Healthcare Community Blog | Fusion Marketplace

Pay Rate Surges for These Travel Nurses

Written by Jazmyn Brown | 10/2/23 11:00 AM

Many travel nurses begin traveling because they can make more money. While travel nurse wages are continuing to decrease and return to “normal” after the COVID-19 pandemic, many specialty nurse positions are increasing in pay month over month. As the demand for skilled professionals in certain areas grows, these travel nurses are reaping the benefits of higher wages and increased job prospects, and finding ways to make more money.

The following data shows an increase in travel pay wages from June-July 2023, according to Becker’s Hospital Review.

Surging travel wages for these 9 travel nurse positions

  1. Long-term care
  2. Trauma
  3. Ambulatory surgery
  4. Cardiology
  5. Corrections
  6. Electrophysiology lab
  7. Maternal newborn
  8. Clinical nurse coordinator
  9. Nurse manager

Long Term Care

A long-term care (LTC) nurse specializes in providing medical care and assistance to patients who require extended or ongoing care, typically in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or rehabilitation centers. They monitor patients' health, administer medication, assist with daily activities, and provide emotional support. 

Long-term care nurses are experiencing a 3.34% pay increase month over month.  

Search for LTC RN and LPN jobs.

Trauma

Trauma nurses provide specialized care to patients facing traumatic injuries or emergencies. With their exceptional skills and knowledge, they contribute immensely to saving lives and promoting the well-being of those in critical condition.

When a patient arrives at the emergency room with severe injuries caused by accidents, violence, or medical emergencies, trauma nurses are the first line of defense. They possess the expertise to assess the situation quickly, prioritize care, and initiate life-saving interventions. Some trauma nurses work in the ER or ICU, but all save lives daily.

Trauma nurses are experiencing a 3.93% pay increase month-over-month.

Ambulatory surgery

An ambulatory surgery nurse plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of outpatient surgical procedures. They are responsible for assessing patients before their surgeries, preparing them for the procedure, and monitoring their recovery post-surgery. Ambulatory surgery nurses also collaborate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals to provide safe and efficient care in an outpatient setting.

Ambulatory surgery nurses are experiencing a 4.92% pay increase month-over-month.

Cardiology


Cardiology nurses specialize in providing specialized care for patients with heart conditions and cardiovascular diseases. They work closely with cardiologists to administer treatments, monitor patients' vital signs, perform diagnostic tests, and educate patients about managing their cardiac health. Cardiology nurses stay up to date with advancements in cardiac care, ensuring that they deliver evidence-based practices and support patients in making lifestyle modifications to improve their overall heart health.

Cardiology nurses are experiencing a 1.76% pay increase month-over-month.

Corrections

Corrections nurses provide healthcare services to individuals who are incarcerated in correctional facilities, such as prisons or jails. They assess and treat various medical conditions, dispense medications, monitor patients' health, and respond to emergencies within the confines of the correctional environment. In addition, correctional nurses also play a pivotal role in promoting preventive healthcare, educating inmates on health maintenance, and facilitating rehabilitation by addressing both physical and mental health needs.

Correctional RNs are experiencing a 1.69% pay increase month-over-month.

Find traveling corrections RN and LPN jobs.

Electrophysiology lab

A traveling Electrophysiology (EP) lab tech is a highly skilled professional who provides specialized support in diagnosing and treating heart rhythm disorders. They work alongside cardiologists and other healthcare professionals to perform intricate procedures, such as cardiac mapping and ablation, in different medical facilities across various locations. Their expertise, flexibility, and ability to adapt to different healthcare settings make them indispensable in delivering high-quality care to patients in need.

EP techs are experiencing a 1.51% pay increase month-over-month.

Search for your next traveling EP job.

Maternal newborn

Maternal-newborn nurses provide care to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, as well as care for newborn infants. They assist with prenatal exams, monitor fetal development, educate and support expectant mothers, and provide guidance on breastfeeding and newborn care. Maternal-newborn nurses also play a crucial role in advocating for the physical and emotional well-being of both the mother and baby, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for the entire family during this transformative time.

Maternal newborn nurses are experiencing a 1.49% pay increase month-over-month.

Clinical nurse coordinator

A traveling clinical nurse coordinator plays a vital role in coordinating and overseeing clinical operations across multiple healthcare facilities. They ensure efficient patient care delivery, staff coordination, and adherence to protocols and guidelines. Their responsibilities may include training and mentoring staff, monitoring quality assurance, and implementing best practices to optimize patient outcomes.

Clinical nurse coordinators are experiencing a 5.62% pay increase month-over-month.

Nurse manager

A nurse manager plays a crucial role in overseeing the operations of a nursing unit or department within a healthcare facility. They are responsible for managing and supervising a team of nurses, ensuring efficient workflow, and maintaining high-quality patient care. Nurse managers also handle administrative tasks such as budgeting, resource allocation, and staff scheduling to ensure the smooth functioning of the nursing unit.

Nurse managers are experiencing a 2.57% pay increase month-over-month.

Search for nurse manager jobs.

FAQ about travel nursing

Why become a travel nurse?

Becoming a travel nurse offers a unique opportunity to combine your passion for nursing with a sense of adventure. You'll have the chance to explore new places, experience diverse cultures, and expand your professional network. Additionally, as a travel nurse, you'll gain valuable experience working in different healthcare settings, enhancing your skills, and making you a well-rounded healthcare professional.

What qualifications do I need to become a travel nurse?

To become a travel nurse, you'll need to have an active registered nurse (RN) license. Additionally, most travel nursing agencies prefer candidates with at least one year of clinical experience in their specialty area. Certain certifications, such as Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), are almost always required, depending on the assignment.

How long are typical travel nurse assignments?

The length of travel nurse assignments can vary, but most tend to range from 13 to 26 weeks. The duration of each assignment is typically determined by factors such as the facility's needs and the nurse's preferences, providing flexibility for those seeking different lengths of contracts.

Find your next travel nursing assignment

By exploring nursing specialties, you can unlock lucrative opportunities that align with your passion and expertise. Marketplace is your trusted companion in finding the best-paying travel nursing jobs! Join our platform today and unlock a world of possibilities to maximize your income while enjoying the flexibility of travel nursing.