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Travel Nursing 101: How to Be a Travel Nurse & More

Getting Started in Travel Nursing

The nursing field offers this unique career path that allows you to travel the country while expanding your nursing skills. What’s better than that? Whether you’re just starting to explore the world of travel nursing or about to head off on your first assignment, it can be daunting to navigate this nuanced industry. And by nuanced we mean crazy but awesome. To make sure you start off on the right foot, we put together this guide covering all the basics of travel nursing.

This guide covers a lot of information. Use these links to find what you’re looking for faster.

• Part 1: Travel Nursing 101 — What is travel nursing?
• Part 2: How to Become a Travel Nurse — breaking down the requirements & how to get started.
• Part 3: Working With an Agency — and why you need an amazing recruiter.
• Part 4: Landing Your First Job — it’s interview 101 & contracts.
• Part 5: Travel Nurse Pay Packages — how to dissect a pay package.
• Part 6: Important Links — tax info & more.
• Travel Nursing FAQs — Can I take travel nurse assignments close to my house? What’s orientation like? And so much more.

Part 1: Travel Nursing 101

It’s important to always remember that travel nursing is all about filling a need. There’s a nursing shortage — have you heard? The demand for registered nurses will grow by 15% from 2016 – 2026. From aging baby boomers to nurse burnout, the need for highly-skilled and experienced nurses continues to rise. Oh, and there’s also seasonal needs and expected leaves (like maternity leave) to factor into the equation. Enter travel nurses.

What is a Travel Nurse?

Licensed and experienced, travel nurses work as contingent staff to maintain quality patient care standards during staff shortages. In plain English, they fill the gaps on the schedule, typically for 13 weeks at a time.

• Highly-Skilled : You’ll need to be confident in your skills and ready to hit the ground running. Travel nurse orientations are notoriously brief, and you’ll be expected to hit the floor quickly. 
• Adaptable : Things will not go as planned, from housing to expectations. Good travel nurses can not only adapt quickly but know who to contact at their agency to ensure they have the proper support.
• Adventurous : Making new friends, learning new cities, and working with new equipment — it all comes with the territory. So make sure you pack your sense of adventure.
• Independent : The life of a gypsy nurse often means being away from friends, family, and sometimes special moments. When you get home after a shift and are alone, you’ll need to remember that you’re independent. 

Why Choose Travel Nursing?

There are so many reasons nurses choose this career path. We believe it’s because it’s one of the best careers out there. We see nurses hit the open road for financial freedom — paying off debt, building retirement, or being able to afford the life they want to live. Many nurses want to develop their experience, from working at a prestigious hospital to working with the latest tech. And sometimes, travel itself is the motivator.

Check out our tips for maximizing your travel career on The Gypsy Nurse. It’s all about determining your motivations and how to find an agency that complements those driving factors.

Part 2: How to Become a Travel Nurse

After determining your motivators and some research, you’ve decided you want to clock out for the last time on your staff position. Welcome to the most fun, challenging, and rewarding job you’ve ever had. But first, let’s break down how to get started.

Travel Nurse Requirements

It’s the big 3. You’ll need a combination of experience, education, and documentation to make your move. Experience is often the most talked-about element, and that’s because it’s vitally important. Travel nurses typically jump right into a unit with little orientation, so your skills and confidence need to be sharp.

• Education : It all starts here. Registered nurses must first hold a nursing degree from an accredited university before taking the NCLEX-RN ® and applying for a license. So, like any nursing career, you’ll need either your Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Learn about bachelor’s degrees, continuing education programs, and more by reading our Nursing Education Guide .
• Experience : After passing the NCLEX and meeting licensing requirements, you can practice as an entry-level nurse. In general, the hospitals we work with require travel nurses to have a minimum of 1-2 years’ recent acute care experience in the specialty in which they wish to work. For specific specialty requirements, check out our Specialty Guide and then find your specialty for an in-depth look from travel nurses who’ve worked on those units.
• Documentation : During our application process, you’ll need to provide references and documentation of licenses and certifications. Rest assured, we’ll walk you through each step. Bonus — TNAA will help you obtain and pay for the licenses you need. Read our Licensing Guide for more information.

The beginning of your travel nurse journey likely consists of a lot of research. From online groups to word-of-mouth reviews, you’ve probably heard plenty of recommendations. It’s essential to determine your motivators for traveling and define what you need from an agency. 

Part 3: Working With an Agency

There are a lot of agencies out there — like nearly 300. And while they all do share some commonalities, they are definitely not all alike. So how do you choose an agency? First, let’s break down the role of your agency.

What’s the Purpose of Travel Nursing Agencies?

Think of a travel nursing agency as a one-stop-shop for everything you need, from finding assignments to assisting you while you’re on an assignment. Sounds simple, right? Of course, it’s a little more nuanced than that. If we break it down to its most basic, there are 2 main aspects to consider — think of their role as 2 sides of the same coin.

You are their employee.

In this capacity, their role is that of an employer providing things like health insurance, payroll, and legal protections. Remember your time as a staff nurse, your hospital carried liability insurance, offered options and protections if you suffered a workplace injury, offered health benefits, and took care of compensation. Some agencies offer all the perks of perm nursing — hello, we’re super proud of our benefit programs! So, while other agencies might not consider you as a full-time employee and therefore may opt to cut some of those.

You are their customer.

In this capacity, the agency takes on a more customer-service related role. While there is a business-to-business aspect of this industry, you are their customer. Throughout your journey with an agency, they will be concerned with your experience and should strive to ensure you want to remain with them. This is why you will see stand-out benefits and perks — one of our core values is obsessing over our nurses’ experiences with us.

  View this post on Instagram   At TNAA, we love to see our travel nurses succeed in achieving their goals, and we want to help in any way we can. That’s why we’re proud to offer our RN to BSN Degree Program, which reimburses 100% of eligible tuition costs. Read our blog to see how you can get started. Link in bio. A post shared by Travel Nurse Across America (@travelnurseacrossamerica) on Jan 29, 2020 at 5:53pm PST

What Should an Agency Offer?

We referenced it earlier, but it’s crucial to determine your motivations. What do you want to get out of travel nursing? That will dictate what agency offers are most important to you and ensure you have a successful travel career. 

At TNAA, our offerings stem from our core values. Putting nurses first and obsessing on their experience is not only deeply important to us, but it drives everything we do. 

• We believe in treating our nurses like family. Our goal is to think of everything you could need while on assignment. Read more about TNAA company culture (and why we continue to win awards for it). 
• We believe in providing opportunities to grow your career. We do this by finding assignments to help you reach professional milestones. We also want you to be able to further your career with continuing education opportunities and an RN to BSN tuition reimbursement. Want to learn more about these programs? We break down all of our career-enhancing programs in our Education Guide .
• We believe in protecting you while you’re far from home. We pride ourselves on offering benefits that cover what really matters — mental, physical, and financial wellbeing. To learn more about our benefits, check out this blog on all we offer.

Travel Nurse Recruiters 101

While choosing the right agency is crucial, it’s difficult to overemphasize the role a travel nurse recruiter plays. Finding the right recruiter for you can be daunting — especially with so much noise about recruiters in online communities. Plus, some agencies are now ditching recruiters altogether. But before we dive into why our travel nurse recruiters are the best in the industry, let’s explore the role of the recruiter.

They’re your career coach. 

We like to think of our recruiters like academic advisors, but way better. TNAA recruiters have market knowledge. They understand the industry and how to leverage that to your benefit. Maybe your goal is to travel to Hawaii or work in a prestigious teaching facility. As a first-time traveler, it’s about strategy and experience to help you reach your goals and handle the unexpected hiccups that come with life on the road. 

Your recruiter should know how to get you where you want to go, literally. Back to our Hawaii example: you could hit submit on an app for years. Or, you could work with a TNAA recruiter who can help you get the relevant travel experience necessary for that 300-bed stroke unit on the Big Island. See, part of that market knowledge includes knowing what facilities are looking for and how to make your file jump out to hiring managers. Or, maybe you want to work on a different unit. Our recruiters are prepared to help you get there and be transparent with a plan.

They’re your career concierge.

Part of the job is making the complex simple. Our goal as a company is to make your life as a travel nurse easy. On the most basic level, your recruiter will simplify the application process, submit you for jobs, and help with paperwork along the way. You can expect to build a real relationship with your recruiter, and that extends into ensuring you understand your options and how those impact your goals. Wait. What? For example, your recruiter will give you feedback on things like cancel rates, call-offs, and help you choose a contract and pay package that meet your needs.

  View this post on Instagram   Well, today was pretty freakin cool. I talked this gal for almost a YEAR before we found her 1st assignment in WA • • Today we met up for lunch in the @omahaoldmarket; we sipped tea, talked about life & future goals. Big things coming for this zen lady – on to her 2nd assignment in the Mountains 🏔 🙌🏻 • • Oh, and I watched her get a nose piercing. @my_lovethyselfjourney_365 did we just become best friends?! Yup! • • Thank you @travelnurseacrossamerica for bringing us together💫 #recruiterturnedphotographer A post shared by Ashley Hazen (@travel_nurse_recruiter) on Nov 12, 2019 at 5:43pm PST

Part 4: Landing Your First Job

You’ve spoken with a recruiter and feel confident that they understand you, your goals, and where you want to be. So what’s next ? Now they work on securing you an interview. A great recruiter will help tailor your file, so it gets to a nurse manager, charge nurse, or hiring manager. They’ll also coach you so you’ll be prepared to ace your interview and get offered the job. But your interview with the facility is a two-way street, and you’ll want to make sure that the facility is a good fit for you too.

What You Need to Know About Travel Nursing Interviews

It’s important to remember that travel nursing is all about filling a need. Typically, facilities will hire the first qualified nurse who interviews and can start quickly. Unlike perm staff hiring processes, time is of the essence, and travel nursing jobs need are filled as soon as possible.

Knowing what to ask for your first interview can be daunting. Consider this guide a high-level overview of what to ask. But rest assured, your recruiter will be your biggest asset. In the meantime, here are a few quick tips:

• Be quick:  Again, speed matters. The first qualified candidate who answers the phone when a nurse manager calls has a great shot at getting the job. Unlike perm positions, the nurse manager is looking to fill the job quickly, they will not hold multiple rounds in search of that just-right candidate. If you’re unable to have your phone out (work, we get it), make sure you take the time to check your messages and call back ASAP .
• Do your research:  Look up the facility ahead of time. Did we mention that speed matters? Don’t expect a nurse manager or hiring staff to have a lot of time to chat. You can find out bed numbers, teaching designation, traveler reviews, and call-off history from the internet and your recruiter. Spend your time finding out about the unit, the culture, and contract expectations.
• Prepare in advance:  Ask your recruiter for typical questions (we’ve included some in our download above) and have answers prepared. Knowing how to answer common questions will make you sound confident and experienced. Plus, it will allow you more time to ask your questions.

For even more tips, check out this blog on The Gypsy Nurse and this advice from our travel nurses .

Reviewing Your Contract

For first time travelers, this can be especially daunting. This is one reason it’s important that you have good rapport with your recruiter. Here’s what you need to know about that crucial contract:

• Confirm the details: During your interview, you discussed things like shift, days off, floating, and more. Double-check to ensure those things are included.
• Review with your recruiter:  For first-time travelers there can be a lot of confusing details in a contract. After you confirm the details, your recruiter will review it with you and point out things like holidays for the unit or call-off policies.

Part 5: Travel Nurse Pay Packages

Staff nurses in a hospital are typically paid at a set salary based on their education level and experience. However, the travel nurse world is a world all its own, and that includes how they earn income. A variety of components make up a travel nurse pay package , such as hourly pay, non-taxed stipends, travel reimbursements, and more. Let’s break down the basics of travel nurse salary and what to look for in a pay package.

It’s important to understand the role taxes play in travel nursing. Any travel nurse will tell you; there’s a big misconception around where the money comes from. Most travelers will tell you that the tax-free stipend is the best way to profit from travel nursing. To understand the financial benefit travel nurses can enjoy from the non-taxed portion of their pay, we pulled together some helpful tax links to get you started.

Key Components of a Pay Package

• Hourly Equivalent: A travel nurse pay package generally consists of 2 main components: the regular, taxable hourly rate and the non taxed reimbursements (referred to as stipends, subsidies, per diems, or allowances). Your hourly rate is a combination of taxed and non taxed portions.
• Non Taxable Per Diems: It’s important to note that in order to qualify for these reimbursements, you need to be eligible. Okay, what? In short, the IRS deems things like housing and meals to be ‘tax-free reimbursements’ if you meet their eligibility requirements. Read more about those here. Per diems are set by the GSA (General Services Administration) and refer to allowances that federal employees are reimbursed for expenses incurred while on official travel. But isn’t all travel nursing official travel? < if you asked this, you might not have clicked on the tax links yet, so here they are again because this concept, like an ACLS algorithm, is nuanced.
• Taxable Income: This is where you’ll find your taxable hourly rate. Similar to your perm job, this portion is where things like social security contributions and more originate.
• Benefits: More and more agencies offer benefits similar to perm employers. So unless you carry private insurance or are insured through your partner, medical benefits can factor into your overall pay package.

Note: Sometimes the taxable hourly rate can seem low. A pay package may be structured in a more tax-efficient way. But like everything, there are pros and cons to each scenario. Is it better to have the taxable hourly rate higher or the non taxed? The answer is dependent entirely on your personal situation and goals — so be weary of over-generalizations when it comes to pay.

Other Financial Considerations

• Upfront Costs: Travel nursing requires a lot of different licenses and certifications. The costs of which can really add up before you even hit the road. While many travel nursing agencies pay for some of these expenses, others don’t pay for anything. We arrange and pay for physical exams, immunizations, and more that you may need to start working. To see a list of everything included, click here! Bonus — we’ll provide up to $1,000 to cover your trip-related mileage and fees.
• Bonuses: Many agencies offer bonuses like extension bonuses when you stay on for another contract period, rebook bonuses for agency-loyal travelers, and referral bonuses. Consider how these add to the overall attractiveness of your pay. But be aware, bonuses are taxed at a higher rate.
• Extras: While these extras may or may not impact your hourly equivalent, they are important aspects to determine if an agency provides solid travel nurse pay. Consider how your agency is setting you up for future success with education and financial options. TNAA offers free continuing education, a tuition reimbursement program, and a generous 401(k) benefit.

Consider the full picture when comparing compensation between agencies. Uncover the full scope of benefits to make the best choices for your financial wellbeing.

Part 6: Important Links

We could talk for days and days about this industry and still have more to say. This guide has been prepared for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide tax or legal advice. That being said, we believe that education and transparency build a more confident travel nurse. We promised you links, and here they are!

Taxes are inherently complicated, and it’s always best to seek tax advice from certified tax professionals. However, we’ve compiled some basics you and your tax accountant should know for you to be eligible for non-taxed reimbursements (aka the tax-free money and/or the stipend).

• Start Here: Common Travel Tax FAQs
• For an Official Breakdown: National Association of Travel Healthcare Organizations on Travel Taxes
• Our CFO on Tax Compliance: How Staying in One Place Can Make Reimbursements (aka your stipend) Taxable

We do travel nurse housing differently. We believe that if you choose to ‘take the per diem’ you should still have access to the best housing options in the industry. Read our Housing Guide to learn about housing per diems and how we make housing better for our nurses — we’re talking about programs you won’t find anywhere else like payment assistance, vetted leads, and pet-friendly options.

There’s a lot of information out there on how to obtain your nursing license in each state. But what does a travel nurse need to do to get licensed? Read our Licensure Guide where we’re breaking down the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact, temporary and permanent licenses, and how we’ve simplified the process for nurses who choose to travel with TNAA.

Orientation

Before you can hit the unit, you’ll need to complete orientation. The more assignments you complete, the more you’ll realize that each unit will be a little different. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to travel nurse orientation. While it can be daunting to look at everything needed, TNAA support staff brings unparalleled market knowledge to ensure you’re able to start your assignment on time. Check out our Orientation Guide for all that, plus advice from our current travel nurses.

Travel Nursing FAQs

We’re answering your most frequently asked questions..

While you don’t have to move across the country for every assignment, specific rules do exist regarding what distance an assignment must be from a nurse’s home to be considered a traveler.

• Most hospitals have a radius rule which dictates the minimum number of miles a nurse must live from the facility to qualify as a travel nurse.
• The IRS also has region requirements to qualify for non-taxed reimbursements (subsidies, stipends, per diems).
• No matter the distance, don’t expect to be able to commute from home. We will always follow IRS guidelines.

We take your traveler status seriously with teams dedicated to checking things like distance to ensure you remain tax compliant.

Well, this is a loaded question. Luckily, our CFO discusses this question on The Gypsy Nurse blog,  you can find her insights here.

While in the normal world, you may contact a potential employer to check on the status of your application, this is not the normal world. There are rules about how facilities can and cannot be contracted that your recruiter has to follow.

Your license is determined by your Primary State of Residence, your PSOR.

• If you are licensed in a compact state, you can check if your license has compact privileges through Nursys where you’ll see what states you’re licensed to work in.
• If you are licensed in a non-compact state and want to work in a compact state, you’ll need to apply for that state’s license — but that doesn’t mean you have a compact license, only a license to practice in that state.
• If you are licensed in a state with pending legislation, you’ll have to wait. And there’s no telling how long. So, if compact status is important to you, changing your PSOR is an option.

Did you know: We have a robust team obsessed with all things licensure. When you travel with TNAA, our expert support teams will ensure you have the license you need to work where you want. Read more about Licensure and the TNAA difference .

While we’d love to break down exactly what your orientation will be like, we simply can’t. Orientation varies from facility to facility.

There are a few things you can count on though, and we go into detail about in our travel nurse orientation guide . Bonus — we included tips and advice from our current travel nurses.

Well, this varies depending on where you are in your travel nurse journey.

• If you don’t meet the experience requirements yet:  Typically, it’s recommended to start contacting agencies or recruiters about 3-5 months from when you’d ideally like to start your first assignment.
• I f you’re on your first assignment:  Typically, you and your recruiter will begin looking for what’s next close to your assignment’s halfway point.

The short answer is no. We require current work history and current references for the specialty you’re choosing to travel.

However, if you’re really passionate about wanting to work in a different specialty,  ask your recruiter to connect you with our Clinical Team.  This is a team of real RNs who support you on assignment with questions just like this one and can guide you to where you want to be in your career.

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Travel Nursing 101

Travel nursing basics.

Simply the basics. Begin your journey here!

What Is a Travel Nurse?

A travel nurse is a skilled nursing professional who combines an adventurous spirit and passion for travel with a lucrative and meaningful career. A travel nurse will work short-term contracts at healthcare facilities throughout the country. These facilities need more nurses, and they need them fast. Travel nurses fill these gaps and ensure patients receive high-quality and compassionate healthcare despite regional staffing challenges.

What Does a Travel Nurse Do?

Learn about what travel nurses do on a daily basis and what's involved throughout the traveling process.

Find your first travel nursing job with Trusted

Travel nursing in detail.

More to know before you get started.

What Are Travel Nursing Agencies?

Learn about the agencies behind traveling, their pay packages, onboarding experiences, and benefits.

How Much Do Travel Nurses Make?

Learn how much the average travel nurse makes in different states, how it compares to staff nursing salaries, and which specialties pay the most.

How to Find the Highest Paying Travel Nursing Jobs

Learn how to find and compare travel nursing jobs across the country, including which cities and states are currently paying the most.

How to Find Travel Nurse Housing

Learn about the various options when it comes to housing and securing your next rental.

Browse high paying travel nursing jobs

We're here to help.

Interested in becoming a travel nurse? Here's everything you need to know to get started.

What is Travel Nurse?

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Travel Nurse Essentials

Discover the roles and salaries of travel nurses, and how to start your journey at this intersection of healthcare and travel with Trusted.

Are you thinking about pursuing a career in nursing? You may be asking yourself, "How much do nurses make?" Or maybe you're already working as a registered nurse...

Travel Nurse Salary Guide

Travel Nurse Licensure Guide

Our Licensure Guide provides both high-level and in-depth information on how to get licensed in every U.S. state, including a breakdown of the documents required for your application, fees and application timeline, and additional resources for each state.

Nursing Specialty Guide

There is a lot that goes into choosing a nursing specialty: education requirements, career advancement, responsibilities, salary, work setting, patient population, and even the most common diagnoses you’ll see on a daily basis.

Travel Nurse Finances

Learn all about travel nurse pay, taxes, benefits, and more. Find out how much travel nurses make on average, and find the highest paying specialties as well. 

Travel Nurse Tax Guide

This comprehensive guide will help you understand the ins and outs of travel nurse taxes, travel nurse stipend rules, travel nurse tax homes and tax deductions, and other tax rules you should be aware of while traveling.

Travel Nurse Benefits and Insurance

Travel nurses and allied health professionals are eligible for benefits, like health insurance, that are typically provided through their agency. The nature and extent of these benefits can vary and it's important to understand your options to optimize your choices.

Key Resources for Travel Nurses

Here are some further resources to help you in your journey to becoming a travel nurse.

Travel Nurse Housing Guide

Uprooting and moving to a new place every few months sounds exhilarating, but it's not without its share of challenges. Here's a guide to make the quest for your perfect temporary home a bit smoother.

Travel Nurse Contracts Guide

Your contract exists to protect you, define your role, ensure fair pay and compensation, and much more. Here, we’ll explain everything you need to know about this important document.

How to Get a Travel Healthcare Job

In a competitive marketplace, how do you ensure you snag not just any job, but the perfect one tailored just for you? The answer lies in understanding the landscape and arming yourself with strategies to shine.

Travel Clinicians Who Trust Us

I really appreciate how easy the app is to navigate and Trusted staff always respond to me very quickly. My paycheck is always on point and I appreciate that there's no recruiter trying to pressure you into signing contracts.

There's so much to recommend about Trusted in how they care about me and treat me. I am proud to represent Trusted. They have the opportunities that fit into my life and do not push me into things I don't want to do. I feel I have more control over my life.

I'm on my 7th assignment with Trusted and absolutely love this adventure I'm on.  I know there are lots of opportunities for travel agencies, but my experience has been nothing short of amazing with Trusted. They have always been there for me and transparent about everything.

I really enjoy that there's no recruiter when I work with Trusted. My Nurse Advocate, Jessica, has been a godsend to me. She's so helpful every time. Trusted's responsiveness is always top tier. It seems like they really want you to be successful.

Working with Trusted Health has shown me that it can be very easy to be a traveler. I always worried about how hard it would be to get in contact with someone or just feeling like you're alone on the assignment, but with Trusted Health, I haven't felt that way. It's really nice to know that somebody is there working with you and has your back while you're at work.

When choosing to work with Trusted, know that you have a team of people that are ready to be there for you.  No question will be unanswered. They will always be there and they're prompt with their response. The Nurse Advocates and everyone on the Trusted team is definitely prompt and professional and courteous and kind.

I love when people communicate in a timely manner! Trusted has been amazing with their communication and that means a LOT to me!

Trusted has better rates than most companies and I like not having a "recruiter", but instead, a clinician-led Care Team who has my back.

Everyone on my Care Team has been so prompt and helpful! The Trusted team made it easy to deal with a stressful issue.

I am so happy to be working with Trusted Health and my Nurse Advocate again.  I had such a pleasant experience with my last contract and it really gave me the rocking start to travel nursing I yearned for!

Fantastic interface on website to search for contracts, seamless collaboration by the Trusted team to set you up for success at assignment, and excellent communication from the Care Team.

I appreciate Trusted's transparency and friendly, responsive staff.

I recommend Trusted to all of my travel friends! 

Trusted doesn’t bombard me with texts or try to pressure me into assignments. I love the website and app. Both are very clear and give me all the info I need to make my own decisions. It’s also easy to see my credentials and when an update is due. The Care Team is always very quick to respond when I reach out.

I have to say, for my first travel contract, Trusted Health has been AMAZING. From applying to finding a contract, compliance, and onboarding everything has been so seamless. I cannot express to you how impressive it all has been.

With Trusted, I can take charge of my own job search, staff are very responsive, and the app is easy to navigate! 

I've worked with several agencies during my travel career. Trusted is by far the most organized, efficient and dependable agency I've had the pleasure to work with. 

I love the simplicity, the quick responses, and the fact that Trusted doesn't bother me with unnecessary calls.

Trusted's platform is user friendly and great for first time travelers!

Let's start building the life you want.

How Does Travel Nursing Work? | Salary and FAQ

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

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

1. How Does Travel Nursing Work?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. Who Can Become a Travel Nurse?

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

See other high-demand travel nurse specialties.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. How Long are Travel Nursing Assignments?

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

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

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

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

5. Where Can Travel Nurses Go?

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

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

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

Read more: Best Cities for Travel Nurses

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There are two housing options available to travel nurses:

• Agency-placed housing
• Taking a housing stipend

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

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

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

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

See available housing listings by state.

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

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

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

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

10. Can I Travel With Another Travel Nurse?

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

11. Will I Get the Worst Assignments?

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

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

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

Read more: Are Travel Nurses Treated Unfairly?

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

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

13. Is Travel Nursing Good for Career Advancement?

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

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

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

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

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

15. How Do I Become a Travel Nurse?

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

Start your travel nursing adventure today!

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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.

#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.

#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.

#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.

#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.

#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.

#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. 

#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!

#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.

#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. 

#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.

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Travel Nursing 101: What They Do and How to Get a Job

Travel nursing is a great way to pocket more money , but the benefits of traveling extend beyond the bigger paycheck. Let’s dive into some of these benefits, including travel, personal development, and tax breaks. We’ll discuss what travel nurses do and how their role differs (slightly) from that of a staff nurse. We’ll also examine how nurses can find a recruiter who searches for the most appropriate contracts instead of just selling the nurse a job.

What Do Travel Nurses Do?

Travel nurses tackle a new contract position every three months, on average. Staff nurses are long-term employees who often develop relationships with their coworkers over time and gain intimate knowledge of the inner workings of their unit. This may sound like travel nurses get the short end of the stick, but hospitals work hard to ensure travelers are thoroughly oriented and comfortable in their contract position. The ability to adapt to new surroundings can make the travel nurse an invaluable player on the healthcare team.

Travel Nurses Make Good Money

Without question, the biggest perk of being a travel nurse is the money , sometimes two to three times more money than staff nurses make. A travel nurse can take time off between contracts and still make more money than a staff nurse.

Nurses who work an assignment more than 50 miles from their residence may qualify for a stipend. A stipend is the non-taxed portion of the travel pay package, an incentive for nurses who can’t return home between shifts and need temporary housing. Recruiters who know the area help the nurse find affordable housing and take advantage of location-specific savings. For example, a recruiter in Massachusetts would be aware that the state offers tax-free hotel stays of more than three months. This would reduce the nurse’s housing costs by 12%.

Travel nurses who live within 50 miles of their contract facility won’t qualify for the non-taxed stipend, but the pay is still good . Working closer to home has advantages, especially for nurses who care for children or other family members.

Travel Nurses Fill an Important Role

Travel nurses are hired to fill a temporary gap in staffing. Helping their fellow nurses and providing care to patients during what may be the worst time of their lives is what makes travel nurses superheroes. The travel nurse assignment may be short, but it leaves a lasting impact on patients and staff.

Travel Nurses Gain Valuable Experience

The travel nurse learns to function within different environments, making them adaptable. For example, travel nurses learn to use various medical record systems, making future assignments less stressful and providing a leg up when applying for positions in which the nurse has experience using the facility’s EMR.

Staff nurses may be asked to float to different units but typically stay in their area of expertise because that’s what they were hired for. Travel nurses will often float to other units, gaining experiences that may open doors to other opportunities. For example, a med-surg traveler may float to a progressive step-down unit, or an ER nurse may float to an ICU or CCU unit. This allows nurses to “try out” other specialties while adding new skills to their resumes.

Talk with your recruiter about your career goals. They can act as a career counselor, helping you choose assignments based on your goals. Take for example, a psychiatric nurse currently working in inpatient detox units who would like to gain experience working in med-surg and telemetry. The recruiter can find a contract in a med-surg/psych unit that allows the nurse to use her psych knowledge while gaining experience in med-surg. The facility gets an experienced traveler, and the nurse gains some valuable new skills.

Travel Nurses Travel

If you enjoy exploring new places, like the Oregon coast, sunny southern California, national parks, or the beaches of the Carolinas, travel nursing can make these experiences possible. If you like big cities, travel nursing can take you to some of the best in the country, including Boston , Chicago, LA, and San Francisco. A good recruiter can help you find a position that meets your professional and personal goals.

Finding Your First Travel Nursing Contract

Consider hanging out on travel nurse-specific apps or websites, like Wanderly or nurserecruiter.com, where you can connect with recruiters. Recruiters post jobs that nurses can respond to by asking for more information. The recruiter and nurse can chat privately and anonymously on a call or in a chat room, allowing the nurse to ask questions and determine quickly if the position is worth applying to without giving out any personal information.

Work with a Recruiter

Connect with a travel nurse recruiting agency, like Planet Healthcare . Working with a responsive, thoughtful recruiter removes much of the stress of finding assignments and moving to a new location every three months. Recruiters who know the assignment area can provide tips on activities and restaurants, making your stay more enjoyable. A good recruiter will develop a relationship based on honesty, trust, and professionalism.

For example, if a nurse has been out of nursing school a couple of years and has only worked in med-surg, telemetry, and step-down units, but would love to work with children and doesn’t know how to move into pediatric nursing. A thoughtful recruiter may find a position at a women’s and infant’s hospital, giving the nurse exposure to pediatric nursing and possible float opportunities.

So, don’t be shy when discussing the type of position you’re looking for and the pay you’ll accept. Your recruiter will work to find the best job at the best rate. And always remember – a good recruiter will work with you to meet your needs and not just fill a travel nurse position.

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How to Start Travel Nursing: The Ultimate Guide

Table of Contents

A comprehensive guide on how to start travel nursing.

Are you interested in starting a career in travel nursing? Whether you’re a seasoned nurse looking for a new adventure or a new graduate ready to explore the world of healthcare, travel nursing can be a fulfilling and exciting career path. In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the steps to get started in travel nursing, including the requirements and application process, how to choose the right agency, finding and securing assignments, and navigating compensation packages. Let’s dive in!

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Steps to Becoming a Travel Nurse

Travel nursing is an exciting and rewarding career path that enables nurses to explore diverse medical environments while experiencing new cities throughout their assignments. In this travel nursing blog article, we will outline the steps to becoming a travel nurse, starting with understanding the role, requirements, and application process.

Understanding the Role of a Travel Nurse

A travel nurse is a registered nurse who takes on short-term assignments in various healthcare facilities, often to fill staffing shortages or specific skill needs. Their responsibilities are similar to staff nurses, but they have greater flexibility in selecting their assignments and location. A travel nurse staffing agency, like Health Carousel, often manages the connections between nurses and healthcare facilities. In addition to providing exceptional patient care, travel nurses are expected to integrate quickly, adapt to new policies and procedures, and work with diverse teams of healthcare professionals.

Requirements for Travel Nurses

Travel nurses need to meet specific educational, licensure, and experience requirements. These include having a nursing diploma, an associate degree in nursing, or a bachelor's degree from an accredited BSN program. Additionally, they must pass the NCLEX exam to obtain their RN license. After that, they should have 1-2 years of experience in their specialty. The national council requires some travel nurse specialties, such as the nurse manager and cath lab nurse , to have additional certifications.

Completing the Travel Nurse Application Process

The application process for becoming a travel nurse involves submitting an online application to a travel nurse staffing agency. The agency's recruitment team will then review your application and determine your eligibility. If you meet the requirements, you will be moved to the next step, which is a phone interview with a travel nurse recruiter. During the interview, you can discuss your goals, preferences, and expectations. After the interview, you will need to submit the necessary documents, such as licensure, certifications, and employment history. If your submission is successful, you will be invited to participate in a travel nurse orientation program that helps you prepare for nurse life on the road.

Choosing the Right Travel Nursing Agency

As you explore the various travel nurse resources available to you, one important aspect of launching your travel nursing career is selecting an agency that will help you find assignments, negotiate pay packages, and provide support. In this section, we discuss evaluating travel nurse staffing agencies, comparing agency benefits, and tips for selecting a reputable agency.

Evaluating Travel Nurse Staffing Agencies

When evaluating potential travel nursing agencies, consider factors such as the number of available assignments, relationships the agency holds with healthcare facilities, and its track record of placing nurses successfully. Many travel nurse resources, including online forums and review websites, can help you gain insights into the experiences of other travel nurses who have worked with particular agencies. Additionally, make sure the agency adheres to the principles established by the national council for travel nursing agencies.

Comparing Travel Nursing Agency Benefits

Many travel nurse staffing agencies offer a variety of benefits that can affect the overall value of a travel nurse assignment. These can include housing stipends, sign-on bonuses, health insurance, and retirement plans. Make sure to research and compare the benefits offered by different agencies before making your decision.

Tips for Selecting a Reputable Agency

Selecting a reputable travel nursing agency is vital in ensuring a smooth and successful travel nurse experience. Some tips for choosing an agency include asking for referrals from other travel nurses, doing thorough research on the agency's reputation, and asking about the level of personal support available to travel nurses while on assignment.

Finding and Securing Travel Nurse Assignments

The next step in your travel nursing career is finding and securing travel nurse assignments that meet your preferences and goals. In this section, we will discuss browsing and applying for assignments, preparing for an assignment, and building a successful travel nursing career.

Browsing and Applying for Travel Nurse Assignments

Once you have partnered with a travel nursing agency, your recruiter will work with you to find suitable assignments. Platforms offered by travel nurse staffing agencies often provide job listings, and you can apply directly through their websites. When searching for assignments, consider factors such as location, duration, pay, and required skills.

Preparing for a Travel Nurse Assignment

Before embarking on a travel nurse assignment, make sure you are adequately prepared by familiarizing yourself with travel nurse resources, obtaining necessary licenses and certifications, and ensuring your personal life is set up for success on the road. The travel nursing blog community can provide tips and insights on topics such as housing, budgeting, and managing stress while on assignment.

Building a Successful Travel Nursing Career

As you progress in your travel nursing career, prioritize ongoing professional development, and seek opportunities for growth, such as continuous education, certification courses, and attending networking events. Your travel nursing agency can provide valuable support and guidance as you navigate your career objectives.

Navigating Travel Nurse Compensation Packages

The travel nurse's salary is often a significant factor in choosing and negotiating assignments. As you navigate travel nurse compensation packages, it's essential to understand salary and hourly rates, the difference between taxable hourly rates and non-taxable reimbursements, and tips for negotiating a fair pay package.

Understanding Travel Nurse Salary and Hourly Rates

Travel nurse salaries can vary depending on factors such as assignment location, specialty, and experience. Compensation packages typically include a base hourly rate and additional pay for overtime, call-back, or on-call hours. As a potential travel nurse, you should be knowledgeable about the average salaries in your specialty and the desired assignment's geographical region.

Taxable Hourly Rate vs. Non-Taxable Reimbursements

Understanding the difference between taxable hourly rates and non-taxable reimbursements is crucial for navigating travel nurse compensation packages. Taxable hourly rates are wages subject to federal and state taxes, whereas non-taxable reimbursements cover expenses, such as housing, meals, or transportation, related to your assignment. Non-taxable reimbursements are not subject to federal and state taxes and often play an essential role in travel nurse pay packages.

Negotiating Your Travel Nurse Pay Package

Effectively negotiating your travel nurse pay package involves researching the market rates for your specialty and location, being aware of your unique skill sets and experiences, and being prepared to discuss your expectations with your recruiter openly. Keep in mind that while a travel nurse's salary is a vital component of an assignment, additional factors such as location, housing, and benefits should also be considered.

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Nurses have a unique opportunity offered by few other career paths: as a travel nurse, you can explore a wide variety of locations around the country while expanding your skills and being compensated well along the way.

Travel nurses are skilled healthcare workers sent to healthcare facilities and organizations throughout the US to fulfill short-term staffing roles. The traveling aspect of this job makes it a perfect choice for nurses wanting to advance their careers or simply switch up their lifestyles.

Travel nursing allows you to explore your bucket list states as you sharpen your clinical skills and build your resume—all while enjoying premium benefits and pay.

What do travel nurses do?

Licensed and experienced travel nurses work as temporary staff to maintain quality patient care standards during staff shortages. They fill the gaps in the schedule, typically for weeks at a time. The standard travel nursing contract lasts for 13 weeks. However, it is common to find travel assignments between 8 and 26 weeks. Hospitals may offer to renew contracts, as well. These assignments generally last 3 to 5 weeks longer than the original contract.

The “travel” in “travel nurse” refers to working at different hospitals within their city, building a resume and a reputation among hospital administrators worldwide, and visiting other states or countries to help with surgeries and specialized procedures.

Another possible assignment could be working for a company supplying staff to community health clinics. These jobs and many more activities help nurses refine their skills and knowledge within their specialties, such as surgery, intensive care, rehabilitation, and more.

Perks of being a travel nurse

One of the most attractive aspects of travel nursing is the excellent pay. Still, travel nursing comes with other great perks, such as premium benefits packages, free housing or housing cost reimbursement, and the chance to build a reputation with the best hospitals in the country.

Here are some of the benefits you will enjoy as a travel nurse:

• Unparalleled flexibility
• Endless opportunities
• Great pay and benefits
• Living in, working in, and exploring vibrant locations
• The freedom to take extended time off between contracts

Travel nursing is one of the best ways to advance your nursing career. Travel nurses are making a powerful difference in patients’ lives and in the healthcare industry. A travel nurse can work in a wide variety of healthcare settings. From bustling medical centers in large cities to small clinics in remote locations—you can make the most of your nursing specialty everywhere. 

Travel nursing experience can increase your skills, making you a better candidate for future nursing jobs. Travel nurses are exposed to a wide range of patients and healthcare systems. This exposure develops their knowledge of medical conditions and treatment options. These experiences can also improve your ability to communicate effectively with various doctors, nurses, and patients, helping you become a better nurse overall.

The importance of travel nurses

The travel nurse is critical to the global healthcare system because of the constant shortage of qualified nurses in many specialty and non-specialty fields. This situation creates several vacancies employers need for temporary nurses to fill, which creates a need for highly trained nurses willing to work full-time schedules in different hospitals throughout the year.

Travel nurses are pivotal in ensuring high-quality patient care, regardless of regional shortages, remains uninterrupted. Here are some common reasons for staff shortages that travel nurses help fill:

• Seasonal population surges. For example, consider retirees traveling to warmer destinations over the winter and towns outside of National Parks that see increased visitors in the summer. Ski destinations also see an exponential boost in population over the winter.
• Sudden upticks in healthcare needs. Upticks in demand for healthcare services can occur in almost all locations throughout the United States during the flu and respiratory virus seasons or public health crises. Travel nurses step in to fill the gaps.
• Changes in staffing needs. Facilities often use travelers to cover their staff’s paid parental leave, vacation time, or disability leave. Travel nurses fill in when staff nurses leave their positions temporarily or permanently for various reasons.

Travel nurses are also important in rural or specialized healthcare institutions where there aren’t enough nurses in the area with the required education or experience in specific fields. Since there is such a high demand for qualified registered nurses with different specialties and training, travel nurses are some of the most in-demand healthcare professionals in the country.

The state of chronic medical care demands that seasoned nursing veterans keep moving from one hospital to another while staying up to date with the latest developments in patient care. This demand also makes travel nursing a highly sought-after career since the need for them comes with high compensation and speedier professional growth.

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What it takes to be a travel nurse

Travel nursing is about filling a need. Travel nurses must meet the same educational and clinical requirements as all registered nurses (RNs). This includes: 

• Earning an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)
• Passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN exam)
• Acquiring a state nursing license

Most travel nursing agencies require a minimum of twelve to eighteen months of nursing experience . Some recommend having at least two years of experience in your specialty before travel nursing. Certain specialties, such as renal care, telemetry, oncology, labor and delivery, pediatrics, and emergency or intensive care, can have even more specific requirements. 

• Education : Registered nurses must hold a nursing degree from an accredited university before taking the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN®) and applying for a license. Others earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN).
• Experience : After passing the NCLEX and meeting licensing requirements, you can practice as an entry-level nurse. In general, hospitals prefer travel nurses to have at least 1–2 years of recent acute care experience in the specialty in which they wish to work.
• Documentation : Typically, you must provide references and documentation of licenses and certifications.

Travel nursing skills

While the core principles of nursing care remain consistent, no matter where you work, as a travel nurse, you must be able to quickly integrate into a new healthcare team, understand and adapt to varying patient demographics, and quickly learn state-specific healthcare norms, new charting systems, new equipment, and procedural differences between health systems.

A good travel nurse must be:

• Highly skilled : You must be confident and ready to hit the ground running. Travel nurse orientations are notoriously brief. You’ll be expected to hit the floor quickly without compromising patient care. 
• Adaptable : Things will not go as planned, from housing to expectations on the job. Good travel nurses can adapt quickly and know who to contact at their agency to ensure they have the proper support.
• Independent : The life of a travel nurse often means being away from friends and family, so you need to be comfortable going it alone occasionally.
• Emotionally intelligent: It is crucial to empathize with patients from various cultural backgrounds, understand and manage their emotions in high-pressure situations, and communicate effectively with different healthcare teams.
• A critical thinker : Travel nurses must swiftly assess complex situations, make sound decisions, and adapt their approaches to varying patient needs in a new environment.
• Adventurous : Making new friends, learning new cities, and working with new equipment all come with the territory. So make sure you pack your sense of adventure.

Types of travel nurses

Travel nurses are usually hired per assignment or at least for agreed periods. Depending on the employer's needs, these can range from a few days to years. There are lots of options for travel nursing job opportunities. The following qualifications are often in high demand.

Registered Nurses (RNs)

The most common nursing credential is the registered nurse (RN). RNs can fall into a wide range of categories, such as helping people with cancer, heart disease, surgical procedures, post-operative rehabilitation, and much more. They are primarily found in hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics, and nursing homes. The breadth of their knowledge and education makes them desirable for any healthcare provider to give care to patients with all sorts of health needs.

Nurse Practitioners (NPs)

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) defines nurse practitioners as licensed, autonomous clinicians who manage people’s conditions and prevent disease. NPs are often specialized practitioners focused on specific types of patients, such as pediatric and women’s health, or subspecialized in dermatology, oncology, etc.

The main difference between RNs and NPs is the educational background of each. A registered nurse needs an associate’s degree in nursing, while the minimum requirement to become an NP is a master’s degree.

Since being an NP allows for greater independence, they are considered primary care providers. And NP can take on a more holistic view of healthcare, providing physical and emotional care. Frequently, an RN will become an NP to advance their careers and get better career opportunities and higher salaries.

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) perform more basic nursing duties generally and are responsible for the patient's comfort. On the other hand, an RN will take on duties such as administering medication, giving out treatments, and even offering medical advice to the general public. While these two jobs may be similar, RNs and LPNs have less in common than it might seem.

An LPN usually takes on a more basic range of care responsibilities, which generally means comforting the patient, treating minor injuries and pain, interpreting charts, inserting IVs, and taking vital signs.

Check out some specialized options in our Top Travel Healthcare Jobs blog .

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Travel nurse pay packages

The average salary for a travel nurse varies based on location, demand, and nursing specialty. While this is also true of staff nurses, the life of a travel nurse is unique, and how they earn income is no exception. Beyond salary, components comprise a travel nurse pay package, such as hourly pay, non-taxed stipends, travel reimbursements, and more.

Let’s break down the basics of travel nurse salary and what to look for in a pay package .

• Hourly Equivalent: A travel nurse pay package generally consists of two main components: the regular, taxable hourly rate and the non-taxed reimbursements (stipends, subsidies, per diems, or allowances). Your hourly rate is a combination of taxed and non-taxed portions.
• Non-Taxable Per Diems: Per diems are set by the General Services Administration and refer to allowances for reimbursing federal employees for expenses incurred on official travel.
• Taxable Income: This is where you’ll find your taxable hourly rate. Social security contributions and more originate in this portion, like a permanent, local job.
• Benefits: More and more agencies offer benefits similar to perm employers. So unless you carry private insurance or are insured through your partner, medical benefits can factor into your overall pay package.

Tips for new travel nurses

New travel nurses can benefit from key tips to make their assignments smoother. First and foremost, strategizing and getting organized are crucial steps to ensure a successful transition into a new healthcare setting. This involves understanding the hospital's systems, familiarizing oneself with local protocols, and establishing a routine to manage workload effectively.

Flexibility is vital for travel nurses, as adapting to new environments and different hospital procedures is inherent to the job. This flexibility extends to housing choices as well. A comfortable and convenient housing option is essential for a positive experience during an assignment.

Before committing to a new assignment, taking a test drive by visiting the location and hospital is advisable. This allows nurses to assess the workplace culture and community fit, ensuring a more informed decision.

For those with pets, thorough preparation is key. Travel nurses should research and plan for their pets' well-being, considering factors like veterinary care and pet-friendly accommodations.

Home logistics, such as mail and bills, should not be overlooked. It's crucial to establish a system for handling these matters while away to maintain a sense of stability.

Packing smart is another important aspect of successful travel nursing. Ensuring that essentials are packed, including necessary certifications and documentation, helps to minimize stress during the transition.

Finally, planning housing details in advance contributes to a smoother experience. This includes researching potential housing options, understanding lease terms, and clarifying any questions with the housing provider.

Getting the most out of travel nursing

Travel nursing can be a rewarding and lucrative career choice, especially if undertaken with extensive information and intention. A bit of research and some forethought will help ensure that your time traveling on travel nurse assignments will be the best it can possibly be.

Life as a travel nurse is always exciting, and flexibility is part of the beauty. Every travel assignment presents new experiences, challenges, lessons, and adaptations. Each contract may bring new insights, adventures, and amazing memories.

Travel nursing jobs through Prolink

Travel nurses are often needed when healthcare organizations cannot hire the nursing staff required to handle their day-to-day patient care operations. This need causes many reputable hospitals to develop close relationships with travel nurse staffing agencies, who hold their nurses to the highest standards of professionalism and use them to fill their staffing needs quickly.

At Prolink, we provide all the help you need to land an  ideal contract position  in any state you wish to visit. We give you front-of-the-line access to thousands of travel nursing jobs and can help you obtain new state licenses or renew your current licensure. We offer the industry's most competitive salaries, benefits, referral bonuses, and 401k enrollment from day one. 

In short, we give you support when you need it. When you begin working with Prolink , we pair you with a dedicated recruiter. That professional can link you to top jobs and provide assistance when it comes to landing that perfect contract role. 

If you want to begin your travel nursing journey in 2024, look no further than Prolink’s selection of top nursing jobs. Click below to get started.

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Travel Nursing Made Easy: 25 Insider Tips and Tricks

• Last Updated: February 27, 2024

A travel nurse is a registered nurse who works temporary assignments in different healthcare facilities and locations, often across different states or countries, to fill staffing needs and provide care to patients in various settings.

Travel nursing is a compelling and rewarding career path that allows nurses to work in different healthcare facilities nationwide. As a travel nurse, you get to experience new places, work with different patients and staff, and earn competitive salaries with bonuses and benefits. 

However, travel nursing can also be challenging and overwhelming, especially for those new to the field. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help make travel nursing easy for you. In this article, we’ll provide insider tips and tricks to help you navigate the travel nursing world with confidence and ease. 

Whether you’re a seasoned travel nurse or just starting, these tips will be valuable in making your experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Table of contents

Takeaway .

Discover expert tips and tricks from experienced travel nurses to make your nursing experience more manageable, enjoyable, and successful!

1. Learn About Travel Nursing & What It Involves

Before embarking on a travel nursing career, it’s crucial to gain a thorough understanding of the industry and its demands. Delve into extensive research, engage in conversations with experienced travel nurses, and ask insightful questions to ascertain whether this unique career path aligns with your aspirations and goals.

2. Consider Working as a Float Nurse at Your Current Nursing Job

If you’re interested in travel nursing but are still determining if it’s the right path, consider working as a float nurse at your current nursing job. This will allow you to experience working in different departments as well as gain the necessary skills for travel nursing.

3. Speak to Other Travel Nurses You May Know

Talking to other travel nurses can provide valuable insights and tips for a successful travel nursing experience. Ask them about their experiences, the challenges they’ve faced, and what they wish they had known before starting.

4. Ensure Your Licenses, Certifications, and Immunizations Are Up-to-Date

Before starting your travel nursing assignment, make sure all your licenses, certifications, and immunizations are up-to-date. This will ensure a smooth transition to your new job without any stressful delays.

5. Make Sure You’ve Found The Right Recruiter

Finding the right recruiter can significantly impact your travel nursing experience. Look for recruiters with a good track record, strong communication skills, and a willingness to advocate for your needs. It’s important to be selective and find which one is right for you among the top-rated travel nursing agencies.

6. Be Honest With Recruiters & Potential Employers

Honesty is crucial in travel nursing. Be transparent with your recruiter and potential employers about your expectations, preferences, and limitations to ensure a successful and fulfilling experience.

7. Determine Your Availability To Work as a Travel Nurse

Consider your personal and professional commitments when determining your availability to work as a travel nurse. Be realistic about your schedule and preferences to avoid any conflicts or stress.

8. Prepare for the Interview

Prepare for your interview by researching the facility, reviewing common interview questions, and practicing your responses. Dress professionally and bring copies of your resume and licenses.

9. Understand Your Contract

Before signing your contract, make sure you understand the terms and conditions, including pay, benefits, housing, and any penalties for canceling or extending your assignment.

10. Ask Questions

Don’t be afraid to ask questions throughout the process. Clarify any doubts, and seek guidance from your recruiter or fellow travel nurses if needed.

11. Be Organized and Prepared

Stay organized and prepared by creating a checklist of necessary documents, packing essentials, and important contacts. This will help you stay on top of tasks and avoid any last-minute stress.

12. Gather All Your Necessary Documents

Before starting your assignment, gather all your necessary documents, such as licenses, certifications, immunization records, and insurance information.

13. Choose the Type of Transportation You Want To Use

Consider the type of transportation you want to use for your assignment. Options include driving, flying, or using public transport. Choose the most convenient and cost-effective option for you.

14. Be Flexible

Cultivating flexibility is essential for thriving as a travel nurse. Be ready to acclimate to diverse healthcare environments, fluctuating work schedules, collaborating with various colleagues, and adjusting to new living arrangements to ensure a successful and fulfilling career.

15. Research Your Destination

Another important aspect of travel nursing is researching your destination. Knowing what to expect in your new location is essential whether you are moving across the country or just a few hours away. 

Researching things like the cost of living, local attractions, and cultural norms can help you better prepare for your move and make the transition easier.

16. Know Your Travel-Nursing Essentials

As a travel nurse, there are certain items that you should always have on hand. These essentials can vary from person to person, but some examples include a good pair of comfortable shoes, a reliable stethoscope, and a laptop for documentation. Having these items readily available can make your job easier and less stressful.

17. Plan for Housing

Finding a place to live in a new town can be daunting, but there are several options for travel nurses. Some travel nursing companies offer housing options, while others provide stipends for you to find housing. 

Researching housing options ahead of time and working with your recruiter can help you find a comfortable and affordable place to live.

18. Get to Your New Town a Day Early

Arriving in your new town a day early can help you settle in before starting your new job. Use this extra time to get familiar with your new surroundings, stock up on any necessities, and relax before your first day on the job.

19. Find a Mentor

A good mentor can be a valuable resource for any travel nurse. They can provide guidance and support as you navigate your new job and surroundings. Look for opportunities to connect with other nurses in your unit or at social events to find potential mentors.

20. Be Friendly, Positive, and a Team Player

Being friendly, positive, and a team player can go a long way in making your travel nursing experience successful. You will be working with new colleagues and patients, and having a positive attitude can help you build relationships and make a good impression.

21. Embrace New Opportunities and Challenges

Travel nursing offers the opportunity to work in new settings and gain valuable experience. Embrace these opportunities and challenges as a way to grow as a nurse and expand your skills.

22. Don’t Take Things Personally

You may encounter different workplace cultures and communication styles as a travel nurse. It’s essential not to take things personally and to maintain a professional attitude throughout your assignment.

23. Don’t Burn Bridges

Leaving a job can be difficult, but it’s important to maintain positive relationships with colleagues and employers. You never know when you may reencounter these individuals; burning bridges can have long-term consequences for your career.

24. Practice Self-Care

Finally, practicing self-care is essential for any nurse, especially for travel nurses who are often away from their support systems. Take time for yourself to recharge and engage in activities that bring you joy in order to avoid burnout.

25. Enjoy Your New Town!

Lastly, remember to enjoy the new town! Travel nursing offers the opportunity to explore new places and make new memories. Take advantage of your time off to explore the local area and try new things.

Travel nursing can be an exciting and rewarding career path, but it can also come with its own set of challenges. From being organized and prepared to practicing self-care, there are many ways you can ensure your success as a travel nurse. 

Following these insider tips and tricks can make your travel nursing experience much easier and more enjoyable. Remember to stay flexible, embrace new opportunities and challenges, and enjoy your new town. 

Nurse Luke is a CRNA who specializes in Nursing content and still enjoys a very busy career with Locum, Per Diem and Travel nursing in the greater midwest. He has over 25 years of experience in the healthcare field and received his CRNA masters degree from the Mayo Clinic School of Healthcare. He is passionate about helping nurses explore the options of becoming a travel nurse as well as spending time with his Family. 

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10 Ways to Prepare for a Career in Travel Nursing

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Life as a travel nurse can be tremendously rewarding, letting you see the country or the world. You can even live as a snowbird, working in warm climates during the winter and moderate ones during the summer.

There are potential downsides, however, like the stress of travel, always adapting to new workplaces, and maintaining relationships with loved ones. Read on to learn the tips and tricks of personal, career, and financial success as a travel nurse .

1. Explore Travel Nursing

Travel nurse blogs are a great way to learn about travel nursing , what to expect, what to watch out for, and the pros and cons.

American Traveler is a blog for travel nurses, written by one of the top travel nursing agencies. It’s full of advice for travel nurses, especially ones who are new to travel nursing. Topics include adapting to life on the road, geographic locations that need travel nurses, and how to get started as a travel nurse.

Jackson Nurse Professionals is another top travel nursing agency with practical advice for travel nurses. Recent topics include winter locations for travel nursing, maintaining relationships while on assignment, and popular podcasts for travel nurses.

The Traveling Nurse covers the world travels of a pediatric nurse and mixes travel observations with advice for travel nurses.

The Traveling NP blog is written by a nurse practitioner who discusses career issues such as relationships with recruiters, traveling during COVID-19, and networking. She shares personal stories, recommendations for best hotels and travel credit cards, and her experiences at different work sites.

The Fabuleux Nurse blog is a compelling personal story of a traveling nurse who has multiple sclerosis. She informs and inspires, describing her life as a traveling nurse, coping strategies for stress, and career and lifestyle tips.

2. Network With Current Travel Nurses

Talk with nurses who are currently traveling. If you don’t know any travel nurses to network with, ask your nurse friends if any of their friends are travel nurses. If so, ask for an introduction so that you can get the inside scoop. Invite them out to dinner or coffee, as a return favor for being informally interviewed. Another option is to reach out to travel nurses on social media .

You can also try coordinating your first assignment with a friend or travel nurse who has already worked on your unit. Having one familiar face could make a big difference as hospital staff will all be new to you.

3. Research Travel Nursing Agencies

After exploring travel nursing, and networking with others, do homework on travel agencies. Don’t make a commitment to one agency right away. Keep your options open until you find the right company and recruiter. Travel nursing agencies vary in rules, benefits, and assignment quality. Be honest and forthright with pushy recruiters who may want you to commit from the beginning. Tell them that you are looking out for your own interests and stand firm.

4. Don’t Burn Your Bridges

Think ahead. If you are planning a career as a travel nurse , don’t burn your bridges to your former places of employment. For example, you may wish to return to your old job if you decide to take a break or decide you don’t like this area of nursing.

5. Consider Becoming a Float Nurse at Your Current Job

Travel nursing requires that a nurse be comfortable in different hospitals while performing their job with skill and ease. One way to simulate a travel nurse experience is to become a float nurse at your present job.

• Do you hate to float because supplies are in an unfamiliar spot?
• Don’t know your coworkers?
• Are you upset that the patients’ rooms are not in a familiar layout?
• Are you used to a specific nurse to patient ratio?
• Or, would you view these issues as a challenge instead of being frustrated?

Remember when you are on assignment, you will be in an unfamiliar facility. Everything will probably be different, from the flow of parking to the computer system. If you don’t float in your own facility comfortably, you may want to reconsider travel nursing (or at least have a backup plan).

6. Have a Savings Account

Most travel nursing agencies offer a housing allowance or furnished housing. However, there will be expenses to pay upfront, even if they reimburse you. It is not a pleasant feeling to be in an unfamiliar place without cash as a safety net.

• What if you arrive at your prearranged housing only to discover it is inadequate?
• Do you have money set aside for a hotel room until your accommodations are replaced?
• How about the water, sewage, and electricity deposits? Will you need to cover them or does the company?
• Will you need to connect cable, internet, and TV?

Be sure to know what is included in your travel nurse contract and what is not. A savings account gives you a cushion until your first paycheck arrives.

7. Gain Specialty Experience in Needed Areas

As preparation for a travel nurse career, consider gaining nursing specialty experience in areas that travel nurses are most needed, or even a couple of different areas. The more versatile your skills are, the more options for assignments and locations you will have.

8. Earn Specialty Nurse Certification

You will increase your potential career worth by not only diversifying your areas of expertise, but by earning specialty nurse certification in those areas. It could set you apart when applying to popular travel hot spots and assignments.

9. Keep Your Basic Certifications Up to Date

Basic life support and advanced cardiovascular life support are needed by all nurses to work in most facilities. Also, be sure to get basic certifications that are required for nurses working in a specialty. For example, in pediatrics you will need pediatric advanced life support certification.

10. Keep Your Medical Records Portfolio Up to Date

Different travel agencies have different ways of handling medical records that are required for the nurse’s assignment sites. Be sure to keep a portfolio of immunizations, flu shots, and tuberculosis skin tests handy at all times, if requested.

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Reviewed by:

Brandy Gleason, MSN, MHA, BC-NC

Brandy Gleason is a nursing professional with nearly 20 years of varied nursing experience. Gleason currently teaches as an assistant professor of nursing within a prelicensure nursing program and coaches graduate students. Her passion and area of research centers around coaching nurses and nursing students to build resilience and avoid burnout.

Gleason is a paid member of our Healthcare Review Partner Network. Learn more about our review partners .

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Travel Nursing 101: The Pros, Cons, and How to Get Started

by Adela Ellis | Mar 20, 2020 | Nurse Career , Nurse Life , Uncategorized

Nurses often want to know the pros and cons of travel nursing before making a colossal life-altering career decision.  If you have been considering travel nursing as a potential career trajectory, this article is for you.

Travel nursing offers an opportunity for career growth.

For anyone who dreams of entering the healthcare field to help others but doesn’t want to be tied down to working in a single facility, becoming a travel nurse is an appealing option. As a travel nurse, you can spend your days working in different facilities in your immediate area, taking care of patients in their homes, or providing skilled nursing services as needed in different parts of the country—or even the world.

In a lot of ways, travel nursing is amazing. That doesn’t mean, though, that there aren’t any potential drawbacks. If you are considering a career in travel nursing, keep reading to learn a bit more about the pros and cons, and how to get started.

Additional recommended reading:    The Pros And Cons Of 12 Hour Shifts

Travel Nursing Pros

Let’s start with the good stuff. As a travel nurse, you will have the opportunity to live in various towns and cities throughout the nation. In some instances, you may even get to travel to exotic locations in other parts of the world. You’ll get to meet new people and immerse yourself in unfamiliar cultures.

When you work as a travel nurse, you quickly gain valuable work experience. You can gain knowledge that would likely take you years to learn in a single location in a matter of months. And if you don’t love your current nursing job, accepting a travel position can provide you with an easy way to escape.

As a travel nurse, you’ll be able to take more time off throughout the year as you choose. You have a higher degree of flexibility and control over your schedule than you do when working at a single facility. Because travel nurses work through staffing agencies , you will have the opportunity to try out potential employers before committing to a full-time position.

Travel nursing is always in high demand.

Travel nurses have a high level of control over where and when they work, so they often have the freedom to go where they want to go, when they want to go. You may even be able to find work in a specific city when you know there is an upcoming event that you would like to attend. Or you could accept an assignment near a friend or family member’s home if you would like to visit them for a few days (or longer).

Travel nurses are in high demand, too, so there are often attractive sign-on bonuses and other incentives that tend to make this career path look pretty appealing.

Travel Nursing Cons

The pros of working as a travel nurse are numerous, but there are also some drawbacks that you should be aware of when you are trying to decide whether it’s the right career for you. For starters, it doesn’t offer the same sort of stability as you would expect in other nursing positions. As a travel nurse, you are classified as a temporary employee, which makes it much easier for your employer to terminate your working relationship. Being classified as a temporary employee can also make it more challenging to collect unemployment benefits if you are terminated.

While you may have more flexibility in terms of taking time off, you shouldn’t expect that time to be paid. Paid time off is rare for travel nurses and, even when it is available, it’s usually tough to qualify for.

When you take on a new assignment, there will usually be onboarding requirements that can be quite time-consuming, and in many instances, they’re unpaid. Travel nurses also tend to move around a lot, which can make it challenging to build and maintain personal relationships.

Last, if you have what the IRS considers a “tax home ,” many of the reimbursements and stipends you receive as a travel nurse are non-taxable. This may seem like a good thing because it means more money on your paycheck. However, it also means a lower gross income on paper. This could be problematic in the eyes of loan officers or when you reach retirement age.

You can meet nurses from all over the world as a travel nurse.

Getting Started as a Travel Nurse

For many people, the pros of being a travel nurse outweigh the cons. If it still sounds like a career that you would be interested in, you will need to have the appropriate qualifications to get started. Most travel nurses are RNs, so you will need to have completed nursing school and become one before you are qualified for the job. Some agencies also work with LPNs, but you will have a much easier time being placed if you are an RN.

Keep in mind that you will need to be licensed to work in states other than your own . If you do not have the proper licensing to work in a state where you would like to be assigned, however, your staffing agency should be able to help you obtain it.

You usually need to have some experience working in a traditional nursing position, too. Before you can start traveling across the country as a nurse, you’ll need to spend a year or two (at minimum) working in a hospital or another facility. If you plan on working in a specialized field, such as ICU or labor and delivery nursing, additional bedside experience may be required.

Of course, you’ll also need the general supplies that are required for nurses. Do some research to discover the best shoes for nurses , find scrubs that are appropriate for the climate in which you will be working, etc.

The Bottom Line

Life as a travel nurse can be challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding. If you think this career path is right for you, now is a great time to start preparing for your future. Whether you prefer to keep your travel distance relatively small or you dream of helping patients throughout the entire country, when you look and feel your best in your favorite scrubs and are committed to reaching your goals, anything is possible!

Adela Ellis, RN

Adela Ellis is a full-time nurse and part-time ambassador for Infinity Scrubs . Adela attended the University of Arizona and has been a travel nurse for the last six years. She enjoys working with different doctors, nurses, and patients from all over the country and blogging about her experiences. In her free time, she loves true-crime podcasts and cooking for friends and family.  

Additional recommended reading:

• Three Helpful Tips For Nurses Working The Night Shift
• How I Became A Nurse Blogger
• 9 Tips For Working As A Nurse While Pregnant

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13 Pros and Cons of Being a Travel Nurse

So, if you have found yourself here, then you must be considering a career as a travel nurse. For starters, having a job as a travel nurse will enable you to see the country and all that it has to offer. This may sound like a dream to some people, but as with any job, you will find pros and cons, and travel nursing is no different. Mapping out the pros and cons of being a travel nurse can be a tedious endeavor, but rest assured I am here to help you out with that feat. If you keep reading below, you will find the top 13 pros and cons of being a travel nurse. This article will surely help you decide if this is the right career choice for you.

TOP CONS OF BEING A TRAVEL NURSE

1. you will always find yourself in an unfamiliar environment., 2. you will always be the new guy., 3. varying pay rates, 4. what do you do when your contract has ended, 5. not the best work assignments, 6. license issues, 7. floating, 8. your contract can be canceled., 9. you may not have your dream schedule., 10. you may become homesick., 11. where are you going to live, 12. your taxes could be a nightmare., 13. you may not have paid time off., top pros of being a travel nurse, 1. great pay., 2. you will have a tax-free living stipend., 3. you get the chance to travel., 4. you will make new friends., 5. you can avoid all the politics at work., 6. you will gain experience., 7. flexibility, 8. you can try before you dive all in., 9. travel nursing can be a networking event., 10. you can choose your adventure., 11. you will learn life skills., 12. job security, 13. reimbursement, the bottomline.

Turn Your Curiosity Into Discovery

Latest facts.

Follistatin344 Peptide Considerations

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10 captivating facts about travel nurse.

Written by Marleah Prasad

Modified & Updated: 03 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Sherman Smith

• Health Science

Travel nursing is an exciting and rewarding career path that allows healthcare professionals to explore new places while making a positive impact on patient care. Whether you’re a nurse considering a career switch or a seasoned traveler looking for a change of scenery, becoming a travel nurse offers a unique and fulfilling experience.

In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of travel nursing and uncover 10 captivating facts that make this profession so enticing. From the flexibility and variety of assignments to the opportunity to learn and grow both personally and professionally, travel nursing has become a popular choice for healthcare professionals seeking adventure and new challenges.

So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready to embark on a journey filled with interesting insights, amazing opportunities, and the joys of being a travel nurse!

Key Takeaways:

• Travel nurses bring compassion and care to patients in need, no matter where they are, and have the opportunity to explore new locations and cultures while filling critical staffing gaps in healthcare facilities.
• Travel nurses enjoy competitive pay, unique benefits, and make lifelong connections while enhancing their resume and positively impacting patient care across various locations.

Travel Nurses Bring Compassion and Care on the Go!

Travel nurses are healthcare professionals who provide temporary medical assistance in various locations. They have a passion for helping others and their flexible nature allows them to bring their skills and expertise to patients in need, no matter where they are.

Travel Nurses Can Explore New Locations

One of the most exciting aspects of being a travel nurse is the opportunity to work in different cities, states, or even countries. This allows them to experience new cultures, meet diverse populations, and explore different healthcare systems.

Travel Nurses Fill Critical Staffing Gaps

Travel nurses play a vital role in filling staffing shortages in healthcare facilities. They step in during times of high patient volume, staff vacations, or unexpected leaves of absence. Their flexibility ensures that patient care is not compromised.

Travel Nurses Adapt Quickly

Travel nurses are skilled at adapting to new environments and situations. They are able to seamlessly integrate into new healthcare teams, learn new protocols, and deliver quality care without missing a beat.

Travel Nurses Gain a Wide Range of Skills

With each assignment, travel nurses have the opportunity to work in different specialties and healthcare settings. This allows them to broaden their skill set and become well-rounded healthcare professionals.

Travel Nurses Enjoy Competitive Pay

Due to their flexibility and willingness to travel, travel nurses often receive higher compensation than their counterparts in permanent positions. This makes it an attractive career option for those looking to earn a competitive salary.

Travel Nurses Have Access to Unique Benefits

Many travel nurse agencies offer additional benefits such as housing stipends, travel reimbursements, and healthcare coverage. These perks make the life of a travel nurse even more rewarding.

Travel Nurses Make Lifelong Connections

While travel nurses are constantly on the move, they have the opportunity to form meaningful connections with fellow healthcare professionals and patients. These connections can last a lifetime and create a sense of camaraderie within the healthcare community .

Travel Nurses Enhance their Resume

Travel nursing experiences are highly valued on resumes, as they demonstrate adaptability, flexibility, and a diverse skill set. The variety of experiences gained as a travel nurse can open doors to future career advancements.

Travel Nurses Have a Positive Impact on Patient Care

The dedication and expertise of travel nurses directly contribute to improving patient outcomes. By stepping in during critical staffing situations, they ensure that patients receive the care they need, when they need it.

In conclusion, being a travel nurse is an exciting and rewarding career choice. It offers the opportunity to explore new places, provide care to different patient populations, and gain valuable experience in a variety of healthcare settings. Travel nurses can enjoy a flexible schedule, competitive pay, and the chance to make a difference in communities across the country . Whether you’re a seasoned nurse looking for a change of pace or a recent graduate eager to start your career, consider becoming a travel nurse and embark on an incredible journey filled with adventure, personal growth, and impactful patient care.

1. What qualifications do I need to become a travel nurse?

To become a travel nurse, you typically need to have a degree in nursing (Associate’s or Bachelor’s), an active and unrestricted RN license, and at least one year of clinical experience. Additional certifications and specialties may be required depending on the assignment.

2. How long are the travel assignments?

Travel assignments can vary in length, but they typically range from 8 to 26 weeks. Some assignments may be shorter or longer based on the specific needs of the healthcare facility and the travel nurse’s availability.

3. Will I receive benefits as a travel nurse?

Yes , travel nurses often receive benefits such as health insurance, housing allowances, travel reimbursements, and retirement plans. The specific benefits can vary depending on the travel nursing agency and the assignment.

4. Will I have a say in where I am assigned?

Travel nurses often have some input in where they are assigned, but ultimately, the decision is usually made by the travel nursing agency and healthcare facility. Factors such as the nurse’s preferences, skills, and availability are taken into consideration when determining the assignments.

5. How much can I expect to earn as a travel nurse?

The pay for travel nurses can vary depending on factors such as the location, facility, specialty, and experience. However, travel nurses typically earn higher salaries than non-traveling nurses due to the additional benefits and higher demand for their services.

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