The Different Types of Travel Nurses: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals

What Are the Different Types of Travel Nurses?

Travel nursing is a unique and exciting career path that offers nurses the opportunity to experience new places, meet new people, and earn a higher salary. But what exactly is travel nursing, and what are the different types of travel nurses?

In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of travel nurses, the qualifications you need to become a travel nurse, and the benefits and challenges of this career path. We’ll also provide tips on how to find a travel nursing job that’s right for you.

So if you’re thinking about a career in travel nursing, read on for more information!

Type of Travel Nurse Description Salary Range
Contingent Travel Nurse Contingent travel nurses are employed by a staffing agency and are assigned to temporary assignments at various healthcare facilities. $25-$40 per hour
Direct Hire Travel Nurse Direct hire travel nurses are employed directly by a healthcare facility and are assigned to long-term assignments. $40-$60 per hour
Per Diem Travel Nurse Per diem travel nurses are paid a daily rate and are responsible for finding their own housing and meals. $30-$50 per hour

Travel nursing is a great way to see the country and earn a high salary. But before you can start your new career, you need to know what types of travel nursing jobs are available.

In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of travel nursing jobs, the requirements for each type, and the pros and cons of each. We’ll also provide tips on how to find the best travel nursing jobs for you.

Types of Travel Nursing Jobs

There are four main types of travel nursing jobs:

  • Per diem travel nursing jobs
  • Short-term travel nursing jobs
  • Long-term travel nursing jobs
  • Contract travel nursing jobs

Let’s take a closer look at each type of job.

Per Diem Travel Nursing Jobs

Per diem travel nursing jobs are the most flexible type of travel nursing job. With per diem jobs, you work on a day-to-day basis and you’re paid by the day. This type of job is ideal for nurses who want to travel and explore new places.

Per diem travel nursing jobs are typically found in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. However, you can also find per diem travel nursing jobs in other settings, such as long-term care facilities and urgent care centers.

The pay for per diem travel nursing jobs varies depending on the location and the type of facility. However, you can typically expect to earn a higher hourly wage than you would as a staff nurse.

Short-Term Travel Nursing Jobs

Short-term travel nursing jobs are typically for a period of one to three months. With short-term jobs, you have the opportunity to work in a variety of different settings and experience different types of nursing.

Short-term travel nursing jobs are a great way to get your foot in the door of a new city or state. They’re also a great way to build your resume and network with other nurses.

The pay for short-term travel nursing jobs is typically higher than the pay for staff nurses. However, the hourly wage will vary depending on the location and the type of facility.

Long-Term Travel Nursing Jobs

Long-term travel nursing jobs are typically for a period of six months to one year. With long-term jobs, you have the opportunity to build a relationship with a team of nurses and get to know the patients in your unit.

Long-term travel nursing jobs are a great way to get experience in a particular specialty or area of nursing. They’re also a great way to earn a higher salary and benefits.

The pay for long-term travel nursing jobs is typically higher than the pay for staff nurses. However, the hourly wage will vary depending on the location and the type of facility.

Contract Travel Nursing Jobs

Contract travel nursing jobs are typically for a period of one to three years. With contract jobs, you have the opportunity to work in a variety of different settings and experience different types of nursing.

Contract travel nursing jobs are a great way to get your foot in the door of a new city or state. They’re also a great way to build your resume and network with other nurses.

The pay for contract travel nursing jobs is typically higher than the pay for staff nurses. However, the hourly wage will vary depending on the location and the type of facility.

Requirements for Travel Nurses

In order to become a travel nurse, you must meet certain requirements. These requirements include:

  • Education: You must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN).
  • Licenses: You must be licensed to practice nursing in the state where you want to work.
  • Experience: You must have at least one year of experience as a registered nurse (RN).
  • Skills: You must have the skills and knowledge to perform the duties of the travel nursing job you’re applying for.

Tips for Finding the Best Travel Nursing Jobs

Once you’ve met the requirements for travel nursing, you can start looking for jobs. Here are a few tips for finding the best travel nursing jobs:

  • Network with other nurses: Talk to other nurses who are already traveling nurses. They can give you advice on finding jobs, negotiating salaries, and dealing with the challenges of travel nursing.
  • Use online job boards: There are many online job boards that list travel nursing jobs. Some of the most popular job boards include:
  • Nurse Fly
  • Nurse Journal
  • TravelNursing.com
  • Contact staffing agencies: Staffing agencies can help you find travel nursing jobs. They can also help you negotiate your salary and benefits.
  • Attend nursing conferences: Nursing conferences are a great place to network with other nurses and

What Are The Different Types Of Travel Nurses?

There are many different types of travel nurses, each with their own unique skills and experiences. Some of the most common types of travel nurses include:

  • Registered nurses (RNs): RNs are responsible for providing direct patient care, such as administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and providing patient education. RNs typically have a bachelor’s degree in nursing and must be licensed in the state in which they work.
  • Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs): APRNs are registered nurses who have completed additional training and education, such as a master’s or doctoral degree. APRNs can practice in a variety of roles, such as nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, and clinical nurse specialists.
  • Licensed practical nurses (LPNs): LPNs are responsible for providing basic patient care, such as taking vital signs, administering medications, and providing patient education. LPNs typically have an associate’s degree in nursing and must be licensed in the state in which they work.
  • Nursing assistants (NAs): NAs are responsible for providing non-medical assistance to patients, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding. NAs typically have a high school diploma or equivalent and must be certified in the state in which they work.

In addition to these four main types of travel nurses, there are also a number of other specialized types of travel nurses, such as:

  • Critical care nurses
  • Emergency department nurses
  • Operating room nurses
  • Neonatal nurses
  • Pediatric nurses
  • Psychiatric nurses
  • Occupational health nurses
  • Home health nurses

Travel nurses can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and private homes. They can also work in a variety of positions, such as staff nurses, charge nurses, and nurse managers.

Benefits of Travel Nursing

There are many benefits to becoming a travel nurse, including:

  • Compensation

Travel nurses typically earn higher salaries than staff nurses. This is because they are paid a premium for their willingness to work in different locations and for their flexibility. According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), the median annual salary for a travel nurse is $96,450.

  • Flexibility

One of the biggest benefits of travel nursing is the flexibility it offers. Travel nurses can choose their own assignments, their own hours, and their own locations. This allows them to balance their work life with their personal life and to pursue their interests.

  • Experience

Travel nursing is a great way to gain experience in a variety of settings. Travel nurses get to work with different types of patients, in different types of settings, and with different types of nurses. This experience can help them to develop their skills and knowledge and to advance their careers.

  • Travel

One of the most appealing aspects of travel nursing is the opportunity to travel. Travel nurses get to see new places and meet new people. They also get to experience different cultures and lifestyles.

Drawbacks of Travel Nursing

There are also some drawbacks to consider before becoming a travel nurse, including:

  • Lack of stability

One of the biggest drawbacks of travel nursing is the lack of stability. Travel nurses often have to move to new locations every few months, which can make it difficult to establish roots and build relationships. They also may have to work long hours and deal with the stress of being away from home.

  • Long hours

Travel nurses often work long hours, especially when they are first starting out. They may have to work 12-hour shifts, and they may have to work nights and weekends. This can be difficult, especially if you have a family or other obligations.

  • Stress

Travel nursing can be stressful, especially when you are first starting out. You may have to deal with the stress of being away from home, the stress of working long hours, and the stress of dealing with new people and new environments. It can take time to adjust to the demands of travel nursing.

  • Homesickness

One of the biggest challenges of travel nursing is homesickness. You may miss your family and friends, your pets, and your familiar surroundings. It can be difficult to adjust to living in a new place every few months.

Travel nursing can be a rewarding and exciting career, but it is important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks before making a decision. If you are looking for a high-paying, flexible, and challenging career,

What are the different types of travel nurses?

There are many different types of travel nurses, each with their own unique set of skills and qualifications. Some of the most common types of travel nurses include:

  • Registered nurses (RNs): RNs are responsible for providing direct patient care, such as administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and educating patients and their families.
  • Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs): APRNs are RNs who have completed additional training and certification to perform more advanced nursing roles, such as diagnosing and treating illnesses, prescribing medications, and ordering tests.
  • Nurse practitioners (NPs): NPs are APRNs who have completed additional training and certification to practice independently and prescribe medications.
  • Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs): CNSs are APRNs who have specialized in a particular area of nursing, such as pediatrics, oncology, or critical care.
  • Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs): CRNAs are APRNs who have completed additional training and certification to administer anesthesia.
  • Certified nurse midwives (CNMs): CNMs are APRNs who have completed additional training and certification to provide care to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.

What are the benefits of becoming a travel nurse?

There are many benefits to becoming a travel nurse, including:

  • Flexibility: Travel nurses can choose their own assignments and work schedules. This can be a great option for nurses who want to travel the country or the world, or for those who want to work part-time or on a temporary basis.
  • High pay: Travel nurses typically earn higher salaries than staff nurses. This is because travel nurses are responsible for their own travel and living expenses, which are often reimbursed by their employers.
  • Professional development: Travel nursing can be a great way to gain new skills and experience. Travel nurses often have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings and with a variety of patients. This can help them to become more well-rounded nurses and to advance their careers.
  • New experiences: Travel nursing can be a great way to see new places and meet new people. Travel nurses often have the opportunity to work in different states and countries, which can give them a new perspective on the world.

What are the challenges of becoming a travel nurse?

There are also some challenges to becoming a travel nurse, including:

  • Relocation: Travel nurses often have to relocate for their assignments. This can be disruptive for nurses who have families or other commitments.
  • Costs: Travel nurses are responsible for their own travel and living expenses. This can be a significant cost, especially for nurses who are working on a temporary basis.
  • Loneliness: Travel nurses often work alone and may not have the same support system as staff nurses. This can be challenging for nurses who are used to working in a team environment.
  • Stress: Travel nursing can be a stressful job. Nurses may have to work long hours and deal with difficult patients and situations. This can take a toll on both physical and mental health.

How do I become a travel nurse?

To become a travel nurse, you must first have a nursing degree and be licensed to practice in the state where you want to work. You will also need to have at least one year of experience working as a staff nurse. Once you have met these requirements, you can apply to a travel nursing agency. The agency will help you find a job that matches your skills and qualifications.

What is the salary for travel nurses?

The salary for travel nurses varies depending on the type of nursing job, the location, and the agency. However, travel nurses typically earn higher salaries than staff nurses. The average salary for a travel nurse is $86,870 per year.

What are the best states for travel nurses?

The best states for travel nurses vary depending on the type of nursing job and the desired salary. However, some of the most popular states for travel nurses include California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois.

What are the best agencies for travel nurses?

There are many different travel nursing agencies available, each with its own unique offerings. Some of the most popular agencies include Aya Healthcare, American Mobile, and Cross Country Healthcare.

How do I find a travel nursing job?

There are a few different ways to find a travel nursing job. You can search online job boards, contact a travel nursing agency, or attend a nursing job fair

there are many different types of travel nurses, each with their own unique set of skills and qualifications. By understanding the different types of travel nursing, you can find the best fit for your skills and interests. Whether you want to travel the world, experience new cultures, or simply earn a higher salary, travel nursing can be a great option for you.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.