Different Types of Travel Nurses

If you’re just starting to explore the world of travel nursing or looking to shift into a new specialty, one question probably keeps popping up in your head: What are the different types of travel nurses, and which one’s the right fit for me?

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—and that’s what makes travel nursing so exciting. There are tons of options based on your skills, interests, experience level, and even your dream locations. Whether you’re craving the fast pace of an ER or the deep connections that come with working in pediatrics, the right role is out there.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most popular types of travel nurses, what makes each one unique, and how to choose your path. If you’re wondering about the education requirements for travel nurse roles, where to get started, and which specialties pay the most—we’ve got you covered.

For nurses looking to get started today, you can explore active listings for travel healthcare positions or head straight to our traveling healthcare positions & sign up page and connect with our recruiter team.

Most In-Demand Types of Travel Nurses in Today’s Market

There are many types of travel nurses, and demand can shift depending on what’s happening in healthcare across the country. But some roles consistently stand out for being both high-need and high-reward.

ICU and Critical Care Travel Nurses

If you thrive in high-pressure situations and have strong critical thinking skills, ICU travel nursing might be your calling. These nurses care for patients who are seriously ill or recovering from major surgeries. It’s one of the highest paying travel nurse assignments, especially for experienced RNs.

ER and Emergency Travel Nurses

Emergency room travel nurses are often some of the most flexible, resilient nurses out there. ERs are unpredictable, fast-paced, and different every day—which is part of the appeal.

Telemetry and Step-Down Travel Nurses

Telemetry nurses, also known as progressive care or step-down nurses, monitor patients who need more care than a med-surg floor can offer—but don’t require ICU-level monitoring. This is one of the best specialties for travel nursing in terms of flexibility.

OR Nurses and Surgical Travel Nursing Specialties

Operating room travel nurses are in high demand nationwide. This specialty includes circulating nurses, scrub nurses, and RNFAs (Registered Nurse First Assist). It often leads the list for highest paid travel nurse specialty roles.

Labor and Delivery (L&D) Travel Nurses

Labor and delivery nurses help families welcome new life. With experience and certifications like fetal monitoring and neonatal resuscitation, you can step into one of the most emotionally fulfilling types of travel nurses.

Pediatric and NICU Travel Nurses

If working with children or newborns is your calling, NICU and pediatric travel nurse roles might be a great match. These positions are in high demand in large urban hospitals.

What Type of Travel Nurses Are There?

Beyond the more obvious hospital-based roles, there are many different types of travel nurses to consider. Psych, oncology, dialysis, home health, and hospice are just a few.

Each specialty brings its own challenges and rewards, which means more opportunity to find the niche that works for you. Wondering how to get licensed for multi-state work? Check out our Traveling nurse license & travel healthcare professionals Information page.

Education Requirements for Travel Nurse Roles

The education requirements for travel nurse roles generally include an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing. You must also hold a valid RN license—ideally through the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).

In addition to schooling, most agencies require one to two years of experience in your specialty. If you’re still figuring things out, our Travel healthcare staff & travel nurse resources page offers tips on certifications, interview prep, and more.

Choosing the Best Specialty for Travel Nursing

The best specialty for travel nursing depends on your goals. Do you want to grow your resume fast? Earn the highest paycheck? Explore specific states?

From ERs to psych to hospice care, every specialty serves a unique purpose. You can explore more ideas on our Healthcare Traveler Blogs.

Where Are the Highest Paying Travel Nurse Assignments?

The highest paying travel nurse assignments tend to show up in high-cost-of-living states like California and New York. However, rural hospitals also offer competitive bonuses to fill urgent staffing needs.

Our team at Junxion works with facilities across the country and can help you find the highest paid travel nurse specialty gigs that align with your goals. Use our Travel nursing helpful links for state-by-state info.

Best Colleges for Travel Nursing Prep

Some of the best colleges for travel nursing provide strong clinical programs and NCLEX success rates. Whether you’re aiming for an ADN or BSN, prioritize schools that partner with local hospitals or participate in the NLC.

Our Commitment to Travel Nurses

We know how important it is to feel supported. That’s why Junxion offers one-on-one recruiter relationships and customized job matches. You can meet the folks behind the scenes on our team.

If you’ve got a friend who’d be a great traveler too, don’t miss our Refer a Friend to Become a Travel Norse or other Healthcare professional page—it pays to refer!

Conclusion: Finding Your Path Among the Types of Travel Nurses

There are so many different types of travel nurses, each offering unique opportunities to grow, earn, and explore. Whether you’re looking for the highest paid travel nurse specialty, more flexibility, or just a change of scenery, Junxion Med Staffing is here to help guide you every step of the way.

To learn more or speak directly with our team, visit our Contact Us page. Or if you’re just exploring, our One of the best travel healthcare agencies page shares more about what makes our approach different.

FAQs About Types of Travel Nurses

What type of travel nurses are there? 

There are dozens of specialties, including ICU, ER, OR, NICU, telemetry, psych, oncology, hospice, and more.

Which is the highest paid travel nurse specialty? 

Generally, ICU, CVICU, and OR nurses earn the most, but it depends on location and assignment type.

What are the education requirements for travel nurse careers? 

Most require an ADN or BSN, an RN license, and 1-2 years of specialty experience.

What’s the best specialty for travel nursing if I want to travel often? 

Specialties with consistent high demand, like med-surg, ER, and telemetry, often offer more frequent openings.

FAQs About Junxion Med Staffing

Do you support nurses during their assignments? 

Yes, our recruiters and support staff are available throughout your entire contract.

What benefits or stipends do you offer? 

We offer competitive pay, tax-free stipends, housing assistance, and health insurance.

Which states do you staff? 

We place healthcare travelers across more than 20 states, including CA, TX, FL, NC, and more.

Do you have a referral program? 

Absolutely. You can earn bonuses when you Refer a Friend to Become a Travel Norse or other Healthcare professional.