travel nurse tasks performed

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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Travel Nurse Job Description [Updated for 2024]

In this era of global mobility, the demand for travel nurses has never been higher.

As healthcare needs shift and evolve, the call for versatile, resilient nurses ready to travel where they’re needed most grows louder.

But let’s break it down: What’s truly expected from a travel nurse?

Whether you are:

A job seeker attempting to understand the scope of this role,
A healthcare recruiter sketching out the perfect candidate,
Or simply fascinated by the dynamic world of travel nursing,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable travel nurse job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or healthcare recruitment sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Travel Nurse Duties and Responsibilities

Travel Nurses perform essential nursing duties while moving around different healthcare facilities or locations, providing critical care to patients wherever they are needed.

They fill gaps in nursing staff, often in areas of need or during times of crisis, and must be adaptable and flexible in their approach to care.

Travel Nurses have the following duties and responsibilities:

Provide high-quality patient care in various healthcare settings
Travel to assigned locations to fill staffing shortages and provide patient care
Assess patients’ health conditions and administer appropriate treatments
Consult with doctors and other healthcare professionals to create and implement patient care plans
Monitor patient recovery and progress, adjusting treatment plans as necessary
Administer medications, treatments, and other prescribed healthcare interventions
Maintain detailed records of patients’ medical histories, symptoms, and treatments
Provide emotional support and education to patients and their families
Follow and uphold all healthcare laws, regulations, and standards
Adapt quickly to new environments, protocols, and teams

Travel Nurse Job Description Template

We are looking for a compassionate and skilled Travel Nurse to join our healthcare team.

As a Travel Nurse, your role will involve providing high-quality patient care in different locations, adjusting to various working environments and staying up-to-date with latest medical practices.

Travel Nurses should have excellent clinical skills, a strong desire to help people, and the ability to adapt quickly to new environments and situations.

Responsibilities

Providing patient care in various locations and healthcare settings
Assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating patient care plans in consultation with healthcare professionals
Documenting patient care, health status and nursing care
Administering medications and treatments as prescribed by healthcare providers
Teaching patients and their families about managing illnesses or injuries
Performing diagnostic tests and procedures
Responding to emergencies and initiating lifesaving measures
Maintaining patient confidentiality and respecting patient rights

Qualifications

Registered Nurse (RN) license
Minimum of one year of experience as a Registered Nurse
Ability to work in different locations and adapt to varied work environments
Strong clinical skills with the ability to perform all nursing duties
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Knowledge of healthcare laws, ethics and safety guidelines
Willingness to travel
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Travel allowances
Paid time off
Professional development opportunities

Additional Information

Job Title: Travel Nurse
Work Environment: Varied healthcare settings in different locations. This role involves travel.
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Nurse Manager or Director of Nursing.
Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Pay Range: $66,510 minimum to $103,200 maximum
Location: Various (specify the base location or indicate if no base)
Employment Type: Full-time, Contract
Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

What Does a Travel Nurse Do?

Travel Nurses are registered nurses who work on short-term assignments, typically lasting 13 to 26 weeks, in various parts of the country or world.

They work in different healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.

Their role is similar to a regular registered nurse, and they perform tasks like providing patient care, administering medications, monitoring patient health, and educating patients and their families about their medical conditions.

Travel Nurses also collaborate with doctors and other healthcare professionals to create patient care plans.

They may work in a variety of specialties, including emergency room, intensive care, pediatrics, or labor and delivery.

One of the unique aspects of being a Travel Nurse is adapting quickly to new environments, as they frequently change locations and often have to learn new protocols or systems with each assignment.

They also often have the added responsibility of finding housing in their new location, although some travel nursing agencies provide assistance with this.

The ability to be flexible, adaptable, and work well under pressure are key skills for this role.

Travel Nursing is an important field as it helps to fill nursing shortages in areas of need, ensuring patients receive the necessary care.

Travel Nurse Qualifications and Skills

Travel Nurses require a unique blend of skills and qualifications to effectively meet the dynamic needs of their role, such as:

Registered Nurse (RN) certification and a nursing degree from an accredited nursing program are a must, along with several years of experience in nursing.
Strong clinical skills to adapt to different hospital environments, equipment, protocols, and standards.
Exceptional interpersonal skills to build relationships with new coworkers and patients in a short period of time.
Excellent communication skills to understand and explain patient conditions and treatment plans, and to coordinate effectively with medical teams across different locations.
Flexibility and adaptability to adjust to new environments, schedules, practices and cultures at various assignments.
Physical stamina to manage long shifts, frequently moving patients and standing for long periods.
Problem-solving abilities to respond swiftly and efficiently to unexpected situations or emergencies.
Critical thinking and decision-making skills to make accurate assessments and administer appropriate treatments.
Time management skills to balance patient care, paperwork, and coordinating with other healthcare professionals.

Travel Nurse Experience Requirements

Travel Nurses are often required to have at least 1 to 2 years of experience in general nursing before specializing in travel nursing.

This foundational experience is usually gained in hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare settings.

This initial experience allows nurses to gain hands-on patient care knowledge and experience, and develop the necessary medical and soft skills.

For Travel Nurses, additional experience in the specialties they wish to pursue is often necessary.

These specialties can include areas such as critical care, emergency room, labor and delivery, pediatric, and others.

The experience requirements for these specialties can vary, but typically range from 1 to 2 additional years of focused experience.

Travel Nurses with more than 3 to 5 years of total nursing experience can often take on more challenging assignments, or work in more prestigious or demanding healthcare settings.

Those with significant experience, often more than 5 years, can consider positions such as Travel Nurse Supervisor or Manager, or they may choose to teach and mentor less experienced Travel Nurses.

Some may also choose to become Travel Nurse Recruiters, using their extensive experience to help recruit and prepare others for the challenges and rewards of travel nursing.

Travel Nurse Education and Training Requirements

Travel Nurses, like all registered nurses, are required to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) or an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN).

However, many employers prefer applicants with a BSN.

After the completion of the degree program, they must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a licensed registered nurse.

They also need at least one year of clinical experience in a hospital setting.

This experience provides the necessary skills to adapt to different work environments and patient populations, which is key for a travel nurse.

Specializations in areas such as critical care, emergency room, or labor and delivery may require additional certification.

These can be obtained through professional organizations, such as the American Association of Critical Care Nurses or the National Certification Corporation.

In addition to these, travel nurses should possess a multi-state license or be willing to obtain licensure in the states where they wish to work.

This is made easier by the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) which allows nurses to practice in multiple states with one license.

Continuing education is also important for travel nurses to keep their skills updated and maintain licensure.

This may be provided by the employer or sought independently.

Travel Nurse Salary Expectations

A Travel Nurse can expect to earn an average of $106,000 (USD) per year.

This salary can vary greatly based on the area of specialty, the duration and location of the assignment, as well as the nurse’s level of experience.

Some travel nursing assignments also offer additional benefits such as housing stipends and travel reimbursements, which can further increase the total compensation.

Travel Nurse Job Description FAQs

What skills does a travel nurse need.

Travel nurses need to have excellent nursing skills and be flexible and adaptable to new environments.

They should have great communication skills, both for interacting with patients and for coordinating with new teams at each assignment location.

Travel nurses also need to have strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, as they often need to make quick decisions in high-pressure situations.

What qualifications does a travel nurse need?

Travel nurses must be registered nurses, which requires a nursing diploma, associate’s degree in nursing, or a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

They must also pass the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain their nursing license.

Additionally, most travel nursing positions require a minimum of one year of experience in a hospital setting.

What should you look for in a travel nurse resume?

A travel nurse’s resume should show a solid history of nursing experience, ideally in a hospital setting.

Look for multiple assignments that are successfully completed, as this shows adaptability.

Specialized skills or experience in a specific area of nursing can also be a major asset.

What qualities make a good travel nurse?

A good travel nurse is adaptable, able to quickly feel comfortable in new locations and working with different teams.

They should be resilient, able to handle the stresses of travel and changing environments, and they should be independent, capable of working with minimal supervision.

Excellent interpersonal skills are also key, as travel nurses must build trust with patients and colleagues quickly.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of being a travel nurse?

Travel nursing can be rewarding, with higher pay rates, travel opportunities, flexible schedules, and the chance to learn from different healthcare systems.

However, there are also challenges, such as loneliness from being away from home, the stress of frequent travel and adjusting to new environments, and the lack of job security once an assignment ends.

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a travel nurse .

It’s not just about administering medical care.

It’s about providing health and hope, one patient at a time.

Armed with our indispensable travel nurse job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your next move.

But why halt your journey here?

Delve further with our job description generator . It’s your ultimate resource for creating precise job listings or refining your resume to excellence.

Always keep in mind:

Every patient you care for is a step towards a healthier world.

Let’s make that world together.

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The Editorial Team at InterviewGuy.com is composed of certified interview coaches, seasoned HR professionals, and industry insiders. With decades of collective expertise and access to an unparalleled database of interview questions, we are dedicated to empowering job seekers. Our content meets real-time industry demands, ensuring readers receive timely, accurate, and actionable advice. We value our readers' insights and encourage feedback, corrections, and questions to maintain the highest level of accuracy and relevance.

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Responsibilities of a Travel Nurse: Duties and Requirements

You might have already heard the buzz about the exciting and adventurous job of travel nursing. Some of you may even be considering a career in the field, whereas some might only know a little bit about what a travel nurse is. If you want to find out the duties and responsibilities of a travel nurse, then you’ve come to the right place.

A travel nurse’s job is pretty much the same as that of a regular staff nurse. The most significant difference is that a single hospital employs staff nurses at a single place and travel nursing agencies recruit them. They fill in staff shortages anywhere in the country, sometimes even outside of it.

Another prominent aspect of travel nursing, which makes it lucrative for many, is the higher pay and benefits. Experienced travel nurses can make up to twice the annual salary of regular staff nurses at the same level.

Whether you’re a fresh graduate nurse looking to kick off your career, or a seasoned nurse looking for a change of gear. You first need to understand the requirements, duties, and responsibilities of a travel nurse.

Who Employs Travel Nurses?

Travel nurses are required to work at hospitals, health care facilities, or on individual assignments.

However, they are employed by a Travel Nurse Recruitment Agency . These agencies provide hospitals with a skilled workforce in times of staff shortages.

They also provide qualified help to remote and rural areas where adequate healthcare professionals are scarce or nonexistent.

Travel nurses can also act as independent contractors if they have sufficient marketing skills. This means they can reach out to employers and offer their services on their own, cutting off the agency from the middle.

In many cases, hospitals offer permanent positions to travel nurses at the end of their assignments. You may use this option if the offer is attractive enough, or you want to settle down.

Educational Requirements

A travel nurse’s educational requirements are the same as that of a regular registered nurse. It means you need to have a nursing diploma, associate’s degree, or bachelor’s degree.

While most travel nurse agencies hire R.N.s with a diploma or associated degree such as ADN or ASN, some require you to have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. After one of these, you need to pass an initial licensure exam called NCLEX-RN and voila! You’re eligible to be a travel nurse.

Experience Requirements

After completing your education and passing your licensure exams, you need to get a couple of years of experience as a healthcare facility nurse.

However, this requirement is not set in stone.

The recent surge in demand for travel nurses has reduced the experience requirement drastically. It is now at a point where an R.N. with just 4-6 months under their belt has enough experienced required for the job.

How Long Are The Assignments of Travel Nurse?

Travel nursing job assignments usually last 13 weeks. They can be shorter than that in certain circumstances. However, in cases of continued work shortages or emergencies, these assignments may get longer.

By the end of your assignment, you will get the option to either continue working on the same assignment or move to a new location.

If the agency selects you for travel outside the country, then your assignments may be longer. Travel nurse jobs outside of the U.S. may last 1 to 2 years.

Therefore, You do not need to work during your assignment period continuously – time-off and holidays are available.

Make sure to discuss your days-off with your recruiter beforehand so your assignments can be scheduled accordingly without any objection to your allocated health facility.

Who Picks Your Assignments?

One of the perks of being a travel nurse is that you get to pick your assignments. Your recruiter will give you options to choose from, and in many cases, you have adequate freedom to select what you prefer from the choices available.

A good recruiter will never force you on an assignment or go behind your back to put you in an assignment. If your recruiter shows these red flags, it’s high time to look for another agency.

Lucky for you, there are plenty to choose from. Travel nursing jobs are at an all-time high, and there are many recruiting agencies offering good employee benefits.

Traveling and Lodging

While on a travel nurse assignment, the money you spend on tickets, fares, commute, fuel, lodging, and rent are all taken care of by your agency. It means that on top of earning higher than the average nurse, you also get to save a lot on various expenditures.

independently contracted travel nurses don’t afford such luxury. In this case, you might want to settle the matter of your travel and lodging expenses with your employer.

What You’ll Be Doing as a travel nurse

Roles and Responsibilities of a Travel Nurse | originnurses.com

Since travel nurses have the same qualifications as regular staff nurses, their duties and responsibilities are quite similar. Typical responsibilities of a travel nurse include:

Travel Nurse responsibilities: Assisting local staff with workload

This is perhaps one of the most crucial responsibilities of a travel nurse. In fact, it is the most prominent reason for the existence of travel nurse agencies.

When healthcare facilities, clinics, or hospitals face staff shortages during emergencies or staff going on leaves, they call in travel nurses fill those gaps. Travel nurses assist the in-house staff by sharing their workload.

Travel Nurse responsibilities: Working at schools

Schools employ nurses to attend to students’ medical needs. Some schools hire travel nurses for when their regular nurse is unavailable or as a cost-cutting measure.

Your job as a school nurse is to attend to sick or injured students, oversee or conduct vaccinations, identify the extent of illness or injury, decide the next steps, etc.

Travel Nurse responsibilities: Administering medication

Like a regular nurse, one of your duties is to administer and oversee medication and dosage. You may also need to train family members or servants about the patient’s medication and dosage.

As a nurse, you are qualified to carry out medication and infusions in recommended dosages. You are also responsible for making sure that they are administered at correct times. And to observe and report the effect of those dosages on the patient to the supervising doctor.

Travel Nurse responsibilities: Taking samples and readings

You will have to take and report readings and samples from a patient or patients on the assignment. Readings include blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and other perimeter monitoring the patient’s health.

You may also need to take blood, saliva, stool, and urine samples from a patient and dispatch them to relevant laboratories.

Travel Nurse responsibilities: Attending to patients under intensive care

While assigned to a hospital, your duties are similar to that of a staff nurse. It includes monitoring and attending to patients in ICUs.

Vigilance and alertness are the essential qualities of a travel nurse attending to a patient under intensive care. You need to be available at all times during your hours and must have the energy to perform at your best level from the start to the end of your shift.

Travel Nurse responsibilities: Conducting vaccination drives

Conducting vaccination is also one of many responsibilities of a travel nurse. Contagious diseases or viral infections require immunization via vaccination. Some remote parts may require you to carry our vaccination drives.

Vaccination programs may be in the form of camps where people can visit and get vaccinated. However, they may also require you to walk door to door and administer the vaccination to people at home.

Travel Nurse responsibilities: Comforting elderly and terminally ill patients

All kinds of healthcare settings acquire services of travel nurses. These include hospices, rehabilitation centers, and old-homes. Such jobs require you to be tolerant and kind.

Patients who are terminally ill, recovering from addiction, or are just old can often be challenging to deal with. So, Make sure you know the correct way to behave in such an environment.

Am I Fit For this job?

travel nurse responsibilities | originnurses.com

Before venturing out on the road as a travel nurse, you need to be sure you have what it takes to live that life. To be a successful travel nurse, you need to be able to overcome inconveniences, such as:

Leaving your home for your job

As a travel nurse, you must be comfortable leaving your home, loved ones, and friends for long periods.

Life on the road can get lonely, and you must mentally prepare for that before heading out.

Travel nurses do get off days in which they may visit their families. Make sure you plan them right to make the most out of them.

Dealing with occasional cold behavior

A travel nurse is often seen as an outsider when called in to fill staff shortages. It takes some time for locals to warm up to you. Your personality plays a huge part in making your stay pleasant or miserable for yourself and your colleagues.

Getting unwanted duties

Don’t be surprised if they select difficult or unwanted jobs for you during your assignment. You have to realize that you are the outsider and low in the pecking order. You may have to put up with discriminatory behavior to an extent.

Such assignments are a part of the responsibilities of a travel nurse. You should learn to welcome challenges to succeed in this field.

Language and cultural barriers

There may be language barriers, cultural variation, differences in values and norms, etc. for you to deal with. Adaptability is the key ability of a travel nurse. It is much easier to spend your time blended in rather than sticking out.

Switching gears with every job assignment

Health care facilities frequently call upon travel nurses to fill in different positions. As a travel nurse, you should be able to switch gears and match the pace of the assigned duty.

Your job can put you in the fast-paced environment or the slow and morose environment of a hospice or old-home.

A travel nurse should be flexible enough to work in any kind of environment if needed. It is an important skill to pick up to strengthen you in this field of work.

Frequent change of environment

When you work at a singular facility, you eventually learn the ropes and get well set with the work environment. This luxury is not available to a travel nurse. No two places are similar, and you may even face completely different working environments at each assignment.

Learning the layout

Every hospital and health facility has a different construction. Learning the layout of a hospital building can take some time. Make sure your unawareness of the hospital’s layout doesn’t hinder your duties as a nurse.

Try to procure a portable map of the complex. Ask the local staff for assistance if you’re confused or lost. An ability to memorize locations quickly is a bonus for a traveling nurse.

Working long hours

Nurses often work beyond their shift timings. Many hospitals may require a nurse to fill in extra hours in case of a high workload.

Therefore, as a travel nurse, you need to make sure you have the required stamina and energy to perform your duty beyond your regular duty hours.

Final Words

Travel nursing is an adventurous and exciting job with lots of variation and opportunities to learn. The responsibilities of A travel Nurse are slightly more demanding than that of a travel nurse. But luckily you get compensated for that spectacularly.

The life of a traveling nurse has its challenges. But with patience, flexibility, and adaptability, you can eventually overcome those minor obstacles. And start to enjoy your life as a travel nurse.

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Travel Nurse Job Description

Travel nurse duties & responsibilities.

To write an effective travel nurse job description, begin by listing detailed duties, responsibilities and expectations. We have included travel nurse job description templates that you can modify and use.

Sample responsibilities for this position include:

Travel Nurse Qualifications

Qualifications for a job description may include education, certification, and experience.

Licensing or Certifications for Travel Nurse

List any licenses or certifications required by the position: BLS, ACLS, CPR, PALS, CPI, NRP, IV, BLC, ENPC

Education for Travel Nurse

Typically a job would require a certain level of education.

Employers hiring for the travel nurse job most commonly would prefer for their future employee to have a relevant degree such as Bachelor's and Associate Degree in Nursing, Associates, Science, School of Nursing, Education, Graduate, Medical, Nursing Program, Management, Health Care

Skills for Travel Nurse

Desired skills for travel nurse include:

Desired experience for travel nurse includes:

Travel Nurse Examples

Microsoft Word (.docx) .DOCX
PDF Document (.pdf) .PDF
Image File (.png) .PNG
Formulate the initial plan of care with the provider (physician or nurse practitioner) and collaborate with them to implement a comprehensive patient-centered plan of care to achieve expected outcomes
Collaborate with physicians, medical professionals and other staff to ensure quality of care
Provide care for the pediatric, adolescent, adult or geriatric patient
Utilize knowledge of the principles of growth and development appropriate to the patients' age to ensure that care provided meets the unique, physical and psychosocial needs of the patient
Involve appropriate parties (i.e., patients' family or guardian, outside agencies) in the assessment, treatment and continuing care of the patient as needed
Chang diapers and feeding babies
Keep parents well informed of their child's condition
Act as a charge nurse
Provide supervision to subordinate professional, paraprofessional and support staff in the performance of their patient/resident care duties
Assisting new mothers with physical and emotional needs immediately after the delivery of a baby
Strong OR experience
1+ year of Labor & Delivery Experience
1+ year of previous experience in an Emergency Department
MICU experience
BLS, PALS, IV Certified
Understanding of what the new mother is experiencing and providing the proper education and treatment, through observation, resources and consistency
Caring for patients with illness or disease that has led them to temporary or long-term hospitalization
Providing direct care of a set of patients and facilitating their recovery through social interaction and traditional therapies
Collaborating with a variety of interdisciplinary professionals to determine and providing the best possible care for patients
Identifying the medical problems
Act as a support system for parents and family of newborns
Collaborating with the Surgical team members and providing nursing care to patients undergoing various procedures and operations
Helping patients with recovery immediately following surgery and teach them, and their families, about at-home postoperative care
Interviewing and assessing patients on the day of surgery
Make sure that patients are receiving the best possible care
At least 2 years of recent ER experience
Adult ED Experience
ChemoBioTherapy Card from ONS
2+ years of expereince in the specialty area
Minimum of 2 years of CVOR experience
Minimum 2 years of CVOR experience
Patient care and relationships
Assisting with endoscopies
Independently performing some procedures
Perioperative nursing care for pediatric, adolescent, adult surgical and geriatric patients
Providing care through the use of the nursing process and in a manner that is cost effective without compromising quality of care
Performing assessments, planning, and implementation of nursing intervention and evaluation
Demonstrating competency to circulate for simple to complex surgical procedures
Participating in department quality assessment, improvement activities, participates in student and new employee orientations teaching activities
Providing superior nursing care to a wide patient population, with a focus on cardiac care
Using established techniques in preparing for and assisting with surgical procedures
BCLS, ChemoBioTherapy Card (ONS)
WITT experience
Circulate & Scrub experience
Minimum 1 year of Acute Care experience
2+ years of Gastrointestinal experience
Previous In-Room and Intake/Discharge experience
Utilizes current knowledge of industry recruiting and staffing strategies and best practices to coordinate, source, interview, and hire for all position levels
Providing and setting up necessary instruments, supplies and equipment for different types of operations, according to established routines and instructions of the Surgeon
Setting up operating room with instruments as specifically required for type of operation to be performed
Observing patient during surgical procedure to detect possible complications and/or breaks in sterile technique
Managing contaminated instruments and supplies during operation procedures to prevent spread of infection
Placing patients in recommended positions to assure access to the operative field
Preserving and labeling operative specimens for laboratory analysis
Observing progress of surgery
Providing superior nursing care to a wide patient population, with a focus on cardiac
Manage the care of patients experiencing life-threatening problems requiring complex assessment
2+ years of experience in PICU
Previous experience in an Acute Care, Labor & Delivery, and/or Maternal Child setting
Able to work in level III NICU
Current OR experience
Recent experience within an Emergency Room setting
Recent Psych experience
Perform assessment/data collection in an ongoing and systematic manner, focusing on physiologic, psychological and cognitive status of patients
Analyze assessment data to determine appropriate nursing diagnoses
Identify appropriate expected outcomes individualized to the patient
Formulate a goal directed plan of care, which is prioritized and based on determined nursing diagnosis and patient outcomes
Identify patient / significant other learning needs and implement appropriate measures to meet these
Implement care in a knowledgeable, skillful, consistent and continuous manner
Perform documentation duties on unit and in patient record, which is timely, accurate and concise
Evaluate effectiveness of self, care given by all Healthcare team members, and contribution of systems, environment, and instrumentation in progressing patient toward outcomes
Travel to different out of town locations to assist with the collection of data for clinical research protocol subject visits
Provide oversight required to manage the cases assigned to ensure appropriate medical care is received
Experience CCU/ ICU
Experience within an ICU
Acute Care Ventilator experience
Experience within an Emergency Department
Experience working within a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
2+ years of experience in an OB/GYN / Post-Partum setting

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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.

RELATED : RN License Transfer and NLC Guide

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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Travel Nurse: Job Description and Salary Expectations

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If you love nursing but also love to travel, there is a way to marry your two passions into one travel nurse career.

A travel nurse is a registered nurse, preferably with a BSN degree (but not exclusively needed), who works for a staffing agency instead of a healthcare facility.

The agency sends nurses to all parts of the country or the world to fill short-term positions in various healthcare facilities.

What is a Travel Nurse?

A travel nurse works short-term placements in a healthcare facility filling temporary staffing gaps. It’s a career that lets you meet new people and enjoy new experiences while rewarding you financially. As a travel nurse, you can build your resume and explore the country while working as a nurse.

How Does Travel Nursing Work ?

A travel nurse has the same responsibilities as a registered nurse working full-time. But as a temporary worker, you don’t work directly for the healthcare facility.

You work for a staffing agency or a recruiter who finds work opportunities for you. According to the available assignments, the agency will place you on short-term contracts ranging from 4 to 26 weeks.

The most common travel nursing contract duration is 13 weeks. You also have a choice to extend the contract if you want to and if the facility is happy with your performance.

It means that through a calendar year, you may work in four healthcare facilities located in different states or overseas. It’s a great way to visit new cities, expand your networking connections, and gain insight into how the other facilities work.

The work is very flexible, and you can choose whether to accept or reject an assignment.

Some travel nurses start working temporarily for a healthcare facility and end up applying for a full-time position because they enjoy their work there so much.

How Do You Become a Travel Nurse?

Generally, to become a travel nurse, you need to qualify as a nurse by completing the required degree and passing the NCLEX board exam.

In addition, you will need at least a year or 18 months of experience working in your nursing specialty.

Many agencies prefer to hire only RNs licensed with a BSN degree, but not all do that. So, that’s something to keep in mind.

Also, if you want to travel internationally, you may be required to speak the language of the country you want to practice.

You can become a travel nurse with general nursing experience or specialize in one of the many nursing specialties like OR nursing, ICU nursing, or pediatrics.

Nurses with more specialized experience and certifications are more in demand and receive higher pay. That is not to say that you must specialize.

Finding the Right Travel Job

Many jobs are available in medical or surgical units, psychiatric departments, and other general nursing specialties.

Travel nurses do not work for healthcare facilities but for nursing agencies or recruiters. So, you will need to choose and apply to a nursing agency to find temporary assignments for you.

There are many reputable travel nursing agencies you can contact on the internet.

Being Licensed as a Travel Nurse

Licensing is another issue that can be tricky to navigate. Travel nurses must be licensed in the state where they want to work.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing made the process easier by allowing nurses to apply for a multistate license that allows them to practice in all participating states without obtaining additional licenses.

See the article I wrote about the nurse licensure compact for more information.

How Much Do Travel Nurses Get Paid?

Travel nurses often get paid more per hour than full-time nurses. Your pay will depend on many factors, unlike the salary that a permanent staff nurse can expect.

While staff nurses in a health care facility get paid according to their education and experience, travel nurse pay is based on other components.

Usually, a travel nurse receives an hourly rate (which can vary at each placement), non-taxed housing stipends, or free accommodation for the duration of the placement.

Some agencies also pay non-taxed per diems and reimburse travel costs between placements.

Other factors affecting your take-home pay as a travel nurse are the location, your nursing specialty, and the type of shifts you work.

Location influences how much you get paid because some states pay nurses higher wages than others. Southern states pay less per hour than California, Texas, and New York. So, where you will be placed will influence the amount of money you take home.

If you have a specialty nursing qualification like ICU, OR, or emergency nursing, you can expect to earn more than if you work in a non-specialty area.

Many healthcare institutions need extra personnel to fill in the hard-to-fill shifts. If you want to make more money, you may have to be prepared to work the night shift or other unpopular shifts.

You also get paid per hour, so the more you work, the more money you will make.

What you Can Make?

Overall, a traveling nurse can earn over $100 000 per year.

Having said that, travel nurses also have more expenses. Traveling from place to place can be costly.

Most travel costs are covered by the employer or the agency, but you may still need to pay some costs out of your pocket.

Finding a place to live may also be pricier. Some travel nursing agencies have accommodation available for nurses to stay for free.

However, some agencies prefer to pay a tax-free living expense allowance separately from your hourly wage. You are responsible for finding a place to stay and paying for it yourself.

Is Travel Nursing a Good Nursing Career Path?

Exposure to various ways patient care is provided in different healthcare facilities will broaden your skill set and let you grow as a professional.

There are many benefits to being a travel nurse. Travel nurses are constantly working in different settings and learning something new.

The exposure to different patient care techniques, electronic record systems, and policies will help you develop a unique perspective on patient care as a nurse.

Interacting with new people you will meet during job placements will help you develop a robust professional network of people who can vouch for your capabilities.

It can come in handy when you finally want to settle down and apply for a permanent position. Having numerous references who can recommend you to employers is always a good thing,

Key Takeaways

Travel nursing is becoming more popular. The job has many pros and cons. Many nurses like the flexibility and excitement that travel nursing offers as opposed to working as a bedside nurse.

Spending time on various short assignments may help your career by providing a way to get to know more people who can recommend you for a job.

Some nurses use their time as travel nurses to learn as much as possible before settling down with a full-time position, while others enjoy their freedom and flexibility so much that they continue to work as travel nurses for many years.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is travel nursing.

Travel nursing is a type of nursing job where a nurse travels to different healthcare facilities and works on temporary assignments, typically lasting from 8 to 26 weeks.

What are travel nursing benefits?

Travel nurses typically receive benefits such as housing, travel expenses, and higher pay compared to permanent nursing positions.

What do you do as a travel nurse?

As a travel nurse, you perform the same duties as a regular nurse, which may include providing patient care, administering medication, monitoring vital signs, collaborating with healthcare teams, documenting patient information, and educating patients and families. Your specific responsibilities may depend on the healthcare facility, the unit or department you work in, and your experience and certification level. The key difference is that you may be working in a new environment every few weeks as a travel nurse.

What’s the difference between a travel nurse and a regular nurse?

A travel nurse and a regular nurse have similar duties and responsibilities in terms of providing patient care, administering medication, monitoring vital signs, collaborating with healthcare teams, documenting patient information, and educating patients and families. The main difference between the two is that a travel nurse works on a temporary, assignment-based basis, moving from one healthcare facility to another, while a regular nurse is typically a permanent employee at a single healthcare facility. Travel nursing offers the opportunity to work in different locations

How many years does it take to become a travel nurse?

To become a travel nurse, one must first become a registered nurse (RN). The time it takes to become an RN can vary, but typically it takes 2 to 4 years of education and training, including obtaining an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing and passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Once an individual is licensed as an RN, they can start applying for travel nursing positions. Some travel nursing agencies may require additional certifications or experience in specific specialties.

Is travel nursing worth the money?

Whether travel nursing is worth the money can depend on various factors, such as an individual’s personal and financial circumstances, career goals, and preferences. In general, travel nursing can offer financial benefits, such as higher pay compared to permanent nursing positions, reimbursement for housing and travel expenses, and potentially a sign-on bonus. This can make it an attractive option for those looking to increase their income and pay off debt or those who enjoy traveling and experiencing new places.

About the Author

Nurse Money Talk is a career and lifestyle blog for nurses and nursing students. Our goal is to help nursing students become nurses and nurses excel in their nurse career and nurse life.

Travel Nurse Job Description

Travel nurses are healthcare workers who travel to patients and assist at healthcare facilities. They perform typical nursing duties and provide care in residential areas, at schools, and other organizations. Travel nurses also assist when hospitals are short-staffed.

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Travel Nurse Job Description Template

We are searching for a dependable travel nurse to join the healthcare team. The travel nurse will be responsible for traveling to patients and completing a number of duties, which may include performing tests, administering medication, as well as writing up reports. You should be able to follow instructions but also use logical thinking skills.

To be successful as a travel nurse, you should be well-organized, punctual, and able to effectively communicate. Outstanding candidates should be mentally strong, resilient, and flexible enough to work in a range of environments.

Travel Nurse Responsibilities:

Traveling to patients’ homes, schools, and other organizations to administer medication and vaccinations, and complete blood pressure, glucose, and other tests.
Performing wound inspections, changing dressings, and monitoring the patients’ overall wellbeing.
Addressing patients’ concerns and providing healthcare and nutritional advice where possible.
Monitoring patients’ recovery and compiling reports for the relevant doctors and other stakeholders.
Completing your duties at hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities.
Ensuring that all equipment and medical supplies are kept sterile and well-organized.
Arriving in a timely manner to perform your duties.
Keeping abreast of developments in healthcare by attending workshops as necessary.
Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to develop improved diets and healthcare plans.
Remaining professional and polite at all times.

Travel Nurse Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in nursing or an equivalent.
A relevant license and certification.
A completed apprenticeship or experience in a similar role.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
The ability to follow instructions but also to think independently.
Excellent report writing skills and organizational skills.
Empathy and a personable manner.
Physical fitness and mental strength.
A valid driver’s license or reliable transport may be required.

Nurse job description, staff nurse job description, travel nurse interview questions, nurse interview questions, staff nurse interview questions, how to find travel nurses.

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How Does Travel Nursing Work? Requirements, Job Description, and Outlook

August 29, 2023

View all blog posts under Articles | View all blog posts under Master of Science in Nursing

A smiling travel nurse stands at the foot of the stairs near a sunny hospital window.

Approximately 1.7 million travel nurses currently work in the United States, according to job website Zippia. Given that travel nurses in the 10th percentile of the salary range typically earn at least $120,000 per year, a nurse who wants to see the world may well consider pivoting to travel nursing.

Many registered nurses (RNs) are leaving the health care field altogether — to recover from burnout, to pursue an entirely different career, or to opt for early retirement. It’s a tough situation for health care providers because it takes years to educate and train nurses to replace those who leave the profession.

The RN shortage has challenged hospitals and health care facilities scrambling to do more with less. The ongoing pandemic has played a large part in creating this predicament. Additionally, an aging population, increased demand for health care services, and the nationwide nursing shortage have all placed even more strain on front-line medical workers.

Now more than ever, many understaffed facilities hire travel nurses to help with day-to-day health care demands until they can hire permanent nursing staff. This trend raises the question, "How does travel nursing work?"

Travel nurses deliver high-quality health care services to patients across the country by taking on short-term assignments at understaffed health care facilities. Travel nurse ranks among the better-paid nursing roles in the health care industry. Individuals interested in becoming a travel nurse can gain essential skills through an advanced education, such as an online Master of Science in Nursing program .

How Does Travel Nursing Work?

Travel nurses perform the same duties and play the same role in a health care facility as a local RN, but the difference is that they’re transitory, meaning they don’t live permanently in the locality in which they’re working. This is possible because geographical location has little impact on the training and skill set that’s needed from the nurse.

So, how does travel nursing work from the perspective of an understaffed health care facility that needs an immediate solution? Providers usually seek the services of a travel nurse because the hospital or health care facility has a gap in staffing. Finding a full-time local RN to fill that gap can pose a challenge for a facility. Either the pool of candidates is too small, or the facility has yet to find a candidate that’s a good fit with its current nursing staff.

Whatever the case may be, hiring a travel nurse is a temporary solution that can help the health care facility buy time while it looks for a permanent RN. In fact, it’s not uncommon for a hospital to make an offer to extend the travel nurse’s assignment given staffing demands.

A travel nurse’s employment is always on a contractual basis. The contract will usually last for three or more months, depending on the facility’s needs. During their employment, a travel nurse typically receives the following as part of their compensation package:

Weekly stipend for expenses
Lodging accommodations
Signing bonus

However, these contract offers vary in terms of perks and compensation. For instance, a travel nurse may be offered a generous salary, lodging accommodations, and a weekly stipend but no signing bonus.

Additionally, stipends and lodging accommodations can vary dramatically depending upon the region. For example, a New York hospital may offer a much higher stipend, along with lodging accommodations, compared with a Salt Lake City hospital because the cost of living is so much higher in New York. When selecting locations, travel nurses need to be aware of how far their money will go in the city they’re considering.

Finally, location and seasonality play a big factor in the decision-making process as well. For instance, a travel nurse may be considering a high-paying contract role in Cleveland versus a lower-paying one in San Diego. If the two contracts happen to span December through February, the travel nurse might decide to go with San Diego simply because California winters are so much more temperate than Ohio’s.

Job Role and Main Duties of a Travel Nurse

The primary difference between travel nurses and RNs is the traveling element. Beyond that, the day-to-day responsibilities are nearly identical. The typical job duties of a travel nurse include:

Assessing patients and logging their exact symptoms or conditions
Administering medications and treatments
Monitoring the status and vitals of patients
Collaborating with physicians and other health care staff
Explaining care plans to patients and their families
Teaching patients how to better care for themselves
Keeping detailed patient records
Communicating with family members about a patient’s status

Similar to RNs, travel nurses work in hospitals, health care facilities, residential care facilities, outpatient care centers, and government facilities.

What Are the Travel Nursing Requirements?

Travel nursing requirements are similar to requirements traditional RNs need to meet but with a few key distinctions. The main educational steps an aspiring travel nurse needs to complete remain consistent:

Complete an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program — though the latter is highly recommended for travel nurses who want to stand out to potential employers
Pass the NCLEX-RN exam
Obtain licensure in their state of practice

Once these three steps are completed, an ASN or BSN graduate is able to practice as a licensed registered nurse. However, travel nurses require two additional certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).

Travel nurses who plan to work in a specialized unit should also get the relevant certifications. For instance, a travel nurse who aims to work in an intensive care unit would benefit from getting the CCRN certification, which focuses on acute and critical care.

Another important step that travel nurses need to take is setting up what’s known as a "tax home" for the purposes of taxes and decreasing their overall tax liability. A tax home is the full-time residence where a travel nurse stays when they’re not working. Since travel nurses are away for months at a time, they generally try to secure tax homes with low rent and maintenance costs to help reduce their overall expenses.

For instance, a travel nurse would likely not set up a tax home in a luxury downtown apartment that rents for more than $2,500 per month. It makes more sense to find an affordable tax home to keep their overhead costs down. Travel nurses without a tax home can still work, but they must file under the status of an itinerant worker. This means they must pay taxes on all of their income, stipends, and reimbursements.

Finally, getting and maintaining licensure is of the utmost importance when considering travel nursing requirements. Through the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), nurses can earn a multistate license to provide care to patients in eNLC member states. Furthermore, renewing the eNLC license is a simple process that can be done anywhere.

However, non-eNLC states require a travel nurse to obtain an additional state license. This means the travel nurse must meet all the requirements of the new state. Additionally, some states require nurses to obtain continued education units (CEUs) to be allowed to work. When it comes to selecting contracts, travel nurses need to be aware of what — if any — new licenses or CEUs they’ll need to get before they decide to sign on.

Travel Nurse Practitioner vs. Travel RN

Just as RNs can travel to different parts of the country to fill in the nursing gap, the same is true for travel nurse practitioners. Compared with RNs, nurse practitioners (NPs) have more education (an MSN degree, at minimum) and more on-the-job experience, and they usually focus on one specific area of medicine, such as family care, adult-gerontology, or neonatal care. Additionally, NPs generally earn much higher salaries than their RN counterparts.

Scope of Practice

One of the biggest differences when comparing travel nurse practitioners and travel RNs is scope of practice. RNs take their marching orders from NPs, physicians, and physician assistants; this is consistent across all states. NPs, on the other hand, have full practice authority in certain states, meaning they can practice with full autonomy.

In some states, however, NPs operate under restricted or reduced practice, meaning they aren’t allowed to do certain things, such as prescribing medications. Additionally, NPs in reduced or restricted practice states are held accountable and sometimes work under the direct supervision of a physician or team of physicians.

For a travel NP, this means taking on a new contract may significantly expand or reduce their role in the health care facility. Serving in a greatly reduced or expanded role may not appeal to them, which will play a factor in their decision-making process. Travel RNs don’t have to worry about this because their scope of practice is consistent throughout the country.

Licensing for travel NPs is also different compared with travel RNs. While the licensing process is fairly simple for travel RNs working in eNLC member states, NPs usually carry two or three licenses per state.

They include the RN license, the APRN license, and a prescribing license to order medications for patients. A travel nurse practitioner also needs to update their Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) certificate to the state they’re practicing in so they may prescribe medications.

As a result of these various requirements, travel NPs have more to keep track of to maintain licensure.

Work Environment

Travel RNs typically work in acute care in a hospital or health care facility. Travel NPs, on the other hand, have more options, including:

Health care facilities
Doctors’ offices
Community health centers
Schools and universities
Military bases
Outpatient clinics
Veterans clinics
Women’s health care clinics

A travel nurse practitioner’s specialty usually dictates the types of contracts they’re eligible for. For instance, a women’s health nurse practitioner seeking travel assignments would likely find a placement in a women’s health care clinic.

Salary and Assignment Length

Similar to travel RNs, travel nurse practitioners see varying salaries, depending on job demand, the facility hiring, the length of the contract, and other factors. Travel RNs earned an average annual salary of approximately $80,900 as of January 2022, according to PayScale. Those in the ninetieth percentile made approximately $107,000 per year.

Salary information for travel NPs isn’t as readily available. However, travel nurses in the top five highest-paying states earned $120,000 or more in 2019, according to TravelNursing.org. California was the highest-paying state, with a salary of $133,800. The takeaway is travel NPs generally earn higher salaries than travel nurses.

One other area that bears comparison is assignment duration. Typical travel RN work assignments are approximately three months long. Travel NPs have the three-month contract option too; however, their assignments can also be much shorter or much longer. Travel NP assignments can range from a single day to well over a year, which is ideal for health care workers who prefer flexibility in their schedules.

What Is Per Diem Travel Nursing?

Per diem travel nursing is one of the most flexible positions in health care. Per diem travel nurses have the same role and responsibilities as a travel nurse, but they pick up their shifts on an ad hoc basis.

They can choose how much or how little they work, even if it’s just a short shift lasting only a few hours. Per diem nursing is the ideal fit for a nurse who needs the maximum amount of flexibility in their schedule and prefers not to work on weekends and holidays. Additionally, per diem travel nurses often get paid more than the standard rate.

One major drawback of per diem nursing is the lack of job security. When a hospital or health care facility is fully staffed, that usually means it no longer requires the services of per diem nurses. Another drawback is that because per diem nurses work only on a fill-in basis and usually part time, they might not develop a rapport with the full-time staff.

Is Travel Nursing Worth It?

Being a travel nurse means working in a new city with a new group of health care professionals every few months. It’s the opportunity to take in a completely new culture and sights. A travel nurse could be in the heart of New York City one month, only to relocate to sunny San Diego the next.

It’s a position that’s rich with possibilities. Plus, travel nurses rack up a vast amount of experience since they work in so many different environments and with different teams. Lastly, travel nurses command higher salaries and receive stipends, signing bonuses, and other perks that their non-traveling RN counterparts don’t.

Is travel nursing worth it? For RNs and NPs who like a change in scenery and want to sample several different work environments across the country, the travel nurse role might well be a great fit.

Begin Your Journey to Becoming a Travel Nurse

Travel nursing is an exciting opportunity for a health care worker to see the world while offering high-quality care to patients in need. With the ongoing nursing shortage still in full swing, travel nurses will likely stay in high demand and continue to command competitive salaries.

To pursue a career as a travel RN or travel NP, investing in education is a great way to begin. Take the first step toward your career goals by discovering how Hawai‘i Pacific University’s online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program further develops the skills and knowledge of current RNs, allowing them to specialize in family care, psychiatric mental health, or adult-gerontology.

An MSN degree opens the door for a travel RN to become a travel NP, which can mean higher salaries, plus the advantages of a wide variety of work environments and flexible work assignments. Start your adventure as a travel RN or NP and help providers save lives.

What Does A Travel Nurse Do

Published: July 9, 2020

Read Time: 7 minute read

If you’re a nurse who is interested in building your professional resume, gaining extensive experience, and living in a variety of cities around the country, there is no better way to work as a travel nurse. Travel nursing is a profession that brings both economic opportunity and professional development. You’ll get the chance to visit new cities and make new friends, take home great pay, and develop your skill set.

To make the most of your travel nursing experience it’s important to understand what you are getting into. While travel nursing can be a great opportunity, it isn’t for everyone. If you’re a nurse who is ready to begin a new chapter in your life or are currently in nursing school and exploring possible career paths, understanding precisely what a travel nurse does can help you determine whether traveling is right for you.

What is a Travel Nurse?

Travel nurses are simply nurses that work temporary assignments. Typically those assignments last around 13 weeks, but the actual length of your travel contract will depend on the specific assignment. Some assignments may last as little as 4 weeks, while others can be over 20. You’ll have the ability to choose your assignments, giving you the flexibility to choose assignments with a contract length that is right for you. Travel nurses work at hospitals and health organizations around the country, though there are licensing requirements in many states that you should be mindful of when considering potential assignments.

Travel nurses, or travelers, work alongside permanent nursing staff in their assigned facility. As a travel nurse, you’ll be an active and valued member of the team you join. Though your assignment may be temporary, travel nursing provides the opportunity to work alongside professionals in some of the best hospital facilities across the country, giving you the chance to forge lifelong bonds with the people you work with.

How Do the Job Duties of a Travel Nurse Compare to Traditional Nursing?

What does a travel nurse do that’s different from a permanent nurse? Typically there is a great deal of overlap between these two types of assignments. In most cases, travel nurses are sought out for their expertise. This means that you can expect to be fulfilling the same types of functions that you would if you were working in a permanent position within that same hospital system.

The actual day-to-day job duties of a traveling nurse depend on your assignment and specialty. For nearly any specialty, your primary task will be centered around patient care. This includes performing patient assessments, assessing symptoms during patient intake, and being the primary point of care for patients under your supervision. 1

You can also expect general nursing responsibilities which include:

Communicating with both patients, doctors, and other team members in your assigned facility.
Working collaboratively with nurses, doctors, and other team members to provide excellent patient care.
Deliver medicine and treatment to patients under your care.
Have the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, making critical decisions for patient care while maintaining a calm demeanor.
Identify specific patient needs and communicate those effectively to the patient care team.
Ensure adherence to the patient care plan by medical staff.
Support your personal, professional development by maintaining current knowledge of nursing practices and principles.

What is the Purpose of a Travel Nurse?

From the outside, a travel nursing career seems too good to be true. As a travel nurse , you typically get paid more than staff nurses, you get to travel frequently, meet new people, and broaden your professional horizons. But you might be wondering why travel nurses exist at all when a permanent nurse would probably be less expensive for the healthcare provider you are assigned to.

The purpose of travel nurses is to fill short-term gaps in coverage for the assigned hospital facility. There are any number of reasons that gaps in coverage might occur. A department may have a shortage of specialized nurses, may need to fill gaps caused by extended leave such as for maternity leave or an illness, or to provide surge capacity in areas that experience significant population shifts during certain times of the year.

Travel nursing has recently been cast into the spotlight during the battle against COVID-19. As New York became the epicenter of the outbreak in the United States in March and April, thousands of nurses around the country accepted travel nursing assignments in New York . While each nurse chose those assignments for unique reasons (there are a lot of different types of travel nurses ), collectively those travel nurses helped augment the hospital systems to ensure that they weren’t overwhelmed by a surge of patients. 2

While a typical travel nursing assignment does not carry with it the same incentives or risk, the flight of nurses to New York during the height of the outbreak illustrates the crucial role that travelers like yourself play in our modern healthcare system.

What Does it Take to Be a Traveling Nurse?

If you’re a registered nurse with at least a year of experience under your belt, you’ve already fulfilled two of the toughest requirements for becoming a traveler. To work as a travel nurse , you’ll need to meet the following requirements:

Completed education.
Pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
Complete any licensing requirements in the states you want to work in.
Have at least one year of experience in your specialty.

Once you’ve completed these requirements , you’re almost ready to begin travel nursing! You’ll have to work with an agency like Host Healthcare to place you at a healthcare facility. If you aren’t sure which state or states you want to work in, take some time to understand the licensing requirements for each state. A travel nurse staffing agency is a great way to start your nursing career.

Is Travel Nursing Worth the Money?

Travel and temporary nurses are paid a higher hourly wage pay rate due to the short-term nature of the assignment, the high demand for your skills, and the flexibility that the position requires. But is that premium of travel nursing pay worth it?

In order for travel nursing to be worth the money for you, you’ll have to assess where you are in your career, what your goals are, and what your lifestyle is like. Travel nursing is a great opportunity for newly registered nurses with at least a year of experience. It gives new nurses an opportunity to strengthen their resume, work with a variety of teams, and explore the profession in ways that you simply can’t do as a permanent nurse. Alternatively, many nurses choose to work as travelers towards the latter half of their careers due to the higher pay that comes with a travel nursing job and the opportunity to travel while doing what they love.

If you have the flexibility to move frequently to take on a new traveling nurse assignment, then the professional development opportunities and higher pay certainly make travel nursing worth the money. Ultimately, you’ll have to carefully assess whether travel nursing is a good fit for your personality, lifestyle, and where you are professionally to determine whether it’s the right fit for you. If you aren’t sure whether traveling is right for you, or you simply have some questions about the process, reach out to our team at Host Healthcare . Our knowledgeable staff will be happy to provide any travel nursing information you might need to help you find out if traveling is right for you.

What Does the Average Travel Nurse Make?

One of the many perks of becoming a travel nurse is to take advantage of the higher pay or salary. Travel nurses are typically paid higher than their permanent counterparts with the same level of experience. Your pay will depend on a variety of factors, with one of the most important being where your assignment is located. Assignments in areas with a high cost of living will result in higher pay, but your housing and other expenses may be higher as well. 3

Your pay as a travel nurse will depend on which travel nursing agency you choose to represent you. At Host Healthcare, our travel nurses are some of the most well-paid in the country. Keep in mind, your pay during the assignment is just one facet of your total compensation package. You’ll want to get a firm understanding of what type of housing stipend or assigned housing is available, as well as any other compensation perks that come along with the assignment, such as travel reimbursement.

Closing Thoughts

Working as a traveler can be one of the most exciting and empowering experiences for both new and experienced nurses alike. Travel nursing provides unparalleled professional growth opportunities, exceptional pay, and the chance to work side-by-side with professionals in some of the best hospital systems across the country. Along the way, you’ll get the chance to meet lots of new people and explore new cities.

Travel nurses do all of the same tasks that permanent nurses do. You’ll provide top-notch, patient-centered care in hospital systems throughout the country. Specialized nurses are in particularly high demand, ensuring that you can bring your unique skill set to where it’s needed most.

If you are ready to begin an exciting new chapter in your life as a traveler, consider applying for allied traveling jobs careers. You’ll be part of a team that values your unique skills and understands the strength that comes with working as a team. Not to mention, have the opportunity to master your craft while you strengthen your resume. To learn more, please contact our team at Host Healthcare today!

“What Is Nursing & What Do Nurses Do?: ANA Enterprise.” ANA, www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/workforce/what-is-nursing/
Wofford, By: Portia. “This Is How 10 Travel Nurses React When Asked, ‘Why Go To The Epicenter of COVID-19?’.” Nurse.org, nurse.org/articles/travel-nurse-covid-19-coronavirus-nyc-seattle-why/
Ericksen, Kristina. “Top 10 Benefits of Being a Traveling Nurse.” Top 10 Benefits of Being a Traveling Nurse | Rasmussen College, 6 Mar. 2018, www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/nursing/blog/10-benefits-of-being-traveling-nurse/

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IntelyCare for Healthcare Facilities > Resources > Nursing Job Description Samples > Travel Nurse Job Description Template

Travel Nurse Job Description Template

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Travel nurses are healthcare professionals who take on short-term assignments at facilities and residences with increased demand for staff. This allows facilities to fill open positions with flexibility. A strategically crafted travel nurse job description is essential to finding quality professionals for your facility when you need them.

It’s important to note that travel nurses are often registered nurses (RNs), but nursing professionals from other specialties can also travel to assignments. This includes licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) — keep in mind that the responsibilities and qualifications of each role differ.

The template below is optimized to find qualified travel nursing RNs, but you can switch out the certification specifics depending on the needs of your organization. Pair this template with targeted interview questions to help narrow down the best candidates for your facility. You can also check out how other facilities are reaching out to travel nurses on our job board and gain real-time insights into how to make your organization stand out.

Travel Nurse

Tips: Your travel nurse job description should start with one or two paragraphs that highlight your organization’s mission, values, and culture. The travel nurse work environment can vary from facility to facility, so be sure to highlight how your organization will provide a positive workplace culture. Most travel nurses have many locations to choose from — this is your chance to show what sets your organization apart. What makes your facility unique? Take this opportunity to prove that your facility would be a great next destination for an adventurous and dedicated travel nurse.

Next, include specifics about your open travel nurse position. What specialty will they be working in? What particular skills are you looking for? Describe the job duties in detail to give the applicant a clear idea of whether their experience aligns with the role. Since travel nursing involves moving to new places, this is a great place to highlight why your location is appealing, such as any cultural attractions, public transportation, or recreation activities.

Travel Nurse Benefits

Tips: Elaborate on your organization’s benefits and perks to keep your candidates’ attention. Your introduction piqued their interest, so provide additional reasons they might be interested in the role. When describing your benefits, exercise caution to avoid any misleading language. To be on the safe side, consider asking your human resources team to review the list before posting.

Flexible scheduling
Scrub stipend
Commuter benefits
Education reimbursement
On-site childcare
Continuing education benefits
Bonuses associated with the position

Travel Nurse Skills and Responsibilities

Tips: Once you’ve highlighted the benefits, the candidate will likely want to learn more about the job itself. This section of your travel nurse job description is an excellent place to outline what specific tasks a candidate will be responsible for. List the most important duties first and use active verbs and straightforward wording to clearly get your message across.

Adapting to new healthcare environments and protocols quickly and seeking clarification from care team as needed
Monitoring vital signs
Administering medications, dressing wounds, placing IVs, and operating medical equipment
Collaborating with a multidisciplinary healthcare team, such as doctors, therapists, and social workers
Maintaining accurate records and notifying medical team of any changes in a patient’s condition
Communicating effectively with patients, families, and colleagues

Compensation and Shifts

Tips: Mention the pay up front, even if it’s just a range, so you’ll have a better chance of attracting top-notch applicants. It’s better to avoid investing time in interviewing if the compensation isn’t aligned with their expectations. This section is also a good place to emphasize any travel reimbursements, hazard pay, or associated bonuses.

Travel nurse jobs often appeal to individuals who appreciate flexibility, so make sure to include information about scheduling shifts. If your organization offers a degree of flexible scheduling, this could be a major selling point. You can also include information about nurse-to-patient ratios and any other details that would provide a better picture of the workplace environment.

Travel nurse pay range: $30-$70/hour
Overtime, incentive pay, and holiday pay available
Weekly or bi-weekly pay periods
Shift preference flexibility (day vs. night)
Nurse-to-patient ratio between 1:4 and 1:5 (day) and 1:6 (night)

Travel Nurse Qualifications and Skills

Tips: When you list qualifications, it’s important to remember that an applicant may not apply if their skills don’t perfectly align with those in the posting. Be sure to list only the necessary qualifications, including licensing requirements and education. If you have preferred travel nurse job requirements, make sure to list those in a separate, clearly identified section.

Adaptability and the ability to learn new procedures quickly
Excellent communication skills and a caring attitude toward patients
A team-oriented approach to work, with the ability to follow through on directives
Skillful task prioritization and delegation
Physical and mental stamina to perform job duties
Completion of a state-approved registered nursing certificate program
Passage of the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN)
Additional licensing requirements vary by state
2 years experience as a registered nurse
American Heart Association BLS certification
American Heart Association ACLS certification

Call to Action

Tips: Now that you have a solid foundation for your travel nurse job description, make sure candidates know how to apply. Tell prospective candidates how you’d like them to submit their application: on your company website, as an email, or through a job board. If you require references or supporting documentation, be sure to mention that here.

Ready to embark on your next nursing adventure? Take the first step today by visiting our website, clicking “apply now,”and submitting your application.

Need Help Finding Qualified Travel Nurses?

It can be an ongoing challenge to fill high-need positions within your facility. Looking for effective places to advertise your travel nurse job description? IntelyCare’s nursing professional-specific job board can help you collect high quality applications with ease.

Clinical pharmacist job description template, certified nurse midwife (cnm) job description template, ent nurse job description template, emergency room (er) nurse job description template, what is the maslach vs. oldenburg burnout inventory faq, related jobs, reach 1 million+ nursing professionals, with the intelycare job board.

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HEALTHCARE CAREER GUIDES

Travel Nurse Career

What is a travel nurse.

Travel nursing is the practice of registered nurses (RNs) traveling to and from different healthcare facilities like hospitals or clinics on assignment, filling short-term nursing employment gaps on a temporary basis. Usually assignments come based on staffing issues at a hospital or clinic, and a recruiter will help gauge staffing needs to help make assignments. And where do travel nurses work? Nurses can travel within the U.S. or internationally, just depending on the need and the job.

Travel nurses may get assignments to go help in disease ridden areas, or get assigned to go fill gaps that are large due to nursing shortages around the United States. Nursing involves long hours and hard work, and this is also true for travel nurses. But travel nursing gives you a unique opportunity to work while visiting cities, states, or even countries you never would have gotten to visit otherwise.

RESPONSIBILITIES

What does a travel nurse do.

Travel nurses perform the same tasks and duties as a registered nurse, for the most part. Some may learn unique specialties, practices, or skills during their travels based on the needs where they are working. For example, nurses working in mosquito heavy areas may learn specific skills for treating mosquito-borne illnesses. Others may be working in an area with a swine flu outbreak and learn how to treat those patients. Others may work in an area with a large elderly population, and will learn more skills on treating older patients. As a traveling nurse, you never know what kind of patients and medical situations you may face in your assignment.

EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES

How do i become a travel nurse.

Traveling nurses will usually need to have at least one year of experience working as an RN. While you can become an RN without a degree, more and more nursing positions are requiring bachelor’s degrees, especially for traveling positions. WGU’s online programs allow current RNs to pursue their bachelor’s or master’s degree while working. This degree can set you apart from the competition, and help you land your dream travel nurse position. Similarly, WGU offers licensure for RNs along with a bachelor’s degree in some states.

Additionally, you will also have to reach out to travel nurse agencies like American Traveler or Aya Healthcare to begin working as a travel nurse. There are many reputable options, and it's important to research ones near you to ensure you're picking a high quality company.

Best Degrees for a Travel Nurse

Nursing (Prelicensure) – B.S.

A one-of-a-kind nursing program that prepares you to be an RN and a...

A one-of-a-kind nursing program that prepares you to be an RN and a baccalaureate-prepared nurse:

Locations: Due to in-person clinical requirements, students must be full time residents of FL, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, NV, NM, NC, OH, OK, SC, TN, TX, UT to enroll in this program. The coursework in this program is offered online, but there are in-person requirements.
Tuition: $6,430 per 6-month term for the first 4 terms of pre-nursing coursework and $8,755 per 6-month term for the remaining 4 terms of clinical nursing coursework.
Time: This program has a set pace and an expected completion time of 4 years. Certain coursework may be accelerated to finish faster.
WGU offers the prelicensure program in areas where we have partnerships with healthcare employers to provide practice sites and clinical coaches to help teach you and inspire you on your path to becoming a nurse.
If you don't live in one of our prelicensure states or don't qualify to apply, consider getting our Bachelor's in Health and Human Services instead. This degree allows you to work inside the healthcare industry, while also working directly with patients who need help.

Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:

Community Health
Women's and Children's Nursing

Nursing (RN-to-BSN Online) – B.S.

An online BSN degree program for registered nurses (RNs) seeking the added...

An online BSN degree program for registered nurses (RNs) seeking the added theoretical depth, employability, and respect that a bachelor's degree brings:

Time: 61% of graduates finish within 20 months.
Tuition: $4,685 per 6-month term.
Courses : 23 total courses in this program.
Transfers: Students can transfer up to 90 credits.
Healthcare Policy and Economics
Information Technology in Nursing Practice
Anatomy and Physiology
Applied Healthcare Statistics

If you don't currently have an RN and don't qualify for your nursing prelicensure program, consider getting our Bachelor's in Health and Human Services instead. This degree allows you to work inside the healthcare industry in a unique way.

Nursing – Leadership & Management (RN-to-MSN) – M.S.

This program for RNs includes a BSN component and is a substantial leap...

This program for RNs includes a BSN component and is a substantial leap toward becoming a nurse leader.

Time: 62% of RN-to-MSN grads finish within 37 months.
Tuition: $4,685 per 6-month term during undergraduate portion and $4,795 per 6-month term during graduate portion.
Courses : 32 total courses in this program.

Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program:

Quality Outcomes in a Culture of Value-Based Nursing Care
Nursing Leadership and Management
Advanced Pathopharmacological Foundations
Informatics for Transforming Nursing Care

If you're driven to lead, this online nursing degree will provide you everything needed to make that career a reality. This program is ideal for current RNs who are interested in earning both their BSn and MSN in an accelerated program.

Compare degrees

This program is not the only degree WGU offers designed to create leaders in the field of healthcare. Compare our health leadership degrees.

Nursing – Leadership & Management (BSN-to-MSN) – M.S.

For registered nurses with a bachelor's degree who are ready for...

For registered nurses with a bachelor's degree who are ready for additional career opportunities.

Time: 61% of grads finish within 23 months
Tuition: $4,795 per 6-month term
Courses : 15 total courses in this program

This program is ideal for current RNs who have a BSN and are ready for the next step in their education.

Nursing Leadership and Management – Post-Master's Certificate

A certificate for registered nurses with a master's degree in nursing who...

A certificate for registered nurses with a master's degree in nursing who are ready for greater responsibility in a leadership and management role.

Time: Students typically finish this program in 12 months.
Tuition: $4,795 per 6-month term. The cost to sit for the NAHQ Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) exam is included in tuition.
Courses : 8 total courses in this program.
Strategic Planning
Resource Management
Business Case Analysis
Evaluating Healthcare Improvements

How Much Does a Travel Nurse Make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , the average RN salary is $81,220 per year. But a travel nurse salary is likely to be more than this, due to their high demand. It’s best to look at a travel nurse salary per state to help you calculate exactly what you can expect your travel nurse salary to be, based on your assignment, the hospital or nursing clinic, and more. According to Ziprecruiter, the average salary of a travel nurse is $105,021 per year .

What Is the Projected Job Growth?

From 2022 to 2032, employment for registered nurses is expected to grow 6% . Travel nursing is expected to rise as part of that outlook as well. Travel nurses have the ability to relocate to regions in great need of nurses, allowing the projected job growth to rise for this industry.

What Skills Does a Travel Nurse Need?

All travel nurses will need to have current licensure and nursing skills in order to get a job. But travel nurses also need other skills to help them succeed. Those skills include:

Emotional intelligence. Travel nurses have to be able to give bad news to people, and help them cope.
Critical thinking. Nurses of all kinds deal with complex problems and need to find solutions.
Flexibility. Travel nurses especially need to be flexible to work different hours, move to new places quickly, and more.
Adaptability. Travel nurses are in new hospitals and clinics all the time. They must be able to adapt to their new circumstances quickly and effectively.
Strong communication skills. Travel nurses need to be able to communicate well to patients, and to be able to ask questions when needed.
Love of traveling. It may seem like a no brainer, but traveling nurses will be traveling a lot! So a love of travel and a sense of adventure is a must.

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LPN Travel Nursing Jobs: Expand Your Horizons and Skills

Expand your practice and knowledge as a nurse by exploring LPN travel jobs. An enriching and diverse way to grow professionally and personally, these dynamic roles offer numerous opportunities for travel-loving nurses. Whether you're interested in learning about what LPN travel jobs entail or are seeking tips to secure these roles, this article provides an extensive overview. We delve into an introduction of LPN travel jobs, advantages associated with them, the process of securing these positions, understanding the role and responsibilities, and addressing potential challenges. Additionally, we provide a final reflection on the long-term career prospects and potential for growth in LPN travel jobs.

Introduction to LPN Travel Jobs

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), also known as Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) in some states, play a vital role in providing hands-on patient care in various healthcare settings. LPNs work under the supervision of Registered Nurses (RNs) and doctors, assisting with basic nursing tasks like monitoring vitals, changing dressings, and bathing patients.

LPN travel jobs allow nurses to take temporary assignments around the country while earning great pay and benefits. The high demand for LPNs makes travel nursing an attractive option.

What is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)?

LPNs are entry-level nurses who undergo 1-2 years of training to provide basic patient care. They take vital signs, change wound dressings, insert catheters, track intake and output, and help patients with activities of daily living.

LPNs must graduate from an accredited nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN licensing exam. They work under RNs and doctors to implement care plans. With further education, LPNs can advance their careers to become RNs.

Defining LPN Travel Jobs

LPN travel nursing involves taking temporary contract assignments (usually 13 weeks) at healthcare facilities around the country. Jobs may be in hospitals, doctor's offices, nursing homes, or other settings.

Travel LPNs help fill gaps in staffing at different locations, earning premium pay while gaining experience working with diverse populations and conditions. Assignments can be extended or nurses can move to new facilities.

Benefits of Choosing LPN Travel Jobs

There are many advantages of LPN travel jobs over permanent positions:

Higher pay - Travel LPNs earn $1500-$3000 per week depending on the job and location.
Flexibility - Nurses can choose assignments in attractive locations and decline offers.
Adventure - Traveling for work allows nurses to explore new places around the U.S.
Gain experience - Working at different facilities expands clinical knowledge and skills.
Independence - Travel nurses live independently and make their own schedules.

With high demand nationwide, LPN travel jobs offer the chance to make great money while enjoying an exciting lifestyle.

Advantages of Being an LPN Travel Nurse

Opportunity to explore new places.

One of the best perks of LPN travel jobs is the chance to explore different cities and states across America. Nurses can hand pick assignments in locations they've always wanted to visit.

From the sunny beaches of California to the mountain ski towns of Colorado, travel nurses experience the beauty of the U.S. while getting paid. Many travel companies offer bonuses for taking less desirable locations too.

Chance to Enhance Nursing Skills

Working at multiple healthcare facilities allows LPNs to develop a wider range of clinical skills. They will encounter different types of patients, conditions, medications, equipment and procedures. This diversity makes them more adaptable nurses.

LPNs can also take on leadership roles and training opportunities at travel jobs that may not be available at permanent staff positions. This broadened knowledge enhances their nursing practice.

Improved Work/Life Balance

Travel nursing often offers more control over scheduling than staff jobs. Nurses can choose assignments with ideal shifts and blocks of time off in between contracts. This flexibility helps create a better work/life balance.

Many LPNs become travel nurses specifically for the chance to work for a period of time and then take weeks off for vacations, continuing education, or personal matters before their next assignment.

How to Secure LPN Travel Jobs

Necessary qualifications and certifications.

To qualify for LPN travel positions, nurses must:

Hold an active LPN license
Have 1+ years recent acute care experience (hospital preferred)
Be willing to travel to assignments across the U.S.
Have a flexible schedule
Pass a background check and drug test

Having certifications like BLS/CPR, ACLS, PALS, etc. can make candidates more competitive. Some assignments require specific certs or skills like ventilator care, chemotherapy administration or dialysis experience.

Utilizing Reputable Traveling Nurse Agencies

Find the best LPN job opportunities in On Demand , our powerful web app. We have relationships with facilities nationwide.

Reputable agencies will help match nurses to ideal assignments based on their skills, experience, location preferences and benefits. They negotiate pay packages and handle credentialing, travel logistics, housing, and more.

Tips to Make Your Application Stand Out

To get hired for the top LPN travel jobs, nurses can:

Have an updated resume focusing on clinical skills
Obtain references from recent supervisors
Interview professionally and communicate promptly
Be open to different locations and shifts
Research the facilities and job details
Highlight training, certifications and flexibility

Applying early and engaging recruiters increases chances of securing the best travel nursing assignments.

LPN travel jobs provide exciting opportunities to expand nursing knowledge and earn excellent pay while experiencing the adventure of travel around the U.S. Following these tips can help secure rewarding travel nurse assignments.

The Role and Responsibilities of an LPN Travel Nurse

LPN travel nurses take on a unique and fulfilling role within the nursing profession. As a licensed practical nurse (LPN), they have completed the education programs and licensing examination required by their state's licensing board and met any specific requirements to obtain a nursing license. With this foundation, LPNs provide basic patient care under the direction of an RN or physician.

When an LPN chooses to become a travel nurse, they take on short-term nursing assignments in locations across the country. Travel nurses work through staffing agencies that connect them with medical facilities in need. Each assignment typically lasts 8-26 weeks. The temporary nature of the work allows LPN travel nurses to gain experience in diverse settings with high levels of independence and earn extra income.

Typical Work Environments and Settings

LPN travel nurses have the opportunity to work in a wide variety of healthcare settings, including:

Hospitals - ERs, ICUs, NICUs, pediatrics, oncology, etc.
Clinics - family medicine, urgent care, dialysis, etc.
Nursing homes and long-term care facilities
Assisted living facilities and group homes
Doctors' offices and private practices
Schools and community health programs

The most common facilities seeking travel LPNs are hospitals, clinics, and dialysis centers. For example, a dialysis travel LPN may be needed to fill a staffing gap and provide hemodialysis care.

Common Nursing Duties and Patient Care

As a licensed practical nurse, typical duties include:

Monitoring vital signs
Administering medications and treatments
Maintaining accurate records
Assisting doctors and registered nurses with procedures
Educating patients on health management
Providing basic daily patient care

LPN travel nurses perform the same patient care duties and have a similar scope of practice to traditional staff LPNs. The main difference is adapting to a new facility's policies and procedures with each assignment.

Understanding the Temporary Nature of Travel Nursing

It's important for prospective LPN travel nurses to understand the temporary contract-based nature of the work. Each assignment at a facility will have a set start and end date, usually lasting 8-26 weeks. This allows the flexibility to experience different locations and healthcare settings. However, it requires being comfortable with frequent transitions.

Challenges and Solutions Associated with LPN Travel Jobs

While travel nursing provides exceptional experiences, there are unique challenges to consider:

Dealing with Potential Feelings of Loneliness

Frequent moves and working in new environments can lead to loneliness. Maintaining connection is key. Solutions include:

Arranging regular check-ins with friends and family back home
Joining networking groups for travel healthcare workers
Putting effort into creating community in each new location
Finding social opportunities like gyms, classes, religious services, etc.

Handling Distance from Family and Friends

Travel nurses are often distant from close family and friends. Strategies to manage this include:

Scheduling quality virtual visits
Finding creative ways to share experiences and stay involved in each other's lives
Planning periodic trips home when possible
Keeping busy and making the most of time spent apart to build independence

Managing Constant Changes and Transitions

Adapting to new environments frequently can be draining. Tips include:

Giving yourself grace and time to adjust with each transition
Creating consistent daily routines and self-care practices
Focusing energy on learning each new facility's policies/procedures
Embracing a spirit of flexibility, adventure, and growth

Final Thoughts on LPN Travel Jobs

Long-term career prospects.

The skills gained through travel nursing are invaluable for long-term career development. The experience exposes LPNs to diverse healthcare settings and builds clinical confidence. Many parlay it into permanent staff positions at facilities discovered through travel assignments.

Potential for Personal and Professional Growth

Beyond furthering a career, LPN travel nursing enables immense personal growth. The independence, adaptability, and cultural awareness developed by nurses who choose this path is unmatched. It leads to greater self-knowledge and awareness that serves in all aspects of life.

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What Is a Travel Nurse? Job Description and Salary

When healthcare organizations face staffing shortages, they call on travel nurses. What is a travel nurse? As skilled professionals, travel nurses take temporary nursing positions in high-need areas. They jump into hospitals, clinics, and other facilities, giving patients across the country quality care.

The COVID-19 pandemic created a nationwide staffing crisis and, as a result, a surge in demand for travel nurses. Health leaders attribute this change to two main factors: First, as CNN reports, staff nurses, demoralized and exhausted, have been quitting and retiring at a faster rate than facilities can hire new ones. Second, many nurses are leaving their stable jobs for well-paying temporary jobs, netting $5,000 or more per week working through travel-nurse agencies, according to AP News.

Students and professionals interested in this career path can benefit from exploring the roles and responsibilities of travel nurses, reading travel nursing tips, and learning about the travel nurse salary and job outlook.

History of the Travel Nurse

The travel nurse industry emerged in the 1970s in response to high-census healthcare contexts.

High census is when the patient population in a healthcare facility becomes higher than the current staff can appropriately care for. In effect, high census means that a facility is understaffed.
Low census is when the patient population in a healthcare facility becomes too low for the facility to use its entire nursing staff. In essence, low census means a facility is overstaffed for a period of time.

In the 1970s, persistent nursing shortages in warmer southern states, such as Florida, drew nurses from northern states over the winter. These nurses followed the seasonal influx of so-called snowbirds — people who move for part of the year to get away from harsh northern winters.

At first, these nursing work arrangements were informal. Nurses would travel to meet demand but were hired as regular permanent employees who would leave when the season ended. Because these nurses had no special contract with their hospitals and clinics, these healthcare organizations also did not provide housing or extra wages. This worked well for facilities in warmer states that could not afford to hire so many staff members year-round.

Today, professionals fit a similar travel nurse description . Travel nurses often work for healthcare staffing agencies that specialize in placing temporary contractors across the country. Agencies take a cut of what a hospital might pay a travel nurse, and in exchange, they advocate for secure housing, competitive travel nurse salaries , and all-expense-paid transportation to new assignments for their travel nurses.

Culture Fit: What to Expect as a Travel Nurse

What does a travel nurse do? Travel nurses routinely jump into roles at understaffed healthcare settings. Facilities expect them to perform all the duties of a traditional nurse with little to no context for care. Because of this, travel nurses must become comfortable with working in extremely fast-paced, chaotic environments.

For example, a travel nurse may take an assignment at a severely understaffed neonatal intensive care unit. The nurses on staff may not have the time or bandwidth to explain all aspects of the hospital charting system or details about specific patients; travel nurses may need to pick these details up as they go.

Travel nurses sign a contract to fill a temporary position. This can last several days, weeks, or months — or longer. When contracts end, travel nurses either extend their stay at the same location or move on to a new destination and opportunity. The length of their contracts can vary, although most placements are between eight and 26 weeks. Some travel nurses find a temporary assignment they enjoy and work to secure a full-time position, but many continue to travel and keep flexible working hours.

Working as a travel nurse has many perks. Here are some of the benefits of travel nursing:

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

Travel Nursing Tips and Personal Characteristics

Travel nurses need to cultivate the skills of learning new systems quickly, taking criticism in stride, and adapting easily to change.

Some personal characteristics that serve travel nurses on the job include:

Ability to learn quickly. Travel nurses all have experience working in a traditional nursing context, but they need to be able to draw upon their broad knowledge bases as they adapt to new healthcare facilities. Some healthcare settings have different standards of practice and different technologies to learn. Travel nurses need to adopt new practices and technologies quickly.
Resilience to persevere in challenging contexts. The combination of moving to different states, being the “new nurse” constantly, and taking care of difficult patients comes with many challenges. Travel nurses need to be able to withstand these challenges.
Flexibility. Travel nurses have the freedom to create their own schedules with the agencies they work for. For example, travel nurses might work for nine intense weeks on the other side of the country and then take a month off.
Comfort with working in new environments. Travel nurses need to adapt to different organizations and care teams, often when those organizations and teams lack the adequate resources to run properly.
A strong support network. Travel nurses may need to leave their families and friends for long periods of time to take temporary jobs. Having a supportive person or group of people who act as an emotional sounding board can be crucial for working long-term in the chaotic assignments of a travel nurse.

Navigating Crises as a Travel Nurse: Pandemic Pressure

The demand for travel nurses has accelerated over the course of the pandemic. Rising clinician burnout continues to be a challenging issue in the healthcare field.

A recent National Academy of Medicine report suggests that between 35% and 54% of U.S. nurses and physicians have symptoms of burnout due to pandemic pressures. These burnout symptoms include:

High emotional exhaustion
High depersonalization (expressed in cynicism about the healthcare system or healthcare in general)
A low sense of personal accomplishment from work

Even in more normal times, the American Nurses Association’s Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation project found that at least 69% of U.S. nurses said they agreed or strongly agreed that they put their patients’ health and safety before their own.

Given the added stressors of the pandemic — including abnormally high patient mortality rates, the lack of personal protective equipment, political decisiveness surrounding pandemic precautions, and polarized public responses to the vaccine rollout — nurses have clearly borne the brunt of the pandemic chaos.

In the wake of so much nursing burnout, hospitals and health systems have relied on travel nurses to pick up the slack. As a result of severe staffing shortages, healthcare organizations are paying steep rates for much-needed staff.

How to Become a Travel Nurse

After determining what a travel nurse is and what a travel nurse does, current and future nurses may want to know how to become a travel nurse.

The steps involved in becoming a travel nurse include:

Earning an ASN or BSN degree
Passing the NCLEX to become a registered nurse (RN)
Gaining experience on the job
Getting licensed
Signing with a travel nurse staffing agency

Earn a Nursing Degree

Any nurse who has completed an associate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited nursing program is eligible to be a travel nurse. Several paths lead to meeting this education requirement:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree
Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree for entry-level RNs
LPN to BSN bridge program for licensed practical or vocational nurses or licensed paramedics
LPN to ASN degree for licensed practical nurses

Pass the NCLEX to Become a Registered Nurse

After graduating with an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing, the next step to becoming a travel nurse is passing the National Council Licensure Examination, also known as the NCLEX-RN exam.

Once they have passed the NCLEX exam and met the state board of nursing requirement, candidates will be eligible to become a registered nurse. From there, they need to start gaining enough experience in a nursing specialty to pursue opportunities as a travel nurse.

Gain Experience in a Specialty

Nursing professionals interested in travel nursing should look ahead and gain experience in the specialties they desire while still working full time as a regularly scheduled nurse so that they can work in specialized care environments as a travel nurse.

For example, a travel nurse with no experience working in a neonatal intensive care unit will not be competitive for NICU jobs. This is true for all specialties.

Attain Licensure

To be a registered nurse, a professional must be licensed in the state where they work. The Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) allows RNs to hold a single nursing license valid in several states.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing keeps track of the states that have implemented the NLC. For professionals who live in a state that participates in the NLC, additional licensing may not be required to work as a travel nurse. However, travel nurses seeking to work outside of the NLC will need to get an additional license in the state(s) they seek to work in.

Work With a Travel Nursing Agency

The last step to becoming a travel nurse involves signing with a travel nursing agency.

The benefits offered by each staffing agency will vary, along with the alliances they may have with specific hospital or healthcare networks, specific geographic areas, or even specific nursing specializations.

Travel Nurse Salary and Job Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the nursing profession to grow at a rate of 16% between 2014 and 2024. Due to the current nursing shortage, the job outlook for travel nursing is even greater. The BLS predicts a 19% growth for travel nurse jobs by 2022.

Skilled RNs will have opportunities to fill open positions in travel nursing. The BLS predicts a 9% increase in the employment of RNs from 2020 to 2030 due to the aging general population of the United States and a large number of older nurses retiring in the workforce. According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), 55% of today’s nursing workforce is 50 years or older. That means there will likely be even greater need for travel nurses in the future as older nurses retire.

See the Country as a Skilled Travel Nurse

Traveling to provide patient services opens doors for travel nurses. They work for independent staffing companies that recruit RNs to fill positions throughout the United States and abroad. A lucrative career awaits nurses who are willing to take the leap, leave their traditional nursing jobs, and work in high-need areas across the country.

The ongoing shortage of nurses makes it challenging for hospitals and clinics to maintain their staffing needs. Travel nurses can help with persistent staffing issues, and they can also fill in temporary gaps when nurses go on leave. Travel nurses don’t always need to work in different states ; s ome serve at local understaffed hospitals.

For current and aspiring nurses with a desire for new experiences, an interest in meeting new people and visiting new areas, and a drive to develop an understanding of healthcare in other communities, becoming a travel nurse can be an exciting career move.

Learn more about opportunities for nursing pre-professionals with St. Catherine University’s accredited nursing degree program . Through comprehensive nursing instruction, St. Kate’s equips students with the technical skills to succeed on the job.

Sources: American Traveler , “Travel Nurse Salary” AP News, “US Hospitals Hit With Nurse Staffing Crisis Amid COVID” CNN , “ Traumatized and Tired, Nurses Are Quitting Due to the Pandemic” Forbes, “What It's Like to Be a Travel Nurse During a Pandemic” Professional Association for Nurse Travelers , “History” Travel Nurse Across America, “New Grad Nursing & How to Start Travel Nursing” Travel Nurse Across America, “ Travel Nursing Basics: Agencies, Requirements & More” TravelNursing.com, “Which Travel Nursing Specialties Are in Demand?” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2020 - Registered Nurses The Wall Street Journal , “High Pay for Covid-19 Nurses Leads to Shortages at Some Hospitals”

A Day in the Life of a Travel Nurse

Travel nurses live a life of adventure, but the lifestyle is only for some. It can be challenging to develop real relationships quickly, often leading to loneliness.
It’s expected that travel nurses be experienced in their field and able to perform many of the same tasks as their full-time colleagues.
Travel nurses can take time off to visit family or travel between assignments.

Are you curious about becoming a travel nurse? Although you love what you do, you may be ready for a challenge. Before jumping headlong into a 13-week assignment away from home, it’s important to note that travel nursing is not for everyone.

It can be challenging to make real relationships as you’re moving from city to city, leaving you needing a close support system.

Explore what a travel nurse does on a typical day and the pros and cons of becoming a travel nurse.

What Does a Travel Nurse Do on a Typical Day?

We spoke with two travel nurses to hear about their experiences and ask advice for our readers. Ashley Bryant is a busy travel nurse on a cardiac stepdown unit. She loves her travel assignments and the camaraderie she shares with nurses across the U.S.

Julia Waller enjoys her travel nurse career and the option to take several weeks off to go home and visit family and friends between assignments. Bryant and Waller talked with us about their typical day on assignment and the different types of “first days” they have at different hospitals.

Preparing for the Shift

Bryant says that the pandemic taught her the importance of emotionally, mentally, and physically caring for herself outside the hospital. For her, self-care has meant taking a walk or enjoying a cup of coffee before heading to work the night shift.

“I’ve noticed that taking a simple 30 minutes to mentally prepare before leaving my house makes a big difference in how my work day flows,” she says.

Waller also finds that spending time before getting to work to care for herself can help improve how the day flows. She says that coffee and breakfast are the essentials to starting her day.

Arriving at the Unit

Both nurses told us that a typical day starts the same way as when they were full-time staff nurses. Waller has found that she likes having a home unit instead of being part of the float pool.

“I feel more organized and in control of my day when I have an idea of the patient population and the flow of the unit,” she says. “I also find that having a home unit gives me more help and resources than when I float.”

Bryant describes a routine that is not unlike starting the shift for any full-time staff member. She takes five minutes to learn the basic information about her patients and then meets with the nurse who cared for the patient on the last shift at the patient’s bedside.

After meeting all of her patients, she takes another 20 minutes to take a deeper look at their charts, noting medication times, abnormal results, and upcoming tests.

She said that on a perfect night, the rest of the shift is spent administering medications, helping patients, and monitoring cardiac changes that may quickly evolve into an emergency.

New admissions from the emergency room or a transfer from the intensive care unit are interspersed in this busy schedule. She acknowledges that everyone plays a critical role in the unit’s success.

“It is so important that I give the unit secretaries, nurse techs, environmental staff, transporters, and kitchen staff their ‘flowers.’ I would truly be lost without them,” she says.

Ending the Shift

Ending the shift is much like the start but in reverse order. Travel nurses gather the information needed for the next shift, ensure they have charted all pertinent information, and complete the documentation.

The end-of-shift report collects the details of what happened to the patient in the last hours. It must include information for the incoming shift so patient care is seamless. This information includes medical history, medication, allergies, pain level, and pain management.

Bedside reporting is an integral part of involving the patient, family, and incoming nurse so all parties can get their questions answered and the patient can be actively involved in their care.

What’s Expected of Travel Nurses

Travel nurses are expected to be experienced in nursing care and the patient population they care for. They should have mastered their skills before they begin traveling.

Your first day on a new assignment can include picking up your identification badge and getting a unit tour to a full-blown orientation day with your preceptor. Waller says that she has experienced a completely virtual first day since the pandemic’s start.

She has consistently found that the new hospital usually requires travel nurses to do multiple learning modules so they are familiar with the hospital policies and procedures. Travel nurses can expect to be paired with a nurse for the first 1-3 days.

Although these preceptors are resources, travel nurses must have mastered their skills and work independently. Bryant has found that she often works 2-3 day shifts for orientation and then is released to work independently.

“The other nurses on the floor will ALWAYS be there to help you! There has never been a time when a fellow nurse was not willing to answer a question or come to my rescue on nights when it seems like everything is going haywire!” she says.

The Pros and Cons of Travel Nursing

The nationwide nursing shortage has made travel nursing an appealing career option for nurses who want to work full time or part time. Even hospitals that are fully staffed can experience seasonal shortages or the need to cover nurses on maternity leave.

But while travel nursing is an exciting adventure, it may not be for everyone. It is important to have a good grasp of the advantages and disadvantages of working as a travel nurse so you can make an informed decision about what you want to do.

What to Do When You’re Not on Assignment

Travel nurses often find their assignment goes quickly. Before you know it, the contract ends and you’re on your way back home or to your next assignment. Sometimes, the hospital facility will want to extend your contract.

In this case, your nurse recruiter or the nearest manager will let you know. It’s up to you to decide if you want to stay or move on. Bryant notes that one of the best perks of being a travel nurse is taking off as much or as little time as you want between contracts. For instance, some travel nurses work the holidays , while others choose not to.

“I have met some travelers who take the entire holiday season off. It feels great to be able to take three weeks off to go home and visit family to really give yourself a break,” she says.

This is one way that travel nurses have to care for their mental, physical, and spiritual health to prevent nurse burnout . It gives them a chance to come back to work refreshed and give the best possible care to their patients, Bryant notes.

Remember to make the most of your days off in a different city. By the time she has ended her assignment, Waller has completed a list of places to visit, the best malls to shop in, and has a list of some “must visit” restaurants and eateries.

Meet Our Contributors

Ashley Bryant, BSN

Ashley Bryant began her career in nursing in 2019 after earning her BSN from Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. Her love for everything heart related began in nursing school and was the driving force behind her decision to specialize in progressive cardiac and medical telemetry nursing. She began travel nursing in 2021 and has completed six travel contracts in Ohio, Michigan, North Carolina, and California. What Bryant loves most about this season in her career is being able to combine her love for nursing with traveling and gaining experiences that only travel nursing can offer.

Julia Waller, RN

Julia Waller is a registered nurse with experience working in the hospital and healthcare industry. She also has experience in diverse informatics systems and healthcare systems. She attended the clinical nurse leader program at Augusta University where she earned her MSN.

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Long-Term Care Travel Nurse Career Guide

Long-term care travel nurse career overview.

Long-term care, or LTC, travel nurses are entrusted with the responsibility of caring for some of the most vulnerable and dependent people in our population today. Not to be confused with “long-term acute care travel nurses”, long-term care travel nurses work in assisted living facilities (ALF), nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities (SNF), and inpatient rehabilitation units to care for those who are unable to live independently.

Long-Term Care Travel RN Jobs With Nomad Health

At Nomad, LTC travel nurses can have a fulfilling travel career as a caregiver to those needing assistance with daily living and recovery from various illnesses, while also enjoying high pay and flexible job options. We understand the stress that LTC travel nursing can bring, so we offer benefits such as a 401(K) with matching and medical, dental, vision, and malpractice insurance. To offset expenses, we also provide additional reimbursements for scrubs, licensure, and certifications. We’re committed to providing excellent benefits that help you feel secure so you can focus on providing the best care to your patients.

We empower our LTC travel nurses to have full control of their needs through our mobile app and job search engine. With them, you can filter by highest pay, location, ideal length of assignment, shift preference, and more. Although we don’t have recruiters, our Navigator team is available to assist you from start to finish. While on assignment, you’ll partner with a dedicated non-clinical Navigator who will be available to address any questions or concerns. For any clinical issues that may arise, you’ll have the expertise and support of our Clinical Navigators when needed.

Join Nomad's travel nurse community

Long term care travel rn job duties.

Long-term care travel nurses fill a vital role in caring for patients who may be older and have disabilities; these patients are placed in long-term care facilities because they require prolonged assistance with daily living. A large majority of nursing home residents are over the age of 65, with more than a third aged 85 and older . They may require significant assistance with activities of daily living (ADL) due to physical and/or cognitive decline. Most nursing home residents are considered medically stable, but can be at high risk for injury or acute exacerbations of chronic conditions.

Promote Self-Care

According to the American Geriatrics Society’s Health in Aging Foundation, a majority of nursing home residents need help with three or more ADLs, such as dressing, bathing, and eating. Almost all residents need supervision or assistance with ambulation and over half may deal with bowel or bladder incontinence (or both). LTC travel nurses in particular are instrumental in promoting self-care with support and guidance, as well as coordinating toileting schedules to decrease incontinence. Residents may also suffer from cognitive conditions such as dementia that affect their behavior, decision-making, and memory.

Rehabilitation

LTC travel nurses who work in settings like Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (IRF) or Sub-Acute Rehab facilities will encounter patients recovering from a variety of significant illnesses such as stroke, hip replacements, and heart attacks. They are required to receive a minimum of three hours of rehab a day, five to six days a week, as mandated by the Centers for Medicare Services (CMS) . Unlike a nursing home, IRFs will have 24-hour physicians, providers, and nurses available to them, much like an inpatient hospital setting. Once discharged, these patients may either go home or to another facility like a nursing home.

Supervising and Operational Oversight

Travel nurses in long-term care can help alleviate the staffing crisis that many long-term care facilities face today while providing the compassionate care and attention that older individuals deserve. According to CMS, long-term care facilities are required to provide 24-hour licensed nursing care and an RN present for eight consecutive hours a day, seven days a week. A Director of Nursing is also required to be present on a full-time basis. If you are a registered nurse (RN) as opposed to a licensed practical nurse (LPN), you may be hired for a supervisory role like the Director of Nursing. This individual has operational oversight of clinical situations and emergency management. Depending on the state, this nurse may also pronounce patients when they pass away.

Administering Treatments, Medications, and Taking Vital Signs

If you’re an LTC travel nurse working on the floor, you may be administering treatments (i.e. dressing changes) and medications (i.e. nebulizers), taking and assessing vital signs, inserting IVs, helping patients with their ADLs, and ensuring safety precautions for falls, pressure injuries, and aspiration. Most commonly, nurses are expected to perform weekly blood draws, evaluate the results, and notify the provider. Non-supervisory LTC roles also include conducting quarterly reviews, initiating and executing care plans, evaluating patients for polypharmacy, and providing opportunities for social and emotional well-being. LTC nurses will regularly collaborate with family members, social workers, MDS (minimum data set) nurses, and physicians to evaluate patient progress and changes in condition. In some settings, nurses may have to provide hospice/palliative care.

Popular Long Term Care Travel Nurse jobs

Long term care travel nurse skills.

As a LTC travel nurse, you'll be expected to possess a wide range of soft and hard nursing skills.

Infection Control and Prevention

Long-term care travel nurse jobs require expertise in core nursing skills such as infection control and prevention, wound care, collecting blood work, medication management, and implementation of evidence-based safety measures to prevent adverse events. Some key nursing considerations are preventing urinary tract infections and incontinent episodes, and decreasing the use of devices like indwelling urinary catheters.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one to three million serious infections occur every year in long-term care facilities. LTC travel nurses play a huge role in preventing, identifying, and treating infections in their patient population. Nurses should know the signs and symptoms of infection stemming from various sources such as wounds, lungs, or the urinary tract. Nurses should also be familiar with different types of infections such as C-Diff, pseudomonas, and staphylococcus while understanding the proper procedures and personal protective equipment (PPE) involved with each. In severe cases, patients may become septic; nurses need to be aware of an abnormal clinical presentation and understand when the patient requires higher-level care.

Comprehensive Assessments and Ensuring Safety

LTC travel nurses have to take vital signs, perform comprehensive assessments, and provide holistic case management as patients may have complex chronic medical needs. Another valuable skill to have is triage, as it is important to recognize when a patient needs higher-level care.

Nurses will also have to evaluate pressure injuries using risk assessment tools like the Braden Scale and employ prevention strategies such as encouraging mobility and applying protective devices. In the event of a wound, LTC travel nurses should understand how to assess it and perform appropriate wound care. Some nurses can specialize in wound care by obtaining the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing Certification.

Understand Medical Histories

Some other duties of an LTC travel nurse are to be aware of the medical histories of each patient and to employ evidence-based practices to prevent negative outcomes on health and safety. For example, suppose a patient has a history of atrial fibrillation, takes blood thinners, and is prone to falls. In that case, this patient should be instructed to call for assistance when getting up and should have a fall alarm employed to alert nearby staff. A fall for this patient could be catastrophic, as the risk for excessive bleeding and trauma is high. A “Falling Star” program may be implemented in some LTC facilities to identify high-risk fall patients. For patients with swallowing issues, an appropriate diet suited to their restrictions should be provided to reduce the risk of aspiration and ultimately, pneumonia and sepsis, which can be fatal.

Management of Cognitive Impairments and Behavioral Issues

At times, patients may struggle with cognitive impairments that affect their amygdala and limbic system. Because of this, patients may have side effects such as excessive crying, screaming, increased agitation, and fear. These cognitive impairments may also cause wandering, a lack of awareness of socially acceptable behaviors (i.e. undressing, using racial/ethnic slurs, touching private parts in public), hallucinations, and delusions.

Nurses will need patience and empathy to verbally de-escalate someone before resorting to methods such as antipsychotics and restraints, as these interventions can have negative consequences and are considered a last resort. Reducing the use of psychotropic drugs is supported by CMS and considered a best practice. LTC nurses should be aware of different de-escalation techniques such as:

Environmental changes
Providing a distraction
Identifying basic human needs like hunger/thirst and offering snacks
Speaking to the resident at eye level
Avoiding pointing or raising your voice
Speaking calmly
Seeking to maintain a structured schedule
Doll therapy
Aromatherapy (upon provider/facility approval)
Avoiding arguing with patient
Avoiding making false promises

If using psychotropic medications, travel LTC nurses need to be aware of dose reduction regulations and be competent in performing assessments, evaluations, and proper documentation. LTC nurses must always remember that behaviors are often the result of a disease process. Nurses will also educate families about potential personality and behavioral changes. When it comes to cognitive impairments and behavior management, it’s important to focus on promoting safe, patient-centered care for every individual.

Teamwork with Other Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare is a team sport and long-term care travel nursing is no different. As an LTC travel nurse, you will work with a team of healthcare professionals such as MDS (minimum data set) nurses, social workers, pharmacy consultants, respiratory therapists, wound care consultants, hospice nurses, and physicians to provide care. Nurses in particular will have to delegate appropriate tasks to Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and teach ancillary staff when to alert the nurse.

See our highest paying travel nurse jobs

Ltc travel nurse salary information.

At Nomad, long-term care travel nurses can make a weekly salary of $2,088, or $55 per hour. This means for a 13-week contract, you can earn approximately $27,144 in gross pay. Compared to ZipRecruiter, the average weekly salary for a staff LTC nurse is $1,418 a week.

For long-term care nurses, travel nursing can be a great way to expand your potential salary earnings. Factors such as location, shift differential, natural industry fluctuations, additional certifications, and overall years of experience can influence your ability to get paid more. Having experience in different areas of LTC nursing and having the flexibility to float to these different areas can be another way to increase potential salary.

Some certifications that are beneficial for LTC nurses working with geriatric populations include

American Nurses Credentialing Center Gerontological Nursing Certification (GERO-BC™)
Assisted Living Nurse Certificate (CALN)
American Healthcare Association Infection Preventionist Specialized Training
Geriatric Diabetic Certified Nurse (GDCN)

Some facilities may require certifications like the S.T.A.B.L.E. (Sugar, Temperature, Airway, Blood pressure, Lab work, and Emotional Support) Certification and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) for LTC travel nurses working with pediatric patients.

*Subject to change. Based on the average salary of Nomad Health LTC travel nurse jobs as of May 17th, 2023.

How to Become an LTC Travel Nurse

There are four major steps to becoming a long-term care travel nurse, which begins with obtaining your nursing degree, a nursing license, adequate experience, and the necessary certifications. Take a look below for a simple guide on how to start your LTC travel nurse journey.

Step 1: Earn Your Nursing Degree

To start your LTC travel nurse career, obtain a degree in nursing with an accredited Associate of Nursing (ASN) or Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) program. Take note that some facilities prefer nurses with a BSN.

Step 2: Pass the NCLEX (NGN)

The next step is to pass your NCLEX (NGN), or the National Council Licensure Examination; this is required to become a practicing registered nurse. Once you pass this exam, you will be able to obtain a license in your state of choice. There is always the option to obtain different state licenses and upgrade to a multi-state compact license if you qualify.Step 3: Get Hands-On Experience in Long-Term Care Nursing

Step 3: Get Hands-on Experience in Long-Term Care Nursing

Once you have your license to practice, you can apply to work in a long-term care setting, like a nursing home or skilled nursing facility. Another option is to start in an inpatient setting like med-surg and then transfer to an LTC care setting like inpatient rehabilitation, as gaining experience elsewhere may strengthen your clinical practice. With Nomad, many facilities prefer at least 12-24 months of recent LTC experience. Most importantly, you want to feel as comfortable and confident in your nursing skills before you start travel nursing!

Step 4: Obtain Certifications

In the LTC setting, travel nurses are required by CMS to have dementia care education. In some areas like Colorado, there are state-mandated laws that require nurses in the LTC specialty to have yearly education on dementia and memory care. The CARES Dementia Certification is an example of a course that nurses can take to fulfill these requirements and educate themselves on evidence-based practices.

Find your next travel nurse destination

How to apply for ltc travel nurse jobs.

Ready to start your LTC travel nursing adventure? Nomad Health is your gateway to a world of endless possibilities. With our job database, finding and applying for long-term care travel nurse jobs has never been easier.

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Completed profiles get faster offers, find your speciality and browse open jobs, benefits of being a long-term care travel nurse.

If you’re a long-term care nurse wondering if travel nursing is worth it, consider the benefits. LTC travel nurses are typically paid more than staff nurses and also enjoy a wider variety of facilities to work nationwide. You can have a high impact on a vulnerable population, while also helping to alleviate the nursing shortage in LTC facilities throughout the country. As a travel nurse, you can also take frequent breaks and vacations without having to worry about paid time off.

10 Resources To Prepare for a Travel LTC Nurse Job

If you’re a first-time travel LTC nurse or have been away from the bedside for a while and need a refresher, here are ten resources to boost your confidence and get up to speed on all things long term care nursing:

Review the TryThis Series with the Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing (HIGN). This summarizes evidence-based recommendations with practical tips. Some topics include: Assessing and Managing Delirium in Persons with Dementia, Elder Mistreatment Assessment, and Assessing the Etiology of Orthostatic Hypotension in Older Adults.
Listen to the podcast Nursing Home Series for Front Line Clinicians and Staff .
Brush up on state-specific DOH regulations and CMS requirements .
Review dementia education with the four-hour CARES Dementia training .
Attend education programs offered by American Healthcare Association , National Center for Assisted Living, and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) .
Educate yourself on LTC Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) such as Acute Change of Condition, Dehydration, and Fluid Balance from The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine (AMDA) .
Sign up for Geriatric Nursing , the official journal of the American Assisted Living Nurses Association, National Gerontological Nursing Association, and Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses.
Download the free American Geriatrics Society Updated Beers Criteria® for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults .
Read the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) news brief .
Review the National Association of Directors of Nursing Administration in Long-Term Care (NADONA) website, which has key industry information.

Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling LTC Nurses

Are ltc rns in high demand, what is the average bill rate for long-term care travel nurses, what is the difference between an lpn and rn in long-term care, s being an ltc travel nurse worth it, ltc travel nurse healthcare resources.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Long-Term Care." Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/longtermcare/index.html .
American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing. Retrieved from https://www.aapacn.org/ .
American Nurses Association. "Long-Term Care." Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/project-firstline/on-the-go-resource/long-term-care/ .
American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living. Retrieved from https://www.ahcancal.org/Pages/default.aspx .
Health in Aging Foundation. "Nursing Homes: Age-Friendly Healthcare You." Retrieved from https://www.healthinaging.org/age-friendly-healthcare-you/care-settings/nursing-homes .
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. "Pressure Ulcer Prevention." Retrieved from https://www.ahrq.gov/patient-safety/settings/hospital/resource/pressureulcer/tool/pu7b.html .
Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing Certification Board. Retrieved from https://www.wocncb.org/ .
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. "Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility - Rehabilitation Therapy Intensity Requirements." Retrieved from https://www.cms.gov/files/document/inpatientrehabilitationfacilityrefbooklet2pdf .
Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing. "Try This: Best Practices in Nursing Care to Older Adults." Retrieved from https://hign.org/consultgeri-resources/try-this-series .
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. "Nursing Home Series for Front-Line Clinicians and Staff." Retrieved from https://www.cms.gov/podcast/nursing-home-series-front-line-clinicians-and-staff .
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. "Nursing Homes: Guidance for Laws and Regulations." Retrieved from https://www.cms.gov/medicare/provider-enrollment-and-certification/guidanceforlawsandregulations/nursing-homes .
Health Care Interactive. "Basics of Long-Term Care." Retrieved from https://hcinteractive.com/Basics/ .
American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living. "Professionals in Long-Term Care." Retrieved from [ https://www.ahcancal.org/Workforce-and-Career/Pages/Professionals.aspx]( https://www.ahcancal.org/Workforce-and-Care

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What Travel Nurse Benefits Should You Be Receiving?
How Many Hours Does a Travel Nurse Work?
How Does Travel Nursing Work?
Travel Nurses: This Is How You Could Get Paid More When You Extend ~ Nursing Art
The Distance Dilemma: How Far is Too Far for Travel Nursing?
Top 5 Tips On How To Organize Your Time As A Nurse

COMMENTS

What Do Travel Nurses Do?
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.
Travel Nurse Job Description [Updated for 2024]
A Travel Nurse works for an agency, which handles the assignments and administrative part of the job. The agency serves as a point of contact for questions or concerns. Once at a job site, the Travel Nurse reports to the Charge Nurse, Nursing Supervisor or another department lead as they would in any healthcare setting.
Travel Nurse Job Description [Updated for 2024]
Travel Nurses perform essential nursing duties while moving around different healthcare facilities or locations, providing critical care to patients wherever they are needed. They fill gaps in nursing staff, often in areas of need or during times of crisis, and must be adaptable and flexible in their approach to care. Travel Nurses have the ...
Responsibilities of a Travel Nurse: Duties and Requirements
Travel Nurse responsibilities: Attending to patients under intensive care. While assigned to a hospital, your duties are similar to that of a staff nurse. It includes monitoring and attending to patients in ICUs. Vigilance and alertness are the essential qualities of a travel nurse attending to a patient under intensive care.
Travel Nurse Description
Travel nurses are healthcare professionals who provide patient care and have a wide array of duties to perform, such as administering medication and preparing nutritionally-specific meals. However, a traveling registered nurse will take a temporary assignment, typically for 13 weeks, and travel from location to location.
What does a Travel Nurse do? Role & Responsibilities
They provide direct patient care and perform a range of nursing tasks, including dispensing medication and overseeing medical treatment and procedures. They may specialize in a particular type of care or in supporting patients with certain medical conditions. Travel nurses are typically RNs and must have a valid nursing license in their state ...
What does a Travel Nurse do
Also known as a traveling registered nurse, travel nurses are RNs, LPs, and NPs who visit homes, organizations and other places to provide people with much-needed medical care. In general, traveling nurses collaborate with doctors, management and a secretary or scheduler. Although there are multiple types of nursing positions, travel nurses ...
Travel Nurse Job Description [+2024 TEMPLATE]
Travel Nurse responsibilities include: Traveling to patients' homes, schools and other organizations to administer medication and vaccinations and complete blood pressure, glucose and other tests. Performing wound inspections, changing dressings and monitoring patients' overall wellbeing.
Travel Nurse Job Description
Responsibilities for travel nurse. Perform assessment/data collection in an ongoing and systematic manner, focusing on physiologic, psychological and cognitive status of patients. Analyze assessment data to determine appropriate nursing diagnoses. Identify appropriate expected outcomes individualized to the patient.
What is Travel Nursing?
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.
Travel Nurse: Job Description and Salary Expectations
As a travel nurse, you perform the same duties as a regular nurse, which may include providing patient care, administering medication, monitoring vital signs, collaborating with healthcare teams, documenting patient information, and educating patients and families. Your specific responsibilities may depend on the healthcare facility, the unit ...
Travel Nurse Job Description
By Paul Peters, Updated Apr 29, 2021. Travel nurses are healthcare workers who travel to patients and assist at healthcare facilities. They perform typical nursing duties and provide care in residential areas, at schools, and other organizations. Travel nurses also assist when hospitals are short-staffed. Special Offer.
How Does Travel Nursing Work? Requirements, Job Description, and
Travel nurses perform the same duties and play the same role in a health care facility as a local RN, but the difference is that they're transitory, meaning they don't live permanently in the locality in which they're working. This is possible because geographical location has little impact on the training and skill set that's needed ...
What Is A Travel Nurse?
Travel nurses work in various healthcare settings. They commonly find assignments in hospitals, but often staffing agencies send nurses to underserved areas like rural communities. They may also work in intensive care units, community health centers, clinics — in short, anywhere with a nursing shortage.
What Does a Travel Nurse Do? Job Description, FAQs, and More
Travel Nurse Job Description. The travel nurse's job is almost identical to a non-travel nurse. ... You are expected to perform all duties of the registered nurse and continue to carry out provider's orders as appropriate. Depending on hospital policies, procedures, or the type of unit the travel nurse is working in, the role may vary ...
What Does A Travel Nurse Do?
Travel nursing is a great opportunity for newly registered nurses with at least a year of experience. It gives new nurses an opportunity to strengthen their resume, work with a variety of teams, and explore the profession in ways that you simply can't do as a permanent nurse. Alternatively, many nurses choose to work as travelers towards the ...
Travel Nurse Job Description Template
This section of your travel nurse job description is an excellent place to outline what specific tasks a candidate will be responsible for. List the most important duties first and use active verbs and straightforward wording to clearly get your message across. Template: Adapting to new healthcare environments and protocols quickly and seeking ...
How to Become a Travel Nurse
Because you may be working in different states and even perform different nursing duties from one job to the next, travel nurses see a wide range of salaries. In general, travel nurses make more than the average RN - estimates for 2022 are around $100,000 per year, compared to an average of $82,750 for RNs as a whole.
How to Become a Travel Nurse
Travel nurses perform the same tasks and duties as a registered nurse, for the most part. Some may learn unique specialties, practices, or skills during their travels based on the needs where they are working. For example, nurses working in mosquito heavy areas may learn specific skills for treating mosquito-borne illnesses. Others may be ...
LPN Travel Nursing Jobs: Expand Your Horizons and Skills
Common Nursing Duties and Patient Care. As a licensed practical nurse, typical duties include: Monitoring vital signs; Administering medications and treatments; ... LPN travel nurses perform the same patient care duties and have a similar scope of practice to traditional staff LPNs. The main difference is adapting to a new facility's policies ...
What Is a Travel Nurse? Job Description and Salary
Facilities expect them to perform all the duties of a traditional nurse with little to no context for care. Because of this, travel nurses must become comfortable with working in extremely fast-paced, chaotic environments. For example, a travel nurse may take an assignment at a severely understaffed neonatal intensive care unit.
A Day In The Life Of A Travel Nurse
Travel nurses live a life of adventure, but the lifestyle is only for some. It can be challenging to develop real relationships quickly, often leading to loneliness. It's expected that travel nurses be experienced in their field and able to perform many of the same tasks as their full-time colleagues.
Long-Term Care Travel Nurse Career Guide
At Nomad, long-term care travel nurses can make a weekly salary of $2,088, or $55 per hour. This means for a 13-week contract, you can earn approximately $27,144 in gross pay. Compared to ZipRecruiter, the average weekly salary for a staff LTC nurse is $1,418 a week. For long-term care nurses, travel nursing can be a great way to expand your ...
CMS updates informed consent guidance for hospitals
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services April 1 revised its Hospital Interpretative Guidelines for Informed Consent to clarify the need to obtain informed consent from patients before medical students or other students perform important surgical tasks or sensitive or invasive procedures or examinations. "Based on increasing concerns about the absence of informed patient consent prior to ...

Where Do Travel Nurses Work?

What Do Travel Nurses Do?

Bedside Responsibilities

Patient Advocacy

1. Get Their Assignments

2. Looking Through the EMR

3. Performing Physical Assessments

Travel Nursing Pros

Travel Nursing Cons

Travel Nurse Job Description [Updated for 2024]

Travel Nurse Duties and Responsibilities

Travel Nurse Job Description Template

Responsibilities

Qualifications

Additional Information

What Does a Travel Nurse Do?

Travel Nurse Qualifications and Skills

Travel Nurse Experience Requirements

Travel Nurse Education and Training Requirements

Travel Nurse Salary Expectations

Travel Nurse Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a travel nurse need?

What should you look for in a travel nurse resume?

What qualities make a good travel nurse?

What are the benefits and drawbacks of being a travel nurse?

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Responsibilities of a Travel Nurse: Duties and Requirements

Who Employs Travel Nurses?

Educational Requirements

Experience Requirements

How Long Are The Assignments of Travel Nurse?

Who Picks Your Assignments?

Traveling and Lodging

What You’ll Be Doing as a travel nurse

Travel Nurse responsibilities: Assisting local staff with workload

Travel Nurse responsibilities: Working at schools

Travel Nurse responsibilities: Administering medication

Travel Nurse responsibilities: Taking samples and readings

Travel Nurse responsibilities: Attending to patients under intensive care

Travel Nurse responsibilities: Conducting vaccination drives

Travel Nurse responsibilities: Comforting elderly and terminally ill patients

Am I Fit For this job?

Leaving your home for your job

Dealing with occasional cold behavior

Getting unwanted duties

Language and cultural barriers

Switching gears with every job assignment

Frequent change of environment

Learning the layout

Working long hours

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