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Travel Health Nurses Make a Difference

American travel health nurses association.

The American Travel Health Nurses Association (ATHNA) is the professional organization for the specialty of travel health nursing in North America. Founded in 2004, ATHNA is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit incorporated in New York. With more than 3,300 members across the United States and internationally, ATHNA is committed to professional development, networking, research, and advocacy in travel health nursing. If you provide health care services for travelers – both domestic and international – ATHNA is the nursing organization that supports you and your patients. Join us as we build our professional community!

Our Mission Statement

As the U.S. professional organization and voice for the specialty of travel health nursing, ATHNA's mission is "to advocate for nurses engaged in the care of all travelers through professional development, scholarship, evidence-based practice, and specialty board certification."

The Specialty of Travel Health Nursing

Recognized by the American Nurses Association in 2020 as a distinct nursing specialty, Travel Health Nursing is the specialized nursing practice that advances the well-being of all travelers in all phases / stages of travel, both domestic and international.

Travel health nursing professionals provide care for individuals, families, and groups through all stages of travel including pre-travel preparation, in transit support, and post travel evaluation and management. We practice in a variety of settings that include hospitals, private travel health clinics, universities, corporations, the military, public health centers, and community clinics. As clinicians, we are specially educated and trained to assess traveler health and safety risks and to provide risk management strategies that include immunizations, medications, health counseling, and referrals. Travel health nurses also function as researchers, faculty members, consultants to business and governments, entrepreneurs, and nursing leaders in this country and internationally.

ATHNA Offers Free Membership. If you provide services to travelers, please consider joining our professional association.

• Join Today!

On Saturday, June 22, 2024, ATHNA will hold its annual NED: Networking, Education and Development Day

This unique opportunity for professional development, CE credits, and face-to-face networking is offered simultaneously at multiple regional sites and is available for Members Only. Full details and registration will be available mid-April.

Not a member? Join Today!

ATHNA is proud to announce the results of our 2023 board elections. As an all-volunteer professional organization, now in its 19 th year with more than 3,200 members, the American Travel Health Nurses Association appreciates and values the energy, enthusiasm, and commitment of its officers and 16-member board of directors. Congratulations to our three new officers and a warm welcome to three new directors!

Effective July 1, these nursing professionals joined Gail Rosselot as they began their new 2-year terms on the ATHNA Executive Council:

Kathryn Reid, PhD, RN, FNP-C, CNL President

Kathryn lives in Charlottesville where she is an Associate Professor at the University of Virgina School of Nursing. Bringing to ATHNA experience in multiple clinical, administrative, and educational roles, Kathryn also serves as Director of the UVA Nursing Continuing Education Program. We are excited to have Kathryn lead the only US professional organization for travel health nursing as we approach our 20-year anniversary in 2024. Please read her inaugural President’s Message on this homepage.

Amy Manion, PhD, APRN, CPNP-PC Treasurer

Amy lives in Indiana. She is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at Northwestern Children's Practice, and an Associate Professor, College of Nursing, Rush University in Chicago. Amy also serves as President of the E-Chapter of NAPNAP where she brings much experience with running a virtual organization.

Susan Cruz, ANP-BC, MS, MPH, AFTM RCPS (Glasg) Certificate in Travel Health ® Secretary

A long- time member of ATHNA, Susan lives in Maine and works as an NP at the Maine General Medical Center in their Occupational Health Unit. In that unit, Sue also serves as the hospital’s primary travel health provider.

Gail Rosselot, MS, MPH, APRN-BC, COHN-S/R, FFTM, RCPS (Glasg), FAANP, FISTM, FATHNA Certificate in Travel Health ® Vice President

Gail continues in her role as VP and currently chairs the Certification Task Force to implement a Certification by Portfolio for the specialty of travel health nursing by December 2024.

ATHNA also welcomes three new directors for the 2023 to 2025 term to our board of 16: Andrea Anderson from Washington DC, Colleen Jeffery from Houston TX, and Candace McAlester also from Houston, TX. Check back next month to learn more about these three dynamic nurse leaders.

Rabies Learning Module: Free & Accredited

Rabies: dazed or confused successfully implementing the revised acip rabies vaccine recommendations.

In the May 2022 MMWR, ACIP issued modified recommendations for the use of rabies vaccine. The pre-exposure series has now been changed from 3 to 2 doses on a 0, 7-day schedule. (MMWR May 6, 2022 www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7118a2.htm .)

With this reduced dosing schedule, more travelers can potentially benefit from rabies vaccination predeparture. To assist clinicians seeking to protect travelers from the potentially fatal infection of rabies, ATHNA now offers a FREE and On-Demand Educational Activity. Accredited by AANP for 1.0 contact hour of continuing education (which includes 0.5 hours of pharmacology) this program:

• Provides a basic review of rabies infection and pathogenesis
• Defines a variable incubation rate
• Includes clinic tools to teach rabies prevention: RABID
• Explains how to implement the new ACIP 2 dose rabies primary series

This learning module is suitable for NPs, RNs, MDs, DOs, PAs, Pharmacists, and anyone interested in knowing how to prevent a potentially fatal case of rabies.

This educational activity was made possible with the support of a Bavarian Nordic educational grant and is available on the ATHNA learning platform.

President's Message

ATHNA is celebrating a 20-year milestone in 2024! Our American Travel Health Nursing Association, ATHNA, was officially incorporated and launched in 2004. So much has been accomplished in 20 years! In addition to providing resources and ongoing education for travel health nurses to use in practice, ATHNA board members worked tirelessly to expand membership, secure recognition by the American Nurses Association, ANA, as a distinct nursing specialty, and partnered with the ANA to align and publish Travel Health Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice, 1st edition . We continue to maintain active partnerships and collaborations with other key organizations affiliated with travel health issues. We hope you share in celebrating all that has been achieved for you, our travel health nurses.

Looking into the next 20 years, we are excited to be building pathways for you and all travel health nurses to become board-certified in our specialty practice. We are in the preliminary planning stages and many thanks to the many members who volunteered to help – stay tuned! This United States nationally-recognized board certification will be the first of its kind, and this is just one major example of what ATHNA is doing to advance our specialty and support you, our members.

At our December 2023 board meeting, the Board of Directors approved updates to ATHNA’s Mission Statement to reflect the addition of specialty board-certification, and our revised mission is provided below:

As the professional organization for the specialty of travel health nursing, ATHNA’s mission is to advocate for nurses engaged in the care of all travelers through professional development, scholarship, evidence-based practice, and specialty board-certification. (December 14, 2023)

So, what is coming next? Look for more information about these developments in the coming weeks and months:

1. We want to hear from you! Complete the short survey when you receive the link.

We will be sending a membership survey to your inbox very soon. We want to know what you need from ATHNA, your travel health nursing specialty organization. An important component of this survey concerns certification. We hope you will respond and enter a drawing to win some prizes!

ATHNA TravelBytes

TravelBytes are engaging, substantive, and concise posts from a variety of fellow professionals in the field of travel health. The writers strive to illuminate challenging clinical issues, share timely evidence-based recommendations, and keep you apprised of relevant global health and policy developments.

• 2024-01 – Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and CDC Immunization Recommendations Amy Manion PhD, APRN, CPNP-PC
• 2024-01 – Traveling Internationally with Medications G. Rosselot MS, MPH, APRN-BC, FAANP, FISTM, FFTM, RCPS (Glas), FATHNA

Access former TravelBytes here .

Education Resource

Travel health risks and prevention strategies are always changing. Keeping current is a challenge for our professional specialty! At various times throughout the year ATHNA posts relevant, peer reviewed content for travel health professionals to keep our travelers healthy and safe "on the road." Here is some recent content:

Are you preventing SIRVA at your clinical site? (January)

Do you know the safety guidelines for prescribing Tafenoquine? (February)

Are you using the CDC App to vaccinate with the appropriate Pneumococcal regimen? (April)

Do you know the 5Ws of sun protection? (May)

Mpox is now a WHO designated global emergency. We have resources to help you better understand this infection. (June)

FGM – female genital mutilation is not often discussed in travel health meetings. This presentation addresses a potential health risk for girls living and traveling to more than 30 nations. (September)

Health Literacy – you may be surprised at how little of your counseling messages are understood by your patients – and ways you can improve understanding. (November)

• Access content by the month here.

Zero By 30: Prevent Rabies Deaths

World Rabies Day will be celebrated on Thursday, September 28th this year, but you can start preventing traveler deaths from this deadliest of infectious diseases from rabies every time you provide pretravel counseling.

Started in 2007, Rabies Day is an annual global opportunity to bring together partners to enhance prevention and control efforts worldwide and to reflect on how rabies impacts communities around the world. World Rabies Day also marks the death anniversary of French biologist, microbiologist and chemist, Louis Pasteur, who developed the first rabies vaccine in 1885. According to the CDC, while rabies is a 100 percent preventable disease, nearly 60,000 people die from this viral infection around the world each year.

According to WHO, "The world has the vaccines, medicines, tools, and technologies to break the cycle of one of the oldest diseases." Most rabies deaths around the world are caused by dog bites (CDC, Yellow Book 2020). Zero by 30 is the WHO Global Strategic Plan for the elimination of dog-mediated human rabies deaths by 2030.

Travel health nurses have opportunities every day to educate the public about this deadly infection and to protect our travelers with avoidance education and immunization. Starting in April through a Bavarian Nordic support grant, ATHNA will offer a FREE, CE accredited, educational activity to support the Zero By 30 campaign. It will be offered on- demand and will provide nursing professionals in diverse clinical settings with up-to-date prevention guidance for their international travelers.

The long- awaited change in the rabies PrEP vaccination schedule is now official!

On May 5, CDC published the new recommendation in the MMWR. This was the final step necessary to make this shortened 2 dose schedule the US standard for pretravel immunization against rabies. We encourage nurses to read the publication in its entirety. In the fall, ATHNA plans to offer educational offerings to raise rabies awareness among all nursing professionals, understand how to administer rabies vaccine according to the latest ACIP guidelines, utilize a checklist to counsel behavioral prevention measures, and address FAQs about the updated vaccination guidelines. Remember: always educate your patients to avoid direct contact with mammals.

Use of a Modified Preexposure Prophylaxis Vaccination Schedule to Prevent Human Rabies: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices - United States, 2022

The American College Health Foundation Guide for Travel Health Practices Now Available!

ATHNA has been alerted to a new publication available to assist any travel health provider prepare university populations for international travel. Whether you work in a college setting or see college students, faculty, or administrators off-site, this text can provide helpful pre-travel guidance and information. Here is a short description of the ACHF Guide which is made available without charge through a Valneva support grant.

As institutions of higher education (IHEs) have increasingly adapted curricular and co-curricular programs to include more study abroad programs, travel health programs are becoming increasingly common in college health and well-being settings. The American College Health Foundation's (ACHF) Guide for Travel Health Practices at Institutions of Higher Education aims to assist IHEs in addressing the unique aspects and challenges of providing travel health services on campus. This comprehensive guide is meant to serve as a resource for both clinicians and non-clinicians who work with students, faculty, and staff who travel abroad. To download your guide and/or the guide's many appendices and handouts:

• Click here.

Members Only Portal

Membership benefits.

In addition to the information offered on our homepage, we offer our members additional content and resources available on the Membership Portal. Not yet a member? Join today – we offer free membership and welcome your participation in the U.S. professional organization for the specialty of travel health nursing.

What does the Membership Portal Offer?

Travel Health Knowledge and Skills Travel health nurses can access foundational information for the practice of our specialty. Here you will find the Model Travel Health Nursing Curriculum and the Travel Health Nursing Glossary.

Forms Archive From time-to-time ATHNA shares new forms, checklists, and clinical tools to facilitate efficient and effective patient care. This includes the ATHNA template for a pretravel assessment questionnaire updated every year as needed, a screening tool for yellow fever vaccination, a checklist for rabies pretravel prevention counseling, and more. Members will want to adapt these documents to their own practice settings and travel populations and review and revise prn.

Career Center Members are welcome to post open positions or announce their availability for travel health nursing employment. Employers are welcome to post employment opportunities.

Membership Certificate A certificate suitable for framing is available as a download to our members.

NED Information Announcements about registration, CE topics and speakers are posted here for our members who plan to attend one of the regional and unique Networking, Education and Development conferences ATHNA offers each summer.

Announcements

U.S. Certification by Porfolio for Travel Health Nurses

With the 2020 official recognition of travel health nursing by the ANA and the subsequent publication of the foundational text for our specialty, Travel Health Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice , the ATHNA Board of Directors is now working to achieve its next goal for our profession: the achievement of U.S. board certification.

As many of you know, there is currently no professional nursing board certification for travel health nursing in the United States. Unlike other specialties – occupational health nursing, oncology nursing, ambulatory nursing, and the like – travel health nurses have not established an equivalent national certification. Lacking a U.S. specialty credential, some nurses have undertaken international or interdisciplinary certificates and courses to demonstrate professional achievement. However, none of these are specific to professional nursing, nor do they confirm knowledge of U.S. standards of care. Acceptance of these alternatives by regulatory bodies, employers, and academic institutions is mixed.

Now that our specialty has obtained formal recognition in this country, we can proceed to establish a U.S. certification that adheres to the eligibility and renewal criteria consistent with the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and other similar national nursing organizations. We can finally achieve equal standing with other U.S. nursing specialties.

ATHNA envisions a certification process that will feature a professional portfolio rather than an examination. We have already initiated contact with organizations that can help us achieve this milestone in the near future.

A task force of ATHNA members is assembled and working monthly on this important project. Keep checking this website for regular updates on our progress.

ATHNA is tax-exempt under Section 501(c) (3) of the US Internal Revenue Service and is registered with the NY State Charities Bureau.

• Donate Today

Travel Health Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice

Do you prepare individuals and families for international travel?

As international travel returns, nurses will need to be prepared to offer travel health services according to best practices and the latest legal guidelines. An essential resource for delivering comprehensive and quality care is Travel Health Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice, 2021 , a joint publication of the American Travel Health Nurses Association ( www.athna.org ) and the American Nurses Association.

• Did you know? Fewer than twenty percent of travelers seek pretravel services at travel health clinics; most travelers seek immunizations, medications, and counseling guidance from their primary care provider.
• Travel Health Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice is written not only for nurses in this new specialty, but also for any nursing clinician with patients who travel
• This text is the legal foundation for the nursing care of US travelers
• If you provide any travel health services: pre-travel assessment, immunizations, or health counseling (e.g., malaria, zika, traveler's diarrhea, jet lag, altitude illness) you will find this text essential
• Post travel care is mentioned as well- Recommendations for post-travel triage and evaluation are included
• To access the Table of Contents, go to: www.nursingworld.org/~4951d0/globalassets/catalog/book-toc/2021_travel-health-nursing_toc.pdf

To purchase your personal copy or multiple copies for your clinical setting:

Immunize.org Update

Board of Director member, Lori Wolfe RN BSN MSN ABOHN-C, offers these Immunize.org updates for Winter 2024.

Remember: anyone can receive weekly free email updates from Immunization Action Coalition by registering at immunize.org.

Let's talk about vaccines; Here is the skinny below, what you can know!

Order Immunize.org's child, adult, and lifetime immunization record cards – wallet-sized, designed to last!

Immunize.org's personal immunization record cards , printed on rip-proof, smudge-proof, water-proof paper, are designed to last a lifetime. They fit in a wallet when folded. The record cards are for you to give to your patients as a permanent personal vaccination record and are sold in boxes of 250.

• Child & Teen Immunization Record Card
• Adult Immunization Record Card
• Lifetime Immunization Record Card

Make bulk purchases and receive quantity discounts. For quotes on larger quantities or customizing, or to request sample cards, call 651-647-9009 or email [email protected] .

• See Answers

Award in honor of Jane Chiodini

ATHNA is not surprised, but we are very proud to announce that an award in honor of Jane Chiodini MBE MSc, RGN, FFTM RCPS (Glasg) QN has been established at the recent Annual Conference of the Faculty of Travel Medicine, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, Glasgow. Jane is a member of ATHNA's Executive Committee as ATHNA's Director of Communications, and she also responsible for the beautiful design of our educational web content. The award was created in honor of her years of work on behalf of the faculty, including her recent term as Dean, the first nurse to hold that position. Congratulations Jane!

Talent Amongst ATHNA Members

We are never surprised to learn that ATHNA members have many talents and passions beyond travel health nursing.

In the past, we have shared the beautiful photographs of former Secretary Diane McHugh. This month we share the blue-ribbon success of Susan Cruz, a member of our Board who provides occupational and travel health services up in Maine.

Congratulations Sue on your beautiful artwork!

Susan Cruz's Biography : Susan grew up in the hamlet of Garrison, New York, in the beautiful Hudson River Valley. Her childhood was spent walking in the woods on the mountain behind her home, on trails around one of the castles in Garrison. Her art teacher encouraged her to continue watercolor painting. She studied at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, among the beautiful gorges, and later at Columbia University medical center along the Hudson River. After working in the medical field in such diverse places as New York City, Pennsylvania and Washington DC, living overseas in Thailand and the Philippines, and raising a family, she sought to return to her earlier passion of watercolor painting. Living in Northern Virginia, she took classes with Lou Negri and Jean Gill to resume this journey. She moved to Maine in 2010, enjoying the beauty of living on the Messalonskee stream. Here, she has pursued further study with Pat Binette and Doreen Paul-Hebda. As a board member of the Waterville Area Art Society, she has enjoyed being part of the art community here for over 10 years. She was recently selected by the Medical Center Art Committee for her own art show at the hospital in Augusta from September 2020 - March 2021. Her paintings were also selected as part of the Ebb and Flow Art exhibit, Reflections on the Kennebec River, at Common Street Arts in 2018. This year she won seven ribbons at the local Clinton Fair. Now she loves to portray the beauty all around her, both here in Maine, and to places she travels.

During This Flu Season, Don't Get Mixed-Up

In the current issue of Immunization Action Coalition's IAC Express # 1, 594 we are alerted to a recognized vaccine safety issue now that vaccines for both influenza and Covid-19 are available for co-administration. CDC is receiving reports that clinicians are making various administration errors such as patients receiving a 2021-2022 flu vaccination instead of a Covid vaccine or patients receiving two doses of Covid vaccine instead of one dose of flu and another of Covid, etc.

In a busy clinic, errors like these can occur, so the Institute for Safe Medication Practices has issued a report that recommends implementing these safety strategies to avoid errors:

• Provide staffing support
• Separate vaccination areas
• Label the syringes
• Separate the vaccines
• Identify the patient and requested vaccine
• Involve the patient/parent in the checking process
• Document lot number/expiration date
• Scan the barcode
• Provide the intended vaccine
• Report vaccine errors

Travel health nurses (THNs) are encouraged to read the full report Mix-Ups Between the Influenza (Flu) Vaccine and COVID-19 Vaccines in the October 7 issue of Medication Safety Alert.

And ATHNA recommends that every THN subscribe to IAC Express for free, weekly immunization updates:

Book Review: Do You Provide Health Services to College Students?

Not sure how to prepare study abroad students? Wondering about resources for students with anxiety or eating disorders? Looking for new ways to fund student health services?

Whether you practice within a college health service or care for college students in another setting, the newly published Principles and Practice of College Health is a worthwhile guide for delivering comprehensive quality health services to this population. Just released by Springer, this important text is edited by John A. Vaughn, M.D., Director of Student Health at Duke University since 2013 and Anthony J. Viera, M.D., Chair of the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at Duke.

• Book Review

A Seismic Shift in US Travel Health Nursing: The Achievement of Specialty Recognition and its Implications

Richards JA, Rosselot GA J Travel Med, Volume 28, Issue 1, 2021, taaa202 https://doi.org/10.1093/jtm/taaa202

Past Presidents Julie Richards and Gail Rosselot recently published an article in the Journal of Travel Medicine about the implications of ANA specialty recognition for Travel Health Nursing here in the US. The Perspectives piece is timed to coincide with the soon to be published Travel Health Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice. According to Julie, "We believe specialty recognition will go a long way to recognize travel health nursing professionalism and promote quality care for travelers and the communities they impact. We hope travel health professionals in all 50 states can benefit." The article details the process for specialty recognition and its benefits, including the opportunity now to establish a U.S. certification for travel health nurses comparable to other U.S. nursing certifications.

ATHNA will feature an article on this website introducing the new Scope & Standards when they become available early in 2021.

Featured Photograph

ATHNA member Gail Rosselot recently traveled to Belize. While there she saw toucans, a Jaguar, howler monkeys, and manta rays, but as a travel health nurse she found this pharmacy sign especially interesting.

Do you have a travel photo to share? In this new website feature, we'll post member favorites each month. Send your photographs to [email protected] .

Autumn in the Sylvania Wilderness Area

This month we again share the photographic talent of our Secretary, Diane McHugh. The subject this time, however, is domestic travel rather than international- in keeping with the current pattern of US family travel during the COVID19 pandemic.

Many of you may be familiar with the Boundary Waters region of Northern Minnesota where it meets Ontario. That region is well known and very popular with campers, house boating, canoeing and kayaking, but it is also rather remote, wild and untamed... This photo captures the beauty of another northern wilderness region located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Sylvania Wilderness is comprised of more than 18,000 acres of protected lands and is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. It is located much closer to major metropolitan areas and yet provides a calming world apart for lucky backcountry campers, hikers, and kayakers. An occasional moose, many fish and sometimes the Northern Lights await visitors to this preserve that was once a private Sylvania Club favored by Dwight Eisenhower and Lawrence Welk among others.

As described on its website: "The old-growth forests and pristine lakes in the region provide habitat for a wide range of animal and plant life, including rare orchids, bald eagles, loons and osprey. The wilderness contains 34 named lakes, some with sandy beaches and others surrounded by record-size red and white pines. The Ottawa National Forest is comprised of nearly 1 million acres and is located in the western reaches of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The forest's rolling, tree covered hills extend from the south shore of Lake Superior to the Wisconsin border. Lakes, rivers and waterfalls are found throughout this beautiful landscape."

Sounds like a match for any destination...

This site is designed and supported by Shoreland, Inc. , publisher of Shoreland Travax ® . Photos are supplied by Harlan Crowder . The American Travel Health Nurses Association gratefully acknowledges this contribution to the specialty of travel health nursing in the United States.

To advance nurses engaged in the care of all travelers- both domestic and international- through professional development, evidence-based practice and advocacy.

ATHNA is committed to professional development, networking, research and advocacy in travel health nursing. We offer our members resources for clinics, CE programs, a unique, regional conference day, monthly updates, regional contacts, and much more... Join ATHNA and start enjoying the many benefits of membership.

Get in touch

ATHNA is the national professional association for the travel health nurse, not a "travel nurse." Travel health nursing is a recognized ANA specialty that prepares individuals, families and groups for international travel and cares for them upon return. Travel nurses are individuals who travel across the US to provide temporary, traditional nursing care at facilities where unmet staffing needs are high and supplemental staffing is needed during times of peak capacity.

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Real-Time Nurse Staffing Job Board

Finding the perfect travel nurse job match starts off by having an extensive, accurate database of nursing jobs. At AHS NurseStat, our nursing job board is updated in real-time, so you know what you’re looking at is real.

Each travel nurse job that becomes available or gets filled automatically updates on our database to make job searching for nurses simple and effective. Our nurse staffing professionals are here to help you find the right opportunity for you.

Unlike other medical job boards, openings on our nurse staffing job board are customized for nurses. We’re here to help you find a travel nurse job, and make the process effortless.

Each listing in our extensive nursing job database lists the specialty, location, and even type of shift to help you find exactly what you’re looking for. We also offer details about necessary licensing requirements so you can plan ahead if you’re looking for positions outside of your primary state of residence.

We work with healthcare facilities of all types and sizes in locations nationwide to provide our nurses with opportunities that meet their needs. Whether you’re looking for a position in a small town or the big city, we’re sure we can match you with the right job. Our database has tens of thousands of opportunities at any given time in a wide range of locations. We help nurses find permanent, temporary, and travel positions based on your needs and wants.

What if you don’t have time to fill out an application? Our experienced nursing recruiters can help you find a nursing job that fits your criteria. We’ll reach out and get to know what you’re looking for in your next position and help you find the right opportunity. We’ll even guide you through our easy application process to help put you on the road to success in your career.

Our team is here to personalize the job searching experience to you. We understand you from a nursing perspective and we care about what you care about. We’re your ultimate resource for achieving your nursing career goals.

Experienced Nurse Staffing Recruiters

At AHS NurseStat, we don’t just provide a job board, we provide a personalized experience for nurses looking for career opportunities. Our team works tirelessly to match our nurses with amazing job opportunities around the country.

When you fill out an application, we have one of our seasoned recruiters immediately reach out to you. We care about you and want to ensure we understand your unique needs. Whether you’re looking for adventure as a travel nurse or want to work at a specific facility, we’re here to help you find the ideal situation for you. Even after we help you find a travel nurse job, we continue to check in with you and provide support to help you be successful in your career.

We’re your partner in finding the right position for you. Our team is available 24/7 to talk about your career goals and how we can help match you with a position that fits you personally and professionally.

Ready to get started? Check out our database or talk to a recruiter today

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• Healthcare Jobs
• Travel Nurse

Travel nurse jobs

Travel nurses are valuable members of the healthcare workforce. The demand to fill travel nurse jobs has always been steady but reached new heights during the COVID-19 pandemic due to short staffing and a high volume of critically ill patients. Today, travel nurse jobs remain a top priority for facilities to fill. That’s why Nomad Health helps nurses find high-paying travel nurse jobs across the country with facilities who need support. Our travel nurse job database includes jobs in popular RN specialties including:

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

Travel nurse job requirements

The requirements for travel nurse jobs are not much different from staff travel nurse job requirements, with a few exceptions. Below are the key requirements you will need to have in order to qualify for a travel nurse job.

Education requirements

Travel nurses must have either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing program.

Licensure requirements

To secure a travel nurse job, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and obtain state licensure. Depending on your home state, you may be eligible to apply for a compact license, which would allow you to work in all states that are part of the nurse licensure compact (NLC) . Having a compact license could be beneficial if you plan on taking travel nurse jobs in multiple states. If the state is not part of the compact, you must obtain an individual license.

Experience requirements

Nomad Health usually requires at least one to two years of experience working in the field before you can qualify for a travel nurse job. However, every facility has their own unique requirements for travel nurse jobs, so make sure you read up on the job description to make sure you have enough experience required for the role.

Certifications

Depending on the specialty, you may need to obtain certain certifications to qualify for a travel nurse job. Some of the most common certifications travel nurses need to have include:

• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• Operating Room - First Assist
• RN First Assistant
• Cardiovascular OR

Jobs by Specialty

• Allergy and Immunology
• Bone Marrow Transplantation
• Cardiac Care Unit
• Case Management
• Chemotherapy
• Critical Care
• Emergency Room
• Home Health
• Hospice & Palliative Care
• Infusion Therapy
• Intermediate Care
• Interventional Radiology
• Labor & Delivery
• Long Term Acute Care
• Long Term Care
• Medical ICU (MICU)
• Medical Surgical - Telemetry
• Medical-Surgical
• Mother/Baby
• Neonatal ICU (NICU)
• Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Occupational Health
• Operating Room - Circulating
• Operating Room - Scrub
• Orthopaedics
• Otolaryngology (ENT)
• Outpatient Clinic
• Pediatric ER
• Pediatric ICU (PICU)
• Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
• Special Care Unit
• Surgical ICU (SICU)
• Transitional Care Unit
• Urgent Care

Travel nurse jobs require you to possess specific hard and soft skills. Depending on the specific travel nurse job you’re applying for, some of these skills may be more essential than others. In general, facilities hiring for travel nurse jobs want you to have the following skills:

• Strong clinical skills
• Adaptability
• Excellent communication skills
• Experience working in new and diverse environments
• Collaboration with other healthcare professionals

Health requirements

Travel nurse jobs require applicants to have an up-to-date physical examination in addition to immunizations. Depending on the facility, you may also be required to take and pass a drug test such as a urine test.

Travel nurse job duties and responsibilities

Each specialty within travel nursing has its own unique set of job duties and responsibilities. However some duties and responsibilities are common across most specialties, including:

Patient care

Travel nurses provide direct patient care using the training and skills from their area of specialization. Travel nurses may assist with medical procedures, administer medications and treatments, respond to emergencies, and assist patients with activities of daily living.

Assessments and monitoring

Travel nurses conduct assessments to determine the patient's status and needs. They also monitor patient vital signs, symptoms, and responses to treatment.

Develop care plans

Travel nurses develop tailored care plans in collaboration with other healthcare team members. They work together to adjust care plans based on the progress of the patient.

Documentation

Travel nurses maintain up-to-date and accurate patient records by documenting treatments, interventions performed, patient responses, and patient progress notes.

Patient and family education

Travel nurses educate patients and their families about health conditions, medications administered, treatment plans, and discharge care.

Emergency response

Travel nurses respond quickly during medical emergencies and coordinate with other healthcare professionals.

Travel nurses adhere to facility policies along with any state-wide nursing regulations. This can include things like maintaining patient confidentiality and following proper infection control guidelines.

Operate equipment and technology

Travel nurses know how to operate medical equipment and technology used for patient care and monitoring.

Continuous learning

Travel nurses stay up to date with the latest nursing practices and standards.

Why consider a travel nurse job?

There are plenty of good reasons why considering a travel nurse job is a smart move. From financial incentives to personal growth, a travel job might be just what you need to take the next step in your nursing career.

High demand for travel nurses

With persistent nursing staff shortages, travel nurse jobs remain in demand. Because the demand is high, you can sleep easy knowing that your job is secure and less susceptible to economic downturns.

Competitive pay

Travel nurse jobs may pay more than staff nurse jobs. Many things can impact travel pay including your experience, education, location, credentials, and facility needs. When you browse travel nurse jobs on Nomad, you’ll see a pay breakdown (including the travel stipend) of every job to know what you can earn before you apply.

Travel nurse jobs provide an opportunity to work with new technologies. Common technology that travel nurses get exposure to may include:

• Electronic health record systems (EHR)
• Telehealth platforms
• Portable monitoring devices
• Smart infusion pumps
• Patient lifts and transfer devices
• Wearable health technology
• Mobile health apps
• Barcode medication administration systems (BCMA)
• Advanced wound care technologies
• Communication tools

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Travel nurse jobs allow you to collaborate cross-functionally with interdisciplinary healthcare staff such as physicians and staff nurses to allied health professionals. When you work closely with these teams, you’ll get a broader perspective on patient care which you can add to your skill set.

Career advancement

Travel nurse jobs can put you on the fast track to learn about the latest education, techniques, treatments, and equipment used in the field. If you’re interested in getting ahead of the curve, applying for a travel nurse job might be right for you.

Visit new locations

One of the biggest perks of travel nurse jobs is deciding where you want to work. From the city to the facility, it’s up to you. Accepting travel jobs in new locations also exposes you to new facilities and patient populations you may not experience in a regular staff position.

Tips for finding the best travel nurse jobs

Most nurses agree that the best travel nurse jobs offer a combination of high compensation and opportunities to expand your clinical experience. However, what makes a travel nurse job the “best” usually depends on personal preferences, career goals, and financial goals.

Research travel nurse job agencies

To find the best travel nurse job for you, research is key. First, you need to determine which travel agencies offer travel nurse jobs. Unfortunately, not all agencies work with travel nurses.

Read travel nurse reviews

Next, you should consider the reputation of the agency you’re considering working with. Use a search engine to read testimonials and reviews other travel nurses have left about the agency. These reviews should give you a general idea of whether the agency meets your standards, and if other travel nurses recommend them.

Compare job benefits

While pay may often be the most important factor in travel nurse jobs, remember that additional perks such as stipends for scrubs, licenses, and travel, along with health insurance and the option to invest in a 401(k) should be factored into the equation. Unlike Nomad, not all agencies offer these types of benefits, so it's important to compare the additional perks before you accept a travel nurse job.

Top locations for travel RN jobs

The demand for travel nurse jobs varies across different states based on factors such as the overall demand for nurse support, the number of healthcare facilities, and the demographics of the regional population. Additionally, states with larger populations and an advanced healthcare infrastructure may need more travel nurses than others.

As one of the biggest states, California has multiple medical facilities in densely populated areas like Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, and San Francisco that often hire for travel nurse jobs. California also has strict nurse-to-patient ratio laws, which bodes well for patient safety and nurse satisfaction. Additionally, California has a high cost of living, which may result in attractive pay rates.

Like California, certain high-growth metropolitan areas in Texas have travel nurse jobs available including Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin. Because Texas regularly experiences public health emergencies like tornadoes, hurricanes, and other natural disasters, the need for travel nurses may be high.

Because Florida has an older-than-average population and an expansive medical system, the demand for nurse travelers is high, especially in cities like Jacksonville, Tampa, Miami, and Orlando. Like Texas, Florida also experiences several natural disasters, including hurricanes, which often result in spikes in demand for travel nurses.

The dense population and high number of healthcare facilities in New York make it a hotspot for travel RN jobs, especially in New York City. Additionally, due to extremely cold winters, there may be an increase in cold-weather emergencies that require medical attention.

Because Arizona experiences a yearly influx of winter visitors, there is a seasonal strain on healthcare systems there which can increase the demand for travel nurses.

How to prepare for your first travel nurse job

If it’s your first time accepting a travel nurse job, there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind that will help you feel prepared and ready to go on your first day. Every travel nurse job is different, but excelling in one or more of these areas may ensure you are set up for success.

Ask about orientation

One of the most important questions you can ask your hiring manager is about the orientation and onboarding process for your travel RN job. Knowing how much support you will have at the beginning and during your assignment will help you set realistic expectations for your first week on the job.

Be adaptable

Being adaptable is the key to starting any travel RN job. You will need to be prepared for ambiguity and performing tasks that you may not have much experience with.

Build relationships

Along the way, remember to network and build relationships with your new colleagues. Connect with other travel nurses and learn about their experiences with the facility and traveling in general.

Pack wisely

Remember to pack all the essentials you will need for the duration of your travel assignment. Depending on where your travel nurse job is, it may be difficult to find a drug store or other convenience stores for items at the last minute, especially if you’re working in a rural area. We recommend packing extra pairs of scrubs, toiletries, and anything else to make you comfortable during your stay.

Frequently asked questions about travel nurse jobs

Are travel nurse jobs in high demand.

Yes, travel nurse jobs remain in high demand. Because the number of patients that require care continues to increase, facilities may need extra clinical support from travel nurses.

How long do travel nurse jobs last?

Travel RN job contract length varies depending on the needs of the facility. In general, most travel nurse job contracts are 13 weeks long, although it’s not uncommon to find contracts that last eight weeks.

What qualifications do I need to get a travel nurse job?

To qualify for a travel nurse job, you will need a two or four-year college degree, an RN license for the state where you want to work, at least two years of experience working in a specialty, and basic certifications like BLS and ACLS. However, each facility has different requirements for travel nurse jobs, so make sure you review the individual qualifications before you apply.

Can I choose the location for my travel nurse job?

Yes, you can choose the location for your travel nurse job. Nomad Health features travel RN jobs across the United States. Some are in desirable locations like Hawaii, California, and Florida.

How quickly can I start a travel nurse job?

How soon you can start your travel nurse job will depend on the needs of the facility. Sometimes facilities need you to start quickly, while others may allow you to negotiate a start date based on your convenience.

What kind of support will I have during my travel nurse job with Nomad?

You’ll have ongoing support from Nomad Navigators . Once you’re on assignment, you will also have access to Clinical Navigators who are clinicians who have been in your shoes and are equipped to help you navigate any facility or clinical-related issues that may arise.

Do travel nurse jobs provide opportunities for professional growth?

Yes! Travel nurse jobs are an excellent way to fast-track professional growth. When you accept a travel nurse job, you can get exposure to new environments, patient populations, and technology that may help level up your skillset and compensation.

Travel nurse job sources

• National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). (n.d.). Home. Retrieved December 6, 2023, from https://www.ncsbn.org/
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). (n.d.). Home. Retrieved December 6, 2023, from https://www.aacnnursing.org/
• Nurse Licensure Compact. (n.d.). Applying for Licensure. Retrieved December 6, 2023, from https://www.nursecompact.com/how-it-works/applying-for-licensure.page

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Travel Nursing Information

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

There are many reasons to become a travel nurse.

Travel nursing gives you the opportunity to get paid to see the country, work at top teaching hospitals and trauma centers and join a community of fellow adventure seekers — all while making a difference at hospitals in need.

Whether you’re providing additional support during a busy season or stepping in for a staff nurse on leave, your role will help fill gaps in care and ensure patient safety. As the largest travel nurse staffing company in the country, Aya Healthcare gives you access to the most travel nurse jobs in the industry — and because we work directly with facilities, you’re more likely to get the assignment you want!

• Pay & Benefits

How do I become a travel nurse with Aya?

Ready to travel, but not sure where to start? We’re here to help. The first step to becoming a travel nurse is setting up your Aya account. Once your profile is complete, a recruiter will reach out to help you begin your travel nursing journey. Your recruiter will guide you through the process, starting with learning more about your goals and coming up with a game plan to get you an assignment. Throughout your travel career, your recruiter is a helping hand when it comes to finding you an assignment that fits all your needs. You can start looking for positions by browsing our open jobs, and filtering by your preferred specialty and location. Once you’re registered, your recruiter will work with you to help you find the right job for you!

What are the specific requirements?

While travel nurse assignments may have facility specific requirements, there are a few things every traveler will need to work with Aya.

• At least one year of nursing experience in your specialty, preferably in a hospital setting.
• Active state nursing license — Our team will help guide you through the application process in any state (and will often be able to help expedite it too!).
• Preferred American Heart Association certifications – ACLS, BLS, etc. (varies by specialty).
• Must be willing to work a full-time travel assignment — at least 36 hours a week.

How Much Travel Nursing Experience Do I Need? | Aya Healthcare

How far in advance should I apply for a travel nursing assignment?

You can apply as far out as you’d like. There’s no hard-and-fast rule regarding the best time to apply. We have worked with nurses, like Jessica, who apply and take a year to decide to accept their first assignment and we have others like Jill who apply and are out the door and on their way a few weeks or even days later. If you know you are ready to travel, or will be soon, we recommend you fill out an application so that you are prepared to seize the right opportunity. If you decide to apply well in advance of when you’d like to travel, we’ll keep your information on file and stay in touch until you’re ready.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Travel Nursing Job | Aya Healthcare

How long are travel nurse assignments?

Assignment (you’ll sometimes see them called contracts, too) lengths vary, but they’re typically around 13 weeks. However, you can find both longer and shorter assignments. Flexibility is one of the greatest things about travel nursing! And there’s nothing holding you back from taking a break between assignments. It’s not often you can take three weeks off from your permanent position, but as a traveler you have the power to choose how often (and how soon) you take assignments. Once you create a profile with us, you’ll be able to log into your account and search for contracts based on contract length!

How Long Are Travel Nurse Assignments? | Aya Healthcare

What specialties have the most travel nurse jobs available?

While ER, OR, ICU, med surg, telemetry and labor and delivery tend to have the most jobs available consistently, demand does fluctuate.

We have strong relationships with hospitals throughout the country, so we’re able to offer open RN jobs across all specialties. If you’d like to see what we currently have available, search all our open jobs.

I’m an RN from Canada. How can Canadian nurses work in the US?

We have a program for getting Canadian RNs licensed in the US. You could be here in 2-3 months! Check out our Travel Nursing Canada page now, and let us know once you meet all the requirements to travel in the US. There are also permanent RN job opportunities that could get you here sooner. Let us know if you’re interested in a permanent position, and someone will contact you to discuss.

Can I travel with family, a significant other or friend?

This is often one of the first questions we get asked and the answer is a resounding yes! Many of our travel nurses, like best friends Mel and Cat, husband and wife Allen and Amy, and Dakota, her husband Ronnie and their two kids make it work. Even if your travel partner or significant other isn’t a nurse, it’s very possible to figure out a way to travel together!

Can I travel with a pet?

Absolutely! Many of our nurses travel with pets, like Morgan and her Burnese Mountain Dog, Turtle. When it comes to traveling with a pet, housing is often the biggest hurdle. While it’s a fact that many buildings do have pet restrictions you still have lots of options. You can either take Aya housing or choose to accept a housing stipend and search for housing on your own. Whatever you choose, we’ll always do our utmost to accommodate your furry friends. Just be sure to communicate your wants and needs with your recruiter ahead of time so that they can help you prepare!

Can I Travel with My Pet? | Travel Nursing FAQ | Aya Healthcare

How do I find travel nurse housing?

There are plenty of options when it comes to travel housing. To learn more about the types of housing available to you, visit our Travel Nurse Housing page.

What does travel nursing pay?

Travel nurse pay varies for many reasons. These reasons include specialty, location, benefits, whether a traveler takes company-provided housing and more. There’s no “set pay” for any specialty. Wondering what jobs for your specialty are paying right now? Register today and view all our open jobs, estimated pay packages and detailed facility information — all in real time. Even if you aren’t ready to travel with us yet, you’ll gain great insight on what open travel nursing assignments we have and what the pay is in different locations across the country.

Do travel nurses get benefits?

Aya Healthcare offers many great benefits to travel nurses. From the first day of your assignment, benefits like medical, dental and vision insurance plans and sick pay accrual are available to travelers. Travelers who’ve worked at least four consecutive months are also eligible for 401k contributions. Plus, Aya also offers perks like front-of-the-line access to exclusive jobs, an expedited licensure program, a support team with designated credentialing experts, free virtual fitness classes and a pizza on your birthday! You can learn more about the benefits Aya offers on our Pay & Benefits page.

What if something goes wrong? How will Aya support me while travel nursing?

At Aya Healthcare, you have an entire support team helping you throughout your travel nursing career. In addition to your recruiter, you’ll have a credentialing specialist, payroll representative and travel experience specialist to provide their expertise before, during and after your assignment. Let’s say you’re heading home to South Carolina from your contract in Alaska and your flight is delayed and you miss your connection. You can call Aya in the middle of the night. We won’t leave you stranded. Or you get caught up in bad weather like one of our travel nurses who was evacuated during hurricane Matthew. We found her housing in Atlanta before the entire city sold out of rooms. No matter what bumps you encounter on your journey, the Aya team will always have your back.

How much orientation will I receive

You’ll be provided with enough of an orientation for you to get the job done and our clinical support team will help ensure that you’re placed in a facility that best matches your interests and skill set. Some healthcare facilities offer a more thorough orientation than others. If you’re a less experienced nurse, your Aya Healthcare recruiter will help you choose assignments that offer a more extensive orientation.

What is Travel Nurse Training and Orientation Like? | Aya Healthcare

What are the benefits of becoming a travel nurse?

Travel nurses step in to fill critical needs for hospitals across the US. No matter where you take an assignment, you’ll know the work you do is making a difference for your patients and facilities.

Many travel nurses also enjoy learning how to adapt to policies and different ways of doing things at each facility — it’s a key to success and a valuable learning opportunity for future assignments. Having diverse nursing experiences will boost your resume and allow you to climb the clinical ladder.

Whatever your reasons for becoming a traveler, you’ll need a dedicated team to support you along the way. As the largest travel nursing agency in the country, Aya knows how to keep our travelers happy! We have the largest job database with thousands of exclusive assignments.

When you’re ready to start travel nursing, we’ll be here to make the process as smooth as possible. Register today and let’s build your travel career together!

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9 Best Travel Nurse Companies of 2023

Are you ready to try travel nursing? Working with a travel nurse staffing agency can make it easier to find travel nursing jobs and to negotiate pay rates and benefits. An agency gives you a point of contact who can help you navigate job listings and compensation packages.

The sooner you find the right company, the faster you can start traveling.

Click here for today’s top travel nursing opportunities.

How To Find The Right Travel Nursing Company

When looking for the best travel nursing company to suit your needs, you first have to know what your needs are.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself when considering travel nursing companies:

• Are you going to need health insurance?
• How important is it that you contribute to your retirement?
• Do you prefer to find your own housing or do you want your company to find it for you?
• Where do you want to travel?
• How do you plan on getting there?
• Do you plan on working per diem as well?
• What kind of healthcare facilities are you hoping to work in?

What to Look for in Travel Nursing Agencies

When looking into travel nurse agencies you should first make sure that they provide the basics: free housing or a housing stipend, health and dental insurance, a retirement plan, travel reimbursement, 24-hour customer support, and a variety and abundance of travel nursing jobs all over the country.

Here are a few tips from my experience about the basics:

Travel Nurse Housing:

Do you want your agency to find housing for you, or do you want to take the housing stipend and search for housing yourself?

I personally found it much easier to have my agency set up my housing for me. This way I knew it was safe, furnished, close to where I was working, and paid for. If there were any problems, all I had to do was call my company and it would be handled.

Many people choose to find their own housing and take the housing stipend instead. There are pros and cons to this choice:

Pros To Choosing Housing Stipends

• Your housing stipend depends on the city you live in, but oftentimes, it is more than the rent you end up paying. This is a good way to make some extra tax-free cash.
• You can find exactly the type of housing you’re looking for at the price you’re willing to pay. You can rent just a room for yourself and pocket a lot of cash. Or rent an entire house if you’re bringing your family or pets along. If you’re traveling with fellow coworkers, you can find a bigger house to share that fits everyone.
• You can choose where you live. Maybe you’re going to Seattle and you’d rather live downtown and commute to work than vs. living next to the hospital in the suburbs.
• There are several websites and groups now to help you find housing
• Once you’ve done it once, you understand how to find housing and can repeat the process in the next location.

Cons To Choosing Housing Stipends

• It can be difficult to find short-term furnished housing.
• Many landlords require a deposit, so you have to front that money before you get your first paycheck.
• If you end up extending your contract, it’s not guaranteed that your landlord hasn’t rented out the place to someone else.
• If you have never been to that city before, it can also be tough to determine whether a neighborhood is safe or not.

Another thing to keep in mind, if you are traveling with a pet, it may make it difficult to find your own housing. Oftentimes, travel nurse agencies have housing already contracted that accepts pets.

There are pros and cons to using your a travel nurse agency’s contracted housing vs. finding your own housing. It just depends on how much time and effort you can put into the search and if you’re hoping to pocket any extra housing stipend cash.

Benefits for Travel Nurses:

• The majority of travel nurse companies offer health and dental insurance.
• Now that the Affordable Care Act is in place, it might be wise to research whether or not it would be more cost-effective for you to go with your agency’s healthcare plan or purchase one of your own through healthcare.org. The benefit of going through healthcare.org is that if you do plan on switching travel nurse agencies, you won’t have to change your insurance.
• Some smaller travel nurse companies will give you a healthcare stipend if you don’t take their health insurance so you can purchase your own.
• As far as retirement plans go, I decided to open up my own Roth IRA and not contribute to the 401K because I didn’t know how long I was going to be traveling.  With some companies you can contribute to your 401K from day 1 and with others you have to wait as long as 1 year.

Travel Nurse Reimbursements

When talking with your potential travel nurse agency, make sure you ask them what the reimbursement is for travel. “Travel” cost is considered the amount of money it takes you to get from your “tax home” to your travel assignment or from one assignment to the next. Often times this can be negotiated if there is a high need in one state that happens to be across the country.

I have found that the average reimbursement is $500.

They will pay you half on your first paycheck and the other half when you complete your assignment. You have the option of either driving or flying to your next destination. I personally drove to each of my assignments; I couldn’t imagine trying to fit all my belongings into suitcases and I love road trips.

Important Pay and Benefits Questions to Ask

Not all benefits or pay packages are created equal. It is important to find an agency that offers benefits, housing, and pay packages that are specific to your needs.

1. What destinations does your agency serve?

The whole point of travel nursing is to travel…right? So it is important to find a company that serves the city or cities you want to travel to. Some agencies claim they have contracts nationwide, however, that may not be the case.

If you know of a specific hospital that you would like to travel to because it looks good on your resume or a specific city you want to explore, then make sure your potential agency has a contract at that location. This is especially important if you want to travel to places such as Hawaii and Alaska.

Match with a travel company here.

2. How are your pay packages broken down?

Does the company tend to pay a higher base rate with lower non-taxable reimbursements or a lower base rate with higher non-taxable reimbursements?

Having a higher base rate may serve you better if you plan on taking company housing, plan on buying a house, or getting a loan in the near future. If you are someone who likes to find their own housing, then a higher housing stipend may be the way to go with a lower base rate.

3. What types of housing do you provide?

Most agencies offer a one-bedroom furnished apartment for your typical 13-week contract. This typically does not include dishes, linen, a washer and dryer, a T.V., or even a vacuum. If you don’t like lugging your belongings around with you all over the country or paying out of pocket to rent this stuff, then it may be wise to either ask if the agency provides any of these necessities at no cost or find your own housing.

If your contract is only eight weeks, then you could get stuck in an extended-stay hotel. I personally like to have nice housing, so I wanted a company that focused on providing comfortable and safe housing options. If you like to find your own housing then this may not apply to you.

4. What type of benefits do you offer?

Most agencies offer medical/dental benefits and a retirement package. If these benefits are important to you, then finding a company with good benefits is essential.

If you like to live on the edge with no health benefits and you brush and floss your teeth like a champ, then maybe you don’t care about benefits. If this is the case then you can ask the company if they are willing to pay you a higher base rate for not taking their benefits.

As far as retirement packages go, I found it easier to do my own Roth IRA on the side. This way, if I switched companies I didn’t have to worry about moving my money all over the place.

Click here to discover new high paying opportunities.

5. What types of extra work-related costs do you reimburse for?

Travel nurse companies can reimburse you for the following:

• Licensing fees
• CEU (Continuing Education) requirements
• Certifications
• Required immunizations

Some travel nurse agencies have a CEU database that is free for their employees. This helps cut costs in those states that require a certain number to maintain or acquire a new license.

These extra costs add up over time so it’s nice to know your agency is looking out for your pocketbook.

6. What are your missed and canceled shift policies?

A missed shift means you called in sick, and a canceled shift means they canceled you for low census. For the most part, the hospital determines how the travel nurse agency handles this, and it will be written in your contract.

This is important because in the travel nurse world if you don’t work, you don’t get paid. And in some cases, you may have to reimburse your agency for housing costs.

There may be a clause written in your contract that allows you to “miss” a certain amount of shifts without being penalized. There will also be a clause that states how many shifts the hospital can cancel you. Usually, it’s once a pay period, and your agency shouldn’t require you to reimburse them for housing costs.

There are even some agencies that offer 100% guaranteed shifts meaning no matter what you will not get canceled.

Find travel assignments in your specialty here.

Other Questions To Ask a Travel Nurse Agency:

• What is the travel reimbursement?
• How much will health insurance cost me?
• If I don’t take health insurance, do I get a healthcare stipend?
• When can I start contributing to my 401K?
• Are there bonuses for extending assignments?
• How often do I get paid?
• Does the company also contract per diem work?
• Do they offer paid time off?
• Are there any referral bonuses available?

9 Best Travel Nursing Agencies

Here is a list and highlights of a few travel nursing companies to consider.

All of these companies offer the basics such as housing, benefits, travel reimbursement, staffing in all 50 states, and 24-hour customer support.

Click here to find the right company for you!

Find the Best Travel Nurse Agency for You

There are a number of travel nursing companies to choose from.

Finding the best travel nursing company that fits your needs and a recruiter that has your best interests in mind are absolutely essential for an enjoyable travel nursing experience.

The right staffing agency for you is out there, now is the time to find them!

  Click here for today’s top travel nursing opportunities.

You may also like

9 Insider Tips From A Travel Nurse Staffing Agent

When Travel Nursing Goes Bad – And How To Fix It

How To Choose The Best Travel Nursing Offer – Pros and Cons

6 Important Questions You Need to Ask A Potential Staffing Agency

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Travel Nursing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Table of Contents

Are you interested in becoming a travel nurse but unsure where to start? Health Carousel Travel Nursing has put together a list of travel nursing FAQs to help answer the questions you have been wondering about and review the travel nursing basics. Use this list of questions as your travel nurse guide and contact one of our travel nurse recruiters to help you start your travel nursing career today.

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WHAT IS A TRAVEL NURSE?

A travel nurse is a licensed RN who works short-term assignments in different locations throughout the country. Travel nurses require the same education and licensing as staff nurses. Travel nurse assignments are coordinated by travel nurse companies that match nurses with the staffing needs of various hospitals, physicians’ offices, or clinics. A travel nurse contract is typically 13 weeks but may range anywhere from 4-26 weeks and can be extended if the hospital still has a need and the nurse is interested in staying.

HOW DO I BECOME A TRAVEL NURSE?

Just like a staff registered nurse (RN), you must obtain a nursing degree and pass the NCLEX to become a travel nurse. Then, you must gain experience in your specialty. Most travel nursing companies prefer nurses with at least two years of clinical experience. Once you are ready, you can contact travel nurse companies to place you in travel nursing assignments in the location of your choice. Your travel nurse recruiter will ensure you have all the travel nursing basics down before starting your first travel nurse contract.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A TRAVEL NURSE?

The travel nursing lifestyle is best suited for those who easily adapt to new surroundings, are flexible with location, and are confident in their clinical skills. On the other hand, you might enjoy a full-time permanent staff position at a single healthcare facility if you enjoy being a part of and establishing a hospital culture, if you have a family who you do not want to have to relocate frequently, or if you are content with your current location.

Assignments

How long do assignments last.

Your assignment length will vary with each travel nurse contract, but most travel nursing assignments are typically 13 weeks. However, some assignments can range from as few as 4 weeks to almost a year. There is no contract binding you to work multiple assignments, so you can take a new assignment right after your last one or take a year-long break. It’s all up to you.

CAN I BRING MY FAMILY OR PETS WITH ME ON AN ASSIGNMENT?

Bringing your family or pets along on travel nurse assignments is possible but may take extra planning. It will be most beneficial for you to take advantage of the housing stipend and book your own accommodations so you have more room for your family or pets. Some nurses choose travel nurse jobs closer to home so that their children or spouses can remain in their homes, but the nurse still gets to take advantage of travel nursing benefits. Other nurses will choose travel nurse assignments in farther locations during their children's summer breaks so that they do not miss out on schooling. Nurses that travel full-time with their families tend to homeschool, and their spouses tend to work remotely, providing them more freedom and flexibility to travel when and where they want. There are so many options with travel nursing, you are sure to find the right fit for you and your family.

WHAT DO I NEED TO START MY ASSIGNMENT?

Your travel nurse recruiter will provide you with the minimum travel nursing requirements necessary to begin your assignment. Requirements vary depending on the hospital or healthcare system and by state. Your recruiter will ensure you have met specific travel nursing requirements before you begin. They will also provide the necessary information to obtain your travel nursing licenses in each state that you work in. Utilize your nurse recruiter to answer all of your travel nursing questions.

Benefits and pay

Do i get medical benefits and insurance as a travel nurse.

Most travel nursing agencies offer medical insurance benefits. Although, the quality and coverage may vary from company to company. Benefits you may be eligible for include license reimbursement, 401 k programs, free continuing education, weekly pay, housing and travel incidental stipends, and bonus programs. Requirements vary depending on the travel nurse company; check to see if you are eligible for benefits between assignments, especially if you plan to take long stretches off. Contact your recruiter to discuss which benefits you are eligible for, such as a free continued education program and health insurance.

HOW MUCH DO TRAVEL NURSES EARN?

The average salary for travel nurses in 2023 was $126,384, according to Indeed , which is significantly higher than the average salary for full-time staff registered nurses at $93,042 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Travel nurse pay depends on the facility, location, specialty, and need for extra staff. For example, a nurse in California gets paid significantly more than a nurse in South Dakota. Pay rates typically increase when hospitals have emergent needs. Travel nurses receive hourly base pay and additional stipends for housing, meals, and incidentals for travel. Time and a half (overtime) or double time (holidays) should be written into the contract so rates are clarified.

WHAT NURSING SPECIALTIES PAY THE MOST?

There is no definitive hourly base pay for each nursing specialty. Top paying specialties generally include nursing roles that involve critical care. Travel nurse jobs in areas like intensive care, neonatal intensive care, critical care, the operating room, or the emergency department are among the top paying specialties for travel nursing assignments.

IS HOUSING COVERED FOR MY TRAVEL NURSE JOB?

There are typically two options nurses have when it comes to housing. You can utilize company-provided housing or receive a stipend and book your own arrangements. If you choose to receive company-provided housing, you will receive free private housing, and all arrangements will be made for you. This is a great option for nurses traveling alone who are open to whichever accommodations are provided for them.

The housing stipend is tax-free and requires you to book your own accommodations. The main benefit is if the housing you find is priced below the stipend amount, you can pocket the remaining money. This option may be best for nurses who travel with their families or are savvy when finding housing accommodations. Housing stipends vary greatly based on location and each specific contract, so make sure to review your travel nurse benefits with your recruiter.

Legal and mail

What should i do about my mail.

There are multiple options for managing your mail while you are away on your travel nurse job. It is best to set up as many things as possible to be automatically deducted from your banking account or paid online. These may include your mortgage, credit cards, car payments, loans, etc. For items still requiring traditional mail, you can use USPS forwarding to your new travel address. You may also consider having mail held at the post office or sending it to a family or a friend's house and having them forward pieces of mail to you as needed. You can set up an account with USPS to send you a notification and photo of the envelope of each piece of mail you receive and then decide if you need someone to forward it to you. There are also services such as Virtual post mail that helps manage your mail and packages for you. This service allows you to read your mail online or have important documents forwarded to you.

Taxes and tax home

What is a tax home.

Travel nurses can only receive tax-free stipends if they can claim a permanent tax home, where they claim permanent residency and contribute to the cost of living. A tax home for travel nurses means they must be able to prove that they contribute a reasonable monetary amount set by the IRS to a home that they rent or own in a location at least 50 miles from their travel assignment. The nursing tax home is usually where the nurse holds a driver's license and car registration. It is also where they earn most of their income and maintain a home. If a nurse does not have a tax home, they must pay taxes on their hourly wage and any stipends they receive. Let your travel nursing recruiter know if you will not be claiming a travel nurse tax home since it may change some stipulations of your travel nurse contract.

WHAT TYPE OF SUPPORT WILL I RECEIVE AS A TRAVEL NURSE?

Support varies from company to company, however, Health Carousel Travel Nursing offers full circle support to educate and highlight ways in which nurses can utilize resources to further their careers and improve their quality of life. We offer exclusive benefits for both physical and mental health support to all of our travel nurses. Our recruiters are also here to support you with any of your travel nursing questions or if any issues arise during your travel nurse contract. View our travel nurse testimonials to help you decide if travel nursing and HCTN are right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can i find travel nursing jobs.

Finding travel nurse jobs is easy using Health Carousel Travel Nursing's extensive database , where you can view travel nurse positions by specialty and location. You can also sign up for our On Demand app and set your preferences for jobs and receive recommendations based on your information. On Demand allows you to set up job alerts so that you never miss an opportunity.

WHAT ARE THE PERKS OF TRAVEL NURSING?

Travel nursing allows you the flexibility to work where and when you want to work while exploring new cities, gaining experience in new hospitals, and meeting new people. Nurses enjoy higher salaries and benefits packages when compared to a permanent staff position. Travel nursing companies offer free private housing, free continuing education, stipends for food and incidentals while traveling, and help with obtaining travel nursing licenses. Nurses can change their location with each travel nurse contract and use the opportunity to explore different places throughout the country. Travel nurses also enjoy as much downtime as they want after they meet the minimum travel nursing requirements for their current contract. Nurses can spend time exploring each area before moving on to their next assignment.

We hope these frequently asked questions served as a travel nurse guide and covered most of the travel nursing basics you have been wondering about. Reach out to one of our Health Carousel Travel Nursing recruiters if you have any specific questions about starting your travel nursing career.

Lauren Rivera is a nationally certified neonatal intensive care nurse with over 15 years of experience. She serves as a nurse expert offering support and educational classes for women from preconception through childhood. Lauren is also a freelance health and wellness writer with works published on several nursing sites. She develops and curates content for various healthcare companies, and writes continuing education modules for other healthcare professionals.

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Travel Nurses Get the Best Salaries in These U.S. States

However close you are to graduating from nursing school, it’s always a good time to consider which specialty to get into afterward. One career path to consider is travel nursing across the US. Pay is a major factor in considering which state to work in, so stick around to find out which are the highest paying states for travel nurses.

Travel nursing has become increasingly in demand for nurses in several specialties. It’s a great option for those looking for higher-paying short-term work at various medical facilities. 

The average salary varies state by state for travel nurses based on demand and specialty. The top three highest-paying states include: Idaho ($151,203), Nevada ($149,196), and Illinois ($148,382) .

Jump to Region

• Non-Continental (AK, HI)
• West Coast (WA, OR, CA)
• West (ID, NV, MT, WY, UT, CO)
• Southwest (AZ, NM, TX, OK)
• Midwest (ND, SD, NE, KS, MN, IA, MO, WI, IL, MI, IN, OH)
• Southeast (AR, LA, KY, TN, MS, AL)
• Northeast (VT, NY, PA, WV)
• East Coast (ME, NH, MA, RI, CT, NJ, DE, MD, VA, NC, SC, GA, FL)

What is Travel Nursing?

If you love being on the move and don’t mind putting in long hours, then travel nursing might be the perfect job for you. You get to work in different locations across the country – keeping your skills sharp and your options open. 

Travel nurses work in different hospitals and departments, depending on where they need to fill staffing gaps. And it’s also a way to make more money than you would as a permanent employee in any one location.

Here’s how it works: you work for a few weeks or months at a medical facility, typically under a contract. Then, once your obligations are fulfilled (or your contract is up), you move on to the next place where you’re needed.

You might even not have to worry about finding an apartment – some employers take care of housing for you .

All sorts of positions are up for travel nurses — you just have to decide which ones you want. And there are so to choose from thanks to the recent rising travel nurse demand.

The COVID-19 pandemic has rocked the medical world, and as a result, it’s created one of the biggest worldwide shortages of nurses.

Hospitals and other medical facilities have struggled, and continue to struggle, to find enough staff to keep their facilities running smoothly. Because of COVID-19, travel nursing, amongst other types of temporary employment, is becoming more popular than ever before.

Travel nursing agencies have stepped in to provide temporary staffing solutions for these hospitals and other medical facilities. These agencies recruit nurses from all over the country and abroad and place them in positions at various facilities, providing them with an opportunity to earn serious money.

But you don’t need an agency if you’re considering travel nursing – travel nurses can also be independent contractors.

Average Travel Nursing Salary by State

Travel nurse salaries vary widely depending on where you work, how many hours you work per week (and whether those hours are on-call), and whether you’re working in an urban or rural area. 

That’s why we’ve put together this list of the average travel nursing salary by state. We found that the national average in the US for travel nursing is $133,540/year .

Take a look at our findings below by state using Indeed’s and ZipRecruiter’s salary database:

1. Travel Nurse Salary Alaska

Employers in Alaska pay a little more than Hawaii’s, which is just slightly below the national average.

The average base salary in Alaska is: $133,316/year.

2. Travel Nurse Salary Hawaii

Although employers in Hawaii pay less than the national average, you’ll benefit from a beautiful island location.

The average base salary in Hawaii is: $126,659/year.

3. Travel Nurse Salary Washington

Although Washington state employers pay the least out of the west coast states – it’s still a great location for work, and pays more than the national average.

The average base salary in Washington is: $141,096/year.

4. Travel Nurse Salary Oregon

As the middle state of the west coast, Oregon employers pay slightly more than Washington’s, but less than California’s.

The average base salary in Oregon is: $144,423/year.

5. Travel Nurse Salary California

With its high cost of living, it’s unsurprising that California travel nurse employers pay out the most out of the west coast states. Travel nurses are in the highest demand in California, and it’s the fourth-highest paying state in the US.

The average base salary in California is: $147,633/year.

6. Travel Nurse Salary Idaho

As the number one highest paying state for travel nurses, Idaho is the way to go if salary is your top priority.

The average base salary in Idaho is: $151,203/year.

7. Travel Nurse Salary Nevada

Lying south of the highest-paying state, Nevada is the second highest-paying state in the US for travel nurses.

The average base salary in Nevada is: $149,196/year.

8. Travel Nurse Salary Montana

Montana is a beautiful state with lots of wide-open space. The cost of living is low, and the job market is strong.

The average base salary in Montana is: $119,765/year.

9. Travel Nurse Salary Wyoming

Out of all the western states, Wyoming employers pay the least for travel nurses, and is the fifth lowest-paying state in the US.

The average base salary in Wyoming is: $101,317/year.

10. Travel Nurse Salary Utah

Utah is a great option if you want to stay on the west and make well into six figures while doing it.

The average base salary in Utah is: $126,093/year.

11. Travel Nurse Salary Colorado

Despite its high cost of living (especially in the Denver area), Colorado employers pay below the national average for travel nurses.

The average base salary in Colorado is: $118,832/year

12. Travel Nurse Salary Arizona

Arizona employers pay out the most out of southwestern states, and it’s the fifth highest paying state in the US.

The average base salary in Arizona is: $145,900/year.

13. Travel Nurse Salary New Mexico

Travel nurse employers in New Mexico pay the least out of all southwestern states, but just slightly below the national average.

The average base salary in New Mexico is: $125,036/year.

14. Travel Nurse Salary Texas

As the second highest-demand state in the US for travel nurses, there are plenty of opportunities for travel nurses in Texas. And average pay is just a hair below the national average.

The average base salary in Texas is: $132,088/year.

15. Travel Nurse Salary Oklahoma

Travel nurses in Oklahoma make close to the national average pay, but with inexpensive housing options.

The average base salary in Oklahoma is: $130,724/year.

16. Travel Nurse Salary North Dakota

The cost of living is relatively low in North Dakota, and the job market is strong, so you’ll get paid well as a travel nurse.

The average base salary in North Dakota is: $131,667/year.

17. Travel Nurse Salary South Dakota

South Dakota employers offer the second lowest salary for travel nurses in the US, but still close to six figures.

The average base salary in South Dakota is: $93,853/year.

18. Travel Nurse Salary Nebraska

Nebraska has one of the lowest rates of RN per capita in the US, and is also one of the most affordable states for housing and living expenses overall.

The average base salary in Nebraska is: $123,047/year.

19. Travel Nurse Salary Kansas

Kansas is another state with low RN rates per capita, but is also among the more affordable places to live and work as a travel nurse. 

The average base salary in Kansas is: $121,537/year.

20. Travel Nurse Salary Minnesota

The cost of living is fairly low compared to other parts of the US, but higher in the Minneapolis metro.

The average base salary in Minnesota is: $126,778/year.

21. Travel Nurse Salary Iowa

If you want a better salary and lower cost of living in the midwest, consider Iowa.

The average base salary in Iowa is: $130,292/year.

22. Travel Nurse Salary Missouri

Missouri employers pay the absolute least out of all fifty states for travel nurses, but offers a lower cost of living.

The average base salary in Missouri is: $89,983/year.

23. Travel Nurse Salary Wisconsin

Wisconsin offers some great opportunities for travel nurses looking for employment, and the cost of living is quite reasonable.

The average base salary in Wisconsin is: $144,556/year.

24. Travel Nurse Salary Illinois

Illinois is the third top state in the US for travel nurse pay, making it the highest paying state in the midwest.

The average base salary in Illinois is: $148,382/year,

25. Travel Nurse Salary Michigan

Michigan is a popular choice for travel nurses to work in, and is a great place to live – whether it’s long or short-term.

The average base salary in Michigan is: $136,707/year.

26. Travel Nurse Salary Indiana

Indiana employers pay over the national average, and this state is a great option for cost of living.

The average base salary in Indiana is: $136,082/year.

27. Travel Nurse Salary Ohio

Travel nurses can make some great pay here with opportunities in the Cleveland area.

The average base salary in Ohio is: $132,568/year.

28. Travel Nurse Salary Arkansas

Nursing salaries in Arkansas aren’t as impressive as those of other states, and there’s a good chance you’ll work in a rural area, like the Ozarks.

The average base salary in Arkansas is: $125,489/year.

29. Travel Nurse Salary Louisiana

Louisiana employers pay out the least out of the southeast states, and is the third lowest paying state in the US.

The average base salary in Louisiana is: $94,049/year.

30. Travel Nurse Salary Kentucky

Out of all southeast states, Kentucky employers pay the most – and at slightly above the national average.

The average base salary in Kentucky is: $135,604/year.

31. Travel Nurse Salary Tennessee

If you work near Memphis or Nashville, there are many opportunities available for making good money as a travel nurse.

The average base salary in Tennessee is: $126,282/year.

32. Travel Nurse Salary Mississippi

Travel nurses can still make six figures in Mississippi and benefit from low cost of living.

The average base salary in Mississippi is: $115,569/year

33. Travel Nurse Salary Alabama

Along with Mississippi, they are still plenty of travel nursing opportunities with six figure pay.

The average base salary in Alabama is: $118,602/year

34. Travel Nurse Salary Vermont

Vermont is a popular state for travelers because it offers an escape from dense city life, and offers decent pay for travel nurses.

The average base salary in Vermont is: $123,081/year

35. Travel Nurse Salary New York

Unsurprisingly with its high cost of living and population – New York state pays out the most in the northeast region, and is the fourth highest-demand state for travel nurses.

The average base salary in New York is: $145,327/year.

36. Travel Nurse Salary Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has a lot to offer for travel nurses, including decent pay.

The average base salary in Pennsylvania is: $125,242/year.

37. Travel Nurse Salary West Virginia

The cost of living in West Virginia is lower than other states, so you can get more out of your travel nursing pay.

The average base salary in West Virginia is: $123,979/year.

38. Travel Nurse Salary Maine

Maine is a beautiful state with lots of natural beauty and plenty of fun things to do outside of the travel nurse workday.

The average base salary in Maine is: $127,051/year.

39. Travel Nurse Salary New Hampshire

New Hampshire is an attractive destination for travel nurses who want to make good money on the northeast coast.

The average base salary in New Hampshire is: $112,004/year.

40. Travel Nurse Salary Massachusetts

Although the average pay is on the lower end, Massachusetts overs lots of culture, especially in the Boston area.

The average base salary in Massachusetts is: $108,733/year.

41. Travel Nurse Salary Rhode Island

Rhode Island is the fourth lowest-paying state in the US for travel nurses, but still makes it in the six-figure range.

The average base salary in Rhode Island is: $100,607/year.

42. Travel Nurse Salary Connecticut

Travel nurses have great opportunities in areas like Hartford or Stamford with decent pay.

The average base salary in Connecticut is: $104,433/year.

43. Travel Nurse Salary New Jersey

New Jersey employers pay well above the national average, and is a great option for east coast travel nursing.

The average base salary in New Jersey is: $143,232/year.

44. Travel Nurse Salary Delaware

Even though it’s small, Delaware has big opportunity for travel nurse positions and pay.

The average base salary in Delaware is: $140,952/year.

45. Travel Nurse Salary Maryland

Although housing can be tough to lock down on, Maryland is a great travel nurse option with above national average pay.

The average base salary in Maryland is: $142,848/year.

46. Travel Nurse Salary Virginia

Virginia offers beautiful scenery and great culture for those wanting to practice as a travel nurse.

The average base salary in Virginia is: $126,990/year.

47. Travel Nurse Salary North Carolina

North Carolina is the fifth highest-demand state for travel nurses, offering just above the national average salary.

The average base salary in North Carolina is: $134,667/year.

48. Travel Nurse Salary South Carolina

Although South Carolina employers offer less than North Carolina’s, it’s still a great option for southeast coast travel nursing.

The average base salary in South Carolina is: $125,152/year.

49. Travel Nurse Salary Georgia

Georgia employers offer close to the national average pay for travel nurses with lower cost of living. 

The average base salary in Georgia is: $131,958/year.

50. Travel Nurse Salary Florida

Last, but not least – Florida is the third highest-demand state for travel nurses, and offers decent pay.

The average base salary in Florida is: $129,859/year.

Highest Paying Travel RN Jobs to Look for

For registered nurses (RNs), these are the top paying jobs to consider if you’re getting into travel nursing. Salaries are based on a national average and vary from state to state.

Operating Room RN

An operating room registered nurse (OR RN) is responsible for ensuring the safety of patients during surgical procedures. 

This can include everything from monitoring the patient’s vital signs, to administering anesthesia, and keeping track of instruments and equipment used throughout the procedure.

The average base pay for an OR RN is: $168,184

Intensive Care Unit (ICU) RN

An Intensive Care Unit registered nurse (ICU RN) provides advanced medical care and life support to critically ill patients. 

They work with physicians to ensure that their patients receive the best possible care and treatment, including helping them determine when it’s time to transfer out of the ICU into regular inpatient care.

The average base pay for an ICU RN is: $156,837

Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) RN

A Post-Anesthesia Care Unit registered nurse (PACU RN) provides support after a patient has been put under general anesthesia during surgery or other medical procedure. 

This includes monitoring their vital signs, ensuring they’re breathing normally, and administering pain medication if needed.

The average base pay for a PACU RN is: $154,402

Emergency Room RN

An Emergency Room registered nurse (ER RN) provides emergency medical care to patients who need it immediately after being brought into an ER facility by ambulance or other means. 

They check vitals, give any necessary medications, perform tests on them (such as x-rays), and more — the list goes on. ER nurses also help coordinate patient transfers between facilities when necessary.

The average base pay for a PACU RN is: $151,634

Check out our other breakdown of nurse base pay per position . 

Take the Next Step in Your Nursing Career with Us

There’s a lot of monetary and career opportunity waiting for nursing students, like you. after graduation. Travel nursing is a great option for those looking for higher-paying short-term work at various medical facilities. And it’s important to keep salary expectations at top of mind.

But the first step into a travel nursing career is acing your classes and exams.

You’ll need more than lecture notes to help – SimpleNursing offers comprehensive resources specifically for nursing students.

Invest in a study tool that will help you carry you beyond graduation.

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