for us. I am a numbers-oriented person. I have figured out what our minimum weekly take home pay can be for us to live the way we want to live. If an assignment doesn’t stack up to that minimum pay, no matter how bad we want to go to that location, we pass it up.

And likewise, a contract that pays exceptionally well will be weighted more heavily vs. one that does not.

Location, Location, Location

Location also plays a very important role. We started travel nursing to see the country. Others travel with the intentions of making lots of money, so their guidelines for choosing an assignment are quite different from how we started.

At this point, we typically email our recruiters when we are looking for our next assignment with a list of locations we are interested in moving to. For instance, right now we are looking for Raleigh, NC or Charleston, SC as our first choices but would consider Chicago, IL, Nashville, TN, or anywhere that pays exceptionally well. So, we start by looking at location first and then narrow down from there based on pay.

Source: Thinkstockphotos.com

From there, our recruiters will email/call us with possibilities and then we weigh each of our options out to decide which assignment(s) to apply for. Our current assignment was actually about to end, so we were going through this process. However, nothing was currently available that we felt was better than our current assignment, so we chose to extend here a few more weeks to give us more time to keep looking. That flexibility is the beauty of travel nursing.

We hope that in the next few weeks, either one of our preferred locations will open up or something very high-paying will become available. In the meantime, we keep looking…

Start your search today!

Q: What are some things to consider when choosing an assignment?

A:  When choosing a travel nursing assignment, you must first figure out what is important to you. Why have you chosen to travel? Is it money? To see new locations? To live near family? To work at a particular hospital or gain certain experience? You need to have a clear understanding on what motivates you to uproot your life and begin this nomadic lifestyle.

Q: What are some things to avoid when choosing an assignment?

A:  Don’t let a recruiter pressure you into making a decision you don’t feel comfortable with. Of course, you have to be flexible to be a travel nurse, but that doesn’t mean you have to abandon all of your goals for doing this in the first place. Be very clear about what is important to you and stick to that. There is a fine line between being flexible and being a pushover.

When we were seeking out our first travel nurse assignment, our recruiter at the time told us about an opportunity that we weren’t really interested in. She tried telling us that nothing else would come along and that she wouldn’t be able to place him in the future if he didn’t take this position since he was a first-time traveler. We said that it was okay and that we still weren’t interested and to let us know if something else did open up. Of course, something we were interested in became available the following week. Don’t be afraid to turn down an assignment, because another one is probably right around the corner.

Q: Can I request certain assignments (location, specialty, etc)?

A:  Absolutely! Not only can you, you should! You will need to have significant experience in your specialty so that is a given. Skyler is a CVICU nurse. However, he will take general ICU jobs and the occasional Neuro ICU position. Other than specialty though, you can request whatever it is you are looking for. It may or may not be available, but it is always a good starting place. Maybe they don’t have the specific city you are requesting but one an hour or two away. Maybe that will work for you, maybe it won’t. It’s all up to you.

Q: Are there any red flags I should be on the lookout for when offered an assignment?

A:  Trust your instincts. If it doesn’t feel right to you, trust that and move on…something else will become available. Also, make sure to get everything in writing. That way, if you do get to an assignment and it isn’t what you were promised, you have some recourse. Also, be wary of pay packages that seem off . I am not a tax expert, but some companies play with their pay packages (what is and isn’t taxable) too much to make us comfortable. If you are wary about something in the contract, ask an expert and/or pass up that particular opportunity.

Q: Is the length of an assignment negotiable?

A:  Most of the time, yes. Most assignments will have a specific length of time they are looking for a nurse to commit (often 13 weeks), though this typically isn’t set in stone. We have asked to have the length of a travel contract adjusted several times, and I don’t think it’s ever been an issue. Also, extensions are almost always a possibility. But say you know you only have 10 weeks available before you have another commitment, or you really would like to stay 16 weeks to get you through to a certain date, it can’t hurt to ask. If they want you, they will usually work with you on assignment length.

Something else you can do is ask for time off mid-contract (during the negotiating process). Last spring, we knew we wanted to fly home for Mother’s Day to tell our moms that we were expecting. So, in our extension contract, we negotiated that week off (and even worked out an interim travel bonus to help pay for the trip).

Q: What can I negotiate in a contract? What are some uncommon things that can be requested?

A:  Almost everything is negotiable, in theory. The pay package is just that — a package. Your recruiter can often shift the numbers around for you to tailor a package more toward your needs. Say your recruiter presents you with an assignment you like but there is something about it you would like to adjust. Talk to your recruiter about that, and s/he will either tell you one of these things:

• S/he can fix it for you
• S/he needs to speak with the account manager to see if it can be changed
• Tell you to talk to the nurse manager about it during an interview, or
• Tell you it is non-negotiable.

Here are some things we have negotiated in the past.

• Housing Upgrades – W/D in unit, 2 bedroom, TV in package, assigned parking space, etc.
• Shift – Sometimes a job is posted for D/N rotate or night shift only and Skyler will speak with the hiring manager about the possibility of a day shift position. Usually they can’t change this because they post what their specific need is. But occasionally if they really like him and they have some wiggle room they will take him on as a day shifter.
• Start/End Dates – As I said above, we have negotiated this many times. However, a different end date is usually easier to negotiate than a different start date.
• Time Off During Assignment – If you know in advance you will need specific dates off during an assignment it is very important to negotiate this into your contract. If you wait, the hospital is not required to honor your request.
• Pay Rate – My mom had some luck recently negotiating a higher hourly rate. We have never had luck with that, but some higher demand specialties might have more pull than others.
• How the Pay Package is Allocated – Our recruiter knows that we don’t like bonuses. They are taxed very high, so we prefer to roll any bonus money into travel or housing which is tax free.

Communication is Key

When it comes to choosing ‘the right’ travel nurse assignment, there is no right or wrong way to do it. It all depends on your personal preferences as a traveler and what is available at the time. When there are a slew of positions available for your specialty, you obviously have much more room to be choosy. But when the contracts are more limited, you are stuck with choosing from what is open.

As always, just be honest and upfront with your recruiter about what motivates you to travel. If it’s to make a bunch of money, they know to only contact you about high-paying positions. If it’s to live in specific locations, they know to keep an eye out for those cities. If you want to be a local traveler and stay near family, they know to alert you when something near home opens up. Just be clear on why you are traveling and make your decisions based on that. 

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How to Become a Travel Nurse

5 min read • May, 18 2023

Becoming a travel nurse can be a bit more complicated than other  nursing career pathways , even though travel nurse schooling and certification requirements aren't that different from those of RNs who don't travel. That's because travel nursing means you won't always be working in the same facility and may not perform the same kind of work at your destination.

Travel nursing can also impose some extra, ongoing logistical hurdles. For example, if you travel out of state, you may need to apply for licensure in your destination state or country, depending on where you travel. In other cases, certain jobs may require you to  attain  or  renew certifications .

What Is a Travel Nurse?

A travel nurse is a nurse who works for a nurse staffing agency rather than working directly for a hospital, doctor's office, or other health care facility. Depending on your preferences and the available jobs, you might work locally, nationally, or even internationally.

What Does a Travel Nurse Do?

A travel nurse's responsibilities and role can vary from one job to the next. Travel nurses can be generalists or specialists. With the proper certifications and experience, you might be working in a neonatal unit on one job and filling in at an understaffed emergency department on the next. It's up to you, your recruiter, and what your life, skills, and professional interests allow.

What Are the Requirements for Travel Nursing?

The baseline steps to becoming a travel nurse are the same as those for other nursing career paths. Travel nurses must be registered nurses (RNs), which means completing a nurse training program,  passing the NCLEX-RN exam , and applying for licensure. In addition, most nurse staffing agencies require a minimum amount of clinical experience, so typically, you can't become a travel nurse right out of college. Expect to spend at least two years working as an RN before you start applying for travel nursing positions.

Personally, you'll need to be even more flexible than a standard RN – you'll be changing environments frequently. It's crucial to be able to adapt quickly. Travel nurses should have exceptional communication skills — even by nursing standards — to ensure that they can integrate into their changing work environments and quickly become a part of the team.

Travel Nursing Education Requirements

There isn't one specific degree you need to become a travel nurse – you can be a travel nurse with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). However, many agencies prefer candidates with a four-year degree, so a BSN might make it easier to get hired by an agency and find the jobs you want.

Travel Nurse License Requirements

All registered nurses must be licensed in the state where they practice. But things can be a bit trickier when it comes to travel nurse license requirements.

As a travel nurse, you'll apply for licensure in the state where you maintain your permanent residence. In many cases, you won't need to apply for separate licensure even if you go out of state on a travel nurse assignment. That's because of the  Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) , an agreement that allows licensed RNs to practice legally in other participating states. Currently, 39 states participate in, or are in the process of implementing the NLC.

Unfortunately for travel nurses, not all states are members of the compact. If your destination isn't a member of the NLC, you'll need to apply for state-specific licensure before you can start the job. Some states may also offer fast tracks to temporary licenses that can streamline the process of meeting travel nurse license requirements.

Travel Nurse Certifications

Travel nurses will need to maintain all the same commonly required certifications as other kinds of nurses, like Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS). Beyond that, there aren't any specific required travel nurse certifications. However, in-demand, nationally recognized certifications like Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) or Certified Critical Care Nurse (CCRN) can make it easier to find and qualify for jobs through your agency.

Travel Nurse Salary and Career Prospects

Travel nurse salaries are as varied as travel nurses themselves. Because you may be working in different states and even perform different nursing duties from one job to the next, travel nurses see a wide range of salaries. In general, travel nurses make more than the average RN – estimates for 2022 are around $100,000 per year, compared to an average of $82,750 for RNs as a whole.

That number may not reflect your take-home pay or total compensation. Travel nurses often incur extra expenses like temporary housing for a job that's far away. Also, some agencies only offer benefits like health insurance while you're on assignment. If you take time off or work intermittently, you may need to pay for health insurance out of pocket. As a result, you might see less net pay than you expect.

Nursing as a career will always be in demand. Because travel nurses are often dispatched where there is a  shortage of nurses  or an exceptionally high need – such as after a natural disaster – skilled, flexible travel nurses may be able to find work even if there isn't high demand in the area where they live.

Images sourced from Getty Images

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TRAVEL NURSE 101

How to become a travel nurse.

What is a travel nurse, and what do they do?

Why do hospitals use travel nurses?

Where can travel nurses go?

How long is a travel nursing assignment, or travel nursing contract?

Why should I become a travel nurse?

What key qualities do I need to become a Travel Nurse?

How do I become a travel nurse?

Which travel nurse agencies are best?

Where do travel nurses stay while on assignment?

Why are travel nurses paid so much?

What travel nurse specialties are in the highest demand?

Can I do travel nursing with a family or pets?

Top Travel Nursing Questions & Answers

#1. what is a travel nurse, and what do they do.

Let’s talk about the basics here for a moment. A travel nurse is a nurse who will work in his/her specialty while taking short-term contracts at different facilities across the U.S. Travel nurses are often employed through agencies and have the flexibility to work in various healthcare settings and regions, usually in response to staffing shortages or high-demand areas. Overall, travel nursing combines the thrill of adventure with the fulfillment of providing quality healthcare. It is a profession that allows nurses to positively impact patient lives while enjoying the rewards of travel and professional growth.

While there are all kinds of traveling healthcare professionals, for Travel Nurse 101 purposes, we’ll focus on healthcare professionals with a U.S. Active Registered Nurse License (although some companies hire LPNS).

Explore the roles and duties of travel nurses.

#2. Why do hospitals use travel nurses?

Travel nurses often help fill in the gaps and augment the workforce when these hospitals experience staffing shortages due to high patient volumes, seasonal demands, or unexpected staff absences. Travel nurses’ specialized skills, experience at different facilities, and flexibility provide healthcare facilities with a valuable solution to meet their short-term staffing needs as they ensure patients can continue to receive high-quality, safe care.

Unveiling the Vital Role: Why Hospitals Rely on Travel Nurses

#3. Where can travel nurses go?

Travel nurses can find opportunities in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities in every state. The process of becoming a travel nurse involves obtaining the necessary licenses and certifications to practice in different states. Once licensed and certified, you can search for opportunities that fit your skills, interests, and experience. Job availability depends on several factors, including specialty, flexibility, and hospital need.   Knowing where and when you are willing to travel is key to finding a compatible travel nurse assignment. As your travel nurse mentor, I highly recommend making a list of the destinations you would like to visit. Then, take that a step further and list specific facilities where you would like to work. This list may evolve over time as you do more research or interact and meet other travelers who recommend places they’ve really enjoyed. My most important advice for finding travel nursing jobs is to be flexible and have an open mind. Some of my best assignments were in destinations that I would have never expected to love so much.

Learn more about types of travel nursing destinations and assignment durations.

#4. How long is a travel nursing assignment, or travel nursing contract?

The length of a travel nursing assignment or contract can vary depending on the healthcare facility’s needs and the travel nurse’s preferences. A typical travel nurse assignment is 13 weeks. About four to six weeks into your contract, discussions will begin about whether or not you want to extend your stay at that facility by signing another contract. It’s your decision whether you wish to stay or find another assignment. 

Sometimes, extending an assignment can be nice because you already know the area and the unit. You can stay at one facility for up to a year minus one day as a traveler. The one-year restriction only applies if you wish to remain tax compliant and receive per diems. If not, you will be fully taxed at a year and beyond. 

Your company typically initiates the conversation around contract extension, but you can also start the discussion with your nurse manager on the unit if you’d like to stay. Keep in mind that the facility might not offer extensions if it no longer has a need to fill, and pay rates may change as you sign a new contract.

Finding Your Fit: A Comprehensive Guide to Selecting the Ideal Travel Nurse Assignment

#5. Why should I become a travel nurse?

Becoming a travel nurse can be a rewarding and fulfilling career choice for those who value flexibility, adventure, and professional growth. I am here to provide you with the tools you need to start your journey, but this is a very personal question that only you can answer. What is your “ why” ? Having a solid reason why you want to become a travel nurse will keep you focused on the prize.  Do you need more flexibility in your work and personal life? Are you ready for a change in your work environment? Do you want to challenge yourself, expand your nursing skills, and step out of your day-to-day routine?  Do you want to meet new people and have the opportunity to gain new friendships and networks? Do you have financial goals you are trying to obtain? Are you at a time and place in life that doesn’t obligate you to stay in one location? 

If you answered yes to any of these questions, travel nursing might be a great fit for you. Brainstorm your current wants, needs, and your deal-breakers. Understanding why travel nursing is a great career choice for you will help you communicate what’s important to you when sharing your intentions with your company and recruiter.

Unlock the rewards of a career in travel nursing: a guide to finding your why

#6. What key qualities do I need to become a travel nurse?

Becoming a successful travel nurse requires a unique blend of qualities tailored for the dynamic healthcare landscape. Adaptability and flexibility are paramount as you navigate diverse environments and patient populations. Effective communication skills ensure seamless collaboration with healthcare teams, patients, and families. Critical thinking abilities empower you to navigate challenges and make informed decisions. Resilience is key in bouncing back from setbacks and embracing change. Above all, a love for travel fuels your passion for exploring new places and cultures, making each assignment an enriching adventure. Aspiring travel nurses equipped with these essential qualities are primed to thrive in this dynamic and rewarding profession, delivering exceptional care wherever their journey takes them.

Check out the Top 4 Key Attributes You’ll Need as a Travel Nurse

#7. How do I become a travel nurse?

The first thing is first – obtain a nursing degree. You must complete an accredited nursing program and pass the NCLEX exam to become a registered nurse (RN).

Then, you’ll want to gain clinical experience by obtaining at least 1-2 years of experience in your specialty. If you will be working in a specialized unit, such as Labor and Delivery or ICU, some facilities may require you to have even more experience before traveling. Take the time to excel in your clinical skills by asking for higher-acuity patients. These experiences and skills will be useful when you live on the road as a travel nurse. 

Next , you can start to build your travel nurse profile, including your resume, licenses, certifications, immunization and titer records, physicals, and references. Be sure to keep all of these up to date! This would be an excellent time to apply for any state licenses you may need, so look at that state’s BON for that process. If your certifications are expiring in the next couple of months, take the time to get those updated before you embark on your travel nurse journey.  

Then, you’re ready to start researching companies and recruiters . Network with other travelers and see which travel nurse agencies they recommend. Interview recruiters and make sure they seem like a good fit for you. You want to feel like your recruiter is responsive and working hard to get you what you want while keeping your best interests in mind. Keeping an open line of communication with your recruiter is the key to success! 

Okay, it’s the time you’ve been waiting for: get ready to start traveling! You’ve made it through a ton of work, and you’re almost on your way to becoming a travel nurse! You can begin the application process when you are about six to eight weeks out from wanting to travel.

Read the Travel Nurse 101 Guide to Becoming a Travel Nurse: Steps to Secure Your Dream Assignment

#8. Which travel nurse agencies are best?

The “best” travel nursing agency for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Choosing an agency that aligns with your goals and values and provides the support and resources you need to succeed as a travel nurse is essential.

Before choosing a travel nursing agency, do your research. Look for reviews and ratings online from both healthcare facilities and travel nurses. A great resource for you is the 5th annual Gypsy Nurse Top Agencies Evaluation Survey. They’ve created the industry’s most comprehensive travel nursing agency evaluation and hired a top independent market research firm ( Hanover Research ) as they  reached out to thousands of travel nurses to rate – based on their personal experience with agencies – key performance areas that the community had indicated were most important to them when working with a travel nurse staffing firm.

Here are the results from 2023: The Gypsy Nurse’s Top Travel Nurse Agencies • The Gypsy Nurse Make sure to check if the agency is accredited by a reputable organization such as The Joint Commission or the National Association of Travel Healthcare Organizations (NATHO). Accreditation is important because it indicates that the agency meets high quality and compliance standards. 

Check out the TN101 Ultimate Guide to Selecting the Best Travel Nursing Company

#9. Where do travel nurses stay while on assignment?

Travel nurses typically stay in temporary housing , such as extended-stay hotels, furnished apartments, or short-term rentals. Some travel nursing agencies offer housing options and/or a per diem to cover housing expenses as part of their benefits.

That’s why it is so important when choosing which agency to use to make sure to use one that has resources to help you with housing – one of the main pain points for many travelers. Luckily, some travel nurse agencies have a whole housing department dedicated to helping you find the right place to stay, and they can tell you how it will come out of your paycheck. If your agency does have a housing department, you’ll want to use them as a resource whether you choose to find your living arrangements or take company-provided housing. Housing can be limited in certain locations and peak times of the year, so the more flexible you are, the better off you will be!

Check out our blog about housing accommodation options .

#10. Why are travel nurses paid so much?

A lot of factors play into your compensation package as a travel nurse. It’s important to note that the pay rates for travel nurses can vary widely based on location, specialty, and experience. Travel nursing is a very supply and demand-driven industry , and pay rates can vary during different times of the year, such as RSV and flu season when there is an influx of staffing needs.

When looking at your total compensation package, be sure to factor in all the benefits and resources available to you through your agency.  Travel nursing assignments are typically short-term; therefore, they may receive higher pay to compensate for the inconvenience of being away from home, as well as the cost of relocating to a new location every few months. In general, travel nursing is a career path that offers the potential for higher compensation and greater flexibility compared to traditional staff nursing roles.

There are many factors that drive today’s pay rates. Check out our blog about the economics of travel nurse pay .

#11. What travel nurse specialties are in the highest demand?

The demand for travel nurses can vary depending on location and the needs of healthcare facilities at any given time. However, there are certain specialties that tend to be in high demand for travel nurses year-round. These specialties include PCU, Tele, ICU, ER, L&D, NICU, and PICU. 

Explore the most in demand specialties.

#12. Can I do travel nursing with a family or pets?

Logistically, traveling with a family or pets can pose a few additional challenges, but it’s absolutely doable and enjoyable if you have a great support system and are prepared. Some things to consider are finding housing suitable for everyone and how you’ll navigate childcare and/or pet sitting. Again, your agency is a great resource to help you. But rest assured that hundreds to thousands of travel nurses navigate this career with their pets, friends, or family in tow. If they can do it, so can you. Travel nursing with a family or pets might have its own set of challenges, but it can be a rewarding experience for all involved.