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How to Start Travel Nursing: The Ultimate Guide

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A comprehensive guide on how to start travel nursing.

Are you interested in starting a career in travel nursing? Whether you’re a seasoned nurse looking for a new adventure or a new graduate ready to explore the world of healthcare, travel nursing can be a fulfilling and exciting career path. In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the steps to get started in travel nursing, including the requirements and application process, how to choose the right agency, finding and securing assignments, and navigating compensation packages. Let’s dive in!

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Steps to Becoming a Travel Nurse

Travel nursing is an exciting and rewarding career path that enables nurses to explore diverse medical environments while experiencing new cities throughout their assignments. In this travel nursing blog article, we will outline the steps to becoming a travel nurse, starting with understanding the role, requirements, and application process.

Understanding the Role of a Travel Nurse

A travel nurse is a registered nurse who takes on short-term assignments in various healthcare facilities, often to fill staffing shortages or specific skill needs. Their responsibilities are similar to staff nurses, but they have greater flexibility in selecting their assignments and location. A travel nurse staffing agency, like Health Carousel, often manages the connections between nurses and healthcare facilities. In addition to providing exceptional patient care, travel nurses are expected to integrate quickly, adapt to new policies and procedures, and work with diverse teams of healthcare professionals.

Requirements for Travel Nurses

Travel nurses need to meet specific educational, licensure, and experience requirements. These include having a nursing diploma, an associate degree in nursing, or a bachelor's degree from an accredited BSN program. Additionally, they must pass the NCLEX exam to obtain their RN license. After that, they should have 1-2 years of experience in their specialty. The national council requires some travel nurse specialties, such as the nurse manager and cath lab nurse , to have additional certifications.

Completing the Travel Nurse Application Process

The application process for becoming a travel nurse involves submitting an online application to a travel nurse staffing agency. The agency's recruitment team will then review your application and determine your eligibility. If you meet the requirements, you will be moved to the next step, which is a phone interview with a travel nurse recruiter. During the interview, you can discuss your goals, preferences, and expectations. After the interview, you will need to submit the necessary documents, such as licensure, certifications, and employment history. If your submission is successful, you will be invited to participate in a travel nurse orientation program that helps you prepare for nurse life on the road.

Choosing the Right Travel Nursing Agency

As you explore the various travel nurse resources available to you, one important aspect of launching your travel nursing career is selecting an agency that will help you find assignments, negotiate pay packages, and provide support. In this section, we discuss evaluating travel nurse staffing agencies, comparing agency benefits, and tips for selecting a reputable agency.

Evaluating Travel Nurse Staffing Agencies

When evaluating potential travel nursing agencies, consider factors such as the number of available assignments, relationships the agency holds with healthcare facilities, and its track record of placing nurses successfully. Many travel nurse resources, including online forums and review websites, can help you gain insights into the experiences of other travel nurses who have worked with particular agencies. Additionally, make sure the agency adheres to the principles established by the national council for travel nursing agencies.

Comparing Travel Nursing Agency Benefits

Many travel nurse staffing agencies offer a variety of benefits that can affect the overall value of a travel nurse assignment. These can include housing stipends, sign-on bonuses, health insurance, and retirement plans. Make sure to research and compare the benefits offered by different agencies before making your decision.

Tips for Selecting a Reputable Agency

Selecting a reputable travel nursing agency is vital in ensuring a smooth and successful travel nurse experience. Some tips for choosing an agency include asking for referrals from other travel nurses, doing thorough research on the agency's reputation, and asking about the level of personal support available to travel nurses while on assignment.

Finding and Securing Travel Nurse Assignments

The next step in your travel nursing career is finding and securing travel nurse assignments that meet your preferences and goals. In this section, we will discuss browsing and applying for assignments, preparing for an assignment, and building a successful travel nursing career.

Browsing and Applying for Travel Nurse Assignments

Once you have partnered with a travel nursing agency, your recruiter will work with you to find suitable assignments. Platforms offered by travel nurse staffing agencies often provide job listings, and you can apply directly through their websites. When searching for assignments, consider factors such as location, duration, pay, and required skills.

Preparing for a Travel Nurse Assignment

Before embarking on a travel nurse assignment, make sure you are adequately prepared by familiarizing yourself with travel nurse resources, obtaining necessary licenses and certifications, and ensuring your personal life is set up for success on the road. The travel nursing blog community can provide tips and insights on topics such as housing, budgeting, and managing stress while on assignment.

Building a Successful Travel Nursing Career

As you progress in your travel nursing career, prioritize ongoing professional development, and seek opportunities for growth, such as continuous education, certification courses, and attending networking events. Your travel nursing agency can provide valuable support and guidance as you navigate your career objectives.

Navigating Travel Nurse Compensation Packages

The travel nurse's salary is often a significant factor in choosing and negotiating assignments. As you navigate travel nurse compensation packages, it's essential to understand salary and hourly rates, the difference between taxable hourly rates and non-taxable reimbursements, and tips for negotiating a fair pay package.

Understanding Travel Nurse Salary and Hourly Rates

Travel nurse salaries can vary depending on factors such as assignment location, specialty, and experience. Compensation packages typically include a base hourly rate and additional pay for overtime, call-back, or on-call hours. As a potential travel nurse, you should be knowledgeable about the average salaries in your specialty and the desired assignment's geographical region.

Taxable Hourly Rate vs. Non-Taxable Reimbursements

Understanding the difference between taxable hourly rates and non-taxable reimbursements is crucial for navigating travel nurse compensation packages. Taxable hourly rates are wages subject to federal and state taxes, whereas non-taxable reimbursements cover expenses, such as housing, meals, or transportation, related to your assignment. Non-taxable reimbursements are not subject to federal and state taxes and often play an essential role in travel nurse pay packages.

Negotiating Your Travel Nurse Pay Package

Effectively negotiating your travel nurse pay package involves researching the market rates for your specialty and location, being aware of your unique skill sets and experiences, and being prepared to discuss your expectations with your recruiter openly. Keep in mind that while a travel nurse's salary is a vital component of an assignment, additional factors such as location, housing, and benefits should also be considered.

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What is a Travel Nurse? Everything You Need to Know

How to become a travel nurse.

• State Licensing
• Agencies & Recruiters
• Certifications
• A Travel Nurse's Journey
• Final Thoughts

The world of nursing is not confined to traditional hospital settings. For those seeking excitement, flexibility, and diversity in their nursing careers, travel nursing presents a unique and rewarding opportunity.

This guide will discuss  travel nurse requirements , essential steps, qualities, and perks of becoming a travel nurse, offering valuable insights into this exhilarating profession.

Want to learn how to become a travel nurse ? The first step is obtaining the necessary education and licensure.

Aspiring nurses can choose to pursue an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution. Opting for a BSN opens doors to a broader range of job prospects, including prestigious healthcare systems and trauma centers.

After completing their nursing education, nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to obtain their state nursing license, laying the foundation for their travel nursing journey.

As a travel nurse, certain certifications are commonly required and highly recommended to ensure the nurse’s readiness to handle various clinical situations and emergencies. The two critical certifications that travel nurses typically need are:

Basic Life Support (BLS): BLS certification by the American Heart Association is a fundamental requirement for all healthcare professionals. BLS training equips nurses with the skills to recognize and respond to life threatening emergencies such as cardiac arrest, choking, and respiratory distress.

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS): ACLS certification by the American Heart Association is essential for nurses working in settings where they may encounter patients with cardiac issues or in critical care situations. ACLS skills build upon BLS skills and provide additional knowledge and techniques to manage cardiac arrest, stroke and other cardiovascular emergencies. 

Depending on your specialty and the requirements from the facility you wish to travel to, other certifications such as PALS, NRP, and Stable may be required, so be sure to ask your recruiter before applying to travel nursing positions. Additionally, it's important for nurses to keep their certifications up to date, as they typically require renewal every few years.

>> Related: What do Travel Nurses Do?

The most important element to becoming a travel nurse is experience. Most travel agencies and hospitals require nurses to have a minimum of two years of nursing experience prior to applying for travel nursing contracts.

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

Navigating State Licensing as a Travel Nurse

Travel nurses frequently move between states, requiring them to research and understand each state's licensing requirements. Some states offer temporary "walk-through" licenses, enabling nurses to obtain short-term licenses swiftly. Familiarity with individual state licensing procedures and timelines is crucial for successful travel assignments.

Compact state licensure for travel nurses is a game-changer in the healthcare industry, streamlining the licensing process and making it easier for nurses to practice across state lines. By participating in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), qualified nurses can hold a single multi-state license, granting them the privilege to work in any other NLC state without the need for additional licenses. 

This simplification not only reduces bureaucratic barriers but also addresses the growing demand for healthcare professionals in various regions. Travel nurses can now embark on new assignments swiftly, providing crucial medical support where it's needed most, and ultimately enhancing patient care across the nation.

Key Attributes of a Travel Nurse

Effective travel nurses possess a unique set of qualities that enable them to excel in diverse healthcare settings. These attributes include:

Adaptability and flexibility : The ability to quickly adjust to new environments and handle various patient populations and healthcare systems

Strong communication skills: Effective communication is essential for collaborating with different healthcare teams, patients, and families

Problem-solving and critical thinking : Travel nurses encounter new challenges regularly, necessitating strong problem-solving skills and critical-thinking abilities

Compassion and empathy: A genuine love for patient care and empathy are vital in providing exceptional nursing services as a travel nurse.

Leadership abilities: Travel nurses should be comfortable assuming leadership roles when needed and confidently handling responsibilities

• Love for adventure: A spirit of adventure and a curiosity to explore new places and cultures is essential.

Benefits of Travel Nursing

Apart from competitive pay, travel nurses often enjoy an array of benefits:

Non-taxed stipends: Additional stipends for housing and living expenses on top of hourly rates if you qualify

Healthcare insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.

Retirement plans: 401K investment options for long-term financial planning

Bonuses: Sign-on, completion, and referral bonuses as incentives

Continuing education: Access to free courses for continuous professional development

License reimbursement: Support for renewing and maintaining licenses

Reliable pay: Weekly or bi-weekly pay schedules

Tax advantage plans: Tax-saving options for travel-related expenses

Insurance coverage: Coverage for life, liability, disability, and worker's compensation

Travel reimbursement to and from your assignment

Support: 24/7 support from the staffing agency. 

Travel Nurse Salary

The compensation for travel nurses varies significantly based on location, specialty, experience, and the chosen agency ZipRecruiter.com reports the national average for travel nurses is $118,400 per year.  While the pandemic and nursing shortage temporarily drove higher wages due to increased demand, these exceptional rates have not since been sustained post-pandemic. 

​​Travel Nurse Salary by State

Source: ZipRecruiter

Wages for travel nurses involve more than a straight hourly rate. They can receive non-taxed stipends for travel nurse housing and living expenses. Stipends are paid on top of the nurse’s hourly rate.  Other benefits for travel nurses, depending on the staffing agency,  include, 

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401K investment options
• Sign-on, completion, and referral bonuses
• Free continuing education courses
• License Reimbursement 
• Weekly/Bi-weekly Pay
• Tax Advantage Plan
• Life Insurance
• Liability Insurance, Disability Insurance, and Worker’s Compensation
• 24/7 Support

Additionally, you can increase your travel nurse salary through specialization or advancing your education. The average travel nurse practitioner salary is significantly higher than that of travel RNs.

What Are The Best Travel Nurse Agencies and How Do You Pick One?

Your travel nurse company and recruiter can make or break your experience, so this question should not be taken lightly. 

When you’re starting your travel nurse journey, one of the first steps you need to take is finding a travel nurse company and recruiter. This process might feel overwhelming because there are so many options out there. How do you know if you’ve found a good travel nurse company and a recruiter who has your best interest at heart?

When looking into travel nurse agencies, you should first make sure that they have these non-negotiables:

• A dedicated housing department of experts to help you find housing or do they give you a stipend to find your own housing
• Day 1 health, dental and vision insurance, and premium cost
• 401K that you can start contributing to immediately
• Travel reimbursement
• 24-hour customer support. Make sure to choose one with a clinical department that is available as a resource for you. 
• Have a variety and abundance of travel nursing jobs all over the country for your specialty.

Make sure to ask if they are Joint Commission credentialed. Agencies that obtain this certification must complete a strict qualification process, and it helps ensure that the company is upheld to the highest standards in the industry.

What to Look Out for When Working With Travel Nurse Recruiters

Travel nurse recruiters play a vital role in connecting nurses with suitable assignments. A skilled and honest recruiter advocates for the nurse's best interests, secures desirable contracts, and provides transparent and accurate information in a timely manner. 

Conversely, nurses should be cautious of unprofessional recruiters who submit them to assignments without consent or make false promises. In many cases, travel nurses build long-time friendships with their recruiters! You want to find a recruiter with whom you can connect quickly and establish a bond. They should be someone who helps put your mind at ease, has your back, and actively listens to what you want instead of pushing their agenda.

Don’t be scared to interview recruiters to find the right one. Working with a recruiter whose personality, values, and humor complement yours will make your travel nurse experience even more worthwhile.

We encourage you to work with travel nurse recruiters who have been vetted and highly recommended by fellow travel nurses or with our trusted partner, travelnursing.org.

Certifications for Travel Nurses

While there are no specific national nursing certifications for a Travel Nurse, having advanced RN certifications can make an individual look more desirable to hospitals. There are a plethora of nationally recognized certifications including, 

• CCCTM - Certified in Care, Coordination, and Transition Management
• CDN - Certified Dialysis Nurse
• CMSRN - Certified Medical Surgical Registered Nurse
• CNN - Certified Nephrology Nurse
• CNOR - Certified Nurse Operating Room
• CPAN - Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse

The most common certifications for travel nurses are,

• CPN - Certified Pediatric Nurse 
• CCRN - Certified Critical Care Nurse
• CEN - Certified Emergency Nurse

What Are the CEU Requirements for Travel Nurses?

Continuing education is essential for all registered nurses, including travel nurses, to maintain their active licenses. Each state has specific continuing education requirements that nurses must fulfill to remain compliant.

Examples of continuing education requirements for RNs are as follows: 

• Washington - 8 contact hours every year
• Texas - 20 contact hours every 2 years
• Florida - 24 contact hours every 2 years
• California - 30 hours every 2 years
• Hawaii - 30 contact hours every 2 years 
• Arkansas -20 contact hours every 2 years
• Florida -24 contact hours every 2 years
• Illinois - 20 contact hours every 2 years
• Iowa -36 contact hours every 2 years
• Pennsylvania -20 contact hours every 2 years

Some states do not require CEUs to maintain an RN license. Examples include Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Indiana, Maine, and Maryland. Several states also require HIV/AIDS education such as New York, Minnesota, and Kentucky. It is important for nurses to check their state’s RN credentialing body for exact CEU requirements. 

Nurse.org has a comprehensive list of CEUs by state for RNs here .

Brandy Pinkerton's Journey to Becoming a Travel Nurse

Brandy Pinkerton shared with us why she decided to become a travel nurse and what her journey was like.

Why did I decide to become a travel nurse ? I was burned out in my staff job and needed to renew my passion for nursing. After finding a great company and a trustworthy recruiter, I embarked on my first assignment solo with my two doggies in tow and never looked back! 

Since pursuing a career as a travel nurse and completing over 15 assignments, I’ve had adventures in Florida , Colorado , Nevada , South Carolina , Texas , and Montana . Becoming a travel nurse was the best decision I could have made for myself! While I’m grateful I made the decision to become a travel nurse, I also know that there are a lot of logistics involved in getting started. I’ll tell you all there is to know about travel nursing, so that you can feel prepared to take the leap into this exciting, rewarding profession!

Here are a few things travel nursing has given me:

• A better compensation package with benefits. Because of this, I could pay most of my debt, and I no longer had to work two jobs. 
• More time off and flexibility with my schedule. You can imagine all the wonderful things that can happen when you have more time back.
• Experiences that I would never usually get to have. Through these experiences, I discovered what I like and some new hobbies.
• Less burnout – this is HUGE!
• New relationships and friendships all over the U.S.
• More confidence. I have grown both professionally & personally.
• The ability to build my resume. I’ve been able to try out so many hospitals and have great takeaways from them. Who knows? There are some I may go back to one day.

Final Thoughts on Travel Nursing

Becoming a travel nurse is a thrilling journey that promises adventure, personal growth, and unique experiences. From education and licensure to acquiring experience and embracing essential attributes, travel nurses embark on a profession that combines professionalism with exploration. With competitive salaries, a range of benefits, and the potential to make a meaningful impact on patients across various locations, travel nursing offers a gratifying and fulfilling career path like no other! 

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

Plus, get exclusive access to discounts for nurses, stay informed on the latest nurse news, and learn how to take the next steps in your career.

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Home / Nursing Careers & Specialties / Travel Nurse

Travel Nurse

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

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

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

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

Why Are Travel Nurses Important?

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

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

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

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

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

What Are the Educational Requirements for Travel Nurses?

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

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

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

Are Any Certifications or Credentials Needed?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Domestic Travel Nurses

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

International Travel Nurses

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

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

Travel Nurse Working Conditions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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50 Useful Travel Nursing Tips for First-Timers in 2024

Are you an experienced nurse looking for some excitement and a change but not sure what options are available? Do you enjoy traveling? Does meeting new people and learning about new cultures excite you? If so, have you considered what it would be like to become a travel nurse? Perhaps you are wondering how to get started or asking, "What are some useful tips for first-time travel nurses?” If this sounds like you, the 50 useful travel nursing tips for first-timers in 2024 featured in this article are just for you!

WHAT ARE SOME USEFUL TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME TRAVEL NURSES?

1. learn about travel nursing and what it involves., 2. determine your availability to work as a travel nurse., 3. consider working as a float nurse at your current nursing job., 4. consider getting a compact nursing license., 5. update your resume., 6. make sure all licenses and certifications, and immunizations are current., 7. create a medical records portfolio and keep it up to date., 8. gather necessary documents., 9. get excellent letters of professional reference., 10. don't burn bridges., 11. choose the type of transportation you want to use., 12. take care of the tiny details, so you don't feel overwhelmed later., 13. do your research., 14. consider getting a recruiter or agency representative., 15. prepare for the interview., 16. be honest with recruiters and potential employers., 17. ask questions., 18. read the fine print in your contract., 19. create a budget., 20. find out what the early cancellation penalty is., 21. ask if you will be reimbursed if the hospital cancels your contract., 22. consider getting a personal liability insurance policy., 23. think about health insurance., 24. be flexible., 25. plan for housing., 26. don’t pack your whole house, 27. get to know other travel nurses., 28. don’t forget about your fur-babies, 29. be confident about your knowledge and skills., 30. try not to take things personally., 31. if you have a recruiter, stay connected with them., 32. accept assignments with an open mind., 33. don’t forget self-care, 34. arrive in your new town a few days early, if possible., 35. be early for work., 36. find a mentor., 37. learn coping mechanisms to help reduce stress and promote a positive outlook., 38. develop friendships with your new coworkers., 39. enjoy your new town, 40. embrace opportunities to learn and master new skills., 41. create a healthy work-life balance., 42. leave work at work., 43. don’t limit yourself to one agency., 44. remember, travel nurse agencies and recruiters work for you as much as you work for them., 45. consider earning a certification., 46. get experience in different specialty areas., 47. never stop learning, 48. be committed., 49. prepare for your next assignment., 50. have fun, useful resources to help prepare for your first ever travel nursing assignment, youtube videos, • travel nursing 101: what to know before you travel (don’t get played on your 1st contract) -, • travel nurses who left staff jobs reflect on newfound freedom -, • behind the scrubs: the travel nurse experience -, • atlas all access- travel nursing where you belong -, • hitting the road: a guide to travel nursing, • the truth about travel nursing, websites/blogs, my final thoughts, frequently asked questions answered by our expert, 1. is it a good idea to start as a travel nurse right out of college, 2. will travel nursing look good on my nursing resume, 3. when can i start applying for my first travel nursing assignment, 4. what do i need to make sure of in my first travel nurse contract, 5. as a first-time travel nurse, can i choose where to go, 6. i'd prefer to drive to my first travel nursing job. can i do that, 7. what if i get my first travel nursing assignment and i hate it, 8. as a first-time travel nurse, can i make my own schedule, 9. do first-time travel nurses get health insurance and 401k, 10. as a first timer, can i negotiate my pay with my travel nurse recruiter, 11. as a first-time travel nurse, how much will i make, 12. will my first travel nurse stipend be taxable, 13. can first-time travel nurses travel on international assignments.

Travel Nursing Information

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

There are many reasons to become a travel nurse.

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

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

• Pay & Benefits

How do I become a travel nurse with Aya?

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

What are the specific requirements?

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

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

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

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

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

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

How long are travel nurse assignments?

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

How Long Are Travel Nurse Assignments? | Aya Healthcare

What specialties have the most travel nurse jobs available?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Can I travel with a pet?

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

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

How do I find travel nurse housing?

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

What does travel nursing pay?

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

Do travel nurses get benefits?

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

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

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

How much orientation will I receive

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

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

What are the benefits of becoming a travel nurse?

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

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

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

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

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Nurses have a unique opportunity offered by few other career paths: as a travel nurse, you can explore a wide variety of locations around the country while expanding your skills and being compensated well along the way.

Travel nurses are skilled healthcare workers sent to healthcare facilities and organizations throughout the US to fulfill short-term staffing roles. The traveling aspect of this job makes it a perfect choice for nurses wanting to advance their careers or simply switch up their lifestyles.

Travel nursing allows you to explore your bucket list states as you sharpen your clinical skills and build your resume—all while enjoying premium benefits and pay.

What do travel nurses do?

Licensed and experienced travel nurses work as temporary staff to maintain quality patient care standards during staff shortages. They fill the gaps in the schedule, typically for weeks at a time. The standard travel nursing contract lasts for 13 weeks. However, it is common to find travel assignments between 8 and 26 weeks. Hospitals may offer to renew contracts, as well. These assignments generally last 3 to 5 weeks longer than the original contract.

The “travel” in “travel nurse” refers to working at different hospitals within their city, building a resume and a reputation among hospital administrators worldwide, and visiting other states or countries to help with surgeries and specialized procedures.

Another possible assignment could be working for a company supplying staff to community health clinics. These jobs and many more activities help nurses refine their skills and knowledge within their specialties, such as surgery, intensive care, rehabilitation, and more.

Perks of being a travel nurse

One of the most attractive aspects of travel nursing is the excellent pay. Still, travel nursing comes with other great perks, such as premium benefits packages, free housing or housing cost reimbursement, and the chance to build a reputation with the best hospitals in the country.

Here are some of the benefits you will enjoy as a travel nurse:

• Unparalleled flexibility
• Endless opportunities
• Great pay and benefits
• Living in, working in, and exploring vibrant locations
• The freedom to take extended time off between contracts

Travel nursing is one of the best ways to advance your nursing career. Travel nurses are making a powerful difference in patients’ lives and in the healthcare industry. A travel nurse can work in a wide variety of healthcare settings. From bustling medical centers in large cities to small clinics in remote locations—you can make the most of your nursing specialty everywhere. 

Travel nursing experience can increase your skills, making you a better candidate for future nursing jobs. Travel nurses are exposed to a wide range of patients and healthcare systems. This exposure develops their knowledge of medical conditions and treatment options. These experiences can also improve your ability to communicate effectively with various doctors, nurses, and patients, helping you become a better nurse overall.

The importance of travel nurses

The travel nurse is critical to the global healthcare system because of the constant shortage of qualified nurses in many specialty and non-specialty fields. This situation creates several vacancies employers need for temporary nurses to fill, which creates a need for highly trained nurses willing to work full-time schedules in different hospitals throughout the year.

Travel nurses are pivotal in ensuring high-quality patient care, regardless of regional shortages, remains uninterrupted. Here are some common reasons for staff shortages that travel nurses help fill:

• Seasonal population surges. For example, consider retirees traveling to warmer destinations over the winter and towns outside of National Parks that see increased visitors in the summer. Ski destinations also see an exponential boost in population over the winter.
• Sudden upticks in healthcare needs. Upticks in demand for healthcare services can occur in almost all locations throughout the United States during the flu and respiratory virus seasons or public health crises. Travel nurses step in to fill the gaps.
• Changes in staffing needs. Facilities often use travelers to cover their staff’s paid parental leave, vacation time, or disability leave. Travel nurses fill in when staff nurses leave their positions temporarily or permanently for various reasons.

Travel nurses are also important in rural or specialized healthcare institutions where there aren’t enough nurses in the area with the required education or experience in specific fields. Since there is such a high demand for qualified registered nurses with different specialties and training, travel nurses are some of the most in-demand healthcare professionals in the country.

The state of chronic medical care demands that seasoned nursing veterans keep moving from one hospital to another while staying up to date with the latest developments in patient care. This demand also makes travel nursing a highly sought-after career since the need for them comes with high compensation and speedier professional growth.

representation-of-the-daily-life-of-a-nurse-going-2023-11-27-05-07-28-utc.jpg

What it takes to be a travel nurse

Travel nursing is about filling a need. Travel nurses must meet the same educational and clinical requirements as all registered nurses (RNs). This includes: 

• Earning an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)
• Passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN exam)
• Acquiring a state nursing license

Most travel nursing agencies require a minimum of twelve to eighteen months of nursing experience . Some recommend having at least two years of experience in your specialty before travel nursing. Certain specialties, such as renal care, telemetry, oncology, labor and delivery, pediatrics, and emergency or intensive care, can have even more specific requirements. 

• Education : Registered nurses must hold a nursing degree from an accredited university before taking the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN®) and applying for a license. Others earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN).
• Experience : After passing the NCLEX and meeting licensing requirements, you can practice as an entry-level nurse. In general, hospitals prefer travel nurses to have at least 1–2 years of recent acute care experience in the specialty in which they wish to work.
• Documentation : Typically, you must provide references and documentation of licenses and certifications.

Travel nursing skills

While the core principles of nursing care remain consistent, no matter where you work, as a travel nurse, you must be able to quickly integrate into a new healthcare team, understand and adapt to varying patient demographics, and quickly learn state-specific healthcare norms, new charting systems, new equipment, and procedural differences between health systems.

A good travel nurse must be:

• Highly skilled : You must be confident and ready to hit the ground running. Travel nurse orientations are notoriously brief. You’ll be expected to hit the floor quickly without compromising patient care. 
• Adaptable : Things will not go as planned, from housing to expectations on the job. Good travel nurses can adapt quickly and know who to contact at their agency to ensure they have the proper support.
• Independent : The life of a travel nurse often means being away from friends and family, so you need to be comfortable going it alone occasionally.
• Emotionally intelligent: It is crucial to empathize with patients from various cultural backgrounds, understand and manage their emotions in high-pressure situations, and communicate effectively with different healthcare teams.
• A critical thinker : Travel nurses must swiftly assess complex situations, make sound decisions, and adapt their approaches to varying patient needs in a new environment.
• Adventurous : Making new friends, learning new cities, and working with new equipment all come with the territory. So make sure you pack your sense of adventure.

Types of travel nurses

Travel nurses are usually hired per assignment or at least for agreed periods. Depending on the employer's needs, these can range from a few days to years. There are lots of options for travel nursing job opportunities. The following qualifications are often in high demand.

Registered Nurses (RNs)

The most common nursing credential is the registered nurse (RN). RNs can fall into a wide range of categories, such as helping people with cancer, heart disease, surgical procedures, post-operative rehabilitation, and much more. They are primarily found in hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics, and nursing homes. The breadth of their knowledge and education makes them desirable for any healthcare provider to give care to patients with all sorts of health needs.

Nurse Practitioners (NPs)

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) defines nurse practitioners as licensed, autonomous clinicians who manage people’s conditions and prevent disease. NPs are often specialized practitioners focused on specific types of patients, such as pediatric and women’s health, or subspecialized in dermatology, oncology, etc.

The main difference between RNs and NPs is the educational background of each. A registered nurse needs an associate’s degree in nursing, while the minimum requirement to become an NP is a master’s degree.

Since being an NP allows for greater independence, they are considered primary care providers. And NP can take on a more holistic view of healthcare, providing physical and emotional care. Frequently, an RN will become an NP to advance their careers and get better career opportunities and higher salaries.

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) perform more basic nursing duties generally and are responsible for the patient's comfort. On the other hand, an RN will take on duties such as administering medication, giving out treatments, and even offering medical advice to the general public. While these two jobs may be similar, RNs and LPNs have less in common than it might seem.

An LPN usually takes on a more basic range of care responsibilities, which generally means comforting the patient, treating minor injuries and pain, interpreting charts, inserting IVs, and taking vital signs.

Check out some specialized options in our Top Travel Healthcare Jobs blog .

portrait-of-female-nurse-or-housekeeping-staff-cha-2023-11-27-05-34-33-utc.jpg

Travel nurse pay packages

The average salary for a travel nurse varies based on location, demand, and nursing specialty. While this is also true of staff nurses, the life of a travel nurse is unique, and how they earn income is no exception. Beyond salary, components comprise a travel nurse pay package, such as hourly pay, non-taxed stipends, travel reimbursements, and more.

Let’s break down the basics of travel nurse salary and what to look for in a pay package .

• Hourly Equivalent: A travel nurse pay package generally consists of two main components: the regular, taxable hourly rate and the non-taxed reimbursements (stipends, subsidies, per diems, or allowances). Your hourly rate is a combination of taxed and non-taxed portions.
• Non-Taxable Per Diems: Per diems are set by the General Services Administration and refer to allowances for reimbursing federal employees for expenses incurred on official travel.
• Taxable Income: This is where you’ll find your taxable hourly rate. Social security contributions and more originate in this portion, like a permanent, local job.
• Benefits: More and more agencies offer benefits similar to perm employers. So unless you carry private insurance or are insured through your partner, medical benefits can factor into your overall pay package.

Tips for new travel nurses

New travel nurses can benefit from key tips to make their assignments smoother. First and foremost, strategizing and getting organized are crucial steps to ensure a successful transition into a new healthcare setting. This involves understanding the hospital's systems, familiarizing oneself with local protocols, and establishing a routine to manage workload effectively.

Flexibility is vital for travel nurses, as adapting to new environments and different hospital procedures is inherent to the job. This flexibility extends to housing choices as well. A comfortable and convenient housing option is essential for a positive experience during an assignment.

Before committing to a new assignment, taking a test drive by visiting the location and hospital is advisable. This allows nurses to assess the workplace culture and community fit, ensuring a more informed decision.

For those with pets, thorough preparation is key. Travel nurses should research and plan for their pets' well-being, considering factors like veterinary care and pet-friendly accommodations.

Home logistics, such as mail and bills, should not be overlooked. It's crucial to establish a system for handling these matters while away to maintain a sense of stability.

Packing smart is another important aspect of successful travel nursing. Ensuring that essentials are packed, including necessary certifications and documentation, helps to minimize stress during the transition.

Finally, planning housing details in advance contributes to a smoother experience. This includes researching potential housing options, understanding lease terms, and clarifying any questions with the housing provider.

Getting the most out of travel nursing

Travel nursing can be a rewarding and lucrative career choice, especially if undertaken with extensive information and intention. A bit of research and some forethought will help ensure that your time traveling on travel nurse assignments will be the best it can possibly be.

Life as a travel nurse is always exciting, and flexibility is part of the beauty. Every travel assignment presents new experiences, challenges, lessons, and adaptations. Each contract may bring new insights, adventures, and amazing memories.

Travel nursing jobs through Prolink

Travel nurses are often needed when healthcare organizations cannot hire the nursing staff required to handle their day-to-day patient care operations. This need causes many reputable hospitals to develop close relationships with travel nurse staffing agencies, who hold their nurses to the highest standards of professionalism and use them to fill their staffing needs quickly.

At Prolink, we provide all the help you need to land an  ideal contract position  in any state you wish to visit. We give you front-of-the-line access to thousands of travel nursing jobs and can help you obtain new state licenses or renew your current licensure. We offer the industry's most competitive salaries, benefits, referral bonuses, and 401k enrollment from day one. 

In short, we give you support when you need it. When you begin working with Prolink , we pair you with a dedicated recruiter. That professional can link you to top jobs and provide assistance when it comes to landing that perfect contract role. 

If you want to begin your travel nursing journey in 2024, look no further than Prolink’s selection of top nursing jobs. Click below to get started.

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9 Best Travel Nurse Companies of 2023

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

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

Click here for today’s top travel nursing opportunities.

How To Find The Right Travel Nursing Company

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

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

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

What to Look for in Travel Nursing Agencies

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

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

Travel Nurse Housing:

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

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

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

Pros To Choosing Housing Stipends

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

Cons To Choosing Housing Stipends

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

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

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

Benefits for Travel Nurses:

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

Travel Nurse Reimbursements

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

I have found that the average reimbursement is $500.

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

Important Pay and Benefits Questions to Ask

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

1. What destinations does your agency serve?

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

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

Match with a travel company here.

2. How are your pay packages broken down?

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

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

3. What types of housing do you provide?

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

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

4. What type of benefits do you offer?

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

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

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

Click here to discover new high paying opportunities.

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

Travel nurse companies can reimburse you for the following:

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

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

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

6. What are your missed and canceled shift policies?

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

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

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

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

Find travel assignments in your specialty here.

Other Questions To Ask a Travel Nurse Agency:

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

9 Best Travel Nursing Agencies

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

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

Click here to find the right company for you!

Find the Best Travel Nurse Agency for You

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

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

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

  Click here for today’s top travel nursing opportunities.

You may also like

9 Insider Tips From A Travel Nurse Staffing Agent

When Travel Nursing Goes Bad – And How To Fix It

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

6 Important Questions You Need to Ask A Potential Staffing Agency

Join the many nurses already traveling.

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How to Become an International Travel Nurse

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Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.

• What Is an International Travel Nurse
• Steps to Become

Choosing a Specialization

• Credentials

Great pay and boundless opportunities are just some reasons why nurses choose travel nursing. The job options are a good fit for nurses who love to travel, discover new places, and want to broaden their skill set.

Travel nurses help temporarily fill shortages. In the U.S., assignments may range from 13-26 weeks, but international assignments are often at least one year.

European countries offer some of the highest-paying jobs. Benefits can include a housing stipend, travel costs, and partially covering food and other living expenses.

Travel nursing jobs within the U.S. are simple to arrange. Travel nursing internationally, however, has a few added prerequisites.

Discover how to become an international travel nurse, types of assignments available, and the required certifications.

How Long to Become: 4-6 years

Degree Required: ADN, BSN, or MSN

Job Outlook: 6% growth, 2021-2031 Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

What Is an International Travel Nurse?

There is a global nursing shortage . Countries with shortages need to increase nurse graduates by an average of 8% annually. One out of every eight nurses works in a country where they were not born or trained. This is what international travel nursing looks like.

Travel nursing is available domestically. But you can also choose to travel and work internationally.

Nursing shortages have hit countries across the world and they require medical personnel to fill their needs. This offers travel nurses an opportunity to expand their skills and learn new medical techniques.

Many countries need to fill positions in nursing specialties . Hospitals, doctors’ offices, and outpatient care clinics are just some of the settings in need of international travel nurses.

The most sought-after nurses often have experience in emergency rooms (ERs)/ emergency departments (EDs) as an ER nurse , intensive care, and cardiac care. Nurses with experience as a labor and delivery nurse and in neonatal nurse care are also desirable.

Steps to Becoming an International Travel Nurse

Becoming an international travel nurse is much like working as a domestic travel nurse. However, there may be additional requirements depending on your destination.

A nurse must hold licensure from the state board of nursing , which confers the registered nurse (RN) credential.

Earning this requires passing the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN). Some states have additional requirements.

To start your journey as an international travel nurse, take the following steps:

Earn a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree.

International travel nursing demands high-level nursing skills in your specialization. This starts with earning a four-year bachelor of science in nursing degree from an accredited school.

A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) improves patient care and prepares you for leadership and management positions.

Nurses with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) may enroll in an RN-to-BSN degree bridge program to complete their BSN. If you are entering a BSN program with a bachelor’s in another field, consider accelerated nursing programs .

Pass the NCLEX-RN exam.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing offers the NCLEX exam . It is a national exam all U.S states accept. The test demonstrates your clinical competency in nursing and decides if your state will issue you a nursing license.

To take the exam, you must hold either an ADN or BSN, which can also help you develop a NCLEX study plan . You are tested on care management, pharmacology, and safety and infection control, among other areas. NCLEX practice questions are available through various study sites.

Gain experience.

To work and travel domestically, the best travel nursing agencies may want you to have at least one year of experience in your specialty. However, international travel nursing positions may require even more experience or nursing certifications . This depends on the country and the facility you’ll work from.

Earn proper credentials.

Domestic travel nursing requires that you have a nursing license in the state where you will be working. For international travel nursing, your destination country may have a longer list of requirements.

This list can include a valid passport, visa to work in the country, and vaccinations needed before traveling . Some facilities may require special certifications. Others may require a language test to demonstrate proficiency before travel.

Find employment.

International travel nurses may work in hospitals, doctors’ offices, or outpatient clinics. While it’s not necessary to work with a travel nursing agency, it can help you look for work, finalize your contract, and move.

Note the length of your contract as you decide on your location. Domestic travel nurses often work 13-26 weeks. International nurses may be offered one- or two-year contracts.

International Travel Nurse Schooling

As you consider your options as a travel nurse, know the educational and skill requirements you may need. Most organizations prefer a BSN degree.

To work internationally, you need an undergraduate degree in nursing from a four-year program, such as an in-person or online BSN program . To apply for a graduate-level program, students often must hold a BSN.

Admission Requirements

Program curriculum, time to complete, skills learned.

Whether choosing to work in a nursing specialization or advancing your career through a graduate program , nursing offers the opportunity to specialize. Nurses graduating from a BSN program can choose to become certified in a specialty, which demonstrates their advanced knowledge.

For example, nurses may choose certification as a rehabilitation nurse , a pain management nurse , or in cardiac care.

Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) can choose to practice as a family nurse practitioner, pediatric nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology nurse practitioner , acute care nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, certified registered nurse anesthetis t, and more.

The specialty you choose will help determine your opportunities as an international travel nurse.

International Travel Nurse Credentials

International travel nurses need a nursing license in the U.S. An APRN needs to take the certification exam in their specialty. After these two requirements, you will need a passport, visa, work permit, and any sponsorship for your destination country.

Each country may have its own list of necessary documentation. This can include professional references, birth certificates, immunization records, and proof that you can speak the language.

Certifications

APRNs need certification in their specialty field. For example, those who want to become a family nurse practitioner (FNP) must pass the FNP certification exam. This is a valid, reliable demonstration of your competency in the field.

An RN may choose to have certifications that demonstrate advanced knowledge in rehabilitation nursing, pain management, or other specialty areas. Professional associations offer certifications that have specific requirements to maintain the credential.

Nursing requires state licensure that confers the credential of RN on the nursing candidate. To get the license, nurses must pass the NCLEX-RN.

Additional requirements depend on the state, including background and fingerprint checks, or school transcripts. Each state board of nursing has requirements to maintain licensure, including continuing education .

Working as an International Travel Nurse

Nursing gives you a unique opportunity to work and travel the world. The severe global nursing shortage has opened up opportunities for nurses who work in operating and emergency rooms, cardiac and neonatal units, and other specialties.

Countries with the highest salaries for travel nurses are Luxembourg, Switzerland, and the United States. However, they also have the highest cost of living. The average salary is $115,020 per year according to ZipRecruiter as of January 2023, or about $2,210 per week.

The simplest way to get into international travel nursing is to sign up with an agency that works with international organizations. They help refine your travel search based on your skills and past work experience.

Consider testing the waters as a travel nurse within the U.S. before exploring long-term contracts overseas.

Another option is working with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD, which has international jobs for nurses. The DoD works with you to ensure you have the necessary documentation to work overseas. You can receive job alerts for their international postings.

Beyond documentation, you need skills. Nurses should have communication, conflict resolution, and team player skills. Without a strong command of the local language, it is impossible to be successful.

The following are some common workplace settings for international travel nurses. Note that your specializations and certifications will help determine the positions available to you.

Organizations seek nurses who have specialty skills in the intensive care unit, emergency room, telemetry, or the operating room. These areas require critical thinking for nurses , initiative, and leadership.

Outpatient Care Clinics

In an outpatient setting, nurses must be proficient at triage, assessment, educating patients, starting IVs, and RN case management .

Doctors’ Offices

In a doctor’s office, a nurse needs mastery of communication, assessment, medication administration, wound management, and minor medical procedures.

Becoming an International Travel Nurse: FAQs

Do travel nurses go internationally.

Travel nurses can choose to travel domestically or internationally. To travel and work overseas, you need a license and certification in your specialty, passport, and work visa. You may also need to take a language test to prove proficiency and provide reference letters. While domestic travel assignments can last up to 26 weeks, international ones can last up to two years.

How much do international travel nurses make?

Travel nurses are well paid to offset the stress of living and working away from home. Travel nurse salaries depend on your nursing specialty and country placement. Your compensation package includes an hourly salary, housing stipend, and travel expenses. It may also cover food and other living expenses.

How do I become an international nurse?

The first step is to earn your BSN from an accredited school. After graduation, you must pass the NCLEX-RN and apply for a license in your state. Most travel agencies want new nurses to have at least one year of bedside experience. Many recommend two years to gain proficiency in a specialty to practice internationally.

Once accepted by an agency, it can take up to one year to gather the necessary documents required by the country if you do not already have them. This can include a passport, work visa, recommendation letters, and testing in the language. Some countries may also require sponsorship.

Where is the best place to work as an international travel nurse?

International travel nursing is an opportunity to travel overseas while working. The best place depends on your goals. For example, Luxembourg is one of the highest-paying countries, but they also have a high cost of living. Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia do not require learning a new language. The Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, and Bolivia can offer a chance to make a real difference in people’s lives.

Learn More About International Travel Nurses

10 Tips for Nurses Interested in International Travel Nursing

International travel nursing offers you the chance to globe-trot while getting paid. These 10 tips can help you navigate travel issues that may arise.

How Much Do Travel Nurses Make?

Travel nurses can earn more than other RNs. Learn more about travel nurse pay rate, benefits, and tax breaks. Identify the highest-paying states and travel nurse specialities.

Military Nurse Career Overview

Military nurses work in fast-paced environments, caring for enlisted soldiers and their families. Learn about how to become one in the guide below.

Missionary Nurse Career Overview

Missionary nurses travel overseas to deliver nursing care and Christian counseling. See how you can become a missionary nurse and learn more about what they do.

Page last reviewed January 23, 2023

Budgeting, Earning, and Saving Tips for Travel Nurses

by Trusted Nurse Staffing | Nov 12, 2022 | News | 0 comments

You’re trying to figure out how to save money while on the road as a travel nurse.

Paying for your living expenses — plus your travel costs and your bills back home — it’s all adding up quickly.

You wonder how you can better manage your money, and you’re looking for tips.

With our step-by-step guide, you will learn the best budgeting, earning, and savings tips for travel nurses on the road.

Table of Contents

7 budget tips for travel nurses.

• 5 Cost-Minimizing Tips To Help Travel Nurses Stay on Budget 

3 Ways To Earn Extra Income as a Travel Nurse

Let trusted nurse staffing help you find the assignment with the earning potential you desire.

Budgeting tips for travel nurses include creating a budget, tracking spending, and looking for ways to reduce expenses. 

Keep reading to receive practical tips for saving money while on your travel nursing assignments.

Do you already have a budget in place for your next nursing assignment? 

If so, let Trusted Nurse Staffing help you find your dream assignment as a travel nurse. 

Click below to create your free profile. 

#1: Establish a Comprehensive Budget That Includes Savings

One of the best ways to save money is to be aware of where your money is going. 

A comprehensive budget will allocate a category for every purchase you make, which may include expenses for:

• Entertainment; and
• Transportation costs

Remember to make your savings a priority in your budget, which can give you some “cushion” as you transition to your next assignment or have extended time off of work.

From there, you can make adjustments to ensure your spending aligns with your overall need and lifestyle goals.

#2: Set Clear and Measurable Spending and Saving Goals

Setting measurable spending and saving goals is a vital part of any budget, and it’s especially important for travel nurses. Without a clear goal in mind, it’s easy to overspend on unnecessary things.

Considering the following format for setting clear and measurable goals for your spending:

• I will only spend $X on restaurants this month.
• I will only spend $X on shopping this month.
• I will only spend $X on entertainment this month.

Your saving goals might include:

• I will save $X from each paycheck.
• I will put $X into my savings account each week.
• I will save 10% of my income each month.

Whatever your goals are, make sure they are clear and specific so that you can easily track your progress and make adjustments as needed.

#3: Track Expenses, Evaluate Spending, and Make Adjustments

Before you can budget, be aware of your spending and evaluate your expenses periodically. 

Tracking your expenses is a great way to get started. You can then make adjustments as needed. 

Sometimes you don’t realize where your money is going. 

For example, you may find that you carelessly spend over $300 for snacks at the vending machine at work each month.

By tracking your expenses, evaluating your spending patterns, and making adjustments as needed, you can ensure you are staying on track with your budget and reaching your financial goals.

#4: Pay Off Debt

One of the best ways to save money as a travel nurse is to pay off any debt you may have while on assignment. 

Not only will this free up more of your income to save or spend as you please, but it will also help you avoid accruing any new debt while on the job.

If you have …

• Student loans
• Credit card debt; or
• Other types of debt

… consider using some of your savings to pay it off so that after your next travel nurse assignment, you can take that well-earned vacation.

#5: Plan Ahead for Time Off Between Assignments

After a long and rewarding assignment, most travel nurses look forward to some well-deserved time off. 

But if you’re not careful, this time off can be more expensive than you think.

Consider these three tips to help you plan ahead and save money while you’re between assignments:

• Make sure you have enough money saved to cover your expenses for the entire time you’ll be off between assignments.
• Try to schedule your time off so it coincides with slower times of the year for travel nursing and find more affordable housing and transportation options.
• Get creative with your housing options and consider staying with friends or family, renting an RV or camper, or even house-sitting for someone going out of town.

It’s nice to take some time to chill and refresh before the next one — but if you don’t plan for it, it might be difficult to afford. 

#6: Choose an Assignment That Allows You To Stay on Budget

When you’re a travel nurse, it’s important to choose an assignment that allows you to stay on budget. 

For example, if you are considering Hawaii for your next assignment, you need to be sure that your salary will compensate for the higher cost of living .  

To help you choose an assignment that allows you to stay on budget, consider these five tips:

• Research the cost of living in your assignment location.
• Make sure your compensation package covers your basic expenses.
• Consider signing a longer-term contract to get a discount on your housing.
• Use your per diem to cover incidentals like meals and entertainment.
• Stay in budget-friendly accommodations like hostels or vacation rentals.

Following these tips will help you stay on budget and enjoy your travel nursing adventures.

#7: Take Advantage of Your Agency’s Benefits

Take advantage of all the benefits your agency offers.

Your agency should offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Referral bonuses ; and
• Travel nursing stipends 

It’s important to research these and other benefits before you accept a position, as different agencies offer different levels of coverage. 

You should also find out if your agency offers any other perks, such as:

• Pet insurance
• Roadside assistance; or
• Discounted travel rates

Are you looking for a travel nursing agency?

Check out Trusted Nurse Staffing and let us help you find your next assignment with the earning potential and benefits you desire.

5 Cost-Minimizing Tips To Help Travel Nurses Stay on Budget

#1: look for coupons or groupon deals.

When you’re on the road for several months at a time, look for deals and coupons. 

Many stores offer deals to customers who sign up for their mailing lists. 

Others will have special sales or coupons available online or in-store. 

Groupon is also a great source for finding exclusive local deals, such as:

• Restaurants
• Events; and
• Fitness centers

#2: Make Your Own Meals and Coffee

One of the quickest ways to deplete your travel nursing budget is to eat out for every meal and make $4 Starbucks runs every morning.

While it’s fine to enjoy the occasional restaurant meal or specialty coffee, you’ll save a lot of money in the long run if you cook most of your meals and make your own coffee.

If you’re not into making your own coffee, consider buying a reusable filter and using grounds from your local coffee shop instead of single-use pods.

If cooking meals from scratch sounds like too much work, consider preparing several meals in advance and reheating them throughout the week. 

There are tons of great recipes online for healthy and budget-friendly meals that can be easily prepped in advance.

#3: Use the Agency Stipend

Are you wondering how to best use your stipend? 

It’s important to use the stipend for what it is intended — after all, it is there to help cover the cost of your housing and other living expenses while you are on assignment.

However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t use the extra money for other things.

Here are some tips for how to use your stipend:

• Cover the cost of your housing and other living expenses as your first priority.
• Save some money to have a savings cushion for when unexpected expenses may come up.
• Use the extra money for fun activities or souvenirs. When you are only in a place for a few weeks or months, it can be easy to blow all of your money on nights out or activities. 

And remember, there is nothing wrong with treating yourself.

Make sure you are also budgeting for souvenirs or other things you want to take home with you from your experience.

#4: Travel With Friends

One of the best ways to save money while travel nursing is to find a group of travel nurse friends and travel together. 

When you travel with a group, you can share living costs on things like:

• Transportation
• Groceries; and
• Other incidentals

If you are on a tight budget, traveling with a group can be a great way to save money.

#5: Be Creative With Transportation

There are countless ways to save money on transportation costs while travel nursing. 

If the hospital is in a city with public transportation, take advantage of it. Many times, a travel nurse can get a discount on public transportation costs by showing their ID badge. 

If the location isn’t ideal for public transportation or if you prefer to get some exercise, consider biking or walking to work. 

And of course, there are always ride-sharing programs like Uber and Lyft.

#1: Take on Per Diem Work

Per diem work is a great way to boost your earnings as a travel nurse. 

By picking up a few extra shifts here and there, you can really pad your bank account. 

Just be sure to factor in the cost of transportation to and from the hospital.

#2: Work the Night Shift

If you’re looking to maximize your earnings as a travel nurse, working the night shift is a great way to do it. Working the night shift can add up to 50% to your hourly rate.

Of course, working the night shift can be tough. It can be difficult adjusting to sleeping during the day, and you may miss out on some of the social aspects of travel nursing.

But if you’re looking to boost your earnings, it’s worth considering.

#3: Earn a Specialty Certification or Advanced Degree

There are many ways to qualify for higher-paying travel nursing jobs . 

One way is to earn a specialty certification or advanced degree in a particular area of nursing. 

For example, nurses with a certification in intensive care or emergency room nursing can command higher salaries than their non-specialized counterparts.

While it may take some time and effort to pursue these higher levels of education, doing so can pay off handsomely in the long run for both salary and job satisfaction.

At Trusted Nurse Staffing , we understand that one of the biggest factors in deciding whether to accept a travel nursing assignment is the pay. 

You want to find an assignment that pays well, but you also want to be sure you can manage your finances and make the most of your earnings.

Whether you’re a seasoned travel nurse or just starting out, finding the right assignment can be a challenge. 

You want an assignment that meets your needs of … 

• Salary; and 

… but you may not know where to start. 

That’s where Trusted Nurse Staffing comes in. 

Our professional team can help you find the right assignment, with the earning potential you desire. 

We can also offer guidance and support throughout your career.

Click below to contact us today.

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Full circle: Pitt State nursing grad named director of School of Nursing 

• 08 April 2024

When Amy Hite's Class of 1996 graduated from Pitt State’s Irene Ransom Bradley School of Nursing, they voted her to be “the most likely to be named the chair of the department one day.”   This month, that happened.  

In the years in between, she has taught nursing, worked as a nurse/nurse practitioner in a hospital setting, earned three additional advanced degrees, witnessed the births of babies, assisted in hundreds of orthopedics surgeries, sutured countless lacerations, and written grants that helped the School of Nursing grow its programming.  

Most importantly, she said, she learned the value of nurses in the lives of patients.  

“It’s an honor when someone trusts you with something this important,” she said. “Whether it’s educating or taking care of a patient, it’s an honor to be trusted and respected enough to care for a life.”  

On June 9, Hite will step into the role being vacated by Cheryl Giefer, a longtime faculty member in the school who once taught Hite. Giefer is returning to teaching in the final years of her career.  

“I'm delighted that Dr. Hite will be our next director,” said Mary Carol Pomatto, dean of the College of Arts & Sciences who also was one of Hite’s teachers and was director prior to Giefer.  

Pomatto, too, is stepping down later this year and returning to teaching.  

“Amy is a visionary who values partnerships,” Pomatto said. “She has a strong record of local, state and national level accomplishments in teaching, scholarship, practice and service befitting PSU, the professions of nursing and higher education and our broader communities.”  

“I am confident that she will build upon the legacy of student focus and excellence for which the Pittsburg State University IRBSON is known.”  

A nurse’s perspective  

Hite earned her Bachelor’s in Nursing from Pitt State in 1996, Master’s in Nursing from Pitt State in 2000, her Doctorate from the University of Kansas in 2011, and her Educational Specialist from Pitt State in 2019. This summer she will complete her Doctor of Education with a focus in Higher Education Leadership, from Lindenwood University.  

Hite and her husband, Stu, met in college; he is the university police chief. Their daughter Grace is a senior pre-law major at Pitt State, and their son Grant is in high school and plans to attend Pitt State.  

Hite has been teaching full time since 2004. Her experience also includes as a full-time nurse practitioner in orthopedics, as a nurse practitioner in the Bryant Student Health Center, and as a nurse practitioner in the Emergency Department at Ascension Via Christi Hospital and CHC/SEK Walk In Care.  

Working as both a nurse and a faculty member during the Covid-19 Pandemic gave her valuable perspective, she said.  

 “I knew what nurses in the field were going through, because I was living it – I slept in the basement away from my family – and I knew that would be what our students starting clinicals would need to be prepared for as soon as we had enough PPE for them,” she said.  

“Situations like those aren’t when you run away from health care – you run to it to help those who need it,” she added.  

Pomatto said Hite also is an accomplished grant writer and grant manager. Her grants have helped Pitt State create a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program that expanded to numerous counties and  the Nurse Practitioner Residency program which is funded through 2027 and now recruits nationally.  

Hite said that the School of Nursing is on a great trajectory for continued success, thanks to the leadership of both Giefer and Pomatto and a solid team of faculty and staff.  

“We all bring a different sense of expertise, what we teach, the practice areas we are in, and it’s an honor to be part of that team,” she said.

Learn more about the Irene Ransom Bradley School of Nursing .

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Key benefits of travel medical insurance

• Travel medical insurance coverage
• Who needs medical travel insurance?

Choosing the right travel medical insurance

How to use travel medical insurance, is travel medical insurance right for your next trip, travel medical insurance: essential coverage for health and safety abroad.

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• Travel medical insurance covers unexpected emergency medical expenses while traveling.
• Travelers off to foreign countries or remote areas should strongly consider travel medical insurance.
• If you have to use your travel medical insurance, keep all documents related to your treatment.

Of all the delights associated with travel to far-flung locales, getting sick or injured while away from home is low on the savvy traveler's list. Beyond gut-wrenching anxiety, seeking medical treatment in a foreign country can be exceedingly inconvenient and expensive.

The peace of mind that comes with travel insurance for the many things that could ail you while abroad is priceless. As options for travel-related insurance abound, it's essential to research, read the fine print, and act according to the specifics of your itinerary, pocketbook, and other needs.

Travel insurance reimburses you for any unexpected medical expenses incurred while traveling. On domestic trips, travel medical insurance usually take a backseat to your health insurance. However, when traveling to a foreign country, where your primary health insurance can't cover you, travel medical insurance takes the wheel. This can be especially helpful in countries with high medical care costs, such as Scandinavian countries.

Emergency medical evacuation insurance

Another benefit that often comes with travel medical insurance, emergency medical evacuation insurance covers you for any costs to transport you to an adequately equipped medical center. Emergency medical evacuation insurance is often paired with repatriation insurance, which covers costs associated with returning your remains to your home country if the worst happens. 

These benefits are for worst-case scenarios, but they might be more necessary depending on the type of trips you take. Emergency medical evacuation insurance is helpful if you're planning on traveling to a remote location or if you're traveling on a cruise as sea to land evacuations can be costly. Some of the best travel insurance companies also offer non-medical evacuations as part of an adventure sports insurance package.

It's also worth mentioning that emergency medical evacuation insurance is required for international students studying in the US on a J Visa. 

Types of coverage offered by travel medical insurance

The exact terms of your coverage will vary depending on your insurer, but you can expect most travel medical insurance policies to offer the following coverages.

• Hospital room and board
• Inpatient/outpatient hospital services
• Prescription Drugs
• COVID-19 treatment
• Emergency room services
• Urgent care visits
• Local ambulance
• Acute onset of pre-existing conditions
• Dental coverage (accident/sudden relief of pain)
• Medical care due to terrorist attack
• Emergency medical evacuation 
• Repatriation of mortal remains
• Accidental death and dismemberment

Travel medical insurance and pre-existing conditions

Many travel insurance providers will cover pre-existing conditions as long as certain conditions are met. For one, travelers need to purchase their travel insurance within a certain time frame from when they placed a deposit on their trip, usually two to three weeks. 

Additionally, travel insurance companies usually only cover stable medical conditions, which are conditions that don't need additional medical treatment, diagnosis, or medications.

Who needs travel medical insurance?

Even the best-laid travel plans can go awry. As such, it pays to consider your potential healthcare needs before taking off, even if you are generally healthy. Even if well-managed, preexisting conditions like diabetes or asthma can make a medical backup plan even more vital.

Having what you need to refill prescriptions or get other care if you get stuck somewhere other than home could be essential to your health and well-being. That's without counting all the accidents and illnesses that can hit us when away from home.

Individuals traveling for extended periods (more than six months) or engaging in high-risk activities (think scuba diving or parasailing) should also consider a solid medical travel plan. Both scenarios increase the likelihood that medical attention, whether routine or emergency, could be needed.

In the case of travel via the friendly seas, it's also worth considering cruise trip medical travel insurance . Routine care will be available onboard. But anything beyond that will require transportation to the nearest land mass (and could quickly become extremely expensive, especially if you're in another country).

Like other types of insurance, medical travel insurance rates are calculated based on various factors. Failing to disclose a preexisting health condition could result in a lapse of coverage right when you need it, as insurers can cancel your policy if you withhold material information. So honesty is always the best policy.

Even the best-laid travel plans can go awry. As such, it pays to consider your potential healthcare needs before taking off, even if you are generally healthy. Making the right choice when shopping for travel medical insurance can mean the difference between a minor hiccup in your travels and a financial nightmare. 

When a travel insurance company comes up with a quote for your policy, they take a few factors into consideration, such as your age, your destination, and the duration of your trip. You should do the same when assessing a travel insurance company. 

For example, older travelers who are more susceptible to injury may benefit from travel medical insurance (though your premiums will be higher). If you're traveling for extended periods throughout one calendar year, you should look into an annual travel medical insurance plan . If you're engaging in high-risk activities (think scuba diving or parasailing), you should seek a plan that includes coverage for injuries sustained in adventure sports.

Travel medical insurance isn't just for peace of mind. If you travel often enough, there's a good chance you'll eventually experience an incident where medical treatment is necessary.

Before you submit your claim, you should take some time to understand your policy. Your travel medical insurance is either primary (you can submit claims directly to your travel medical insurance provider) or secondary (you must first submit claims to your primary insurance provider). In the case of secondary travel medical insurance, a refusal notice from your primary insurance provider, even if it does not cover medical claims outside the US, is often required as evidence of protocol.

On that note, you should be sure to document every step of your medical treatment. You should keep any receipts for filled prescriptions, hospital bills, and anything else documenting your medical emergency.

As many people have found out the hard way, reading the fine print is vital. Most travel insurance policies will reimburse your prepaid, nonrefundable expenses if you fall ill with a severe condition, including illnesses like COVID-19. 

Still on the fence about whether or not medical travel insurance is worth it ? It's worth noting that many travel insurance plans also include medical protections, so you can also protect against trip cancellations and other unexpected developments while obtaining travel medical insurance.

While short, domestic trips may not warrant travel medical insurance, it may be a good idea to insure longer, international trips. You should also consider travel medical insurance for trips to remote areas, where a medical evacuation may be expensive, and more physically tasking trips.

While shopping for travel medical insurance may not be fun, a little advance leg work can let you relax on your trip and give you peace of mind. After all, that is the point of a vacation. 

Medical travel insurance frequently asked questions

Trip insurance covers any unexpected financial losses while traveling, such as the cost of replacing lost luggage, trip interruptions, and unexpected medical expenses. Travel medical insurance just covers those medical expenses without the trip interruption or cancellation insurance.

Travel insurance companies usually offer adventure sports as add-on coverage or a separate plan entirely. You'll likely pay more for a policy with adventure sports coverage. 

Many travel medical insurance policies now include coverage for COVID-19 related medical expenses and treat it like any other illness. However, you should double-check your policy to ensure that is the case.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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