travel nurse tasks performed

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.

Reasons to Become a Travel Nurse (See the World Differently)

How to Become a Travel Nurse (Complete Guide)

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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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Travel Nurse: Job Description, Salary, and How to Become One

Interested in becoming a travel nurse? Read more about the job description, responsibilities, salary, and steps to becoming one. Careers

Travel Nurses
Table of Contents:
Job Description
Responsibilities
Benefits of Travel Nursing
Salary Expectations
Becoming a Travel Nurse

Are you an experienced nurse seeking adventure? Consider becoming a travel nurse. This informative guide offers valuable insights into travel nursing, including job responsibilities, benefits, salary expectations, and the necessary steps to begin your journey.

Travel Nurse Job Description

A travel nurse is an experienced and skilled healthcare professional who takes on short-term contracted assignments in facilities that require additional nursing staff.

If you are an LPN, RN, or NP with a license, you can search for contracts to work as a traveling nurse. You can expect to work 13 weeks on temporary contracts with a weekly requirement of 36-48 hours. However, travel nurse contracts can vary from two to 26 weeks.

Related: Best Registered Nurse (RN) Jobs and Salaries in 2023

Where Do Travel Nurses Work?

Travel nurses have the flexibility to work in a wide range of healthcare settings across the country and even internationally for the most adventurous. Below are some healthcare settings where travel nurses work:

Intensive care (ICU)
Emergency room (ER)
Stepdown (PCU)
Medical-surgical
Labor and delivery (L&D)
Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
Cardiac care
Long-term acute care hospitals (LTACH)
Urgent care facilities
Outpatient clinics
Rehabilitation centers
Home health agencies
Nursing homes
Assisted living facilities
Dialysis centers
Psychiatric hospitals and mental health facilities
Pediatric hospitals and clinics
Oncology centers
Operating rooms and surgical centers
Women's health clinics and labor and delivery units
Public health clinics

Travel Nurse Responsibilities

As a travel nurse, you share similar duties and responsibilities with staff nurses in your specified specialty, including:

Patient care
Patient assessments.
Vital sign monitoring.
Medication administration.
Evaluation of patients for changes in condition.
Patient education.
Communicate effectively with patients, families, and the healthcare team.
Documentation.
Team Collaboration.
Problem-solving.

But, there are some critical distinctions as a contracted worker. In addition to your typical staff nursing duties, your additional responsibilities as a travel nurse will encompass the following:

Adapt rapidly to new healthcare environments, policies, and procedures to integrate into different facilities seamlessly
Demonstrate proficiency in learning and navigating electronic health record (EHR) systems specific to each assignment
Maintain compliance with specific facility requirements, such as specialized documentation processes, quality assurance protocols, and unique equipment usage
Adhere rigorously to facility-specific safety protocols and infection control measures to ensure the well-being of patients, colleagues, and yourself
Exhibit exceptional adaptability and flexibility to thrive in diverse assignments, embracing different cultural practices and regional variations in healthcare delivery

As a travel nurse, your ability to effortlessly integrate into different healthcare environments while delivering quality care is crucial. Your expertise and adaptability allow you to make a positive impact wherever you go.

Benefits of Becoming a Travel Nurse

Becoming a travel nurse offers a range of advantages that can enhance your personal and professional life. Here are some key benefits to consider:

Power to choose your time off: As a travel nurse, you can decide when to take time off between assignments. This flexibility allows you to maintain a healthy work-life balance and prioritize personal commitments.
Traveling and seeing the country: One of the main advantages of being a travel nurse is exploring different regions and cities. You can immerse yourself in diverse cultures, experience new environments, and create unforgettable memories while working in various locations.
Making new friends: Each assignment introduces you to a new network of healthcare professionals, enabling you to expand your professional connections and form lasting friendships. Collaborating with diverse teams fosters a sense of community and provides valuable networking opportunities.
Ability to make more money: Travel nursing often comes with competitive compensation packages, including higher pay rates, stipends, and bonuses. This financial advantage allows you to pay off debts, save for the future, or enjoy bonus travel experiences.
Experience in various healthcare facilities: With exposure to multiple hospitals and facilities, you can enhance your expertise, flexibility, and understanding, making you a versatile and in-demand healthcare professional.

Travel nursing is an alluring pathway for those who crave excitement, freedom, change, and traveling.

Travel Nurse Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that in May 2021, the average annual salary for registered nurses was $77,600.

As of May 2023, a report by ZipRecruiter states that the average annual salary for registered nurses is now $77,976, while travel nurses can expect a yearly salary of $105,021.

Nursing experience does not affect travel nursing pay. Instead, the salary varies on the state, healthcare facility, nursing specialty, travel nurse agency, and how many contracts you work in a year.

Ziprecruiter's May 2023 report highlights that pay for travel nurses will vary depending on the state, with some offering higher compensation and others offering lower.

Highest Travel Nurse Pay by State 2023:

New York: $128,277
Arizona: $109,776
Wyoming: $109,765
Hawaii $109,653

Lowest Travel Nurse Pay by State 2023:

South Carolina: $80,182
Louisiana: $82,597
North Dakota: $83,025
Texas: $85,025
Michigan: $86,825

How to Become a Travel Nurse

Step 1: complete an undergraduate nursing program .

Complete your associate's degree (ADN) or bachelor's degree (BSN) in nursing. Undergraduate nursing programs take 2-4 years to complete. Obtaining your BSN may be preferable, depending on the specialty you desire to work in.

Step 2: Get Your Nursing License

Take and pass the NCLEX-RN to become an RN. If you want to be a travel nurse, it may be worth applying for nursing licensure and obtaining your first nursing job in a compact licensure state. By getting your compact RN license, you can travel to 39 states without needing to endorse your nursing licensure for every assignment.

Related: Best RN to BSN Programs in 2023

Step 3: Obtain Nursing Experience

Any travel position will require at least one to two years of nursing experience in the specialty you plan to work as a travel nurse. This fundamental nursing experience will set you up for success, as each healthcare facility will have varying systems and processes. By having a solid nursing foundation, you can adjust and adapt accordingly.

Step 4: Find a Healthcare Staffing Agency

Research and set up your applications with preferable travel nursing agencies.

Step 5: Apply for a Travel Nurse Assignment

Apply to your desired travel nursing jobs.

Step 6: Start Your Travel Nurse Contract

Explore the world of travel nursing further with our detailed resources. Whether you're a beginner or ready to start your journey, we've got you covered with our beginner's guide and step-by-step instructions .

As a travel nurse, you'll have the chance to work in various healthcare settings, discover new locations, and grow personally and professionally. Embrace the adventure and pursue a rewarding career that lets you make a positive difference in patients' lives while enjoying the excitement of travel.

About Erin Lee , BSN, RN

Erin Lee has 12 years experience as a BSN, RN and specializes in Critical Care, Procedural, Care Coordination, LNC.

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Sabrina S., RN

Is it possible to make an internship as a travel nurse? best regards

canoehead, BSN, RN

6,893 Posts

Sabrina S. said: Is it possible to make an internship as a travel nurse? best regards

Its not wise to travel as a new grad, and I doubt any hospital would hire someone without experience.

I'm a certified nurse since 2019. I want to do an internship for 3 months as an abroad experience. I'm looking for a place (hospital, citizens' residence, mobile care, ..) in California, LA. If you have any tips for me, let me know 🙏

I'm living and working in Austria.

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What Does a Travel Nurse Do? Job Description, FAQs, and More

Travel nurses are known to have exciting careers. From the very first opportunity to travel, a Registered Nurse is able to choose where they go throughout the United States and are in for the ride of a lifetime! Are you curious about starting your travel nurse career? Being a part of the nursing profession gives you the opportunity to choose your career nationwide and join the many other travel nurses across the US. This may be just what you’re looking for. Do you want to learn about other cultures and regional nursing? Does it excite you to consider living outside of your comfort zone? Want to make more money? Keep reading.

How to Become a Travel Nurse

After securing your RN license through an accredited nursing program and licensure through the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination), it’s important to consider the route you would like to take to get to your goal of becoming a travel nurse. If you just completed nursing school, you will want to first get a job in the acute healthcare setting instead of a job in the outpatient environment. A hospital job within your specialty will make you more marketable versus a job at local community health center. If you are an experienced RN, you’ve likely worked alongside travel nurses at your current healthcare organization. At a minimum, you’ve probably heard of a colleague or friend who left to start as a travel nurse.

But how do you become a travel nurse? To make it simple, having someone to guide you on this journey is beneficial. It allows you to relax, take a deep breath, and know that you’re on the right path to the type of nursing career you desire. The Travel Nurse Academy from Health Carousel Travel Nursing (HCTN) has all of your answers. As a preview of all this educational resource has to offer RNs interested in learning more about the world of a travel nurse—you will learn things like how housing and pay works, where travel nurses go , and more. It provides the career guidance you need to thrive in your first travel nurse role. You will complete the course with confidence as you will have all of the support you need. Hands-on support and travel nurse specialists are ready and willing to help you be successful in this career move.

A brief step-by-step list may include:

Obtain a nursing degree through an accredited nursing program
Take the NCLEX
Apply for nursing license
Obtain BLS and ACLS certification
Choose a specialty of interest and get experience
Reach out to a travel nursing agency and complete application
Work with a recruiter to find a good fit for your first assignment
Complete all onboarding paperwork

History of Travel Nurse

Where did the idea of nurses traveling nurses come from? According to the Professional Association of Nurse Travelers, there was a need for nurses that began in the 1970s. Nurses had been traveling to Florida for the winter from northern states and while they were enjoying the sunshine, they also enjoyed the ability to find a job due to the current shortage of nurses at the time. Known as “snowbirds,” these nurses were able to escape the cold winters and replace them with the warm sun and salty breeze. The work agreements were informal for those nurses as they would leave to journey back to their home state further north. This seemed to benefit the employer and employee.

The idea has been formalized since then. As the nursing profession has grown and developed, travel nurses and agencies have as well. What once was originally an unofficial position is now a sought after option for experienced nurses. Travel nursing agencies now exist to support the nurse in this profession by becoming a resource, wealth of knowledge, and all-encompassing employer. Agencies are able to offer health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, travel stipends, housing stipends, and housing. Other benefits also include :

401(k) retirement plan with company match
Standard limited liability insurance
Voluntary Life and AD&D
Voluntary Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
Accident & Critical Illness Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Corporate discounts
Free CEU credits

Travel Nurse Trends

Hospitals and healthcare systems across the country—particularly in a few concentrated states—are experiencing nursing shortages. These shortages are expected to grow over the next decade. When a hospital or healthcare facility has a shortage and needs to address its staffing issue quickly, one solution they may consider is the hiring of a short-term contract RN—a travel nurse.

As the need for the travel nurses continues to grow, independent staffing agencies and travel nurse agencies scramble to keep up the pace of hiring nurses. Healthcare staffing agencies are also feeling the pressure. The demand continues to be high, due to the pandemic, and is expected to continue that way since the US is combating a nursing shortage nationwide.

Travel Nurse Expectations

A travel nurse is a temporary, contracted employee that is hired to work at a facility through a staffing agency. They are not full-time employees of the healthcare organization at which they are contracted. This can be within the travel nurse’s home state or a completely different state of the nurse’s choosing. Travel nurse assignments typically last 13 weeks, but the length can vary depending on the needs of the host facility or healthcare system. It is expected that you will take on a different assignment after the previously agreed upon 13 weeks is completed.

The travel nurse will also expect to work within their area of expertise. Knowing your specialty usually means 2-3 years of experience within that role. Do you have a nursing specialty? If you have not worked in an ICU prior to becoming a travel nurse, you should not expect to get a position there. The same is applied to other nursing specialties such as Oncology, Telemetry, Pediatrics, etc.

Other expectations may include the thrill of moving to new places, seeing sights you’ve never visited, and meeting new friends. Have you ever lived at the beach or near world famous ski slopes? How does surfing or skiing on your day off sound? The travel nurse life can make those dreams a reality.

If you’re unsure about housing while you’re on assignment, there are generally two options: agency provided housing or a housing stipend. There are benefits to both, so the decision is yours to make. In some cases having the guess work cut out of housing already provided for you offers one less thing to consider with the next assignment. If you choose the housing stipend and are able to find housing less than the housing stipend amount, the balance is yours to keep

Travel Nurse Job Description

The travel nurse’s job is almost identical to a non-travel nurse. The nursing process will be used throughout your shift as you assess, diagnose, plan, implement, and evaluate according to your scope of practice.

Your day starts just like any other nurse’s day would with getting report from the previous shift. 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 slightly from assignment to assignment. Travel nursing agencies will provide you additional information as needed.

Normal duties include performing nursing assessments, assisting in exams and testing, obtaining vital signs, admitting patients, discharging patients, providing emotional support as needed, reporting any necessary data to the patient’s doctors, educating patients on their conditions, administering ordered medications, etc. As always, it is expected that patient safety be paramount and patient care always be provided.

Travel Nurse Tips

If you would like to become a travel nurse, finding someone who has already gone through the process can be very helpful. Another helpful tip is to reachout to Health Carousel Travel Nursing for guidance on the next steps . Having a bachelor’s degree (BSN) will make you more desirable to hire compared to a nurse with an associate’s degree.
Be flexible and keep a good attitude. Expect there to be hard days and amazing days, just as it is with every nursing position. By having a willingness to learn, you have already set yourself up for success.
Know who your support system is and be sure to celebrate your wins and talk through your losses. Family members, fellow nurses, and therapists are all great resources.
Get ahead of the game and start now by applying for a compact nursing license . The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) program exists to give the ability for nurses to work in those states who participate in the program. By having an NLC you won’t have to obtain an individual license for each state in which you work. Be sure to see if your home state participates.
Make sure you have your Advanced Care Life Support (ACLS) certification and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Be proficient in basic nursing skills. Orientation on a new nursing unit may only be a couple of shifts which is intended for learning the specific unit and hospital policies and procedures- not how to be a nurse.

Ensure your recruiter through your travel nursing agency is a good fit for you. They will be able to help you with your travel nursing assignments and other questions concerning travel nurse jobs you may have.

What Do Travel Nurses Do Daily?

Travel nurses care for their patients and follow provider's orders. They follow the flow of the facility where they are working throughout the day. They are expected to function within their scope of practice.

How Much Money Do You Actually Make as a Travel Nurse?

Travel nurse salary varies by state and assignment. To get a clearer picture of what each states’ average wage, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is a good resource. Your recruiter will be able to discuss specific wages and any additional stipends offered for each assignment.

Is Being a Travel Nurse Worth It?

Yes! Being a travel nurse can bring fulfillment in the nursing profession that you haven’t had elsewhere. You can have an exciting life of adventure, pursuing your dreams, and experiences beyond what you are accustomed to. By not having a permanent staff role you will have the opportunity to escape current day-to-day hospital politics and drama.

What Kind of Nurse Is a Traveling Nurse?

A traveling nurse has many qualities that regular nurses have already—kindness, compassion, organization, and being an excellent multi-tasker. What may be different is their love of adventure and a desire to experience and live in other regions of the US. They are happy to pick up their current lives and transport them to different areas.

Katherine Wylie, BSN, RN provides written health content for W Health Publications. She has worked as a RN for over 10 years in various specialties. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outside exploring with her husband and two kids in North Carolina.

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What Is a Travel Nurse?

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How Long to Become 2-4 years

Job Outlook 6% growth from 2020-2030

Average Weekly Salary $2130/week for RNs

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Travel nursing is a unique way to transform your nursing career into an exciting adventure. As a travel nurse, you get paid to be away from home — while discovering new places, people, and healthcare settings. Find out what the life of a travel nurse is like and how to become one.

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What Does a Travel Nurse Do?

A travel nurse is a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) who works short-term contracts in various locations. Hospitals or other healthcare facilities hire travel nurses to fill shifts during periods of short staffing.

A travel nurse contract typically lasts 13 weeks, which is how long it takes to hire and train permanent nursing staff. Contract lengths may vary based on a facility’s needs and a travel nurse’s availability.

Travel nurses work for third-party agencies that match them with facilities based on their experience.

When they arrive at an assignment, their training period can be as short as three days compared to three months for a staff nurse. For this reason, a traveling nurse must be well-prepared to care for patients in their specialty. Travel nurses typically need at least 2-3 years in their specialty. This combination of preparedness and experience contributes to the higher pay they receive.

While on assignment, travel nurses perform the same duties as the permanent nursing staff. Depending on the unit they’re working on, a typical shift for a travel nurse may look like this:

Clock into work and check your assignment (or find out if you’re floating to another unit)
Get a report from the off-going nurse
Perform patient rounds
Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team and nursing staff to facilitate patient movement, including procedures, diagnostic tests, surgery, and higher or lower levels of care
Complete orders based on patient needs and the flow of the unit, like ambulating patients and monitoring intake and output
Give a report to the oncoming nurse
Clock out and get ready for the next shift

When their assignment is complete, the facility may ask travel nurses to extend their contract at a facility. Other times, they travel to other locations based on their preferences.

closeup of nurse hands on computer keyboard

JGI/Tom Grill / Getty Images

Key Responsibilities

A travel nurse is responsible for following orders and protocols to carry out individual patient care plans. On a typical shift, their job duties may include:

Performing head-to-toe assessments
Giving medications
Monitoring vital signs
Collecting labs
Participating in multidisciplinary rounds
Assisting with procedures
Managing IVs or central lines
Performing wound care
Admitting and discharging patients

Career Traits

A successful travel nurse is:

Confident in their nursing skills
Experienced in their specialty for at least 2-3 years
A quick learner
Not afraid to ask for help
A strong patient advocate

Where Do Travel Nurses Work?

Travel nurses can work in several settings, from hospitals to long-term care facilities to international settings . A travel nurse must have experience within their practice area to deliver the safest patient care.

Here are some examples of settings where a travel nurse might work:

Long-Term Care

A long-term care nurse may become a traveler and care for assisted living or nursing home residents. In these settings, a travel nurse’s key responsibilities include passing medications, assisting patients with activities of daily living, and collaborating with families.

Medical-Surgical Unit

Medical-surgical travel nurses care for hospital patients with various conditions, diseases, and therapies. They monitor vital signs, administer medications, and perform wound care. They have a wide skill set and are constantly learning about new conditions on the fly.

Intensive Care Unit

An ICU travel nurse cares for critically ill patients in the hospital. Intensive care nurses manage equipment like ventilators, cardiac monitors, invasive pressure devices, and continuous dialysis machines.

They’re ready to respond to emergencies anytime because their patients can take a turn quickly. A nurse must complete advanced competencies in an ICU before becoming a critical care travel nurse.

Why Become a Travel Nurse

Many nurses become travelers because they’re ready for a new adventure. Travel nursing allows you to see different parts of the country — and the world — while getting paid more than a staff nursing position.

But the travel nurse lifestyle comes with some frustrations, like always being on the move. Learn more about the pros and cons of being a travel nurse.

Advantages of Becoming a Travel Nurse

Disadvantages of becoming a travel nurse, how to become a travel nurse.

To become a travel nurse , you first need to become a nurse . Then, you need to get enough experience in a specialty to feel comfortable caring for patients in new locations with minimal training. Here’s what you need to do:

Get a nursing degree.

Complete nursing education to earn a bachelor’s, an associate, or a licensed practical nursing degree.

Become licensed.

Pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN and earn an RN or LPN license in your state of practice.

Get experience in a nursing specialty.

Most facilities require a nurse to have two years of recent experience in a specialty. However, this depends on the unit, facility, and travel agency.

Get licensed in other states.

If you have a compact nursing license , you can practice in any state it covers. If you plan to travel to a non-compact state, you must apply for licensure with that state’s board of nursing.

Get certifications.

Nursing certification requirements vary by specialty. Some requirements may include ACLS, PALS, NRP, and chemo certification.

Join a travel nurse agency.

After getting plenty of nursing experience, you’ll apply to a travel nurse agency to get matched with jobs. They’ll walk you through a hiring process and help you transition into working as a traveler at a new healthcare facility.

How Much Do Travel Nurses Make?

A travel nurse’s pay structure differs from a staff nurse’s because a travel agency covers their cost of living. When nurses accept an assignment, their compensation package determines their pay. The details like housing stipends, travel reimbursement, and hourly pay are set during contract negotiations .

The pay range for travel nurses depends on the location and specialty. For example, nurses skilled in a high-demand department may get higher offers at short-staffed facilities.

Travel nurse salaries change constantly due to healthcare industry changes and hiring demands. A recent market report shows a national average of $2,130/week for RNs and $1,479/week for LPNs. Another report shows an average hourly rate of $49 for travel nurses.

Many factors go into a travel nurse’s pay rate, like:

Nursing specialty

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Nurses

What does a travel nurse do on a typical day.

A travel nurse assumes care of patients just like any other nurse on a unit. Examples of daily responsibilities include doing assessments, giving medications, monitoring vital signs, starting IVs, and dressing wounds.

In addition to performing standard nursing care, they may have to handle administrative tasks required by their travel agency. This might include submitting time sheets, compliance paperwork, and check-ins with a recruiter.

How competitive is being a travel nurse?

Travel nurse jobs may be competitive at locations with the highest pay — meaning there may be more than one nurse interested in an open position. Some travel nurse agencies have long-standing relationships with certain facilities, which gets travelers into interviews faster. An experienced travel nurse recruiter can help you get interviews at your desired location.

How long are travel nursing assignments?

A standard travel assignment is 13 weeks. However, a travel nurse contract can be as short as four weeks, and facilities may offer to extend the contract. If a facility has critical needs, a travel nurse may take a crisis staffing assignment to help quickly. Also called rapid response nursing, these assignments range from 2-6 weeks and often require nurses to work 48 hours or more weekly.

Why are travel nurses paid more?

A travel nurse’s compensation package reflects the costs of traveling away from home. Different factors go into their pay, including hourly wages, travel reimbursements, housing stipends, and benefits.

Page last reviewed on February 26, 2024

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Travel nurse career overview

About travel nursing.

Travel nursing is an exciting field in healthcare where registered nurses work temporary positions in hospitals, clinics, and other facilities across the country. A career as a travel nurse provides a challenging, yet rewarding environment for RN's who bring their unique skills and clinical expertise to areas where they are needed most.

Travel nurse job description

Travel nurses share the same tasks and responsibilities as staff nurses. When browsing job descriptions for travel nurses , you can expect to see the following duties:

Patient care

Travel nurses provide hands-on patient care at the bedside. They are often at the frontlines tending to the physical and emotional needs of their patients. Travel nurses are trained to perform skilled nursing tasks and use critical thinking to provide timely and compassionate interventions. Common patient care tasks you may find in a travel nurse job description are:

administering medications
helping patients maintain hygiene and cleanliness
placing IV catheter access and drawing blood work
assisting with medical procedures & surgeries
monitoring vital signs

Emergency response

Travel nurses are among the first responders in an emergency situation and must be prepared to provide immediate medical support as needed. Some tasks a travel nurse might need to complete during an emergency response are:

assessing airway, breathing, and circulation
medication administration
CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
securing intravenous (IV) catheter access

Education and advocacy

Travel nurses often spend the most time with patients and know their physical and emotional needs intimately. This close proximity allows travel nurses to be strong advocates for their patients by anticipating necessary medical interventions, reducing unnecessary harm, and ensuring the highest-quality of care is being delivered. Travel nurses also work closely with the patient's family to educate them about the plan of care and to explain any evolving changes in the patient’s condition.

Communication and collaboration

Travel nurses collaborate closely with other healthcare professionals to provide the best possible care for patients. As a travel nurse, you will communicate frequently with social workers, physicians, nurse practitioners, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare professionals to make critical decisions about patient care.

Record keeping and documentation

An essential component of patient care that travel nurses excel in is record keeping and real-time documentation. Travel nurses update medical histories and medication lists, document any changes to a patient’s condition, maintain an accurate narrative of events every shift, and record frequent vital signs.

Nomad can help you find high-paying travel assignments

Travel nurse salary.

As a travel nurse, you can earn between $2,015 and $3,507 per week. There are many factors that can impact your earnings as a travel nurse , including:

certifications
length of assignment
facility demand

Average travel nurse salary

At Nomad, a travel nurse earns an average of $2,677 per week in gross earnings, or around $71 per hour. For a typical 13-week travel assignment, your gross pay could be $2,441 or more.

Travel nurse reimbursements

Many travel nursing agencies provide stipends that cover the cost of food, lodging, and other incidental expenses that travel nurses may incur while working on assignment. At Nomad, we provide our travel nurses with a $1,000 travel reimbursement in addition to reimbursements for licensure, certifications, and scrubs.

Travel nurse pay breakdown

When it comes to travel nurse pay, every nurse’s situation is slightly different simply because there are so many factors that can influence this number. But generally, here’s how the pay breakdown looks for a travel nurse.

Base pay is the hourly rate you earn for your work. This rate is considered taxable and subject to the local tax laws of the state in which the assignment is located. Base pay is also influenced by specialty, location, and facility demands. This, along with the number of shifts worked per week and any potential overtime can affect your total taxable income.

Per Diems are non-taxable stipends for food, lodging, and incidental expenses. The maximum stipend allowed is determined every year by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) . Per Diem stipend rates vary due to location and the overall cost of living.

Taxes for travel nurses can be a tricky subject. As a travel nurse, you are responsible for paying taxes on your base pay, along with any potential state-income taxes related to your tax home. However, other expenses like food, housing, transportation, and lodging may be covered by your per diem, non-taxable stipend.

While the gross take-home pay will always vary from one travel nurse to another, it's good practice to carefully review the details of your pay breakdown in your contract before accepting a travel assignment.

How to become a travel nurse

A person can take many different paths to become a travel nurse. Whether you’re starting from scratch, or experiencing a sudden career change, your journey to becoming a travel nurse starts here. Below are the most common routes people take when choosing to become a travel nurse.

Step 1: earn a degree

Becoming a travel nurse requires a degree from an accredited nursing school. You have the option of obtaining a two-year associate’s (ASN) degree or a four-year bachelor's (BSN) degree, although some hospitals prefer to employ BSN-trained nurses. Those who already have a four-year or two-year degree may qualify for accelerated BSN programs, which take about 12-18 months to complete. Your degree choice will ultimately depend on your career goals, financial situation, educational background, and personal preferences.

Step 2: pass the NCLEX

After you've completed your nursing degree, it's time to take the NCLEX exam, also known as the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The NCLEX will test your nursing knowledge and ensure you are prepared for the next steps in your career. Passing the NCLEX is required to obtain your state license. If you fail your first attempt, you can retake the NCLEX every 45 days.

Step 3: get licensed

After you pass the NCLEX, you will need to get licensed for the state(s) you want to work in and travel to as a nurse. Remember, each state has its own nurse licensing requirements. Some states are part of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows nurses with a compact license to practice in other compact states. It's best to check with the state nurse boards for the most official and updated information on license requirements.

Step 4: continuing education and certification

Passing the NCLEX and getting licensed is a huge milestone in the career of a travel nurse. However, continuing your education and earning certifications can help you increase your earnings and help you become an expert in certain specialties like med-surg , oncology , ICU , and more.

How long does it take to become a traveling nurse?

Becoming a travel nurse takes on average 16 months to four years. Factors that can influence the career timeline include:

The type of nursing program you enter
Completing prerequisites and other general education requirements
Licensing and certifications
Any prior healthcare or education experience

Whether you can be a full-time nursing student or a part-time nursing student will also impact your career timeline.

Types of travel nurse specializations

Like traditional staff nurses, travel nurses can specialize in different clinical areas. Nomad currently offers jobs in the most sought out travel nurse specializations. These include:

Medical-surgical
Emergency room
Labor and delivery
Operating room
Rehabilitation
Cardiac ICU
Critical Care
Long-term care

Pros and cons of being a travel nurse

Travel nursing is a rewarding career choice for people who value flexibility, travel, and embrace new experiences. Deciding whether the challenges of travel nursing outweigh the benefits ultimately depends on the individual and their working preferences. Below are some of the pros and cons of being a travel nurse:

Travel nurses earn a higher salary than staff nurses. Plus, travel nurses get their meals, transportation, and lodging paid for while on an assignment.

Exposure to new hospital settings

Because travel nurses are always working in new locations, they get exposure to unique medical settings in rural and urban environments.

Networking opportunities

Working in new settings allows travel nurses to make new connections with colleagues in the industry.

Licensing and credential requirements

Depending on the state you're on assignment in, you may have to acquire specific licensing or credentials. It's best to check with the appropriate nurse board in your state to find the most updated list of requirements.

Travel nurses must be extremely adaptable to work in a new setting for every assignment. Some nurses find it difficult to adapt to certain patients and environments.

Instability

Because travel nursing assignments can be short-term, it can lead to feelings of uncertainty regarding job security.

Travel nurse jobs

Here at Nomad, we want to ensure our travel nurses are cared for. By collaborating with experienced healthcare workers, we’ve built a benefits package that fits the needs of travel nurses today. If you want to become a travel nurse with Nomad, start by browsing our latest jobs.

Understanding travel nurse contracts

Before accepting your first travel assignment, familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of your contract. There are many factors to consider when accepting a travel nurse contract, but the most important things come down to:

Make sure that the location you’re being assigned to is one that is desirable to you and one you will be happy and comfortable traveling to.

Length of contract

The typical contract length for travel nurses at Nomad is 13 weeks. It's common to receive travel assignments that span eight to 13 weeks.

Travel nurse contracts will include a compensation package. Make sure that your pay rate is competitive.

Your contract will outline any additional reimbursements and per diem stipends for housing, food, transportation, and incidentals. Make sure you understand how this number is calculated and whether or not your expenses will cover it.

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What Is a Travel Nurse’s Job Description?

Published: December 21, 2017

Read Time: 3 minute read

Updated On: July 30, 2024

You’ve probably heard about travel nursing but thought it seemed to good to be true. Can you really travel to a new travel nurse assignment every 13 weeks? It’s true, and a travel healthcare staffing agency like Host Healthcare can help. Being a travel nurse is a great career path. But you may still be asking what is the job description of a travel nurse? The job description for a travel nurse has similar functions compared to a non-traveling nurse. However, travel nursing jobs come with a lot of benefits. Read this article to learn all about what a travel nurse position entails .

Travel Nurse Job Essential Information

Being a traveling nurse comes with the same type of responsibilities as a staff nurse in any medical facility. 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. Some traveling nurses move between hospitals, healthcare organizations, clinics and schools.

Travel Nurse Job Description Requirements

To become a travel RN , you must follow the same guidelines for all regular nurses.

You must attend a nursing school and get your degree, either your BSN or ADN.
Once your nursing degree has been obtained, your next step is to pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
From there, a travel nurse will need at least one year of experience working in a healthcare setting .

Traveling Nurses Benefits

Looking past the travel nursing job description, there are many advantages for a traveling medical jobs career.

Travel Nursing Assignment Flexibility. Typically, a travel nurse will work 13 week periods per assignment. After that, you have the flexibility to extend your travel nurse assignments or to work someplace new.
Higher Pay. A travel nurse salary is higher compared to any nurse working in a health care facility. They earn higher hourly wage compared to the pay rate of a permanent nurse. For example, many travel nurses with acute-care experience earn over $100,000 per year when all benefits and allowances are included.
Opportunities For Advancement. A travel nursing career comes with a huge opportunity for advancement. You can work in a variety of settings in facilities all over the world. The unique résumé of this qualified nurse opens new opportunities in health care organization, clinical, educational or management careers.
Avoid Office Politics. Tension between coworkers is common in any industry. That is no different in a high-stress job like nursing. If you do encounter an office politics, don’t let it hinder your work. Remember you are a temporary nurse in a certain location for a short period of time and you will be back on the road in no time.
See The World. If you have an adventurous spirit, enjoy moving around and exploring new locations, the travel RN career is perfect for you. As demand continues to rise, healthcare facilities look to hire international travel nurse to work in a specific nursing position for a short amount of time. You can even leave the country on a vacation between your travel nurse assignments with the length of your trip completely up to you!

Host Healthcare Travel Nurse Agency

At Host Healthcare, our mission is to provide you and every healthcare professional we encounter with the highest level of service. As a leading travel nurse agency , w e believe in honesty, respect, and a commitment to quality with our clients, our healthcare professionals, and our corporate employees. Host Healthcare offers an extensive list of travel nursing jobs . Call one of our friendly recruiters at (800) 585-1299 to find your ideal job and further advance your nursing career . We offer many job opportunities and benefits including competitive pay.

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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.

Have You Read These Yet?

Can a New Nurse Be a Travel Nurse?
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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.

What do travel nurses do? A look at their duties

Title image for the blog on what do travel nurses do?

If you are considering becoming a travel nurse but do not know if it is the right decision. Here in this blog, we will answer the question “What do travel nurses do? and how it is different from a regular nursing job.

What is a travel nurse?

Travel nurses are registered nurses who travel to various locations to perform their duties where they are needed. They work on per diem or contract assignments.

When there is a shortage of nurses, health facilities rely on travel nurses to ensure the continuity of patient care. During COVID-19, the demand for travel nurses increased because of a shortage of ICU nurses.

What do travel nurses do?

The duties of travel nurses are the same as the permanent working staff in the healthcare facilities. The only difference is that they work for a brief period and at different healthcare facilities in the US.

What do travel nurses do? The duties, roles, and responsibilities of travel nurses are:

Travel nurses monitor their patients, take their vitals, and administer their medications and treatments.
They help in cleaning and dressing the wound and make sure that it has no signs of infection.
They collaborate with other healthcare professionals to plan and implement patient care.
They educate the patients, and their family members and provide emotional support.
They make sure that their documentation is accurate and meets the requirements of the state, hospital, and federal guidelines.
One of the unique skills is that they can adjust to the hospital environment quickly. They can adapt to new hospital settings, their policies, and how to work there.

How does travel nursing work?

Travel nurses work as per diem or contract jobs. Contract jobs are usually for 13 weeks. Nurses stay at the facility and work there till the contract ends. Whereas on per diem, they work per day. It can be one day or a few weeks depending on their demand. They work with agencies that make sure both the parties, the healthcare facility and nurses are clear on expectations.

Pros and Cons of Travel Nursing

Travel nursing is an exciting job. Nurses can travel to new locations and make money at the same time. But travel nursing comes with its benefits and challenges.

Here are the advantages of being a travel nurse.
Higher pay and job flexibility
Freedom of choosing a job according to your needs
Travel opportunities and visiting new places
Professional and personal growth
Housing and benefits
Job security and high job demand

Travel nursing has its benefits and advantages, but it has its challenges too.

Lack of job stability
Difficulty in adapting to new environments
Licensing requirements
Limited benefits
Housing challenges
Impact on personal life
Assignments that are not desirable to the needs
Homesickness and loneliness

What’s travel nursing like?

Travel nursing is a rewarding career path. Traveling to various locations and working at different healthcare facilities allows them to advance their skills and experiences. Nursing jobs are in high demand which provides job stability. If you are a nurse who wants to travel and does not want to work at the same place for a long time, then traveling nursing is the perfect choice for you.

How to become a travel nurse?

To become a travel nurse, you must get your BSN or ADN degree, apply for a license, and work for at least 2 years in a healthcare facility to gain experience. You can apply for compact state nursing licensure or NLC. With this license, you can work in multiple states without applying for multiple licenses. This will save you both time and money.

To get more information, read our blog.

What is a compact state nursing license?

What is a travel nurse’s salary?

The salary of travel nurses depends on several factors such as location, experience level, area of specialty, etc. To learn detailed information about travel nurses and their salaries, read our blog.

Healthcare payment trend series

Why are travel nurses important?

Natural disasters or human-caused disasters, such as floods, earthquakes, etc can hit the world. Travel nurses come in handy to ensure patient care. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a shortage of staff, and the number of patients was increasing. To ensure that each patient gets care, travel nurses were in high demand. Not only disaster, but there can be other reasons too. For example, if multiple nurses need to leave at the same time due to personal reasons, this can also cause a shortage of nurses. To meet this demand, healthcare facilities ask agencies to help them cope with the problem.

Travel nursing provides a dynamic and exciting career path for nurses that can help them grow personally and professionally. We discussed What do travel nurses do? and its pros and cons. So, it is easy for you to choose travel nursing as your career. It has its advantages such as higher pay, flexibility, and discovering novel places. Travel nursing also has its challenges such as homesickness and difficulty in adapting to new environments. No matter what you choose, SkillGigs is here for you to provide you with unlimited opportunities and help you land your dream job as a travel nurse.

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Travel Nurse Skills

Learn about the skills that will be most essential for Travel Nurses in 2024.

Getting Started as a Travel Nurse

What is a Travel Nurse
How To Become
Certifications
Tools & Software
LinkedIn Guide
Interview Questions
Work-Life Balance
Professional Goals
Resume Examples
Cover Letter Examples

What Skills Does a Travel Nurse Need?

Find the important skills for any job.

Types of Skills for Travel Nurses

Clinical expertise and adaptability, cultural competence and communication, professional flexibility and time management, technological proficiency, resilience and stress management, top hard skills for travel nurses.

Equipping travel nurses with life-saving proficiencies, from advanced support certifications to critical care expertise for superior patient outcomes.

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
Emergency Room (ER) and Critical Care Skills
Telemetry and Vital Signs Monitoring
Medication Administration and Management
Electronic Health Record (EHR) Proficiency
Medical-Surgical Procedures and Protocols
Wound Care and Dressing Changes
Infection Control and Aseptic Techniques
Diagnostic Testing and Interpretation

Top Soft Skills for Travel Nurses

Empowering travel nurses with adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and emotional intelligence to excel in dynamic healthcare settings.

Adaptability and Flexibility

Cultural competence and sensitivity.

Effective Communication
Emotional Intelligence
Interpersonal Skills
Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
Teamwork and Collaboration
Time Management and Organization
Leadership and Mentorship

Most Important Travel Nurse Skills in 2024

Clinical expertise and specialization, interpersonal and communication skills, time management and organizational skills, professionalism and work ethic, continuous learning and professional development.

Show the Right Skills in Every Application

Travel nurse skills by experience level, important skills for entry-level travel nurses, important skills for mid-level travel nurses, important skills for senior travel nurses, most underrated skills for travel nurses, 1. cultural competence, 2. resourcefulness, 3. networking, how to demonstrate your skills as a travel nurse in 2024, how you can upskill as a travel nurse.

Advance Clinical Expertise: Pursue advanced degrees or specialized certifications in areas like critical care, emergency nursing, or a specific health condition to meet the growing demand for specialized nursing care.
Develop Cultural Competency: Engage in training that enhances your ability to provide care to diverse populations, understanding different cultural beliefs, values, and practices that affect health and healthcare.
Embrace Technology and Informatics: Stay abreast of the latest healthcare technologies and informatics to improve patient care and data management, ensuring efficiency and accuracy in diverse clinical settings.
Strengthen Adaptability Skills: Take courses or workshops that focus on building resilience and adaptability, essential traits for navigating the unique challenges of travel nursing.
Enhance Communication Abilities: Improve your communication skills through targeted training, which is vital for effectively interacting with patients, families, and healthcare teams in varied environments.
Participate in Professional Networks: Join professional nursing associations and online communities to connect with peers, share experiences, and gain insights into best practices and job opportunities.
Focus on Leadership Development: Seek out leadership training or mentorship opportunities to prepare for potential roles in nursing management or supervisory positions.
Invest in Health and Well-being: Attend workshops or programs that promote self-care and stress management, ensuring you maintain the stamina and mental health necessary for the demands of travel nursing.
Stay Current with Continuing Education: Regularly complete continuing education units (CEUs) to keep your knowledge up-to-date and maintain licensure requirements.

Skill FAQs for Travel Nurses

What are the emerging skills for travel nurses today, how can travel nurses effectivley develop their soft skills, how important is technical expertise for travel nurses.

Travel Nurse Education

More Skills for Related Roles

Providing compassionate care, bridging health professionals and patients' needs

Supporting healthcare teams, ensuring patient care and smooth clinic operations

Providing essential care, bridging the gap between doctors and patients in healthcare

Providing compassionate care, assisting in patient recovery and maintaining health records

Providing compassionate care, aiding recovery and improving patients' quality of life

Leading healthcare operations, ensuring patient satisfaction and regulatory compliance

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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”

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Community Nursing: Roles and Impact

Heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and strokes are among the leading causes of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, in many cases, early medical intervention can prevent these conditions from becoming fatal or even developing in the first place.

However, not everyone has easy access to medical care, and those who do have access don’t always receive the ongoing support they need to make informed decisions about their health. These barriers do not just affect individuals — communities may face inequitable care and access fueled by prejudice, socioeconomic inequality, and the social determinants of health (SDOH).

The field of community nursing tackles these issues on medical and social levels. A career in this socially conscious sector of health care often requires the right education and skills , but there are many rewarding community nursing roles for nurses who want to use their talents to uplift entire populations.

What Is Community Nursing? Common Duties and Job Requirements

Also referred to as community health nursing, community nursing focuses on the health needs of entire communities and populations. The professionals who work in this specialty are often referred to as community health nurses .

Typical responsibilities of community health nurses include:

Assessing the health needs of the populations they serve
Teaching community health education classes with a focus on disease prevention
Identifying, screening for, and providing care for health problems their communities commonly face
Advocating for legal and policy reforms that benefit their communities
Acting as liaisons between the people they serve and health care providers, especially when there are language or cultural barriers
Coordinating with other leaders in their communities to create and run health programs

Instead of carrying out these duties in hospitals and other traditional health care settings, community health nurses often work in schools, pharmacies, workplaces, and community clinics. Members of a community can often seek help from a community health nurse at little to no cost.

Basic Requirements for Becoming a Community Health Nurse

Community health nurses are usually registered nurses (RNs). Becoming an RN involves earning an associate degree in nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), passing the NCLEX-RN exam, and earning a state-issued nursing license. However, some entry-level roles may be open to licensed professional nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs).

Because working within a community can require creative problem-solving, research, education, and clinical skills, community health nurses often gain experience in traditional health care settings before getting into the field. Later in their careers, many community health nurses earn professional certifications and advanced degrees such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). These advanced training opportunities can prepare nurses to work with high-needs populations and fill high-level administrative positions.

Community Nursing Roles: Duties, Salaries, and Other Career Information

While many professionals work under the title of community health nurse, there are many other career opportunities for nurses interested in this specialty. Each community nursing role comes with its own unique responsibilities and career opportunities. Some require extra training and education beyond a BSN and RN licensure.

Public Health Nurse

Public health nurses typically work for local, state, and federal government agencies such as public health departments or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Their duties often align with more general community health nurse duties, but in many cases, their efforts are heavily focused on disease prevention and health education.

A public health nurse’s duties typically include:

Analyzing public health data to identify issues such as increased mortality, hospitalization, or overdose rates
Providing immunizations, primary care treatment, and other disease prevention services
Educating people about health resources in their communities
Teaching health classes through local partners such as hospitals, community clinics, and schools
Helping public health officials monitor environmental risk factors such as pollution

Because public health nurses often work for government agencies, they typically perform these duties for people located in an agency’s jurisdiction, such as a city or county. However, they’re also instrumental in providing health care services to houseless communities and individuals, older adults, and other underserved groups.

Education, Training, and Salary Potential

To become public health nurses, many experienced RNs earn certifications from professional organizations such as the National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), part of the American Nurses Association (ANA), both of which offer training programs specifically for public health nurses. To prepare for high-level administrative positions, professionals also pursue degrees like an MSN with a specialty in public health.

The median salary for public health nurses was about $73,040 as of August 2024 according to Payscale. The highest-paid professionals can make more than $112,000.

Occupational Health Nurse

Occupational health nurses focus on the health care needs of workers. While they can work directly for private corporations in every industry, occupational health nurses also work for health and safety consulting services that serve multiple companies.

Occupational health nurses’ responsibilities include:

Tending to workers who have been injured on the job
Responding to health-related emergencies before emergency service personnel arrive
Educating workers about common chronic health issues in their industry and providing guidance on preventive care
Referring workers to specialists
Helping employers identify common health and safety hazards and devising strategies to minimize risks
Teaching health and safety courses as well as emphasizing the importance of safety protocols
Running on-site health clinics for workers and their families

Occupational health nurses’ specific duties vary depending on their industries. For example, those who serve manufacturing companies might educate employees about environmental hazards such as fine particles and chemicals. Those in office-oriented industries might screen employees for issues associated with sedentary lifestyles, such as heart disease.

Because occupational health nursing is often a private-sector community nursing role, there are multiple paths to becoming one. However, most positions require RN licensure and some nursing experience. Some nurses gain experience in acute care settings where they deal with injuries that might be common in some industries. Skills learned in other clinical settings can be equally valuable.

Additionally, occupational health nurses may need to be familiar with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and workers’ compensation policies. Some employers offer on-the-job training in these subjects. Occupational health nurses can hone their skills and seek more advanced, potentially higher-paying, positions by earning certifications through organizations such as the American Board for Occupational Health Nurses.

Occupational health nurses made a median salary of about $80,470 per year as of April 2024 according to Payscale. The most experienced nurses made around $101,000. However, it’s important to remember that an occupational health nurse’s salary can vary widely based on their industry.

School Nurse

In addition to caring for sick or injured students, school nurses can help students manage their daily medications and cope with chronic illnesses. They can also serve their communities in a number of other meaningful ways.

School nurses’ responsibilities typically include:

Designing and overseeing student health education and safety campaigns
Running immunization programs
Assisting visiting specialists while screening students for physical and developmental issues
Connecting parents to health care and education resources, especially in schools in underserved communities
Assisting with and reporting cases of suspected abuse and neglect
Educating teachers about meeting their students’ health and psychosocial needs

Because school nurses work closely with teachers, children, parents, and others who may not have much medical knowledge, the ability to communicate clearly with diverse groups is a key skill.

School nurses can be LPNs, LVNs, or RNs, though the level of licensure a school nurse needs is determined by state regulations. Depending on the state where they work, nurses may also have to seek approval from a local government agency to work in schools.

Future school nurses often gain initial experience by working in pediatrics. Many seek certification and further training through the National Board for Certification of School Nurses (NBCSN). School nurses made a median yearly salary of about $51,530 as of July 2023, Payscale reports, with the highest earning making about $72,000.

Health Education Specialist

Health education specialists teach communities about health-related topics. This can include informing the general public about current health issues, patients about managing chronic illnesses, and community health professionals about helping the people they serve. Hospitals, nonprofits, and government health agencies often employ health education specialists to teach community-oriented classes and educate individual patients.

Education specialists’ responsibilities can also include:

Helping public officials identify a community’s health needs
Designing and evaluating education programs
Connecting underserved communities to health care resources
Advocating for improved public health policies
Helping run health screening programs

Though health education specialists aren’t always nurses, their medical knowledge and patient care skills can make them great candidates for health education roles.

Health education specialists typically need at least a bachelor’s degree. Nurses who want to pivot into this community nursing role often earn BSNs and work as RNs in patient care positions that require some amount of patient education. Some pursue health education certifications from organizations such as the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC) or pursue MSNs through programs that offer health education concentrations.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), health education specialists made a median yearly salary of about $62,860 as of May 2023. The highest-paid 10% of professionals made more than $107,920.

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse

Psychiatric and mental health RNs assess patients, monitor their progress, and help their colleagues develop and carry out long-term treatment plans. Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who specialize in psychiatric care can even prescribe medications and provide therapy. They can work in in-patient and out-patient settings and for community mental health centers.

Psychiatric nurses can also perform community-oriented duties such as:

Facilitating support groups for patients and their loved ones
Teaching classes about mental health and self-care at schools, workplaces, and in the community
Teaching managers, teachers, and other professionals how to identify and help with mental health issues
Helping health care professionals integrate physical and mental health care programs
Working with government, law enforcement, and social service agencies to develop policies and programs to handle mental health crises

According to the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), 122 million Americans live in mental health professional shortage areas. RNs and APRNs who provide direct and community-focused mental health services are instrumental in building up the country’s mental health workforce and helping people find accessible support.

Nurses can become psychiatric nurses by becoming RNs and finding employment in a mental health facility. To take on more advanced psychiatric community nursing roles, RNs often earn MSNs through programs that offer psychiatric nursing concentrations. After graduation, students typically have to pass a state APRN licensing exam. Many pursue the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification (PMH-BC) through the ANCC.

As of August 2024, Payscale reports that RNs in the psychiatric specialty made a median yearly salary of about $75,580. The top 10% of earners made over $104,000.

Community Health Administrator or Coordinator

Organizations that offer community health services often need dedicated administrators to run them. These professionals can work for any number of private, nonprofit, and government health organizations.

While specific duties are often determined by the type of organization an administrator works for, common duties include:

Overseeing personnel
Managing budgets
Forming partnerships with other organizations
Researching gaps in community care
Implementing evidence-based education and community health care programs
Coordinating between multidisciplinary teams including doctors, counselors, and human services specialists
Seeking funding from government grants and private donors
Handling public relations matters such as speaking to the press and writing press releases

Some community health administrators are in charge of just a few of these duties. For example, one administrator might be in charge of financial matters, while another is in charge of clinical services such as ensuring staff follow evidence-based nursing processes . This may include creating training and staff assessment programs as well as helping local nursing schools coordinate practicum placements.

Like other nursing administrator positions, community nursing administrative positions often require an MSN and years of experience as a nurse. While many MSN programs offer leadership and administration concentrations, future community administrators may want to take courses in public health, nursing education, and informatics.

While not focused specifically on community nursing, the ANCC offers a Nurse Executive Certification credential. Administrators in multiple nursing specialties often earn this certification before pursuing high-level administration roles.

Nursing administrators made a median annual salary of about $96,540 as of May 2024 according to Payscale, with the highest earners making up to $144,000. However, these figures include all nursing administrators, not just those who oversee community services.

Job Outlook for Community Nursing Roles and Related Career Paths

The BLS predicts that employment in the community health sector will grow by 14% between 2022 and 2032. This is equivalent to about 8,000 job openings per year. While not all of these jobs are nursing positions, this growth indicates that community health could be an excellent sector for health care professionals of all kinds to consider.

While the BLS doesn’t provide job outlook data specifically for community nursing roles, it does track many related positions. Between 2023 and 2033, the BLS expects employment for:

Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses to grow by 3%
Registered nurses to grow by 6%
Health education specialists to grow by 7%
Medical and health services managers to grow by 28%

For context, the BLS expects employment in all sectors of the economy to grow by an average of 4% between 2023 to 2033.

Become an Advocate for Healthier Communities

Along with being direct care experts, community nurses in all specialties often take a holistic approach to their field. In addition to meeting their patients’ immediate medical needs, they must figure out how to support them in the long term through education, compassion, and advocacy. The University of Tulsa’s online RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program is designed to help RNs develop those skills and apply them in communities of all kinds.

Built on the Roy Adaptation model , TU’s curriculum emphasizes collaboration and adaptability — two skills needed to enact impactful, long-lasting change. With classes on nutrition, applied research, and population health, students learn how to implement evidence-based interventions for community-wide issues. Learning these skills can help nurses become informed members of any community-based health care team and lay the foundation for future leadership roles.

To find out if TU’s flexible RN to BSN program is right for you, reach out to a member of our admissions counseling staff today.

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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]
The primary responsibility of a Travel Nurse is to provide high-quality care to patients, helping to ensure the best possible medical outcomes. Nurses work in different departments, so specific job duties can vary. Some common duties and responsibilities include: Assessing patients and performing exams and tests.
What Does a Travel Nurse Do?
What is a travel nurse? A travel nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who fills short-term assignments in various locations to address staffing shortages in healthcare facilities. These roles, which last from a few weeks to several months, not only offer the chance to travel but also allow nurses to work in diverse environments and potentially earn ...
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: Job Description, Salary, and How to Become One
Travel Nurse Job Description. A travel nurse is an experienced and skilled healthcare professional who takes on short-term contracted assignments in facilities that require additional nursing staff. If you are an LPN, RN, or NP with a license, you can search for contracts to work as a traveling nurse. You can expect to work 13 weeks on ...
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 Is a Travel Nurse?
A travel nurse performs the same essential duties as a regular nurse but as a temporary assignment, typically ranging from 8 to 26 weeks. These assignments can vary in specialty, location, and the type of healthcare facility, providing a wide range of experiences. Travel nurses fill in staffing shortages, help during peak seasons, or cover for ...
What Is a Travel Nurse?
A travel nurse is a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) who works short-term contracts in various locations. Hospitals or other healthcare facilities hire travel nurses to fill shifts during periods of short staffing. A travel nurse contract typically lasts 13 weeks, which is how long it takes to hire and train permanent ...
Travel Nurse Jobs, Careers, and Salary
Travel nurse job description. Travel nurses share the same tasks and responsibilities as staff nurses. When browsing job descriptions for travel nurses, ... Travel nurses are trained to perform skilled nursing tasks and use critical thinking to provide timely and compassionate interventions. Common patient care tasks you may find in a travel ...
What is a Travel Nurse?
Travel Nurse. A travel nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who takes on short-term assignments in healthcare facilities across various locations, often where there is a temporary staffing shortage. These professionals enjoy the flexibility of choosing when and where they work, allowing them to explore new regions and clinical settings while ...
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 ...
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 ...
What Is A Travel Nurse? [+ How To Become One]
Travel nurses can perform all the same duties as a permanent RN. The only difference between them is that travel nurses are brought in to fill staffing gaps on a temporary basis. So, like other registered nurses, travel nurses do everything from administering medication to monitoring conditions to educating patients.
What Do Travel Nurses Do? Roles and responsibilities
The duties, roles, and responsibilities of travel nurses are: Travel nurses monitor their patients, take their vitals, and administer their medications and treatments. They help in cleaning and dressing the wound and make sure that it has no signs of infection. They collaborate with other healthcare professionals to plan and implement patient care.
What Do Travel Nurses Do?
Because travel nurses perform the same nursing functions as the regular hospital nursing staff, they may work in specialty units and care for the same number of patients. 2. Share Unique Expertise . Travel nurses work across the country in various settings. Therefore, they are continually learning from physicians and nurses and honing their skills.
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.
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.
Top Skills for Travel Nurses in 2024 (+Most Underrated Skills)
Interpersonal and Communication Skills. Strong interpersonal and communication skills remain paramount for Travel Nurses in 2024. The ability to effectively communicate with patients, families, and healthcare teams is key to ensuring quality care and seamless integration into new environments. This skill involves active listening, empathy, and ...
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. Addressing patient concerns while providing ...
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 ...
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.
Local Travel Nursing: Benefits and Definition
Local travel nursing is an in-demand specialty that can be lucrative for experienced registered nurses. Explore the education requirements and benefits of this role. ... Local travel nurses' duties vary based on the needs of the facility and the nurse's expertise. Common duties include the following: Collecting and delivering patients ...
Community Nursing: Roles and Impact
Psychiatric nurses can also perform community-oriented duties such as: Facilitating support groups for patients and their loved ones; Teaching classes about mental health and self-care at schools, workplaces, and in the community; Teaching managers, teachers, and other professionals how to identify and help with mental health issues

Travel Nurse Job Description [Updated for 2024]

Travel Nurse Duties and Responsibilities

Travel Nurse Job Description Template

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Travel Nurse: Job Description, Salary, and How to Become One

Travel Nurse Job Description

Where Do Travel Nurses Work?

Travel Nurse Responsibilities

Benefits of Becoming a Travel Nurse

Travel Nurse Salary

How to Become a Travel Nurse

Step 2: Get Your Nursing License

Step 3: Obtain Nursing Experience

Step 4: Find a Healthcare Staffing Agency

Step 5: Apply for a Travel Nurse Assignment

Step 6: Start Your Travel Nurse Contract

About Erin Lee , BSN, RN

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