Your Future as a Travel Nurse
See how much Travel Nurses earn and how quickly you can get started in this rewarding career.
Why Travel Nursing?
In recent years, travel nursing has emerged as one of the most flexible and rewarding paths in the nursing profession. It’s easy to see the appeal, travel nurses have the unique opportunity to explore new cities and healthcare environments while earning competitive pay and choosing their own schedules.
Whether you’re drawn to adventure, higher compensation, or the chance to grow professionally, travel nursing offers an exciting way to experience healthcare in diverse settings across the country.
Choosing the Right Travel Nurse Agency
Before you hit the road, finding the right agency is essential. While many online lists rank agencies, your best bet is to evaluate them based on how they treat their nurses.
Great recruiters act as your advocate, not just a middleman. They help secure the best contracts, communicate openly, and ensure your needs are met. Watch out for agencies that:
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Pressure you into taking contracts you’re not comfortable with
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Don’t clearly show pay packages before you accept a job
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Make verbal promises that aren’t backed up in the contract
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Fail to respond within 24 hours
Look for agencies that are transparent, respectful of your preferences, and have a reputation for treating their travel nurses with fairness and professionalism.
Travel Nurse Salary Breakdown
One of the biggest attractions to travel nursing is the salary potential. However, pay can vary widely based on your specialty, location, and the number of hours you work.
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Weekly Pay: $1,300–$2,700 (or more in some cases)
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Annual Salary Range: $44,000–$107,000+
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Bonuses: Many agencies offer sign-on, referral, and contract completion bonuses
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Tax-Free Stipends: Often included for housing, meals, and incidentals
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Benefits:
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Health, dental, vision, and liability insurance
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Retirement plans (including 401(k))
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Reimbursement for licensing, certification, and continuing education
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24/7 agency support and relocation assistance
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Your specialization can significantly impact your salary. For example, travel nurses working in the Neonatal ICU or Cardiac ICU typically earn more than those in general med/surg roles.
How to Become a Travel Nurse
Start by earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited program. After graduating, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed in your state. This process typically takes 3 to 4 years.
Most staffing agencies prefer nurses with at least 1–2 years of experience. They want nurses who are adaptable, self-directed, and able to seamlessly integrate into new teams and clinical environments. Building a strong clinical foundation and developing leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills will set you up for travel nursing success.
Traveling means you’ll be practicing in different states, so it’s important to understand each state’s licensing process. Some states participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing you to practice with one multistate license. Others are “walk-through” states that can issue temporary licenses quickly.
Each state has its own rules, some require in-person visits or weeks of processing, so plan accordingly.
Certifications That Can Boost Your Value
While certification isn’t mandatory for travel nurses, having specialized credentials can make your application stand out. Here are a few that are in high demand:
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CEN – Certified Emergency Nurse
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CCRN – Critical Care Registered Nurse
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CPN – Certified Pediatric Nurse
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CMSRN – Medical-Surgical Nursing
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CNOR – Certified Nurse Operating Room
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CHN – Certified Hemodialysis Nurse
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CDN – Certified Dialysis Nurse
Offered by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing
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Requirements: Active RN license (2 years of ER experience preferred)
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Exam Fee: ~$230
Offered by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN)
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Requirements:
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Active RN/APRN license
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1,750–2,000 hours of critical care experience (with recent practice hours)
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Exam Fee: $235 (members), $340 (non-members)
Offered by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
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Requirements:
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Active RN license
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Either 1,800 hours of pediatric experience OR 3,000 hours over 5 years (1,000 hours in past 24 months)
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Exam Fee: $295 + $100 registration fee
Certifications can increase job opportunities and pay rates, especially in high-demand specialties like emergency or pediatric care.
Continuing Education for Travel Nurses
Each state has its own continuing education (CE) requirements for nurses. While some states have no CEU mandates (e.g., Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Connecticut), others require specific courses like:
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Communicable Diseases
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Child Abuse Prevention
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Domestic Violence
It’s essential to keep track of every state’s CEU requirements to maintain your licensure. Some employers or agencies may even reimburse CEU-related costs, including online course fees or travel to workshops.
Always double-check with the local State Board of Nursing for the most up-to-date information on what’s required.
Final Thoughts
Travel nursing isn’t just a job, it’s a lifestyle. It’s about flexibility, exploration, and growth. From competitive pay to unmatched flexibility and professional enrichment, this path is ideal for nurses who crave new experiences while making a difference.
If you’re ready to embrace a nursing career that adapts to your life, not the other way around, travel nursing could be the adventure you’ve been looking for.
