Travel nursing is a booming career option for registered nurses. Not only does it provide them with the opportunity to travel to different places, but it also offers higher pay rates than their permanent job. The demand for travel nurses has increased in recent years, leading to more attractive compensation packages. In this article, we will provide insights on the highest paying RN travel jobs that will help registered nurses plan a fulfilling and well-compensated career in the nursing industry.
What is a Travel RN?
A travel registered nurse (RN) is a licensed nurse who is hired to work on a contractual basis at different hospitals or healthcare facilities across the country. As a travel nurse, you will be required to have the same duties and responsibilities as a staff nurse in a regular hospital setting. However, the main difference is that you will be working on a temporary basis and moving from one location to another. The length of the assignment can range from a few weeks to several months.
How Much Do Travel RNs Get Paid?
The pay rates for travel nurses can vary depending on several factors such as location, experience, assignment duration, etc. However, the average salary of a travel nurse in the United States is around $80,000 per year. This is considerably higher than the salary of a staff nurse working in a permanent position.
Highest Paying RN Travel Jobs
Here are some of the highest paying RN travel jobs:
Job Title | Salary |
---|---|
Operating Room Nurse | $2,500 – $3,000 per week |
Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Nurse | $2,300 – $2,800 per week |
Emergency Room (ER) Nurse | $2,200 – $2,700 per week |
Telemetry Nurse | $2,100 – $2,500 per week |
Medical-Surgical Nurse | $1,800 – $2,200 per week |
Labor and Delivery Nurse | $2,100 – $2,500 per week |
These pay rates may vary depending on the location, duration of the assignment, and other factors. However, the above-listed travel nursing job titles are some of the highest paying RN travel jobs in the nursing industry today.
Advantages of Being a Travel RN
Being a travel RN has several advantages:
- High pay rates compared to permanent nursing jobs.
- The opportunity to travel to different places across the country.
- Flexible work schedule and the ability to choose assignments based on personal preferences.
- The ability to gain new experiences and skills by working in different healthcare settings.
- The chance to network with professionals in the nursing industry.
FAQs:
Q. What are the requirements to become a travel nurse?
A. To become a travel nurse, you must have a nursing degree, a valid nursing license, and at least one year of experience in a hospital or healthcare setting. You may also be required to have specific certifications depending on the job assignment.
Q. How long are travel nurse assignments?
A. Travel nurse assignments can vary in length. Some assignments may be as short as a few weeks, while others can last up to a year.
Q. Do travel nurses receive benefits?
A. Yes, most travel nursing agencies offer benefits such as health insurance, dental insurance, and retirement plans.
Conclusion
Travel nursing is an exciting and rewarding career option for registered nurses. The pay rates for travel nurses are higher than permanent nursing jobs, and they also provide the opportunity to travel to different places and gain new experiences. If you are a registered nurse looking to explore new career opportunities, consider becoming a travel nurse.