44 Highest-Paying Travel Nursing Jobs – 2023 (2024)

Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN

Are you a registered nurse who feels like you need a change in your career? Do you like to travel and see new sights? Have you ever considered what travel nursing jobs are or if they could be something of interest to you? Perhaps you have asked yourself, "What are the highest-paying travel nursing jobs?" If this sounds like you, you have found the right article! Throughout this article, I will share information with you about the 44 highest-paying travel nursing jobs that are in high demand right now. You will also find information about licensure requirements, benefits of travel nursing, and ways to stand out when applying for these jobs.

What Exactly Does A Travel Nurse's Job Involve?

Travel nursing jobs are short-term nursing roles that involve nurses traveling to various destinations to provide patient care. Travel nurses fill the gap in places where there is a shortage of nursing personnel.

The role of a travel nurse will depend upon where they are assigned to work. For example, some travel nurses work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, or surgery centers. Others may work in specialty hospitals or clinics offering nursing care to specific patient populations.

5 Reasons Why Travel Nursing Jobs Are In High Demand

There are several reasons why travel nursing jobs are in high demand. You will find specific reasons why there is a demand for each of our featured highest-paying travel nursing jobs later in this article. For now, though, let's look at a few reasons why travel nursing jobs, in general, are so popular.

1.Nationwide Nursing Shortage:

The American Nurses Association projects there will be greater demand for nurses than ever before, with more jobs available than any other profession in the United States through 2023. Some reports project 1.2 new registered nurses will be needed to address this shortage by 2030.

2.An Aging Population:

As Americans age, they experience an increased need for nursing and other healthcare services. The US Census Bureau reported there were 41 million people in the United States sixty-five years old or older in 2011. That number is projected to rise to 73 million by 2030.

3.Geographical Location-Another Factor:

Nurses are needed nationwide, which makes travel nurses a hot commodity. Some cities or states have a greater need than others. For example, rural communities are impacted more by nursing shortages than metropolitan areas, and travel nurses help fill those voids for much-needed nursing care.

4.Nurse Burnout Leaves Vacancies that Must Be Filled:

Whether it is caused by working long hours, having a high-stress assignment, or simply needing a break, nurse burnout is real. When nurses need time off, that doesn't mean patients stop getting sick, or hospitals close their doors. Instead, vacancies must be filled, and that is where travel nurses come in. Travel nurses, like those who take on positions like our featured highest-paying travel nursing jobs, alleviate some of the stress of nurse burnout and give staff much-needed time off.

5.Retiring Nurses + a Lack of New Nurses:

As the general population ages, so does the nursing population. There are large numbers of nurses reaching retirement age. This nursing exodus coupled with nurse educator shortages means a lack of new nurses to fill the vacancies retirements bring. Travel nurses, therefore, can fill the demand for nursing providers in those positions.

8 Benefits Of High-Paying Travel Nursing Jobs

As you continue to read and learn about the highest-paying travel nursing jobs, you will likely be interested to know if there are benefits of pursuing this kind of job. Here, I will share eight benefits of travel nursing for you to consider.

1.Choose where you work:

One of the benefits of taking on one of our featured highest-paying travel nursing jobs is the freedom you have to choose where you work. Many agencies will give you a list of potential employment destinations and ask your preference of places to work. Some people take advantage of this benefit by choosing locations near friends or relatives. Others use it as a way of traveling to new places.

2.You can also choose when you work.

Travel nursing is a type of contract work. Some contracts last for a few weeks to several months. The upside is that you can choose whether to take on long or short travel nurse assignments and how much downtime you want between jobs.

3.Travel nurses gain a variety of career experiences.

Every assignment a travel nurse accepts comes with opportunities to learn new skills and gain new experiences. Whether you work in a small rural hospital, long-term care facility, or large healthcare facility nationwide, there are endless opportunities for career growth.

4.You can earn a generous income.

As you will see as we discuss the highest-paying travel nursing jobs in this article, travel nurses are well compensated. Some travel nurses earn more than $130,000 annually.

5.You will have job security.

The skills of registered nurses make them valuable to employers in various healthcare settings worldwide. The shortage of nurses across the nation puts travel RNs in a position to find gainful employment in a field where there is always a need.

6.You may be less likely to experience burnout.

Although nurses can experience burnout or nursing fatigue in any environment, travel nurses tend to be less likely to do so. Travel nursing gives nurses a chance to experience new people and places while still pursuing a career they love.

7.Travel nurses often have excellent benefits.

In addition to great income opportunities, nurses who find placement in one of the highest-paying travel nursing jobs usually have other benefits and perks. For example, many travel nurses get free private houses, travel reimbursem*nts, and tax advantages.

8.Save money on nursing essentials.

It is common for employers to offer travel nurses license reimbursem*nts and free CEUs, saving nurses from spending their own money on these essentials.

What Are The Licensure Requirements To Work In A High-Paying Registered Travel Nursing Job?

If you are interested in the highest-paying travel nursing jobs, you should be sure you meet all the requirements for one of these positions. The minimum requirement is to earn an associate degree in nursing. Some positions may require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or higher. So, it is vital to verify licensing requirements with any agency or potential employer to be sure you meet their travel nurse employment criteria.

If You Are an RN Living in A Non-Compact State and Taking Up a Job in Another Non-Compact State:

A registered nurse who lives in a non-Nurse Licensure Compact state who plans to take a job in another non-compact state can apply for a license by endorsem*nt. When nursing students graduate from an RN program and pass the NCLEX-RN, they earn a "license by examination."

Once the nurse is licensed in one jurisdiction and seeks licensure in another, they may apply to that state's board of nursing for licensure by endorsem*nt and, if it is granted, they will have a license to practice in both states. Nurses can hold as many single state licenses as they desire if they remain in good standing in the state that first issued their license.

If You Are an RN Living in a Non-Compact State and Taking Up a Job in a Compact State:

Residents of compact states may hold only one compact multi-state license issued in the primary state of residence. However, residents of non-compact states are not bound by NLC rules and may apply for a license by endorsem*nt to work in a compact state. This endorsem*nt is a single state license like the original nursing license the nurse earned when they first took and passed the NCLEX-RN. The license by endorsem*nt will allow the nurse to work only in the state for which they apply and does not apply to other states in the compact.

If You Are an RN Living in a Compact State and Taking Up a Job in Another Compact State:

Registered Nurses who hold an active, unrestricted license to practice and have declared a compact state as their primary state of residence may work in another compact state if they have applied for and been granted a multi-state license. It is always a good idea to check with the state board of nursing for any state where you plan to work to verify if any special credentials are needed other than your multi-state license for the job you will be working.

If You Are an RN Living in a Compact State and Taking Up a Job in a Non-Compact State:

If you are a registered nurse licensed in a Compact State but want to apply for one of the highest-paying travel nurse jobs in a non-Compact State, you must apply for licensure by endorsem*nt to the board of nursing in the state where you wish to work. If granted, you will be issued a single state license valid only for the state where it is issued. NCSBN.org has a list of contact information for all state boards of nursing.

WHAT ARE THE HIGHEST-PAYING TRAVEL NURSING JOBS IN 2023?

(Discover the 44 Highest-Paying Travel Nursing Jobs for 2023 that are in high demand right now.)

1. Telemetry Travel Nurse

What is the Job Role of a Telemetry Travel Nurse:

Telemetry Travel Nurses perform the same duties as non-traveling telemetry nurses. The role of these nurses involves providing care for patients at risk of cardiac failure. Their job responsibilities include evaluating patient statuses by monitoring vital signs and cardiac functioning. Telemetry Travel Nurses use different types of equipment to monitor oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and other signs of cardiac function. These nurses also administer medications as ordered and assist physicians with procedures.

Requirements to Become a Telemetry Travel Nurse:

The first step in becoming a telemetry travel nurse is to earn either an associate or bachelor's degree in nursing and pass the national licensure examination, the NCLEX-RN. While some nurses find telemetry jobs with an associate degree, it is not uncommon For Travel Telemetry Nurses to need a baccalaureate degree or higher. The National Telemetry Association also offers a telemetry nurse certification to qualified applicants.

How Much Do Telemetry Travel Nurses Earn:

Telemetry Travel Nurses hold one of the highest-paying travel nursing jobs, earning approximately $130,870 annually. This wage is equal to $62.92 hourly, $2,517 weekly, or $10,910 monthly.

Why Telemetry Travel Nurses are Highly Paid:

Telemetry Travel Nurses are highly skilled. Their roles require them to provide care to patients in fragile health whose conditions can change quickly and significantly. These nurses must be knowledgeable on how to use the equipment properly and identify changes in patient statuses. The skills required to fill this position, the telemetry nurse-to-patient ratio, and the fact that they must travel to fill this job are a few reasons why Telemetry Travel Nurses are highly paid.

2. Cardiac ICU Travel Nurse

What is the Job Role of a Cardiac ICU Travel Nurse:

Cardiac ICU Travel Nurses travel to healthcare organizations needing experienced cardiac critical care nurses and care for patients with critical heart issues and conditions.

The role of a Cardiac ICU Travel Nurse includes:

· Monitoring the cardiac status of patients.
· Administering medications.
· Providing emergency care to patients as needed.

Requirements to Become a Cardiac ICU Travel Nurse:

The minimum education for a Cardiac ICU Travel Nurse is an associate of science in nursing degree. However, as one of the highest-paying travel nursing jobs, nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree or higher are usually preferred candidates.

The American Association of Critical Care Nurses offers two- and five-year CMC certification options. This subspecialty certification is for nurses who provide direct care to critically/acutely ill adult cardiac clients.

How Much Do Cardiac ICU Travel Nurses Earn:

Cardiac ICU Travel Nurses earn generous salaries that average $62.66 hourly or $2,506 weekly. This wage is equivalent to nearly $11,000 per month or $130,330 yearly.

Why Cardiac ICU Travel Nurses are Highly Paid:

Cardiac patients who require intensive care can take a turn for the worse quickly. Cardiac ICU travel nurses who care for these patients must be highly skilled at identifying signs of a patient's decline in status and must be capable of doing so without hesitation.

The job of a Cardiac ICU travel nurse can be stressful. That stress, coupled with working in an unfamiliar place and the need to learn a new facility's protocol, means a Cardiac ICU Travel Nurse works under intense pressure. These are a few reasons these nurses are paid so well and rank as one of the highest-paying travel nursing jobs.

3. Obstetrics Gynecology Travel Nurse

What is the Job Role of an Obstetrics-Gynecology Travel Nurse:

Obstetrics Gynecology Travel Nurses specialize in helping physicians care for expectant mothers. Specific roles depend upon the setting where the nurse is assigned and may include:

· Assisting with prenatal examinations.
· Providing patient education.
· Assisting with the delivery of babies.
· Monitoring the mother and newborn after delivery.

Obstetrics Gynecology Travel Nurses may work in private doctors' offices, birthing centers, health clinics, or hospitals.

Requirements to Become an Obstetrics-Gynecology Travel Nurse:

Prospective Obstetrics Gynecology Travel Nurses must earn a license to practice as registered nurses. Although an associate degree is acceptable, some Obstetrics Gynecology travel nurse positions may require a minimum BSN. Earning specialty certification is a plus for an Obstetrics-Gynecology travel nurse. The National Certification Corporation offers the Inpatient Obstetric Nursing certification, referred to as RNC-OB. To be an eligible candidate, the registered nurse should have a current, unencumbered license to practice as an RN and two years of experience working in obstetrics with at least 2,000 hours of direct patient care.

How Much Do Obstetrics Gynecology Travel Nurses Earn:

Obstetrics Gynecology Travel Nurses rank #3 among our featured highest-paid travel nurses, earning an average annual salary of $126,270. This pay is equal to $60.71 hourly, $2,428 monthly, or $10,520 monthly.

Why Obstetrics Gynecology Travel Nurses are Highly Paid:

Obstetrics and gynecology travel nurses have an integral role in caring for mothers and babies before, during, and after delivery. The skills they need to succeed in this role make Obstetric Gynecology Travel Nurses a valuable part of the healthcare delivery team. Like all travel nursing jobs, Obstetrics-Gynecology Travel Nurses must become acclimated to new environments. The vital role they play in caring for mothers and their babies is reflected in compensation, making them some of the highest-paid travel nurses.

4. Cardiac Catheterization Lab Travel Nurse

What is the Job Role of a Cardiac Catheterization Lab Travel Nurse:

A Cardiac Catheterization Lab Travel Nurse has the same responsibilities as a nurse in this position who does not travel. These nurses assist in caring for patients undergoing cardiac procedures in a cardiac catheterization lab. They examine and monitor clients before, during, and after cardiac procedures. Additionally, Cardiac Catheterization Lab Travel Nurses assist the medical team during procedures and administer medications as ordered or indicated.

Requirements to Become a Cardiac Catheterization Lab Travel Nurse:

Cardiac Catheterization Lab Travel Nurses must be graduates of an accredited RN program and possess a current, unrestricted license to practice as a registered nurse in the state where they plan to practice or in a Compact State. The American Nurses Credentialing Center offers a specialty credential, the Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification, which is an excellent option for nurses who wish to pursue this role. Although certification may not be a requirement for this job, a nurse shows dedication to the specialty by doing so.

How Much Do Cardiac Catheterization Lab Travel Nurses Earn:

With an average annual salary of $121,770, Cardiac Catheterization Lab Travel Nurses hold one of the highest-paid travel nursing jobs. This annual salary is equivalent to $10,150 monthly, $2,342 weekly, or $58.54 hourly.

Why Cardiac Catheterization Lab Travel Nurses are Highly Paid:

Although patients in cardiac catheterization labs may not be experiencing a critical condition, the nurses caring for them must be experienced in critical nursing skills. Cardiac Catheterization Lab Travel Nurses play a vital role in helping to diagnose and treat patients with mild to severe cardiac conditions.

Further, they must identify rapid changes in a patient's status. The need for these highly specialized skills makes the job of a Cardiac Catheterization Lab Travel Nurse one of the highest-paying travel nursing jobs.

5. Pediatric ER Travel Nurse

What is the Job Role of a Pediatric ER Travel Nurse:

Pediatric ER Travel Nurses work in emergency departments filling positions left vacant by nursing shortages, which may be caused by several factors. These nurses assess the status of a child's injury or illness upon arrival to the emergency room. They provide nursing care for patients while in the emergency department, including monitoring vital signs, administering medications, starting IVs, performing wound care, and assisting physicians with examinations or procedures.

Requirements to Become a Pediatric ER Travel Nurse:

Pediatric ER Travel Nurse must be a registered nurse with experience in pediatric emergency care.

While employers determine criteria for candidates, most require at least two years of experience in a pediatric emergency care setting. Nurses in this position must be comfortable educating patients and their caregivers about medications, diagnoses, and continued home care. They must also be familiar with procedures for pediatric triage and the technology used to provide life-saving support for pediatric clients.

How Much Do Pediatric ER Travel Nurses Earn:

Pediatric ER Travel Nurses earn approximately $58.24 per hour, an average of $2,329 weekly, $10,090 monthly, or $121,130 annually.

Why Pediatric ER Travel Nurses are Highly Paid:

Pediatrics is a nursing specialty that requires a specific skill set relevant to infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatric ER Travel Nurses provide care to the most vulnerable patients in emergency situations. Their contribution to the care of the patients in these fragile conditions is one of the reasons Pediatric ER Travel Nursing is one of the highest-paying travel nursing jobs.

6. Step-Down Travel Nurse

What is the Job Role of a Step-Down Travel Nurse:

Nurses who work in step-down roles are responsible for the care of patients who require frequent assessments and close monitoring but who are not unstable enough to require intensive care services.

Step-down Travel Nurses evaluate and monitor patient progress, identify changes in the patient's medical condition, calculate and titrate medication dosages, and administer medications as ordered.

These nurses collaborate with physicians and other members of the patient's healthcare team to support measures that improve patient outcomes and prevent setbacks.

Requirements to Become a Step-Down Travel Nurse:

In addition to holding an active license as an RN, a Step-Down Travel Nurse should have extensive experience in a progressive step-down unit before engaging in a travel nurse position. A successful candidate for this job should have excellent assessment and communication skills, be well-organized, and have the agility to work under demanding conditions.

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses offers a PCCN certification (Progressive Care Certified Nurse). This certification is an excellent way to validate your knowledge of nursing care related to acutely ill patients.

How Much Do Step-Down Travel Nurses Earn:

Step-Down Travel Nurses make a little more than $58 per hour, equal to $2,321 weekly, or $10,060 monthly. This pay is the equivalent of $120,670 annually, making Step-Down Travel Nurses some of the highest-paid travel nurses.

Why Step-Down Travel Nurses are Highly Paid:

Step-Down Travel Nurses care for patients with varying degrees of acute illnesses. Although the patients cared for in step-down units are not unstable enough to require care in an intensive care unit, their conditions can deteriorate quickly. Nurses who work in this travel nursing job must be prepared to tackle unexpected inpatient care. The necessary skills required of Step-Down Travel Nurses, coupled with the requirements associated with a travel nurse job, are a few reasons why this is one of the highest-paying travel nursing jobs.

7. Neonatal ICU (NICU) Travel Nurse

What is the Job Role of a Neonatal ICU (NICU) Travel Nurse:

Neonatal ICU Travel Nurses work in neonatal intensive care units and provide care and treatment to newborns experiencing illness or complications, such as those related to prematurity. The role of a Neonatal ICU Travel Nurse includes the following responsibilities.

· Care for the basic needs of infants such as diapering and feeding
· Inserting and maintaining IV lines
· Administering medications
· Providing round-the-clock care to infants in the NICU
· Assisting with procedures
· Offering support and education to parents and other family members

Requirements to Become a Neonatal ICU (NICU) Travel Nurse:

If you aspire to become a Neonatal ICU Travel Nurse, the first step is to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing program and pass the NCLEX-RN. While some employers may hire a NICU Travel Nurse with one year of experience working in a neonatal intensive care unit, most prefer candidates to have at least two years of experience before transitioning to a travel nurse role.

Interested nurses who meet eligibility requirements can test through the American Association of Critical Care Nurses to earn the CCRN-Neonatal Certification (Certified Acute/Critical Registered Nurse Neonatal Certification).

How Much Do Neonatal ICU (NICU) Travel Nurses Earn:

Neonatal ICU Travel Nurses earn an average annual salary of $119,650. Their wages, which equal $57.52 hourly, $2,301 weekly, or $9,970 monthly, make this one of the highest-paying travel nursing jobs available.

Why Neonatal ICU (NICU) Travel Nurses are Highly Paid:

Neonatal ICU Travel Nurses are responsible for the care of some of the most vulnerable patient populations. The skills needed to perform in this role make NICU travel nurses especially valuable to the healthcare team. The value these highly specialized nurses bring to the care of neonates is the main factor that contributes to their great pay rates.

8. Labor and Delivery Travel Nurse

What is the Job Role of a Labor and Delivery Travel Nurse:

Labor and Delivery Travel Nurses perform the same duties as L$D nurses who work in a single facility except for traveling to various settings to work. Nurses in this role care for mothers during labor and delivery and provide initial postpartum care to the infant. This role, one of our featured highest-paying travel nursing jobs, requires the nurse to not only monitor the mother and baby's condition but to provide emotional and psychological support, as well.

Requirements to Become a Labor and Delivery Travel Nurse:

Labor and Delivery nurses who hope to secure a travel position should possess an active, unencumbered license to practice as a registered nurse and typically, two years of experience working in labor and delivery. Although it may not be required to secure a job as a Labor and Delivery Travel Nurse, having some experience in neonatal intensive or critical care could be beneficial. The ability to work well under pressure, express empathy, and multi-task are excellent characteristics of nurses in this position.

How Much Do Labor and Delivery Travel Nurses Earn:

Labor and Delivery Travel Nurses earn generous incomes that average $57.14 hourly, $2,286 weekly, or $9,900 monthly. This wage, equal to $118,850 annually, makes Labor and Delivery Travel Nurses some of the highest-paid travel nurses.

Why Labor and Delivery Travel Nurses are Highly Paid:

Labor and Delivery nurses have one of the most critical nursing jobs, bringing new life into the world. There were approximately 3.6 million babies born in the United States in 2020. With a nationwide shortage of nurses and continued population growth, there will always be a need for labor and delivery nurses. These factors make the Labor and Delivery travel nurse position one of the highest-paying travel nursing jobs available.

9. Geriatric Travel Nurse

What is the Job Role of a Geriatric Travel Nurse:

Geriatric travel nurses specialize in the care of the elderly. They typically work in settings such as long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes. Their role involves patient-focused care to improve their patients' quality of life while improving overall patient outcomes. Responsibilities of Geriatric Travel Nurses include providing treatment for chronic conditions associated with the elderly population such as Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, cardiac disease, or diabetes, monitoring for signs of elder abuse, and educating patients and caregivers on methods to manage age-related illnesses and diseases.

Requirements to Become a Geriatric Travel Nurse:

While licensed vocational/practical nurses fill some geriatric nursing positions, Geriatric Travel Nurses must possess a license to practice as registered nurses. Whether the RN needs an associate, baccalaureate, or graduate degree is determined by the employer and the setting where they are contracted to work. The American Nurses Credentialing Center offers a certification in gerontological nursing, the Gerontological Nurse-Board Certified (Gero-BC) certification.

How Much Do Geriatric Travel Nurses Earn:

Geriatric Travel Nurses have one of the top-paying travel nurse jobs, earning an average annual salary of $118,630. This payment equals $9,890 monthly, $2,281 weekly, or $57.03 hourly, nearly eight times the national minimum wage.

Why Geriatric Travel Nurses are Highly Paid:

Currently, there are 74.6 million Americans aged 60 and older. It is estimated that by 2050 more than 88 million people in the United States will be over the age of 65. With an aging population and a nationwide nursing shortage, the need for qualified geriatric travel nurses has increased. This need means nurses willing to fill the gap and provide care are likely to be well compensated, making Geriatric Travel Nursing one of the highest-paying travel nursing jobs available.

10. RNFA Travel Nurse

What is the Job Role of an RNFA Travel Nurse:

An RNFA, a Registered Nurse First Assistant, is a perioperative RN or an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse who works as a Surgical First Assistant. The RNFA Travel Nurse collaborates with the surgeon and other members of the surgical and healthcare teams to help patients achieve optimal outcomes. The role of an RNFA Travel Nurse is to carry out functions that assist the surgeon in performing safe procedures. The RNFA Travel Nurse is responsible for independent nursing behaviors, including perioperative assessments and post-operative evaluation of patient care.

Requirements to Become an RNFA Travel Nurse:

After becoming a licensed registered nurse or an advanced practice registered nurse, those who aspire to become a Registered Nurse First Assistant must complete an RNFA program. While each program has specific admission requirements, RNFA programs require candidates to possess a BSN or graduate nursing degree and be CNOR certified or CNOR-eligible. A list of RNFA programs that comply with AORN recommendations can be found here.

How Much Do RNFA Travel Nurses Earn:

RNFA Travel Nurses have one of the highest-paying travel nurse assignments, making approximately $118,380 yearly. This annual income is equivalent to $56.91 hourly, $2,277 weekly, or $9,870 monthly.

Why RNFA Travel Nurses are Highly Paid:

RNFA Travel Nurse ranks as one of the highest-paying travel nurse jobs. Acting as the first assistant to a surgeon requires extensive knowledge and skills related to surgical procedures. The ability to perform at high levels of proficiency exercising these skills, often under pressure, is one reason these professionals earn high salaries.

11. Interventional Radiology Travel Nurse

What is the Job Role of an Interventional Radiology Travel Nurse:

Interventional Radiology Travel Nurses have one of the highest-paying travel nursing jobs. These nurses are vital members of the radiology team. Interventional Radiology Nurses provide patient care during minimally invasive, image-guided procedures. Additionally, the role of an Interventional Radiology Travel Nurse includes assisting the vascular surgeon, endovascular surgeon, or interventional radiologist as they perform interventional or diagnostic procedures. They monitor patients for complications during and after procedures, administer medications, and ensure proper documentation is completed. IR Travel Nurses communicate with and educate the patient and their loved ones both preoperatively and postoperatively.

Requirements to Become an Interventional Radiology Travel Nurse:

The Interventional Radiology Travel Nurse must earn a license to practice as a registered nurse. While a BSN may help secure one of these highest-paying travel nurse assignments, achieving a Master of Science in Nursing as a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist improves the chances of being offered this type of position. Excellent communication skills, the ability to work collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team, and work well under pressure are good characteristics of an Interventional Radiology Travel Nurse.

How Much Do Interventional Radiology Travel Nurses Earn:

Interventional Radiology Travel Nurses earn approximately $56.90 per hour, equal to $2,276 weekly, $9,860 monthly, or $118,350 annually.

Why Interventional Radiology Travel Nurses are Highly Paid:

Interventional Radiology Travel Nurses, who fill one of our other featured travel RN jobs, play an integral role as part of the radiology team who care for patients during image-guided procedures. They must be comfortable monitoring patients for complications, administering medications that induce sedation, and participating in image-guided procedures. These skills are sought-after and, therefore, make Interventional Radiology Travel Nurses well-compensated.

12. Postpartum/Mother-Baby Travel Nurse

What is the Job Role of a Postpartum/Mother-Baby Travel Nurse:

Postpartum/Mother-Baby Travel Nurses are nurses who specialize in caring for mothers and their babies following childbirth in various healthcare settings. These nurses use various professional nursing skills to provide emotional and physical support to mothers as they recover from childbirth and identify and address maternal or newborn complications.

Postpartum-Mother-Baby Travel Nurses monitor maternal and newborn vital signs, administer medications if ordered, perform routine examinations on both the mother and baby, and educate new parents on how to care for their baby when discharged to home.

Requirements to Become a Postpartum/Mother-Baby Travel Nurse:

Becoming a Postpartum/Mother-Baby Nurse first requires earning a degree as a registered nurse and passing the NCLEX-RN to obtain licensure. Further, nurses who wish to pursue this role in a travel position are typically expected to have at least two years of maternal/newborn nursing care in a clinical setting, including experience dealing with high-risk mothers and infants.

After earning twenty-four months of maternity/newborn specialty experience, including at least 2,000 hours of direct patient care, registered nurses can apply to the National Certification Corporation to test for the Registered Nurse Certified-Maternal Neonatal Nurse (RNC-MNN) credential.

How Much Do Postpartum /Mother-Baby Travel Nurses Earn:

Postpartum/Mother-Baby Travel Nurses are one of the highest-paid travel nurses, earning an average of $56.78 per hour. This pay totals approximately $2,271 weekly, $9,840 monthly, or $118,100 annually.

Why Postpartum /Mother-Baby Travel Nurses are Highly Paid:

Postpartum/Mother-Baby Travel Nurses are essential parts of the interdisciplinary obstetric team. The nursing knowledge and critical skills these nurses possess help them prepare to handle high-risk situations and act quickly. The ability to adapt to new environments and still carry out crucial medical care make them valuable to the care of mothers and newborns and is part of the reason this is one of the highest-paying travel nursing jobs.

13. Neuro ICU Travel Nurse

What is the Job Role of a Neuro ICU Travel Nurse:

Nurses who work in a neurological intensive care unit, such as Neuro ICU Travel Nurses, treat patients with a wide variety of neurological disorders, including but not limited to stroke, brain tumors, or traumatic brain injuries. They also evaluate and monitor the patient's vital signs, intake, and output totals. The primary responsibilities of this role involve:

· Monitoring the client's neurological status.
· Detecting signs of neurological decline.
· Implementing early intervention to help improve patient outcomes and help maintain ideal neurological functioning.

Requirements to Become a Neuro ICU Travel Nurse:

A candidate to become a Neuro ICU Travel Nurse will possess a current, unencumbered license to practice as a registered nurse in the state where they will practice or in a Compact State. At least two years of experience working in intensive care, specifically with neurologically challenged clients, is preferred. Neuro ICU Travel Nurses may be required to perform delicate procedures, including inserting pulmonary artery catheters or central lines, and may specialize in neurological trauma in addition to neurological diseases. To be an effective Neuro ICU Travel Nurse, the nurse should be proficient in monitoring neurological status and evaluating the effects of neurological dysfunction on the rest of the patient's body.

How Much Do Neuro ICU Travel Nurses Earn:

Neuro ICU Travel Nurses earn an average annual salary of $117,820. This annual wage is equivalent to $56.64 hourly, $2,266 weekly, and $9,820 monthly.

Why Neuro ICU Travel Nurses are Highly Paid:

Neuro ICU Travel Nurses are responsible for caring for patients in fragile states. The ability to monitor neurological status and identify the effects of neurological disorders on other body systems is a critical skill these specialized nurses must possess. The high level of skills and education needed to perform in this position makes Neuro ICU Travel Nurses valuable, which is reflected in their high wages.

14. Orthopedic Travel Nurse

What is the Job Role of an Orthopedic Travel Nurse:

The role of Orthopedic Travel Nurses is to provide care for people with musculoskeletal disorders or diseases. Some conditions these nurses provide care for may include fractures/broken bones, arthritis, osteoporosis. They may also care for clients who have undergone orthopedic surgery, such as joint replacements or having a broken bone reset. Orthopedic travel Nurses may be trained to use therapeutic treatments such as traction or casting. Other job responsibilities include assisting physicians with surgery, helping patients with ambulation following surgical procedures, monitoring and assessing pain and administering medications, providing wound care, and educating patients and caregivers about their diseases or disorders.

Requirements to Become an Orthopedic Travel Nurse:

Orthopedic Travel Nurses are registered nurses with a
minimum associate of science degree in nursing.

Although licensure and certification requirements vary by state, all nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become licensed and must maintain that license.

Although it may not be required, many employers prefer orthopedic nurses, especially those in travel positions, to earn certification in the specialty. The Orthopedic Nurses Certification Board (ONCB) offers theopportunity to earn an Orthopedic Nurses Certification to qualified applicants.

How Much Do Orthopedic Travel Nurses Earn:

Orthopedic Travel Nurse is one of our featured high-paying travel nursing jobs, with these nurses earning $55.53 per hour, on average. This hourly wage is more than seven and a half times the national minimum wage and equals approximately $2,221 weekly, $9,630 monthly, or $115,510 annually.

Why Orthopedic Travel Nurses are Highly Paid:

Orthopedic Nurses earn generous salaries, and the long-term outlook for this position is quite promising among travel RN jobs. Due to an aging population with both chronic and acute conditions related to musculoskeletal health, the need for orthopedic nurses continues to rise. Orthopedic Travel Nurses can capitalize on this need by filling positions left vacant by retiring or vacationing nurses. They are well-paid to take on these roles, making orthopedic travel nursing one of the highest-paying travel nurse assignments.

15. PCU Travel Nurse

What is the Job Role of a PCU Travel Nurse:

If you have a knack for performing thorough assessments and monitoring patients who need close nurse supervision as well as a desire to travel, the role of a PCU Travel Nurse could be an excellent option for you.

PCU Travel Nurses work in progressive care units and provide specialized care to clients with various diagnoses.

While the patients in PCUs require close monitoring, their statuses are not severe enough to warrant being moved to, or kept in, an intensive care unit. PCU Travel Nurses assess and treat acutely ill clients by monitoring vital signs, detecting changes in patient status, and implementing necessary interventions.

Requirements to Become a PCU Travel Nurse:

If you aspire to become a PCU Travel Nurse, the minimum education requirement is to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

After earning your degree and passing the NCLEX-RN, it is recommended that you work in an intensive care unit or progressive care unit for at least two years before transitioning to travel nursing. Because PCU Travel Nurses require a particular skill set, many employers require applicants to be certified in progressive care. The American Association of Critical Care Nurses offers the PCCN specialty certification for nurses who provide direct patient care to acutely ill clients.

How Much Do PCU Travel Nurses Earn:

PCU Travel Nurses have one of the top-paying travel nursing jobs and earn more than $55 per hour. Their average annual income of $114,930 is equal to $2,210 weekly or $9,580 monthly.

Why PCU Travel Nurses are Highly Paid:

Progressive Care Unit Travel Nurses must have a keen eye to identify alterations in a patient's status. A well-defined skillset and the ability to work well under pressure coupled with the benefits associated with travel nurse jobs make PCU Travel Nurses some of the highest-paid travel nurses.

16. Medical ICU (MICU) Travel Nurse

What is the Job Role of a Medical ICU (MICU) Travel Nurse:

Travel nurses who work in a Medical Intensive Care Unit are responsible for caring for critically ill patients with varying severity of illnesses or disease. Medical ICU Travel Nurses' role includes monitoring patient records and reports, assessing and identifying any changes in patient status, and working as part of the interdisciplinary team to create nursing care plans, implement those plans, and evaluate effectiveness.

Requirements to Become a Medical ICU (MICU) Travel Nurse:

Medical ICU Travel Nurses are required to hold an active, unrestricted license to practice as an RN.

ACLS certification and experience working in an intensive care or critical care unit are also required.

Most employers require Medical ICU Travel Nurses to have a minimum of two years of clinical experience in one of these settings. After working at least five years in critical care with a minimum of 2,000 hours (about two and a half months) of direct patient care, an RN can apply to the American Association of Critical Care Nurses to test for certification in this specialty.

How Much Do Medical ICU (MICU) Travel Nurses Earn:

The Medical ICU Travel Nurse is one of the highest-paying travel nurse assignments. Nurses in this position earn an average of $114,500 annually, which is equivalent to $54.81 hourly, $2,192 weekly, or $9,500 monthly.

Why Medical ICU (MICU) Travel Nurses are Highly Paid:

Medical ICU Travel Nurses take care of patients in some of the most critical conditions. Their ability to act quickly in emergencies and make split-second decisions makes them valuable to the intensive care team. Because of the unpredictable status of their patients and the high level of knowledge and skills they must possess, Medical ICU Travel Nurse is one of the top-paying travel nurse jobs.

17. COVID/ICU Travel Nurse

What is the Job Role of a COVID/ICU Travel Nurse:

Nurses on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic play a vital role in helping manage the spread of this disease and helping patients recover as much and as quickly as possible. COVID-ICU Travel Nurses ensure all patients receive high-quality, personalized nursing services. These nurses work in intensive care units providing care to the most critical COVID-19 patients. Responsibilities of this nursing role include monitoring vital signs and assessing for signs of respiratory distress, administering medications or other prescribed treatments, reporting changes to physicians, and working as part of the interdisciplinary healthcare team.

Requirements to Become a COVID/ICU Travel Nurse:

In addition to possessing a license to practice as a registered nurse, employers seek to hire COVID/ICU Travel Nurses who have experience working in intensive or critical care units. Prime candidates for this position are nurses who have also demonstrated knowledge of infection control measures, including teaching others to implement those measures.

How Much Do COVID/ICU Travel Nurses Earn:

COVID/ICU Travel Nurses earn an average of $54.81 per hour. This rate, equal to $2,192 weekly, $9,500 monthly, or $114,000, makes this one of the highest-paying travel nursing jobs.

Why COVID/ICU Travel Nurses are Highly Paid:

COVID/ICU Travel Nurses earn generous incomes for a couple of reasons. It is not uncommon for nurses working in any critical care setting to be well-paid. The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened an already severe nursing shortage worldwide. Employers have offered high pay to attract nurses willing to work in such a volatile situation, often with sign-on bonuses and other perks.

18. PACU Travel Nurse

What is the Job Role of a PACU Travel Nurse:

If you are interested in surgery and caring for patients who have undergone a procedure requiring anesthesia and want to travel, a job as a PACU Travel Nurse may be worth considering. Nurses who work in a Post Anesthesia Care Unit care for patients recovering from anesthesia-related surgeries or procedures.

The role of the PACU Travel Nurse is to monitor post-operative vital signs, assess the client's level of consciousness, observe for any signs or symptoms of adverse reactions related to the procedure or anesthesia, and treat any side effects of anesthesia such as pain or nausea.

Requirements to Become a PACU Travel Nurse:

To become a PACU Travel Nurse, a nurse should meet the following requirements.

· Possess an associate or bachelor's degree in nursing
· Hold an active, unrestricted license to practice as a registered nurse
· Have a minimum of two years of experience in a post-anesthesia care unit
· Be proficient in using electronic medical records (EMRs)
· Have excellent written and verbal communication skills

How Much Do PACU Travel Nurses Earn:

PACU travel nursing is one of the top-paying travel nursing jobs, with these nurses earning nearly $114,000 annually. Their average annual salary of $113,960 is equivalent to $54.79 hourly, $2,192 weekly, or $9,500 monthly.

Why PACU Travel Nurses are Highly Paid:

Whether a patient needs emergency surgery or has elective surgery, qualified staff to provide follow-up care is essential. The nationwide shortage of nurses has affected all areas of nursing, including PACU nursing roles. To help combat the deficit and attract experienced nurses to fill these posts, employers offer some of the highest pay rates among travel RN jobs to those who work as PACU Travel Nurses.

19. Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) Travel Nurse

What is the Job Role of a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) Travel Nurse:

If you have been researching the best paying travel RN jobs, trying to find one that is a good fit for you, and enjoy working with critically ill children, you could be a good fit for a Pediatric Intensive Care Travel Nurse. PICU Travel Nurses provide individualized, direct nursing care to pediatric patients.

The role of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) Travel Nurses includes responsibilities such as providing culturally and age-appropriate care, monitoring vital signs, initiating corrective actions when the patient's status requires nursing intervention. PICU Travel Nurses prepare and administer prescribed medications and monitor for effectiveness of treatments, assist physicians during examinations or other procedures, and provide education and emotional support to patients and their families.

Requirements to Become a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) Travel Nurse:

Becoming a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) Travel Nurse requires a current registered nursing license in good standing with the state where the nurse will practice, a minimum of one year of pediatric critical care nursing experience, excellent communication skills. While it may not be required for all PICU Travel Nurse positions, earning the CCRN-Pediatric credential is a great way to make your resume stand out to potential employers.

How Much Do Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) Travel Nurses Earn:

Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) Travel Nurses earn more than $54 per hour. Their average annual salary of $112,800 equals $2,169 weekly or $9,400 monthly.

Why Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) Travel Nurses are Highly Paid:

Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Travel Nurses work in diverse settings providing care to some of the most vulnerable patients with varying degrees of critical health conditions. PICU Travel Nurses must have the ability to adjust to new settings while providing highly skilled care to patients. Because of the sensitive nature of their job and the vulnerability of the patient population for whom these nurses care, the PICU Travel Nurse assignment is one of the highest-paying travel RN jobs.

20. Bone Marrow Transplant Travel Nurse

What is the Job Role of a Bone Marrow Transplant Travel Nurse:

Bone Marrow Transplant Travel Nurses provide care to patients with diseases such as Hodgkin's disease, anemia, leukemia, or other diseases that affect the bone marrow. Their job duties may include providing pre-and post-transplant care to bone marrow recipients. Some Bone Marrow Transplant Travel Nurses are assigned to bone marrow transplant units, which are specialized oncology units where severely immunosuppressed patients requiring specialized medications receive care.

Requirements to Become a Bone Marrow Transplant Travel Nurse:

After earning a registered nurse degree from an accredited RN program, the nurse who wants to pursue a Bone Marrow Transplant Travel Nurse job should have two years of clinical nursing experience, including at least one yearin a bone marrow transplant environment. Some employers may require Oncology Nursing Certification.

How Much Do Bone Marrow Transplant Travel Nurses Earn:

Bone Marrow Transplant Travel Nurses earn approximately $112,680 annually. This wage equals more than $54 per hour or $2,167 weekly or $9,390 monthly.

Why Bone Marrow Transplant Travel Nurses are Highly Paid:

The role of a Bone Marrow Transplant Travel Nurse can seem challenging. Patients and donors alike feel anxious or scared about surgeries and the possible risks associated with them. Bone Marrow Transplant Travel Nurses must be professional and well-trained to perform the clinical side of the job but also to be a support to the patients, donors, and their loved ones. For this reason, they are typically well compensated, making their jobs one of the highest-paid travel RN jobs.

21. Emergency Room Travel Nurse

What is the Job Role of an Emergency Room Travel Nurse:

Emergency Room Travel Nurses work in emergency rooms in various cities and states, depending on where they are needed.

These travel RN jobs involve every aspect of emergency nursing care. Some responsibilities associated with the Emergency Room Travel Nurse's role include triaging patients suffering from severe medical conditions, trauma, or injuries that require urgent treatment, administering medications, providing wound care, and educating patients and/or caregivers. Emergency Room Travel Nurses assist physicians with examinations or treatments and initiate nursing interventions to help stabilize patients in the emergency department.

Requirements to Become an Emergency Room Travel Nurse:

Emergency Room Travel Nurses must have, at minimum, an Associate of Science in Nursing degree. However, most employers prefer travel nurses to have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Before taking on the role of an Emergency Room Travel Nurse, it is recommended to have at least three years of emergency/trauma nursing experience. Registered nurses can becomecertified emergency room nurses through the Emergency Nurses Association.

How Much Do Emergency Room Travel Nurses Earn:

Emergency Room Travel Nurses have one of the best paying travel RN jobs earning an average annual salary of $112,090. This salary is equivalent to $53.89 hourly, $2,156 weekly, or $9,340 monthly.

Why Emergency Room Travel Nurses are Highly Paid:

Emergency Room Travel Nurses are not only required to provide care in situations that are often unpredictable but have patients from diverse backgrounds with varying degrees of medical needs. Further, travel ER nurses must adapt to different hospitals and protocols while making sure patients receive the highest quality care. These nurses are a crucial part of the emergency healthcare team and are compensated accordingly with one of the highest-paying travel nursing jobs available.

22. Pediatric Telemetry Travel Nurse

What is the Job Role of a Pediatric Telemetry Travel Nurse:

Pediatric Telemetry Travel Nurses work in positions where they monitor infants, children, and adolescents who require aggressive care but are not critical enough to be kept in an intensive care unit. These telemetry nurses monitor patients as they transition from a more urgent to a less critical state. Many of their patients are pre-or post-operative.

Some patients are experiencing critical illnesses such as cancer or organ failure. Pediatric Telemetry Travel Nurses, like traditional pediatric telemetry nurses, perform duties including monitoring vital signs, cardiac rhythms, and treatment techniques. They provide advanced life support measures, when necessary, calculate and administer drug dosages. Pediatric Telemetry Travel Nurses may deal with respiratory or cardiopulmonary emergencies, which require them to have the skills required to stabilize their patients using standard nursing interventions.

Requirements to Become a Pediatric Telemetry Travel Nurse:

Pediatric Telemetry Travel Nurses are registered nurses. These nurses are typically required to have at least two to three years of experience working as a pediatric telemetry RN in a hospital setting. Valid PALS and BLS are required. Some positions may require specialty-related certifications such as those granted by the National Telemetry Association and Cardiovascular Credentialing International.

How Much Do Pediatric Telemetry Travel Nurses Earn:

The average income for Pediatric Telemetry Travel Nurses is $53.58 per hour, which is equal to $2,143 weekly, $9,290 monthly, or $111,440 annually.

Why Pediatric Telemetry Travel Nurses are Highly Paid:

Pediatric Telemetry Travel Nurses are one of several high-paying travel RN jobs. Pediatric Telemetry Travel Nurses earn above-average wages and often receive full benefits, as well as company-provided housing. Their income-earning potential can be attributed to the downsizing of intensive care units occurring in many hospitals nationwide.

23. Cardiovascular OR Travel Nurse

What is the Job Role of a Cardiovascular OR Travel Nurse:

A Cardiovascular Operating Room (OR) Travel Nurse is involved in all aspects of care related to the cardiovascular patient undergoing surgical procedures. Their roles include:

· Preparing the operating room
· Making sure necessary equipment and medications are stocked and available for the operating team
· Prepping a patient by cleaning incision sites

The Cardiovascular OR Travel Nurse may monitor the patient's vital signs during the procedure and assist with cardiopulmonary bypass machines. They make sure sterile procedures are always followed and assess for patient safety during any procedure.

Requirements to Become a Cardiovascular OR Travel Nurse:

Requirements to become a Cardiovascular Operating Room Travel Nurse include an active RN license, preferably with a BSN degree.

Most Cardiovascular OR Travel Nurse positions may require the nurse to hold the CNOR Certification for perioperative nurses, offered by the Competency & Credentialing Institute. Other certification options are the Pediatric Advanced Life Support certification and/or the Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support certification from the American Heart Association.

How Much Do Cardiovascular OR Travel Nurses Earn:

Cardiovascular OR Travel Nurses earn an average yearly wage of $109,930. This pay is the equivalent of $9,610 monthly, $2,114 weekly, or $52.85 hourly.

Why Cardiovascular OR Travel Nurses are Highly Paid:

Perhaps one of the easiest ways to explain why nurses, like Cardiovascular OR Travel Nurses, get paid so well is to think of the supply and demand. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused surgeries to be canceled or delayed. However, most canceled surgeries have been elective procedures. Patients with cardiovascular issues who require surgery do not always have the option of delay. With a shortage of nurses and the feeling of being overworked and overwhelmed for the nurses who are still practicing, it creates the need for qualified travel nurses to fill the gap in areas such as cardiovascular surgical care.

Employers realize the seriousness of these patients' issues and press to make sure they have enough staff to cover such cases, contributing to higher earnings offered to Cardiovascular OR Travel Nurses.

24. Burn ICU Travel Nurse

What is the Job Role of a Burn ICU Travel Nurse:

Burn ICU Travel Nurses specialize in treating patients who have experienced varying degrees of trauma related to burns.

These nurses work as part of an interdisciplinary team of practitioners. Their patients include those who have experienced burns due to chemicals, electricity, oil, or fire. The technical role of a Burn ICU Travel Nurse includes triage, efforts to stabilize the patient, monitoring fluid balance, and pain management.

Requirements to Become a Burn ICU Travel Nurse:

Travel Nurses who specialize in the care of burn patients must possess an RN license. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing is the preferred degree, and RNs who hold a BSN find their marketability increased. Extensive experience caring for burn trauma patients is required for any nurse who wishes to pursue a Burn ICU Travel Nurse job. Another way to demonstrate dedication to this specialty and make yourself stand out to prospective employers is to earn the Advanced Burn Life Support (ABLS) certification.

How Much Do Burn ICU Travel Nurses Earn:

Burn ICU Travel Nurses earn nearly $53 per hour. Their average annual salary of $109,800 is equivalent to $2,112 weekly or $9,150, ranking this job as one of the highest-paying travel RN jobs.

Why Burn ICU Travel Nurses are Highly Paid:

Burn ICU Travel Nurses are considered advanced practice professionals and must use specialized clinical skills to provide effective patient care. Because their patients experience a broad range of burn types with varying degrees of severity, they must be knowledgeable about and proficient in providing a wide range of treatment options. The unique skills Burn ICU Travel Nurses must possess and the fragile patient population for whom they provide care contribute to why this is one of the highest-paying RN travel jobs.

25. Operating Room Travel Nurse

What is the Job Role of an Operating Room Travel Nurse:

Operating Room Travel Nurses perform the same roles as operating room nurses who do not travel. The difference is, they get to work in different surgical settings, depending on their travel nurse assignment. Responsibilities of Operating Room Travel Nurses include performing patient assessments throughout all perioperative stages, monitoring the client's vital signs, and checking for any symptoms of compromise during or after the procedure. OR Travel Nurses are also responsible for creating and maintaining a safe, sterile surgical environment and providing patient and family education before and after surgery, making sure medications are ordered, and ensuring proper documentation protocol is followed.

Requirements to Become an Operating Room Travel Nurse:

The typical requirements to become an Operating Room Travel Nurse include earning an RN degree from an accredited nursing program, having two years of clinical nursing experience with at least one year as a registered nurse in an operating room. Excellent communication and organization skills are a must for Operating Room Travel Nurses. Further, the ability to follow and maintain strict sterile techniques is required.

The Competency and Credentialing Institute is a non-profit credentialing body that offers several certifications related to perioperative nursing. Some certifications offered by the Institute include Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR), Certified Perioperative CNS (CNS-CP), and Certified Foundational Perioperative Nurse (CFPN).

How Much Do Operating Room Travel Nurses Earn:

The average annual income for an Operating Room Travel Nurse is $107,190. This pay is equal to $51.53 hourly, $2,061 weekly, or $8,930 monthly.

Why Operating Room Travel Nurses are Highly Paid:

The job of an operating room nurse is quite tedious and requires an understanding of skills specific to a surgical setting. Further, during the initial COVID-19 surge in 2020, many hospitals and surgery centers were forced to cancel or postpone surgeries.

This resulted in two things: 1. a shortage of OR nurses because they were forced to take on other roles to continue earning an income, and 2. an overflow of surgeries now requiring increased numbers of operating room nurses. Because of these factors, Operating Room Travel Nurses can capitalize on the opportunity to work and become one of the highest-paid registered travel nurses.

26. Urology Travel Nurse

What is the Job Role of a Urology Travel Nurse:

Urology Travel Nurses work in various inpatient and outpatient settings, including hospitals, outpatient centers, urology clinics, private physicians' offices, and fertility clinics. These nurses are trained to perform assessments on patients, per company protocol. They may perform procedures such as urinary catheterization or assist physicians with other procedures. Other functions of their role include:

· Collecting urine samples.
· Preparing urine, blood, and tissues samples for laboratory analysis.
· Performing or assisting with bladder scans.
· Educating clients and caregivers.

Requirements to Become a Urology Travel Nurse:

Working in the role of a Urology Travel Nurse requires, at minimum, an associate degree in nursing. However, a BSN is usually preferred. One way to add value to your professional portfolio is to earn a credential such as the Certified Urologic Registered Nurse certification offered by the Certification Board for Urologic Nurses and Associates.

How Much Do Urology Travel Nurses Earn:

Urology Travel Nurses make approximately $51.50 per hour, equal to $2,060 weekly or $8,930 monthly. With an average annual salary of $107,130, urology travel nurse ranks as one of the highest-paid nursing jobs.

Why Urology Travel Nurses are Highly Paid:

Because Urology Travel Nurses can work in various practices and settings and have a wide range of skills they can offer, their services tend to be in demand. When a job is in demand, the pay is often commensurate with that demand, which is reflected in Urology Travel Nurses being one of the top-paying travel nurse jobs.

27. Medical-Surgical Travel Nurse

What is the Job Role of a Medical Surgical Travel Nurse:

Medical-Surgical Travel Nurses provide care for clients before and after medical procedures. These nurses may work in hospitals, specialty surgery centers, outpatient clinics, and long-term care facilities, to name a few. The Med-Surg Travel Nurse's responsibilities include performing daily assessments, post-surgery assessments, and wound care.

They are responsible for continuously assessing their patient's health status, evaluating the effectiveness of treatments, and working with the multidisciplinary team to make sure patient needs are met and patient outcomes are improved.

Requirements to Become a Medical Surgical Travel Nurse:

Travel Medical-Surgical Nurses should be registered nurses who have BLS and ACLS certifications. PALS certification may be required by some employers, depending on the travel nurse assignment. Certification through the Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board is available and is an excellent way to bolster one's resume' and show dedication to this specialty.

How Much Do Medical Surgical Travel Nurses Earn:

The nurses who work in Medical Surgical Travel Nurse roles earn nearly $51 per hour, which equals $2,031 weekly, or $8,800 monthly. While their income is not the highest paying travel nurse job, these nurses are still ranked as top money earners bringing home an average of $105,630 each year.

Why Medical Surgical Travel Nurses are Highly Paid:

Because of the urgent need for nursing staff and the far-reaching effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a high demand for medical-surgical nurses nationwide.

The ability of Medical Surgical Travel Nurses to care for patients with varying degrees of illness or disease and to act quickly when a patient's status takes an unexpected decline makes them a valuable part of the healthcare delivery team. Because of their versatility in the role they fill, employers compensate them well, making Medical Surgical Travel Nursing one of the top-paying travel RN assignments.

28. Urgent Care Travel Nurse

What is the Job Role of an Urgent Care Travel Nurse:

Urgent Care Travel Nurses are RNs who specialize in providing care to patients with urgent yet non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries.

They perform nursing assessments, monitor patient vital signs, and perform nursing interventions as ordered and indicated. Some responsibilities of Urgent Care Travel Nurses include performing pulse oximetry measurements, starting IVs, collecting blood or urine specimens for lab testing, performing EKGs, and assisting physicians with procedures.

Requirements to Become an Urgent Care Travel Nurse:

A license to practice as a registered nurse and at least two years of experience as an RN in an urgent care setting is required to become an Urgent Care Travel Nurse. Nurses in this role should be proficient in using electronic medical records, be able to work well under pressure, and have excellent communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills.

How Much Do Urgent Care Travel Nurses Earn:

Urgent Care Travel Nurses earn an average annual salary of $105,520, equal to $2,029 weekly or $8,790 monthly. Their pay is equivalent to $50.73 per hour, seven times the national minimum wage.

Why Urgent Care Travel Nurses are Highly Paid:

The demand for non-emergency, urgent care has made the need for Urgent Care Nurses greater. In fact, Urgent Care Travel Nurses are one of the top recruited specialties on many healthcare employment websites. The increased demand for nurses to work in these roles comes with generous compensation, making urgent care travel nursing one of the highest-paying travel nurse jobs available.

29. Oncology Travel Nurse

What is the Job Role of an Oncology Travel Nurse:

The role of an Oncology Travel Nurse is like other oncology nurses. Oncology Travel Nurses provide care for clients with cancer-related illnesses.

Some patients may be in active disease and require cancer treatments. Others may be at risk for developing cancer or in remission. The Oncology Travel Nurse will monitor and keep track of the results of patient laboratory and imaging tests, administer medications, and monitor fluid levels. Nurses who take on this travel nursing job play a critical role for their patients by not only promoting improved patient outcomes but as a support system for patients and their loved ones. They provide emotional validation, educate them on their diagnosis and treatment options, and address symptoms the patient may be experiencing.

Requirements to Become an Oncology Travel Nurse:

Candidates who wish to become an Oncology Travel Nurse, one of the best paying travel nurse jobs, must graduate from an accredited nursing program and hold a current, unrestricted license to practice as a registered nurse. Like most travel nurse jobs, at least two years of experience relevant to the specialty is required before a nurse is eligible for employment in a travel position.

Putting forth the effort to earn certification in the specialty is always an excellent way to show prospective employers your dedication to oncology and the patients the specialty serves.

The Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation is a nonprofit that focuses on the development, evaluation, and administration of programs to certify oncology nurses. A few certifications offered by the ONCC include Oncology Certified Nurse, Certified Breast Cancer Nurse, Certified Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Nurse, and Blood and Marrow Transplant Nurse.

How Much Do Oncology Travel Nurses Earn:

Oncology Travel Nurses earn more than $50 per hour. With an average annual salary of $104,810, their compensation comes to an equivalent of $2,016 weekly or $8,730 per month, making it one of the top-paying RN travel jobs.

Why Oncology Travel Nurses are Highly Paid:

Oncology nurses may experience varying pay, depending on experience, the hiring healthcare facility or agency, and the state where they practice. Overall, the high-level, in-depth education and skills of Oncology Travel Nurses make their role significant in the care of cancer patients. This is just one reason Oncology Travel Nurses are highly paid.

30. Long Term Acute Care Travel Nurse

What is the Job Role of a Long-Term Acute Care Travel Nurse:

If you are interested in working with patients who have serious medical conditions but do not wish to work in intensive care or participate in extensive diagnostic procedures, you may find the role of a Long-Term Acute Care Travel Nurse fitting. Long-Term Acute Care Travel Nurses work in various long-term acute care (LTAC) facilities and provide ongoing care to clients who have serious medical issues but who do not require the services offered in an intensive care unit. LTAC Travel Nurses provide care to patients with conditions including post-intensive care syndrome, prolonged ventilator use or weaning, multi-organ or multi-system failure, and complex wound care or burn care.

Requirements to Become a Long-Term Acute Care Travel Nurse:

Long-Term Acute Care Travel Nurses have a unique job as they provide acute care, but it is for patients who will be receiving that care for longer periods of time. With that in mind, the requirements to become an LTAC travel nurse are a bit extensive. A candidate for this job should be a registered nurse with at least two years of work experience in medical-surgical, ICU, telemetry, progressive, step-down, or emergency department care. Some employers may also require applicants to have experience working in rehab facilities. Tracheotomy, ventilator, and drip experience are also required as well as Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support certifications.

How Much Do Long-Term Acute Care Travel Nurses Earn:

Long-Term Acute Care Travel Nurses earn an average of $50.31 per hour, which equals $2,013 weekly or $8,720 monthly. This wage, which is the equivalent of $104,650 yearly, makes this job one of the highest-paying travel nurse assignments.

Why Long-Term Acute Care Travel Nurses are Highly Paid:

Long Term Acute Care Travel Nurses care for a wide variety of patients with various illnesses and diseases. Their long list of required skills means they are versatile when it comes to patient care. These qualities make LTAC nurses quite valuable, which is reflected in their generous wages.

31. Ambulatory Care Travel Nurse

What is the Job Role of an Ambulatory Care Travel Nurse:

Ambulatory Care Travel Nurses provide quality nursing care to patients, their families, caregivers, communities, and populations across the lifespan.

Ambulatory care travel nurses work in settings providing care to patients who are not hospitalized. These include patients in outpatient care facilities, such as emergency rooms, urgent care clinics, physicians' offices, after-hours healthcare centers, or long-term acute care hospitals. The job responsibilities associated with this role may include but are not limited to the following:

· Taking patient histories
· Performing nursing assessment
· Administering treatments, such as giving injections or providing wound care
· Drawing blood for laboratory testing
· Suture removal

Requirements to Become an Ambulatory Care Travel Nurse:

Ambulatory Care Travel Nurses are registered nurses, typically with an associate or bachelor's degree. However, those who wish to work in a specific specialty may be required to have a baccalaureate degree. The role of an Ambulatory Care Travel Nurse requires one to have expertise demonstrating various skills that reflect safe patient care and promote high-quality patient outcomes. Nurses who wish to specialize in ambulatory care may be interested to know the American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nurses offers the Ambulatory Care Nurse Certification Exam.

How Much Do Ambulatory Care Travel Nurses Earn:

Ambulatory Care Travel Nurses earn an average of $8,570 monthly, equivalent to $49.42 hourly or $1,977 weekly. Their average annual income is $102,800, making this one of the travel RN jobs that pays a six-figure income.

Why Ambulatory Care Travel Nurses are Highly Paid:

Ambulatory care nursing is a multifaceted complex nursing specialty. It requires both independent and collaborative practice. The expertise an Ambulatory Care Travel Nurse must possess and demonstrate in their daily work caring for patients while supporting family and other caregivers is one of the reasons for the high salaries they are offered.

32. Infection Control Travel Nurse

What is the Job Role of an Infection Control Travel Nurse:

Do you have a desire to impact patient safety by reducing risks that could cause a negative impact on patient health? Are you interested in a role that would allow you to do that while traveling? If so, one of the best paying travel nurse jobs, the Infection Control Travel Nurse, may be of interest to you.

Infection Control travel Nurses sometimes referred to as Infection Prevention travel Nurses, help identify and prevent the spread of infectious agents in a healthcare environment.

Requirements to Become an Infection Control Travel Nurse:

While some employers may hire a registered nurse with an associate degree in nursing, Infection Control Travel Nurses are typically required to hold at least a bachelor's degree in nursing. The Infection Control Travel Nurse should be detail-oriented, meticulous, and capable of communicating best practices to colleagues to help promote the safety of patients within their care. Increasing numbers of employers now require applicants for Infection Control Travel Nurse assignments to have a Certification in Infection Prevention and Control credential. If you are considering a job as an Infection Control travel Nurse, the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. offers an option to earn the credential.

How Much Do Infection Control Travel Nurses Earn:

The average hourly salary of an Infection Control Travel Nurse is $48.80. This wage is equal to $1,952 weekly, $8,460 monthly, or $101,500 annually.

Why Infection Control Travel Nurses are Highly Paid:

Infection Control Travel Nurses are vital members of the healthcare delivery team. Their knowledge and experience recognizing risks for infection and helping prevent the spread of infectious agents, such as viruses and bacteria, benefit patients, their loved ones, and healthcare providers. Infection Control Nurses are compensated well for their contribution to infection prevention in the healthcare environment. Infection Control Travel Nurses are highly paid because they not only perform the same duties as Infection Control Nurses who work in traditional settings, but they travel from place to place and work with healthcare professionals in diverse settings to promote patient and employee safety and wellness.

33. Intermediate Care Travel Nurse

What is the Job Role of an Intermediate Care Travel Nurse:

Intermediate care facilities are healthcare facilities or designated parts of a healthcare facility, where patients who need inpatient care, but not continuous nursing care are cared for by nurses. Nurses in these positions usually work in hospital step-down units, which offer levels of care between intensive care and medical-surgical units or between the neonatal intensive care and pediatric units. Intermediate Care Travel Nurses work in these settings and provide skilled nursing supervision and supportive care to patients and staff.

The role of an Intermediate Care Travel Nurse includes responsibilities such as implementing and monitoring patient care plans and following physician and supervisory nurse instructions. They also help coordinate and carry outpatient care and assess and coordinate discharge planning needs with members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team.

Requirements to Become an Intermediate Care Travel Nurse:

Intermediate Care Travel Nurses must be registered nurses with an associate, baccalaureate, or master's degree in nursing. Each healthcare facility that employs intermediate care nurses determines the minimum degree requirements. However, nurses who want to work as an Intermediate Care Travel Nurse must have, at minimum, a license to practice as a registered nurse. Some employers will hire an RN with an associate degree. However, because the intermediate care patient requires care between intensive care and medical-surgical wards, a BSN or higher is usually preferred.

How Much Do Intermediate Care Travel Nurses Earn:

The Intermediate Care Travel Nurse assignment comes with a generous salary of more than $101,000 yearly. Nurses in these positions earn approximately $48.57 per hour, which averages $1,943 weekly or $8,420 monthly.

Why Intermediate Care Travel Nurses are Highly Paid:

Intermediate Care Travel Nurses work in what many people call the "middle of the healthcare spectrum." They provide care to patients who do not immediately need intensive care but who are not ready to move to a medical-surgical floor. These nurses must recognize even slight changes in their patients' statuses. They must also work collaboratively with other members of the interdisciplinary team to identify which patients may require more specialized care and those who are ready to move to the medical-surgical ward or be prepared for discharge. Their keen attention to detail and assessment skills are a few reasons Intermediate Care Travel Nurses are paid so well.

34. Infusion Therapy Travel Nurse

What is the Job Role of an Infusion Therapy Travel Nurse:

Infusion Therapy Travel Nurses work in various healthcare settings where there is a shortage of infusion nurses. Their roles include responsibilities such as selecting and managing infusion therapy devices and evaluating patient responses to IV therapy. Other job responsibilities include the following:

· Administer blood transfusions, antibiotic infusions, electrolyte infusions, and chemotherapy infusions
· Insert and maintain Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICC lines)
· Perform patient assessments and evaluate for any potential complications related to infusion therapy
· Assess IV lines for patency
· Monitor IV sites for signs of infiltration, infection, or other complications, and maintain dressing changes

Requirements to Become an Infusion Therapy Travel Nurse:

After graduating from an accredited registered nurse program and passing the NCLEX-RN, a nurse who wishes to become an Infusion Therapy Travel Nurse should first gain experience as a bedside nurse. By working in a hands-on bedside position, candidates for this travel nurse assignment can develop essential skills needed to start IVs and administer various types of infusion therapy.

The more specialty areas a nurse works in, the more versatile they will be when taking on travel nurse assignments. For example, Infusion Therapy travel nurses may have experience working in various fields, including intensive care or surgical units, emergency departments, pediatrics, or oncology. With at least 1,600 hours (about 2 months) of experience in infusion therapy as a registered nurse within two years, a nurse can apply to the Infusion Nurses Society to test for the Certified Registered Nurse Infusion certification.

How Much Do Infusion Therapy Travel Nurses Earn:

Infusion Therapy Travel Nurses earn nearly $98,000 per year, on average. Their hourly rate of pay is approximately $47.03, equivalent to $1,881 weekly or $8,150 monthly, about six and a half times the national minimum wage.

Why Infusion Therapy Travel Nurses are Highly Paid:

Infusion Therapy Travel Nurses ensure patients receiving IV therapy receive appropriate care and are responsible for monitoring their patients' progress. While their job title indicates it is specific to IV therapy only, it is necessary to acknowledge that this travel RN job requires excellent assessment and communication skills, as well. The Infusion Therapy Travel Nurse is highly paid because they perform several essential nursing duties related to the delivery of infusion therapy as part of the interdisciplinary healthcare delivery team.

35. Hospice Travel Nurse

What is the Job Role of a Hospice Travel Nurse:

Perhaps one of the most challenging but equally rewarding jobs a nurse can have is a hospice nurse. Hospice nurses provide nursing care to clients who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness and offer support for family and other loved ones. The role of a Hospice Travel Nurse may involve working in various cities, states, or healthcare facilities performing the typical duties of a hospice nurse. The responsibilities of Hospice Travel Nurses include providing care that addresses the management of symptoms, communication with patients, their loved ones, and the healthcare team, coordination of care, and promoting quality of life.

Requirements to Become a Hospice Travel Nurse:

To take up hospice travel nursing, one of the best paying travel nurse jobs, one must first earn at least an undergraduate degree in nursing and become licensed to practice as a registered nurse. Gaining experience working in long-term care facilities or for palliative or hospice care agencies is recommended for anyone who desires to become a Hospice Travel Nurse.

Most employers require at least two years of work experience in these settings for a candidate to be eligible for this travel RN assignment. The Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center offers certification options for registered nurses who wish to become hospice nurses, including the Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse, Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse, and Certified Hospice and Palliative Pediatric Nurse.

How Much Do Hospice Travel Nurses Earn:

Travel Nurses who specialize in hospice care earn an average annual salary of $97,700. This pay breaks down to $8,140 monthly, $1,879 weekly, or $46.97 per hour.

Why Hospice Travel Nurses are Highly Paid:

As previously mentioned, hospice nursing can be challenging. One of the criteria for a patient to be admitted to hospice care is having a life expectancy of six months or less. This can be emotionally taxing on all members of their healthcare team, especially nurses who provide direct patient care. The essential skills required for this job, coupled with the ability to counsel patients and their loved ones through the grief associated with anticipated death, make their jobs quite valuable and allow them to earn high salaries.

36. Rehab Travel Nurse

What is the Job Role of a Rehab Travel Nurse:

A Rehab Travel Nurse works as part of a multidisciplinary team and specializes in helping people with chronic illnesses, diseases, or disabilities to attain optimal health and function while adapting to an altered lifestyle. The role of Rehab Travel Nurses is to help patients transition toward independent living by following goals and treatment plans specific to that client's needs.

The care Rehab Travel Nurses provide includes patient and family counseling, education, and case management. They may serve as advocates for the patient and their loved ones and participate in research designed to help improve rehabilitative practices.

Requirements to Become a Rehab Travel Nurse:

Rehab Travel Nurses may be given assignments in settings such as inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation centers, hospitals, long-term care facilities, community centers, home health centers, private practices, or industrial health centers. The settings where the nurse is assigned may have different criteria for candidates. At a minimum, the Rehab Travel Nurse, one of our featured travel RN jobs, requires an active, unrestricted license to practice as a registered nurse and at least one year of acute care nursing experience in a hospital setting. While all potential employers may not require the credential, if you aspire to become a Rehab Travel Nurse, you may find it beneficial to seek the Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse Certification offered through the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses.

How Much Do Rehab Travel Nurses Earn:

Rehab Travel Nurses earn approximately $46.56 per hour, averaging $1,862 weekly, $8,070 monthly, or $96,840 annually.

Why Rehab Travel Nurses are Highly Paid:

As hospitals and other healthcare facilities have begun to recognize the contribution rehab nurses make to patient care, rehabilitation nursing is experiencing growth. Rehab Travel Nurses fill the gap created by the demand for nursing specialists to care for people with chronic illnesses, diseases, or disabilities, which means they can negotiate higher wages and this is why this position is among some of the highest-paid travel nurse jobs.

37. Home Health Travel Nurse

What is the Job Role of a Home Health Travel Nurse:

A Home Health Travel Nurse is a nurse who provides patient care in a client's home. They may be offered this type of travel nurse assignment to help relieve shortages due to staff vacations, increased patient numbers, or offer relief to overworked employees such as those who have worked through the COVID-19 pandemic. The Home Health Travel Nurse is responsible for assessing clients and providing care within their scope of practice, following the policies and procedures designated by the home health agency where they are assigned.

Requirements to Become a Home Health Travel Nurse:

While some travel nurse agencies may hire RNs with as little as one year of nursing experience, most prefer to hire a registered nurse with at least two years of clinical nursing experience. Additionally, at least six months of their experience should be recent home health care experience. In addition to nursing credentials, a Home Health Travel Nurse must have a valid, unrestricted driver's license, experience with OASIS charting, and excellent communication and critical thinking skills.

How Much Do Home Health Travel Nurses Earn:

Home Health Travel Nurses earn more than $95,000 each year, on average. Their wages equal approximately $45.81 hourly, which is $1,833 weekly or $7,940 monthly.

Why Home Health Travel Nurses are Highly Paid:

The need for qualified home health nurses has grown exponentially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. While staying at home and receiving nursing care seems to be a preference of most people, the global pandemic has made it more of a necessity.

That need is one reason Home Health Travel Nurses are paid so well. Other things that influence the pay of Home Health Travel Nurses are their reimbursem*nt for travel to and from patient homes and extra stipends for housing and/or per diem pay.

38. Psychiatric Travel Nurse

What is the Job Role of a Psychiatric Travel Nurse:

Psychiatric Travel Nurses provide mental health care services to psychiatric patients in various locations, as needed. The role of a Psychiatric Travel Nurse may vary, depending on the organization's needs to which they are assigned. For example, some nurses in this travel RN job work in settings ranging from schools to mental health centers, correctional facilities, and hospitals.

Responsibilities associated with the role of a Psychiatric Travel Nurse include:

· Assessing a patient's mental health status.
· Assisting with developing mental health treatment plans.
· Administering medications.
· Evaluating the effectiveness of treatments.
· Working with the interdisciplinary team to promote positive patient outcomes.

Requirements to Become a Psychiatric Travel Nurse:

Becoming a Psychiatric Travel Nurse requires an active RN license, preferably a BSN, current BLS certification, and at least two years of experience working as a psychiatric/mental health nurse.

Registered nurses may apply to the American Nurses Credentialing Center to take the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Certification examination by meeting the following criteria.

· Two years of nursing experience
· At least 2,000 hours of clinical practice in psychiatric nursing
· Have a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education in psychiatric health nursing within the previous three years

How Much Do Psychiatric Travel Nurses Earn:

Psychiatric Travel Nurse ranks as one of the highest-paying travel RN jobs, with nurses in this position earning approximately $45.58 per hour. This hourly rate, which is more than six times the United States federal minimum wage, is the equivalent of $1,823 weekly, $7,900 monthly, or $94,810 annually.

Why Psychiatric Travel Nurses are Highly Paid:

Several factors can be attributed to the high pay Psychiatric Travel Nurses receive. The most recent effects of the coronavirus pandemic have caused a shortage of nurses worldwide as nurses are experiencing burnout and illness, and more patients require nursing care. Further, increased awareness about the importance of mental health and wellness and a deeper understanding of how mental healthcare can help create healthy balance has also made the need for well-equipped mental health nurses to provide the necessary care. Any time there is a demand for services, the opportunity for higher wages, like those earned by Psychiatric Travel Nurses, increases.

39. Endoscopy Travel Nurse

What is the Job Role of an Endoscopy Travel Nurse:

Endoscopy is a non-surgical procedure used to examine a patient's digestive tract. Endoscopy nurses, like those who choose to travel and work in this specialty, assist physicians and other members of the healthcare team during endoscopy procedures used to screen, diagnose, and treat gastroenterological or respiratory conditions.

The role of the endoscopy travel nurse includes assisting the endoscopy team during endoscopic procedures, providing pre-and post-procedure patient care, and educating patients about their treatments.

Requirements to Become an Endoscopy Travel Nurse:

In addition to holding a current RN license, an Endoscopy Travel Nurse must be proficient in performing or assisting with endoscopic procedures, have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and be detail-oriented. Before taking on an endoscopy travel nurse position, it is essential to gain experience in settings such as a local hospital with an endoscopy unit or endoscopy center. Some healthcare facilities and states require nurses to obtain additional training or certification to specialize in endoscopy.

Therefore, it is prudent to verify what criteria must be met with your hiring agency before taking on one of these assignments. With two years of full-time nursing experience or 4,000 hours of part-time experience in an endoscopy-relevant setting, a nurse may apply for certification through the American Board of Certification for Gastroenterology Nurses.

How Much Do Endoscopy Travel Nurses Earn:

Endoscopy Travel Nurses remain ranked as one of the top-paying travel nurse jobs, with these nurses earning more than $94,000 each year. Their average annual salary equals $7,870 monthly, equal to $1,815 weekly or $45.38 hourly.

Why Endoscopy Travel Nurses are Highly Paid:

With the American Cancer Society's screening guidelines for cancer, such as colorectal cancer, recommended to begin at age 45 instead of 50, more people are using the services of endoscopy providers. As the number of people in the United States continues to grow, so does the need for qualified nurses. Unfortunately, there are currently more patients than nurses to meet that demand. These are a few reasons why Endoscopy Travel Nurses are highly paid and will likely continue to experience high wages.

40. Transplant Travel Nurse

What is the Job Role of a Transplant Travel Nurse:

Transplant Nurses are critical parts of an organ transplant team. A Transplant Nurse usually has the most contact with transplant patients, as they are involved in each step of the organ donation process. The role of a Transplant Travel Nurse includes every aspect of the transplantation process. The Transplant Travel Nurse's responsibilities include traditional nursing duties such as administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and preparing the patient for surgery. Additionally, the Transplant Travel Nurse offers support and education to the transplant recipient and their families throughout the transplant process. They may play a role in identifying potential recipients and monitoring to ensure the donated organ or organs are not rejected by a recipient's body.

Requirements to Become a Transplant Travel Nurse:

The minimum degree requirement to become a transplant travel nurse is to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Thanks to advances in transplant patient care and the transplantation process, transplant nursing is considered a specialty field.

Therefore, nurses who choose this field will be required to earn continuing education units to maintain certifications. After earning a BSN and achieving the minimum required work experience, nurses who wish to work as a Transplant Travel Nurse can seek certification from the American Board for Transplant Certification. The ABTC offers four certification examinations: Certified Clinical Transplant Coordinator, Certified Clinical Transplant Nurse, Certified Procurement Transplant Coordinator, and Certified Transplant Preservationist.

How Much Do Transplant Travel Nurses Earn:

Among the best travel nurse positions, Transplant Travel Nurses earn an average annual salary of more than $91,000. The breakdown of their average earnings equal $43.90 hourly, $1,756 weekly, or $7,610 monthly.

Why Transplant Travel Nurses are Highly Paid:

Nearly 40,000 organ transplants are performed nationwide annually. The growing demand for organ transplants in the United States is the primary reason salary expectations for Transplant Travel Nurses are high.

41. Wound Care Travel Nurse

What is the Job Role of a Wound Care Travel Nurse:

The role of healthcare professionals who provide wound care involves much more than cleaning a wound and applying a bandage or dressing. The main responsibility of a Wound Care Nurse is to monitor and assess wounds while educating patients on methods of wound care practices they will carry out at home. A few things a Wound Care Travel Nurse may do in their job include the following.

· Provide diabetic foot care- Wound Care Nurses are instructed on methods to assess for and manage foot ulcers in diabetic patients. They may provide nail care, foot care and teach patients about safe foot care routines to prevent complications related to the disease.
· Monitor and treat burns
· Clean, assess, and address traumatic wounds caused by skin tears, lacerations, car accidents, animal bites, or other trauma.
· Assess for signs of pressure sores and implement measures to prevent further tissue breakdown

Requirements to Become a Wound Care Travel Nurse:

While nurses of different education and degree levels may become Wound Care Nurses, Wound Care Travel Nurses must possess an RN license. The Wound Care Travel Nurse must be a graduate of an accredited nursing program and have one to two years of experience working in acute care or a wound care setting.

Certification in wound care may not be required by some agencies or employers, but it is recommended to advance the career of nurses who wish to become a Wound Care Travel Nurse. The Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing Certification Board requires a bachelor's degree in nursing to be eligible for its Board Certified Wound Care Nurse credential. The National Alliance of Wound and Ostomy offers a Wound Care Certified credential, and the American Board of Wound Management offers the Board Certified Wound Specialist certification.

How Much Do Wound Care Travel Nurses Earn:

Wound Care Travel Nurses earn approximately $43.83 per hour, averaging $1,753 weekly, $7,600 monthly, or $91,160 yearly.

Why Wound Care Travel Nurses are Highly Paid:

There is a strong demand for Wound Care Nurses, which is reflected in the high pay offered to nurses in this travel nurse assignment. An aging population with age-associated vascular and skin changes, an increasing prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, which affect the skin and wound healing, are associated with this need.

42. Dialysis Travel Nurse

What is the Job Role of a Dialysis Travel Nurse:

Dialysis Nurses oversee the care of patients receiving dialysis treatments due to acute or chronic kidney failure.

Travel nurses who work in dialysis carry out the same responsibilities as Dialysis Nurses in traditional jobs, except they travel from one place to another, as needed. A Dialysis Travel Nurse's role includes monitoring and recording the patient's vital signs before, during, and after treatment, monitoring for signs of adverse reactions to treatment, and ensuring that peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis treatments are administered correctly. The Dialysis Travel Nurse may also teach patients and their family or caregivers how to operate home dialysis machines, treatment options, nutrition and exercise regimens, per physician orders, and ways to manage kidney diseases.

Requirements to Become a Dialysis Travel Nurse:

A successful candidate to become a Dialysis Travel Nurse will have excellent problem-solving, analytical, and observation skills, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and exhibit compassion and empathy. An associate or baccalaureate degree in nursing, current registered nurse license, Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification are required. Further, although it may not be required, earning certification as a Certified Dialysis Nurse, such as the one offered by the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission, can be advantageous.

How Much Do Dialysis Travel Nurses Earn:

Dialysis Travel Nurses earn significant incomes, averaging nearly $91,000 annually. The pay, equal to $43.68 hourly, $1,747 weekly, or $7,570 monthly, ranks #42 among our featured 44 highest-paying travel nursing jobs.

Why Dialysis Travel Nurses are Highly Paid:

According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly ten percent of the United States population is affected by kidney disease. Chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease can cause significant kidney problems. Although kidney transplants occur more frequently and with higher success rates than in years before, dialysis continues to be the most commonly used treatment method for kidney diseases. This means nurses in this travel RN job can expect to see generous salaries to meet the demand.

43. Vaccine Travel Nurse

What is the Job Role of a Vaccine Travel Nurse:

The role of a Vaccine Travel Nurse depends on the setting where their contract is assigned. Some of these travel nurses work in community clinics, women's health clinics, private physicians' offices, or hospitals. Their responsibilities include administering vaccines and educating patients and caregivers about the importance of vaccinations, expected outcomes, and possible side effects.

Requirements to Become a Vaccine Travel Nurse:

Vaccine Travel Nurses should possess an unrestricted license as a registered nurse along with a degree issued from an accredited nursing school. Typically, employers prefer to hire nurses for this travel nurse assignment who have at least three years of nursing experience, including working as a vaccine nurse. Basic Life Support certification is generally required, and nurses who hold Infection Control Certification are often given preferential status when applications are reviewed.

How Much Do Vaccine Travel Nurses Earn:

Vaccine Travel Nurses earn an average annual salary of $90,580 which equals $43.55 hourly, $1,742 weekly, and $7,550 monthly.

Why Vaccine Travel Nurses are Highly Paid:

The role of Vaccine Travel Nurses has always been important. However, since the impact of COVID-19 has affected populations worldwide, the need for their services has become more urgent. Vaccine Travel Nurses administer various vaccines. However, the urgency with which the Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization, and healthcare facilities, in general, are advocating for every eligible person to receive the COVID vaccine has created greater demand for nurses who can carry out its administration. With great demand for providers comes the benefit of high-paying jobs.

44. Correctional Travel Nurse

What is the Job Role of a Correctional Travel Nurse:

Perhaps one of the most interesting yet challenging and often overlooked travel RN jobs is that of a Correctional Travel Nurse. Correctional nursing is a unique field of nursing that involves caring for the physical and mental health needs of incarcerated or detained persons. Nurses who work as corrections nurses may work in local jails or prisons, federal prisons, juvenile detention centers, women's or men's detention centers, or the prison wards of hospitals. Correctional Travel Nurses travel to these facilities and work in vacant positions to help ensure the nurse to inmate ratio is met. These nurses are responsible for stabilizing patients or overseeing the care of incarcerated individuals until they are stable enough to transfer to a facility where higher levels of medical care are available.

Requirements to Become a Correctional Travel Nurse:

The ideal candidate to become a Correctional Travel Nurse is a registered nurse with experience in emergency and medical-surgical nursing and a genuine interest in working in a correctional setting. The nurse who works in a correctional facility will find this position can be intense. Therefore, newly licensed nurses are typically not offered this opportunity.

Instead, employers prefer to hire RNs with two or more years of clinical nursing experience backed by professional development and certifications. The ability to demonstrate effective communication, make decisions under pressure, and have a deep understanding of the social and mental health perceptions of offenders is critical. The Correctional Travel Nurse should also have an understanding of prison procedures, cultures, and norms. An excellent credential for Correctional Travel Nurse applicants to have on their resume is the Certified Correctional Health Professional (CCHP) issued by the National Commission on Correctional Healthcare.

How Much Do Correctional Travel Nurses Earn:

Correctional Travel Nurses are one of the highest-paying travel nurse assignments we have found. The average annual income for nurses in this position is $90,230, which is the equivalent of $7,520 monthly, $1,735 weekly, or $43.38 hourly.

Why Correctional Travel Nurses are Highly Paid:

Although the pay varies from one assignment or facility to another, nursing jobs in correctional facilities remain one of the best paying travel RN jobs. Working as a nurse in a correctional facility can be challenging. Therefore, employers responsible for hiring nursing staff for correctional centers offer higher rates of pay in hopes of attracting the most talented or experienced professionals.

In Addition To The Salary, What Benefits Are Usually Included In A High-Paying Travel Nursing Job Pay Package?

The potential income associated with the highest-paying travel nursing jobs is excellent. However, there is more to travel nursing than a salary. Benefits included travel nurse pay packages are especially attractive as they are typically considered reimbursem*nts and are, therefore, non-taxable. The following is a list of some benefits typically included in a highly paid travel nurse's job package.

Travel Reimbursem*nts:

Highly paid travel nurses are typically reimbursed for travel expenses. These expenses include relocation to and from each contracted job. Receiving travel reimbursem*nts means you can spend less time stressing about the cost of moving from one place to another, and you can take the time to enjoy the journey and get settled with less worry.

Meals & Incidentals:

The most common type of reimbursem*nts related to travel nursing are referred to as "meals and incidentals." Travel nurses may be reimbursed for meals they purchase while on assignment or given a set amount of money, called per diem pay, to help with daily expenses. Incidentals include expenses such as bus or taxi fares, parking fees, or tips.

Housing Stipend:

One of the most often mentioned benefits travel nurses receive is a housing stipend. Whether the employer/agency sets up free private housing or offers a stipend, this benefit allows travel nurses to keep their hard-earned money in their pockets.

Bonuses:

As if the other benefits were not enticing enough, highly paid travel nurses are often offered additional bonuses. Some typical perks include referral, sign-on, and completion bonuses. These types of bonuses are provided for different reasons, and whether you consider them good or bad will likely depend upon your intention with the job. Referral bonuses are bonuses nurses receive for referring a candidate for a position who is hired. Sign-on bonuses are offered to entice nurses to apply and accept open positions. Completion bonuses are given when a nurse finishes a travel nurse assignment.

Insurance:

Perhaps one of the biggest perks of travel nursing is the insurance benefit. Many agencies offer health, vision, dental, and life insurance to travel nurses, especially those who work on extended contracts. Additionally, professional liability insurance and worker's compensation insurance are often part of the benefits packages.

Retirement (401K) Benefits:

Retirement benefits are another excellent benefit that comes as part of a highly paid travel nurse's pay package. A 401k is a type of retirement accounts that allows individuals to make tax-deferred contributions. This is an excellent benefit as any money contributed to the retirement plan is not considered when calculating federal income taxes.

Make More Money – 5 Tips To Negotiate A Higher Travel Nurse Salary

So, you are considering becoming a travel nurse, and you want to find the best-paying travel RN jobs.
Do you accept an offer without negotiation, or should you ask for a higher pay rate? Here are a few tips to help negotiate a higher travel nurse salary.

1.Figure out the actual pay rate the agency is offering.

Travel nurse agencies contract with healthcare facilities individually, and facilities typically pay a set amount for nurses. The agency you apply to will typically take the amount of money a healthcare organization offers and break that pay down into an hourly rate, including benefits and non-taxable reimbursem*nts. Compare the salary you are being offered to the full-time pay nurses in those facilities make and discuss your options for higher pay with the hiring agency.

2.Make sure your travel pay is based on real travel expenses, not on an agency "maximum."

While travel pay can undoubtedly be a perk, it is important to make sure your travel pay covers your actual travel expenses. For example, if the hiring agency offers a $500 flat-rate travel pay and you are required to fly or drive somewhere and end up with expenses that cost more than that, you are losing money. Ask the recruiter you are working with if the travel pay can be adjusted for any additional expenses.

3.Know your worth and use it to your advantage.

As you search for the highest-paying travel RN jobs, you will undoubtedly find opportunities at different agencies. Take the time to compare agency pay rates. If an agency offers a blended rate, ask for a breakdown of what that rate includes. Blended rates are a set rate a travel nurse receives that includes non-taxable wages and reimbursem*nts. If you are genuinely looking for the highest-paying travel nursing job, you should know that a higher blended rate may not necessarily mean more money. Some agencies that offer lower blended rates have higher non-taxable wages, which means more money in your pocket at the end of the day. If you want to work for an agency that is currently offering a lower pay rate than another agency, talk to the recruiting agent and express your interest but state that you have an offer to work somewhere else for more money.

4.Ask about potential bonuses.

As previously mentioned, many travel nursing agencies offer sign-on, referral, and completion bonuses. Another bonus travel nurses may receive is called an extension bonus. If you choose to accept a contract and are offered the chance to extend the contract, you may be eligible for an extension bonus. While many hospitals or healthcare facilities may include extension bonuses in their initial contracts, some do not. It is up to you to discuss this with your recruiter before you sign an agreement or extend a contract to ensure you are being paid fairly.

5.Learn to say "No" and to accept a "No."

If you have tried to negotiate a higher pay rate and have been unsuccessful, you may have to accept the offer or keep looking for another travel nurse assignment. Remember, you are your best advocate. If something does not feel comfortable to you, it may be best to pass up the opportunity and find a better fit for you.

What Are The 10 Highest-Paying States For Travel Nurses?

The ten states that offer the highest-paying travel nurse jobs are California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Oregon, Alaska, Washington, New York, Nevada, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The average annual salaries for travel RNs in these states range from $101,820 to $144,672.

What Are The 10 Highest-Paying Metros For Travel Nurses?

Some of the highest-paying travel RN jobs are found in these ten metros: San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, Vallejo-Fairfield, Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, Salinas, Santa Rosa, Modesto, Stockton-Lodi, Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, and Redding. Travel Nurses who work in these cities earn between $64.53 and $86.08 per hour, averaging $134,232 to $179,040 yearly.

Domestic Travel Nursing Jobs Vs. International Travel Nursing Jobs – What Pays Higher?

There is a nursing shortage worldwide, especially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nurses seeking a travel nurse position are often curious whether a domestic or international travel nurse assignment pays more. It can be a bit tricky to understand. In some countries, RN salaries average $30,000-$36,000 yearly. Travel nurses in those countries may earn $50,000-$75,000, which is still less than domestic travel nursing jobs. Other countries, for example, Saudi Arabia, tend to match the salary offered in the travel nurse's home country but offer the pay as tax-free, which means the nurse could make more money internationally.

How Hard Is It To Land A High-Paying Travel Nursing Job?

Travel nursing jobs are in abundance, which begs the question, "How hard is it to land a high-paying travel nursing job?" It can take one to five weeks to secure a job as a travel nurse. However, some variables impact how long each applicant may take to get a job. If you want to land one of the best paying travel RN jobs, there are a few things you can do to help speed up the hiring process.

1.Make sure your license and any certifications are current and in good standing.
2.Keep an updated copy of your resume in both paper and electronic form.
3.Make sure your immunizations are up-to-date and that you can show proof you have had them.
4.Get letters of recommendation for your portfolio. These letters should be from professionals in your field with a degree equivalent to or higher than yours. A former college professor and nursing supervisor are good choices.

5 Ways To Stand Out When Applying For The Highest-Paying Travel Nursing Jobs

As with anything else, the old saying, "not everyone gets the cookie," can be applied to travel nurse jobs. If you want to stand out when applying for the highest-paying travel nursing jobs, here are a few tips.

1.Keep your resume up to date.

After each contract, update your resume with the previous job's information. You can brag about accomplishments without coming across as boastful. Be specific and relevant when listing job information.

2.Use credible references who can be easily contacted.

Whether you are listing references and their contact information or providing letters of recommendation, be sure each person has the correct contact information listed. Also, updating your references to include people you have most recently worked with or who have supervised your work is essential.

3.Make sure to mention each state where you are licensed, and be prepared to provide your license number.

If you live in a Nurse Compact State and have applied for and been approved for a multi-state license, you need to mention the state of your original licensure as well as any non-compact state license.

4.Remember, all professional experience is relevant.

Some people worry about a nursing resume' being too long. However, if the information on a resume is relevant and accurate, it needs to be available to recruiters or potential employers. Include any work experience, the type of settings you have worked, the equipment you are proficient using, professional accomplishments, and certifications.

5.Be specific about your professional goals.

All nursing resumes should have an objective statement. You should state your goals and objectives clearly. This statement should be used to explain why you are the best candidate for this position and include an overview of your experiences.

5 Challenges You Might Face With The Highest-Paying Travel Nursing Jobs And How To Overcome

Travel nursing can be an exciting way to have a nursing career without the feeling of being "stuck" in one place all the time.

Despite the benefits, there are some challenges that travel nurses face. The following is a list of some challenges you may face, even in the highest-paying travel nursing jobs, and tips on how to overcome them.

1.Finding the right recruiter or agency:

There are tons of agencies and recruiters searching for nurses to fill travel nurse assignments. If you are new to this, it can feel overwhelming. One of the easiest ways to overcome this challenge is to ask other travel nurses which recruiters or agencies they recommend. Also, search online for reputable travel nurse agencies. Read reviews from nurses who currently and formerly worked for the agencies to get a feel for what working for that agency is like.

2.Working with strangers:

Travel nurses work in various settings and often move from one place to another every two or three months. It can be difficult to find your comfort zone among new co-workers in such a short time. Keep in mind, you are not the only one adjusting. Your new co-workers must adjust to new faces as travel nurses come into their space. Make yourself available and be willing to learn from your new colleagues.

3.Finding the perfect travel RN job:

The travel nurse arena is full of opportunities for nurses from all specialties and walks of life. However, it can be competitive. Getting started as a travel nurse can feel a bit intimidating at times. Remember, the more experience you gain as a travel nurse, the easier it will be to find the ideal job and be offered the position. Just keep working and making yourself available to recruiters.

4.Being homesick:

One of the biggest challenges for travel nurses is being away from home and loved ones. You may find it easier to work on an assignment that typically lasts thirteen weeks, then take a few weeks for a break before moving to the next job. Also, frequent contact like video calling can help soften the blow of being homesick until you are with your loved one again.

5.Adjusting to new work environments:

If we are honest with ourselves, most nurses will admit they like finding a workplace where they can "put down roots" and get comfortable. Working in a facility and knowing the people there and how management expects it to be run makes the job easier. Travel nurses do not always have that luxury, especially if they work short contracts and do not anticipate an extension or returning to the same assignment later. To overcome this challenge, remember, nursing is the same no matter where you go. You may have to learn where supplies are or figure out if a facility has a specific protocol. However, you are a professional, and you have got this!

3 Things To Keep In Mind Before Breaking A Travel Nurse Job Contract

The highest-paying travel nursing jobs offer some great opportunities for nurses searching for variety in their careers. However, before entering into a contract, it is vital to consider what could happen if you choose to break a travel nurse contract. After all, a contract is a legally binding document, and you could face repercussions by breaking it. Here are a few things to consider before breaking a contract.

1.Financial Consequences:

If your travel nursing agency provided housing, you could be required to pay the remaining balance of the lease. There may be clauses in your contract that state you are responsible for reimbursing any stipends or reimbursem*nts if you end the contract early. So, read carefully before you sign and before you terminate a contract.

2.Depending on your reason for canceling a contract, you could jeopardize your chances of being offered a future contract with the same agency or recruiter:

Also, even if you do not mention a previous agreement, people in travel nurse agencies often know one another, and word-of-mouth can harm your work reputation if you cancel a contract without good reason.

3.Your nursing license could be affected:

It is unlikely that you will love every travel nurse assignment for which you sign a contract. Whether the facility's location, patient population, or employee culture are to your liking or not, you have still signed a contract to work there. Before breaking a contract, be sure you have a legitimate reason. For instance, if you are being asked to take on more patients than you can handle or to perform tasks outside your scope of practice, you have a better chance of winning a legal battle for your license if it comes to that.

The Impact Of Covid-19 On The Future Of Travel Nursing Jobs And Salaries

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, the market for travel nurses increased to more than a $10 billion market. This was largely due to a worldwide opioid crisis, aging baby boomers, nurses reaching retirement age, and the Affordable Care Act making healthcare available to more people. Since the pandemic began, according to a poll by Avant Healthcare Professionals, 90% of healthcare facilities have used travel nurses to help with the impact of the COVID-19.

When considering the impact of the coronavirus on the nursing industry, it is essential to realize there is more to it than increased numbers of patients. Nurses are working longer hours taking care of patients who are acutely, often critically ill, many of whom do not survive. This causes the nurse to experience burnout, requiring them to need a break. Some of them do not return, which leaves more vacancies impacting the demand for travel nurses to fill the void.

This is a strong indication that the impact of COVID-19 on the future of travel nursing jobs and salaries will result in more available positions and higher wages.

My Final Thoughts

Throughout this article, we have shared information to answer the question, "What are the highest-paying travel nursing jobs?" and explained which are the 44 highest-paying travel nursing jobs that are in high demand right now. If you are considering a career change and think travel nursing interests you, there really is no time like the present to begin your journey.... literally!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY OUR EXPERT

1. Are Travel Nurses Satisfied With Their Jobs?

Most travel nurses report being satisfied with their jobs. Although there are pros and cons to any job, the benefits of travel nursing are generally well-known. The unique lifestyle and earning opportunities these assignments offer are among the most mentioned reasons travel nurses say they are satisfied with their job choices.

2.What Are The 10 Highest-Paying Travel Nursing Jobs?

The ten highest-paying travel nursing jobs go to the nurses in telemetry, cardiac ICU, OB/GYN, cardiac catheterization labs, pediatric emergency departments, step-down units, neonatal ICU, labor and delivery, geriatrics, and RNFAs. Their salaries range from $9,870 to $10,910 monthly.

3.What Are The 10 Most Common Highest-Paying Travel Nursing Jobs?

Among the top-paying travel nurse jobs, the ten most common are found in Labor and Delivery, Dialysis, Neonatal Intensive Care, Hospice, Home Health, Psychiatric, Wound Care, Operating Room, PACU, and Oncology specialties.

4.What Are The Least-Stressful Highest-Paying Travel Nursing Jobs?

While opinions may vary, it appears the least stressful highest-paying travel nursing jobs include cruise travel nursing, vaccine travel nurse, and endoscopy travel nurses.

5.What Are The Most Fulfilling Highest-Paying Travel Nursing Jobs?

Personalities differ among individuals. Therefore, the idea of which highest-paying travel nursing jobs are most fulfilling differ as well. Some of the most fulfilling highest-paying nursing jobs we have found include hospice travel nursing, transplant travel nursing, and labor and delivery travel nursing. Hospice nurses have the privilege of being with patients and their loved ones in the most critical time of their lives and helping them through the dying process, which can be overwhelmingly fulfilling.

Transplant travel nurses and labor and delivery travel nurses get to work with patients in situations where their lives are transformed by new beginnings which, also is very fulfilling.

6.What Are The Top 5 Highest-Paying Travel Nursing Jobs For New Grads?

While agencies and healthcare facilities have different criteria that applicants must meet, some travel nursing jobs are more appropriate for new nurse graduates than others. The top five highest-paying travel nursing jobs for recent grads are Ambulatory Acute Travel Nurse, Long-Term Acute Care Travel Nurse, Intermediate Care Nurse, Endoscopy Travel Nurse, and Medical-Surgical Travel Nurse.

7.Do I Need Work Experience Before I Start My First Travel Nursing Job?

Some agencies make exceptions and hire new nurse graduates or nurses with minimal experience. However, because even the best travel nursing jobs can be stressful or feel uncertain, it is important to be honest with yourself about your skills, experience, and comfort level before pursuing a travel nurse position.

8.As A New Nurse, Is It A Good Idea To Start My Career With A Travel Nursing Job?

As a nursing instructor, I strongly advise new nurses to gain clinical experience in a traditional setting before pursuing a career in travel nursing. That is not to say that a new nurse is incapable or likely to be unsuccessful as a travel nurse. However, there is much to be learned, even after you earn your nursing license. You can get those lessons by working with seasoned nurses in more constant settings than travel nurse assignments.

9.Will I Be Able To Find High-Paying Travel Nurse Jobs All Through The Year?

High-paying travel nurse jobs are available year-round.

However, there are times when options may be more abundant. For example, seasonal changes in different areas impact the need for nurses. In Winter, Florida, Texas, Hawaii, and California see peaks in available travel nurse jobs. In Summer, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, and New Hampshire have hiring spikes.

10.How Long Are Highest-Paying Travel Nurse Assignments?

Highest-paying travel nurse assignments typically last thirteen weeks. At that time, the nurse may be offered a contract extension, accept another position, or take some time off between jobs.

11.What Is The Typical Work Schedule For The Highest-Paying Travel Nursing Jobs?

Hiring agencies, like those who offer the top-paying travel nurse jobs featured in this article, may offer different contracts. Typically, though, travel nurses work forty-hour workweeks. These schedules may be five 8-hour shifts, four 10-hour shifts, or three 12-hour shifts. Days and hours vary by facility. Further, each contract usually starts with an orientation session that may last several days.

12.On A Travel Nursing Assignment, Who Arranges And Pays For Housing?

Housing arrangements for the highest-paying travel nurse jobs are available in two options: Agency-placed housing and Stipend-Pay housing. Agency-placed housing is housing that is arranged by the staffing agency that hires you for the job.

Stipend-Pay housing is housing the nurses secure for themselves using a stipend or housing allowance.

13.How Often Do Travel Nurses Usually Travel?

The average travel nurse contract is for thirteen weeks.

Nurses who work according to this schedule and want to work as much as possible can expect to move four times a year.

On the other hand, some assignments for travel nurses can be longer or may be extended, which can change the frequency of travel.

14.Can I Get A High-Paying Travel Nursing Job Close To Home

Although it may sound strange, you absolutely CAN get a high-paying travel nursing job close to home! Keep in mind, though, healthcare facilities can set mileage rules as they see fit to exclude nurses that they consider "local" from accepting their travel nurse positions. The most common reason for this is to avoid paying these nurses tax-free stipends. However, according to IRS Publication 463, the ability to accept tax-free allowances is determined by the nurse's need for rest or sleep to help meet work demands.

15.What If My Assignment Is Cut Short, Will I Still Be Eligible For Full Pay?

While it can be frustrating, there are several reasons for a travel nurse assignment to be cut short. Whether you receive full pay or not depends on the terms of your contract. As you search for the highest-paying travel nursing jobs, look for agencies that offer travel nurses guaranteed pay. What this means is, even if a shift or entire contract is canceled, you will still receive your payment. If you don't see this written in a proposed contract, ask your recruiter to add it as a stipulation for accepting the assignment.

16.As A Travel Nurse, Will I Get Overtime?

The need for travel nurses results from disproportionate nurse-to-patient ratios and a lack of adequate staff. Therefore, it is likely you will have opportunities to work some overtime hours. Depending on the facility, travel nurses can make from 1.5 to 2 times their contracted pay rates for shifts over forty hours in a week.

17.As A Travel Nurse, Am I Eligible For Vacation?

Although it is not required and less common than not, some travel nurse staffing agencies offer paid vacation or paid time off benefits. It is essential to have a clear understanding of the benefits provided by an agency before submitting to a contract.

18.Can I Carry Pets On My Travel Nursing Assignment?

Many travel nurses carry pets with them when on travel nursing jobs. Be sure to discuss this option with your recruiter, especially if they will be paying for housing, as you may be required to pay the pet deposit yourself.

19.Can I Take My Family Along With Me On My Travel Nursing Assignment?

It is absolutely possible to take the family with you if you are a travel nurse. In fact, many travel nurse agencies and recruiters go out of their way to make it possible for nurses to bring their family members along on assignment.

20.Will My Travel Nurse Agency Pay For Travel And Housing Expenses Of Pets And Family?

While travel nurse agencies may not object to you taking pets or family with you on assignment, most leave the expenses related to them traveling with you as part of your responsibility. If a stipend to help with family and pet travel is something you need, you may be able to negotiate it as part of your contract.