The travel nursing industry began in the early 1980s when health care facilities started experiencing seasonal and regional shortages. Since then, travel nurses have been used throughout the country on an ongoing basis to help ease staff shortages, adjust staff levels for specific times of year, or fill positions when nurses are on maternity leave or undergoing training. Because there are more nursing positions than there are nurses, the demand for travel nurses nationwide has continued to grow.

Travel assignments
Travel assignments can range from 8- to 52-weeks in length, with the majority of assignments being 13 weeks. Now, through our new travel staffing partner NurseChoice, you can accept shorter, 4- to 8-week assignments. At the end of your assignment, you can travel to a new assignment of your choice, take a permanent job or extend your current assignment. Travelers have been known to stay in one location for a year or more, so if you like your assignment and there's an ongoing need at the facility, you don't have to pack up and move on. It's entirely up to you.

Travel companies
In order to work as a travel nurse, you need to partner with a travel nursing company. Agencies generally require you to have at least one year of experience in your specialty, preferably in a hospital setting.

The travel nursing agency you choose is the most important decision you'll make when considering a career as a travel nurse. It can make a world of difference with regard to the attention, service, support and benefits you'll receive during your travel career. Our travel partners have worked in the travel nursing industry for over 20 years and have built solid relationships with thousands of facilities across the country.

Find out what you need to know about choosing a travel company and the steps to follow to become a travel nurse.