Current projections by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show the rate of new nursing positions reaching 16 percent by 2024. Compared to many other professions, this is one industry that is growing at a much faster than average rate! While it’s partly a result of better modern medical practices, there are many reasons why nursing is so popular. Not only do nurses find great positions nearby, but these travel nursing specialties in demand allow an amazing amount of career flexibility!
Whether you’re working as an LPN, RN, or CNA, it is often the case that nurses specialize in a certain area to provide better care. For those looking to start finding travel positions, here are some of the top travel nursing specialties in demand:
Travel Nursing Specialties In Demand
Intensive Care Unit Nurses
Remaining one of the most challenging yet rewarding nursing specialties out there, ICU travel nurses provide critical care to patients in life-threatening situations. Nurses in this field treat anything from heart attacks and strokes to patients who are critically-ill or currently experiencing a life-threatening medical situation. This is one nursing specialty that requires a great deal of discipline and can be very emotionally stressful. Although with that in mind, the services that ICU nurses provide are invaluable to the well-being of patients, their families, and a facility overall.
Education Requirements: RN with general patient care experience. A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) is preferred while Certified Critical Care Nurse (CCRN) designations are optional.
Salary: The median annual wage for ICU nurses is $100,910.
Operating Room (OR) Nurses
Also commonly referred to as Preoperative Registered Nurses, OR nurses work to treat patients before, during, and after surgical procedures. In many cases, nurses in this field work very closely with patients, their families, and healthcare teams to coordinate the best outcomes possible. Considering that the required skills are easy to take on the road, OR nurse jobs remain one of the top travel nursing specialties in demand today!
Education Requirements: RN license with a BSN, an associate degree in nursing (ADN), or a hospital diploma.
Salary: The median annual wage for OR nursing jobs is $64,000.
Medical Surgical (MedSurg) Nurses
Nurses who provide postoperative care and assist patients recovering from major surgeries or procedures. MedSurg nurses work in medical-surgical units and are highly specialized in what they do — that means these jobs are available in great locations throughout the country! They often act as the backbone for their teams, working to document each surgery while monitoring and comforting patients. For those who are multitasking pros, it’s obvious as to why Med/Surg jobs a top specialty.
Education Requirements: RN license with a BSN. A Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN) designation is mandatory.
Salary: The median annual wage for Med/Surg nurses is $58,240.
Emergency Room (ER) Nurses
According to Olivet Nazarene University, around 30 percent of all nurses in the United States work as ER nurses! Professionals in this field provide rapid assessments and treatment to patients who required immediately and life-saving attention. Nurses working in the ER can see anything from car accidents or strokes to gunshot wounds and drug overdoses. Needless to say, these positions remain one of the top travel nursing specialties in demand wherever you go! For those who can withstand some seriously stressful situations, the reward is often well worth it!
Education Requirements: RN license along with the necessary Emergency Nursing Continuing Education courses.
Salary: The median annual salary for ER nurses is $70,104.
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Nurses
For babies born prematurely or with critical illnesses, NICU nurses come to the rescue! Professionals in this field often work in hospital wings designated for neonatal intensive care units. Working closely with physicians, their goal is to provide care for newborns while educating mothers on proper feeding methods. With nearly 30,000 babies born prematurely or in critical condition each year in the U.S., NICU nursing positions are available anywhere in the country. Overall, this makes for a fantastic way to travel while caring for at-risk babies!
Education Requirements: RN license in addition to having passed the American Association of Critical Care Nursing’s critical care neonatal nursing certification.
Salary: The median annual salary for NICU nurses is $63,000.
Although there are numerous other travel nursing jobs available right here on TravelNurseSource.com, these are some of the most accessible, well-paying, and impactful specialties you’ll find!
Your specialty didn’t make the list? Let us know which of the travel nursing specialties in demand that you’d like to learn more about!
November 30, 2017
I’m a retired RN, only interested in part-time but VERY interested in working in an area new to me which offers a chance to use my extensive experience in something about which I feel passionate. From first getting an LVN license in 1969 to retiring in 2006, the specialty areas I’ve worked in are Neuro, med/surg, CCU/ICU (I’m great with telemetry), ortho, rehab, Dr’s office and home health. My present interests lean toward teaching/tutoring/exam prep or something to do with research or coordination between charities and other agencies. I also hold an MA in English. Thank you, Patricia Carey, RN, BSN, MA