travel nurse types

Top 10 Highest-Paying Travel Nurse Specialities

While some students enter nursing school knowing exactly what specialty they’d like to work in, others go in ready to explore different opportunities before deciding on their niche.

The beauty of choosing a nursing career is that there is a specialty for everyone. And whether you’re a nursing student trying to decide your path or a seasoned nurse looking for a change, it can be helpful to know what types of nursing specialties are available.

Click here for available high-paying travel nurse opportunities!

Travel nursing can also be a great way to try out different specialties before “settling down” or gaining more experience in a certain field. For instance, you may be interested in learning more about a specialty where you have prior experience, or you may have your heart set on something that you have not even been exposed to yet.

Either way nursing and travel nursing offer endless opportunity for growth, new knowledge, and change when you’re ready.

Keep reading to learn more about some of the most in-demand travel nursing specialties and discover the highest-paid travel nursing specialties.

• Case Management Nurse
• Cath Lab Nurse
• Critical Care Nurse
• Dialysis Nurse
• Home Health Nurse
• Labor and Delivery Nurse
• Med Surg Nurse
• Neonatal Nurse
• Obstetrics Nurse
• Oncology Nurse
• Orthopedics Nurse
• Pediatric Nurse
• Psychiatric Nurse
• Step-Down Nurse

Getting Started: How To Become A Travel Nurse?

Ready to get started on becoming a travel nurse and choosing a travel nurse specialty? No matter which travel nursing or nursing specialty you’d like to try, the initial step on your nursing career path is to graduate from an accredited nursing program and successfully pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) exam. The key steps to becoming a registered nurse are outlined below.

Step 1: Attend Nursing School

To become a registered nurse (RN), you have two nursing school paths to choose from:

• A two-year Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• A Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN), which typically takes around four years

ADN programs can be found at most community colleges, while a BSN will require attending a university. Some hospitals do prefer to hire BSN-educated nurses over ADNs, but it can be faster and more cost-effective to get your ADN first.

Rest assured, even if you pursue an ADN initially, you can always get your BSN later, even while working as a full-time nurse. And bonus: some hospitals or facilities will even pay for a BSN once you’re hired on.

Step 2: Pass the NCLEX-RN

To become licensed as a registered nurse (RN) in the United States and Canada, aspiring nurses must successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam. The NCLEX is taken only after you graduate from an accredited nursing program, and the test is taken at an approved testing facility.

Step 3: Apply for state licensure

Once you pass your NCLEX, you are automatically registered to work as an RN in the state you live in. However, if you want to work as a nurse outside of the state you live in , you’ll need to ensure Individual state boards of nursing are responsible for issuing nursing licenses.

For nurses with a passion for travel, the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) offers the opportunity to practice in multiple states using a single nursing license. Currently, 41 US states and territories have implemented the NLC, with a few awaiting full implementation. If you choose to work in a state you don’t live in that doesn’t accept an NLC, you’ll have to apply directly with that state’s nursing board for licensure.

Step 4: Gain Experience at the Bedside

Before embarking on your first travel nursing contract, it is best to obtain some nursing experience. Most travel nursing agencies and hospitals require two years of bedside experience before considering candidates for travel nursing assignments.

Your experience can be in general med-surg or a specialty. Typically, any specialty roles—along with experience—offer more competitive travel nursing rates.

Step 5: Talk to a Travel Nurse Recruiter

If you are interested in becoming a travel nurse, you can speak to a travel nurse recruiter at any time in the process, even while you’re still working as a staff nurse to gain experience. Nurse recruiters work for travel nursing agencies to recruit qualified nurses for temporary nurse roles, and the right recruiter will work for you to find a contract that benefits you.

It can be helpful to talk to a nurse recruiter early on for advice if you’d like to work in a specific role or in a particular area of the country to see what experience would give you a competitive edge.

Looking for open travel nurse assignments? Speak with a recruiter today!

How to Choose a Nursing Specialty

When it comes to choosing a nursing specialty, your decision can be guided by your interests or the clinical experiences you have had during your time in school.

To help you make a choice, here are some questions you can consider:

• Do you prefer working in a hospital or outpatient setting?
• Do you feel more drawn to working with children or adults?
• Are you comfortable with working night shifts or weekends?
• Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment or prefer more one-on-one time with patients?
• Are you interested in performing procedures like IV starts and NG tube insertions?
• Do procedural areas pique your interest?
• Are you open to providing care to patients nearing the end of life?
• Are you interested in pursuing additional certifications beyond your RN license?
• Would you enjoy a specialty that allows you to move through different units in the hospital, such as wound care?
• Are you able to maintain composure during emergency situations?

If you do not have all the answers to these questions right now, don’t worry—you don’t need all the answers right away. As you move through your nursing career, you will learn more about your individual strengths and preferences.

After all, one of the wonderful aspects of a nursing career is that you have the flexibility to switch specialties at any time.

Find available, high-paying travel nurse opportunities.

10 Highest Paying Travel Nursing Specialties for Registered Nurses

The salary you make as an RN will depend on a variety of factors including years of experience, nursing degree, other specialty-specific certifications, location, and supply/demand of nurses for that specialty.

The highest-paying nursing specialties may also differ from hospital-based staff nursing roles, so it’s important to keep that in mind if you plan to stick to a staff role or are interested primarily in travel nursing .

In general, however, more specialty roles with advanced education and certification will pay the highest wages no matter if you choose staff or travel nursing. As of June 2023, ZipRecruiter notes that the average hourly rate for travel nurses is just over $50. However, that rate can be significantly higher for specialty roles and does not account for additional wages travel nurses can get, like housing and travel stipends .

According to Indeed , these are some of the highest-paying travel nurse specialties. Keep in mind that the wages listed are averages—which means some travel nurse jobs in those roles can be much higher.

Additionally, wages are based on weekly rates, with travel nursing assignments typically averaging around 13-week assignments. So again, your annual wage could be much higher in certain roles.

1. Cardiac Catheterization (Cath) Lab Nurse

Average travel nurse salary: $148,566

Nurses in the cath lab provide care for patients before, during, and after cardiac catheterization. These patients may be stable and scheduled for a catheterization procedure to investigate underlying heart disease, or they may arrive urgently with symptoms of a heart attack. Care in the cath lab is highly specialized and demands expertise in cardiac and procedural knowledge.

2. Intensive care unit (ICU) travel nurse

Average travel ICU nurse salary: $127,506

Nurses who provide care for patients in the ICU attend to patients who are acutely ill and require very close monitoring, sometimes in a 1:1 patient-to-nurse ratio. There are various types of ICUs, including medical, surgical, neurologic, cardiac, burn, pediatric, and neonatal. Smaller hospitals may also combine all specialties into a single ICU, allowing nurses to care for a varied patient population.

ICU nurses not only care for their patients but also provide support and education to patients’ families, who often require extensive guidance on their loved one’s condition. This specialty will remain in high demand due to the advanced level of training required for these nurses.

3. Labor and delivery (L&D) nurse

Average L&D staff nurse salary: $109,955

L&D nurses attend to pregnant patients before, during, and after the childbirth process. They monitor both the pregnant person and baby, including fetal heart rate and contractions. After birth, L&D nurses provide comprehensive maternal and newborn assessments and care. As an L&D nurse, you may also have the opportunity to be in the operating room if your patient undergoes a cesarean section.

4. Pediatric Nurse

Average travel pediatric nurse salary: $109,762

Pediatric nurses may work in a variety of settings, including outpatient clinics, pediatric medical/surgical units in hospitals, and the ICU. Taking care of young patients requires a very specific skill set, which makes this an always-in-demand specialty.

Find open positions today for your specialty.

5. Operating room (OR) nurse

Average OR travel nurse salary: $105,021

You might not get a lot of experience in the OR during nursing school, but’s a specialty role that is very in demand for travel nursing specifically. And within OR, there are subspeciality nursing roles too:

• Pre and post-op OR nurses primarily care for patients before and during surgery
• A scrub OR nurse selects and provides instruments and supplies needed for a successful operation to the surgeon
• A circulating OR nurse monitors the OR with a focus on patient safety, ensuring that sterile technique is maintained and initiating instrument counts, among other duties

OR nurses are in demand as working in surgical areas requires specialized training not often encountered in school. If you’re interested in becoming an OR travel nurse, it may be helpful to gain experience in this role as a staff nurse before applying.

6. Med-Surg Travel Nurse

Average travel med-surg nurse salary: $103,209

The salary of a general assignment travel nurse working on med-surg can vary widely as well. Travel nurses often take on temporary assignments to assist hospitals facing nursing shortages caused by staffing issues or seasonal changes in the hospital’s location.

7. Hospice Nurse

Average hospice nurse salary: $93,431

Hospice nurses care for patients with serious medical conditions who have a prognosis of six months or less. The main role of a hospice nurse is to ensure that patients remain comfortable, with symptoms such as pain, nausea, and shortness controlled. Hospice nurses also provide education to patients and families regarding the end-of-life process. Care may be provided in patients’ homes or in an inpatient hospice facility for patients who require more intense symptom management.

8. Emergency room (ER) travel nurse

Average ER travel nurse salary: $83,503

ER nurses are usually the first to assess and provide care for patients in the hospital. They have the opportunity to improve their triage skills, as patients may arrive at the ER with a wide range of conditions, from the flu to a heart attack or major trauma.

ER nurses can also enhance their skills in areas such as IV starts, as many patients do not arrive with these unless brought in by paramedic services. Patient turnover in the ER can be frequent, and no two days are likely to be the same.

9. Oncology travel nurse

Average travel oncology nurse salary: $82,535

Oncology nurses treat patients undergoing cancer treatments, including systemic cancer treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy, as well as localized treatments such as radiation therapy or surgery. Cancer treatments can cause significant side effects, and oncology nurses have the ability to become experts in managing these side effects. Nurses also serve as a source of support for patients and their families throughout their cancer journey.

10. Home Health Nurse

Average travel home health nurse salary: $74,329

Home health care nurses provide care for homebound patients where they need it most: in their homes. As a home health care nurse, you may be responsible for caring for patients who have been recently discharged from the hospital and require ongoing care such as intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy or wound care.

Patients may also simply have chronic health conditions that need ongoing care and monitoring, such as patients living with congestive heart failure. Home health nurses are in a unique position to provide patient and family education on how to manage a patient’s condition outside of the hospital.

Nursing Specialty FAQ

The highest-paid travel nurse specialty is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Travel CRNAs can make upwards of $255,000 annually, according to ZipRecruiter. Outside of advanced practice nursing, however, on average, the highest-paid travel nurse specialties are cardiac cath travel nurses ( $148,566), ICU travel nurses ($127,506), and pediatric nurses ($109,762).

It’s always possible to change your nursing specialty. One of the great things about being a nurse is the ability to change specialties, which allows you to gain additional experiences, learn new skills, or have a different lifestyle. However, it is important to keep in mind that travel nursing usually requires prior experience in a specific specialty before working as a travel nurse in that field. Moving between specialties can be easier in some cases compared to others. For instance, an ICU nurse could be hired as a medical-surgical floor nurse since these patients often face similar medical issues, albeit at different stages of their hospital stay.

It is possible to enter a specialty nursing role directly from nursing school, but not always. It may also depend on the hospital’s policies or even the preferences of the hiring manager for your desired specialty. For instance, some nurse managers, especially in the ICU, may value your commitment to working in their unit for a specific duration, especially if you are a newly graduated RN. This is because training a new nurse requires a significant investment of time and resources.

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Different Types of Travel Nurses: What Kind is Right for You?

Table of Contents

Comprehensive guide to types of travel nurses.

If you're a nurse looking for adventure and new opportunities, you might want to consider a career in travel nursing. But with so many different types of travel nurse jobs available, it can be overwhelming to decide which path to pursue. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to the various types of travel nurses, including the skills and certifications required, job outlook, and salary expectations.

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Exploring Various Travel Nurse Specialty Jobs

Travel nurses are an essential part of the healthcare industry, providing much-needed support to healthcare facilities across the country. Through travel assignments, these health professionals are able to explore a wide range of nurse specialty jobs, from working in high-demand fields like the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to providing care in unique settings such as psychiatric hospitals or long-term care facilities.

High-Demand Nurse Specialty Jobs

Certain nurse specialties are particularly sought-after in the travel nursing field. For example, with the rise in chronic diseases and an aging population, travel nurse specialties in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Cardiac Care Unit (CCU), and Progressive Care Unit (PCU) are in high demand. Travel nurse salary in these high-demand specialties is typically very competitive, making them appealing choices for travel assignments.

Another high-demand area within travel nurse specialty jobs is the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Travel NICU nurses work with premature or critically ill newborns, providing care and support to both infants and their families during this difficult time. As these nurse specialties require a unique skill set and specialized training, healthcare facilities are often in need of travel NICU nurses to support their teams.

Travel Nurse Jobs in Unique Settings

In addition to high-demand areas, there are also opportunities for travel nurse specialty jobs in unique settings. For example, Cardiovascular Operating Room (CVOR) travel nurses work in cardio-thoracic and vascular surgical environments, providing preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care to patients undergoing open-heart and other complex surgeries.

Another unique setting is the psychiatric care unit. Travel nurses specializing in this area work closely with psychiatric patients, helping them manage complex mental illnesses, achieve stability, and improve their overall quality of life. These roles offer both personal and professional satisfaction, as nurses play a key role in helping their patients on their journeys to wellness.

The Role of Telemetry Travel Nurses

Telemetry travel nurses work in specialized hospital units that monitor patients' vital signs and rhythms on a continuous basis. These travel nurse specialties focus primarily on the management of cardiac patients but may also involve caring for those who require intensive monitoring for other reasons. With their specialized skills, telemetry travel nurses are in high demand at hospitals and healthcare facilities nationwide, making this an appealing option for nurses looking for a fulfilling travel assignment.

Key Skills and Certifications for Nurse Specialties

When looking to pursue travel assignments in various nurse specialties, it is vital to attain the necessary skills and certifications. From intensive care unit (ICU) competencies to advanced life support certification, having these essential requirements under your belt will make you a highly sought-after candidate for travel nurse specialty jobs.

Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Nurses' Competencies

Travel ICU nurses must have a strong foundation in critical care nursing, as they care for patients with severe, life-threatening illnesses and injuries. Essential skills for this nurse specialty include clinical assessment, medication administration, patient monitoring, and intervention. Additionally, obtaining certifications such as the Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) can help bolster a travel nurse's qualifications for these roles.

Advanced Life Support Certification for Nurses

The American Heart Association's (AHA) Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is a must-have certification for travel nurse specialties where patients may require advanced life-saving measures, such as ICU, CCU, or Emergency Room settings. This certification demonstrates a nurse’s ability to assess, recognize, and treat life-threatening conditions like cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, and other emergencies, making them a valuable asset in these specialty fields.

Importance of Telemetry Skills for Travel Nurses

Telemetry skills are especially important for travel nurses looking to work in cardiac care units or other areas that require continuous monitoring of patient vitals. Travel nurses specializing in telemetry should be proficient in electrocardiogram (EKG) interpretation, arrhythmia recognition, and management of cardiac emergencies, to name a few. Some travel nurses may opt to obtain certifications in telemetry or EKG interpretation to further hone their skills and enhance their desirability in the travel nursing job market.

Overall, by attaining the appropriate skills and certifications for various nurse specialties, travel nurses can open up a diverse and fulfilling range of travel assignment opportunities. Whether working in high-demand settings like the ICU, CCU, or NICU or providing care in unique environments like CVOR or psychiatric facilities, travel nurse specialty jobs offer a rewarding and exciting path for healthcare professionals looking to expand their nursing careers.

Navigating the World of Travel Nurse Assignments

Understanding travel nurse contract length.

Travel nurse specialty jobs often come with contracts to ensure healthcare facilities have the required nursing staff for a specific duration. Typically, contracts range from 8 to 26 weeks, with some extending up to a year. Understanding contract length is critical for nurses to manage their professional and personal lives accordingly.

For instance, long-term care nurse contracts might have a longer duration compared to a CVOR travel nurse contract. Furthermore, the nursing licensure compact plays a part in determining the contract length, so travel nurses need to consider their eligibility and adapt to different state licensing requirements.

Tips for Selecting a Suitable Travel Nurse Job

When searching for suitable travel nurse specialty jobs, nurses should consider a variety of factors, such as their desired nurse specialty, working hours, and desired travel nurse salary. Some of the most sought-after travel nurse specialties include neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses, progressive care unit (PCU) nurses , and post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) nurses.

An excellent way to start the search is to collaborate with a reliable agency like Health Carousel Travel Nursing, which assists with placing travel nurses in suitable positions. They can also offer guidance on patient care and other responsibilities associated with travel nurse assignments.

Benefits of Short-Term Travel Nurse Assignments

Short-term travel nurse assignments can offer numerous benefits, like the opportunity to explore various healthcare facilities and locations. These assignments help nurses better understand the working styles and culture in different types of units, such as the intensive care unit (ICU), progressive care unit (PCU), and computed tomography . As a result, travel nurses can adapt to new environments more effectively, thereby enhancing their career prospects.

Short-term assignments may also offer a higher travel nurse salary, as healthcare facilities often require staff on an urgent basis. Additionally, nurses take on short-term jobs to boost their resume, demonstrating experience in diverse settings and flexibility to potential employers.

Advantages of Pursuing a Career in Travel Nursing

Expanding your professional network through travel nursing.

As a travel nurse, your time spent in various healthcare facilities provides opportunities to connect with healthcare professionals from different backgrounds and specialties. Expanding your professional network not only enriches your knowledge and understanding of patient care but also opens doors for potential opportunities and collaborations in the future.

Moreover, working in multiple states allows nurses to familiarize themselves with the nursing licensure compact and regulations across the country. This adds value to a travel nurse's resume and establishes them as adaptable professionals in the field.

Exploring New Regions and Cultures as a Travel Nurse

One of the most compelling aspects of travel nurse specialty jobs is the opportunity to explore new regions and cultures. Nurses can work in urban, rural, or coastal areas, allowing them to experience diverse lifestyles and environments. Consequentially, this helps in personal growth and broadens their perspectives on life and work.

For instance, a nurse from a rural background might take up an assignment in a bustling city and experience a faster pace of life. Alternatively, an urban nurse could choose a peaceful, rural setting to experience a more laid-back lifestyle.

Opportunities for Career Advancement in Nurse Specialties

Travel nursing offers an excellent opportunity to explore various nurse specialties and gain practical experience in different fields. This, in turn, allows nurses to advance their careers by identifying areas they excel or enjoy the most. Some popular travel nurse specialties include travel NICU nurse, CVOR travel nurse, and ICU travel nurse .

Having experience in various travel nurse specialties provides a competitive edge in the job market, as this demonstrates versatility, adaptability, and a broad range of skills. Furthermore, agencies like HCTN can help travel nurses develop within their chosen specialty by connecting them to relevant assignments at leading healthcare facilities.

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Home / Nursing Careers & Specialties / Travel Nurse

Travel Nurse

What is a travel nurse, how to become a travel nurse, travel nurse faqs, what does a domestic or international travel nurse do, travel nurse salary and employment, helpful organizations, societies, & agencies.

Travel nurses are RNs from various clinical backgrounds who work for independent staffing agencies. They are assigned to different care areas on a temporary basis to fill in short-term employment gaps.

Travel nursing is a specialty that took root when the field of nursing faced a nationwide shortage. Hospitals, clinics, and other care areas had unfilled positions, yet had patients needing care. To try and attract nurses to the open positions, employers offered higher pay, housing, and covered the cost of relocating.

Due to these shortages, health care facilities have vacancies that need to be filled—and travel nurses are often the ones to fill open positions. Not only do travel nurses work in health care in any state in the country, but they also work outside of the United States as international travel nurses. The adventure and excitement of new opportunities, along with higher-than-average pay, are facets of travel nursing that many RNs find attractive.

Why Are Travel Nurses Important?

Travel nurses are an important part of the health care team because they help bridge the gap between supply and demand in the field of nursing. Mandatory nurse-patient ratios have led to increased patient safety and lower patient mortality . While this is a positive finding, and more and more states are passing legislation to implement staffing ratios, there are not enough nurses to fill the openings. Travel nurses assigned those open positions help to increase patient safety and improve patient outcomes.

Additionally, nurses from different educational backgrounds, care areas, and geographic locations bring a great deal to the practice of nursing. Sharing ideas and practices not only benefits patients, but also other nurses.

A travel nurse should have the following characteristics to excel in the role:

• Enjoys experiencing new cities, towns, and organizations
• Enjoys freedom. Travel nurses choose when and where they work, and choose their duration of employment
• Enjoys flexibility. Travel nurses create their schedules, benefits packages, and income based on which agency they choose to work
• Thrives on challenges. Moving to different states or overseas and being “the new nurse” repeatedly is challenging. Learning new organizational systems and workflows is particularly challenging
• Loves learning new things. Each assignment takes travel nurses to new health care facilities, some with higher levels of technology or different standards of practice. Each experience helps nurses build upon their knowledge base

Additionally, travel nurses should have supportive families and friends. It's difficult to either pack up and move an entire family or leave your family and friends behind. The flip side to this is that new relationships are formed in each new location.

What Are the Educational Requirements for Travel Nurses?

Those interested in the specialty of travel nursing should first pursue a nursing degree through a two or four-year university. Obtaining an associate's degree ( ADN ) or bachelor's degree ( BSN ) in nursing is required. A BSN is not required to be a travel nurse, but some health care facilities only hire BSN-prepared nurses. The staffing agency in which the nurse is employed should match the nurse appropriately based on educational requirements.

After completion of an accredited nursing program, successful completion of the NCLEX-RN is required for licensure.

Most travel nurse agencies require a minimum of one year of hands-on experience in the chosen specialty of nursing. Additionally, some agencies will only hire BSN-prepared RNs. International travel nurses should speak the language of the country they are to practice in, as communication is an important part of effective healthcare delivery. Nurses are encouraged to research agencies when considering travel nursing.

Are Any Certifications or Credentials Needed?

No additional exams are required for travel nursing. Based on the specialty, certification(s) may be required. Examples include:

• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) may be required
• Stroke care certification
• Telemetry certification
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• Critical care nursing (adults, pediatric, neonatal)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) may be required
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
• Trauma Nurse Core Course (TNCC) certification

Additional specific requirements may be necessary for international travel nurses. These include:

• Acquiring a passport and work visa (usually handled by the agency)
• Additional immunizations
• Learning a new language
• Learning about diseases unique to the area

How Can a Travel Nurse Receive a Tax-Free Housing Stipend?

Housing is one of the most significant concerns for a travel nurse. There are a few options available, and it depends on the travel nurse agency/company regarding how accommodations are set up. Some companies provide housing (i.e., apartment, duplex, etc.). Some companies offer a housing stipend, or a fixed amount of money each month to apply towards housing.

First, nurses need to be aware of where their “tax home” is, as stipends are tax-free if working away from the tax home. Having a tax home is necessary to receive tax-free housing. A "tax home" is defined as the general vicinity of an individual's primary place of work (regardless of where the primary residence is). Generally, the IRS considers someone traveling away from home (i.e., their "tax home") if it exceeds one workday.

Different travel nurse agencies offer different stipends - it’s important to research what the living expenses are in a specific area to ensure housing is adequately covered. The General Services Administration (GSA) lists the maximum daily amount for lodging, meals, and incidentals with regards to travel expenses . The key word is MAXIMUM. It's not required that a company pay employees the listed stipend. In fact, some travel nurse agencies offer higher hourly wages instead of housing stipends. Additionally, the GSA rates are based on short-term travel - usually less than a month. Travel nurse contracts can last three months or more.

Are Nursing Licenses Valid When Traveling and Working in Other States?

Those interested in travel nursing may have questions about licensing; specifically, how are licenses recognized if practicing in another state.

Depending on the state, new licensure is not necessary. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) developed the Nurse Licensure Compact which is an agreement between specific states to recognize nursing licenses without having to apply separately for licensure in another state. In other words, a nurse living in a "compact state" (one which is part of this agreement) can practice in another compact state without having to obtain additional licenses. There are now uniform licensure requirements that must be met when seeking a multistate license under the compact agreement. States that participate in the compact agreement can be found on the NCSBN website .

If not part of the compact agreement, some states allow nurses to obtain temporary licenses by endorsement. These are valid for specific lengths of time, so nurses must visit each state’s Board of Nursing website to determine specific temporary license requirements. If extending the assignment past the temporary license time frame, nurses must apply for a permanent license. Permanent licenses are also required for states that don't grant licensure by endorsement and don't participate in the NLC.

Travel nurses have a broad range of responsibilities and duties, and specific tasks depend on the specialty in which the nurse is trained. General nursing responsibilities and duties include:

• Using the nursing process of assessing, diagnosing, planning, implementing, and evaluating to care for patients in a variety of healthcare settings
• Administering medications, and fluids, assisting with activities of daily living and patient mobility
• Reviewing and interpreting diagnostic tests such as lab work and imaging
• Provide monitoring and oversight in all aspects of patient care
• Collaborating with physicians in developing a plan of care
• Assessing the psychosocial needs of patients and families
• Recognizing and intervening in clinically unstable patients
• Providing resources for patients and referring as necessary
• Educating patients and families in all areas of healthcare maintenance and prevention
• Working in assignments anywhere from eight to thirteen weeks (on average) in the U.S., one to two years if outside the U.S.
• Learning various patient care systems/documentation
• Providing immediate medical care and aid for large populations during times of war or disaster

Domestic and international travel nurses also have different characteristics specific to their roles.

Domestic Travel Nurses

• Work within the U.S.
• Typically work assignments that range from eight to thirteen weeks
• Can respond to areas of the U.S that experience natural disasters or disease outbreaks

International Travel Nurses

International travel nurses should have excellent communication skills, should be open to new experiences and challenges, and should have a strong desire to learn. These nurses are responsible for performing a wide array of duties. As stated previously, the tasks an international nurse will have to perform depend entirely upon their medical specialty. Some of the more general or everyday tasks that international travel nurses will perform include administering medication, wound care, and providing emergency medical services and care. Since there are often nursing shortages in many of the regions that international nurses travel to, another general role of these nurses is to educate family members and caretakers about the appropriate patient and medical care. In summary, international travel nurses:

• Work outside the U.S.
• Typically work assignments that range from one to two years
• Respond to areas that experience natural disasters or disease outbreaks, such as the Ebola outbreak in West Africa
• Provide medical care and aid to underserved, rural , and remote populations
• Usually, must wait for document processing before traveling

Travel Nurse Working Conditions

As with any career, there are positive and negative aspects to working as a travel nurse. Nurses can suffer from stress as they may carry a heavy patient load and have many critical decisions to make. Additionally, travel nurses may suffer from feelings of isolation since they tend to relocate often. Having a strong sense of independence and a support system available, even remotely, can help.

Additionally, nurses may work in high-risk areas that may expose them to workplace violence, blood-borne pathogens, and chemicals. Travel nurses must always familiarize themselves with and adhere to safety standards set by the organization.

International travel nurses can face different challenges. Travel nurses must be familiar with the country's laws, and geographic-specific diseases, and always keep their overall safety as a priority.

Despite these considerations, travel nursing can be immensely rewarding. Many organizations and staff nurses appreciate the help travel nurses offer. Travel nurses help relieve staff nurses from burnout, as can happen when working short-staffed.

International travel nurses are also highly appreciated. They provide medical care and assistance to many patients in remote settings who otherwise would have no access to healthcare. They help with relief efforts in war zones or after disaster events, which can be both rewarding and enriching.

According to the American Nurses Association, as of 2015 fourteen states had mandatory nurse-patient ratios . Nurses are pushing for federal legislation supporting safe staffing and because of this, if more states pass safe-staffing laws, nurses will be in even more demand. Travel nurses will help mend the current and projected nursing shortage. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 16% overall growth for nurses until 2024, which is much faster-than-average growth for all occupations.

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Travel nursing has many incentives for nurses regarding pay and benefits including:

• Travel reimbursement
• Free housing
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement plans
• Assistance in obtaining passports/work visas
• Choice of location
• Selection of hours/shifts worked
• Competitive pay
• Higher-than-average pay for RNs

According to Indeed, the average yearly salary for a travel nurse is $75,109. However, since pay is competitive in travel nursing, some companies are offering salaries of around $100,00 annually for domestic travel nurses.

International travel nurses tend to have lower salaries than domestic, except for assignments in some middle eastern countries. This is because, for the most part, nurses tend to make less outside of the U.S.

Salary is dependent on the agency, and nurses should research each company to find the right salary and benefits that best fit their needs.

• International Council of Nurses
• Professional Association of Nurse Travelers
• National Association of Travel Healthcare Organizations
• American Travel Health Nurses Association

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What is a Travel Nurse?

Learn about the role of Travel Nurse, what they do on a daily basis, and what it's like to be one.

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Definition of a Travel Nurse

What does a travel nurse do, key responsibilities of a travel nurse.

• Providing direct patient care in temporary assignments across different locations, often in areas experiencing staffing shortages.
• Adapting to diverse healthcare settings and integrating with new teams to ensure continuity of care.
• Assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care plans in collaboration with healthcare professionals.
• Administering medications and treatments to patients and monitoring their responses.
• Documenting patient care services by charting in patient and department records.
• Communicating effectively with patients and their families, providing education and support.
• Maintaining a high level of clinical expertise and complying with all healthcare regulations and standards.
• Responding to medical emergencies and providing critical care as needed.
• Operating and monitoring medical equipment used in patient care.
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to create a multidisciplinary approach to patient care.
• Ensuring the transfer of medical information is completed accurately when transitioning to a new assignment.
• Staying current with nursing best practices and participating in professional development opportunities.

Day to Day Activities for Travel Nurse at Different Levels

Daily responsibilities for entry-level travel nurses.

• Providing direct patient care and performing routine nursing duties
• Documenting patient information and care in medical records
• Adapting to the policies and procedures of different healthcare facilities
• Collaborating with healthcare teams to deliver patient care
• Attending orientation and training sessions at new assignments
• Communicating effectively with patients and staff in diverse settings

Daily Responsibilities for Mid-Level Travel Nurses

• Independently managing patient care with minimal supervision
• Specializing in a specific area of nursing, such as critical care or pediatrics
• Assisting in the orientation and mentoring of new Travel Nurses
• Participating in quality improvement initiatives and committees
• Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care
• Providing input on patient care plans and contributing to clinical decisions

Daily Responsibilities for Senior Travel Nurses

• Leading and coordinating nursing care for critically ill or complex patients
• Acting as a liaison between the travel nursing agency and healthcare facilities
• Developing and implementing policies and protocols to improve patient care
• Mentoring and supervising teams of nurses and other healthcare professionals
• Participating in high-level problem-solving and decision-making processes
• Engaging in professional development and contributing to nursing research

Types of Travel Nurses

Critical care travel nurse, labor and delivery travel nurse, operating room travel nurse, telemetry travel nurse, psychiatric travel nurse, pediatric travel nurse, oncology travel nurse, what's it like to be a travel nurse , travel nurse work environment, travel nurse working conditions, how hard is it to be a travel nurse, is a travel nurse a good career path, faqs about travel nurses, how do travel nurses collaborate with other teams within a company, what are some common challenges faced by travel nurses, what does the typical career progression look like for travel nurses.

How To Become a Travel Nurse in 2024

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Types of Travel Nurses | Types of Travel Nurse Specialties

Table of contents, about the author.

Maybe you are looking to become an RN or are looking to expand your career with travel nursing. Before commiting to become a travel nurse , you must understand the demand for the different types of travel nurses and which specialty suits you the best. If you are already a working nurse, you have probably worked with a traveler at your facility. The life of a travel nurse is a lot different from a staff nurse. Travelers travel the country, have a more flexible schedule, and typically make more money. What are you waiting for? Take the leap! You can always dip your toes into local travel nursing first to see if you like it.

What is a Travel Nurse?

A travel nurse is an RN who travels to a facility that is short-staffed and needs help. Typically contracts for travel nurses are 13-weeks but can be extended if the facility still has the demand and the nurse wants to stay longer.

There are many benefits that come along with travel nursing, the most popular being the pay. TravelNursing.org  reported that the average annual salary for a travel nurse is $108,070 in 2022. That is significantly higher than the average mean salary for staff nurses which is $75,330 per year according to the  Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) . Because of the higher wage, some nurses take weeks or months off between contracts to relax or travel, making their schedules more flexible. This helps with work-life balance and preventing nurse burnout .

There are many types of travel nurses and types of travel nurse specialties. Finding your perfect fit will set you up for success and happiness in your travel nursing career.

Types of Travel Nurses

Labor and delivery nurse (rn l&d).

A Labor and Delivery nurse has the rewarding job of helping women bring their babies into the world. This is also one of the highest paid travel nursing specialties and therefore also one of the most desired. Facilities are willing to pay top dollar for these types of travel nurses because they are such an integral part of the labor and delivery process. They typically work in a clinic, hospital, or birthing center. A L&D nurse is there to guide and assist the mother and baby from the moment the mother is admitted into the birthing unit.

Read our guide on How To Become A Labor and Delivery Nurse

Responsibilities of a Labor and Delivery Nurse

Responsibilities of a L&D nurse include many duties before, during, and after the birth of the child. Here is a list of some of the responsibilities and duties of a labor and delivery nurse:

• Prepare delivery room with proper medical tools for the physician
• Fetal monitoring
• Examining contraction length and strength
• Administering IVs and pushing medication if necessary
• Educating patient on pain management options
• Coaching the mother during contractions
• Perform exams on the newborn
• Provide breastfeeding support
• Bathe the baby
• Monitor the mother through postpartum
• Provide education and support to the family

Qualities of a Labor and Delivery Nurse

There are different qualities that are needed depending on the types of travel nurses and their specialties. As a labor and delivery nurse, they must have excellent communication skills and empathy when coaching the mother through her labor and delivery. They must have the ability to work under high levels of stress and pressure if tensions arise or a complication occur. L&D nurses must also have a level of calmness and not feed into the emotions of the family or mother. Having cultural competency is also important as you will be working with mothers of all backgrounds.

L&D nurses should obtain these qualifications:

All these qualifications seem excessive but they are crucial to prepare you for life-threatening emergencies. Certifications are a testament to a nurse’s commitment to provide the best patient care. Below are a list of qualifications labor and delivery nurses should obtain:

• NLC ( The Nursing Licensure Compact)
• BLS ( Basic Life Support)
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
• RNC-OB (Inpatient Obstetric Nursing)
• C-EFM (Electronic Fetal Monitoring)
• NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program)
• CNM (Certified Nurse Midwife)

Operating Room Nurse (RN OR)

Operating room nurses mainly work in hospitals in the operating rooms with other nurses, an anesthesiologist, and surgeon. They can also work in outpatient clinics and cancer centers. Their main goal is helping the surgeon before, during, and after surgery. Travel operating room nurses made on average $181,642 per year in 2022 based on a report from ZipRecruiter . This is compared to the average salary of $97,283 for an OR staff nurse. OR is another high paid and highly desired specialty.

Read our full guide on How To Become An Operating Room Nurse.

Responsibilities of an Operating Room Nurse

There are different types of travel nurses when it comes to working in the operating room. Some specialize in one stage of surgery while others are involved in all three stages: Pre-op, surgical, and post-op. It depends on the facility and the size of the staff.

Pre-Op: In this stage the main goal is preparing the patient for surgery

• Collecting vitals and health history
• Verify all needed paperwork is completed
• Assess the patient for stable conditions

Surgical: Works inside the operating room during surgery

• Assisting the surgeon
• Making sure all supplies and tools are available
• Ensuring clean and sterile environment
• Complete necessary paperwork

Post-Op: Works in the recovery room taking care of recovering patients

• Assesses patient
• monitors for complications
• transfers or discharges patients once stable

Qualities of an Operating Room Nurse

Operating room nurses work with a group of other individuals: nurses, anesthesiologists, scrub tech, and surgeons. Being a team player is crucial in this role. The best OR units have teams that communicate effectively with one another and respect each other. Along with teamwork and communication, being highly organized and having attention to detail is important to maintaining a clean and sterile OR room. In the OR, situations arise and change quickly. Being able to adapt and make informed decisions quickly is important to the success of the patient. All these qualities are needed to thrive in the operating room.

OR Nurses should Obtain These Qualifications:

Depending on what you want to specialize in, there are numerous certifications that are required and recommended for operating room nurses.

• CNOR  (Certificate for perioperative RNs)
• BLS (Basic Life Support)
• TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course)
• CRNFA  for First Assistants who assist the surgeon
• CSSM  for Bachelor’s educated OR Managers
• CNS-CP  for Master’s educated Clinical Nurse Specialists

Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Nurse

PACU nurses work in the recovery room of hospitals caring for patients who recently went under anesthesia. This is similar to what an OR nurse does in the post-op phase of their job responsibilities except a PACU nurse is specialized for post-operation. Ziprecruiter lists the average staff PACU nurse salary as $97,501 per year compared to a PACU travel nurse salary at $130,354 per year. According to Ziprecruiter the top paying states for a PACU nurse in the United states are: Sunnyvale CA, Santa Rosa CA, Manhattan NY, and Cambridge MA.

Responsibilities of A Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Nurse

The responsibilities of a PACU nurse revolve around caring for patients who are recovering post-surgery. Some of their duties include:

• Observing and monitoring patients
• Recording patient vital signs
• Monitoring consciousness throughout recovery
• Changing dressings and administering medication
• Collaborating with patient care team
• Educating patients and their families on post-op care once discharged

Qualities of a PACU Nurse

A successful PACU nurse has certain soft skills that make them successful in this role. Working with patients who are in a vulnerable state and who can often be confused, require a high level of interpersonal skill. Great communication with both the patient and family are necessary for delivering a great patient experience. Communication is also a huge player in being a successful member of the surgical care team. If abnormal side effects arise being able to concisely inform the doctor is crucial. Attention to detail is also essential for monitoring patients and documenting their condition.

Experience with critical care and intensive knowledge of post-surgical patient care is desired by employers. Knowledge with hospital systems like Mediexcel and eHospital are also preferred.

PACU Nurses should Obtain These Qualifications:

To be competitive as a PACU travel nurse you should gain at least one year of experience in the PACU within the last two years and obtain the certifications listed below.

• NLC (The Nursing Licensure Compact)
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support)
• PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Nurse

Neonatal intensive care unit nurses specialize in providing care to the smallest patients, newborn infants. Infants who get sent to the NICU unit get around the clock care and normally have some kind of complication. A common complication is prematurity when a baby comes early and developmentally isn’t as equipped to transition to the outside world yet. Other complications may include infection, birth defects, cardiac problems, or other illness. According to The NANN a NICU nurse can expect to work in a hospital in the level II nursery working with less acutely ill patients or level III nursery where you will work with the most critically ill patients. Throughout a 12-hour shift you can expect to work with four infants at a time, that ratio can always vary depending on how ill the patients are at the time.

When you specialize and become a travel NICU nurse your pay stub will increase to reflect that specialization. According to ZipRecruiter a NICU RN will make on average $105,124/year. A travel NICU nurse will make about $109,200/year. The top paying cities for NICU nurses is Green River WY, Santa Clara CA, San Francisco CA, and Washington DC. Unlike other types of travel nurses, NICU nurses make similar salaries, if not a little more, on average than their staff nurse counterpart.

Responsibilities of A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Nurse

Being a NICU nurse means working in a fast-paced unit with critical job duties. Some of the responsibilities of a NICU nurse include:

• Assess infant immediately after birth by weighing them and performing tests
• Oversee and evaluate infants suffering from health complications
• Administer medication as prescribed by physician
• Have a strong understanding of all NICU equipment
• Educate new parents on infant care
• Coordinate patient’s discharge plan

Qualities of a NICU Nurse

As a NICU nurse you are there for the birth of babies and seeing them come into the world. You may also experience infant deaths. This position can be emotionally tolling. To succeed as a NICU nurse you must have an empathetic and calming demeanor, even in the face of tragedy. This may take years of experience to perfect. Being able to communicate effectively during times of high-stress is important to your internal team and the parents of the newborn. Having a great understanding of a newborn from the physiological and psychological perspective is important to establishing their needs. Working in the NICU unit is a highly technical area so staying up-to-date on advancements in medicine and technology is important. You will forever be learning as a NICU nurse.

NICU Nurses should Obtain These Qualifications:

To be a competitive travel NICU nurse you must gain at least one year of experience in the NICU within the last two years. Having the below certifications also is beneficial.

• S.T.A.B.L.E

Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurse

ICU nurses are the types of travel nurses who are exceptional multi-taskers with a high attention to detail. Intensive critical care nurses work in larger hospitals because of the need for specialized equipment. This can sometimes be a learning curve when travel nursing to different hospitals as you have to learn new unit protocols. ICU nurses specialize and work with patients who are critically ill or injured. These patients often have experienced a traumatic illness or accident that led them to the ICU. Depending on the severity of patients, ICU nurses often work with lower ratios of patients providing care around the clock.

If you are an ICU RN and looking to get into travel nursing you can expect abundant jobs with a high pay rate. ICU is an in-demand specialty making it one of the higher paying specialties in the travel nursing world. According to ZipRecruiter , staff ICU nurses make on average $118,699 per year. This is compared to salaries of travel ICU nurses which typically clock in around $143,210 per year. If you are looking to make top dollar, travel nursing in these states might be your best bet. The top states for high paying ICU jobs are Tennessee, Hawaii, Minnesota, Massachusetts, and Nevada.

Check out our Guide on How To Become a Critical Care Nurse .

Responsibilities of An Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Nurse

The main duties of an ICU nurse changes depending if they are hyper-specialized in areas like coronary, pediatric, or surgery. Typically though all ICU RNs perform the below responsibilities:

• Implement patient care plans
• Monitor and record patient’s condition
• Check patient vitals
• Change bandages and administer medications
• Perform tests to determine level of recovery
• Educate and inform patients and their families
• Administer lifesaving treatments efficiently and effectively

Qualities of an ICU Nurse:

Intensive care unit nurses are special types of travel nurses. They consistently have to remain calm and collected under high-pressure situations. Acting fast and efficiently during medical emergencies requires a certain kind of individual. This individual must have tenacity when faced with difficult situations. As an ICU nurse you will subjected to patients with chronic illnesses or injuries who may need to be sent to hospice. Being able to remain empathetic, highly adaptable, and professional during these times is what will make or break you as an ICU nurse.

Since situations change constantly throughout the shift, having critical thinking and multi-tasking skills are imperative. Along with all the above qualities, an ICU nurse must work great on a team as they are intertwined with so many other units throughout the hospital.

ICU Nurses should Obtain These Qualifications:

If you are looking to be a top-notch ICU applicant, you will want at least one year of experience and will need some of the below qualifications.

• CCRN (Adult)

Emergency room (ER) nurse

Emergency room nurses are the types of travel nurses who desire a fast-paced work environment and are often adrenaline junkies. Thriving on organized chaos is their forte. ER nurses provide care to patients who urgently need treatment. These patients often suffer from trauma, injury, or a severe medical event. The main goal of an ER nurse is to identify needs of the patient, stabilize them and help with pain management in a quick manner. ER nurses work in hospitals and work with up to 10 patients per shift.

Emergency room nurses make on average $110,849 per year according to ZipRecruiter . If an ER nurse becomes a travel nurse this will increase their salary to upwards of $168,305 per year. The top states for a high paying ER contract right now are in California, Alabama, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Florida.

Browse Emergency Room contracts here!

ER Nurses Versus ICU Nurses

These two specialties can often get confused as they both deal with patients who are in urgent need of care. Many of their job duties overlap. The main differences between ER and ICU nurses are their work environment and the qualities of the individuals working in these specialties.

ER Versus ICU Work Environment

Emergency Room Nurses: These nurses treat patients with spontaneous acute injuries or medical conditions. This could be broken bones, heart attacks, or an onset of severe pain. Typically ER nurses see up to 10 patients per shift depending on the severity of patients.

ICU Nurses: These nurses provide care for patients with ongoing life-threatening medical conditions. Their stays in the ICU are often planned as they recover from surgery, or get admitted from the ER once the ER stabilizes them. Since these patients need more attention an ICU nurse typically will work with two patients during a shift.

Qualities of ER nurses Versus ICU nurses

Emergency Room Nurses: ER nurses thrive on chaos and adrenaline. They strive when forced to adapt and make quick decisions. They also have the ability to remain calm and collected under pressure.

ICU Room Nurses: ICU Nurses are typically “Type A” individuals. They are organized and thrive when they have a detailed and meticulous care plan. They are detail-oriented and multi-task well.

Responsibilities of An Emergency Room (ER) Nurse

The responsibilities of an ER nurse are focused on the timely care of their patients. Below are some of the job duties of an ER nurse:

• Triage incoming patients
• Administer medication as prescribed by the doctor
• Stabilize patients
• Give stitches and sutures
• Clean wounds
• Reset bones
• Assist doctor with minor medical operations
• Draw blood for testing

Qualities of an ER Nurse

Emergency Room Nurses are special types of travel nurses. They are the the adrenaline junkies of the other specialties. While the emergency department is not always crazy and hectic, it definitely can be. When shifts and patients become chaotic it is important to have a calm demeanor but be able to amp it up to establish care in a quick and efficient way. ER nurses also work long and active shifts, being able to physically maintain stamina is important. As you can imagine, emotions run high during traumatic incidents. Being assertive and staying unaffected through a highly emotional environment is crucial to doing your job effectively.

ER Nurses should Obtain These Qualifications:

To stay competitive in the travel nursing realm it is required to have at least one year of ER experience within the last two years. Obtaining the below qualifications will help you lock in your next travel nurse contract.

• CEN – Certified Emergency Nurse
• TCRN – Trauma Certified Registered Nurse
• CPEN (Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse)
• ALS (Advanced Life Support)

Step-Down Nurse

Step-down RNs also are called progressive nurses, telemetry, or transitional care nurses. A step-down nurse provides transitional care for patients who are too sick to be admitted to a medsurg floor but not sick enough to remain in the ICU. As a step-down nurse you care for a variety of patients: elderly, cardiac and neuro patients, chronically ill, and any patient that still requires a great deal of monitoring. You have a higher patient-to-staff ratio when working in step-down than in the ICU. You still will have to perform life-saving procedures and will have to act fast in high-pressure situations.

A step-down nurse makes an average salary of $116,314 per year according to ZipRecruiter . If you add travel nursing into the mix your salary will increase, especially if you travel to high paying states. Each progressive care unit operates differently, making it challenging for travelers to bounce from facility to facility and learn new protocols everytime. California is by far the highest paying state for step-down nurses. San Mateo, CA is currently average $142,274 per year.

Check out our nationwide travel nursing jobs for step-down nurses here !

Responsibilities of A Step-Down Nurse

A step-down nurse’s responsibilities include the below duties:

• Responding to “Code Blue” alerts
• Monitoring patients and checking their status daily
• Using IVs, catheters, syringe pumps, feeding tubes, ventilators, and other life-saving medical equipment
• Monitoring EKG
• Acting as the advocate for the patient and the family

Qualities of a Step-Down Nurse

A step-down nurse deals with a wide range of patients with differing conditions. Therefore a successful step-down nurse has to be versatile and adaptable. You may have one patient on a ventilator and another one may needs EKG testing. Having strong knowledge of medical equipment and medical terminology to successfully treat the wide range of patients is important. This work environment is fast-paced and poses both emotional and physical demands, especially when giving life-saving emergency care. Being able to stay organized and multi-task in high pressure situations is important to being a successful step-down RN.

Step-Down Nurses should Obtain These Qualifications:

To be a standout step-down travel nurse you’ll want a great travel nurse resume. You’ll also need to at least one year of experience within the last two years as a step-down nurse and experience with acute care and ventilators are a plus. Finally, you’ll want to have the right certifications! The recommended certifications for a step-down nurse are below.

• PCCN (Adult)

Pediatrics (PEDS) Nurse

A pediatric nurse specializes in working with babies, toddlers, tweens, and teens. They normally work with one patient from when they are a baby all the way up until they are a teenager. This provides great satisfaction to most nurses knowing they can establish strong relationships with their clients. Unlike other types of travel nurses who only work in hospitals, PEDS RNs work in a variety of facilities. They can work in private practices, schools, hospitals, and clinics.

Pediatric nurses make on average $53,209 per year according to ZipRecruiter . If you are a PEDs nurse that starts travel nursing you will make on average $137,765 per year. The best states to work in for high paying pediatric travel nurse contracts are Washington, New York, California, Idaho, and New Hampshire.

Responsibilities of A Pediatric (PEDS) Nurse

Responsibilities of a PEDs nurse can vary depending on the type of facility you work at. One thing that remains consistent is working with children and adolescence. Here are some typical job duties of a pediatric nurse.

• Administering shots, boosters, and vaccines
• Tracking growth and looking for abnormal changes and developments
• Monitoring and documenting vitals
• Evaluating children for signs of abuse
• Making children comfortable in a medical environment
• Communicating with the parents of the children

Qualities of a Pediatric Nurse

Being a pediatric nurse is a different experience from other types of travel nurses. Some nurses love the elderly population, others love the fast pace of the ER, and pediatric nurses thrive around children and adolescence! Having your main population under the age of 18 means you will have to have an abundance of patience, kindness, and playfulness. When giving exams, especially in the early years, it is important to make it fun for the child. Also being able to easily distract the child during exams and shots is a great quality to have. Overall the main quality a pediatric nurse should have is relationship building, as you will begin working with an infant or toddler and continue working with them until they are a teenager.

PEDs Nurses should Obtain These Qualifications:

To distinguish yourself as a pediatric nurse in the travel nursing arena, you will want to have at least one year of experience within the last two years. You will also want these certifications as a PEDs nurse!

• PED-BC (Pediatric Nursing Certification)
• CPN ( Certified Pediatric Nurse)

Long Term Care (LTC) Nurse

Long term care nurses are the types of travel nurses who are old souls and adore the elderly population. LTC nurses work with patients who require extended care and help them in accomplishing daily tasks. They normally work in nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, or assisted living facilities. This is a different pace then working in a hospital like other types of travel nurses. Their core team is comprised of not only doctors, CNAs, and other nurses but also case managers, social workers, and case managers.

On average, LTC nurses make about $80,912 per year according to ZipRecruiter . Travel nursing is a great way to make more money and have a flexible schedule. Many LTC nurses opt to take local travel contracts which allows them to stay in the local area but still make travel nurse money.

Ask us about our LTC opportunities in Wisconsin, Illinois, Colorado, and Iowa! We have both local contracts and per diem opportunities.

Responsibilities of A Long Term Care (LTC) Nurse

A long term care nurse’s responsibilities revolve around the care of their elderly patients. This can range depending on the level of care the patient needs and the type of facility the LTC nurse works at. Below are some typical job duties of a long term care nurse.

• Administer prescribed medication
• Assist patients with daily tasks like dressing and personal hygiene
• Work with patient care team to develop and implement care plans
• Offer emotional support
• Monitor vitals and record patient status

Qualities of a Long Term Care Nurse

Long term care nurses are different types of travel nurses. These nurses normally stay in their local areas and pick up per diem shifts or take local contracts . This could be due to forming great relationships with patients. LTC nurses are both in charge of the physical well-being of patients, but also the emotional care. Some patients don’t have a great family support system, so some nurses become like family to these individuals. Being empathetic, compassionate, and attentive is important to successful patient care.

LTC Nurses should Obtain These Qualifications:

LTC nurses who want to be an attractive candidate should have specialties in long term care, wound care, and geriatrics. Having at least one year of experience within the last two years in the LTC field as a registered nurse is preferred. Other qualifications are listed below:

As you can see there are many types of travel nurses in the field! Choosing the perfect specialty for you, getting great experience, and gaining relevant certifications is crucial to a happy and long nursing career. Becoming a travel nurse allows you to travel across the nation, get higher pay, and access a flexible schedule. What are you waiting for?! Take the dive into travel nursing. See what travel nursing opportunities we have available!

Also read our other articles about travel nursing!

Travel Nurse Salary Travel Nurse Housing How To Become A Travel Nurse Travel Nurse Licensing Travel Nurse Resumé Local Travel Nursing Travel Nurse Taxes Best Travel Nurse Apps Travel Nurse Podcasts Travel Nurse Insurance

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10 Types of Travel Nurses

Reviewed by Nick Gypsy & Bill Murray

When looking to become a travel nurse, you must also consider what specialty you would like to be in. As a travel nurse, the opportunities are endless. So, what are the different types of travel nursing jobs? Read more about all of the top specialties we see in the advanced travel nursing profession here!

Levels of Care 

In the nursing field, there are several different levels of care. Regardless of what you provide, the nurse and nursing assistant are the ones that build relationships with patients during the scariest time of their life. Care and compassion are traits that cannot be taught in a nursing program classroom. Here is a quick outline of each nursing job and the education required. 

1. Registered Nurse

RN – The team leader when it comes to patient care, typically overseeing the LPN and CNA. RN specialties are responsible for administering meds, speaking with the doctor regarding patient status, and helping decide the best care plan. This level of nursing care requires the most school and training. Individuals must hold an Associate of Science in Nursing and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. 

2. Licensed Practical Nurse

An LPN is the primary nursing care provider. Oftentimes the one doing the leg work such as drawing blood and monitoring the patient’s overall progress. The LPN can be the facilitator of information from the care team to the patient and family. These individuals are not required to finish an Associates or Bachelors of Science in Nursing but are required to successfully complete a Practical Nursing School Program.

3. Certified Nursing Assistant

As a CNA, you are taking care of the daily routine. This nursing specialty requires assisting with personal hygiene and providing a level of companionship to patients. The education required is the completion of a High School Diploma or GED and a certification program.

10 Travel Nursing  Specialties 

MAS Medical Staffing has a team of recruiters like no other! We are happy to have a staff of former travel nurses that can speak from their experience and share the benefits of a traveling nurse job . With that said, we’d like to introduce a prior travel nurse and our current travel nurse recruiter, Nick! Most people know him as the TikTok Influencer Nick Gypsy , notorious for his funny and relatable nursing videos. Nick is here to share insight into the top 10 Nursing Specialties. 

“All specialties for qualified nurses require the same nursing degree but certain specialties have different certification requirements that will meet the qualifications of the specialty. ”

1. Critical Care

Every Critical Care Nurse’s skill starts with comprehensive education and hands-on training. To succeed in critical care, time management is CRUCIAL to this setting. Professionals must prepare for delegating emergency situations, time management, and the heartbreak it may come with. When a patient’s family is facing less-than-positive news or a routine procedure has a poor outcome, it’s extremely easy to internalize that pain and disappointment with family and patients.

2. CVICU (Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit)

What’s special about CVICU, is the fact it’s the “heart” of intensive care. To succeed in this specialty, grab a book, get to studying and learn about A-Lines. Receive advanced certifications! The most popular certifications include CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse), TCRN (Trauma Certified Registered Nurse), TNS (Trauma Nurse Specialty), and TCAR (Trauma Care After Resuscitation). Ask yourself, “what’s my overall goal for CVICU? Do you enjoy the cardiovascular system , or are you advancing to CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists) school?” We have to remember; self-care and patience are key to successful ICU nursing.

3. Med Surg

Good ole Med Surg, the heart of the hospital… Literally! It’s not so much a specialty, but it’s every specialty. Med Surg is the most “formal” of the nurse specialties in itself. From placing IVs, learning critical drips or wound care, palliative care, telemetry, everything you didn’t learn in nursing school is on this floor. A tip for successful Med Surg nursing, remind yourself you know nothing and that you are always learning .

Trauma nursing is the “elite” of all specialties when it comes to skill and critical thinking. To become a successful Trauma nurse, my advice would be to work in the Emergency Room as an ER nurse. The transition from ER-to-ER Trauma will be much smoother than transitioning right into it. To thrive in Trauma, you must learn to remain calm in high-stress situations and be prepared for the “front line” of the most INTENSE emergency situations.

5. Pediatric

‘Peds’ is the most delicate nursing specialty. To succeed in this role, the best advice I can give is to get on the patient’s level. They are vulnerable, scared, and seek the comfort their mother gives them. This role’s key tips are to remain extremely calm, make light of situations, have a calm stay composed, and always keep family involved in the care.

6. Hospice/ Palliative Care

God’s touch in the last moments of the hardest times of our life. With hospice nursing, I like to call this heart work, instead of hard work. The hospice profession can be quite beautiful, especially knowing that you made a patient’s last memory on this earth worthwhile. Hospice is seen as a bad specialty or the end-all of healthcare , and that’s not the case. Hospice is the comfort of nursing. With this specialty, we have to remind ourselves how this is the end-of-life process and COMFORT is the number one priority. 

7. Operating Room

Operating room nursing is a specialized field in which qualified nurses provide quality care to patients before, during, and after surgery. As an operating nurse, it’s a must to be able to handle several things at once, and small mistakes can have a major impact on a patient’s well-being. This can be an exciting career field; this is a teamwork specialty. Working well with others is most important in this setting and unlike other specialties, you must be quick with emergency situations and have the ability to stand for the duration of procedures.

8. Home Health

In-home care, you can do 15 things for one patient, instead of one thing for 15 patients. The best tip for successful home health nursing is to get to know your patient. Remember, this is one-on-one care, and it’s a slower-paced setting.

9. Long Term Care/ Skilled Nursing Facility

In long-term care settings, it is fast-paced, but repetitive nursing. If you are a person that doesn’t like change or can not handle emergency situations, long-term care is a very organized field for nurses. Tips for success in long-term care are to treat all staff equally, time manage your medications and other tasks, and remember to work as a team. Oftentimes, long-term care can be seen as a hospital setting, but it is best to treat this setting as if you were working in a patient’s home. 

10. Long Term Acute Care

Unlike all other specialties, long-term acute care is more of an expanded medical-surgical, telemetry, critical care unit. This type of setting is the most teachable because you will get a mixture of palliative, extended IV therapy, ventilator experience, telemetry, and step-down ICU patients. Long-term acute care is an extended hospital stay for those patients that are continuing life support or haven’t fully succeeded in their medical treatment. Success in this setting would include these tips; delegating tasks, time management, calmness, and ability to work in a drastic fast-paced environment. Acute rehabilitation provides an inpatient program of intense therapy in a hospital, but the reward for successful discharge is so worth it for an ICU nurse .

How to Get Started as a Travel Nurse

At this point, you are probably wondering how does travel nursing work? Whether you are a new grad or an experienced nurse, MAS Medical Staffing is a travel nursing agency that has assignments all over the country. To learn more about the industry, check out some of the topics we have covered in our travel nurse blog ! 

Our clients are happy to work with new graduates as they begin their careers in healthcare. Travel nursing gives new graduates the opportunity to test several different specialties and find the perfect fit for them. As for our experienced nurses, travel nursing offers a sense of adventure and change that is unlike being a permanent staff nurse. We’re offering an opportunity to work and travel to travel nursing assignment destinations you have only dreamed of going to in your nursing career . 

Speak with one of our dedicated recruiters to learn more about our nationwide selection of travel nursing jobs.  

About the Reviewers

Bill Murray, SVP, Nurse Services

Bill has been with the company for over ten years and in the staffing industry for over fifteen. He lives in the state of New Hampshire with his loving wife and their four incredible kids. Outside of work, his family enjoys spending their time outdoors hiking, fishing, hunting, biking, golfing, and going to the beach.

Nick Gypsy, Travel Nurse Recruiter

Nick was a former traveler turned nurse recruiter, having completed 32 assignments and 13 FEMA Crisis deployments specializing in Long Term Acute Care and the critical care unit. While traveling, he was able to finish nursing school and further his career debt-free. Nick was able to do all of this for a career of his passion. He began blogging about his experience and providing advice through the social media platform TikTok under the username NickMurse. Nick has gained a mass following of over 100,000 travel nurses. He started with MAS in early August 2021 and has enjoyed sharing his insight with his travel nurses. Nick lives in coastal Florida, and in his spare time, he enjoys going to the beach and traveling.

• “Levels of Nursing Explained”. USAHS. Feb 2021. https://www.usa.edu/blog/levels-of-nursing-explained/  
• “Nursing Specialties”. Johnson & Johnson Nursing.  https://nursing.jnj.com/specialty  

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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.

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Travel nursing in detail.

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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

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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!

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10 Types of Travel Nurses

Published: July 18, 2020

Read Time: 10 minute read

Updated On: March 7, 2024

This content was updated for accuracy and relevance on November 13th, 2023

Whether you are currently a registered nurse or nurse practitioner exploring a transition or currently working towards your nursing degree and considering a possible career path, there are many different types of nurses and a travel nursing in NYC job can have a lot to offer. In addition to a compensation package that is typically larger for healthcare travelers than what one would get in a permanent position, travelers also get to work with engaged professionals all around the country, explore new cities, meet new people, and strengthen their resume. If you are looking for a change in your nursing career, becoming a travel nurse may be the right path for you.

Ever thought about becoming a certified nurse midwife or a pain management nurse? What about becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner? When becoming a travel nurse, new opportunities open up that allow you to explore different career paths within the healthcare system. If you’re currently working in the nursing industry or have a nursing specialty, then you have almost certainly worked alongside travel nurses. What you may not have realized is that there are a number of different types of travel nurses . Travel nurses specializing in a particular field are highly sought after and well-compensated. Whether you are a charge nurse, an oncology nurse, or a nurse midwife, there are many opportunities to change your nursing career and work in a different field. Understanding the different types of nurses out there can help current nurses and students in a nursing program determine whether a travel nursing career is the right opportunity for them.

WHAT DO TRAVEL NURSES DO?

So what does a travel nurse do , exactly? Travel nurses fulfill an essential function in our national healthcare system by providing on-demand skilled staffing for hospital systems around the country. Travel nurses are used where gaps in coverage would negatively impact patient care.

Professionals within this nursing practice fulfill the same function and perform the same duties that their permanent counterparts do. A travel nurse is a temporary staff nurse, but their responsibilities are just as critical as if they were a permanent employee. Patient care remains central to everything nurses do, and travel nursing positions is no different.

Relying on their expertise and experience, travel nurses hit the ground running in their assigned hospital or healthcare organization to augment and strengthen the teams they are working with. If you’re an outgoing, engaged professional who loves working with and providing care for patients, you’ll love your time working as a traveler.

CAN AN RN BE A TRAVEL NURSE?

If you’re wondering whether an RN can be a travel nurse, the answer is a resounding yes! Registered nurses (RN) are in high demand across the country due to staffing shortages. To improve both your compensation and chances of securing the travel assignment of your dreams, RN’s can specialize in a particular area of care.

Let’s take a look at our top 10 types of travel nurses:

RN – Emergency Room

• Education Requirement: Associates Degree or Bachelor’s of Science Degree, Registered Nursing License (RN)
• Relevant Certifications: Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC)

Emergency Room nurses and ER travel nurses are always in high demand for traveling positions. Working as an ER nurse requires a calm demeanor, quick thinking, and the ability to provide excellent care under difficult circumstances. If you think that this fast-paced environment is right for you, you may want to consider becoming an emergency nurse.

• Relevant Certifications: Certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support

Nurses that specialize in Intensive Care Units (ICU) are some of the most sought-after in the nursing profession during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even before COVID-19, ICU ER nurse professionals are in consistently high demand at hospitals throughout the United States. The lack of skilled nurses able to fill these positions ensures that demand will remain high even after the current pandemic has subsided. Becoming an ICU nurse or ICU travel nurse is challenging yet rewarding, serving as an excellent career path if you’re looking to change your current nursing job. If you are looking to work in a fast-paced environment, becoming a travel ER nurse might be the perfect career path for you

RN – Medical-Surgical

• Relevant Certifications: CNOR and Certified Nurse First Assistant (CNFA)

Being a medical-surgical nurse is one of the most common health care career paths for new nursing school graduates. Typically medical-surgical nurses will carry a Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) certification and usually have at least two years of experience. These specialty nurses typically consider a med-surg travel nursing job to help gain more experience by working in different healthcare facilities.

Nurses working in a Progressive Care Unit (PCU) care for patients that no longer need the level of care that ICU health care facilities offer. Patients in the PCU still require a high level of nursing care, and many of the duties that an RN-PCU performs mirror those of their counterparts in the ICU. PCU nurses and travel PCU nurses in high demand for most hospitals serving as a great career to pursue.

RN – Telemetry

• Relevant Telemetry Certifications : CMC or CSC

Patients in a telemetry unit are under constant electronic supervision by an RN. These RN’s are trained in the use of a variety of different types of equipment, such as an electrocardiogram to monitor the vital signs of patients under their care. Typically these patients are recovering from a cardiovascular issue such as a heart attack or stroke. While monitoring is a core function of a telemetry nurse, they must be able to pivot on-demand to provide critical care should a patient deteriorate.

• Relevant Certifications: Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing (RNC) or (NIC)

Registered nurses specializing in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) have a rewarding and challenging job of caring for newborns that require an increased level of nursing care. Working as a NICU travel nurse is often very challenging, yet also very rewarding. A NICU nurse provides hands-on care to premature and sick newborns, including feeding, administering medicine, and ensuring they are breathing properly.

RN – Labor and Delivery

• Relevant Certifications: Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (RNC-OB), Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life support (ACLS)

Labor and delivery travel nurses work in the delivery room, providing care for both the mother and infant. This crucial role typically requires 24 months of experience and an Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (RNC-OB) certification, as well as Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life support (ACLS) certifications.

RN – Operating Room

Operating Room (OR) nurses serve as part of a care team providing operative care for patients. OR nurses may serve in a number of different roles within the operating room setting, including preparing patients for surgery, assisting the surgeon during surgery, or providing post-operative care. Perioperative nurses typically hold the Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR) certification. Be sure to check out our OR travel nursing jobs to gain more hands on experience in the OR. 

• Education Requirement: Masters Degree, Associates Degree or Bachelor’s of Science Degree, Registered Nursing License (RN)
• Relevant Certifications: CRNA Certification

Nurses working in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) provide care for patients coming out from under the effects of anesthesia following surgery. PACU nurses will often sit for the Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) certification after they have accrued at least 1,200 hours of clinical experience caring for patients in Postanesthesia Phase I.

RN – Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

• Education Requirement: Master’s Degree and Registered Nurse License
• Relevant Certifications: N/A

Psychiatric-mental health nurses provide direct care for patients seeking treatment for mental illness, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and much more. Psychiatric nurses may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals and outpatient settings. Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNP) work with individuals of all ages and often hold a national certification.

Addition Nursing Professions

• Pediatric nurse practitioner
• Oncology nurse
• Family nurse practitioner
• Orthopedic nurse practitioner
• Public health nurse
• Delivery nurse
• Pain management nurse
• Cardiac nurse
• Trauma nurse

WHAT TYPE OF TRAVEL NURSES MAKE THE MOST MONEY?

It’s difficult to pin down which travel nurse specialties make the most money. The travel nursing salary , while typically higher than permanent nurses, varies depending on location and the specific assignment. Assignments in areas with a high cost of living will pay more than assignments in a lower cost of living area, and taking assignments in locations that are seen as less desirable can also result in higher pay.

As a general rule, nursing specialties that require a higher degree of specialization are more sought after. The nursing labor market is already tight, with many hospital systems unable to fill current openings. This is especially true for specialty nurses, like pediatric nurse practitioner s and oncology travel nurse jobs , which allows them to command higher wages for their expertise.

Also, keep in mind that circumstances can have a big impact on how much your assignment pays. For example, travel nurses were enticed with hefty compensation packages to help provide surge staffing in New York during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly those that had experience working in an ICU.

WHERE ARE TRAVEL NURSES MOST NEEDED?

A 2017 study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) examined how demand for registered nurses compared with supply in each state. New Jersey, Texas, South Carolina, Alaska, and California were the states that were found to have the most demand for RN’s and travel LVN jobs .

In many of those states, demand was expected to outpace supply into 2030. For example, the projected demand for RN’s in California is anticipated to be 387,900 FTE positions, while projections only account for approximately 343,400 RNs in the state. Similarly, Alaska is projected to require 23,800 RN’s but may only have a supply of 18,400. The lack of local RNs to fill these positions will ensure that demand for traveling nurses will remain strong well into the future.

HOW TO BECOME A TRAVEL NURSE

If you’re a registered nurse (RN), then you’re already well on your way to becoming a traveling nurse. Traveling nurses are required to finish their education, pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), and then secure any licenses required in the states they want to work in. Once they have the experience under their belt that’s required for the assignments, which is typically at least two years of experience for a competitive assignment, they’ll be ready to begin working with travel nursing canada staffing agency that will help find qualified nurses job opportunities.

The agency that you choose to work with will help you find a travel nursing assignment or a nursing position to apply for. If you choose to work with Host Healthcare, you’ll be a valued part of our travel nursing team. Host Healthcare places travel nurses at some of the most competitive and prestigious assignments across the country. We work closely with our travel nurses to understand their career goals and aspirations, and to find assignments that are the right fit. With 24-hour emergency support, you’ll always be a phone call away from any assistance you need.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Hospitals and medical facilities across the country have a constant demand for travel nurses, which are used to fill staffing gaps and ensure that patients continue to receive top-notch care throughout their stay. Whether you choose to work as an emergency nurse, ER nurse, psychiatric nurse, or ICU nurse, there are many different ways you can provide nursing care to patients. Our list of the top-ten types of travel nurses illustrates the demand that exists in the healthcare industry for RN’s that possess a specialized skill set. Among the most sought-after travel nurses are RN’s specializing in working in the NICU, ICU, PACU, and ER.

If you’re a specialty nurse looking for a change of pace and to broaden your horizons while being well-compensated for your time, travel nursing may be the right fit for you. To learn more about becoming a travel nurse, contact our specialists at Host Healthcare today. One of our team members can walk you through the process of getting started, and once you are ready, connect you with a recruiter who can help you find the assignment of your dreams. If you’re ready to begin an exciting new chapter of your life as a traveler, contact Host Healthcare today.

• Beaker, Full. “Why Travel Nurses Typically Make More Money Than Staff Nurses.” Travel Nursing, Chaunie Brusie, 13 Dec. 2019, www.travelnursing.org/why-travel-nurses-make-more-money/
• Hong, Nicole. “Volunteers Rushed to Help New York Hospitals. They Found a Bottleneck.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 8 Apr. 2020, www.nytimes.com/2020/04/08/nyregion/coronavirus-new-york-volunteers.html
• United States. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Supply and Demand Projections of the Nursing Workforce: 2014-2030 . U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2017. https://bhw.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/bhw/nchwa/projections/NCHWA_HRSA_Nursing_Report.pdf

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• What Do Travel Nurses Do?

Where Do Travel Nurses Work?

A day in the life of a travel nurse, pros and cons of being a travel nurse, is travel nursing right for you.

Becoming a travel nurse can be an exciting opportunity to not only experience new places around the country but also network and build lasting connections with healthcare professionals. But if you're considering starting traveling, you may be wondering, what do travel nurses do? 

This article will take you through the responsibilities of a travel nurse, including the day-to-day duties, where you can work, and the pros and cons of the job. Keep reading to determine whether this fast-paced, exciting, and adventurous career is right for you.

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

What Do Travel Nurses Do? 

The specific duties of a travel nurse will vary depending on the unit and department you work. For example, the expectations of an intensive care unit (ICU) nurse will vary greatly compared to those of an obstetrics (OB) nurse or an operating room (OR) nurse. In this section, we'll discuss what travel nurses do, their duties, and their responsibilities.

>> Related: How to Become a Travel Nurse

Bedside Responsibilities

Travel nurses are responsible for taking care of patients from triage to discharge. Typically responsibilities may include, 

• Administer medications and monitor for adverse reactions
• Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including ambulation, feeding, dressing, and bathing
• Insert and manage IV catheters
• Perform vital signs at required intervals and recognize abnormalities and report to appropriate healthcare providers
• Perform physical assessments and recognize signs
• Prepare patients for bedside procedures and surgeries

A large portion of a travel nurse’s responsibilities include education. Specifically, travel nurses will need to provide education to the patient, if applicable, as well as to family and caregivers throughout their shifts. 

Time spent educating patients and families will vary depending on your specific unit. For example, a travel nurse that works in a post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) and is discharging patients after surgery will be required to spend more time on education than other typical bedside duties. 

On the other hand, an ICU nurse will spend far less time focused on education because of the severity of their patient’s illness and disease. 

Travel nurses also may be responsible for educating new nurses and orientees. While rare, it is possible for a travel nurse to be asked to work with new nurses.

Patient Advocacy

While not the most obvious job responsibility, advocating for a patient is an important job duty of a travel nurse. This can range from speaking to healthcare providers to advocating for tests or new medications. It also can mean speaking to family members about the wants and needs of the patient. 

Travel nurses can work in a variety of locations. Essentially, they can work anywhere that a staff nurse may work. However, not all healthcare settings will have a need for travel nurses. Some of the locations travel nurses work in include, 

• Home health
• Long-term care facility
• Government agency
• Private MD office
• Urgent care
• Specialty clinic
• Surgical center

Travel nurse days might look a little different than a staff nurse because they can be the first to be floated to another unit, depending on their contract. So, travel nurses will generally report to the floor they are contracted but may have to work their shift on another unit or even another hospital (depending on their specific contract).

1. Get Their Assignments

Most travel nurses will start their shifts either at 7 am or 7 pm. After getting an assignment, the first task is to get a report on your patients. This typically takes about 30 minutes but may take longer, depending on the unit and the patients! 

2. Looking Through the EMR

After the report, travel nurses will spend a little bit of time looking through the EMR to go over orders and medications, including times they are due, and to find any missing information that was not communicated during the report. 

3. Performing Physical Assessments

The rest of the morning generally consists of performing physical assessments on your patients, vital signs, assisting in ADLs, and administering medications. 

Healthcare providers typically round in the morning so it is important to try and touch base with the medical team to learn the plan of care for the patient for the day and any changes to the orders and/or medications. 

The rest of the day is similar to the morning/evening but maybe a little less hectic. There are more vital signs, reassessment of your patients, admissions and discharges (depending on the unit), and road trips for MRI or CT scans. 

While this is a brief idea of what a typical day might look like for a travel nurse, it will vary greatly depending on your specialty and work location. 

Being a travel nurse may sound like a great opportunity: You get to travel the country, earn a higher wage, and experience new cultures. But like every job, there are pros, and there are cons as well. 

Travel Nursing Pros

• Higher compensation
• New locations
• Meeting new people
• Expand your skillset
• Adaptability 
• Flexibility between contracts
• Choice of contracts and location

>> Related: Travel Nurse Salary Guide

Travel Nursing Cons

• Always the new person
• First to float, first to cancel
• Relocating every 13 weeks 
• New computer modules for each assignment
• Lack of local support system
• Managing multiple nursing licenses
• Finding temporary travel nurse housing

Travel nurse requirements are the same as a staff nurse, except most travel nurse jobs require 1-2 years of experience and prefer a BSN degree over an ADN. Not meeting these standards can make finding travel nursing jobs in desirable locations more difficult and may dampen your experience.

Another reason travel nursing may or may not be right for you is variety. As a travel nurse, no two assignments will look the same. So, it may not suit you if you prefer stability and routine.

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

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Types of Travel Nurses | Top nursing types in 2020

If you are in any way related to any specialty of nursing or the healthcare industry in general, you probably have heard the term “T ravel Nurse ” before. And you may have a rough idea of how many types of travel nurses there are

But even if you have no idea what a travel nurse is, what they do, and what the types of travel nurses are, don’t worry. We are here to give you the 411 on the matter.

What we have compiled is a comprehensive guide on “Types of travel nurses”

You will learn about:

• Travel nursing career outlook
• Medical-Surgical/Telemetry Nurses
• Emergency room travel nurses
• Related to Health of women (MBPP/L&D/NICU)
• Intensive Care Unit Nurses
• Operating room Nurses
• Cardiovascular Operating Room (CVOR) NURSE
• Long Term Acute Care Nurses
• Psychiatric Nurses
• Final words

The career outlook for different types of travel nurses

Did you know that according to the recent reports by  the Bureau of Labor Statistics , there’s going to be an upsurge in nursing jobs by half a million from 2014-2024?

You’ll also want to know that the NCSBN states that more than 56% of nurse staff are 50 years or older. Meaning they will most likely retire in the next 10 to 15 years.

On top of that, 69 million people will become senior citizens by 2030.   This means that every 1 in 5 people will be a senior citizen.

You can probably see the big picture here. That’s right! There is about to be a surge in your demand as a travel nurse.

As with all jobs, high demand means higher salaries, better benefits, and lucrative job opportunities for travel nurses in the coming years.

And of course! You get a chance to travel the country, work in different places, meet new people, and gain valuable experience, all at the expense of your employer.

Types of travel nurse s

While there are many specialties that health care facilities are continuously looking for, the following eight are best for travel nurses.

Medical-Surgical/Telemetry Nurse

In 2020, most healthcare facilities demand their telemetry nurses to be med surge competent. In 2020, the demand for those nurses is constantly rising and will continue to rise throughout the year.

If you are a Med-Surg/Telemetry Nurse, there’s a lot to keep you occupied. You have to treat different kinds of patients and all ages in a single day.

You might be asked to assist a patient suffering from COVID, starting IV, or dressing a dog wound.

Mostly, you have to work with patients who need special care and monitoring. What’s important for you being a telemetry nurse is having quick reflexes and the ability to take timely action.

If you think you are a quick learner, enjoy your job, have excellent leadership qualities, and are capable of critical thinking, just go for it.

Being a Med Surg Nurse, you don’t only interact with patients but their families as well. Therefore, you need to have excellent communication skills as well.

Emergency Room

Yeah! I know you must be thinking “Emergency room…seriously?” But guess what! 2019-20 has been a comeback year for this specialty, especially after Covid-19. Fingers crossed!

If you want to be an emergency room RN, you have to be alert and always prepared for quick and immediate action. You may have to treat many patients having life-threatening diseases or injuries at the same time.

And you may become even busier, especially if you are working in an urban health care setting. But everything comes with a price. And definitely, you will be paid way more than other RNs in urban areas.

When you treat different patients with different critical injuries every single day, you gain hard-earned experience in a shorter time.

The health of women (MBPP/L&D/NICU)

In 2020, we have seen a shortage of women’s health RNs despite its growing demand. And I would urge you to not let this golden opportunity slip away from you.

Your prime responsibility as a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Nurse will be taking care of newborns. This is a job that requires vigilance, patience, and careful handling.

As the name suggests, Mother-Baby/Postpartum (MBPP) Nurses take care of newborns and their mothers immediately after birth. It also includes educating mothers about post-birth complications, handling their new-born, and self-care.

Labor and Delivery nurses have a lot of responsibility on their shoulders. While looking at it, the incentive to choose this job should be to serve humanity, to the infants in the womb, and who are at the mercy of your expertise.

Beyond all imagined challenges, the comfort you can provide to pregnant women is most important. Labor and Delivery nurses work as MBPP Nurses as well as NICU. This specialty requires nurses to take care of the mother and child before and after birth.

Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Nurses

In the year 2020, ICU-RNs have seen a substantial increase in their demand. And there is just one reason for it: COVID-19. So, if you have specialized in the Intensive Care Unit setting, this is your time.

Called as the crème de la crème, ICU nurses have a plethora of responsibilities on them. They treat patients that have life-threatening injuries or diseases and take day-to-day risks.

As ICU-RN, you must have adequate knowledge of handling IVs, cardiac arrest, and patients’ anesthesia and medication dose.

Being an ICU-RN, you must have adequate knowledge of all the modern-day medical lab technologies.

And if you are a Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) besides being an ICU nurse, you will enjoy even more perks and benefits.

To become an ICU Nurse, you must pass the NCLEX-RN test and have a license in your respective state.

Operating Room (OR) Nurse

As the name suggests, OR travel Nurses have their duty in the most sensitive area of any hospital: The Operating Room.

Do you know what the best thing about this specialty is? It’s one of the highest paying nursing jobs.

OR Nurses are highly skilled as they have to work in a delicate environment with highly skilled operators and surgeons. Not only must they take care of “unconscious” patients but also ensure the cleanliness of the OR.

OR nurses are considered an advocate of unconscious patients’ safety. You collaborate with surgeons and other OR staff. So, you must be confident and stay calm.

OR nurses fall under two categories: Scrub nurses and Circular nurses. Scrub nurses work with surgeons in the sterile zone while circular nurses work outside the sterile zone.

Circular nurses take care of the patient the whole time they are in the OR. They are responsible for reviewing patients’ medical records and assisting Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

Scrub nurses who work within the sterile environment are the helping hands of surgeons. They provide the surgeon with all instruments they need during surgery. Scrub nurses are important cogs in the machinery of the OR.

Note:  You know everything comes with a price. While being an OR nurse grant you a handsome salary package, you have to be prepared for severe duty and long working hours. You may be required to stand for long durations on foot without even a single break.

Therefore, if you think you are a person who loves accepting challenges and are physically fit to handle the demands of the job, OR Travel nurse is made for you.

Cardiovascular Operating Room (CVOR) Nurse

CVOR is one of the highly demanded specialties in healthcare facilities because they are specialized in assisting with cardiovascular surgery. And of course, they are paid way more than other staff nurses.

They work in ORs under stressful conditions. They assist surgeons in every possible way.

From sedating the patient to monitoring the vital signs, CVOR travel nurses take care of many important tasks. They work in collaboration with circular and scrub nurses and ensure the availability and serviceability of all required equipment and medication.

Before you decide to be a CVOR travel nurse, there are a few things you must keep in mind.

First, you must be mentally prepared to deal with every good and bad situation.

Secondly, if you want to get paid or make your hiring process easier, you need to have BLS certification . And I would encourage you to have a CNOR and PALS certificate on top of that.

If you meet all these prerequisites of being a CVOR travel nurse, sign up for it now and kick off your career with a high-paying job.

Long term acute care (LTAC) Nurse

COVID­­­­-19 has increased the demand for LTAC travel nurses to an all-time high. On top of that, stats show that  about  a whopping 34% of the American population is above the age of fifty. 

They will require hospital care at some point, one way or another, increasing demand for LTAC RNs.

LTAC Nurses are the most loved hospital staff members. Because they take care of patients with acute diseases and spend a long time with them.

Since last year, Hospitals have been facing a massive shortage of LTAC nurses.   

That’s why many healthcare facilities have started LTAC internship programs for those who want to be LTAC RNs.

Having a minimum of an associate degree, passing the NCLEX-RN exam, and license in your state of practice are the prerequisites for being an LTAC-RN.

Psychiatric mental health Nurses

Hold on! I have a question for you. Are you good at accepting challenges and dealing with difficult patients? If yes, then you will love being a PSMH Nurse. 

PSMH have a lot on their plates at the same time. Psychiatric patients can be difficult to deal with and a nurse must be equipped to deal with uncooperative and possibly violent patients in a peaceful manner.

PSMH is a very delicate job. It is easy to lose your temper if you don’t have the mental resolve and patience to deal with psychiatric patients. On top of being patient, PSMH-RNs need to be skillful as well. 

Psychiatric Mental health Advanced Practice Registered nurses (PMH-APRNs) is another essential subset of this nursing specialty. They deal with mentally disabled patients or patients who cannot move on their own.

For being a PSMH, Travel nurses must have associate degrees. The final step is passing the NCLEX-RN exam and having a license in your practicing state.

Types of travel nurses – Final Words

We have talked about almost all the primary types of travel nurses , each with their pros and cons. You probably have a pretty good enough idea of what specialty will suit you.

Looking for how much each of these specialties earns ? Don’t worry! We have lots of details on that as well. 

A travel nurse’s field is vast, explorative, unique, exuberant, and involves new experiences and traveling. You know what? A person who used to travel is most efficient, and his consciousness is more profound than others. 

As Gayle Forman said, “Traveling is not something you are good at. It is something you do. Like breathing.”

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Travel Nurses and Patient Care: Their Impact on Patient Outcomes and How Hospitals Can Help Them Succeed

• Hospitals are using more travel nurses to fill staffing gaps.
• Travel nurses typically cost more financially than staff nurses.
• The use of travel nurses is sometimes associated with worse patient outcomes based on limited research.

Travel nurses help fill gaps in hospital staffing, but there are questions about their impact on patient outcomes. Hospitals have consistently relied on travel nurses for decades to fill temporary nursing shortages — and that number is only growing – so healthcare providers must understand the potential impact on patient care.

A recently published systematic review concluded that the relationship between travel nurses and patient outcomes is unclear. The use of travel nurses may be associated with some adverse events in patient care, but these events may be due to hospital staffing and work environment issues.

The review found limited or no impact on patient falls, the number of medication errors, or patient satisfaction but a consistent correlation with hospital-acquired pressure ulcers, the severity of medication errors, and the incidence of nosocomial infections (healthcare-associated infections).

Discover how hospitals can better accommodate travel nurses to reduce the effect on patient outcomes.

What Is a Travel Nurse?

Travel nurses take on shorter-term assignments at hospitals, often traveling out of town or state to fill staffing gaps. While many of them work to fill the role of a specific staff member absent for vacation, parental leave, illness, or other reasons, employers also use travel nurses to alleviate nursing shortages.

Travel nurses generally earn higher salaries than staff nurses because of the additional stress of travel, being away from home, and lack of benefits. Travel nurses must adapt readily to new situations, procedures, and colleagues. Registered nurses can become travel nurses as independent agents or through a travel nurse agency.

The total hours worked by travel nurses as a percentage of the total hours worked by hospital nurses grew from 4% in January 2019 to 23% in January 2022, according to the American Hospital Association .

How Does Patient Care Differ Between Traditional and Travel Nurses?

According to the review, staffing levels did show a consistent correlation with travel nurses and worse patient outcomes. This finding is unsurprising since hospitals employ travel nurses to address low staffing levels. There is also a strong and consistent evidence-based association between nursing staff levels and patient outcomes, according to a qualitative study.

Staffing levels were the key variable affecting patient outcomes, according to the systematic review. Some patient outcomes did not show a consistent correlation with the use of permanent/traditional nurses rather than travel nurses. The outcomes that did not show an association include:

• Patient falls
• Number of medication errors
• Patient satisfaction

However, some negative outcomes did show a consistent correlation with the use of travel nurses. These include:

• Hospital-acquired pressure ulcers
• Severity of medication errors
• Nosocomial infections (healthcare-associated infections)

Because the research on patient outcomes and travel nursing is still limited, the systematic review included only 21 articles. Many reviewed articles tracked only one or two patient outcomes, and sometimes, studies of the same outcome found different results. For example, some studies found better outcomes for some variables with greater use of travel nurses. More research is needed to further understand the relationship between the use of travel nurses and patient outcomes.

How Can Hospitals Better Accommodate Travel Nurses?

The review also examined how hospital structures, patient risk factors, and travel nurse experience levels impacted patient outcomes. Ultimately, the work environment strongly correlated to patient care.

The study did not find that the type of unit (such as critical care) had a consistent correlation with outcomes and the use of travel nurses. Similarly, patient risk factors and travel nurse experience levels did not show a relationship between travel nursing use and patient outcomes.

The work environment had the strongest impact on overall patient outcomes. Some, though not all, of the studies in the systematic review, indicated that work environment may be the underlying factor that determines whether travel nurse use is associated with adverse patient outcomes.

Some of the factors associated with a positive work environment include but are not limited to:

• Appropriate level of challenges
• Career advancement
• Collaborative work environment
• Control over work environment
• Manager support
• A non-punitive environment
• Nurse input into error prevention
• Job satisfaction
• Patient-centric culture
• Perception of being valued by leadership
• Support for education and development
• Workplace civility

Hospital work environments and staffing levels may have an association with greater use of travel nurses. If permanent staff find staffing levels inadequate or the work environment unsupportive, they may be more likely to leave. Negative work environments can fuel the nursing shortage, which may lead to greater use of travel nurses. Where adverse outcomes seem to be associated with travel nurses, it is entirely possible that the work environment and staffing levels are the underlying causes.

AHA Senate Statement on Examining Health Care Workforce Shortages: Where Do We Go From Here?” (2023). AHA

Blume K, et al. (2021). Staffing levels and nursing‐sensitive patient outcomes: Umbrella review and qualitative study . NIH

Kieft R, et al. (2014). How nurses and their work environment affect patient experiences of the quality of care: a qualitative study . NIH

Krupp A, et al. Intensive Care Unit Utilization Following Major Surgery and the Nurse Work Environment . AACN

Vander Weerdt C, et al. (2023). Travel nurses and patient outcomes: A systematic review . NursingCenter

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