One of the first questions new travel nurses ask is, how long are travel nurse contracts? Whether you’re just getting started or looking to make a change, understanding the ins and outs of contract length can help you plan your travel lifestyle more confidently—and more strategically.
If you’re aiming to build flexibility into your career, earn more, or just experience different healthcare systems across the country, you’ve come to the right place. At Junxion Med Staffing, we specialize in helping nurses thrive, not just survive, on the road.
To kick things off, if you’re wondering how to get started, we break it all down in our guide on how to become a traveling nurse. But for now, let’s talk contracts.
How Long Are Travel Nurse Contracts—Really?
Typically, most travel nurse contracts last around 13 weeks. It’s the industry sweet spot. Hospitals love it because it aligns with orientation schedules or covers short-term staffing gaps. Nurses love it because it’s just enough time to settle in, build relationships, and decide whether they want to extend—or move on to the next adventure.
That said, how long are travel nurse assignments really? You’ll see everything from 4-week rapid-response contracts to 26-week extensions. It depends on the facility, staffing demand, and of course, your own preferences.
Short-Term Travel Nurse Contracts
If you’re not ready to commit to a full 13 weeks—or just want to try a location out—short term travel nurse contracts are a great option. These typically range from 4 to 8 weeks and are often designed to fill immediate staffing gaps due to emergencies, strikes, or seasonal demand.
Long-Term Contracts and Extensions
If you find yourself loving the assignment, you may be able to extend. Some contracts allow up to a year in one location. But heads up: that brings tax implications. According to the travel nurse 30 day rule and IRS guidelines, if you stay in one place longer than 12 months, you might lose your tax-free stipends.
How Long Do Travel Nurses Stay in One Place?
So, how long do travel nurses stay in one place? The short answer: as long as the contract—and your tax home status—allows. Many nurses move every 13 weeks, while others return to the same facility several times a year.
How Long Can a Travel Nurse Stay in One Place Without Losing Benefits?
This is where the travel nurse 30 day rule and IRS regulations matter. The rule says your assignment must be “temporary,” and if you stay in the same area for longer than 12 months within a 24-month period, your stipends may become taxable. Our team at Junxion always encourages checking with a tax professional if you’re unsure.
Do Travel Nurses Get Benefits Like Staff Nurses?
Yes, absolutely. Do travel nurses get benefits? At Junxion, we make sure of it.
You get access to health insurance, 401(k) contributions, and in many cases, reimbursements for licenses and continuing education. Some nurses even get bonuses just for extending a contract. For more information about working with an agency that puts your needs first, check out why we’re one of the best travel healthcare agencies.
Traveler Safety and Perks
Safety is always a priority. That’s why we offer guidance around traveler safety on every contract. We also encourage you to protect your peace of mind with a healthy work-life balance—which is why we also created this resource on how to prioritize self-care on the road.
How Often Do Travel Nurses Travel?
How often do travel nurses travel? It’s really up to you. Some nurses stay in a location for 13 weeks, take a few weeks off, then hop into the next contract. Others go from one assignment straight into the next—especially when they’re trying to hit financial goals.
You’re not tied down, and that’s the best part.
Travel Nurse Hours: What to Expect
Travel nurse hours vary by assignment. Some facilities need three 12-hour shifts, others might need five 8s. You’ll always be told upfront what’s expected. But remember—your schedule might not be the same every week, especially if you’re covering call shifts or floating.
We keep it transparent at Junxion so you’re never left guessing.
Ending a Travel Nurse Contract Early
Sometimes things don’t go as planned. If you’re thinking about ending a travel nurse contract early, always talk to your recruiter first. There might be penalties or consequences, depending on the contract. But at Junxion, we advocate for your well-being and can often help mediate if the fit isn’t right.
How Long Are Travel Nursing Contracts With Junxion?
Let’s get specific. How long are travel nursing contracts when you work with us? We offer contracts ranging from 4 to 26 weeks, and we’re always adding new roles across the country. We even offer state-specific support—check out where we think the best state for travel nursing is right now.
We also have one of the strongest reputations for helping our travelers succeed. If you want to hear from real people, check out Junxion travel allied health reviews.
Why Nurses Choose Junxion Med Staffing
We’re not just another staffing agency. We’re run by professionals who’ve worked on the floor and know how much your time, energy, and expertise are worth. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to change your specialty, we’re ready to guide you every step of the way.
We offer access to thousands of travel healthcare positions and give you direct insight into all your options. Plus, when you find a contract you love, you can refer a friend and get rewarded too.
What If You’re Not Sure Where to Go Next?
That’s normal. We’ve built a whole hub of tools to help you plan. You can learn about different types of travel nurses and decide which direction your career should take. Whether it’s ICU, med-surg, or a niche specialty like CVOR or Cath Lab, there’s a contract waiting for you.
And if you’re feeling stuck? Chat with our team. No pressure, just support.
FAQs About How Long Are Travel Nurse Contracts
What’s the average contract length for a travel nurse?
Most contracts are 13 weeks, but some can be as short as 4 or as long as 26 weeks.
Can a travel nurse extend a contract?
Yes. If you like the facility and they have a need, you can often extend for another 13 weeks or more.
How long can a travel nurse stay in one state?
You can stay as long as you’d like, but to keep your tax-free stipends, it must be under 12 months in any 24-month period.
Do travel nurses work full-time hours?
Yes, most contracts are full-time and include either 36- or 40-hour schedules.
What happens if I end a travel nurse contract early?
You may face a penalty depending on your agreement. Talk to your recruiter immediately if you need to leave early.
FAQs About Junxion Med Staffing
What types of contracts does Junxion Med Staffing offer?
We offer allied and nursing travel contracts across 20+ states, with a variety of specialties including OR, Cath Lab, CVOR, and more.
How does Junxion support travel nurses?
We offer competitive pay, benefits, safety resources, and ongoing recruiter support—even during your contract.
Can I refer another nurse to Junxion?
Absolutely. You can refer a friend and earn rewards.
Where can I see available jobs?
Visit our job board to browse travel nurse opportunities across the country.
Is Junxion a good agency for new travelers?
Yes. We’re known for personalized support and transparency. If you’re new to travel nursing, we’ll walk you through everything.
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