How Does Travel Nursing Work?

Staffing shortages are a common problem in the healthcare industry nationwide. Travel nurses are hired by healthcare organizations such as hospitals and other medical facilities to fill vacancies caused by a lack of qualified nurses in the area, medical staff vacations, seasonal patient increases, sabbaticals, and maternity leaves. Healthcare organizations work with recruitment firms like LeaderStat to find skilled nurses to fill these often short-term assignments.

Who Can Apply for Travel Nurse Assignments?

A travel nurse must be an RN in good standing with an active license and, ideally, at least two years’ experience. Responsibilities are the same as a traditional RN such as: administer care, medications, and vaccines to patients of all ages; communicate with physicians and other healthcare professionals; collaborate to create a plan of patient care; create and contribute to medical records; respond to patient inquiries and concerns; track supplies and inventory; and counsel patients. 

They must be able to enter a new medical environment in a new location and get up to speed with current protocols and procedures quickly. They must have excellent clinical, analytical, and communication skills, a calm demeanor, the ability to work well within a team, and empathy for their patients. 

Travel nurses must have licensure in every state in which they practice. Other documentation required for travel nurse assignments includes copies of licenses (professional and driving); documentation of (current) vaccines, appropriate titer results, PPD tests, a physician statement, and a Basic Life Support card.

Can Travel Nurses Specialize?

Yes. Just as with traditional RN roles, additional certification is necessary to specialize and subspecialize in medical care. Requirements vary depending on location and specialty. Some of the most in-demand nursing career specialties include neonatal, critical care, health policy, anesthesia, pain management, and psychiatry.

Can Travel Nurses Specialize?

Yes. Just as with traditional RN roles, additional certification is necessary to specialize and subspecialize in medical care. Requirements vary depending on location and specialty. Some of the most in-demand nursing career specialties include neonatal, critical care, health policy, anesthesia, pain management, and psychiatry.

It is also possible to switch specialties as a travel nurse. There are travel nursing contracts available that are specifically for Float Nurses. Float Nurses move from one department or unit to another, based on staffing needs. Floating is a great way to get exposed to a variety of units that you may choose to specialize in later on. Additionally, travel nurses also have the option to go to different settings – just because someone starts out in a hospital setting doesn’t mean that they can only work there. They could switch to something slower paced, like long-term care.

How Long Are Travel Nursing Assignments?

The standard travel nursing assignment is 13 weeks. Both longer and shorter assignments can be negotiated and some nurses renew existing contracts multiple times when they find a placement they really enjoy. Contract renewals are called extension assignments and typically last for three or five weeks, but can be longer.

What Types Of Medical Facilities Need Travel Nurses?

Travel nursing assignments are available in all areas of healthcare and all types of medical organizations including: general medical hospitals, emergency rooms, urgent care facilities, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, home health and hospice, occupational health, surgical hospitals, community hospitals, community health centers, and other healthcare organizations.

Is There A Demand For Travel Nurses?

The US Bureau of Labor and Statistics projects over one million nurses are required to meet the current need, and estimate employment opportunities for nurses are growing at a 15% rate through 2026 when compared to all other occupations. Demand for qualified nurses throughout the country has never been higher and this includes demand for travel nurses. 

America’s aging population requires a greater need for healthcare services across the board. Hospitals struggling to meet this and other demands are improving staff requirements by hiring nurses on contract. With the ability to relocate to regions with the greatest need, travel nurses are indeed in demand.

What Are The Benefits of Travel Nursing?

Travel nurses decide when and where they want to work. They enjoy the ability to travel to new areas of the country and work in new environments, which provides ample opportunities for personal fulfillment and professional growth. These nurses gain clinical skills, and experience adapting to new environments, all while exploring new areas, meeting new people, and avoiding burnout.

As the demand for nurses continues to grow, travel nurses may also benefit from increased compensation and perks. The unique experience can also be an advantage when pursuing career advancement. Of course, many say the biggest benefit of becoming a traveling nurse is the travel.

What Does A Travel Nurse Salary Look Like?

Travel nurse salaries are at the top-end of RN salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average RN salary is $70,000 per year, and most RNs make between $48,690 and $104,100 per year. Travel nurses can expect to earn near the upper end of this salary range.

Where Can Travel Nurses Go On The Job?

Travel nurses can choose from available jobs nationwide, but must be licensed in every state in which they practice. Multi-state licensure is available via the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows nurses who are residents of one NLC state to practice in all NLC states. (Please refer to the NCSBN website for a complete list of NLC states, states awaiting implementation, and states in which NLC legislation is pending).

Can Travel Nurses Take An Assignment Close to Home?

Yes, although due to IRS requirements, a local job may affect travel reimbursements. Sometimes, applicants are told about what’s commonly called the “50-mile Rule,” which states the travel nurse assignment must be at least fifty miles away from the permanent residence. However, travel nurses can work a contract assignment at a hospital close to your home if they choose.

Can Travel Nurses Take Their Family and Pets With Them On Assignment?

Yes, however most travel nurse recruiters contractually provide a one-bedroom apartment or an extended stay hotel, which may not be suitable for a family or pets. Additional housing requirements may not be arranged or financially covered.

Do Travel Nurses Get Paid Time Off?
The short answer is – it depends. Some staffing firms offer paid time off (PTO). For example, if a travel nurse takes a summertime assignment and they have a scheduled vacation, they can work with their recruiter to get this time off approved and written into their contract.

Can Travel Nurses Travel Together?

It’s common for RNs to select travel nursing assignments together, request to work in the same hospital or city, and to share an apartment or apartment complex. Traveling with another nurse gives someone to explore with, and often saves on costs.

Do Travel Nurses Get The Worst Assignments?

Travel nurses are often given easier patients to care for at first until the charge nurse gets to know their skill level. Travel nurses are likely to be the first to float during a shift, as well.

Is Travel Nursing Good For Career Advancement?

Travel nurse jobs increase skill levels, expose them to different regional nursing procedures and patient populations, and give them the opportunity to work in a wider variety of specialties. They also gain experience in quickly assimilating to a new clinical environment. All of these skills make them very eligible candidates for future nursing jobs.

How Do I Become A Travel Nurse?

Most RNs sign on with a travel nurse recruiter like LeaderStat that will find appropriate jobs, manage travel, and facilitate compliance. Search for our current open assignments here.