What Do Travel Nurses Do? A Close Look

Are you an experienced registered nurse (RN) wondering about the ins and outs of what do travel nurses do? Travel nursing is an exciting career opportunity that allows you to step into short-term roles in healthcare facilities across the country (or even internationally). 

At Junxion Med Staffing, we specialize in placing top-quality travel nurses in healthcare settings where their expertise is needed most. To start exploring travel nurse positions, check out our travel healthcare positions.

In this blog post, we’ll walk through exactly what do traveling nurses do, what the process looks like, and how it all works—especially when you work with a top staffing agency like us. For more resources on travel nursing, be sure to visit Junxion Med Staffing’s travel nurse resources.

What Is a Travel Nurse?

Before we dive into what do travel nurses do, let’s start with a solid definition. What is a travel nurse?

A travel nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who takes on short-term contracts at healthcare facilities experiencing staffing shortages. These positions can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, allowing nurses to work in diverse settings—both in high-demand areas within the U.S. and internationally.

Travel nurses play a crucial role in ensuring that hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes maintain high-quality patient care, even when there are gaps in staffing. If a hospital faces a surge in patients, or if a unit has a temporary shortage due to illness, vacation, or a lack of permanent staff, travel nurses step in to provide support.

Whether it’s in high-demand states like Texas, Florida, or Arizona, or even in more remote areas, travel nurses can work across a variety of settings, including hospitals, outpatient centers, and long-term care facilities. The beauty of this job lies in its flexibility, offering nurses the chance to explore new places and gain diverse healthcare experience.

What Does a Travel Nurse Do?

If you’re already an RN and wondering what does a travel nurse do day-to-day, it’s not too different from what you already know. As a travel nurse, you’re still responsible for providing high-quality patient care. However, the flexibility and variety of assignments give you a fresh challenge. You may find yourself working in different departments, such as pediatrics, ICU, or medical-surgical units, depending on your specialty.

The duties of a travel nurse include:

1. Administering medications and monitoring patients’ reactions
2. Documenting patient history and daily observations
3. Providing direct care and assistance with medical procedures
4. Working closely with physicians, technicians, and healthcare staff to ensure the best care for each patient
5. Collaborating with families and educating them about care plans
6. Adapting quickly to the hospital’s policies, patient care procedures, and technology

As a travel nurse, you must be ready to adapt to each facility’s unique systems and expectations. Since travel nurses often work in temporary and understaffed units, they may be expected to take on extra responsibilities, ensuring that patient care is not compromised.

At Junxion Med Staffing, we specialize in placing travel nurses across several states, ensuring that our nurses are prepared for these dynamic, fast-paced roles. When you work with us, we help ensure that your transition to each assignment is smooth, from providing housing to organizing your schedule.

Apply with a Travel Nurse Agency

One of the most crucial steps in the how does travel nursing work process is partnering with a travel nurse agency. At Junxion Med Staffing, we make sure our nurses have everything they need to succeed in their roles, from securing assignments to providing support throughout the contract.

Here’s how it works when you work with Junxion Med Staffing:

1. Sign up and apply

 Once you sign up for travel healthcare positions, we will match you with the right assignments based on your preferences, location, and specialty.

2. Choose an assignment

After reviewing the available opportunities, you’ll choose the one that fits your needs. Our team helps you choose an assignment that works with your schedule, specialty, and location preferences. You’ll get a detailed answer to the question “what do travel nurses do?” for your case during this stage.

3. Complete the contract

Once you accept an assignment, we provide all the details, handle the paperwork, and ensure that you’re set up for success. You will get housing assistance, travel reimbursement, and other perks like competitive pay.

We make the process as seamless as possible, so you can focus on what you do best: delivering top-notch care. For more details, check out our Frequently Asked Travel Med Staffing Questions page.

How Does Travel Nursing Work?

Now that we covered the main question: “What Do Travel Nurses Do?” let’s explore more details about being a travel nurse. The general process of joining the traveling nurse program involves a few key steps. First, after signing up with a travel nurse agency like Junxion Med Staffing, you will begin reviewing open assignments and select the one that best fits your interests and skills.

Here’s an overview of how it typically works:

1. Apply to a travel nursing program: After applying, you’ll go through the application process where you’ll provide details about your qualifications, work history, and preferences.
2. Get matched to an assignment: Based on your specialty and preferences, you’ll be matched to an assignment. Our team at Junxion Med Staffing works closely with healthcare facilities across various states to provide you with high-demand roles.
3. Travel to your new destination: Once you’ve been matched to an assignment, we handle travel reimbursements, accommodations, and all logistics, making your transition as smooth as possible.
4. Begin your contract: You’ll begin working at your new facility, stepping in to fill a staffing gap and providing quality care as an experienced RN.

Junxion Med Staffing ensures that every step, from applying for a traveling nurse program to the final days of your contract, is as easy and streamlined as possible.

Qualifications to Be a Travel Nurse

Wondering what are the qualifications to be a travel nurse? Here are the key requirements to get started as a travel nurse:

1. Registered Nurse (RN) License: You must have a current RN license to practice as a travel nurse.
2. Experience: Travel nursing agencies generally require at least one year of clinical experience in your specialty area before you can start taking travel assignments. The more experience you have, the more flexibility you will have in choosing assignments.
3. Specialty Qualifications: Many travel nurse assignments require experience in specific specialties, like ICU, pediatrics, or emergency care. This helps ensure that you are able to quickly adjust and provide excellent care in each setting.
4. State Licensure: Depending on the states where you’re planning to work, you may need to obtain licenses in those specific states. Fortunately, if you’re part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), you can work in multiple states with a single license. For more about traveling nurse license & travel healthcare professionals information, check out our license guide.

At Junxion Med Staffing, we’re here to help guide you through the qualification process and find the best opportunities suited to your skills and experience.

Duties and Responsibility of a Travel Nurse

When considering what do travel nurses do, it’s important to understand that they perform a wide range of duties, just like full-time nurses. However, because travel nurses work in temporary settings, their roles often come with added responsibilities and a greater need for adaptability.

Some of the duties and responsibilities of a travel nurse include:

• Providing direct care to patients, including administering medications, observing vital signs, and assisting with medical procedures.
• Quickly adapting to the hospital’s systems and technologies for patient care and documentation.
• Helping train and support the permanent staff, especially in understaffed units.
• Collaborating with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement treatment plans for patients.
• Filling in leadership roles when necessary, such as charge nurse duties, to ensure the smooth operation of the unit.

Since travel nurses are often filling in at facilities facing shortages, their role may require them to take on extra duties, ensuring that patient care is not compromised. Make sure you take short breaks when possible to perform your duties more efficiently and take care of yourself.

Where Do Travel Nurses Work?

Wondering where do travel nurses work? Travel nurses are in demand all over the country, and they can work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, and more. Some facilities may even be in remote areas where healthcare professionals are harder to come by. 

At Junxion Med Staffing, we specialize in placing nurses in high-demand states such as Texas, Florida, Arizona, and other areas that face consistent staffing shortages. You might also find opportunities in different specialties like pediatrics, oncology, and geriatrics, depending on your experience and preferences. 

Travel Nurse Job Outlook

The travel nurse job outlook is promising, especially given the growing demand for healthcare professionals across the country. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for registered nurses is projected to grow by 9% from 2020 to 2030. This growth is driven by an aging population, increased healthcare needs, and a shortage of nurses in various states.

If you’re considering a career in travel nursing, the job market is robust, with plenty of opportunities for experienced nurses who are ready to make the leap.

Becoming a Traveling Nurse

After becoming a licensed RN, the next step is to start applying for travel nursing positions. Once you’re ready to go, partner with a reputable agency like Junxion Med Staffing, where we’ll help guide you through every step of the process—from selecting assignments to getting settled into new locations. 

Whether you’re seeking flexibility, adventure, or better pay, becoming a travel nurse can open up a world of opportunities. For more information about [Travel RN Jobs Across the United States](LIVE LINK), check out our current openings.

FAQs About What Do Travel Nurses Do

How long do travel nurses work at one assignment?

The duration of a travel nurse assignment can vary, but most contracts last between 8 and 26 weeks. Depending on the hospital’s needs and your preferences, you may extend your assignment or move on to a new location.

Can travel nurses work internationally?

Yes, travel nurses can take assignments abroad, although the requirements and process will vary depending on the country. Working with an agency like Junxion Med Staffing can help you find international travel nursing opportunities.

Do travel nurses earn more than regular nurses?

Travel nurses typically earn higher pay than their full-time counterparts, largely due to the temporary nature of the job and the shortage of nurses in certain areas. Travel nurses may also receive additional benefits, including housing stipends, travel reimbursements, and health coverage.

FAQs About Junxion Med Staffing

What services does Junxion Med Staffing provide?

Junxion Med Staffing specializes in placing healthcare professionals in travel nursing positions across the United States. We provide competitive pay, housing assistance, and excellent support to our staff.

How can I apply for travel nurse positions with Junxion Med Staffing?

You can sign up for travel healthcare positions through our easy online portal. From there, we’ll help match you with positions that fit your skills and preferences.

For more info, check out our healthcare traveler blogs for helpful insights and tips.

Can I refer someone to become a travel nurse?

Yes! If you know someone who might be interested in becoming a travel nurse, you can refer them through our Refer a Friend page. You’ll both benefit!

So, What Do Travel Nurses Do?

So, what do travel nurses do? It’s more than just a job—it’s an exciting adventure! Travel nurses step in to provide essential healthcare services when hospitals and clinics face staffing shortages. Whether it’s during a busy flu season, helping out during a pandemic, or filling in for nurses on leave, travel nurses are critical to maintaining patient care across the country.
If you’re ready to experience the flexibility, competitive pay, and diverse work settings that come with this career, Junxion Med Staffing is here to help you find the best travel nurse positions. Contact our med staffing team today!