Top Travel Nurse Jobs Guide: How to Become One! [2024]

The demand for nurses has skyrocketed in the years after the COVID-19 pandemic. Staffing shortages in hospitals and other medical facilities mean nurses have many options regarding where they work. 

As a result, many US registered nurses have decided to shift to a travel nursing career path. Some of the top reasons for this nursing workforce shift are the higher pay and work flexibility that travel nurse jobs offer. 

In this post, I'll look at what travel nursing involves, the different kinds of travel nursing jobs, and how to find work as a travel nurse. I'll also give you a few tips for getting started and tips to making life as a travel nurse that bit easier!

What is a Travel Nurse Job? 

Travel nurses are qualified nurses that take temporary nursing positions in areas that need them. Travel nurse jobs are essential for healthcare organizations with workforce shortages, especially in remote and secluded areas. 

Travel nurses may be assigned to work in hospitals, small clinics, and other facilities that provide patient care. 

Although the job is challenging, it has perks that make working as a travel nurse enjoyable. You get to have the chance to work and travel in different locations and explore new cultures and places. 

Most travel nurse jobs also offer schedule flexibility which is great for those who want their working hours to be more varied. If you want new experiences and challenges, travel nursing jobs offer learning opportunities and great adventures.

Top Travel Nursing Jobs 

Want to know what travel nurse jobs are most in demand? Here are some of the most popular options:

ER Travel Nurse

ER nurses are among the most in-demand travel nurses. Most hospitals require ER nurse applicants to have adequate experience in working in the ER. Some hospitals also ask for specific certifications. 

ER nurses are always in high demand around the world. Hospitals providing acute care are always hiring!

To become a qualified ER nurse, you'll need excellent organizational skills and must be able to work under pressure. You also have to be able to make the right decisions quickly. 

ICU Travel Nurse

ICU travel nurses are also in demand across the US and many other parts of the world. 

ICU nurses care for patients that need serious medical attention. They must possess a specific set of skills, have a meticulous sense of organization, and be able to manage challenging situations. 

You'll need at least one year of experience working in an ICU ward to apply for an ICU travel nurse position in most hospitals.

Pediatric Travel Nurse

Pediatric nurses provide care for children and teens. You'll need certifications and experience working with kids in a medical setting, including checking vitals and administering medicines.

Pediatric nurses also need to be able to communicate well with young people. Putting kids at ease and calming their stress or fear is a big part of the job. 

Oncology Travel Nurse

Oncology nurses provide acute care for cancer patients who are undergoing treatment or are in remission. 

Hospitals require oncology nurse applicants to have at least one year of experience working in an oncology department and the necessary certifications and licenses. 

Dialysis Travel Nurse

Dialysis travel nurses care for patients with chronic kidney ailments. Their responsibilities include monitoring and recording the patient's vital signs and ensuring that the dialysis treatment is given correctly. 

Dialysis nurses also monitor the patient's condition throughout the treatment and look out for adverse reactions. 

NICU Travel Nurse

Neonatal intensive care unit travel nurses are some of the most in-demand medical professionals. You'll need at least a year of experience working in a NICU ward and a NICU license to apply for this role. 

How to Find Travel Nurse Jobs

Take Part in an Internship

If you're still a student or a newly qualified nurse, working as an intern is a great way to kickstart your career in the medical field. You can find nursing internships with companies like Work the World. 

Get the Right Licenses and Certifications

The proper licenses and credentials are non-negotiable when applying for any travel nursing job. While not all certifications are compulsory for certain nursing positions, they can boost your chances of getting hired for the job. 

Work With a Reliable Agency

Travel nurses are in great demand nowadays, but getting hired can still be challenging. And for newly-registered professionals, it's even harder. Working with a reputable agency is something you should consider if you are looking to apply for a travel nursing position. 

3 Tips for New Travel Nurses

1. Take a Break When You Can

Nursing is one of the most challenging professions in the medical industry. Get used to taking quick breaks when you get the chance. Any breather from your hectic work schedule will benefit your mental and physical health! 

2. Use Accommodation Booking Apps 

One of the common challenges travel nurses face is finding a place to stay when they are deployed for work away from home. 

Thankfully, finding a place to stay—short-term or long-term—is now easier than ever with booking apps such as Airbnb and Oyo. 

3. Invest in Good-Quality Travel Luggage

It's no surprise that travel nurses travel a lot! So high-quality luggage is a worthwhile investment. 

Durable and dependable luggage keeps your belongings safe when you travel. To keep your stuff organized, use packing cubes to store your items. 

Nurse Around the World With Pilot!

Travel nursing is a popular option for nurses today. Now that you know how to start your nursing career abroad, you can start to craft your ideal travel experience for you, your family, and your friends.