Start a lucrative career in travel nursing with many high-paying opportunities through Cross Country. 

<p>Over the years, the industry has evolved with countless specialties, including <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/travel" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">travel nursing</a>, which boomed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, travel nursing has become a desirable option for nurses nationwide. One that fills gaps in medical facilities while simultaneously offering professionals a sense of freedom and adventure.</p><h2>What is a Travel Nurse?</h2><p>Travel nurses are registered nurses (RNs) who work temporarily in various healthcare facilities nationwide, typically for 13 to 26 weeks. The demand for travel nurses has soared in recent years, driven by nursing shortages, seasonal fluctuations, and the need for specialized skills in specific locations.</p><h3>Why Choose Travel Nursing?</h3><p>The allure of travel nursing lies in its ability to combine professional growth with the excitement of exploring new places. These professionals enjoy the flexibility to choose their assignments, allowing them to work in diverse settings while also advancing their career and skill sets at a quicker pace. This career path also comes with a higher pay rate, which is highly intriguing.</p><h3>Which Are the Highest-Paid Types of Travel Nurses?</h3><p>One of the critical factors for many aspiring travel nurses is the potential for higher compensation. While compensation can vary based on location, experience, and demand, some travel nurses tend to command higher salaries. Here are some of the higher-paying specialties within travel nursing:</p><h3>1. Critical Care Nurses</h3><p>Critical care nurses, including those specializing in Intensive Care Units (ICU) and Emergency Departments (ED), are often among the highest-paid travel nurses. Their expertise in handling life-threatening situations and acute medical conditions is in high demand, especially in facilities with a surge in patient admissions.</p><h3>2. Operating Room (OR) Nurses</h3><p>Travel nurses with operating room experience are sought after for their skills in surgical assistance and patient care during procedures. As surgical technology advances, the demand for qualified OR nurses grows, leading to higher compensation.</p><h3>3. Cardiac Cath Lab Nurses</h3><p>Cardiac catheterization laboratory nurses play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating cardiovascular conditions. Their specialized skills in assisting with cardiac procedures make them valuable assets, and in turn, they often enjoy higher pay rates as travel nurses.</p><h3>4. Labor and Delivery Nurses</h3><p>Labor and delivery nurses are in high demand, especially in regions experiencing spikes in childbirth rates. Travel nurses with expertise in obstetrics, neonatal care, and labor support often generate higher compensation for their specialty.</p><h2>Which Types of Travel Nurses Are Most in Demand?</h2><p>Besides high pay rates, understanding which types of travel nurses are most in demand can help prospective travelers tailor their skills and increase their chances of securing desirable assignments. Here are some specialties that consistently experience high demand:</p><h3>1. Medical-Surgical Nurses</h3><p>Medical-surgical nursing is a broad field that encompasses a range of specialties, making nurses with these skills versatile and adaptable. Facilities that handle various patient cases often seek medical-surgical travel nurses to provide comprehensive patient care.</p><h3>2. Telemetry Nurses</h3><p>Telemetry nurses monitor patients with critical conditions using advanced technology to track vital signs. As the healthcare landscape evolves, the demand for telemetry nurses increases, especially in settings where continuous patient monitoring is essential.</p><h3>3. Psychiatric Nurses</h3><p>The demand for psychiatric travel nurses has risen with growing awareness of mental health issues. Facilities providing mental health services, including psychiatric hospitals and community mental health centers, often require experienced travel nurses to address the needs of their patients.</p><h3>4. Home Health Nurses</h3><p>As the trend towards home-based healthcare continues, travel nurses specializing in home health are in demand. These nurses provide medical care to patients in their homes, offering a unique and rewarding travel nursing experience.</p><h2>Other Types of Travel Nurses</h2><p>In addition to the high-paying and in-demand specialties, there are various other types of travel nurses, each with its own set of challenges and rewards:</p><h3>1. Rehabilitation Nurses</h3><p>Rehabilitation nurses work with patients recovering from injuries or surgeries, assisting them in regaining their independence. Travel nurses in rehabilitation settings contribute to the recovery and improvement of patients' quality of life.</p><h3>2. Oncology Nurses</h3><p>Oncology travel nurses are crucial in caring for cancer patients, administering treatments, and providing emotional support. Assignments in oncology allow nurses to impact the lives of those facing a cancer diagnosis significantly.</p><h3>3. Hospice Nurses</h3><p>Hospice travel nurses provide compassionate end-of-life care to patients and their families. This type of nursing requires unique skills focused on comfort, support, and maintaining dignity during a challenging time.</p><h2>Become a Travel Nurse with Cross Country</h2><p>At <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/travel" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cross Country</a>, our travel nurses not only experience the flexibility and independence that a career in travel nursing offers. They also enjoy competitive compensation packages with full benefits and competitive rates, moving assistance, access to thousands of jobs across the U.S, and guidance from recruiters who not only walk candidates through the process but also get to know candidates to better understand their personal and professional goals to fit them with the right roles. Our goal is for each travel professional to have a successful and fulfilling travel experience, achieve their goals, and make the process as smooth as possible by providing all the tools they may need.</p><p>If you're ready to jumpstart your career in travel nursing with Cross Country, either call us at 800.530.6125, and a recruiter will walk you through the process, or <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/apply-now" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">apply to</a> one of our open assignments, and a recruiter will reach out after your application is submitted.</p>

Types of Travel Nurses: Exploring Your Options