Discover the World of Travel Nurse Assignments

One of the biggest reasons RNs choose to start travel nursing is that it allows them to have more control over their careers. With travel nurse assignments, you have the flexibility to choose where and when you work, all while earning competitive pay, enjoying unique benefits, and seeing places you’ve always dreamed of. But we get it, jumping into travel nursing can be overwhelming, and you’ll likely have a lot of questions. This guide is designed to help answer the top questions we get about travel nursing assignments.

How Long Are Travel Nurse Assignments?

Travel nurse assignments are typically anywhere from 8 to 26 weeks, with 13 weeks being the most common assignment length. However, the length of a travel nurse assignment can vary based on the facility’s needs, your specialty, and even your own preferences. Extensions are also possible if you find a location you love and both you and the facility agree to extend your contract.

How Do Travel Nurses Get Assignments?

RNs typically get travel nurse assignments by working with a staffing agency like Medical Solutions. Once you’ve partnered with a travel nurse agency, you’ll work with a recruiter and they’ll help find you an assignment that helps you achieve your goals and matches your skills, experience, and desired locations.

How Much Do Travel Nurses Make Per Assignment?

Similar to jobs in other industries, the amount you make during your travel nurse assignment is based on several factors like location, specialty, education, shifts, type of assignment, and demand. Additionally, pay packages offer tons of benefits like insurance coverage, housing stipends, education reimbursement, and bonuses that all play into your overall compensation. It’s important to talk with your recruiter about your financial goals, so they can help match you with the right opportunities.

Where to Stay on Travel Nursing Assignments?

One of the perks of travel nursing is the flexibility and options for accommodations. When it comes to travel nurse housing, there are two common routes you can take:

• Agency-provided housing: Agency-provided housing is when an agency finds a temporary home away from home for you. For example, Medical Solutions’ team of housing experts will find housing for you that fits your specific needs; all you need to do is specify the number of bedrooms, floor level, preferred amenities, whether you’re traveling with a pet or family, fully furnished or not, and the housing team takes care of it all.
• Housing stipend: The other route is taking a housing stipend, which is an amount of money given as part of your compensation package that will help you cover the cost of accommodation that you choose.

What to Pack for a Travel Nurse Assignment?

Packing for a travel nurse assignment can be overwhelming, but it’s important to bring essentials for both work and play. Here’s a quick checklist:

• Professional Items: Scrubs, stethoscope, comfortable shoes, and any required certifications.
• Personal Items: Clothing for various weather conditions, toiletries, and electronics.
• Home Comforts: Bedding, kitchenware, and any items that make your temporary housing feel like home.
• Documents: Copies of your nursing license, health records, and assignment contract.

Where Are Travel Nurses Needed Most?

Travel nurses are needed all across the country, but the states with the highest demand for nurses include Arizona, California, Florida, New York, and Texas. This is due to high aging populations, increased chronic illnesses, and the retirement of experienced nurses.

What Is the Most Needed Travel Nurse Specialty?

While all nurse specialties are needed and incredibly valuable, there are few travel nurse specialties that are in particularly high demand. These include:

• ICU Nursing: Critical care expertise is always sought after as ICU nurses care for those in the most critical condition.
• OR Nursing: Operating room experience is essential in hospitals and surgical centers.
• ER Nursing: Emergency departments frequently require extra support as nurses must act quickly to all types of conditions.
• Med-Surg Nursing: Medical-surgical nurses do a little bit of everything and work with a wide variety of patients.

Ready to Start Your First Travel Nurse Assignment?

If you’re ready to explore new places across the country, grow your skills, and experience the adventure of a lifetime, partner with Medical Solutions to begin your travel nursing career.  Apply today and a recruiter will connect you with the best travel nurse assignments that align with your goals!

Learn more about:

Travel Nursing
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Travel Nursing Specialties
High-Demand Specialties
Best Nursing Specialty to Travel
High-paying Travel Nursing Specialties