There are few roles in nursing as demanding, or as rewarding, as working in a pediatric emergency department. In these critical moments, children and their families rely on your calm presence, quick thinking, and compassionate care. If you’re ready to combine those skills with the freedom to travel, it may be time to take the next step as a pediatric ER travel nurse.
At Junxion Med Staffing, we don’t just place nurses in jobs, we partner with them for the long haul. From your first contract to your fiftieth, our recruiters act as advocates who understand your goals and lifestyle. With our Travel RN staffing experts guiding you, you’ll discover assignments that not only expand your career but also open doors to experiences you may never have imagined.
What Does a Pediatric ER Travel Nurse Do, Exactly?
A pediatric ER travel nurse cares for infants, children, and adolescents who arrive in the emergency department with urgent or life-threatening conditions. This role isn’t just about charting vitals or administering medication, it’s about being a lifeline for families during their scariest moments.
Responsibilities You’ll Take On
- Triage and rapid assessment of pediatric patients.
- Administering treatments such as IV therapy, wound care, and resuscitation.
- Monitoring vital signs and recognizing sudden changes.
- Collaborating with ER physicians, pediatricians, and nurses.
- Supporting families through education and clear communication.
Every shift brings new challenges. For nurses looking into pediatric travel nurse jobs, this variety is one of the biggest draws.
Why Choose Travel Over Staff Roles?
Many nurses wonder if leaving a staff position is worth it. The answer lies in the freedom and growth travel provides.
The Career Pediatric ER Travel Nurse Benefits
Travel nursing allows you to earn more, expand your résumé, and experience facilities across the country. Unlike staff positions, you’re not tied to one hospital system, you can shape your career around your personal goals.
The Lifestyle Benefits
With pediatric nurse travel jobs, you’re free to explore new cities, take breaks between assignments, and discover communities you may want to call home one day. From big cities to rural hospital assignments, you decide how your career fits into your lifestyle.
How NICU and PICU Experience Helps Pediatric ER Travel Nurses
For many assignments, having exposure to neonatal and pediatric intensive care is a huge advantage. While the ER is often the first point of contact for critically ill or injured children, stabilization often leads to transfers into the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) or PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit).
Why NICU Experience Matters
Infants under a year old can present unique challenges in the ER. Nurses with NICU backgrounds are already trained to:
- Recognize subtle changes in newborns’ conditions.
- Manage delicate IV lines, feeding tubes, and ventilators.
- Communicate with parents during some of the most vulnerable moments.
Travel nurses with NICU expertise often stand out when applying for pediatric nurse travel jobs, because they bring highly specialized skills that smaller ER teams may not always have in abundance.
Why PICU Experience Matters
Pediatric ER patients often overlap with PICU-level acuity, such as trauma, respiratory distress, or post-surgical complications. A nurse with PICU training can:
- Confidently handle high-acuity interventions in the ER.
- Collaborate smoothly with transport or transfer teams.
- Step into leadership roles when complex pediatric emergencies arise.
The Travel Nurse Advantage
Facilities, especially small hospitals or rural ERs, value travelers who can bridge gaps between emergency, NICU, and PICU-level care. Having this background can help you secure more competitive contracts, higher pay rates, and access to assignments in top-ranked children’s hospitals.
The Junxion Med Staffing Difference
Other agencies focus on filling positions. We focus on building your career and supporting your journey.
Why Nurses Choose Junxion
- Traveler-founded: we know your challenges because we’ve lived them.
- Full transparency: no hidden pay details, no surprises.
- Broader opportunities: large hospitals, community centers, and rural facilities.
- Real support: from useful med traveler resources to recruiter guidance.
Junxion isn’t about sending you into the unknown; it’s about making sure every step is supported.
Pay and Career Growth
When comparing staff roles to pediatric RN travel jobs, compensation is one of the biggest differences.
How Much Do Pediatric ER Travel Nurses Earn?
- Staff pediatric ER nurses typically earn $60,000–$90,000 annually.
- Travelers often earn more, with weekly packages that can exceed $3,000 depending on location.
- For state-specific numbers, see the pediatric nurse salary by state.
Factors That Impact Pay
- Facility type (children’s hospital vs. community ER).
- Certifications (PALS, ENPC, CPEN).
- Location and demand for er pediatrics travel nurse jobs.
Compliance and Credentials
Traveling nurses need to be ready to meet facility requirements. Junxion helps you stay compliant without the stress.
What You’ll Need
- An active RN license (multi-state or state-specific).
- Core certifications such as BLS and PALS.
- Specialty certifications like ENPC or CPEN, often preferred.
- Up-to-date immunizations and health screenings.
Instead of managing everything alone, our recruiters guide you through compliance, paperwork, and timelines.
Where You Might Work
Assignments for peds travel RN professionals are diverse. Every hospital environment offers unique experiences.
Children’s Hospitals
Large facilities with specialists dedicated solely to pediatrics.
Community Hospitals
Smaller emergency units where you’ll manage a mix of pediatric and general cases.
Trauma Centers
Fast-paced environments where every second matters.
Urgent Care Clinics
Focused on minor but urgent pediatric conditions.
Rural Hospitals
Rural hospitals are settings where your skills may serve as the backbone of pediatric emergency care for entire regions.
The Lifestyle Advantage
Travel nursing is more than a career; it’s a way to experience the country on your terms.
What It Means for You
- Freedom to choose locations and contract lengths.
- Flexibility to take time off between assignments.
- Opportunities to explore places like Wisconsin or major metropolitan areas.
Of course, travel has challenges too: new systems to learn, frequent moves, and time away from home. But for many, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. For an honest breakdown, read our guide on the pros and cons of travel nursing.
How to Start With Junxion
Becoming a pediatric or a travel nurse jobs candidate through Junxion is straightforward.
Steps to Get Started
- Complete your ADN or BSN and pass the NCLEX.
- Gain at least 12–18 months of pediatric or ER experience.
- Boost your credentials with PALS, ENPC, or CPEN.
- Apply through our assignment portal.
From there, our recruiters will help you secure contracts that align with your career goals and personal lifestyle.
FAQs About Our Pediatric ER Travel Nurse Jobs
How much experience do I need before becoming a pediatric ER travel nurse?
Most facilities require at least 12–18 months of recent pediatric ER or emergency room experience. This ensures you’re comfortable handling critical cases and can adapt quickly to new environments. Some high-acuity hospitals may ask for more, but Junxion recruiters will guide you toward contracts that match your experience level.
Do I need special certifications to qualify for assignments?
Yes, most hospitals expect BLS and PALS as a baseline. Many also prefer ENPC or CPEN for pediatric ER roles. These certifications not only open doors to better contracts but can also increase your pay. If you don’t have them yet, Junxion can help you find assignments that support or reimburse continuing education.
What’s the average contract length for pediatric ER travel nurses?
Standard contracts run for 13 weeks. However, extensions are common if you and the facility are a good fit. Shorter contracts do come up, and some facilities will request back-to-back renewals to cover ongoing staffing needs.
Can I bring my family or pets on assignment?
Yes, many travelers do. Your weekly stipends are flexible—you can use them for family-sized housing or pet-friendly rentals. Our recruiters can point you to resources and even help you plan ahead with guides like housing for traveling med workers.
What types of facilities hire pediatric ER travel nurses?
Contracts are available at children’s hospitals, community hospitals with pediatric ER wings, Level I trauma centers, pediatric urgent care clinics, and even rural hospital assignments. Each environment gives you different experience and career growth opportunities.
How does pay compare between staff and travel pediatric ER nursing?
Staff pediatric ER nurses usually earn $60,000–$90,000 per year. Travelers often earn more because of higher hourly rates plus tax-free stipends for housing, meals, and travel expenses.
What support does Junxion provide during assignments?
We don’t disappear after placing you. You’ll have a dedicated recruiter for ongoing support, plus access to useful med traveler resources and compliance help. Whether you need assistance with payroll, licensing, or housing stipends, our team is just a call away.
Can I switch between specialties as a traveler?
Yes, many nurses use travel contracts to gain experience in different specialties. For example, if you have pediatric ER experience but want to explore cath lab or OR roles, Junxion recruiters can help you pivot into new opportunities once you’ve built enough experience.
How soon can I start once I apply?
If your compliance documents and licenses are up to date, you could start in as little as 2–4 weeks. Facilities with urgent needs sometimes onboard travelers even faster.
What makes Junxion Med Staffing different from other agencies?
We were founded by a traveler who understands the lifestyle. We offer transparent pay packages, assignments in both major cities and underserved areas, and recruiters who actually listen to your goals. We’re not here to just “fill jobs,” we’re here to help you build a sustainable, rewarding travel career.
Take the Next Step Towards ER Travel Nursing With Junxion
Your skills as a nurse save lives every day. Imagine combining that impact with the freedom to explore new places, earn more, and grow professionally. That’s the opportunity waiting for you as a pediatric ER travel nurse with Junxion Med Staffing.
Browse today’s assignments, connect with a recruiter, and start your journey with us today.
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