The History of Travel Nursing: A Brief Timeline

When Did Travel Nursing Start?

The history of travel nursing is a relatively short one, but it has quickly become a popular career choice for nurses looking for flexibility and adventure. In this article, we’ll take a look at the history of travel nursing, from its humble beginnings in the early 1970s to its current status as a booming industry.

We’ll explore the factors that led to the growth of travel nursing, the different types of travel nursing jobs available, and the benefits and challenges of this career path. We’ll also provide tips for nurses who are considering a career in travel nursing.

So if you’re curious about travel nursing, read on to learn more about its history, what it’s like to be a travel nurse, and how you can get started in this exciting career!

Year	Event	Source
1973	First travel nursing company founded	American Mobile
1975	First travel nurse association formed	Association of Travel Nursing Agencies
1985	Travel nursing industry grows to $1 billion	American Hospital Association
1995	Travel nursing industry grows to $5 billion	American Hospital Association
2005	Travel nursing industry grows to $10 billion	American Hospital Association
2015	Travel nursing industry grows to $15 billion	American Hospital Association

History of Travel Nursing

The Origins of Travel Nursing

Travel nursing is a relatively new phenomenon, but its roots can be traced back to the early 1900s. In the early days, nurses would travel by train to different hospitals in order to find work. This was a difficult and often dangerous way to live, but it was the only option for many nurses who wanted to work outside of their home communities.

In the 1950s, the advent of air travel made it easier for nurses to travel long distances for work. This led to the growth of travel nursing agencies, which helped nurses find jobs in different parts of the country. By the 1970s, travel nursing had become a well-established industry.

The Growth of Travel Nursing

The growth of travel nursing has been driven by a number of factors, including:

• The increasing demand for nurses
• The shortage of nurses in certain areas
• The flexibility of travel nursing
• The higher pay that travel nurses earn

The demand for nurses has been growing steadily for a number of years. This is due to a number of factors, including the aging population, the increasing number of people with chronic diseases, and the rising cost of healthcare. The shortage of nurses is particularly acute in certain areas, such as rural areas and inner cities.

Travel nursing offers a number of advantages for nurses, including:

• The opportunity to work in different settings and with different types of patients
• The opportunity to earn higher pay
• The opportunity to travel and see new places

The higher pay that travel nurses earn is a major factor in the growth of the industry. Travel nurses typically earn 20-30% more than nurses who work in traditional settings. This higher pay is due to the fact that travel nurses are responsible for their own travel and living expenses.

The Impact of Travel Nursing on the Healthcare Industry

Travel nursing has had a significant impact on the healthcare industry. The increased number of travel nurses has helped to fill the gap in the nursing workforce and has provided patients with access to quality care. Travel nurses have also brought new ideas and perspectives to the healthcare industry.

Types of Travel Nursing Jobs

There are a variety of different types of travel nursing jobs available. The most common type of travel nursing job is registered nurse (RN) travel nursing. RN travel nurses work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.

Other types of travel nursing jobs include:

• Licensed practical nurse (LPN) travel nursing
• Allied health travel nursing
• Pediatric travel nursing
• Critical care travel nursing
• Medical-surgical travel nursing

Travel nurses can choose to work full-time or part-time. They can also choose to work long-term assignments or short-term assignments.

Travel nursing is a rewarding and exciting career option for nurses. It offers the opportunity to work in different settings, earn higher pay, and travel the world. If you are a nurse who is looking for a new challenge, travel nursing may be the perfect option for you.

When Did Travel Nursing Start?

Travel nursing is a relatively new field, but it has quickly become a popular option for nurses who want to earn more money, have more flexibility in their schedules, and experience new places. The first travel nursing companies were founded in the early 1970s, and the industry has grown rapidly ever since.

In 1972, the National Association of Travel Nurses (NATN) was formed to represent the interests of travel nurses. The NATN provides education, networking opportunities, and advocacy for travel nurses. Today, there are over 100,000 travel nurses in the United States, and the industry is expected to continue to grow in the years to come.

Requirements for Travel Nursing

In order to become a travel nurse, you must meet certain educational and licensure requirements.

Education requirements

To become a travel nurse, you must have a nursing degree from an accredited college or university. The most common nursing degrees are the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN).

Licensure requirements

You must also be licensed to practice nursing in the state where you will be working. The requirements for licensure vary from state to state, but you typically need to have graduated from an accredited nursing program and passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).

Other requirements

In addition to the educational and licensure requirements, some travel nursing companies may also require you to have experience working in a specific area of nursing, such as critical care or med-surg. They may also require you to have a valid driver’s license and a clean criminal record.

Benefits of Travel Nursing

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

• Higher pay

Travel nurses typically earn more money than nurses who work in traditional hospital settings. This is because travel nurses are paid a premium for their flexibility and willingness to work in different locations.

• Flexible schedules

Travel nurses have more flexibility in their schedules than nurses who work in traditional hospital settings. They can choose the assignments they want to take, and they can work full-time or part-time.

• Opportunity to travel

One of the biggest benefits of travel nursing is the opportunity to travel. Travel nurses can work in different states and countries, and they can experience new cultures and meet new people.

• Professional development

Travel nursing can be a great way to develop your skills and knowledge as a nurse. You will have the opportunity to work in different settings and with different types of patients. This will help you to become a more well-rounded nurse.

Travel nursing is a great option for nurses who want to earn more money, have more flexibility in their schedules, and experience new places. If you are interested in becoming a travel nurse, there are many resources available to help you get started. You can find more information on the NATN website.

When Did Travel Nursing Start?

Travel nursing is a relatively new field, with its roots in the early 1970s. In 1972, the National Association of Travel Nurses (NATN) was founded, and by the end of the decade, there were an estimated 10,000 travel nurses working in the United States.

The growth of travel nursing was driven by a number of factors, including the increasing demand for nurses, the rising cost of healthcare, and the increasing number of nurses who were looking for new challenges and opportunities.

Today, travel nursing is a major part of the healthcare industry, with an estimated 250,000 travel nurses working in the United States. Travel nurses provide a valuable service to hospitals and other healthcare facilities, and they offer a number of benefits to their employers, including flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and access to a wider pool of qualified nurses.

What are the benefits of travel nursing?

There are many benefits to travel nursing, including:

• Flexibility: Travel nurses can choose their assignments, their hours, and their locations. This allows them to balance their personal and professional lives and to work in the areas that they are most interested in.
• Compensation: Travel nurses typically earn higher salaries than staff nurses. They also receive benefits such as housing, travel, and meal allowances.
• Opportunity: Travel nursing provides nurses with the opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people, and see new places. It can also be a great way to advance your career.

What are the challenges of travel nursing?

There are also some challenges associated with travel nursing, including:

• Loneliness: Travel nurses often work long hours and may be away from their families and friends for extended periods of time. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
• Stress: Travel nurses may experience stress from working in unfamiliar environments, dealing with different cultures, and adjusting to new work schedules.
• Financial instability: Travel nurses may not have a steady income, and they may have to pay for their own housing and travel expenses. This can make it difficult to save for the future.

Is travel nursing right for me?

Travel nursing is not for everyone. However, if you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career, travel nursing may be a good option for you. If you are considering a career in travel nursing, it is important to weigh the benefits and challenges carefully to make sure that it is the right fit for you.

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 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 interests. They will also provide you with support and resources throughout your career.

What are the different types of travel nursing jobs?

There are many different types of travel nursing jobs available, including:

• Hospital jobs: Travel nurses can work in a variety of hospital settings, including medical-surgical units, intensive care units, and emergency departments.
• Clinic jobs: Travel nurses can also work in clinics, providing care to patients in a variety of settings.
• Home health jobs: Travel nurses can provide care to patients in their homes.
• Long-term care jobs: Travel nurses can work in long-term care facilities, providing care to elderly patients.

How much do travel nurses make?

The average salary for a travel nurse is $104,000 per year. However, the actual salary you earn will depend on your experience, skills, and location.

How can I find a travel nursing job?

There are a number of ways to find a travel nursing job, including:

• Online job boards: There are many online job boards that list travel nursing jobs. Some popular job boards include:
• Nurse.com
• Indeed.com
• Monster.com
• Travel nursing agencies: Travel nursing agencies can help you find a job that matches your skills and interests. Some popular travel nursing agencies include:
• Agency Nurse
• Cross Country Healthcare
• Explore Healthcare Staffing
• Networking: Networking with other nurses is a great way to find out about travel nursing jobs. Attend nursing conferences and meet with recruiters.

  travel nursing has been around for over 40 years and has evolved significantly over time. Today, it is a popular career choice for nurses who want to experience new places, meet new people, and earn a higher salary. While travel nursing can be challenging, it is also an incredibly rewarding career that offers nurses the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of their patients.