Ever wondered how does travel nursing work? If you’re a nurse looking for more flexibility, higher pay, or a chance to explore new places, travel nursing might be exactly what you’re looking for. In this guide, we’ll break down how the whole process works—from pay to housing to licensing—so you know what to expect before you take your first assignment.
Already know you’re ready? You can register to become a traveling RN today and let Junxion help you take the next step in your nursing career.
What Is Travel Nursing and How Does a Travel Nurse Work?
Travel nurses are licensed professionals who take short-term assignments in hospitals and clinics across the country. These roles are designed to help facilities cover gaps in staffing due to staff shortages, leaves of absence, or seasonal spikes in patient volume.
Understanding the Travel Nurse Job Description
The travel nurse job description includes everything from bedside care to specialized roles in critical care units, operating rooms, or labor and delivery. You’ll do many of the same tasks as staff nurses—but in a temporary, flexible setting. Want a breakdown of tasks by specialty? Our detailed guide on what travel nurses do covers that.
How Does Travel Nursing Work Step-by-Step?
Let’s walk through the basics of how does travel nursing work from start to finish.
The Process in Simple Terms
- You apply to a travel nursing agency (like Junxion).
- We match you with open positions that fit your specialty, schedule, and preferences.
- You sign a contract (usually 13 weeks long).
- We help coordinate housing, benefits, and onboarding.
- You arrive at the hospital, complete orientation, and start working.
This is a high-level view, but our how to start travel nursing guide breaks down the process in more detail, including how to prep your documents and talk to recruiters.
How Long Are Assignments and Where Do Travel Nurses Work?
Assignments usually last 8 to 13 weeks, but some can run longer. You can choose to extend your contract if the hospital offers, or move on to your next destination.
Where Do Travel Nurses Work?
Where do travel nurses work? Almost everywhere. From big-city trauma centers to rural community hospitals, there are opportunities all over the U.S. The choice is yours—some nurses even stick to one region to stay closer to home.
Curious what’s open now? Browse travel RN assignments across the country to see current opportunities.
How Does Being a Travel Nurse Work for New Grads?
You may have heard that you need years of experience to travel—but that’s not always the case. While many facilities do prefer 1–2 years of bedside experience, some roles are open to newer grads with strong clinical skills.
Check out our full guide for new nurse grads to learn if it’s possible to get started as a traveler right out of school—or how to prepare while gaining experience.
How Does Travel Nursing Pay Work?
Travel nurses are often paid more than staff nurses—but the pay is structured differently.
Understanding Compensation Packages
How does travel nursing pay work? Instead of just an hourly wage, your total compensation might include:
- Base hourly pay (taxable)
- Housing stipend (non-taxable)
- Meal/travel stipend (non-taxable)
- Sign-on or completion bonuses
- Shift differentials
Your pay can vary by specialty and location. ICU and OR assignments tend to pay more. If you’re exploring those roles, check out our OR travel nurse specialty information.
How Does Housing Work for Travel Nursing?
Housing is a major part of any contract, and you usually have two options.
Housing Stipend vs Agency-Placed Housing
How does housing work for travel nursing? You can either:
- Take the housing stipend and find your own place (many nurses do this to pocket the difference), or
- Let the agency arrange furnished housing for you near the hospital.
Both have pros and cons. If you’re traveling with a pet or partner, you may prefer to find your own setup. We also recommend checking our employee resources page for tips on budgeting and housing checklists.
How Does Insurance Work With Travel Nursing?
Most agencies offer benefits, including health, dental, and vision plans, plus retirement options like 401(k)s.
How Does Insurance Work With Travel Nursing?
If you’re working with Junxion, you’ll be eligible for health coverage during your assignment. That said, if you plan to take long breaks between contracts, consider private coverage to bridge the gap. The reality is that how does insurance work with travel nursing depends on how long you plan to stay on assignment and whether you hop right into your next role or not.
How Does a Traveling Nurse Work With Licensing?
Licensing is a key part of your travel readiness. You must be licensed in the state where you’ll work.
Multi-State Licenses and the eNLC
If you hold a license in a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, you can legally work in any of the other compact states without needing to apply separately. Not sure what your state allows? This nursing licensure by state map explains it.
What Else Should You Know About Travel Nursing?
Like any career path, travel nursing comes with a unique mix of perks and challenges. Understanding both sides will help you decide if this lifestyle fits your personal and professional goals.
Pros of Travel Nursing
Higher earning potential
Travel nurses often earn significantly more than staff nurses, especially in high-demand specialties or urgent-fill contracts. In addition to your base pay, you’ll receive non-taxable stipends for housing, meals, and travel.
Some assignments also come with bonuses just for completing the contract. If you’re looking to pay off student loans or save quickly, travel nursing can be a strategic financial move.
Flexibility to work where and when you want
One of the most appealing parts of travel nursing is control over your schedule. Want to take summers off? Prefer to work winters in the South? You choose when and where you want to work. This flexibility allows many nurses to balance work with family needs, travel goals, or continuing education.
Resume-building experience
Each new assignment introduces you to different hospitals, systems, and patient populations. You’ll become skilled at adapting quickly, learning new technologies, and working with a variety of teams. Over time, this makes your resume stand out—and can open doors to leadership roles or specialty certifications.
Housing and travel perks
Whether you opt for agency-arranged housing or take a stipend and book your own place, travel nursing helps cover your living expenses. This is especially helpful if you’re relocating temporarily or want to avoid long-term lease commitments. Plus, many contracts reimburse for mileage, flights, or relocation costs, which adds up fast.
Potential Challenges
Adapting to new hospital systems frequently
Every facility has its own policies, procedures, and charting systems. You’ll need to get up to speed quickly—sometimes with just a one-day orientation. While it builds confidence over time, this learning curve can be overwhelming at first, especially if you’re assigned to float or work in unfamiliar units.
Being away from family or your home base
For nurses with young kids, partners, or close-knit families, long contracts away from home can be tough. While some travelers bring their families or pets, not all housing options allow for that, and coordinating schedules can be tricky. Staying connected takes extra effort, especially if you’re working nights or weekends.
Learning to manage variable income between contracts
When a contract ends, there may be a gap before your next assignment. This means budgeting is key. You’ll need to plan for periods without income, especially if you’re relying on stipends for housing and meals. Many travelers build an emergency fund or pick up per diem work to smooth out financial dips.
Ready to Start Your Travel Nursing Career?
Now that you’ve got the full picture of how does travel nursing work, you’re ready to take the next step.
Travel nursing is more than just a job—it’s a way to grow professionally while exploring the country on your terms. If you’re ready to jump in or just want to talk through your options, Junxion is here to help.Register to become a traveling RN today and let’s get started.
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