Travel Nursing Guide

Everything you need to know to start your travel nursing career. From getting started to maximizing your experience.

What is Travel Nursing?

Travel nursing is a nursing career path that allows registered nurses to work temporary assignments at healthcare facilities across the country. Typically lasting 8-26 weeks, these assignments offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to explore new locations while advancing your career.

Travel nurses fill critical staffing needs at hospitals and healthcare facilities, often in high-demand specialties or during peak seasons. It's an excellent way to gain diverse clinical experience, earn higher compensation, and enjoy the flexibility to choose when and where you work.

Benefits of Travel Nursing

Higher pay rates and tax-free stipends

Housing allowances or provided accommodations

Travel reimbursement

Comprehensive health benefits

401(k) and retirement planning

Flexibility to choose assignments

Diverse clinical experience

Professional development opportunities

Adventure and travel opportunities

Networking across the country

Requirements to Become a Travel Nurse

Education & Licensing

• Active RN license in good standing
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN preferred)
• BLS certification (required)
• Specialty certifications (ACLS, PALS, etc. depending on specialty)
• Compact license recommended for multi-state flexibility

Experience

• Minimum 1-2 years of recent experience in your specialty
• Strong clinical skills and ability to adapt quickly
• Experience with electronic medical records (EMR)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

How to Get Started

1Research and Choose an Agency

Select a reputable travel nursing agency like TrustedStaffer. Look for transparent pay packages, comprehensive benefits, and strong support systems.

2Complete Your Application

Submit your application with your resume, licenses, certifications, and references. Be thorough and accurate to expedite the process.

3Credential Verification

Your agency will verify your licenses, certifications, education, and work history. This process typically takes 1-2 weeks.

4Find Your First Assignment

Work with your recruiter to find assignments that match your preferences for location, specialty, shift, and compensation.

5Start Your Adventure

Once you accept an assignment, your agency will handle logistics including housing, travel arrangements, and facility onboarding.

Popular Travel Nursing Specialties

Emergency Room (ER)

Very High Demand

Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

Very High Demand

Medical-Surgical (Med-Surg)

High Demand

Telemetry

High Demand

Operating Room (OR)

High Demand

Labor & Delivery (L&D)

High Demand

Neonatal ICU (NICU)

Very High Demand

Pediatrics

Medium Demand

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Join TrustedStaffer and discover exciting travel nursing opportunities nationwide. Your adventure begins here.