Have you ever considered a travel nursing job? Travel nursing is a great way to see different parts of the country (or even the world), meet new people, and gain new experiences. But what exactly is travel nursing? And what are the different types of travel nursing jobs? Let’s take a closer look.
What Is Travel Nursing?
Travel nursing is a type of temporary nursing position that lasts anywhere from 4 to 26 weeks. Travel nurses typically work in hospitals or other healthcare facilities that are in need of additional staff. In exchange for their services, travel nurses often receive a competitive salary, housing, and other benefits like health insurance and paid time off.
Types of Travel Nursing Jobs
There are many different types of travel nursing jobs, including but not limited to:
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Med/Surg Travel Nurses provide care for patients who have undergone surgery or are suffering from chronic medical conditions.
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ER/Trauma Travel Nurses work in emergency rooms and help care for patients who have experienced traumatic accidents or injuries.
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ICU Travel Nurses provide critical care to patients who are suffering from life-threatening illnesses or injuries.
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Pediatrics Travel Nurses work with children of all ages, from newborns to teenagers.
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OB/GYN Travel Nurses specialize in caring for pregnant women and new mothers.
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OR Travel Nurses assist surgeons during operations and also provide postoperative care.
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Dialysis Travel Nurses work with patients who have renal failure and require dialysis treatments.
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Psychiatric Travel Nurses provide care for patients with mental health disorders.
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Rehabilitation Travel Nurses help patients recover from injuries, strokes, and other debilitating conditions.
Travel Nurse Salary & Benefits
Travel nurse salary varies depending on experience level, location, and type of position. That being said, the average salary for a travel nurse is $47.98 per hour, or $111,975 per year (Indeed.com, 2022). In addition to salary, most travel nursing positions also come with benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and housing stipends. Some agencies will even cover the cost of your flights and rental car.
Need more info on salary and benefits? Check out our travel nursing salary guide here.
Requirements to Become a Travel Nurse
In order to become a travel nurse, you must first be a registered nurse (RN). In addition to RN licensure, most travel nursing agencies also require you to have at least 1 year of experience working as an RN in a hospital setting as well as BLS (Basic Life Support) certification. Some agencies may also require you to have ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) or PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) certification depending on the type of position you are applying for—and that’s it!
Best Agencies for Travel Nursing Jobs
There are many great agencies out there that offer travel nursing positions. Some of our favorites include:
How Do I Obtain Housing as a Travel Nurse?
One common concern among travel nurses is housing. After all, it can be difficult (and expensive) to find temporary housing in a new city on such short notice. Thankfully, most travel nursing agencies will assist you with finding suitable housing options near your worksite—and some will even cover the cost of rent up to a certain amount!
Want to learn more? We created our guide to travel nursing housing to answer your most important housing questions.
Are Rentals an Option for Travel Nurses?
Yes! If you’re interested in renting an RV or staying in an Airbnb rental property while on your next assignment, we’ve got some good news—most travel nursing agencies will reimburse you up to $2,000 per month for these expenses! So why not give it a try? You may prefer the flexibility (and affordability) that comes with renting over traditional hotel accommodations.
Whether you’re looking for adventure, new experiences, or simply want to earn some extra money—travel nursing might just be the perfect fit for you! And if you’re looking to take your nursing degree to the next level, be sure to check out Aspen University’s affordable and accredited online nursing programs.