How to Become a Travel Nurse – Salary & Requirements for 2025

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

You might be a student torn between chasing adventure and making a difference in nursing. I've been guiding students in career planning for over a decade, and I understand your struggles. Combining these dreams might seem like a huge hurdle. That said, it's not impossible.

According to data published in 2024, over 1,733,502 traveling nurses work in the United States. To help you join this workforce, I've dug into reliable sources and used my experience to craft a detailed guide on becoming a travel nurse. From salary insights to specific requirements, this article will give you the knowledge and confidence to start your exciting journey. This article will help you learn about travel nursing and how it can be a fulfilling career for those who love to travel and want to help others.

Key benefits of becoming a travel nurse

In the next decade, about 195,400 new travel nursing jobs will be available.
47% of travel nurses have a bachelor's degree.
32.2% of registered nurses have multi-state licenses, which are popular among travel nurses.
It takes 4 to 5 years to become a travel nurse.
Travel nurses typically earn around $101,132 per year.

Why pursue a career in travel nursing?
What are the required skills for travel nurses?
What degree do you need to become a travel nurse?
How can I advance my career in travel nursing?
What are the licensing requirements for travel nurses?
Are there any specific licensing requirements for international travel nursing?
How long does it take to become a travel nurse?
How much do travel nurses typically earn?
How to choose the right specialization as a travel nurse?
What are the best resources for finding travel nursing jobs?
What are the best practices for negotiating travel nurse contracts?
How can travel nurses enhance their education and leadership potential?
How do I choose the right travel nursing agency?
What are the tax implications of being a travel nurse?
How do travel nurses manage work-life balance?
How can supplementary online education boost travel nursing skills?
What are the alternative career options for travel nursing?
How to transition from a registered nurse (RN) to a travel nurse
What other healthcare career paths are available to travel nurses?
What does the future hold for travel nursing?
What are the challenges of travel nursing?
Other Things You Should Know About Becoming a Travel Nurse

Here’s What Graduates Have to Say About Their Travel Nursing Careers

"After pursuing travel nursing, I have come to gain knowledge about the prevalent healthcare disparities and ways to provide adequate care to the underserved communities. It is a gratifying career that has added value to my life in numerous ways." - David

"Through the travel nursing program, I have gained the courage to pursue an exciting career path. This journey has taught me to be flexible in various healthcare settings and has allowed me to immerse myself in diverse cultures, leading to self-discovery and personal growth. I value this experience more than anything." - Alex

"Exploring the world of travel nursing has been an absolute thrill for me! I've had the chance to witness stunning sights while making a tangible impact on people's lives. It's the perfect mix of excitement and purpose, and I feel so lucky to be a part of it." - Sarah

Why pursue a career in travel nursing?

Pursuing a career in travel nursing offers the opportunity to explore new destinations, flexibility in scheduling, and the chance to deliver high-quality patient care across diverse healthcare settings. Here are some of the reasons why you might want to become a travel nurse:

Explore New Destinations: Travel nursing offers the chance to discover different places while providing essential healthcare services. You can choose to work in cities, rural areas, or international locations.
Flexibility: As a travel nurse, you can decide when and where to take assignments. It gives you control over your schedule and lifestyle.
High-Quality Patient Care: Your primary role as a travel nurse is to deliver top-notch patient care, adapt to various healthcare settings, and gain valuable experience.
Financial Rewards: Besides competitive base pay, travel nursing offers perks like travel allowances and housing stipends, which provide significant financial benefits.
Professional Networking: Travel nursing allows you to build a diverse professional network across healthcare settings. You'll collaborate with various healthcare professionals, opening doors to new job opportunities and mentorship.

What are the required skills for travel nurses?

In order to succeed in any professional field, especially in learning how to become a travel nurse, individuals need to possess skills that are crucial to their job roles. For travel nurses, these skills will not only contribute to your success as a healthcare professional but also help you navigate the unique challenges and demands of travel nursing.

Here are some of the most important travel nursing requirements or skills:

Cultural competence: We have mentioned earlier that travel nurses will be dealing with diverse patient populations with different cultural backgrounds and beliefs. Having cultural competence ensures that travel nurses are sensitive and respectful to cultural practices that affect how an individual may perceive healthcare treatment.
Clinical competence: Strong clinical skills are essential when learning how to become a travel nurse to provide safe and competent care. Proficiency in nursing assessments, medication administration, treatments, and procedures ensures quality patient care across various healthcare settings. This essential skill is also of great importance if you are a labor and delivery nurse.
Adaptability: As a travel RN, you need to be adaptable since you will be moving from one healthcare facility to another. This will help you quickly adjust to new environments, workflows, and healthcare teams.
Excellent communication skills: Effective communication is essential in traveling nursing for you to collaborate with patients, their families, and different healthcare teams. Being able to listen actively and convey information accurately is crucial for delivering quality patient care.
Documentation and technology proficiency: Accurate and thorough documentation is vital in travel nursing. Proficiency in electronic health records (EHR) systems and other healthcare technologies ensures efficient and accurate record-keeping. This will help maintain continuity of care and facilitate effective communication with the healthcare team.
Professionalism and ethics: Ethical conduct and adherence to nursing standards of care are essential when learning how to become a travel nurse. Maintaining confidentiality, upholding patient rights, and following ethical guidelines are paramount to building trust and maintaining professional integrity.

General Skills for Tavel Nurses

Time management skills: Those who are in the field of healthcare often work in fast-paced environments with varying patient caseloads. Good time management skills will enable you to organize your workload, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
Resilience and emotional intelligence: Travel nursing positions and other healthcare professions such as faith community nurses can be challenging and will require emotional resilience to handle demanding situations. Emotional intelligence enables you to manage stress, remain composed in difficult situations, and provide empathetic care.
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills: The ability to think critically, analyze situations, and make sound decisions is crucial in the field of healthcare. You should be adept at problem-solving, prioritizing tasks, and effectively addressing potential complications. This skill is also important for the associate in healthcare administration student.
Flexibility: Being open to various shifts, different patient populations, and diverse healthcare settings allows you to thrive in almost any career you choose. Flexibility also helps you handle unexpected situations or changes in patient acuity levels.
Stress management: Travel nursing can be demanding, with changing environments and high patient volumes. Effective stress management skills, such as self-care practices, resilience, and seeking support when needed, are crucial for maintaining physical and mental well-being.

What degree do you need to become a travel nurse?

It would be best to have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree to become a travel nurse. This degree gives you the essential knowledge and skills for nursing practice. While some jobs might accept an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), many travel nursing agencies prefer BSN graduates because of their broader education and leadership abilities. Getting a BSN can also help you advance in your nursing career.

What can I do with an associate’s degree in travel nursing?

Job Title: Rehabilitation Nurse Specialist

As a rehabilitation nurse, you will help patients transition from their time spent in the hospital to their continued recovery at home. You will also be working with patients who need additional care and therapy before they are discharged. Your responsibilities will include medication administration, pain management, and assisting with therapeutic exercises.

Median salary: $42,934

What can I do with a bachelor’s degree in travel nursing?

Job title: Bedside Nurse

One of the most common roles of professional travel nurses is bedside nursing. This is easily the most common job for travel nurses since bedside nursing can be done in various settings, such as hospitals, homes, or residential care facilities. Most individuals with a bachelor’s degree in nursing often opt for this career path as well.

Median salary: $73,349

Can you get a travel nursing job with just a certificate?

Travel nurses are required to be licensed registered nurses before they can start working. This is to ensure that they are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to provide quality, research-based healthcare. Once you become an RN, you can then learn how to become a travel nurse and find certifications if you want to specialize in a specific field in healthcare.

You may also get a medical billing and online coding certification if you are leaning more toward clerking and administrative tasks. There are different types of nursing certificates that you can acquire, depending on your priorities. Some of these certifications include:

Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Family Nurse Practitioner Certification
Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN)

Having these certifications can benefit you, especially if you are looking beyond entry-level jobs as a travel nurse. It is important to note that before you practice nursing and find a job, you need to be a registered nurse, which means you need a degree and not just a certificate.

The chart below illustrates the share of educational attainment of travel nurses, as published by Zippia in 2024.

How can I advance my career in travel nursing?

By working in various healthcare settings, you gain exposure to different patient populations, medical conditions, and treatment approaches. This broadens your clinical skills, enhances your adaptability, and makes you a more well-rounded healthcare professional. That is why many nurses opt to pursue higher education degrees aside from finding their specializations.

When it comes to career advancement, professional growth can only happen when you expand your knowledge and enhance your skills. In this section, we will delve into various ways you can advance your career in travel nursing, from pursuing specialty training to taking on leadership roles and seeking higher-level positions.

What can I do with a master’s in travel nursing?

Job Title: Clinical Nurse Specialist

Clinical nurse specialists (CNS) are registered nurses with advanced practice who have either a master’s or doctorate in nursing. As a CNS, you are expected to be trained in advanced pharmacology, physiology, and physical assessment. These individuals can also diagnose, prescribe, or treat patients depending on their state regulations.

Median salary: $77,086

What kind of job can I get with a doctorate in travel nursing?

Job Title: Certified Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

With a doctorate in travel nursing and a certification as a nurse anesthetist, you can now apply for one of the highest paying travel nurse jobs. A nurse anesthetist provides pain medication for patients before, during, and after medical surgery. There are also online public health doctoral programs you can apply to if you want to gain a degree through distance education.

Median salary: $170,563

Which certification is best for travel nursing?

Many healthcare facilities and travel nursing agencies prioritize candidates with specialized certifications. Travel nursing agencies and healthcare facilities may also offer higher pay rates or additional incentives to nurses with certifications. The reason is that these certifications reflect a higher level of expertise and can justify higher compensation for your skills and knowledge.

Some of the best certifications you can get as an aspiring travel nurse are:

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) to become a NICU travel nurse.
Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)
Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC)
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN)

What are the licensing requirements for travel nurses?

Licensing requirements for travel nurses include getting an RN license where they want to work, considering multistate licensure, and meeting state-specific rules. Here's a breakdown:

Obtain a Registered Nurse (RN) License: Travel nurses must hold a valid RN license in the state where they plan to practice. This typically involves completing an accredited nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam.
Multistate Licensure: Many travel nurses obtain a multistate RN license through the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This allows them to practice in multiple states without needing additional licenses.
State-Specific Requirements: Some states have additional requirements for travel nurses, such as background checks or specific continuing education credits.
Compliance with Endorsement Requirements: Travel nurses must follow endorsement requirements if they work in a state other than their primary residence. These requirements may involve providing evidence of education, licensure, and professional experience.
Stay Updated on License Renewals: Travel nurses must ensure that their RN license and any additional certifications remain current and renewed according to state regulations.

Are there any specific licensing requirements for international travel nursing?

You must check visa and work permit rules for international travel nursing, ensure your nursing credentials are recognized, and prove your language skills. Here's a list of things you may need to prepare:

Research Visa and Work Permit Regulations: International travel nurses must familiarize themselves with the visa and work permit requirements of the country they plan to work in.
Verify Nursing Credentials: Ensure that your nursing credentials, including your RN license and additional certifications, are recognized and accepted in the destination country.
Language Proficiency: Some countries may require proof of language proficiency, especially if patient care involves communication in a language other than English.
Cultural Competency Training: To provide culturally competent care, familiarize yourself with the destination country's cultural norms and healthcare practices.
Additional Certifications: Depending on the destination, you may need additional certifications or training specific to the healthcare system or patient population you will serve.

How long does it take to become a travel nurse?

Becoming a travel nurse usually takes four to five years. This timeline can vary depending on individual circumstances and educational choices. Here's an estimate for each part of the process:

Complete Nursing Education: Depending on whether you pursue an ADN or a BSN, a nursing education program typically takes 2 to 4 years to complete.
Obtain an RN License: After graduating from a nursing program, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Preparation and scheduling for the exam can take several weeks to months.
Gain Clinical Experience: Many travel nursing agencies require a minimum of 1 to 2 years of clinical experience in a hospital setting before considering candidates for travel nursing positions.
Consider Additional Certifications: If you're a travel nurse, you should obtain additional certifications to boost your qualifications. Although it's not always mandatory, specialized certifications in areas such as emergency or critical care nursing can make you more competitive in your field.
Apply for Travel Nursing Positions: When you meet the requirements, you can apply for travel nursing positions through agencies or healthcare facilities. The time to get your first assignment may vary depending on demand, location preferences, and experience level.

How much do travel nurses typically earn?

Travel nurses typically earn around $101,132 annually, but this can vary based on several factors. Factors affecting salary include your experience level, the assignment location, the facility type, and the demand for nurses in that area. For example, travel nurses working in high-demand specialties or areas with a high cost of living may have higher pay rates. Additionally, nurses with specialized certifications or skills may earn higher salaries than those without. On the other hand, less desirable locations or assignments with lower demand may offer lower pay rates. As such, travel nurse salaries can range from around $65,000 to over $120,000 per year.

The chart below lists the top-paying cities in the US for travel nurses, according to data published by ZipRecruiter in 2024.

How to choose the right specialization as a travel nurse?

Selecting the right nursing specialization can greatly enhance your career trajectory as a travel nurse, providing more opportunities for lucrative assignments and personal growth. Factors like demand, compensation, and compatibility with your interests should guide your decision. For instance, critical care nurses and operating room nurses are often sought after, as their expertise is pivotal in high-stakes environments. Similarly, pediatric and neonatal nursing specialists are in demand for assignments that focus on the care of young patients.

Moreover, advancing your credentials in specialized areas can further open doors to higher-paying roles. One avenue to explore is nurse practitioner (NP) programs that allow you to focus on areas compatible with travel nursing. If you're considering such an option, evaluate the easiest NP specialties to identify ones that align with accessible entry points and your professional interests. Specializing can not only give you an edge in competitive job markets but also ensure sustainability in your long-term nursing career.

Ultimately, the right specialization should balance demand with your passion, enhancing both job satisfaction and earning potential while enabling unique experiences across diverse healthcare settings.

What are the best resources for finding travel nursing jobs?

You can find travel nursing jobs through different resources like agencies, online job boards, and hospital websites. Here are some of your options:

Travel Nursing Agencies: Companies like American Mobile Healthcare and Cross Country Nurses specialize in helping nurses find travel assignments.
Online Job Boards: Websites like Indeed and TravelNursing.com list job openings for travel nurses from different healthcare facilities.
Hospital Websites: Many hospitals have job listings for travel nurses on their websites.
Networking: Connecting with other nurses, recruiters, and healthcare professionals can help you find job opportunities in travel nursing.
Social Media: Joining Facebook or LinkedIn groups for travel nursing can connect you with job openings and industry news.
Career Fairs: Attending nursing career fairs lets you meet recruiters and learn about travel nursing opportunities.
Referrals: Getting recommendations from friends or colleagues who are travel nurses can lead to job opportunities.
Direct Contact: Contacting healthcare facilities directly can uncover job openings not listed elsewhere.

What are the best practices for negotiating travel nurse contracts?

When reviewing travel nurse contracts, focus on clearly defined assignment details, including duty hours, scope of practice, and termination clauses. Analyze compensation components such as base pay, housing stipends, travel reimbursements, and sign‐on bonuses to ensure overall financial viability. It is essential to compare multiple contracts and use professional networks to benchmark standard terms. Additionally, consider seeking independent legal advice to clarify ambiguous clauses and safeguard your long-term interests. For professionals considering a transition from support roles, reviewing MA to RN programs may help strengthen the foundation needed to negotiate more favorable contract terms.

How can travel nurses enhance their education and leadership potential?

Expanding your academic credentials not only validates your clinical expertise but also prepares you for leadership roles in diverse healthcare settings. Targeted continuing education and specialized leadership courses can sharpen decision-making skills and improve adaptability. Consider flexible options such as ADN to MSN online bridge programs to seamlessly integrate advanced studies into your travel nursing career. Evaluating programs that offer both clinical depth and management training can position you for high-responsibility roles while broadening your professional network.

How do I choose the right travel nursing agency?

A comprehensive evaluation of travel nursing agencies involves comparing contract terms, benefits, and placement support. Consider agency reputation, prompt communication, and transparency regarding fees and stipends. Assess if the agency offers resources for career growth and professional development, such as access to continuing education and credentialing support. For instance, some agencies facilitate additional training options like LPN to RN online, which can enhance your qualifications. Prioritize agencies whose values align with your career objectives and provide reliable, ongoing support throughout your assignments.

What are the tax implications of being a travel nurse?

Understanding tax implications is crucial for travel nurses, as frequent relocation and varying assignments can complicate tax filing. Here are some key considerations for managing taxes effectively as a travel nurse:

Tax Home Consideration: To qualify for non-taxable stipends (housing, meals, and incidentals), travel nurses need to establish a “tax home.” This is typically their primary residence, where they incur regular, ongoing expenses. Maintaining a tax home is essential to avoid additional tax liability on stipends.
Non-Taxable Stipends: Travel nurses may receive non-taxable stipends for housing and meals when working away from their tax home. However, these stipends are only non-taxable if they meet IRS criteria, like maintaining a primary residence.
Deductions for Work-Related Expenses: Although the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act limited some deductions, travel nurses may still deduct certain unreimbursed work expenses if self-employed. Qualifying expenses might include licensure fees, continuing education, or uniforms.
State Income Tax: Travel nurses may be required to file taxes in multiple states depending on assignment locations. Understanding each state’s tax laws and deadlines can help avoid penalties and ensure compliance.

By staying informed on tax considerations, travel nurses can better manage their finances and maximize earnings. Consulting a tax professional familiar with travel nursing can also ensure accuracy and potential savings.

How do travel nurses manage work-life balance?

Travel nurses navigate a dynamic schedule by establishing clear boundaries and proactive self-care routines, ensuring personal well-being despite frequent changes. Effective strategies include leveraging flexible contract options, planning time off between assignments, and building localized support networks during long-term placements. Many professionals also invest in advanced education—such as pursuing cheapest MSN to DNP programs—to enhance career flexibility and improve the integration of clinical responsibilities with personal priorities.

How can supplementary online education boost travel nursing skills?

Supplementary online education can bridge gaps between core nursing competencies and evolving healthcare practices. It enables travel nurses to access updated clinical content, specialized skill training, and flexible course schedules that are compatible with unpredictable assignments. For instance, tailored online programs help professionals enhance their foundational knowledge and prepare for advanced certifications without compromising work commitments. Moreover, cost-effective options such as the most affordable licensed practical nurse online degree provide a pathway to broaden clinical expertise and sustain career growth in dynamic healthcare environments.

What are the alternative career options for travel nursing?

The field of nursing offers a wide range of alternative career paths that incorporate the flexibility and diversity of travel nursing. These alternative career options provide opportunities to explore different healthcare settings, gain new experiences, and continue making a positive impact in the lives of patients.

Medical mission work: If you have a passion for humanitarian work, medical mission opportunities might be the perfect alternative career option. Joining medical mission organizations or non-profit groups allows you to travel to underserved communities or regions affected by disasters and provide healthcare services to those in need.
Nurse educator or clinical instructor: In this role, you can educate and train the next generation of nurses, sharing your knowledge and expertise in a classroom or clinical setting. This career path also allows you to make a significant impact on the nursing profession and opens up opportunities for well-paying careers in biology in the future.
Case coordinator: As a travel nurse, you gain valuable experience in coordinating patient care across different settings. You can also explore careers in case management or care coordination, where you work closely with patients, families, and healthcare teams to ensure the continuity and quality of care.
Telehealth Nursing: As a telehealth nurse, you can provide healthcare services remotely, offering support and advice to patients through phone calls, video conferences, and online platforms. This role allows you to work from anywhere, providing care to patients in different geographical locations.
Cruise ship nursing: Cruise ship nurses provide medical care to passengers and crew members, offering a wide range of healthcare services while traveling to different destinations around the world. This alternative career also allows you to experience the maritime industry and meet people from diverse backgrounds.
International Nursing Opportunities: If you have a desire to work as a nurse in different countries, exploring international nursing opportunities can be a rewarding choice. Many organizations and healthcare systems offer nursing programs online that facilitate nursing placements abroad, allowing you to experience different healthcare systems, cultures, and nursing practices.

How to transition from a registered nurse (RN) to a travel nurse

Becoming a travel nurse involves more than just obtaining a nursing license—it requires careful preparation and strategic career moves. If you're already a registered nurse (RN), here’s how you can transition into the exciting field of travel nursing:

Obtain Relevant Nursing Experience: Before stepping into travel nursing, most agencies require at least 1–2 years of clinical experience in a specialty area like critical care, emergency, or pediatrics. This experience ensures you are equipped to handle the demands of diverse healthcare settings independently.
Build Your Credentials: Enhance your qualifications with certifications in high-demand areas. For example, obtaining certifications like Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), or Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) can make you a competitive candidate for travel assignments. Specialized certifications also align with certain travel nurse roles, such as those in neonatal or trauma care.
Secure Licensure for Multiple States: Travel nurses often move between states. Obtaining a multistate license through the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) allows you to practice in participating states without needing separate licenses. For non-NLC states, apply for individual state licenses through endorsement processes. For a broader career perspective, you can explore advanced nursing roles. Learn more about nurse practitioner requirements to see how further education and licensure can expand your career opportunities.
Connect with a Reputable Travel Nursing Agency: Travel nursing agencies act as intermediaries, helping you find assignments that match your skills and preferences. Research agencies thoroughly and prioritize those offering competitive pay, benefits, housing stipends, and licensing support.

What other healthcare career paths are available to travel nurses?

Travel nurses have a wide range of career path options beyond traditional nursing roles. For those interested in diagnostic imaging, considering an education from an online ultrasound tech school can provide a fulfilling and challenging career in healthcare, applying their nursing skills in a specialized field. This career flexibility is one of the advantages of gaining experience as a travel nurse, as it opens doors to various specialties and roles within the healthcare sector.

What does the future hold for travel nursing?

The future outlook for travel nursing is shaped by rapid technological advancements, evolving healthcare delivery models, and changing regulatory policies. As telehealth and digital patient management systems become integral to healthcare, travel nurses may find opportunities to integrate remote care and virtual consultations into their practice. Shifting patient demographics and increasing demand for specialized care are expected to drive the emergence of new assignments and roles that require a blend of clinical expertise and adaptability. For professionals intent on remaining competitive, pursuing further education—such as the cheapest online psychiatric nurse practitioner programs—can offer an edge in meeting future industry demands while bolstering career longevity.

What are the challenges of travel nursing?

While travel nursing offers a unique and rewarding career, it's not without its challenges. One of the most significant hurdles is adapting to new work environments. Travel nurses often rotate between different healthcare facilities, which means they must quickly learn the protocols, procedures, and cultures of each hospital or clinic they work at. This constant change can be exciting but also overwhelming, especially for those who prefer stability.

Another challenge is dealing with isolation. Travel nurses may find themselves away from family and friends for extended periods, particularly when assigned to remote or rural locations. While some travel nurses enjoy the independence, others may struggle with the lack of a strong support network.

Additionally, the uncertainty of short-term contracts means that travel nurses might experience periods of unemployment or have to move unexpectedly. This can create financial instability or stress for those who prefer a more predictable work schedule.

For those considering travel nursing, it’s important to weigh these potential challenges against the benefits. If you are looking for a more straightforward path into healthcare, pursuing the easiest education degree for a registered nurse might be a good option before diving into the travel nursing lifestyle.

Other Things You Should Know About Becoming a Travel Nurse

Are travel nurses in demand for 2025?

Yes, travel nurses are still in demand for 2025. The projected traveling nurse job growth rate is 6% from 2018 to 2028. This indicates a steady demand for travel nurses due to an aging population, increased healthcare needs, and nursing shortages in certain regions. Healthcare facilities continue to rely on travel nurses to fill staffing gaps, especially during peak seasons or in areas with limited local resources.

How many months do travel nurses work?

Travel nurses typically work assignments ranging from 8 to 26 weeks, depending on the healthcare facility's needs and the nurse's preferences. Assignments can vary in length based on location, specialty, and time of year. Some travel nurses may choose shorter assignments to maintain flexibility and explore different places, while others may opt for longer assignments for stability and continuity of care.

Is travel nursing hard?

Travel nursing has its challenges, but it also brings unique rewards. Adapting to new environments and healthcare settings can be tricky, but it's an opportunity to gain valuable experience and develop adaptability skills. Building relationships with new colleagues and patients and adjusting to different routines and documentation systems can be difficult. However, many travel nurses find the experience personally and professionally fulfilling, making the challenges worthwhile.

Do employers provide housing for travel nurses?

Yes, some employers provide housing for travel nurses as part of their benefits package. This can include furnished accommodations or a housing stipend to help cover housing expenses. However, not all employers offer housing, and it may vary depending on the facility and location of the assignment. Some travel nurses may choose to arrange their own housing independently, especially if they prefer more control over their living arrangements.

What types of assignments and locations can travel nurses expect to work in?

Travel nurses can expect to work in a diverse range of assignments and locations, offering both unique challenges and rewarding experiences. Assignments typically last between 8 to 26 weeks, allowing nurses to work in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities across the country. Locations can vary widely, from bustling urban hospitals to rural healthcare centers, and even internationally in some cases. Travel nurses may be placed in high-demand areas experiencing staff shortages, natural disasters, or seasonal increases in patient volume. This variety provides opportunities to gain a broad spectrum of clinical experiences, adapt to different healthcare environments, and explore new regions.

References:

Florida National University. (2023). What Can I Do with an Associate Degree in Nursing? Florida National University. FNU.
NACNS. (n.d.). What is a CNS? National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists. NACNS.
Smiley, R. A., Allgeyer, R., Maryann, A., et al., (2022). The 2022 National Nursing Workforce Survey. Journal of Nursing Regulation. JNR.
Zippia. (2024a). Traveling Nurse Demographics and Statistics in the US. Zippia.
Zippia. (2024b). Job Outlook for Traveling Nurses in the United States. Zippia.
ZipRecruiter. (2024). Travel Nurse Salary. ZipRecruiter.