travel nursing assignments

Labor & Delivery

Operating Room

Nationwide Travel Nursing Assignments 

Massachusetts

North Carolina

Pennsylvania

Whether you're drawn to the bustling cities, serene rural areas, or picturesque coastal towns, there's a travel nursing contract that matches your preferences. 

Becoming a travel nurse offers an array of exciting opportunities and benefits that go beyond a standard nursing role. Whether you're seeking adventure, professional growth, or the chance to make a difference in diverse healthcare settings, travel nursing could be the perfect fit for you.

Travel Assignments

Discover your next travel opportunity.

Expand your career and see the country. We partner with medical facilities and school districts providing healthcare travelers with access to nursing, allied, school, therapy, and behavioral assignments from coast-to-coast.

Why travel with Amergis

Experience the travel lifestyle with our support, every step of the way..

• Have a dedicated travel recruiter match you to openings, and provide 24/7 emergency support with local Maxim offices nearby
• Receive weekly pay, first of the month health benefits like medical, dental, prescription, and vision plans
• Receive tax advantage compensation, expense reimbursement for travel/state licensure, and MyTime program to earn up to 24 hours paid time off each year
• We offer a wide variety of travel contracts, including per diem, full-time, and part-time, for travel assignments across the country.

*benefits may vary and are subject to change based upon employment status and specific assignments

Personalized guidance

Your dedicated travel nurse recruiter understands your goals and works tirelessly to find the ideal assignments, offering support around the clock.

Nationwide reach

With 70+ offices located across the country, we can help you explore diverse new locations and travel healthcare settings.

Comprehensive benefits

Weekly pay, quality health coverage, and tax advantages ensure you’re well taken care of.

Let’s find your next adventure

Travel nurse assignments

• Telemetry (TELE)
• Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
• Emergency Room/Department (ER/ED)
• Critical Care Unit (CCU)
• Operating Room (OR)
• Progressive Care Unit (PCU)
• Cardiovascular Intensive Care (CVICU)
• Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU)
• Pediatric Intensive Care (PICU)
• Psychiatric Care Unit (PCU)
• Mother-Baby/Postpartum

Travel allied assignments

• Surgical Techs
• Sterile Processing Techs
• Radiology/Imaging
• Physical and Occupational Therapists
• Medical Assistants
• Social Workers and Counselors
• Respiratory Therapists
• Pharmacy Technicians
• EMT/Paramedics
• Phlebotomists
• Patient Care Technicians
• A/R Specialists
• Medical Lab Technician

Travel school assignments

• Special Education Teachers
• Behavioral Interventionists
• Bilingual Interpreters
• Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA)
• Case Managers
• Nurses (RN, LPN, LVN, CSN, CNA)
• Occupational and Physical Therapists
• Paraprofessionals
• School Psychologists
• Speech Language Pathologists

Staffing made easy

Find and keep track of your nursing assignments.

Balancing a rewarding nursing career with your personal life has never been easier. Our assignments, available through our MaxView jobs app, offer unmatched flexibility and the ability to choose the shifts and work environments that best suit you.

Putting people first

Testimonials

Nurse, Maine

Nathanael S.

Healthcare Professional, Virginia

I can highly recommend [Amergis] as an agency to work for!

Travel Nurse, Texas

I previously worked for a travel nurse company. [Amergis] is far superior in overall work environment, support, communication, and quality leaders.

Healthcare Professional, Wisconsin

It’s been a delight working with [Amergis]. Their staff is courteous, prompt & works well with us.

Healthcare Professional, Minnesota

Healthcare Professional, California

Office customer staff is exceptional. Hands down the most intelligent and caring staffers.

Recruiter, California

Recruiter, Florida

I have, from day one, always felt supported and welcomed by [Amergis].

Recent highlights

Search all resources, connect with a travel recruiter today..

Maxim Healthcare Staffing is now Amergis, heralding a new era of excellence in healthcare staffing solutions, and expanding educational staffing services via a new website AmergisEducation.com .

(712) 336-0800

Travel Nursing and Allied Therapy Jobs

If you're interested in working and venturing away from home, travel assignments are perfect for you travel and explore what the world has to offer, all while doing what you do best — providing quality care., travel contract jobs for  nursing and allied therapy healthcare professionals.

Your opportunities with GrapeTree are endless! Along with per-diem shifts and local assignments, our healthcare professionals have the opportunity to travel and explore new areas without giving up a regular income. Travel contracts are 8-13 weeks in length, offer opportunities to work outside a 50 mile radius of your home, and include travel + housing stipends. Mesh your career with new personal life experiences by becoming a traveling healthcare professional with GrapeTree!

You get the best of both worlds. Earn a competitive wage while exploring your surroundings in your down time.

Live in, make memories in, and explore a new area with every new travel assignment

Receive a weekly, non-taxed per diem, to assist with travel, meals, housing, incidentals, and other necessary expenses.

Guaranteed hours

Your schedule is set from the moment you are booked into a travel assignment with GrapeTree.

We currently offer travel opportunities throughout the states below – but we are still expanding! Check out all of the fun things to do in each of our states and pick your next home-away-from-home.

Make More With Travel Contracts

The weekly package range for travel assignments is a combination of hourly taxed rate and a weekly non-taxed per diem reimbursement to cover housing, meals, incidentals, and other necessary costs. Package amount is based on facility type, specialty, location, and certification of healthcare professional.

CN A s &  STN A s

$1,200-$1,700 per week.

Must have 6 months of experience working as a CNA or STNA.

PTAs, OTAs, COTAs

$1,500-$1,800 per week.

Must have 6 months of experience working as a PTA, OTA, or COTA.

$1,600-$2,000 PER WEEK

Must have 1 year of experience working as an LPN.

PTs & OTs

$2,000-$2,600 per week.

Must have 6 months of experience working as a PT or OT.

Must have 1 year of experience working as an RN.

Must have 6 months of experience working as an SLP.

Your h ome address must be least 50 miles away from the facility to qualify for travel pay rates. Contracts are available as local assignments  for those whose home address is less than 50 miles away from the facility address.

Get Certified in Other States

Only certified to work in your home state? No problem! While each state has their own process for becoming licensed, it is easy to get your license transferred. This process is called getting "reciprocity" or "endorsement." Our team has compiled a list of all our states' registries so that you can easily transfer your license. Give our team a call to learn more about getting reimbursed for gaining reciprocity in other states! Click the button below to get started.

The Perks of Travel A ssignments

Flexibility.

You have the flexibility to choose where you go and what assignments you take on.

Avoid Burnout

Experience higher job satisfaction working in a travel assignment by avoiding overtime.

Gain Knowledge

Explore what you love about nursing by working with more people in diverse settings.

Career Advancement

Strengthen your experience an build up your resume to show that you thrive in all environments.

What People Are Saying

I've been working and traveling with GrapeTree Medical Staffing for about five months now and have loved every minute of it! The communication is great, the pay is excellent and I love how flexible they are! If you are looking for a great company to work for I highly recommend GrapeTree!

Alissa | Travel CNA

Got questions we've got answers..

Book Your Dream A ssignment

Our team is waiting to hear from you! Learn more about our travel opportunities or book your dream assignment by giving us a call at (712) 336-0800.

Interested in More Information?

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Hand-picked assignments for Travel Nurses.

43 assignments | last updated: wednesday april 24th, 2024, get my list of hand-picked travel nursing jobs every monday., rn or-first assist.

Host Healthcare

🕑 Contractor

💰 $3,857 - $4,047 per Week

💻 First Assist

Fusion Medical Staffing

💰 $2,811 - $3,387 per Week

💻 Labor & Delivery

First Assist RN

Philadelphia, PA

💰 $2,875 - $3,464 per Week

Registered Nurse (RN) - PICU

Bakersfield, CA

💰 $3,584 per Week

💻 PICU

Travel Nurse OR RN

Travel Nurse Across America

Lakewood, CO

💰 $3,897 per Week

💻 Operating Room

Travel Nurse Oncology RN

🕑 Full-Time

💰 $3,942 per Week

💻 Oncology

Registered Nurse (RN) - Cath Lab

Longmont, CO

💰 $2,560 per Week

💻 Cath Lab

Registered Nurse (RN) - Operating Room

Lancaster, CA

💰 $3,226 per Week

ICU Travel RN

Ventura Medstaff

Redding, CA

💰 $2,432 - $2,632 per Week

💻 ICU

Red Bluff, CA

Glendale, AZ

💰 $2,796 per Week

Travel Nurse LD RN

Everett, WA

💰 $2,861 per Week

Travel Nurse MedSurg RN

💰 $2,935 per Week

💻 Med Surg / Telemetry

Travel Nurse TELE RN

Lebanon, NH

💰 $3,327 per Week

Louisville, KY

💰 $4,429 per Week

Travel Nurse CathLab RN

Fort Worth, TX

💰 $3,010 per Week

Travel Nurse (RN) – Med/Surg (Medical-Surgical)

Epic Travel Staffing

Baltimore, MD

💰 $2,032 per Week

Travel Nurse (RN) – Tele (Telemetry)

💰 $1,888 per Week

Travel Nurse (RN) – Labor & Delivery (L&D)

Clinton, MD

💰 $2,279 per Week

Key West, FL

💰 $1,853 per Week

Travel Nurse (RN) – ER (Emergency Room)

💰 $2,358 per Week

💻 Emergency Room

Travel Nurse (RN) – PACU (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit)

Concord, CA

💰 $2,583 per Week

💻 PACU

Travel Nurse (RN) – OR (Operating Room)

Rancho Mirage, CA

💰 $2,718 per Week

Registered Nurse - Dialysis

Burlington, VT

💰 $1,711 - $2,062 per Week

💻 Dialysis

Long Beach, CA

💰 $1,889 - $2,276 per Week

Registered Nurse – Labor & Delivery

AMN Healthcare

Madison, WI

💰 $2,038 - $2,246 per Week

San Luis Obispo, CA

💰 $2,310 - $2,546 per Week

Walnut Creek, CA

💰 $2,862 - $3,154 per Week

Des Moines, IA

💰 $2,030 - $2,237 per Week

San Jose, CA

💰 $2,872 - $3,165 per Week

Registered Nurse – Telemetry

Palo Alto, CA

💰 $2,135 - $2,353 per Week

Registered Nurse – Cardiac Catheterization Lab

Hartford, CT

💰 $2,435 - $2,683 per Week

Bettendorf, IA

💰 $2,681 - $2,955 per Week

Wailuku, HI

💰 $2,577 - $2,840 per Week

Registered Nurse – Medical Surgical

Johnson City, NY

💰 $2,264 - $2,495 per Week

Gainesville, GA

💰 $2,046 - $2,255 per Week

Cath Lab RN

💰 $2,928 per Week

Med Surgical Tele RN

Hanford, CA

💰 $2,688 per Week

Emergency Room RN

Providence, RI

💰 $3,333 per Week

Newport News, VA

💰 $2,278 per Week

💰 $2,744 per Week

Operating Room RN

New Rochelle, NY

💰 $3,735 per Week

Flexcare Staffing

💰 $2,486 per Week

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Your Next Travel Nursing Adventure Starts Here

Travel nursing allows you to explore the country while earning a great salary. Live and work in every state or design a travel plan unique to your interests—the opportunities are limitless! Connect with Prolink to start your travel nursing journey today.

Why Become a Travel Nurse?

Imagine getting paid to do the work you love as you travel the country. Explore your bucket-list states as you sharpen your clinical skills and build your resume—all while enjoying premium benefits and pay. Travel nursing is all about turning your career into an adventure, and Prolink can help you get started.

Do you prefer the canyons of New Mexico or the hustle and bustle of New York City? Want to work in a hospital or private doctor’s office? Pick what you like best or try it all—the opportunities are limitless. Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned traveler, you'll love the freedom and rewards of travel nursing.

Make Prolink Your Travel Nurse Destination

Partner with Prolink and you will be paired with a dedicated team of healthcare recruiters. Prolink recruiters are committed to finding you the positions that suit you best and will support you throughout every assignment you take. Connect with us today to learn what makes working with Prolink different.

How We Help You Prepare for Your Travel Nursing Search:

• Your Nursing Resume Comes First: Get front-of-the-line access to thousands of travel nursing jobs nationwide.
• Get Licensed: We can help you obtain state licenses or renew your current licensure. Our expedited program streamlines the process for you with any state board.
• The Most Competitive Pay in the Industry: We offer the best pay packages for travel nursing jobs. Choose the assignments you want without confusing negotiations.
• Support When You Need It: We remain focused on giving you an exceptional experience, from ensuring you start right away, to helping you get paid reliably and on time! We’ll even locate and pay for all labs and certificates, ensuring your paperwork remains current.
• Get Matched to the Perfect Assignments: We only provide you with clinician-driven unit match assignments, ensuring the job is right for you.

Being a travel nurse with Prolink for almost 3 years is the best decision I've made! It's been an awesome experience and I've never looked back on the other companies I've contracted with. Especially thanks to Olivia Quinn, Samantha Lovell & Katie Wood for being extremely knowledgeable, responding timely and directing me to the correct person quickly if they were unsure of something. Through this agency, I've been able to live my dream working as a nurse & see not just this beautiful country, but the world!

I love my experience at Prolink I am left feeling as if I can turn to Prolink with any issue that would arise as a traveler. One of my personal up lifts with Prolink is I keep my medical up to 30 days after each assignment...But I truly love how I'm looked after with this company. My recruiter answers my questions in a timely matter. When I text him I get a reply almost immediately. He has guided me on many occasions on technical down falls. He is patient and fast to offer encouragement.

Grateful each day for the opportunity to work with so many dedicated, hard working, amazingly talented individuals. Prolink’s core values and the way they take care of their employees is top notch

I have been with Prolink for almost 2 years and I can honestly say this company truly cares about each and every one of their employees. They stand by their motto of wanting to be the vehicle to getting each individual to where they want to go personally, professionally and financially. The amount of growth opportunity Prolink provides is endless and I have grown not only professionally but personally as well. I am so thankful that I decided to take the leap almost two years ago to join the Prolink family and I am so proud to be a part of this amazing company!!

Travel Nurses are in High Demand – When & Where Would You Like to Start?

Travel nursing comes with terrific perks and benefits. These can include housing stipends (feel free to bring your pets!) and a host of benefits (medical, dental, vision, 401k match, and life insurance). With Prolink, your medical insurance and 401k enrollment are available from the very first day of your assignment. 

With a worldwide nursing shortage and travel nurses in such high demand, you can look forward to rapid placement, VIP support, and unlimited career advancement. Where would you like to go? Start your travel nursing job search  today!

Start the process today and speak with a dedicated healthcare recruiter.

Prolink perspectives.

Our blog, Prolink Perspectives, covers the topics you care about most. Learn everything you need to know about being a traveling healthcare professional, including how to get your first travel assignment, tips and tricks, and much more.

Calling all early birds, night owls, and everything in between—Prolink is bringing around-the-clock energy to TravCon 2024 in Las Vegas, and we can’t wait to see you there. If you’re attending...

Cath lab techs, or cardiac catheterization technologists, work in cardiac catheterization labs assisting cardiologists and helping patients with heart issues. Cardiac catheterization is a procedure...

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Search Nursing and Allied Jobs

Discover a smarter way to find travel nursing opportunities., medely puts you in control.

Find more opportunities, from coast to coast, and apply with the press of a button.

Find the location, schedule, and facility that are right for you. Work where and when you want.

Medely offers premium rates and best-in-class perks and stipends for travel.

Freedom, flexibility, and support when you need it

As a healthcare professional your job is putting others first. medely puts you first, empowering you to spend your time on the things that matter, not managing your career., help when you need it.

Enjoy the freedom and flexibility to find opportunities on your terms. Our Career Advisors and Recruiters are here to guide you as needed.

Flexibility to fit your life

Land the perfect assignment – one that fits your life. Medely offers assignments from 4 to 13+ weeks, giving you the flexibility you need.

A place to stay

Need help with a place to stay? We got you covered. Our partnership with Hotel Engine will help you find the right place for you during your travel assignment

Travel assignments to fit every lifestyle

Find the right opportunity for you.

Quickly search the available assignments with contract details and pay breakdowns upfront.

Experience new adventures

With opportunities available from coast to coast, exploration and excitement is available with each new assignment.

Maximize your earnings

Adventure not your thing? Premium pay, maxed out travel stipends, and the ability to book per diem shifts while on assignment maximize your earning potential with Medely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Medely and how is it different from other staffing firms?

To start with, Medely isn’t a staffing firm at all. Medely is the leading digital marketplace for nurses and allied healthcare professionals to find both per diem and travel or long term assignments. Partnerships with facilities in over 50 cities from coast to coast connect Medely professionals with more opportunities than a traditional staffing firm, allowing them to book per diem jobs and travel assignments directly on the platform. With best-in-class perks, higher pay, and a transparent process, Medely is empowering healthcare professionals to take control of their careers with simple-to-use technology that gives them the freedom to work the schedules and locations that fit their lifestyle.

Is Medely Joint Commission Certified?

Medely is proud to have earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval. The Joint Commission’s certification is a recognition of Medely’s commitment to empowering qualified healthcare professionals and connecting them with the medical facilities that need them.

I already have scheduled commitments, can I still use Medely to work when I'm free?

We believe you should have the freedom and flexibility to build your career around your lifestyle. As such we are the only digital marketplace that enables our professionals the ability to work both per diem and long-term travel or local assignments.

Do I need to make a minimum commitment to Medely?

Not only is there zero working commitment, Medely offers flexible shift lengths starting at four hours and job opportunities in over 50 cities from coast to coast in both per diem and long-term assignments. Our long term assignments can be local or travel assignments and range from four to 13 weeks, many of which can be extended. All of this means you have the freedom to choose when and where you work with zero obligations.

What types of medical professionals can join Medely?

Medely works with facilities to place nurses and allied professionals in over 30 specialties including ICU, ER, Stepdown, Tele, and Med-Surg.

• Cardiac Cath Lab RN
• Certified Medical Assistant
• Certified Nurse Assistant
• Certified Phlebotomy Tech
• Certified Sterile Processing Tech
• Certified Surgical First Assist
• Certified Surgical Tech
• Circulating RN
• Dialysis RN
• Interventional Radiology RN
• Labor & Delivery RN
• Licensed Vocational Nurse
• Long-Term Care RN
• Medical Laboratory Technician
• Medical-Surgical RN
• Medical Technologist
• Moderate Sedation RN
• Mother Baby RN
• Nurse Practitioner
• Physician Assistant
• Radiology Tech
• Registered Nurse First Assistant
• Registered Respiratory Therapist
• RN Case Manager
• Sonographer
• Stepdown RN
• Surgical Tech
• Telemetry RN
• Telephone Triage RN

Fun fact: We also offer referral rewards for many specialties and positions. So if you love working with Medely and want your friends to have the same experience, look for the share button on eligible job posts.

Ready to get started?

Highest-Paying Travel Nurse Assignments

Updated august 20, 2024.

If you’re looking for a new travel nurse assignment—or just curious how much current travel nurse jobs are paying out—here are some of the highest-paid travel nursing jobs currently available across the country.

Speak with a recruiter about available travel nursing assignments today!

Cities Paying > $3,000 per week

• Santa Maria, CA: $3.9K in OR
• Walnut Creek, CA: $3.8K in Peds/NICU/POR/etc
• Hillsboro, OR: $3.8K in LD
• Philadelphia, PA: $3.6K in OR
• South Weymouth, MA: $3.6K in ER
• Summit, WI: $3.5K in CathLab
• Washington, DC: $3.5K in OR
• Burlington, VT: $3.4K in OR
• Concord, MA: $3.4K in ER
• Eureka, CA: $3.4K in OR
• Salinas, CA: $3.3K in CathLab
• Chicago, IL: $3.3K in OR
• Haines, AK: $3.2K in MedSurg
• Portland, ME: $3.2K in Telemetry
• Kansas City, KS: $3.2K in OR
• Urbana, IL: $3.2K in MedSurg
• Cleveland, OH: $3.2K in CathLab
• Soldotna, AK: $3.1K in CathLab
• Malone, NY: $3.1K in MedSurg
• Eureka, CA: $3.1K in OR
• Rochester, NY: $3.1K in Telemetry
• Metairie, LA: $3.1K in Oncology
• Pittsburgh, PA: $3.1K in OR
• Binghamton, NY: $3.1K in Telemetry
• Wildomar, CA: $3.1K in Radiology
• Northampton, MA: $3K in OR
• Stockton, CA: $3K in LD
• Gainesville, GA: $3K in OR
• Rochester, NY: $3K in Telemetry
• Rochester, NY: $3K in ER

Highest-Demand Cities

• Albany, NY: at least 110 assignments up to $3K/week
• Oklahoma City, OK: at least 96 assignments up to $2.5K/week
• Rochester, NY: at least 95 assignments up to $3.1K/week
• Tucson, AZ: at least 60 assignments up to $2.3K/week
• Peoria, IL: at least 57 assignments up to $2.6K/week
• Louisville, KY: at least 48 assignments up to $2.6K/week
• Baltimore, MD: at least 43 assignments up to $2.8K/week
• Springfield, MA: at least 43 assignments up to $2.6K/week
• Cleveland, OH: at least 36 assignments up to $3.2K/week
• Chicago, IL: at least 30 assignments up to $3.3K/week
• Shreveport, LA: at least 28 assignments up to $2.2K/week
• Omaha, NE: at least 25 assignments up to $2.5K/week
• Springfield, IL: at least 23 assignments up to $2.6K/week
• Washington, DC: at least 23 assignments up to $3.5K/week
• Atlanta, GA: at least 22 assignments up to $2.8K/week
• Yuma, AZ: at least 22 assignments up to $2.3K/week
• Bangor, ME: at least 22 assignments up to $2.8K/week
• Syracuse, NY: at least 21 assignments up to $2.4K/week
• Urbana, IL: at least 20 assignments up to $3.2K/week

Emergency Room

Here is a sampling of ER travel nurse jobs available across the country:

• AK: $2.4K/week
• AZ: $2.3K/week
• CA: $2.8K/week
• CO: $1.9K/week
• CT: $2.8K/week
• DC: $1.9K/week
• IA: $2K/week
• ID: $1.8K/week
• IL: $2.5K/week
• KS: $2K/week
• MA: $3.6K/week
• MD: $2.2K/week
• ME: $2.1K/week
• MI: $2.2K/week
• MN: $2K/week
• MO: $2.4K/week
• MS: $2K/week
• MT: $2.2K/week
• NC: $1.9K/week
• ND: $1.9K/week
• NH: $2.4K/week
• NJ: $2.4K/week
• NM: $2K/week
• NV: $2.2K/week
• NY: $3K/week
• OH: $2.1K/week
• OK: $2.1K/week
• OR: $2.2K/week
• PA: $2.2K/week
• SD: $1.9K/week
• TX: $2.5K/week
• UT: $1.9K/week
• VA: $2.2K/week
• VT: $2.1K/week
• WA: $2.4K/week
• WI: $2.2K/week
• WY: $2K/week

Labor & Delivery

We found the following opportunities for L&D travel nurses:

• AK: $3K/week
• AR: $1.9K/week
• CA: $3K/week
• CO: $2.6K/week
• DC: $2K/week
• DE: $2.8K/week
• HI: $2.5K/week
• IA: $2.4K/week
• ID: $2.1K/week
• IL: $2.3K/week
• IN: $1.9K/week
• KS: $2.4K/week
• MA: $2.8K/week
• MD: $2K/week
• MN: $2.6K/week
• MT: $2.1K/week
• NC: $2.2K/week
• ND: $2.4K/week
• NE: $2.2K/week
• NH: $2.1K/week
• NJ: $2.5K/week
• NM: $3K/week
• NY: $2.5K/week
• OH: $2K/week
• OK: $2.5K/week
• OR: $3.8K/week
• SD: $2.2K/week
• TX: $2.2K/week
• UT: $2.3K/week
• VA: $2.1K/week
• VT: $3K/week
• WA: $2.5K/week
• WV: $1.9K/week

Operating Room

There are numerous high-paying OR travel nursing assignments available.

• AK: $2.2K/week
• AL: $2K/week
• AR: $2.4K/week
• CA: $3.9K/week
• CO: $2.9K/week
• CT: $2.6K/week
• DC: $3.5K/week
• FL: $2.5K/week
• GA: $3K/week
• IA: $2.2K/week
• IL: $3.3K/week
• IN: $2.6K/week
• KS: $3.2K/week
• KY: $2.5K/week
• LA: $2.3K/week
• MA: $3K/week
• MD: $2.8K/week
• ME: $2.5K/week
• MO: $2.1K/week
• MS: $2.4K/week
• MT: $2.6K/week
• NC: $2.4K/week
• ND: $2.1K/week
• NE: $2.6K/week
• NJ: $2.8K/week
• NM: $2.4K/week
• NY: $2.6K/week
• OH: $2.7K/week
• OR: $2.6K/week
• PA: $3.6K/week
• TN: $2.6K/week
• VT: $3.4K/week

Find available travel nursing assignments near or far.

Here are some of the highest-paying MICU/SICU, CVICU and CICU travel nursing assignments we found across the country:

• AK: $2.3K/week
• AR: $2K/week
• CA: $2.9K/week
• CO: $2.2K/week
• CT: $2.4K/week
• GA: $2K/week
• IL: $2.4K/week
• IN: $2.7K/week
• KY: $2.2K/week
• MA: $2.3K/week
• ME: $2.8K/week
• MI: $2.3K/week
• MO: $2.8K/week
• NC: $2.1K/week
• ND: $2.2K/week
• NE: $2.3K/week
• NH: $3K/week
• NJ: $2.3K/week
• PA: $2.1K/week
• SC: $1.9K/week
• SD: $2.6K/week
• TN: $2.7K/week
• TX: $1.9K/week
• VA: $2K/week
• WA: $2.1K/week
• WI: $2.4K/week
• WV: $2.2K/week

For those who prefer working with children, there are NICU, PICU, pediatric OR, and general pediatric nursing opportunities available in multiple states, such as:

• AR: $2.8K/week
• CA: $3.8K/week
• HI: $1.8K/week
• IA: $2.1K/week
• ID: $2.3K/week
• IL: $2.7K/week
• KY: $2.3K/week
• LA: $2.2K/week
• MA: $2.6K/week
• MD: $2.1K/week
• MN: $2.4K/week
• MO: $3K/week
• MS: $1.9K/week
• MT: $2K/week
• NC: $2.5K/week
• NE: $2.5K/week
• NH: $2.2K/week
• NM: $2.7K/week
• OH: $2.3K/week
• OK: $2.4K/week
• OR: $2.5K/week
• PA: $1.9K/week
• SD: $2.8K/week
• TN: $2K/week
• TX: $2K/week
• VA: $2.3K/week
• WA: $2.3K/week
• WI: $2.9K/week

Medical-Surgical

For medical surgical nursing assignments, here are the highest-paying opportunities per state:

• AK: $3.2K/week
• AL: $2.6K/week
• AZ: $2.2K/week
• CA: $2.1K/week
• CO: $2K/week
• GA: $1.8K/week
• IA: $2.9K/week
• ID: $2.5K/week
• IL: $3.2K/week
• IN: $2K/week
• KS: $2.5K/week
• KY: $2.6K/week
• LA: $1.8K/week
• MA: $2.4K/week
• MD: $1.8K/week
• MN: $2.2K/week
• MO: $2.6K/week
• NV: $1.9K/week
• NY: $3.1K/week
• OR: $2.3K/week
• PA: $1.8K/week
• RI: $1.8K/week
• TN: $2.5K/week
• TX: $1.8K/week
• UT: $2K/week
• VT: $2.3K/week
• WI: $2.3K/week

If telemetry is your area of expertise you can look in these states:

• AZ: $2.5K/week
• CA: $2.4K/week
• CO: $2.1K/week
• CT: $2.9K/week
• DC: $1.8K/week
• GA: $1.9K/week
• IN: $2.1K/week
• KS: $2.2K/week
• KY: $2.1K/week
• LA: $2.6K/week
• MA: $2.5K/week
• ME: $3.2K/week
• NE: $2.1K/week
• OR: $2.7K/week
• RI: $2.3K/week
• SC: $2K/week
• SD: $2.5K/week
• VT: $2.5K/week
• WA: $2.6K/week
• WV: $2.4K/week

There are many oncology travel nursing assignments available:

• DC: $2.1K/week
• ID: $2K/week
• KS: $2.6K/week
• LA: $3.1K/week
• ME: $2K/week
• MI: $1.8K/week
• MT: $2.3K/week
• OH: $2.5K/week
• OK: $2.2K/week
• OR: $2.1K/week
• SD: $2.1K/week
• TX: $2.1K/week

Speak with a recruiter about available travel nursing assignments!

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Travel Nursing

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Now in the middle of my third contract, I love travel nursing. I love seeing how each hospital does things differently from the last, and I’ve made a lot of really good friends along the way. Not to mention the freedom — I have five vacations planned this year and have never been more financially secure in my life . Taking the leap into travel nursing is one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself.

Ashlynne S. Telemetry/Step Down RN

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Comparing Career Paths: Travel Nurse vs Staff Nurse

Reviewed by Ashleigh Murray BSN, RN

Published: June 7, 2024

Read Time: 8 minute read

Updated On: August 19, 2024

If you’re a nurse feeling the urge for a little change of scenery at work, you might be considering whether to switch things up by diving into the exciting lifestyle of a travel nurse.

Conversely, if you’ve been on the move as a travel nurse, you might be curious if the grass is greener on the other side as a staff nurse.

We get it—deciding which career path is the best fit for you is a significant decision. That’s why we’ve compiled a definitive guide to help you compare and contrast travel nursing vs staff nursing.

Travel Nurses: Exploring Your Responsibilities

If you’re new to the world of travel nursing, welcome . This rewarding career gives you the freedom to explore the world one city at a time. It also offers competitive pay, endless networking opportunities, and the ability to build your resume through extensive clinical exposure working alongside seasoned nursing staff and physicians.

But what about your duties—will they differ significantly from those of a staff nurse?

From administering medications and maintaining patient records to monitoring vitals and following care plans, most of your patient care-related responsibilities will be similar to those of staff nurses at the facility.

However, there are a few important distinctions between the two. As a travel nurse, you’ll also be responsible for the following:

• Adapting to new environments – As you move from assignment to assignment, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with each facility and the procedures they follow. One assignment may place you in a fast-paced urban hospital, while another could be at a family-friendly clinic—provided you have the relevant experience in those specialties, each setting will offer unique experiences and policies.
• Collaborating with a variety of healthcare teams – Each of your assignments will involve working with new healthcare professionals, whether you’re assisting doctors, working with therapists, or other support staff.
• Taking part in professional development – Staff nurses and travel nurses both have the opportunity to receive professional development opportunities. However, travel nurses are constantly gaining new skills through exposure to different patient populations, hospital practices, and healthcare settings.

Staff Nurses: Understanding Your Role in Healthcare Settings

As a staff nurse, you play an integral role in your department, whether you’re showing off your skills in a clinic, hospital, or a different healthcare setting. In addition, your continued service to your team allows you to work closely with a familiar group of doctors, specialists, and fellow nurses.

In the permanent role of staff nurse, your responsibilities vary from travel nurses slightly, as you benefit from:

• Providing consistent patient care – Whether you’re a staff nurse or a travel nurse, you’ll have the opportunity to support patients through critical stages of their recovery process during your time in a department. While travel nurses may stay for three months at a time, they still play a vital role in patient care, helping patients through key phases of treatment and recovery.
• Gaining expertise in a particular specialty – As a staff nurse, you have the opportunity to deepen your knowledge and skills in a specific area, becoming an expert over time. On the other hand, as a travel nurse, you’re expected to already have a high level of expertise in your specialty and may even be called upon to train staff in some cases, highlighting your advanced experience.
• Working toward career advancement – As you hone your skills, you may have the opportunity to pursue additional education and certifications through a clinical ladder program offered at your hospital. This allows you to further develop your expertise and potentially take on more advanced roles within your specialty.

Evaluating Work Environment and Flexibility: Travel Nursing vs Staff Nursing

Your work settings and the amount of adaptability required in your role will depend heavily on whether you’re a travel nurse or a staff nurse. So, let’s dive into the differences between the work environment and flexibility of travel nurses vs staff nurses:

Travel Nurses

As a travel nurse, you have more flexibility in where you go. Since you change assignments regularly, you have the luxury of choosing from assignments in different locations all over the country. You could spend three months in the bustling city of Denver, then find yourself in a small town in North Carolina.

With Host Healthcare, the average travel nursing assignment lasts about 13 weeks. However, if you’re really enjoying a particular city, you can take contracts in the same area (or extend at your current facility) for up to 12 months.

Additionally, when it comes to your work environment, you have significant input in choosing your specific healthcare setting within your specialty. For example, if you’ve recently worked in a large urban hospital and are interested in transitioning to a more relaxed environment, you can discuss the option of working at a smaller facility with your recruiter. At Host Healthcare, we’re happy to accommodate your preferences as long as they align with your specialty and experience.

Staff Nurses

The working environments of staff nurses differ from those of travel nurses in that staff nurses typically work in a single location and may hold full-time, part-time, or per diem positions. If you find satisfaction in maintaining a routine, you likely appreciate the stable work setting that staff nursing provides. Moreover, working in the same location allows you to form lasting relationships with your coworkers.

As a staff nurse, you likely follow a regular work schedule, often consisting of 10 to 12-hour shifts three or four days a week. Since you work consistently at the same facility, you’re typically required to work occasional holidays and weekends as necessary. 

While the predictability of a routine schedule provides comfort to some, it can also limit flexibility in arranging your work schedule and planning vacations. In contrast, as a travel nurse, you have the advantage of scheduling your contracts around vacations and holidays, offering greater control over your time.

Comparing Compensation and Benefits Packages

When you’re debating the pros and cons of being a travel nurse vs staff nurse, there’s one topic that likely pops up repeatedly—pay and benefits. It’s natural to ask yourself, which role will earn me more money ? Equally important is the question, what benefits will I be offered?

In truth, your compensation and benefits will vary based on several factors, including where in the country you’re working, your experience level, and the policies your employer has set in place.

Generally speaking, however, here is what you can expect in terms of compensation and benefits:

• Travel nurses – According to a survey by CEPR, the average weekly wage per week for a travel nurse was $2,588—significantly higher than staff nurses. As for benefits, Host Healthcare offers full medical, dental, and vision benefits from day one— and we keep your benefits active between assignments if you decide to take a little break.
• Staff nurses – The same survey showed that staff nurses made an average of $1,375 each week. They can also receive competitive benefits packages that typically include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Assessing Job Security and Stability in Travel vs Staff Nursing

When it comes to job security, staff nursing provides the ultimate job stability, as it offers a steady income and long-term employment with the potential for advancement in your career. 

However, travel nursing often provides higher pay. Plus, because of recent nursing shortages, it also boasts plenty of job opportunities for those interested in a more nomadic nursing experience.

Examining Opportunities for Career Growth and Advancement

If you’re interested in learning and growing in your current role, travel nursing offers the perfect opportunity to expand your skill set. Working in various facilities throughout the year allows you to learn from experienced nurses across multiple specialties, helping you to broaden your skills and knowledge in different areas of nursing. This not only adds new skills to your resume but also lets you focus on a specialty you’d like to advance in over the long term.

In contrast, if you’re looking to advance your career, both staff nursing and travel nursing offer opportunities for leadership roles. With the right experience, you can take on positions such as a charge nurse or preceptor, whether you’re in a permanent role or traveling with Host Healthcare.

Considering the Lifestyle Differences Between Travel and Staff Nurses

Do you find yourself scrolling through travel blogs in your spare time, taking notes, and adding to your travel bucket list as you go? If you live for new experiences and consider yourself an adventurer at heart—or even if you’re simply interested in getting out of your comfort zone and trying something new—travel nursing might be exactly what you need.

Travel nursing allows you to see, taste, and experience new places, foods, and cultures. It also offers a healthy work-life balance. For example, if you’re ready to book that trip to Thailand and backpack around the major cities for two weeks, you can easily take vacations between assignments.

In contrast, staff nurses experience a more stable lifestyle. They can establish long-term relationships at work and within their communities and appreciate the consistency of a routine.

Navigating Education and Training Requirements for Each Path

Both travel nurses and staff nurses require an RN licensure in the state they plan to practice. However, because many travel nurses work in multiple states, they often opt to upgrade to a multistate nursing license (a.k.a. The Nurse Licensure Compact license). This ensures they can practice in any participating state without needing to obtain additional licenses for each state.

In addition, most travel nursing positions require at least one year of experience in that specific specialty to be considered for the role.

Embark on Your Next Adventure with Host Healthcare

There are pros and cons to everything in life, and choosing the right career for you is no exception. If travel nursing continues to call your name, maybe now’s the time to heed the call. The first step to embarking on this exciting journey in your professional and personal life is deciding to make the jump.

At Host Healthcare, we’re here to take the leap of faith alongside you—and remain at your side every step of the way. As a travel nurse with Host Healthcare, you can look forward to a number of amazing benefits, including weekly pay, day-1 healthcare benefits, 24/7 support, 401K matching, and so much more.

Apply to become a traveler with Host Healthcare today.

“Nurse Schedules: Pros and Cons (with Tips) | Indeed.Com.” Indeed , 29 Feb. 2024, www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/nurse-schedule . 20 Jun. 2024.

Curchin, Emma. “How Does Travel Nurse Pay Compare to Permanent Staff Nurses?” Center for Economic and Policy Research , 15 June 2023, www.cepr.net/how-does-travel-nurse-pay-compare-to-permanent-staff-nurses/. 20 June 2024.

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