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Travel Nurse Job Outlook: Most In-Demand Specialties & More

September 27, 2022 — 5 min read

Last Updated on May 26, 2023

What’s in store for the travel nursing profession as we move into the autumn and winter months of 2022, and as the Covid-19 public health emergency (PHE) comes closer to ending? Here’s an updated travel nurse job outlook from the experts at CareerStaff, your source for America’s best travel nursing jobs.

Travel Nurse Job Outlook: Demand Still Strong as PHE Winds Down

The biggest story in travel nursing over the past few years has been the Covid-19 pandemic , and that hasn’t changed as we close out 2022. Because of intense demand from facilities experiencing shortages, as well as loosened restrictions from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) during the public health emergency (PHE), the use of travel nurses surged like never before during the pandemic.  

In the past, travel nurses were hired mostly to help provide facilities in remote areas that couldn’t find the workers they needed in their immediate area. The shortage of nurses in those areas has only gotten worse over the past decade or so, leading to a steady growth in travel nurse job opportunities. And this was all helped along by the expansion of the Nurse Licensing Compact (NLC/eNLC) , which lets nurses work in dozens of states with a single license.

> Do you live in an enhanced Nurse Licensing Compact state? Check out our eNLC guide for a rundown of what states are in the compact, and what opportunities are available for traveling nurses.

Then, during the Covid-19 public health emergency (PHE), the use of travel nurses skyrocketed. Especially for those skilled in acute care — and particularly ICU nurses — demand was so high that experienced nurses had no shortage of opportunities to choose from, while also enjoying record-breaking paychecks.

Although the CMS has adjusted some details, the PHE is still technically in effect. The nature of the pandemic has changed, with vaccinations now widespread and hospitals now better prepared for Covid-19. Yet the demand for travel nurses is still high, and that isn’t likely to change.

In fact, hospitals and other facilities that have depended upon travel nurses to meet their patient care needs during Covid-19 will likely continue doing so. And, while the amount of pay that travel nurses can expect may not match the peaks of 2020 and 2021, the average pay rate is still encouraging. Nurse.org has a helpful state-by-state breakdown of current travel nursing pay rates .

“The salary for a travel nurse varies the most amongst all of the nursing professions,” according to Nurse.org . “During the pandemic, travel nurses made more money than ever before. This was a direct result of the increase in patients, a decrease in healthcare staff due to the virus, and the ongoing staffing shortages. It’s important to note that these VERY high rates are not expected to last.”

Find a New Travel Nursing Job Now!

Travel Nurse Job Outlook: Today’s Most In-Demand Specialties

With that in mind, the travel nurse job outlook is great for those looking to continue this exciting career path. Whether it’s a full-time lifestyle, a way to make money between full-time jobs, or a means to earn extra income during retirement, travel nursing continues to offer a wide range of opportunities for skilled and motivated nursing professionals.

And, as one of the nation’s leading travel nursing recruitment agencies , CareerStaff has an insider’s perspective into the most in-demand kinds of nurses. As we move into flu season 2022, these are the specialties leading the travel nurse job outlook:

#1 In Demand Specialty: Step Down / Progressive Care Nurses

As summer 2022 winds to a close, step down/progressive care is by far the most in-demand travel nursing specialty, with literally hundreds of jobs available across the country. This is a change from earlier in the pandemic, when acute care/ICU nurses represented the most urgently needed type of nurse. Now, nurses specializing in transitioning patients away from intensive care have their choice of job opportunities.

Search Step Down/Progressive Care Travel Nurse Jobs

#2 In Demand Specialty: Medical / Surgical Travel Nurses

Medical/surgical specialists are also in high demand. Involving a wide range of patient care tasks, and requiring an equally wide range of skills, we’re seeing a ton of med/surg jobs not only in hospitals and health centers, but especially in long-term acute care (LTAC) facilities too. Some of these med/surg travel jobs may require further specialization in areas like oncology or wound care.

Search Med/Surg Travel Nurse Jobs

#3 In Demand Specialty: Emergency Nurses

Healthcare employers are also seeking emergency room nurses at higher rates than usual. Helping to provide care for patients in need of emergency care, travel emergency nurses currently have their choice of job opportunities pretty much everywhere — we’re currently recruiting ER nurses for assignments in Virginia, California, New Hampshire, Iowa, Colorado, Michigan, Wyoming, to name just a few locations.

Search Emergency Care Travel Nurse Jobs

Travel Nurse Job Outlook: The Future Leads to CareerStaff

No matter what type of specialty you work in, or what type of facility you prefer, you can count on CareerStaff Unlimited to help you achieve your best career. Improve your travel nurse job outlook by joining our nationwide network of jobs today, and get access to opportunities from coast to coast (and then some).

In addition to competitive pay and a great suite of benefits that includes 401(k), full health and dental coverage, life insurance options and more, CareerStaff travelers get access to the industry’s best recruiters.

“My favorite thing about working with CareerStaff is my recruiters — how they make me feel appreciated and always keep me updated,” as Joanna, a CareerStaff Clinician of the Month for May, 2021, told us last year .

You can read more about the benefits of traveling with CareerStaff here , or get the ball rolling by searching all open travel nursing jobs now.

See All Travel Nursing Jobs

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The state of travel nursing in 2022.

Travel nursing is in a state of transition in 2022. Throughout the pandemic, COVID-related hospitalizations combined with staffing shortages and provider burnout led many hospitals to increase travel nurse usage to meet demand. But as hospitalizations surged, so did the cost of travel nursing contracts — and many nurses experienced an unprecedented period of demand and high compensation for their services. However, as COVID-19 trends toward endemic status and hospitalizations subside, that trend is changing.

Travel nursing: Then and now

Eleonore Ruffy, Vice President of RNnetwork, says that prior to the pandemic, travel nursing was a regular, steady business. “Hospitals staffed approximately two percent of their nursing positions with travel nurses,” Ruffy says. “Here at RNnetwork, we had roughly 8,000 open positions nationwide at any given time.”

However, as the COVID-19 pandemic surged — especially surrounding the Omicron variant in December 2021 and January 2022 — demand for travel nurses soared. COVID highlighted the value of nurses, but was also a tipping point , according to one industry expert.

“COVID patients were treated largely by nurses. So, as the hospitals filled and nurses treated those specific patients, demand spiked. Compounding the issue, nurses began to get very burned out from the experience, and many left their permanent positions or left the profession altogether,” Ruffy says. “At its highest, contingency nurses accounted for an estimated nine percent of total contingency staffing. Here at RNnetwork, we peaked at 55,000 open positions nationwide. As you can imagine, when supply didn’t increase, bill rates and pay rates went up dramatically at that time.”

Industry data suggest the average pay for travel nurses increased from $1,706 per week in December 2019 to around $3,290 per week in December 2021. The travel nursing industry doubled in size over the last year. And in 2021, travel nursing revenue tripled to an estimated $11.8 billion, up from $3.9 billion in 2015.

As COVID-related hospitalizations decrease and relief funding tapers off, some experts predict the travel nursing “bubble” may burst. Ruffy acknowledges the reduction in demand, but says demand and pay are still much higher than pre-pandemic levels.

“It has dropped back down, but it’s still much higher than it was before COVID,” says Ruffy. “We have more than 20,000 open positions. And while hospitals are making incremental adjustments to pay, rates are still much higher than pre-pandemic rates.”

Traveler and permanent staff rapport

In addition to demand and compensation, the pandemic impacted other areas of travel nursing, including increasing the tension that sometimes exists between permanent staff and travelers.

“There are definitely challenges to travel nursing,” says Ruffy. “And some got better and some felt more intensified during the pandemic.”

“Long-term relationships can be harder to forge as you’re seen as the new provider and have to learn new systems and new processes with new team members. Sometimes a stigma exists if someone is not a permanent nurse, and that stigma was exacerbated during the pandemic. As travel nursing compensation increased, that gap widened.”

“However, in areas like Florida and Arizona where the census changed a lot during the year, facilities have been very traveler friendly,” says Ruffy. “Facilities in these areas have historically been much more accustomed to having travel nurses. They are more welcoming, as a result, and tend to give a better experience overall because they have been more used to having temporary staff.”

Ruffy hopes that the pandemic-driven demand for travel nurses will help make it more standard practice for more areas and therefore contribute to friendlier work environments .

“As more and more facilities have gotten more comfortable using travel nurses, the experience has been enhanced,” says Ruffy.

Travel nursing outlook

As for the outlook for the travel nursing market, Ruffy is optimistic.

“I think the outlook is still very bright for travel nurses. Even though COVID seems to have settled, demand and travel nurse pay are still higher than pre-pandemic levels, and there is a really good opportunity for nurses who are interested in the travel profession to get in,” says Ruffy. “Travel nurses today may not expect to earn peak crisis pay, but they’re also not going to experience the challenges of peak-pandemic demand, either.”

Interested in travel nursing? We can help you find your first (or next) travel nursing job. Give us a call at 800.866.0407 or view today’s travel nurse job openings .

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About the author.

Allison Riley

Allison Riley is a public relations professional with more than 10 years experience in healthcare and corporate communications. She lives in New York City with her better half and two wonderful daughters. She and her girls are currently contending for world's slowest recorded stair climb to a fifth-floor apartment, and she enjoys writing so she can just finish her sentence already.

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Travel Nursing Trends: A Look Into the Future of Travel Nursing

by Trusted Nurse Staffing | Jan 4, 2023 | News | 0 comments

Staffing shortages have kept the need for travel nurses a hot topic since the pandemic in 2020.

With a high demand for nurses, we might expect the coming years to continue offering higher salaries and new opportunities for travel nurses to work short-term contracts around the country. 

Unfortunately, since 2020, burnout and lack of personnel have led many hospitals to seek more help. By staying on top of the many travel nursing trends — from salary to how to handle mental health to an increase in job opportunities and more — you can stay ahead of the game and better prepare for the future of an often challenging career. 

Learn what travel nurse statistics tell us about the future of travel nursing this year and beyond.

Table of Contents

Travel nursing statistics: where does the data come from, pay attention to these 3 big travel nursing trends, 7 additional trends we’re predicting for the travel nurse industry in the coming years, take advantage of future travel nursing trends with trusted nurse staffing.

Many resources work hard to gather data used to help healthcare professionals understand the trends of their jobs. For travel nursing, statistics are gathered from a variety of places.

Every two years, the National Council of States Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) partners with The National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers and conducts a survey focused on the nursing profession. The most recent National Nursing Workforce Survey was done in 2022 and generated information on the supply of nurses in the country. 

The findings included things like:

• The median age of RNs was 46
• Male RNs have steadily increased
• Most RNs (57.5%) work in a hospital setting
• The median pre-tax earnings for RNs is $80,000
• Over 60% of RNs reported an increase in their workload since the COVID-19 pandemic

COVID-19 impacted many jobs throughout the United States, but nurses and other medical professionals saw a huge change that altered the way the profession would be in the years following the pandemic.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Travel Nursing

Demand for travel nurses soared in 2020 and 2021 due to the crisis caused by the pandemic. According to data from the American Hospital Association, the percentage of total hours worked by contract or travel nurses in hospitals grew from 3.9% in January 2019 to 23.4% in January 2022. 

Additionally, hospitals spent about 4.7% of their nurse labor expenses on travel nurses in January 2019, while in January 2022, that average reached 38.6%. This increase illustrates the boost the travel nurse profession has seen over the past couple of years. 

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2022 National Nursing Workforce Study represents the largest, most comprehensive, and most rigorous evaluation of the nursing workforce. This survey concluded that approximately 100,000 RNs and 34,000 licensed practical and vocational nurses have left the workforce since 2020. 

Although travel nurse statistics show that many things require change in the coming years, three big travel nursing trends jump out — demand for travel nurses, pay for travel nurses, and how the mental health of travel nurses is approached.

Demand Trends in Travel Nursing

Many travel nursing specialties are topping the charts for most demand by healthcare facilities between January and March 2023. 

According to report results , these travel nurse specialties are in demand:

• Med-Surg – 17% demand
• Emergency department – 8% demand
• Step-down – 7% demand
• Med-Surg/telemetry – 6% demand
• Medical ICU – 5% demand
• Telemetry – 5% demand
• Operating room – 5% demand
• Labor and delivery – 2% demand
• Rehabilitation – 2% demand
• Psychiatry – 2% demand

The analysis also notes that of all U.S. states, Texas has the most (7%) travel nursing jobs available, likely because it’s a compact state, which means it allows travel nurses to obtain a multi-state license and speeds up the credentialing and employment process for them.

These states followed with the most travel nursing jobs available in the United States:

• California – 6%
• New York – 6%
• Florida – 5%
• Massachusetts – 4%
• Pennsylvania – 4%
• Illinois – 4%
• North Carolina – 4%
• Maryland – 3%

With some percentage of travel nursing jobs still available in these states, it’s clear that healthcare facilities continue to struggle to fill their permanent positions . With this, a reliance on travel nurses will continue to grow.

Pay Trends in Travel Nursing

Before the pandemic, travel nurses made an average of between $1,800 to $2,600 a week. During the pandemic, this number grew to between $8,000 to $10,000 a week. 

In 2022, the average salary for new travel nurses was just under $84,000 a year . ZipRecruiter reports that in 2023, the national travel nurse salary is just over $105,000 a year. 

Yet, it’s also reported that travel nurse salaries can float around $200,000 a year as the need for nurses continues to grow. 

A 2022 report shows that as turnover rates for nurses continue to rise, and the fact that it takes roughly three months to fill a new nurse position, the need for travel nurses is even greater. With high demand comes higher pay.

Pay for travel nurses depends on many things, one being where in the United States you accept a travel nurse contract. ZipRecruiter reports that in 2023, the highest hourly paid states for travel nursing are:

• New York – $61.67
• New Jersey – $53.28
• Wisconsin – $52.95
• Nevada – $52.50
• Wyoming – $52.49
• Massachusetts – $52.40
• Indiana  – $51.79
• Arizona – $ 51.77
• New Hampshire – $51.73
• Pennsylvania – $51.58

And the lowest-paying states were reported as follows:

• Kansas – $43.09
• Michigan – $42.76
• Louisiana – $42.56
• Missouri – $42.47
• Texas – $42.23
• Nebraska – $41.24
• Idaho – $40.99
• Kentucky – $39.73
• North Carolina – $39.7
• Arkansas – $39.04

When compared to RNs with permanent positions , travel nurses are making more, and there are many travel nursing job opportunities available. 

If you’re hoping to take advantage of competitive salaries, Trusted Nurse Staffing can help you find a travel nurse contract that works for you. You can also utilize Pronto to search for current available positions.

Mental Health Trends in Travel Nursing

Amid the pandemic, the mental health of medical staff across the board suffered. Because the pandemic was intensified by a lack of personnel, the fact that many healthcare facilities were not crisis-ready, and inadequate emotional backing, healthcare professionals have been leaving their careers in droves. 

Many issues causing the drop in medical staff, including nurses, have been associated with:

• Lack of support

With the mass exodus in nursing, it became evident that something needed to change. For nurses to provide top-notch care to their patients around the clock, they need to be prioritized — especially their mental health. 

If you find yourself struggling with mental health as a travel nurse, consider some of these options that will become widely available in 2023 and beyond:

• Join a support group
• Attend therapy, in-person or virtual
• Utilize sleep relaxation apps
• Exercise regularly
• Practice gratitude daily
• Confide in family or friends
• Seek professional help
• Take breaks when necessary
• Share or talk about work traumas
• Join an employee assistance program (EAP)

There are many resources available to the nursing community — including the ANA and American Nurse Foundation’s Well-Being Initiative — to help avoid both mental and physical burnout. Once you recognize the triggers, you can help prevent it from happening time and time again.

As a travel nurse pondering the future of your career, there are many trending factors to consider. 

Remember, travel nursing statistics show that a career as a travel nurse is in demand. In 2020, travel nursing grew by 35% and it hit a 40% growth in 2021. Will this trend continue as permanent RN positions are still left open throughout many healthcare facilities? 

If you choose to take on a career as a travel nurse, what could you expect for the future?

#1: An Increase in Travel Nursing Within Hospitals

More hospitals and healthcare facilities are offering internal travel nurse programs as a way to help combat the staff nursing exodus they’ve been experiencing over recent years. 

As travel nursing has become increasingly more popular (thanks to its many benefits ), paired with the effects of the pandemic on healthcare professionals, many hospitals have begun to lose their staff nurses. 

Now, many large healthcare facilities are launching travel nurse programs, offering short-term and high-paying contracts to travel nurses. Some even offer limited benefits. 

For a nurse looking to try out a short-term contract or who wants more flexibility in your work schedule while still remaining local, an internal travel nurse program is a great option that benefits both you as a nurse and the healthcare facility.

#2: An Increase in Flexibility

With the pandemic also came telemedicine and travel nursing to the forefront of society —  and it looks like they’re both here to stay . These two nursing professions offer great flexibility to a nursing career.

Telenursing provides care through technology, allowing nurses to practice their careers remotely with much flexibility. 

Travel nurses get to choose (to an extent) where they want their next assignment to be, allowing them to spend time in different places, experience new locales, and get a feel for different areas of the country. They also can easily take time off between contracts or sometimes have the option to extend a contract if that works best for their lifestyle.

#3: A Steady Number of Opportunities in Nursing

As mentioned earlier, the demand for travel nurses is high . And many different nursing specialties need nurses. 

Between 2020 and 2030, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there will be around 194,500 annual openings for RNs — an 8% growth rate over the decade. 

But the demand for nurses doesn’t just come from RNs leaving their positions. 

With the median age of RNs in 2020 being 52 years old, many were/are on the brink of retirement. It’s estimated that one-fifth of the RN population will retire by the end of the decade.

Whether you’re a med-surg nurse, an ER nurse, or a labor and delivery nurse, there are and will continue to be many travel nurse contracts available for you to pursue.

#4: A Growing Demand for Home Health Care Travel Nurses

Today, there are around 46 million baby boomers — adults aged 59 to 77. An Aging in the United States report says that by 2060, this number is expected to be more than 98 million . That’s a dramatic increase!

Because of this increase, it’s expected that about 75% of Americans will need care in a nursing home, offering many opportunities for travel nurses to work outside of a traditional hospital.

#5: A Growing Demand for Behavioral Health Travel Nurses

As a behavioral health nurse, you typically care for patients with behavioral and mental health conditions or substance abuse disorders.

Unfortunately, opioid addictions and suicide rates are rising, and people need help. 

In 2023 , the percentage of adults in the United States with any mental illness is 21%. The percentage of adults with substance abuse disorder is 15%. Overall, 5% of adults have thoughts of suicide.

The U.S. The Department of Health and Human Services states that by 2025, the U.S. will be 250,000 professionals short of what the demand will require. 

#6: Technological Advancements in the Healthcare Profession

Technology is revolutionizing healthcare and the way that medical professionals practice medicine, treat patients, and conduct work regularly. 

Travel nurses will begin to see things like:

• Electronic medical record systems
• Telemedicine platforms
• Mobile health apps and devices
• Wearable technologies for patient monitoring

As travel nurses learn to adapt to these many technological advancements in healthcare, many things can change. 

#7: Consistency Across the Demographics of Travel Nurses

According to a July 2023 report by Zippia , there are over 1,733,502 travel nurses currently employed in the United States. 

• About 85% are women while 15% are men.
• The average travel nurse’s age is 43.
• Regarding ethnicity, nearly 70% are White, 12% are Black or African American, 9% are Asian, and 9% are Hispanic or Latino.

As for the future of travel nursing, these numbers are expected to remain consistent, just as they have over the last decade.

Does the future of travel nursing sound promising? With the many job opportunities available, the pay rates, and the chance to travel to new places, why pass up the chance to work as a travel nurse?

Trusted Nurse Staffing works to connect you with rewarding job opportunities that offer great benefits and competitive pay. We are dedicated to helping you achieve your goals which is why we encourage (and help with) continued education, reward success and accomplishments, and help you pursue your growth. 

With Pronto, you can search for available travel nursing contracts and work alongside your recruiter at Trusted Nurse Staffing to secure your desired contract with the pay and benefits that you deserve.

Contact us today.

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Transition Back from Crisis: The Future For Travel Nurses After COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted and continues to impact everyone worldwide. It’s no surprise that healthcare systems and travel nurses still are being impacted and experiencing significant changes. But how has the pandemic changed the world of travel nursing? Let’s discuss the state of travel nursing during the pandemic, the future of travel nursing , and ways to transition for travel nurses.

The State of Travel Nursing During COVID-19

Travel nursing has always been a high-in-demand field. During the pandemic, the state of travel nursing changed worldwide. Let’s explore how the pandemic affected the state of travel nursing.

Demand For Travel Nurses

The demand for travel nursing during the COVID-19 pandemic exploded. The average hours that travel nurses worked increased to over 23% in January 2022 . This number reflects the total number of travel nursing hours worked as a percentage worked by nurses in hospitals. This is a tremendous increase compared to less than 4% hours pre-pandemic numbers.

Hospitals were experiencing and continue to experience nursing shortages due to a variety of reasons. Reasons include staff nurses contracting COVID-19, patients needing a higher acuity of care, or a lack of safe nurse-to-patient ratios. Also, a large number of staff nurses left their full-time jobs. Staff nurses were seeking higher wages, scheduling flexibility, and the opportunity to travel, all of which travel nursing offers .

Changes to Safety Protocols

Safety protocols have also changed during the pandemic. Nurses have always needed to wear personal protective equipment (PPE). Pre-pandemic, PPE most of the time included only surgical masks and gloves. However, since COVID-19 is an airborne illness , this changed PPE and safety protocols worldwide. Travel nurses now additionally wear surgical gowns and N-95 masks or respirators , which protect against airborne droplets.

Sick leave protocols changed because of the pandemic as well. If nurses were experiencing any flu-like symptoms or had a mild headache, they called out sick. This is because COVID-19 symptoms present differently in everyone. Nurses were required to receive a negative COVID-19 PCR test before returning to work. These return-to-work protocols are still changing and vary per healthcare system.

In addition to COVID-19 testing, hospitals have been more lenient on sick time for nurses. Before the pandemic, it was more often than not that travel nurses worked when they were sick. Now, it has become more accepted that it’s ok to not go to work when you are sick-even if it’s not with COVID-19.

👉 Read more: Trusted Benefits

Changes in Pay and Incentives

Travel nurses made approximately $1,673 per week before the COVID-19 pandemic . During the pandemic, travel nurses saw an increase in hourly wages. Sometimes wages were up to three times their pre-pandemic salary. They were also offered sign-on and assignment completion bonuses. Travel nurses were willing to work longer hours due to better benefits and hourly pay. This helped fill the gap with hospital staff nursing shortages.

👉 Read more: Trusted Guide to Nurse Pay

Adaptations To Work and Living Conditions

Travel nurses also had to learn to quickly adapt to the ever-changing work conditions. Early pandemic safety protocols were changing daily, which travel nurses had to keep up with.

Most travel nurses were afraid to visit or go home to family members and friends. This is because, in the early stages of the pandemic, much was still unknown about safety and transmission. Many travel nurses opted to not return home or waited 14 days in quarantine after completing their assignments for fear of transmission to loved ones. 

Many travel nurses have worsening stress levels and burnout rates . Nursing can be a stressful career, but COVID-19 added another layer of stress. Many nurses are seeking counseling from mental health professionals.

👉 Read more: The State of Mental Health in Nursing in 2022

How Will Travel Nursing Change as We Move To a Post-pandemic World?

Now that it appears the pandemic is winding down, it continues to impact the future of travel nursing . There are several ways travel nursing will change as we move post-pandemic.

For instance, healthcare systems are now transitioning back to hiring permanent, full-time nurses, instead of travel nurses. Some travel nursing contracts are being canceled . During the pandemic, many travel nurses were asked to extend their contracts. Now, it’s becoming rarer that healthcare facilities are asking for contract extensions.

Pay rates for travel nurses are starting to decline as well and are returning closer to pre-pandemic numbers. While the demand for travel nursing will decrease, travel nursing contracts will still exist. Many travel nurses will likely return to permanent, full-time positions for more stability. However, they may ask for higher wages, sign-on bonuses, and benefits.

Most likely, healthcare facility and mask safety protocols will not change. While masks are optional outside of healthcare facilities , it’s unlikely this will change inside hospitals for quite some time, if ever.

Call-out and sick protocols have also been impacted by the pandemic. If travel nurses are sick, it requires a negative COVID-19 test to return to work. If they are positive for COVID-19, an isolation period is required before returning to work. Due to the high transmission rate, this protocol will unlikely change in the years to come.

How Can Travel Nurses Adapt to This Transition

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted travel nurses pre- and post-pandemic. During the pandemic, travel nurses have overcome unforeseen challenges. Now that we are slowly transitioning into a post-pandemic workplace, let’s review how travel nurses can adapt to this transition and the future of travel nursing .

Prepare For Financial Impacts

The need for travel nurses will never completely go away. However, travel nursing contacts are beginning to decline when compared to mid-pandemic numbers. This can have a large impact on travel nurses financially . While salaries are still higher than pre-pandemic numbers, travel nurses should expect to receive less pay.

To prepare, make sure you are saving at least six months of living expenses. 

Another way to prepare is to accept a lower-paying contract that is guaranteed for a longer time frame. This way, it may help you financially prepare and give you a long time to find another contract after your current one ends. Always have a backup contract in mind and voice this to your travel nursing recruiter. Voice your concerns for financial stability to your Nurse Advocate , and most likely, they will help you create a backup plan in case something goes sour.

Lastly, see if your travel nursing agency offers local assignments. As most local assignments have a 50-mile minimum radius, this will allow you to work closer to home. The pay and stipends may be slightly lower than a true travel nursing assignment. But your wages will still be higher than accepting a permanent staff nurse position. Also, if you work closer to home, then you may be able to work another part-time job or find another local assignment.

Update Your Resume

Since some travel nursing contracts are being canceled, it’s also a good idea to start updating your resume . There are several resume writing companies that specialize in travel nursing that can help you update it.

Consider adding new skills to your resume. For example, maybe you are a medical-surgical nurse but floated to the cardiac step-down unit several times. Make sure to add that you cared for COVID-19 patients. Including these shows versatility, commitment to nursing, and learning new skills. 

Also, consider obtaining certifications for your nursing specialty . Certifications will make you stand out amongst other travel nursing candidates. It shows commitment to and advancement in your field of nursing.

Take Care of Your Mental Health

During the pandemic, mental health declined and burnout rates increased amongst travel nurses. Since we are transitioning to life after a pandemic, remember that it’s important to take care of your mental and physical health. Set aside time for self-care activities that you enjoy, such as reading, getting a massage, or meditation. Promoting self-care can improve your mental health and stress levels. 

Since the pandemic, many have reflected on the importance of interactions with family and friends. Talk and plan events with your friends and family to help boost your mental health. If you have a busy schedule, plan phone dates with family and friends. Maintaining healthy relationships can help provide a strong support system. Strong support systems are often needed amongst travel nurses since you’re often far away from home.

If you feel like you are struggling with your mental health, seek support from a licensed therapist or counselor. They can listen to your concerns and improve your mental health. If you feel like you don’t have time to see a mental health professional, there is also Telemedicine. Telemedicine connects you with mental health professionals via smartphone apps.

Take Care of Your Physical Health

It’s also important to take care of your physical health. It can be difficult to take breaks while on shift, making it that much more imperative to take care of your physical well-being. Make sure you are eating healthy. Consume the required amount of vitamins and nutrients in your diet to boost your immunity. Exercise at least 30 minutes five times a week to boost your cardiovascular health. Try activities like walking, riding a bike, or doing yoga.

Remain Flexible

Travel nurses are prime examples of flexibility. It’s crucial to remain and communicate your flexibility when considering nursing assignments. Remaining flexible may help you land your next travel nursing assignment over other candidates. While floating to other areas of the hospital is not always ideal, still, be open to the idea. 

Stay Positive

It’s also imperative to keep a positive attitude. Staying positive can help boost your mood and the moods of those around you. If your travel nursing contract isn’t going as planned, remember that it’s only a few weeks. You will get through it!

Practicing gratitude is another great way to stay positive. Remember that a lot of coworkers and travel nurses are under the same pressures as you. Express your gratitude to them whenever possible by writing them a thank you note or offering to pay for their lunch. A little gratitude goes a long way!

Trusted Health is here to help you navigate the future of travel nursing

If you’re looking for your first or next travel nursing assignment, try Trusted Health . They offer many travel nursing resources, guides, and articles. Trusted Health’s many job listings and travel nursing recruiters will help you navigate the post-pandemic future of travel nursing .

‍ Sign up or log in to get started today!

Amanda Marten NP-C, MSN has been a certified nurse practitioner for over three years. With eight years of nursing experience, she has worked in a variety of specialties including urgent care, travel nursing, post-surgical, and intensive care.

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Travel Nurse Salaries in 2024: What To Expect

LeaderStat specializes in direct care staff, interim leadership, executive recruitment, travel nursing and consulting for healthcare organizations nationwide.

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2024 Travel Nurse Salary + Job Outlook

Travel nurses work in specific locations for limited and usually predetermined timeframes of anywhere from 13 to 16 weeks. Though they may work in any type of facility – hospitals, doctors’ offices, and long-term care facilities – they get to choose where they work, which helps prevent boredom. Travel nurses also earn handsome salaries that rival the average salaries of BSN-educated registered nurses (RNs). Here, you will learn more about the average travel nurse salary and what you can expect if you choose this exciting career path.

How Much Does a Travel Nurse Make?

Salary for different types of travel nurses, what other benefits will you receive as a travel nurse, how to boost your travel nurse salary, 10 best states to work for travel nurses + salary, travel nurse salary by state – highest to lowest, travel nurse salary by city, what are the 10 best travel nursing agencies to work for in the united states, what does the future look like for travel nursing jobs.

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Medical Staffing Outlook for 2024

The demand for healthcare staffing remains high in 2024. An aging population with multiple chronic conditions, the medical workforce shortage and growing telehealth utilization require more providers. The growth of travel nursing trends over the past three years has helped, and in 2024, interest in locum tenens staffing is taking off.

The future looks good for locum tenens doctors and travel nurses to enhance patient care. Learn about the factors driving these healthcare positions and how these providers benefit the healthcare industry.

Locum tenens outlook

Locum tenens clinicians serve a critical role in today’s healthcare landscape in the United States. Locum tenens roles offer healthcare facilities greater staffing flexibility by temporarily filling needed positions.

Locum tenens clinicians substitute for physicians who are out on leave, in training or during times of high patient volumes. Locums fill needs in their local communities and/or in travel assignments as independent contractors.

Locum tenens positions expanded in 2023 by 12 percent. This role is projected to grow an additional 7 percent in 2024, according to a recent Staffing Industry Analysts report.

Travel nursing outlook

Travel nurses also take temporary roles for a contracted period. Like locum tenens, they fill gaps in high-demand situations and often travel around the country.

Over the past three years, travel nursing has been a focal point in medical staffing growth. Signs point to the travel nursing boom normalizing with job opportunities remaining consistent.

Factors influencing the medical staffing outlook

The increasing popularity of travel nursing and locum tenens is due to multiple factors, including:

Aging population

According to the Census Bureau , about 10,000 people turn 65 every day in the U.S. By 2060, the number of people age 65 plus will grow by 75 percent – from 54.1 million to almost 95 million . Additionally, medical care today allows people to live about 10 years longer than life expectancy in the 1950s.

As baby boomers exit the workforce, enter retirement and experience the ailments of older age, the demand for healthcare workers will continue to grow.

Medical workforce shortage

Several factors play into the current medical workforce shortage. The fallout from the rigor and demands on healthcare workers during and following the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be felt. As clinicians left the field, those left behind carried a greater burden. Systems have worked hard to ease the burden, but it remains difficult in some areas.

Provider burnout – Before the pandemic, the American Medical Association found that the rate of physician burnout was 38 percent. The rate increased to 63 percent in 2021 and fell to 53 percent in 2022 – still 15 percent above the rate before 2019.

The main reasons cited for burnout include inefficiencies in the healthcare sector, administrative burdens and increased regulation. As a result, more clinicians are cutting back their hours or leaving the profession entirely.

Projected labor shortage – With our quickly aging population, the U.S. needs more than a million more nurses by 2031, according to a report from McKinsey & Co. The projected medical workforce shortage will be exacerbated by many older physicians and nurses retiring as well.

This shortage increases opportunities for those seeking travel nursing or locum tenens positions. Healthcare organizations are hiring more temporary providers, making the medical staffing outlook positive for professionals on this career path.

Popularity of telehealth

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of telehealth to access medical care skyrocketed from about 911,000 users in 2020 to more than 8.5 million in 2022. This utilization enabled providers to bill for care, prescribe medications and receive reimbursement through waivers.

This shift also enabled people in rural areas to access care. As a result, many organizations increased their telehealth providers, hiring locum tenens clinicians to fill the roles.

Growth in telehealth remains a top trend in 2024. Healthcare facilities will likely look to locum tenens clinicians and other temporary staff to fill these roles.

Benefits of temporary provider roles

Stepping into a locum tenens role has many benefits. Clinicians can gain more control over their schedules. They can offer support to other clinicians who need to take leave while escaping the bureaucracy and administrative burdens that cause burnout. Locums physicians also gain valuable experience through diverse opportunities, earn competitive wages and have flexible schedules.

Likewise, travel nursing  has many benefits as well. For those who love to travel, short-term assignments to new places and working with new people can be exciting. The opportunity to help communities in need is rewarding and satisfying. Pay is competitive and opportunities vary.

What to know more about what the future of medical staffing for nurse travelers? Read this article: The State of Travel Nursing .

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The medical staffing agency you choose to work for as a locum tenens clinician or travel nurse matters. TinkBird places high value on our providers. Our support and benefits packages prove our commitment.

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

August 29, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Does Travel Nursing Work?

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

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

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

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

• Weekly stipend for expenses
• Lodging accommodations
• Signing bonus

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

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

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

Job Role and Main Duties of a Travel Nurse

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

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

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

What Are the Travel Nursing Requirements?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travel Nurse Practitioner vs. Travel RN

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

Scope of Practice

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

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

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

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

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

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

Work Environment

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

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

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

Salary and Assignment Length

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

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

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

What Is Per Diem Travel Nursing?

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

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

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

Is Travel Nursing Worth It?

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

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

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

Begin Your Journey to Becoming a Travel Nurse

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

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

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

Recommended Reading:

Burnout vs. Compassion Fatigue in Nursing

The Importance of a Nurse’s Role in Patient Safety

Trauma Nursing in Vacation Cities

American Association of Critical Care Nurses, Frequently Asked Questions About CCRN Certification

CareerStaff Unlimited, "Comparing Travel and Per Diem Nursing Jobs: Which Is Right for You?"

Health Affairs , "COVID-19’s Impact on Nursing Shortages, the Rise of Travel Nurses, and Price Gouging"

Healthcare Dive, "Nurses Burned Out, Dissatisfied With Careers Consider Leaving the Field, Survey Finds"

Indeed, "How to Become a Traveling Nurse Practitioner (6 Steps)"

Indeed, Travel Nursing Salaries in the U.S.

PayScale, Average Travel Nurse (RN) Hourly Pay

Remede Group, "Are You More Comfortable With Per Diem or Travel Nursing ?"

Travel Nursing, "The Difference Between a Travel NP and a Travel RN"

Travel Nursing, "How to Become a Travel Nurse | 5 Requirements 2021"

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Registered Nurses

Zippia, Traveling Nurse Demographics and Statistics in the U.S.

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How Much Do Travel Nurses Make? Salary & Career Outlook

17 Mar, 2023 | By: AIAM Author

Travel nursing is an exciting and unique career that offers opportunities to discover new places, gain valuable experience, and make a positive impact on people’s lives.

If you’re considering a career as a travel nurse , you may be wondering how much you can make. While there’s no single answer to this question, several factors can influence your salary as a travel nurse.

In this blog, we’ll explore the various factors that can impact travel nurse pay and provide a detailed breakdown of average salaries across the country. So, whether you’re thinking about a career in travel nursing or are simply interested in learning more about the earning potential of this field, this blog will offer valuable insights and information.

What Is a Travel Nurse?

Travel nurses are certified registered nurses working in short-term positions at hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities worldwide. These nurses fill gaps in areas with nursing shortages and are expected to perform all the duties of a traditional nurse .

If they have a specialization, they typically work within that specialization; otherwise, they are expected to:

• Address patient concerns
• Educate patients on health, wellness, and illnesses
• Monitor patients’ recovery
• Measure patients’ vital signs
• Administer medication
• Compile reports for doctors and other stakeholders
• Ensure that all equipment and medical supplies are kept sterile and well-organized
• Collaborate with the team effectively

Travel Nurse Salary

The salary of a travel nurse can vary based on several factors. Firstly, the state where you practice will significantly impact your pay. Some states offer incredibly competitive salaries. For instance, a travel nurse’s salary in New York averages $125,701 per year , while other states, such as Vermont ( $94,298 ) and North Carolina ( $75,610 ), provide more modest wages.

Secondly, the city where you are assigned can also influence your salary. Some cities, like San Jose, CA, pay an average annual wage of over $127,092 annually . And, of course, your income may also increase depending on the education level and experience you bring to the table.

Highest-paying states for travel nurses

New York and New Hampshire pay travel nurses more than any other state, with median salaries totaling up to $125,701 and $116,530 , respectively. Western states, like Oregon, Alaska, and Nevada, have higher living costs, contributing to higher paychecks, with travel nurse salaries averaging around $100,000 annually .

In contrast, Southern and Midwestern states generally have lower salaries for travel nurses, primarily because of the lower cost of living in those areas. For instance, North Carolina, Louisiana, Texas, and Missouri have the lowest median annual salaries, with travel nurses earning an average salary of $75,610-$84,963 .

Salary based on the type of travel nurse

Travel nurses can perform various duties, and the salary will differ depending on that. For example, an operating room travel nurse earns the most, with an average annual salary of $181,783 per year . In contrast, a rehab travel nurse earns an average salary of $160,216 annually .

Let’s take a look at how much different types of travel nurses earn annually :

Salary based on experience

Experience is a crucial determinant of salary for travel nurses. It’s worth noting that there is a significant gap in earnings between entry-level and experienced travel nurses.

As per the latest data , the average hourly rate for a travel nurse is $40.37. However, entry-level travel nurses earn a starting salary of $31.25, significantly lower than the industry average. Conversely, senior travel nurses earn an average of $50.96 per hour, representing a substantial increase in pay compared to their entry-level peers.

When looking at the yearly income of travel nurses, the average salary stands at $83,000 , with entry-level nurses earning a starting salary of $65,000. However, as nurses climb up the ladder and attain senior status, their average salaries can reach up to $115,000 annually. Therefore, it’s safe to say that experience plays a critical role in determining a travel nurse’s salary.

How To Increase Your Travel Nurse Salary

While this career is known for its lucrative pay, there are several ways to increase your earnings even further. Here are some steps you can take to achieve this goal:

• Opt to get paid per diem and work extra shifts: If possible, choose to get paid per diem rather than hourly pay since this option can be more profitable. Additionally, taking on extra shifts can boost your earnings significantly.
• Maintain nursing licenses in multiple states: Obtaining licensure in multiple states can open up more job opportunities, including higher-paying assignments.
• Specialize in a high-demand field: Specializing in a high-demand area like surgical nursing, trauma nursing, or research can result in higher pay rates.
• Take on challenging assignments: Some assignments may require long hours or working in underserved communities, but they often offer higher pay rates.

By implementing these strategies, you can boost your earning potential as a travel nurse and increase your overall job satisfaction.

Travel Nurse Job Outlook

As more nurses discover the benefits associated with travel nursing, including a competitive salary as well as personal and professional benefits, travel nursing is expected to continue growing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the registered nursing profession to grow at a rate of 6% between 2021 and 2031. So, RNs now have the opportunity to fill thousands of open positions in travel nursing.

In addition, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) found that the average age of registered nurses is 52. That means there will likely be a greater need for travel nurses as more senior nurses retire.

The Bottom Line

Travel nursing is a rewarding career path that offers a wide range of benefits, including higher pay rates, flexibility, and the opportunity to explore new places. While the salary can vary depending on various factors, such as the location, facility, and level of experience, travel nurses can expect to earn more than regular nurses due to their unique skill set and willingness to take on temporary assignments in different parts of the country.

As healthcare continues to evolve and the demand for travel nurses increases, this trend is likely to continue, making travel nursing an attractive option for those seeking to advance their career while experiencing new adventures.

Interested in becoming a travel nurse ? Join our registered nursing program for a holistic approach to patient care, or click here if you need extra information regarding the program.

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Triage Travel Nursing: Skills and Outlook

Nursing February 29, 2024

The important role that emergency departments have long played in our healthcare system is only growing. According to a 2022 report in the medical publication STAT , for more than 10 years, the number of visits to emergency departments has grown faster than the U.S. population. And as our population ages, the number of emergency department visits likely will continue to rise. 

To function efficiently, emergency departments need competent triage nurses who can assess patients’ needs and identify the care they require. With the nation experiencing a shortage of nurses, triage travel nursing has become an option for experienced nurses to consider. 

Individuals who are considering advancing in the nursing profession may find it helpful to explore what working as a traveling triage nurse entails and whether it aligns with their career goals.

What Triage Travel Nursing Entails 

Nurses who focus on triage travel nursing typically take on temporary assignments in hospital emergency departments throughout the country that are short-staffed. Triage travel nurses are usually registered nurses with previous experience in general and emergency nursing care. The assignments they accept can range in length from a few weeks to several months, with the typical assignment lasting approximately 13 weeks. 

What Triage Nurses Do

Triage nurses are the first healthcare professionals patients encounter in an emergency department. Triage nurses rely on their expertise to assess patients quickly and identify their healthcare needs. Examples of the responsibilities of a triage nurse include the following:

• Taking patients’ vital signs
• Performing examinations
• Obtaining information on patients’ medical histories
• Ordering patients’ tests
• Assessing the severity of patients’ medical issues
• Coordinating with other members of a healthcare team

With the rise of telehealth, triage nurses also can work as telephone triage nurses. In this role, triage nurses work for organizations such as crisis hotlines or telephone triage centers. Telephone triage nurses can be called upon to do anything from advising a patient on how to treat their cold symptoms to obtaining an ambulance for a patient who requires emergency care.

The Benefits of Working as a Traveling Triage Nurse

The dynamic and fast-paced nature of triage nursing can appeal to nurses seeking challenging work in which they can apply their professional judgment and expertise. Choosing to work as an emergency nurse in triage opens up the opportunity to care for patients with serious illnesses and injuries, which can make this type of nursing very rewarding.

In addition, becoming a traveling nurse offers unique benefits. For example, working as a travel nurse enables nurses to:

• Gain work experience at different healthcare provider locations
• Enhance their resumes with a variety of work experiences
• Explore living in various areas of the country
• Exercise flexibility in accepting assignments
• Build professional networks across multiple healthcare providers

Key Skills for Triage Nursing as a Travel Nurse 

Registered nurses who want to work in triage nursing as a travel nurse can benefit from developing specific skills. Examples of those skills are highlighted below. 

Clinical Skills

It’s important for triage nurses to have strong clinical skills in areas such as:

• Assessing patients’ symptoms and pain levels
• Administering medication, oxygen, and IVs
• Performing physical exams that are focused on a specific area of the body
• Ordering appropriate diagnostic tests

Prioritizing patients according to the severity of their illnesses or injuries is an important part of a triage nurse’s duties. Using their clinical expertise, triage nurses assign each patient an acuity level, which helps to identify which patients need care immediately. Adjusting patients’ acuity levels when their conditions change also is an important responsibility of triage nurses.

Communication Skills

Because they work in a fast-paced setting with patients who are experiencing a variety of illnesses and injuries, some of which may be severe, triage travel nurses need to be able to communicate clearly and succinctly both with their patients and with other healthcare professionals.

Decision-Making Skills

Assessing and prioritizing patients requires triage nurses to have solid decision-making skills. They need to be able to analyze information quickly and act on that information confidently.

Multitasking Skills

Anyone who has been to a busy emergency department knows that triage nurses benefit from having excellent multitasking abilities. Because they can’t control the volume of patients entering the emergency department, triage nurses need to be able to care for multiple patients as the need arises. Multitasking skills also help triage nurses to minimize patient wait times.

Practical Skills for Travel Nursing

To achieve success as a travel triage nurse, it’s helpful for nurses to build practical skills in areas such as:

• Organization . Due to the nature of their jobs, travel nurses have a lot of details to manage. For example, registered nurses need to be licensed in the states where they work, so traveling triage nurses need to keep track of licensure requirements across states, as well as their fulfillment of those requirements.
• Adaptability. Travel nurses need to adapt to a new environment every time they begin an assignment. Having the ability to acclimate to a healthcare setting quickly can help traveling triage nurses be effective.
• Teamwork. Team structures can differ across healthcare settings, so being able to act as an effective team member in any team structure is vital to working successfully as a travel triage nurse.
• Emotional intelligence. A deep well of emotional intelligence can be highly desirable for a traveling triage nurse. Characteristics such as self-confidence and responsibility help these nurses do their jobs well.

Employment Outlook for Triage Travel Nurses

The nationwide nursing shortage translates into an attractive employment outlook for triage travel nurses. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the U.S. healthcare system will have about 193,100 job openings available for nurses each year through 2032.

In addition, a study published in the Journal of Emergency Nursing in 2023 discussed significant issues regarding nursing shortages in emergency departments, including shortages of staff to conduct triage work. Because of these shortages, traveling triage nurses could have attractive prospects for employment.

Explore Your Career Options in Triage Travel Nursing

Triage nurses who travel to work at different healthcare provider locations have the opportunity to do fulfilling work while exploring new areas of the country. Relying on their expertise, triage travel nurses have the chance to help patients who may be experiencing the most significant healthcare issues they may ever face. 

Registered nurses who are looking to pursue career advancement in a field such as triage travel nursing can explore Denver College of Nursing’s online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program or online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program to learn how enrolling in a degree program can help them achieve their goals. 

Denver College of Nursing also offers on-campus Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs for individuals who are looking to enter the nursing profession as a registered nurse. Take the first step toward your nursing career goals today.

Recommended Readings Four Reasons Becoming a Traveling Nurse Might Be Right for You Tips for Applying to Nursing School Types of Nursing Degrees

Sources: American Nurse, “Telephone Triage Nursing: When Patients Call” AMN Healthcare, “The Advantages of Being a Travel Nurse” CareerBuilder, “Travel Nursing Skills: The Top 6 Requirements” Health Carousel Nursing and Allied Health, “The Landscape of Triage Travel Nurse Job Prospects and Compensation” Health Carousel Nursing and Allied Health, “The Pivotal Role of Nurses in Driving Efficiency in Triage” Indeed, “Triage Nurse: Duties, Salary and How to Become One” Journal of Emergency Nursing, “Rethinking Traditional Emergency Department Care Models in a Post-Coronavirus Disease-2019 World” STAT, “Americans Deserve Better Than ‘Destination Hallway’ in Emergency Departments and Hospital Wards” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Registered Nurses

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CVICU Travel Nurse Job Outlook and Salary: What You Need to Know

Table of Contents

Understanding the finances, responsibilities, and job outlook associated with specialized nursing roles is key to carving out a successful career in the field. This article explores the CVICU travel nurse specialty, which is among the best remunerated in travel nursing. We delve into the roles and responsibilities of a CVICU travel nurse , discuss the necessary skills and expertise, as well as the benefits and challenges of this job. Furthermore, we detail the factors that may influence the salary as well as the prevailing market conditions and future job trends in the field. Partner with Health Carousel Nursing & Allied Health to access abundant CVICU travel nurse opportunities at esteemed medical centers nationwide while gaining robust career support.

Defining the Role of a CVICU Travel Nurse

Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) travel nurses play a critical role in providing specialized care to patients with complex cardiovascular conditions. As a CVICU travel nurse, you will work alongside other nurses and physicians to care for patients who have undergone major heart surgeries, received heart transplants, or are experiencing heart attacks, arrhythmias, strokes, aneurysms, and other acute cardiac events.

Your broad responsibilities during temporary assignments at major hospitals’ cardiovascular care units encompass the following:

Qualifications & Education

• Completing an accredited BSN or MSN nursing program
• Obtaining RN licensure by passing the NCLEX national exam
• Gaining 2+ years of fast-paced critical care experience as an ICU/CCU nurse
• Earning the CCRN cardiovascular nurse certification
• Finishing a formal critical care residency with a cardiology focus

Core Critical Care Responsibilities

• Continuous cardiac rhythm monitoring and interpretation
• Titrating vasoactive IV medication infusions
• Managing IABPs, ventricular assist devices, and ECMO
• Performing detailed assessments
• Identifying changes in patient condition and notifying the care team
• Documenting assessments, interventions, response to care, and other details in the patient chart
• Coordinating care with cardiologists, intensivists, surgeons
• Educating patients and families on care plans
• Ensuring proper documentation for reimbursement
• Participating in emergency interventions like resuscitation, intubation, and defibrillation when needed

Skills and Expertise Required for the Role:

• Excellent cardiovascular assessment skills and advanced knowledge of heart conditions
• Proficiency in interpreting EKGs, hemodynamic values, and cardiac rhythms
• Strong critical thinking and clinical judgment
• Ability to operate complex equipment like ventilators, IV pumps, and temporary pacemakers
• ACLS and other advanced cardiac life support certification
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Emotional resilience to cope with stressful and emotionally taxing situations
• Meticulous attention to detail

By sharpening their abilities to stabilize patients, prevent complications, and collaborate with providers following serious heart issues, CVICU travel nurses make a true lifesaving difference. As you prepare for elite CVICU travel roles, Health Carousel Nursing & Allied Health provides support through every qualification and certification step.

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Unique Benefits & Challenges of Travel Nursing

Pursuing travel nursing opens up incredible geographic freedom to launch your career anywhere in the US while earning significantly higher pay rates. You'll also enjoy unique lifestyle perks like paid housing and travel allowances.

However, some adjustments come with the non-traditional arrangement:

Key Benefits

• 13-week assignments with the flexibility to extend
• Opportunity to gain experience in top medical facilities across the country
• Paid housing or stipends to support housing,
• Generous relocation assistance
• Flexibility and adventure from travel nursing
• Working with diverse patient populations and care teams

Overcoming Challenges

• Getting accustomed to new EMR systems and unit norms
• Building connections and rapport quickly
• Arranging health insurance between contracts
• Identifying the right travel company fit
• Budgeting effectively during unpaid break weeks

By proactively addressing changes and selecting supportive travel agencies invested in your success, any hurdles smooth out through guidance. This allows you to focus fully on advanced clinical practice and adventure.

Current Job Market for CVICU Travel Nurses

The job market for CVICU (cardiovascular intensive care unit) travel nurses is currently very strong. Hospitals rely heavily on travel nurses to fill gaps and provide high-quality care. Skilled CVICU travel nurses can easily find ample assignments across the U.S. in all types of facilities - major medical centers, community hospitals, etc.

Future Job Trends and Predictions:

Experts predict strong demand for CVICU travel nurses will continue in the future. As nurses leave the field, the rate of replacement is not occurring at the same pace. It is expected that 900,000 nurses will retire by 2027, according to research from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) . Research from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) suggests that the US will need over 200,000 new nurses each year to keep up with the rate of retiring nurses. This shows us that demand will be high for quite some time.

Salary for CVICU Travel Nurses

As a highly skilled specialty nurse, CVICU travel nurses can earn excellent compensation. However, salaries can vary considerably based on:

Factors that Influence Compensation:

Geographic location and its impact on salary.

• Highest paying states for travel nurses include states like California, New York, and Massachusetts due to the high cost of living.
• Rural and smaller cities tend to offer lower base salaries
• Major metro areas and coastal states/cities pay more due to demand

Demand and Supply Factors

• Higher demand during flu season and summer vacations increases pay rates
• Lower demand after holidays/school breaks decreases rates
• National nursing shortages drive up travel nurse compensation

Level of Experience

• More years of CVICU experience command higher pay
• Specialty certification (CCRN) boosts earnings potential
• New graduate nurses earn less than experienced nurses
• Nurse practitioners and other advanced practice nurses earn more

Average Salary of a CVICU Travel Nurse

The average salary for a CVICU nurse is roughly $124,000 in the United States. Travel nurse salaries are typically higher than average because of the demands of the job, such as traveling costs, flexibility from moving from place to place, and more. A supportive travel nurse agency optimizes your compensation potential through transparent guidance on regional benchmarks and pay negotiation support.

Tips for Negotiating Better Pay

Recognize your immense value in supporting understaffed CVICU units as a travel nurse when negotiating to accelerate salary growth:

• Thoroughly research regional median salaries to anchor negotiations
• Highlight specialized expertise as a CCRN-certified CVICU nurse
• Quantify contributions to quality of care, mortality rates, and revenue
• Emphasize capacity to manage high acuity and rapidly changing treatment needs
• Leverage agency expertise to secure optimal comprehensive packages

Facing extreme CVICU strains, hospitals invest in top talent to ensure patient care and outcomes. With the right agency support and negotiation guidance, never hesitate to advocate for fair value-based compensation that fuels your best care.

Partner With Health Carousel Nursing & Allied Health

At Health Carousel Nursing & Allied Health, we’re proud supporters of CVICU nurses pursuing adventurous travel careers while making a difference for cardiac patients nationwide. Our white-glove approach delivers a Full Circle of Support so you can swiftly achieve your career goals.

Our innovative Clinical Ladder , Work Study , and Career Coaching programs empower your continuous professional enrichment and skill elevation at every career stage. We simplify paperwork, resumes , credentialing, and onboarding, along with offering robust benefits so you can immediately focus on excellent patient care.

Discover how our amplified expertise opens up fantastic CVICU travel nurse jobs from leading centers coast to coast. With a knowledgable team collaborating to streamline your success and offer the support you need, count on accelerated career advancement the moment you join the Health Carousel Nursing & Allied Health travel community!

Check out On Demand , our powerful web app, where you can search for and apply for CVICU travel nurse jobs across the nation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the job outlook for cvicu travel nurses.

Experts predict strong demand for CVICU travel nurses will continue in the future. As nurses leave the field, the rate of replacement is not occurring at the same pace. It is expected that 900,000 nurses will retire by 2027,

What skills do I need to be a CVICU travel nurse?

Becoming an accomplished CVICU travel nurse requires finishing an accredited BSN program, obtaining 2+ years of ICU experience, earning CCRN certification validating cardiovascular expertise, and sharpening abilities to continually assess, monitor, and stabilize critically ill cardiac patients. Communication skills and emotional resilience also enable success in fast-paced hospital settings.

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15 Best Health Care Jobs If You Love To Travel

Posted: February 27, 2024 | Last updated: February 27, 2024

If you are a health care professional who wants to find ways to travel more , there are many positions that allow you to explore new places as you work.

Check out these positions that will allow you to work in health care without going to the same boring office day after day. All salaries and job outlook information come from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Make Money: 8 things to do if you're barely scraping by financially

Traveling nurse

Median annual salary: $81,220

Job outlook: 6% (Faster than average)

Registered nurses provide care to patients and coordinate care issues with doctors and other providers.

You can become a traveling nurse and move from place to place, depending on where additional nursing care is needed.

Are you a homeowner? Don't let unexpected home repairs drain your bank account.

Medical transcriptionist

Median annual salary: $34,730

Job outlook: -4% (Decline)

Medical transcriptionists convert voice recordings from documents into written records. You can work remotely or move from place to place.

Athletic trainer

Median annual salary: $53,840

Job outlook: 14% (Much faster than average)

Athletic trainers work with clients in different sports to prevent, diagnose, or treat injuries. They also work on preventative care, or develop health and exercise programs for athletes.

Travel can be an important part of your job if you’re working with an athletic team or travel to work with individual athletes.

Make Money: Discover 17 legit ways to make extra cash

Medical writer

Median annual salary: $73,150

Job outlook: 4% (As fast as average)

Medical writers create written content about the medical field or specific topics related to health care.

While some writers might move from office to office, others work remotely. That means you can take your job with you as you travel.

Physical therapist

Median annual salary: $97,720

Job outlook: 15% (Much faster than average)

Physical therapists work with patients to create and develop an exercise plan after an illness or injury.

You can travel from client to client to work with them in their homes and provide care. In addition, formal travel positions are available that take you to new cities for months at a time.

Computer systems manager

Median annual salary: $164,070

Hospitals and health care organizations rely on computer systems to help them deal with patient records, billing, or other needs.

A computer systems manager can plan and coordinate these computer-related tasks and may travel to different locations to review systems and plans.

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Median annual salary: $229,300

Job outlook: 3% (As fast as average)

A physician is a medical doctor who coordinates care for patients by diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries.

You will need a medical degree, but once you earn one, you can travel from place to place to provide care.

Interpreter

Median annual salary: $53,640

Interpreters translate spoken words from one language to another. Most interpreters in the U.S. should be fluent in English and at least one other language.

With a travel position, you can move from medical facility to facility and might be able to set your own schedule.

Management consultant

Median annual salary: $95,290

Job outlook: 10% (Much faster than average)

Management consultants may travel from client to client to review an organization’s practices and develop recommendations for how to improve operations or create more efficient plans.

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Sales representative

Median annual salary: $67,750

Job outlook: 1% (Little or no change)

Sales representatives are responsible for promoting products to potential clients such as medical devices or pharmaceuticals.

You can travel from client to client to talk to them about the benefits of your products.

Home health aide

Median annual salary: $30,180

Job outlook: 22% (Much faster than average)

Home health aides assist patients in their homes with things such as managing chronic illnesses or performing daily activities.

You can travel from home to home or stay with the same client in their home on a daily basis.

Health care social worker

Median annual salary: $60,280

Job outlook: 7% (Faster than average)

A health care social worker can help a client and their family navigate the health care system to coordinate care. Or, they might advise patients and families on what steps to take.

In addition to formal travel work positions, you can travel from patient to patient to help them.

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Health services manager

Median annual salary: $104,830

Job outlook: 28% (Much faster than average)

A health services manager coordinates the business activities of a health care provider.

In this role, you might travel from location to location to check on health care facilities and review health care practices.

Dental hygienist

Median annual salary: $81,400

Dental hygienists are responsible for cleaning patients’ teeth and examining teeth for signs of disease

Dental travel programs allow you to work throughout the U.S. and even around the world.

Median annual salary: $39,410

Job outlook: 5% (Faster than average)

Paramedics provide emergency care by assessing illnesses or injuries and transporting patients.

Travel paramedic jobs are available for those who seek adventure and want to boost their pay.

Bottom line

Health care jobs can help you get ahead financially with a good salary. In addition, some of these roles give you the ability to travel.

So, if you don’t like the idea of working in the same place day after day, consider finding work in one of the travel positions on this list.

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Politics latest: Rwanda bill delayed after government suffers surprise defeats - as Tory peer calls for election 'sooner rather than later'

Peers continue the parliamentary ping pong over the Rwanda bill by passing two new amendments - as a Tory peer calls for an election "sooner rather than latter" and laments the impact of Brexit.

Wednesday 17 April 2024 23:36, UK

• Rwanda bill ping-pong continues as government suffers two more defeats in the Lords
• Home secretary: 'Labour desperate to delay or disrupt Rwanda bill'
• Beth Rigby:  Plenty more showdowns to come as blame game begins over Rwanda bill delays
• 'What on earth are we waiting for?' - Tory peer calls for election 'sooner rather than later'
• Tory MP who complained about Rayner to police declines to say what he thinks she's done wrong
• Almost one million private renters in England given no-fault evictions since Tories promised to scrap them
• Live reporting by Ben Bloch and (earlier)  Faith Ridler

Thank you for joining us on the Politics Hub for another busy day in Westminster.

Here's what happened:

• Rishi Sunak's Rwanda bill is very unlikely to become law this week after the House of Lords unexpectedly passed two new amendments to the legislation this evening;
• The government still says flights will take off in the spring, as promised, with Treasury minister Laura Trott telling Sky News there are "lots of definitions of spring";
• Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron spent the day in Israel meeting with PM Netanyahu and other ministers, and said it is "clear Israel has decided to act" against Iran following its attack on Saturday;
• Nonetheless, the PM reiterated earlier today that it's "time for cool heads to prevail" in the Middle East;
• Rishi Sunak hit out at Sir Keir Starmer at Prime Minister's Questions, saying in response to the Labour leader's questioning of whether he had read Liz Truss's book that he should spend "more time reading the deputy leader's tax advice", referring to the police investigation into Angela Rayner;
• Sky News revealed new data that showed almost one million private renters in England have been handed no-fault evictions since the Conservative government promised to abolish them;
• In good news for the government, official figures showed inflation has eased to 3.2% down from 3.4% - although it's still above the Bank of England's target of 2%.

Join us again from 6am for the very latest political news.

An MP has lost the Conservative Party whip while newspaper claims about alleged misuse of campaign funds are investigated.

Mark Menzies, the MP for Fylde, disputes the allegations reported by The Times but the Conservative Party is looking into the claims.

A spokesperson for Chief Whip Simon Hart said: "Following a call with the Chief Whip, Mark Menzies has agreed to relinquish the Conservative whip, pending the outcome of an investigation."

In a statement to The Times, Mr Menzies said: "I strongly dispute the allegations put to me. I have fully complied with all the rules for declarations. As there is an investigation ongoing I will not be commenting further."

Losing the whip means Mr Menzies is no longer a member of the Conservative parliamentary party and will sit as an independent MP, rather than a Tory MP, in the House of Commons chamber.

Read more on this breaking story here:

Events have been fast-moving in parliament this week on the government's Rwanda bill, with votes taking place left, right, and centre.

So what actually happened and when?

The House of Commons voted on seven amendments, passed by the House of Lords, to the Rwanda bill.

All seven amendments were rejected by MPs.

They were all defeated by comfortable majorities and sent the bill back to the Lords.

The House of Lords once again decided to change the legislation, passing four new amendments.

That sent the bill back to the House of Commons for MPs to vote on.

This afternoon

Immediately after Prime Minister's Questions, MPs voted on the four Lords amendments to the legislation after around an hour of debate.

All four amendments were rejected by MPs, all by comfortable margins.

It was expected that the Lords would accept the bill in the form sent it by the Commons, but...

This evening

Labour peers joined bishops and crossbenchers to pass two new amendments to the bill, with comfortable majorities.

This means that - much to the annoyance of the government - MPs will have to vote again on those amendments.

The Lords is insisting on its position that the bill should require an independent committee to declare Rwanda safe (rather than giving the home secretary that power), and it should exempt those who served with or for the British armed forces from deportation.

The government had expected the bill to pass the Lords tonight, so many MPs will not be in Westminster tomorrow.

That means the earliest we are likely to see MPs vote on the two latest Lords amendments is Monday.

By Beth Rigby , political editor

This was the week it was meant to be done.

Having forced the House of Commons to vote down the Lords' amendments to the prime minister's flagship illegal immigration bill three times, peers would typically have bowed out of the battle this time around and passed the Rwanda bill.

Instead, they sought to amend the legislation again.

There is obvious frustration in government, with one senior figure saying: "We wanted to get it done today, but it shows Labour for their true colours."

The Rwanda bill now comes back to the Commons next week, and could finally be passed on Monday.

All the while, the clock is ticking down on the prime minister's promise to get flights away by the end of spring.

With that timetable already in doubt, at least this ping pong can help ministers pin this on peers should that deadline be missed.

But there is also huge frustration amongst some MPs with Number 10.

Read Beth's full analysis here:

The Sky News live poll tracker - collated and updated by our Data and Forensics team - aggregates various surveys to indicate how voters feel about the different political parties.

With the local election campaign well under way, Labour is still sitting comfortably on a roughly 20-point lead, averaging at 43.5% in the polls, with the Tories on 23.5%.

In third is Reform UK on 12.3%, followed by the Lib Dems on 9.3%.

The Green Party stands at 6.2%, and the SNP on 3.1%.

See the latest update below - and you can read more about the methodology behind the tracker  here .

By Faye Brown , political reporter

The government is "working on operationalising" Rwanda flights, a minister has said - amid reports RAF planes could be used for the controversial deportation scheme.

Laura Trott did not deny a story in The Times newspaper which said migrants might have to be flown to the east African nation on RAF Voyagers because the Home Office has failed to find an airline willing to take them.

Asked by Sky News who is going to fly asylum seekers to Rwanda, the Treasury minister pointed to comments on Tuesday made by her colleague Laura Farris, a Home Office minister, who said the government is "operationally close to being ready".

Ms Trott added: "I think I'm going to say the same thing that she said yesterday to you, which is that we are working on operationalising this, but we're not going to go into details of how we're going to do that."

Asked if RAF Voyagers will be used, she said: "We will be ready for flights to take off in the spring when the legislation passes."

When it was pointed out that we are now heading towards May, she said: "There are many definitions of spring but we're hoping to get them up and running as quickly as possible."

Read the full story here:

By Adele Robinson , business correspondent

The government has agreed to have an independent expert review of a Post Office IT system predating Horizon, amid claims dozens more sub-postmasters may have been wrongly convicted.

The Capture software was rolled out across branches in the 1990s, years before the notorious Horizon system was introduced.

Post Office minister Kevin Hollinrake has met with a former sub-postmaster and a lawyer representing 35 people who believe they were wrongly accused of stealing.

It was agreed between MPs and the Post Office minister that an independent IT expert would assess evidence claiming to "prove" Capture software was prone to glitches.

Over a year ago, Rishi Sunak made five pledges for voters to judge him on.

The prime minister met his promise to halve inflation by the end of 2023.

But with the general election approaching, how is Mr Sunak doing on delivering his other promises?

You can see the progress for yourself below:

By Jennifer Scott , political reporter

Almost one million private renters in England have been handed no-fault evictions since the Conservative government promised to abolish them, new data has shown.

Research carried out by YouGov on behalf of homelessness charity Shelter - and shared exclusively with Sky News - showed that since April 2019 a total of 943,000 people had been given Section 21 notices, which is the equivalent of more than 500 renters every day.

The figures also showed unwanted moves were costing private renters in England £550m a year, with 830,000 people having to move in the last 12 months alone due to either their fixed tenancies coming to an end, being priced out by rent increases or being served with a Section 21.

Add in the soaring upfront costs for rents and deposits and unwanted moves are costing more than £1bn a year - or an average of £1,245 per person.

Polly Neate, Shelter's chief executive, said tenants were "bearing the cost of the government's inaction" and warned any further delays to banning no-fault evictions would see more people "tipped into homelessness".

But Levelling Up minister Jacob Young defended the government. He said abolishing Section 21s was "the biggest change to the private rented sector in more than 30 years" so it "takes time to make sure we get it right".

We heard a short while ago from government minister Steve Baker after the Lords passed two more amendments to the Rwanda bill, sending it back to the Commons once again.

He told Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig that "of course" the government is cross that the Lords has amended the bill once again.

"They're just delaying this policy. They seem to be terrified that it will work, and they're doing everything to delay it.

"So, of course, I'm extremely disappointed."

Jon put to Mr Baker that the government has slammed the door on interpreters who worked for us in Afghanistan, and others who the government promised they'd look after, and now face being deported to Rwanda.

He said it's "not quite the case", saying the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Home Office are "running a scheme to resettle Afghans, which I understand has resettled over 16,000 people who supported us".

The minister insisted the government will stand by those who helped our forces abroad, but added: "There's a proper route through the MoD and the Home Office.

"They shouldn't be travelling with people smugglers illegally across the Channel. And that's what we've got to break."

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