Travel nurse jobs are where licensed nurses take short term nursing positions at locations across the country to fill in where there is a shortage of staff. Traveling nurses are in high demand because nursing occupations are in high demand, but there fails to be enough people to fill them all. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for nursing positions is expected to increase by at least 23 percent between 2006 and 2016.

In order to obtain a travel nurse job, you must first obtain at least an associate’s degree in nursing. You will also need to obtain a nursing license. Typically, you will need a license in your current state of residence and then will also need to apply for a license wherever you obtain a new position. Temporary licenses (usually for up to a year) are available in most states. The process of obtaining one is relatively simple in most cases, since you will already have an active license from another state. Generally, proof of such license is all you will need to transfer your licensing to another state and quickly get to work. The annual salary of a travel nurse job ranges from $40,000 to $120,000. Travel nurses are paid hourly, since their job location changes frequently (anywhere from eight weeks to one year in a position). The hourly rate for a travel nurse job is typically between $25 and $40 per hour, depending on the location and employer. While health benefits may not be available through employers and you may need to obtain those on your own, other benefits may include free housing during the duration of your position, paid expenses and, of course, higher than average wages.

A travel nurse job is typically available when there is a shortage of nurses, such as when someone has left their position and a replacement has not been found as of yet. However, some health care facilities may offer a full-time and permanent position to a travel nurse if they are pleased with their performance. This puts travel nurses in full control of their career, with short term positions available all over the country and the opportunity to try out various locations before deciding to settle somewhere, if at all.