travel assignment meaning

What Is a Travel Nurse?

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How Long to Become 2-4 years

Job Outlook 6% growth from 2020-2030

Average Weekly Salary $2130/week for RNs

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Travel nursing is a unique way to transform your nursing career into an exciting adventure. As a travel nurse, you get paid to be away from home — while discovering new places, people, and healthcare settings. Find out what the life of a travel nurse is like and how to become one.

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What Does a Travel Nurse Do?

A travel nurse is a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) who works short-term contracts in various locations. Hospitals or other healthcare facilities hire travel nurses to fill shifts during periods of short staffing.

A travel nurse contract typically lasts 13 weeks, which is how long it takes to hire and train permanent nursing staff. Contract lengths may vary based on a facility’s needs and a travel nurse’s availability.

Travel nurses work for third-party agencies that match them with facilities based on their experience.

When they arrive at an assignment, their training period can be as short as three days compared to three months for a staff nurse. For this reason, a traveling nurse must be well-prepared to care for patients in their specialty. Travel nurses typically need at least 2-3 years in their specialty. This combination of preparedness and experience contributes to the higher pay they receive.

While on assignment, travel nurses perform the same duties as the permanent nursing staff. Depending on the unit they’re working on, a typical shift for a travel nurse may look like this:

• Clock into work and check your assignment (or find out if you’re floating to another unit)
• Get a report from the off-going nurse
• Perform patient rounds
• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team and nursing staff to facilitate patient movement, including procedures, diagnostic tests, surgery, and higher or lower levels of care
• Complete orders based on patient needs and the flow of the unit, like ambulating patients and monitoring intake and output
• Give a report to the oncoming nurse
• Clock out and get ready for the next shift

When their assignment is complete, the facility may ask travel nurses to extend their contract at a facility. Other times, they travel to other locations based on their preferences.

JGI/Tom Grill / Getty Images

Key Responsibilities

A travel nurse is responsible for following orders and protocols to carry out individual patient care plans. On a typical shift, their job duties may include:

• Performing head-to-toe assessments
• Giving medications
• Monitoring vital signs
• Collecting labs
• Participating in multidisciplinary rounds
• Assisting with procedures
• Managing IVs or central lines
• Performing wound care
• Admitting and discharging patients

Career Traits

A successful travel nurse is:

• Confident in their nursing skills
• Experienced in their specialty for at least 2-3 years
• A quick learner
• Not afraid to ask for help
• A strong patient advocate

Where Do Travel Nurses Work?

Travel nurses can work in several settings, from hospitals to long-term care facilities. A travel nurse must have experience within their practice area to deliver the safest patient care.

Here are some examples of settings where a travel nurse might work:

Long-Term Care

A long-term care nurse may become a traveler and care for assisted living or nursing home residents. In these settings, a travel nurse’s key responsibilities include passing medications, assisting patients with activities of daily living, and collaborating with families.

Medical-Surgical Unit

Medical-surgical travel nurses care for hospital patients with various conditions, diseases, and therapies. They monitor vital signs, administer medications, and perform wound care. They have a wide skill set and are constantly learning about new conditions on the fly.

Intensive Care Unit

An ICU travel nurse cares for critically ill patients in the hospital. Intensive care nurses manage equipment like ventilators, cardiac monitors, invasive pressure devices, and continuous dialysis machines.

They’re ready to respond to emergencies anytime because their patients can take a turn quickly. A nurse must complete advanced competencies in an ICU before becoming a critical care travel nurse.

Why Become a Travel Nurse

Many nurses become travelers because they’re ready for a new adventure. Travel nursing allows you to see different parts of the country — and the world — while getting paid more than a staff nursing position.

But the travel nurse lifestyle comes with some frustrations, like always being on the move. Learn more about the pros and cons of being a travel nurse.

Advantages of Becoming a Travel Nurse

Disadvantages of becoming a travel nurse, how to become a travel nurse.

To become a travel nurse , you first need to become a nurse . Then, you need to get enough experience in a specialty to feel comfortable caring for patients in new locations with minimal training. Here’s what you need to do:

Get a nursing degree.

Complete nursing education to earn a bachelor’s, an associate, or a licensed practical nursing degree.

Become licensed.

Pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN and earn an RN or LPN license in your state of practice.

Get experience in a nursing specialty.

Most facilities require a nurse to have two years of recent experience in a specialty. However, this depends on the unit, facility, and travel agency.

Get licensed in other states.

If you have a compact nursing license , you can practice in any state it covers. If you plan to travel to a non-compact state, you must apply for licensure with that state’s board of nursing.

Get certifications.

Nursing certification requirements vary by specialty. Some requirements may include ACLS, PALS, NRP, and chemo certification.

Join a travel nurse agency.

After getting plenty of nursing experience, you’ll apply to a travel nurse agency to get matched with jobs. They’ll walk you through a hiring process and help you transition into working as a traveler at a new healthcare facility.

How Much Do Travel Nurses Make?

A travel nurse’s pay structure differs from a staff nurse’s because a travel agency covers their cost of living. When nurses accept an assignment, their compensation package determines their pay. The details like housing stipends, travel reimbursement, and hourly pay are set during contract negotiations .

The pay range for travel nurses depends on the location and specialty. For example, nurses skilled in a high-demand department may get higher offers at short-staffed facilities.

Travel nurse salaries change constantly due to healthcare industry changes and hiring demands. A recent market report shows a national average of $2,130/week for RNs and $1,479/week for LPNs. Another report shows an average hourly rate of $49 for travel nurses.

Many factors go into a travel nurse’s pay rate, like:

• Nursing specialty

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Nurses

What does a travel nurse do on a typical day.

A travel nurse assumes care of patients just like any other nurse on a unit. Examples of daily responsibilities include doing assessments, giving medications, monitoring vital signs, starting IVs, and dressing wounds.

In addition to performing standard nursing care, they may have to handle administrative tasks required by their travel agency. This might include submitting time sheets, compliance paperwork, and check-ins with a recruiter.

How competitive is being a travel nurse?

Travel nurse jobs may be competitive at locations with the highest pay — meaning there may be more than one nurse interested in an open position. Some travel nurse agencies have long-standing relationships with certain facilities, which gets travelers into interviews faster. An experienced travel nurse recruiter can help you get interviews at your desired location.

How long are travel nursing assignments?

A standard travel assignment is 13 weeks. However, a travel nurse contract can be as short as four weeks, and facilities may offer to extend the contract. If a facility has critical needs, a travel nurse may take a crisis staffing assignment to help quickly. Also called rapid response nursing, these assignments range from 2-6 weeks and often require nurses to work 48 hours or more weekly.

Why are travel nurses paid more?

A travel nurse’s compensation package reflects the costs of traveling away from home. Different factors go into their pay, including hourly wages, travel reimbursements, housing stipends, and benefits.

Page last reviewed on February 26, 2024

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• Oct 7, 2022

Eleven Most Asked Questions About Working a Travel Assignment

Are you burnt out from your regular nursing or CNA gig? Want to experience a different way to administer healthcare to communities around the Midwest? Then a travel assignment might be the perfect fit for you!     

The healthcare field has a wide range of assignments to fit your schedule, lifestyle, and ultimately, your passions. If travel and adventure are among your interests, then you’ve come to the right place! If you are still hesitant to take the leap, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions about fulfilling a travel assignment with GrapeTree! 

1. What are travel assignments?

Travel assignments are when a healthcare professional fulfills urgent staffing needs in healthcare facilities that are typically 50+ miles away from your home address.  

2. How long is a typical travel assignment?

Travel assignments are typically 8-13 weeks.

3. Can I stay longer than 8-13 weeks?

Absolutely! Let both your GrapeTree Recruiter and the facility that you are working at know, and your Recruiter will work on an extension at that facility. Our team loves extensions, because that means you and the facility are a great match! 

4. How much can I earn as a traveling healthcare professional?  

It’s no secret that traveling healthcare professionals earn a competitive wage compared to their local counterparts. This is due in part to the facilities you will be staffing, are likely very short staffed. Also, travel nursing is a huge commitment. You will be working away from your home for the duration of the assignment, so GrapeTree wants to make sure you are highly compensated is a guide of estimated weekly pay packages:

5. What are the benefits of a travel assignment vs. working locally?   

The obvious benefit of working a travel assignment is travel. You have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the day-to-day life there while you work, stay, and play in different states all across the Midwest and beyond. Traveling also allows you to grow professionally in your career, learning to adapt and change in a new work environment plus making new friends like other traveling healthcare professionals. Both travel assignments and working local assignments with GrapeTree allow you the flexibility to choose what assignments you take on, allowing you to curate the perfect schedule. Travel assignments just have the added bonus of choosing where in the U.S. to go! 

6. Where can I travel as a healthcare professional with GrapeTree?  

Currently, GrapeTree is staffing healthcare professionals in 12 states throughout the Midwest! Our 12-state footprint includes Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, Minnesota, South Dakota, Indiana, Kansas, Wisconsin, Ohio, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. For travel opportunities specifically, we have also ventured into Idaho for one of our exclusive clients and are exploring some additional states in the near future, so stay tuned!

7. Do you offer stipends? How do they work?  

Yes, our travelers are eligible for travel, housing and meal stipends. GrapeTree will provide you with the funds, you find the travel and housing options that work best for you! These stipends will be paid out on your weekly paycheck and are dependent on facility type, specialty, location, and the certification you have.  

8. What experience do I need before I can become a traveling healthcare professional?  

Similar to GrapeTree’s non-travel assignments, CNAs must still have at least 6 months of experience, while LPNs and RNs must have at least 1 year of experience.  

9. What if I want to travel somewhere I am not certified/licensed?  

Healthcare professionals must be certified/licensed in the state they choose to work their assignment in. But the good news is we have an entire team dedicated to helping you easily transfer your license and get reimbursed in other states through a process called getting “reciprocity” or “endorsement.” Our team has compiled a list of all our states’ registries so you can easily transfer your license to the state of your choice! Get certified with other states here .  

10. Can I bring my family and/or pets with me on a travel assignment?  

Absolutely! The great thing about travel assignments is you are in complete control. Bringing your family? Perfect, they get to explore right alongside you! Can’t leave home without your dogs? We can’t either, bring them with! Like other trips you have no doubt been on, just make sure to clear the pet policy with your landlord/host/hotel.    

11. I’m interested! How can I start my travel adventure?  

Yay! We are so excited to help you find your next adventure. Our knowledgeable team of Nurse Recruiters are here to help you book into your dream assignment. Contact a recruiter today and let’s get you on the road! Have a question that you don't see answered here? Check out our travel FAQs webpage for additional information. 

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What is a Travel Nurse? Everything You Need to Know

How to become a travel nurse.

• State Licensing
• Agencies & Recruiters
• Certifications
• A Travel Nurse's Journey
• Final Thoughts

The world of nursing is not confined to traditional hospital settings. For those seeking excitement, flexibility, and diversity in their nursing careers, travel nursing presents a unique and rewarding opportunity.

This guide will discuss  travel nurse requirements , essential steps, qualities, and perks of becoming a travel nurse, offering valuable insights into this exhilarating profession.

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Want to learn how to become a travel nurse ? The first step is obtaining the necessary education and licensure.

Aspiring nurses can choose to pursue an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution. Opting for a BSN opens doors to a broader range of job prospects, including prestigious healthcare systems and trauma centers.

After completing their nursing education, nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to obtain their state nursing license, laying the foundation for their travel nursing journey.

As a travel nurse, certain certifications are commonly required and highly recommended to ensure the nurse’s readiness to handle various clinical situations and emergencies. The two critical certifications that travel nurses typically need are:

Basic Life Support (BLS): BLS certification by the American Heart Association is a fundamental requirement for all healthcare professionals. BLS training equips nurses with the skills to recognize and respond to life threatening emergencies such as cardiac arrest, choking, and respiratory distress.

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS): ACLS certification by the American Heart Association is essential for nurses working in settings where they may encounter patients with cardiac issues or in critical care situations. ACLS skills build upon BLS skills and provide additional knowledge and techniques to manage cardiac arrest, stroke and other cardiovascular emergencies. 

Depending on your specialty and the requirements from the facility you wish to travel to, other certifications such as PALS, NRP, and Stable may be required, so be sure to ask your recruiter before applying to travel nursing positions. Additionally, it's important for nurses to keep their certifications up to date, as they typically require renewal every few years.

>> Related: What do Travel Nurses Do?

The most important element to becoming a travel nurse is experience. Most travel agencies and hospitals require nurses to have a minimum of two years of nursing experience prior to applying for travel nursing contracts.

>> Click here to see available high-paying travel nurse opportunities!

Navigating State Licensing as a Travel Nurse

Travel nurses frequently move between states, requiring them to research and understand each state's licensing requirements. Some states offer temporary "walk-through" licenses, enabling nurses to obtain short-term licenses swiftly. Familiarity with individual state licensing procedures and timelines is crucial for successful travel assignments.

Compact state licensure for travel nurses is a game-changer in the healthcare industry, streamlining the licensing process and making it easier for nurses to practice across state lines. By participating in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), qualified nurses can hold a single multi-state license, granting them the privilege to work in any other NLC state without the need for additional licenses. 

This simplification not only reduces bureaucratic barriers but also addresses the growing demand for healthcare professionals in various regions. Travel nurses can now embark on new assignments swiftly, providing crucial medical support where it's needed most, and ultimately enhancing patient care across the nation.

Key Attributes of a Travel Nurse

Effective travel nurses possess a unique set of qualities that enable them to excel in diverse healthcare settings. These attributes include:

Adaptability and flexibility : The ability to quickly adjust to new environments and handle various patient populations and healthcare systems

Strong communication skills: Effective communication is essential for collaborating with different healthcare teams, patients, and families

Problem-solving and critical thinking : Travel nurses encounter new challenges regularly, necessitating strong problem-solving skills and critical-thinking abilities

Compassion and empathy: A genuine love for patient care and empathy are vital in providing exceptional nursing services as a travel nurse.

Leadership abilities: Travel nurses should be comfortable assuming leadership roles when needed and confidently handling responsibilities

• Love for adventure: A spirit of adventure and a curiosity to explore new places and cultures is essential.

Benefits of Travel Nursing

Apart from competitive pay, travel nurses often enjoy an array of benefits:

Non-taxed stipends: Additional stipends for housing and living expenses on top of hourly rates if you qualify

Healthcare insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.

Retirement plans: 401K investment options for long-term financial planning

Bonuses: Sign-on, completion, and referral bonuses as incentives

Continuing education: Access to free courses for continuous professional development

License reimbursement: Support for renewing and maintaining licenses

Reliable pay: Weekly or bi-weekly pay schedules

Tax advantage plans: Tax-saving options for travel-related expenses

Insurance coverage: Coverage for life, liability, disability, and worker's compensation

Travel reimbursement to and from your assignment

Support: 24/7 support from the staffing agency. 

Travel Nurse Salary

The compensation for travel nurses varies significantly based on location, specialty, experience, and the chosen agency ZipRecruiter.com reports the national average for travel nurses is $118,400 per year.  While the pandemic and nursing shortage temporarily drove higher wages due to increased demand, these exceptional rates have not since been sustained post-pandemic. 

​​Travel Nurse Salary by State

Source: ZipRecruiter

Wages for travel nurses involve more than a straight hourly rate. They can receive non-taxed stipends for travel nurse housing and living expenses. Stipends are paid on top of the nurse’s hourly rate.  Other benefits for travel nurses, depending on the staffing agency,  include, 

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401K investment options
• Sign-on, completion, and referral bonuses
• Free continuing education courses
• License Reimbursement 
• Weekly/Bi-weekly Pay
• Tax Advantage Plan
• Life Insurance
• Liability Insurance, Disability Insurance, and Worker’s Compensation
• 24/7 Support

Additionally, you can increase your travel nurse salary through specialization or advancing your education. The average travel nurse practitioner salary is significantly higher than that of travel RNs.

What Are The Best Travel Nurse Agencies and How Do You Pick One?

Your travel nurse company and recruiter can make or break your experience, so this question should not be taken lightly. 

When you’re starting your travel nurse journey, one of the first steps you need to take is finding a travel nurse company and recruiter. This process might feel overwhelming because there are so many options out there. How do you know if you’ve found a good travel nurse company and a recruiter who has your best interest at heart?

When looking into travel nurse agencies, you should first make sure that they have these non-negotiables:

• A dedicated housing department of experts to help you find housing or do they give you a stipend to find your own housing
• Day 1 health, dental and vision insurance, and premium cost
• 401K that you can start contributing to immediately
• Travel reimbursement
• 24-hour customer support. Make sure to choose one with a clinical department that is available as a resource for you. 
• Have a variety and abundance of travel nursing jobs all over the country for your specialty.

Make sure to ask if they are Joint Commission credentialed. Agencies that obtain this certification must complete a strict qualification process, and it helps ensure that the company is upheld to the highest standards in the industry.

What to Look Out for When Working With Travel Nurse Recruiters

Travel nurse recruiters play a vital role in connecting nurses with suitable assignments. A skilled and honest recruiter advocates for the nurse's best interests, secures desirable contracts, and provides transparent and accurate information in a timely manner. 

Conversely, nurses should be cautious of unprofessional recruiters who submit them to assignments without consent or make false promises. In many cases, travel nurses build long-time friendships with their recruiters! You want to find a recruiter with whom you can connect quickly and establish a bond. They should be someone who helps put your mind at ease, has your back, and actively listens to what you want instead of pushing their agenda.

Don’t be scared to interview recruiters to find the right one. Working with a recruiter whose personality, values, and humor complement yours will make your travel nurse experience even more worthwhile.

We encourage you to work with travel nurse recruiters who have been vetted and highly recommended by fellow travel nurses or with our trusted partner, travelnursing.org.

Certifications for Travel Nurses

While there are no specific national nursing certifications for a Travel Nurse, having advanced RN certifications can make an individual look more desirable to hospitals. There are a plethora of nationally recognized certifications including, 

• CCCTM - Certified in Care, Coordination, and Transition Management
• CDN - Certified Dialysis Nurse
• CMSRN - Certified Medical Surgical Registered Nurse
• CNN - Certified Nephrology Nurse
• CNOR - Certified Nurse Operating Room
• CPAN - Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse

The most common certifications for travel nurses are,

• CPN - Certified Pediatric Nurse 
• CCRN - Certified Critical Care Nurse
• CEN - Certified Emergency Nurse

What Are the CEU Requirements for Travel Nurses?

Continuing education is essential for all registered nurses, including travel nurses, to maintain their active licenses. Each state has specific continuing education requirements that nurses must fulfill to remain compliant.

Examples of continuing education requirements for RNs are as follows: 

• Washington - 8 contact hours every year
• Texas - 20 contact hours every 2 years
• Florida - 24 contact hours every 2 years
• California - 30 hours every 2 years
• Hawaii - 30 contact hours every 2 years 
• Arkansas -20 contact hours every 2 years
• Florida -24 contact hours every 2 years
• Illinois - 20 contact hours every 2 years
• Iowa -36 contact hours every 2 years
• Pennsylvania -20 contact hours every 2 years

Some states do not require CEUs to maintain an RN license. Examples include Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Indiana, Maine, and Maryland. Several states also require HIV/AIDS education such as New York, Minnesota, and Kentucky. It is important for nurses to check their state’s RN credentialing body for exact CEU requirements. 

Nurse.org has a comprehensive list of CEUs by state for RNs here .

Brandy Pinkerton's Journey to Becoming a Travel Nurse

Brandy Pinkerton shared with us why she decided to become a travel nurse and what her journey was like.

Why did I decide to become a travel nurse ? I was burned out in my staff job and needed to renew my passion for nursing. After finding a great company and a trustworthy recruiter, I embarked on my first assignment solo with my two doggies in tow and never looked back! 

Since pursuing a career as a travel nurse and completing over 15 assignments, I’ve had adventures in Florida , Colorado , Nevada , South Carolina , Texas , and Montana . Becoming a travel nurse was the best decision I could have made for myself! While I’m grateful I made the decision to become a travel nurse, I also know that there are a lot of logistics involved in getting started. I’ll tell you all there is to know about travel nursing, so that you can feel prepared to take the leap into this exciting, rewarding profession!

Here are a few things travel nursing has given me:

• A better compensation package with benefits. Because of this, I could pay most of my debt, and I no longer had to work two jobs. 
• More time off and flexibility with my schedule. You can imagine all the wonderful things that can happen when you have more time back.
• Experiences that I would never usually get to have. Through these experiences, I discovered what I like and some new hobbies.
• Less burnout – this is HUGE!
• New relationships and friendships all over the U.S.
• More confidence. I have grown both professionally & personally.
• The ability to build my resume. I’ve been able to try out so many hospitals and have great takeaways from them. Who knows? There are some I may go back to one day.

Final Thoughts on Travel Nursing

Becoming a travel nurse is a thrilling journey that promises adventure, personal growth, and unique experiences. From education and licensure to acquiring experience and embracing essential attributes, travel nurses embark on a profession that combines professionalism with exploration. With competitive salaries, a range of benefits, and the potential to make a meaningful impact on patients across various locations, travel nursing offers a gratifying and fulfilling career path like no other! 

Kathleen Gaines (nee Colduvell) is a nationally published writer turned Pediatric ICU nurse from Philadelphia with over 13 years of ICU experience. She has an extensive ICU background having formerly worked in the CICU and NICU at several major hospitals in the Philadelphia region. After earning her MSN in Education from Loyola University of New Orleans, she currently also teaches for several prominent Universities making sure the next generation is ready for the bedside. As a certified breastfeeding counselor and trauma certified nurse, she is always ready for the next nursing challenge.

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Everything you need to know before accepting a travel nursing assignment.

Travel nurses and allied professionals go where the wind takes them. Or rather, where there is a shortage or immediate need for their skills. Travel nursing was created to address shortages of registered nurses in various parts of the country. There is always demand for qualified nurses anywhere you go, but there’s not always enough personnel to meet the demand. This is even more true in times of a medical crisis. 

Because travel nursing and allied pro assignments are run as-needed, the length of time and the kind of work you can expect to do as a travel nurse will vary from post to post. You might find yourself filling in for a nurse on parental leave for 6 months on one job. Then turn around and help an overloaded ER for a week on your next assignment. What you need to take with you and how you prepare for each job will change with each assignment. In this article, we’ll go over need-to-know information to help you prepare for your next adventure as a travel nurse.

How Does Travel Nursing Work?

Before we jump in, let’s talk about what it takes to be a travel nurse. The basic qualifications to become a travel nurse are the same as standard nursing. Travel nurses must hold an associates or bachelor’s degree in nursing, be certified in BLS and ACLS, and hold an LVN or RN certification. Here at Medely we also require a minimum of one to two years working in the specialty of the specific assignment. 

The most common length of travel nursing and allied pro assignments is around 13 weeks, although shifts can vary from 1 week to upwards of 26, depending on the need and your preferences. Many agencies, including Medely, allow travel nurses to search for assignments with specific time parameters. Getting travel assignments with Medely works essentially the same as any other job-hunting platform. Positions are posted by the facilities, allowing you to browse potential assignments. Urgent needs may be highlighted or promoted. Nurses and allied pros can apply for your ideal position with the click of a button, which will kick off an interview and approval process. Once the facility approves your application and you sign your contract, you’re off on your adventure!

But before you hop on a plane, there are a few things to get in order: 

• Housing – Staying in a hotel gets old fast. The good news is, there’s better options.
• Pet/Plant Sitting – Do you have plants or animals that will need care, either with you or while you’re away?
• License – Travel nurses have to be licensed in the state they are working in. Make sure your license and other credentials are up-to-date for the state your assignment is in.?
• Travel – How are you getting to your new assignment? Does your agency offer reimbursement? (Medely does)
• Expenses – What is the cost of living in the new city? How much does your agency cover? (again, Medely has you covered with the maximum tax-free stipends available for your assignment)

In the next section, we’ll talk more about specific needs and top tips to follow, no matter the length of your assignment. 

Nursing and Allied Pro Assignments by Length

1 week travel nursing assignment.

Shorter assignments, including week-long jobs, typically fall under the “rapid-response” category. This means nurses working these fast-turnaround positions will need to be ready to go in as little as two days. 

These assignments are easy to pack for but the planning and financial aspect can be rough. Last-minute plane tickets get expensive fast. However most agencies reimburse travel costs, especially for rapid-response assignments. 

Housing can also be a little tricky, but you might be able to get away with staying in a hotel for such a short duration. 

If you have children or pets that need to stay home, longer assignments might be a better fit for you. 

As with all short-term assignments, be prepared for a potential extension.

2 Week Travel Nursing Assignment

These assignments are rare. But if you’ve been bit by the travel bug and only have a small window of availability, you ask your agency to keep an eye out for these short assignments. 

As with 1 week assignments, you might need to be ready to move fast as facilities will typically need you to start right away. We recommend finding housing through a travel-nursing specific website, for a more affordable and more amenity-filled home away from home during your stay.

3 Week Travel Nursing Assignment

The biggest considerations as nursing assignments lengthen are housing-related. It’s easy enough to pack everything you need for short-term assignments, but you want to start thinking about practical concerns as your job extends. Look for affordable, comfortable housing with proximity to your place of work, laundry facilities, and grocery stores or restaurants. 

4-6 Week Travel Nursing Assignment

One month is the magic number for many nursing assignments. In fact, it’s the minimum length of assignment  Medely offers. Additionally, many travel nurse housing sites also have a four week minimum. 

Four week and longer assignments typically have time between application and orientation, giving you some breathing room when it comes to planning housing and travel. We recommend looking for locations you think you’ll enjoy when considering these longer assignments.

8+ Week Travel Nursing Assignment

Nurses on tour! Home and home-away-from-home begin to blend together when you’re working in a new location for this long. But they are often easier to budget and plan for and you can take your time in figuring out next steps. Longer assignments are often a good bet for travel nurses with families and animals.  The assignment length means you have the time to make the necessary arrangements for your loved ones. 

Last Thoughts: Travel Nurse Assignments

What you need for your next travel assignment will vary by length. There’s a world of difference between a 1-week stay and a 2 month job. But by planning and preparing ahead of time, you’ll be ready to go no matter what. 

Not sure what to pack? Medely has the answers. Check out our post: The Nomad’s Packing Guide for Travel Nurses .

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Understanding Your Travel Nursing Schedule

I have always found the most exciting thing about starting a new travel assignment is getting your schedule and planning your activities. It is not uncommon for the nurse manager on your floor to have your schedule done for your first few weeks by the time you hit hospital orientation; after all, you are there to fill a need.

Start your adventure here.

Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want

Most people are generally good about scheduling travelers fairly; meaning not every weekend or spreading your days out (especially on night shift) but this doesn’t happen all of the time.  It is important to keep in mind that as a travel nurse your primary role is to help this specific hospital with staffing and to be flexible. If you know you need to have a particular day or weekend off, then it is best to have it written into your contract prior to your start date. I have found many nurse managers are willing to work with your schedule. If you are like me and can’t stand working 3 days in a row, most of the time they will be open to scheduling you accordingly. You can also trade shifts if necessary with the regular hospital staff if you need time off.

Find your dream travel assignment!

Start dates are set in stone

Travel nursing is flexible in many different aspects, however, assignment start dates and number of hours worked are not one of them. Assignment start dates are based on that specific hospital’s orientation dates, which are usually every 2 weeks. The human resources department and your nurse manager have to prepare for your arrival by scheduling preceptors and so on, so it is vital that you stick to your intended start date. There are some facilities that will actually charge you a fee for canceling your contract prior to starting or changing your start date.

Speak to a staffing agent today.

Finding the right assignment takes time

New assignments available across the country .

Budget for the unexpected

As with any healthcare setting, there will be times when your facility is slow and may need to cancel one of your shifts. The number of shifts that you are allowed to be cancelled are written in your contract. Most companies allow you to be cancelled 1 shift per pay period without having any financial penalties such as paying for your housing. If you call in sick often or are not meeting the minimum required hours to pay for your housing, meal stipends and other reimbursements, then you may be required to pay out of pocket for those expenses. There are very few travel nursing companies that offer vacation or sick pay, so it is of utmost importance to be financially prepared for time off. I would recommend purchasing your own accident insurance to cover your bills in the event that you are hurt off the job; in the travel world, if you don’t work, you don’t get paid. This is also the case for time off in between assignments. If there is a specific city that you want to travel to but the start date is many weeks after your current assignment ends, it is possible to extend for a few weeks if your company allows it so you don’t go unpaid for such an extended period of time. Hospital orientation is paid for but may leave you short a few hours, so make sure you budget appropriately in between assignments.

Explore the country while getting paid!

Knowing what is expected of you is the key to success

Being flexible and adapting to a constantly changing environment is what being a travel nurse is all about.  Companies choose to hire us because they know they can count on a travel nurse to get the job done on short notice and a small amount of preparation. Understanding what is expected of you and coming to your travel assignment prepared mentally, emotionally, physically and financially sound are all important aspects of being an experienced and well-traveled travel nurse.

Speak to a staffing agent today.  

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Now in the middle of my third contract, I love travel nursing. I love seeing how each hospital does things differently from the last, and I’ve made a lot of really good friends along the way. Not to mention the freedom — I have five vacations planned this year and have never been more financially secure in my life . Taking the leap into travel nursing is one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself.

Ashlynne S. Telemetry/Step Down RN

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Looking Beyond the Money: Tips to Evaluate a Travel Assignment

The travel nursing industry burst onto the national stage when the pandemic reared its head in 2020. Fueled by compassion, a desire to help, and a higher paycheck, travelers took up their suitcases and journeyed into the eye of the storm.

Today, high pay rates continue to draw nurses to this industry. In fact, money tops the list of considerations when nurses evaluate their assignment options.

But does a high pay package mean more money in the bank? Not necessarily.

Let’s look at what can influence the travel nurse’s take-home pay. We’ll also look at other considerations to keep in mind when evaluating travel nurse assignments.

Follow The Money

Follow the money all the way to the bank. Travel nurses should examine which expenses can chip away at their greenbacks and affect what lands in their pocket. But first, travelers need to understand the non-taxed portion of their pay package.

The Stipend

Stipends are non-taxed incentives that the federal government allows agencies to pay a traveler whose tax home is more than 50 miles from where they will be working. The stipend is divided into two categories:

• Meals and incidentals

While travel nurses can count on a minimum standard payment for any assignment, stipends will vary based on the location’s cost of living and even the time of year.

For example, in Chicago, summer is the prime tourist season. An influx of tourists means higher temporary housing prices. As you might expect, stipends for a summer assignment in Chicago are higher to cover the hefty housing costs. Yet, if you accept an assignment in Chicago during the snowy months, your stipend will be lower because the tourists have flown south for the winter resulting in a drop in the cost of housing.

If you don’t spend all the stipend , you get to keep it. But if your housing and travel costs are more than what your stipend provides, you’ll be paying that extra cost out of pocket. This is why you’ll want to do some homework before you accept any assignment.

Before jumping at that large pay package, research the housing costs in the assignment location.

• Is there a variety of housing arrangements to choose from, such as hotels, short-term apartments, and Airbnbs?
• Does the area have housing options that offer nurse traveler’s discounts?
• What is the average cost of each housing option?

An assignment in a large city with a higher-than-average pay package may look enticing, but research housing costs carefully. If you spend more for housing than the stipend covers, you may end up taking home less money than if you’d chosen an assignment in a smaller city with lower housing costs, even though the initial pay package was higher.

Travel and Transportation

Travel and transportation costs can eat up a good chunk of your income. You’ll want to research the cost of traveling back home during the assignment and how much you’ll spend getting to and from work and around the area.

• Consider the ease of getting into and out of the area.
• If you’ll be traveling back home during the assignment, is there an airport nearby?
• Is the airport a major hub that can get you home hassle-free? Smaller, regional airports tend to come with pricier flights and additional layovers.
• Consider your daily transportation options and the associated costs.
• Will you drive to your assignment so that you have a car available?
• If you take a car on assignment, will you need to pay to park at the hospital?
• If your housing is in the city, will you need to “rent” a parking space?
• Are you moving across the country to a large city with public transportation where you may not need a car?
• If you choose to fly to your destination, what are the costs of using public transportation?

Will the weather impact your travel options? If you choose a northern location with a start date in February, for instance, are you prepared to drive in the snow? Could snowy weather impact your ability to return home during the assignment?

For example, spending three months in Fargo, ND during the summer would allow you to visit some amazing natural areas, such as Yosemite and Glacier National Park, but winter could bring enough snow to make it difficult to get to work.

Other Considerations

Housing and transportation costs have an immediate impact on your take-home pay, but let’s look at factors that may affect your future income and lifestyle.

Career-Boosting Assignments

Adding a stint at an academic medical center to your resume can give you a leg up when applying for future assignments. Many top-tier facilities have training programs geared towards travel nurses. These specialized orientations cover a wider range of knowledge areas that can help you build a more robust skillset.

Assignments in the Same Area

Are there multiple assignments available in the same area? Consider comparing these assignments to find the best fit.

If you find you’d like to extend your stay in one location, ask your recruiter if there are assignments at other hospitals in the vicinity. For example, Chicago is a large city with healthcare facilities located within the city and in the suburbs. It may be possible to move from one assignment to another without having to find new housing.

Assignments closer to home

As long as the facility is over 50 miles from your tax home , you’ll qualify for the stipend. So if you value being able to head home on your days off or want to pick up a shift or two at your old job, look for assignments within a couple of hours of home.

It’s a great time to be a travel nurse, but make sure you evaluate your options thoroughly before signing on the dotted line.

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By Spencer Tawse , Recruitment Team Lead, Planet Healthcare

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What Length of Assignment Will Be Ideal For Me? If You’re a Travel Nurse, Here’s How to Answer That Question!

• August 10, 2021

Being a travel nurse requires a willingness to risk stepping outside your comfort zone, a thirst for adventure, and an ability to roll with the punches. But that doesn’t mean you’re open to anything and everything along your travel nurse journey. To ensure you have a positive experience, you need to ask yourself, what length of the assignment will be ideal for me? Here’s what you need to consider to reach the answer that’s right for you! 

Standard Assignment Lengths Are 13 Weeks But May Vary

While the standard length of a travel assignment is approximately 13 weeks, some hospitals offer contracts for shorter or longer periods. (Incidentally, the standard 13-week contract is designed to give you enough time to be effectively onboarded and effectively integrated into rounds, but not long enough to be regarded as a permanent employee.) And it’s not only assignment lengths that can vary. It’s also shift lengths, shift times, and the number of hours available. Some hospitals operate with 12-hour shifts, some with 8-hour shifts, or some combination of the two. Always carefully review your contract to ensure you’re giving “informed consent” to the terms of your assignment.

Benefits of Shorter Travel Assignments

Shorter travel assignments can be ideal for nurses who love to be constantly on the go, exploring new places, and meeting new people. Depending on the position, shorter assignments tend to run eight weeks or less. For the sake of job security and resume continuity, it’s especially important to ensure you have your next assignment lined up well before your current one ends. Be aware that housing for short-term assignments can be more difficult and expensive to procure. (Most apartment complexes offer lease agreements for only 6-12 month increments. Those that offer shorter lease agreements often cater to corporate relocations and thus command rents well above standard market rates.) 

Benefits of Longer Travel Assignments

For travel nurses who like the experience of having more time to settle into a new place and more slowly develop personal and professional relationships, longer assignments can be ideal. In some cases, longer assignments (six months or more) may be available from the get-go. But if you find yourself on an assignment in an area in which you love and wish you could stay, don’t assume this isn’t an option. The chances are good you can negotiate with your agency (or even another) to extend your contract. Depending on your track record and the strength of the relationships you’ve built, you can often extend your contract for six additional months or even an entire year! (Find five tips for successfully extending your contract here !)  

Whether you prefer the stability of longer assignments or the fast-paced adventure of shorter ones, knowing your options can ensure your experience is a positive one! And remember, even if you’re still not sure about the length of assignment that’s ideal for you, you can always explore this subject further with other travel nurses. At Nurse First, we’re here to ensure you feel comfortable and excited about your assignment and as supported and well-prepared as possible! Visit our website for more tips about travel assignments and a wealth of information on how to get the most out wherever your travels may take you! 

Ready for your next travel nurse assignment? Check out our job board for the latest travel nurse jobs in the top travel nurse locations !

From a Staff Nurse to Travel Nurse: Everything You Need to Know to Expand Your Career

Travel nursing has been an in-demand career for years now, but the pandemic pushed demand for travel nurses to an all-time high.  If you’re considering making the move to travel nursing, you’re bound to have certain questions. How does travel

3 Tips To Help Travel Nurses Stay Safe During The Pandemic

Nurses have been on the front lines of the pandemic since the start. Whether in traditional nursing roles, in emergency rooms, administering vaccines, or traveling, nurses have been first responders to the COVID-19 pandemic. Though the pandemic is nearing an

5 Tips On How To Make Your First Assignment As A Travel Nurse Easier

Getting ready for your first assignment as a travel nurse? Congratulations! It’s an exciting time in your career and travel nursing will open up so many doors for you. If you’re already packed, have your housing situation settled, and have

Helping therapists find adventure and freedom through travel jobs

Travel OT: The Ultimate Guide

Have you heard about travel occupational therapy (also called Travel OT or travel therapy )? 

Travel OT may sound too good to be true, but it’s not! Travel occupational therapists traverse the United States and work short-term contracts. Yes, you can get paid to travel the country and work. 

If you have an adventurous soul or want to get paid big bucks, travel OT may be for you!

What is Travel OT?

Travel OTs take short-term contracts across the United States, and U.S. territories, for work. Typically, contracts are 13 weeks in length. Travel OTs work in the same places that permanent OTs work, they just do it for less time and switch locations every few months. Popular settings for travel OTs to work include skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), home health agencies, and outpatient clinics. 

Can Occupational Therapy Assistants Travel?

Yes, occupational therapy assistants (COTAs) can absolutely take travel assignments. There are typically fewer jobs available for COTAs, but if you’re flexible with where you work and the setting you work in, there are jobs out there for you.

How do you become a travel occupational therapist?

You do not need any extra certifications or experience to become a travel OT. In fact, you can travel as a new grad OT. Any OT at any point in your career can take travel assignments. 

Here are a few simple steps you can take to become a travel physical therapist:

• Determine why you want to be a travel OT 
• Educate yourself on how to be a travel OT. You can start here with these free online resources or with the premium Guide to Travel Therapy course
• Connect with travel therapy recruiters to help you find jobs
• Search for travel OT jobs directly over travel therapy jobs marketplaces
• Make sure that you’re licensed in any state that you want to work in
• Onboard with a travel therapy staffing agency prior to submitting to jobs
• Submit to jobs that interest you
• Interview for assignments over the phone
• Accept a job offer 
• Credential and do all of the onboarding you need to work the job
• Move to your new location and start your travel OT job!

Where Do You Find Travel OT Jobs?

Travel occupational therapy jobs are plentiful and not hard to find. There are 2 main ways you can search for jobs:

• Connect with a recruiter and review your goals with that recruiter. Let the recruiter know where you want to work, which settings, what kind of money you are looking for, and when your start date is. The recruiter will then communicate with you about open jobs.
• Search for jobs on online platforms and connect with a recruiter based on who has a job. We have a travel therapy job marketplace on this website where you can search. There are many other sites that have job boards as well, such as Nomadicare, Vivian, and Fusion Marketplace.

What Sets Travel OT Companies Apart from Each Other?

There are hundreds of travel therapy companies out there that staff travel OTs. So what makes one company special compared to another? 

In my opinion, the most vital part of a travel OT company is the recruiter that you work with. The recruiter is your advocate, mentor, and agent to get you through the travel therapy journey. Finding a recruiter that you click with is a key part of the travel therapy process.

Next, it’s important that the company you’re working for has the jobs that you want and need. Most travel therapy jobs are MSP (managed service provider) jobs, meaning that most companies have access to the same jobs. However, certain companies will have exclusive contracts with facilities that others don’t have. So, sometimes you need to find a company that staffs in a region or specialty that you’re interested in. For example, AMN has a lot of school jobs. If you’re interested in a school contract, it would benefit you to review jobs with AMN.

Some common travel OT companies include:

• Aureus/Medical Solutions

Travel Occupational Therapy Salary

According to Vivian , in October 2023 the national average for a travel OT salary was $2,027/week. The max weekly pay rate in certain states was over $3,000 a week.

Getting paid as a travel OT is different than what you are used to as a permanent staff OT. When pay is discussed in travel OT, we generally talk about gross weekly pay and NOT hourly pay. Because your pay rate is a combination of an hourly pay rate, and non-taxed weekly stipends for housing, meals, and incidental expenses while you travel. 

Learn more about travel OT pay and understanding travel therapy pay here .

Are there travel jobs for Certified Hand Therapists?

To be brief, yes, there are jobs for certified hand therapists (CHTs). However, they are few and far between. If you specialize in hands and only want to take hand travel jobs, you will not be in luck. Travel jobs tend to be more generalized jobs, such as skilled nursing facilities and home health. Specialized clinics tend not to use travel OTs so much. Having your CHT, or any specialization, is great for your resume and a great way to set you apart from other travel candidates. However, you probably will not find many jobs where you can only work in your specialty. 

What are the pros of travel OT?

• Ability to earn more money while working less time
• Can take unlimited time off in between contracts
• Explore the United States while getting paid to work
• Expand your clinical skills by working in new locations with new patients and peers
• Increase your own personal independence and interpersonal skills 

What are some of the cons of being a travel OT?

• Uncertainty of work and having to constantly find new jobs
• Finding housing on assignments and avoiding internet scammers
• Not having paid time off or other benefits that a permanent job may afford you
• Being alone and away from family/friends
• Needing licensure in each state that you work in

Can I work as a travel OT in Hawaii?

Yes, you can! There are travel OT jobs on all of the major islands in Hawaii. Hospitals, schools, skilled-nursing facilities, home health agencies, and clinics in Hawaii all need occupational therapists and hire travelers to regularly fill their staffing needs. 

I’ve personally worked as a travel SLP on Oahu and Hawaii Island (The Big Island) and have worked with many incredible travel OTs at all of my jobs. My Hawaii jobs were 100% my favorite travel assignments ever. If you have any desire to go to Hawaii to work as a travel OT I HIGHLY recommend it. You can find more resources for Hawaii here: Hawaii Travel Nurse & Therapist Guide .

Conclusions

Travel OT is an incredible opportunity for many therapists. If you think travel occupational therapy could be for you, you’re in the right place. This website is dedicated to providing resources for traveling therapists to succeed on the road. I recommend starting here with these free resources and posts about travel therapy. For longer-form content, check out this YouTube channel . Finally, if you want a step-by-step course to take you through everything you need to know to be a traveling PT, join The Guide to Travel Therapy .

Related posts:

• Travel Therapy Recruiter: The Basics
• How to Find Travel Therapy Jobs
• Is Travel Physical Therapy Right For Me?
• Travel Physical Therapy (Travel PT): The Expert Guide

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A Guide to Travel Nurse Assignments: Your FAQs Answered

Table of Contents

Whether you’re a new travel nurse or a seasoned traveler, travel nurse assignments can be confusing and sometimes difficult to understand the terms. Let’s review the advantages of working with a travel nursing agency and some FAQs below.

Find Travel Nursing opportunities all over the United States

Registered nurses have the opportunity to become travel nurses at any point during their nursing career. Most of the time, travel nursing agencies require at least two years of nursing experience before becoming a traveler. However, this varies by agency and specialty. 

Just like a career in nursing offers a variety of specialties and job opportunities, so does the world of travel nursing. As a travel nurse, you have the opportunity to work in your specialty while traveling the country. You get the opportunity to meet new people, work with a variety of patient populations, and expand your professional network.

If you’re interested in exploring what travel nursing opportunities are out there, many travel nurse agency websites offer job boards , including Health Carousel Travel Nursing. Most  job board postings detail the location, start date, assignment length, weekly hours, and expected pay ranges. Due to most job boards’ transparency in this criteria, it’s easy to compare agencies and nursing jobs.

Advantages of working with a professional Travel Nurse Agency 

There are several benefits of working with a professional travel nursing agency. Get to know your recruiter first. Your recruiter should understand your needs, wants, and preferences in an assignment. Once they understand your assignment preferences, they can help you with your travel nursing job search . Oftentimes, they can better filter nursing jobs and may offer new jobs that haven’t been made public yet. 

Next, your travel nurse agency recruiter is your assignment advocate and liaison between you and the healthcare facility. They will prepare you for your interview by providing typical questions and prepping your responses. If you need any days off or a more flexible schedule, they will help you ask for these as well. 

Once you have an offer, navigating a compensation package can be pretty difficult to understand. An advantage of working with an agency recruiter is that they will help you through every step of the process. This can include benefits, sick leave, stipend amounts, etc. If you don’t understand an area or amount, or would like more compensation, then ask. Your recruiter will help you negotiate Your recruiter will help you negotiate your travel nursing contract with the healthcare facility, depending on their company policy. Typically, no two contracts will look the same.

Now that we’ve reviewed the advantages of working with a travel nurse agency, let’s detail some frequently asked questions (FAQs) below.

How long are typical travel nurse assignments?

Travel nurse assignment lengths vary depending on the nursing demand, healthcare facility, unit, and season. Most assignments last 13 weeks but can be shorter or longer. Some crisis contracts are as little as two weeks. Other contracts start as 13-week assignments, but hospitals sometimes offer contract extensions of up to a year.

Do travel nurses get easy assignments?

Travel nurse assignments are based on nurse shortages and increased demands in the area and unit. Every travel nursing experience is different. There’s no way to determine beforehand if an assignment is going to be easy. We all know that one day at the hospital can be fairly easy and the next can be draining. 

To prepare, ask about typical unit assignments, patient-to-nurse ratios, and patient populations during the interview process. If the patient-to-nurse ratio seems high for your specialty, consider this before accepting an offer. 

How do I choose a travel nursing assignment?

Many travel nursing agencies offer nursing job boards for you to search for available assignments. Before beginning your search, write down a list of your preferences, including locations, units, and desired pay. This will help you filter your initial search. 

Many states are transitioning to the nursing licensure compact agreement . If you hold a compact license, this means you can practice nursing in that state without applying for a new nursing license. It makes it easier for travel nurses especially since they work in different states. However, keep in mind that you may only obtain a compact license if you reside in a compact state.

What type of travel nurses are most needed?

Travel nurses are  always needed. However, the demand for what specialty of travel nursing varies greatly, depending on the area, nursing shortages, and employers. Most of the time, there is a high demand for medical-surgical, intensive care, and emergency room nurses.

Is it hard to find jobs as a travel nurse?

Typically, it’s not hard to find travel nursing jobs. You may not get your first assignment choice, but there are always plenty of other options available. To make it easier during your job search, apply for several assignments and obtain your compact state nursing license if you haven’t already done so. 

Is travel nursing risky?

Working as a travel nurse comes with the same risks as working as a staff registered nurse. You will need to understand the state regulations, the scope of practice, and the healthcare facility’s company policies as you would with any other new nursing job. 

Is travel nursing worth the money?

Many registered nurses transition to travelers and make travel nursing their career. Most travel nurses find travel nursing worth the time and money. You get to travel the country, typically make higher pay than staff nurses, and make your schedule (for the most part). ZipRecruiter shows that the national average salary for travel nurses is $118,400, which is well beyond the average staff nurse salary.

Health Carousel Travel Nursing Boasts Travel Nursing Assignments To Advance Your Career

Health Carousel Travel Nursing has travel nursing jobs available for you throughout the country. Our recruiters work to understand your needs and want to keep you aligned with your career goals. We partner with top healthcare facilities throughout the United States, so you have many career options available. We also offer great benefits, including medical and dental insurance, and sick leave.

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Embrace Your Downtime: What To Do Between Travel Nurse Assignments

by Trusted Nurse Staffing | Oct 25, 2023 | News

Travel nurses are tired, burnt out, and mentally exhausted. With long shifts, long contracts, and weeks or months away from home, you’re likely craving some downtime between your travel nurse assignments.

And while taking time off sounds nice , you’re unsure what to do with that time to make it worthwhile.

Learn about many things you can do between travel nurse assignments that not only benefit you and your social life, but your community, career, and love for adventure, too.

Table of Contents

Can you take breaks in between travel assignments, 12 things to do between travel nurse assignments.

• Do You Have To Take Time Off Between Travel Nurse Assignments?
• Trusted Nurse Staffing: Your Partner Before, During, and In Between Travel Nurse Assignments

One of the many perks of being a travel nurse is the time commitment. Not only are travel nurse assignment contracts typically about 13 weeks, but travel nurses can take as long a break as they want or need between assignments. 

Are you hoping to go on a vacation between assignments? Do you have family business to handle back at home? Maybe you’re money-hungry and ready to jump right to your next contract. 

The length of your break between assignments is 100% dependent on what you want or need for yourself, your career, and how much time off you can afford.

And when you’re ready for another travel nurse contract, Trusted Nurse Staffing can help you find one that fits your needs. Our recruiters are hands-on and work with you to find the best travel nurse assignments available. You can also begin searching yourself using Pronto job search and subscribe to be notified about new contracts.

The options of how to fill your time between travel nurse assignments are truly endless. The ball is completely in your court to do with it as you please.

Are you in need of an adventure? Maybe you want time off to simply sit and read a good book. Are you studying to further your education? Can you afford to take time off for travel?

Whether you’re looking to fill your self-love cup, your social life cup, or your career cup, there are many options for things to do between travel nurse assignments.

What To Do Between Travel Nurse Assignments for You

Nurse burnout is real. And as travel nurses are working hard to fill the positions of nurse shortages, they are also feeling burnt out. 

Did you know that 80% of nurses feel burnt out due to low staffing, 76% are emotionally exhausted, and nearly 76% are struggling under high workload demands?

With such a physically and mentally demanding job, travel nurses deserve to take some time for themselves in between travel nurse assignments. 

Here’s what you can do.

#1: Go Home

Traveling is fun and exciting — hardly anyone can argue that — but when you’re doing it as your full-time job, it can be refreshing to just go home. 

Sometimes, spending time in your hometown and with your family and friends is all you need to feel refreshed, grounded, and ready to take on your next travel nurse assignment. 

#2: Reflect and Set Goals

• Just because you’re taking time off from work doesn’t mean you have to go, go, go. 
• Consider having some downtime to reflect on your last assignment. Maybe utilize guided meditation for travel nurses to help ground yourself, find a sense of calm, and help set goals for the future. 

What To Do Between Travel Nurse Assignments for Your Social Life

If you’ve been on a travel nurse assignment, especially one that’s 13 weeks long, it’s probably been a while since you’ve last seen your family or friends. 

Utilizing the time off between travel assignments is a great chance to pour into these relationships and ensure your social life isn’t taking a backseat to your career.

#3: Visit Family and Friends

As a travel nurse, you might be making friends in all different parts of the country. Or, maybe you miss your hometown friends, too. 

Take this time between travel assignments to plan visits and spend quality time with loved ones you might not see during your assignments.

#4: Join a Club

Let’s face it, hectic nursing schedules don’t allow for much free time. But as a travel nurse, you can take advantage of time off to do whatever it is that you’ve been putting off because of your busy career. 

Maybe you’ve always wanted to join a book club or try a new sport. Maybe you’re hoping to train for and run a race. Whatever it might be, use this time to meet people with similar interests and enjoy time outside of nursing.

What To Do Between Travel Nurse Assignments for Your Career

There are many opportunities available for nurses to continue their education and progress through their careers, but where do they find the time to dedicate to these things?

The time off between travel nurse assignments is a great opportunity to pour into your career outside the walls of a healthcare facility.

#5: Update Your Resume

With all your experiences and skills gained from your different travel nurse assignments, you’ve likely learned unique skills and made new contacts and references that can benefit you in the future. 

Why not spend your free time updating your resume to reflect your continued growth in your career?

#6: Continue Your Education

Continuing your education as a nurse is beneficial in many ways and taking the time to pursue additional certifications, attend workshops, or take education courses to enhance your nursing skills can pay off as you progress throughout your career. 

As a nurse, investing in continued education can help you:

• Learn new clinical skills
• Strengthen clinical skills
• Maintain nursing credentials
• Stay updated on industry trends
• Adapt to technological advancements
• Increase the quality of patient care

What To Do Between Travel Nurse Assignments for Adventure

With all the traveling you do for work, you’ve learned quite a bit about adventuring. And now you want to put your skills and knowledge to the test outside of a travel nursing contract. 

We’ve got good news — the time off between travel nurse assignments is a great time for an adventure.

#7: Travel Somewhere Different

Travel nurses earn more than staff nurses , so why not use a little of that extra money to travel to an exciting and new destination for a vacation ?

Take a week in Mexico or a month in Thailand. The flexibility of time off makes it easier for travel nurses to plan and execute these dream destination trips with no guilt about what you’ve left behind at work that’s waiting for you upon your return.

Instead, finish out a travel nurse contract, then take a stress-free vacation before committing to your next one.

#8: Explore Your New City

If you’ve recently finished a travel nurse assignment and already have your next one lined up to start in a few weeks, consider taking your time in between to arrive in your new travel assignment city early. 

Keep in mind that your travel and lodging expenses likely won’t be covered if you choose to arrive before your contract.   But with some extra time off and money in your pocket, you can spend a week or two getting a true feel for your new travel assignment destination before the work begins.

What To Do Between Travel Nurse Assignments for Relaxation

Traveling is fun, continuing your education is great, and visiting friends and family is fulfilling. But with all the hard work you put in at your job, you deserve to relax.

#9: Hit the Spa

Take time at the spa to unwind, take a breath, and engage in some serious self-care. Whether it’s for a one-hour massage or an entire weekend of pampering, you deserve it.

#10: Exercise 

Did you know that exercise reduces stress hormones and stimulates the production of endorphins?

As a travel nurse, we can bet you’re feeling stressed. 

Take the time off between travel assignments to prioritize your physical and mental well-being by committing to regular exercise, healthy eating, and self-care activities after many weeks of physically and mentally exhausting work.

What To Do Between Travel Nurse Assignments for Your Community

Are you someone who loves to give back to your community? Use this time to pour into your community or charities near and dear to your heart.

#11: Volunteer

Consider volunteering your time at a healthcare facility. Maybe your local hospital needs cuddlers to help rock and hold NICU babies, or your local assisted living facility could use some extra hands. 

You might know of an elderly couple who requires assistance with grocery shopping or mowing their lawn. 

Whatever it may be, volunteering can not only provide you with a sense of purpose and community but also help to improve skills that might be beneficial for your career.

#12: Donate to Charities

With some time on your hands between travel nurse assignments, you might find yourself researching charities that have personal meaning or connection to you. Or maybe your most recent travel nurse assignment brought a great need to your attention. 

Donating to charities is a great way to support your community and they qualify for a tax deduction .

Do You Have To Take Time off Between Travel Nurse Assignments?

No, choosing to take time off between travel nurse assignments is fully your choice.

Trusted Nurse Staffing can help you secure your next travel nurse assignment, whether you’re looking to hop from one to another or take time off in between.

Sometimes, the idea of time off between travel nurse assignments can be stressful, especially if you have a family to support, bills to catch up on, or you need some extra savings.

If you choose to not take time off for whatever reason, here are some options you can pursue instead:

• Inquire about extending your contract : Happy where you are? Ask your recruiter about a contract extension.
• Plan for your next assignment : Whether you’re a seasoned pro, or new to travel nursing, planning ahead is key to a successful journey. Find housing, outline your commute, or plan fun things to do in your downtime.
• Open yourself up to new locations: Need more money? A change of scenery? Warmer weather? Consider locations outside your usual search parameters. For example, Hawaii is far but might pay more. Arkansas might not pay as much, but the cost of living is low.
• Take an assignment at home : You can take local contracts as a travel nurse. This might offer you the chance to continue as a traveling nurse while having some time at home to catch up on life’s other essentials.

Trusted Nurse Staffing: Your Partner Before, During, and in Between Travel Nurse Assignments

Whether you’re a travel nurse who loves to always be on the go or you cherish some well-deserved downtime in between assignments, Trusted Nurse Staffing can help.

Our team of recruiters works closely with our travel nurses to ensure they’re getting everything they need and more from their travel assignments.  

Are you hoping to hop from one contract to the next? Our team can ensure you’ve got contracts lined up and ready to go. 

Are you looking to enjoy some downtime after a grueling 13-week assignment? Let us know when you’re ready for your next contract and we’ll help you find the perfect one.

Contact Trusted Nurse Staffing and use the Pronto job search to find available travel nurse assignments whenever you’re ready.

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TRAVEL NURSE 101

A Travel Nurse Assignment From Start To Finish

Note: Guest contributor Ashley Hazen, a recruiter, wrote this post. Learn more about Ashley and her role as a travel nurse recruiter at the bottom of this article.

The world of travel nursing can be overwhelming and confusing. There is SO MUCH information at your fingertips. Where do you even begin? And how do you decipher what’s legit or a gimmick while trying to land a contract with a travel nurse agency that has your best interests at heart?

I’ve been recruiting for more than eight years. Before my role in the travel nurse industry, I worked for Jack Daniels. So, let me tell you – I will shoot you straight one way or another. 

Understanding a Travel Nurse Assignment

Let’s start with the basics. A standard travel nurse contract is typically 36 hours per week for 13 weeks. Your agency pays you for the 36 hours you work at the hospital. If you travel far enough away from home to ‘duplicate your living expenses,’ you could also qualify for tax-free living stipends. These might cover housing, meals, and incidentals (i.e., paying for parking, new scrubs, laundry mat, etc.). Side note: There are many myths about what qualifies you for tax-free stipends. This would be a whole different blog post, but I always suggest checking out TravelTax.com for more info or consulting a tax professional.

How do agencies get these travel nurse assignments? Well, while recruiters are working with nurses to polish up resumes, build relationships, earn trust and explain the process, hospital account managers are doing essentially the same for healthcare facilities. Account managers work on getting job orders, bill rates, and details from the unit manager on what they want from a travel nurse. Your agency will use the information provided by the hospital, pair it with the agency’s benefits (like day-one insurance, sick pay, license reimbursements, etc.), create a pay package for the job, and post it.

In the meantime, your recruiter is constantly hunting for the newest and best-suited jobs for you. As new openings get released, your recruiter should be sending over the information on each position that fits. Some jobs have strict requirements, like requiring two years of experience in a specialty, previous traveler experience, or specific charting system knowledge. Your recruiter will weed out the jobs that don’t match up or build a case for you as to why your experience (although not exactly what the unit manager is looking for) would still work on the hospital’s behalf.

Submitting for a Travel Nurse Assignment

Now that you and your recruiter have found a few good contracts, what’s next? Your recruiter will help you begin the application submission process. When it comes to travel nurse assignments, I always say you don’t want to put all your eggs into one basket. If you find five jobs that work for you and excite you, then ask your recruiter to submit you to all five! Your recruiter will submit your profile to the open job approximately 3-4 weeks before the start of the assignment. Ask your recruiter for a list of your current submissions and to keep track of where your profile is pending. 

Big reminder: Any time off you need must be included in the submission upfront, so don’t forget to tell your recruiter what days you need. Pro tip: Profiles with no time off tend to get pushed to the front of the line.

What Happens After Submitting My Travel Nurse Profile?

It generally takes about 72 hours to hear back from hospitals on profile submissions. There are a few likely outcomes that may happen:

• Your profile goes to the manager who calls you for a phone interview . You guys mesh well, and you land a job offer (yay!). The manager sends the offer over to your agency, which will then call and present you with all the details. Pay attention here and make sure the offer includes everything you discussed with the nurse manager.
• Your profile is sent, you look perfect on paper, and the manager sends over an “auto offer,” meaning you don’t have any formal interview. The job offer is yours to accept if you want it. At that point, your recruiter can ask for additional information via email if you have any questions.
• Your profile is sent over, and the hospital uses a voice-automated interview system where you record yourself answering a few scenario-based questions. The manager listens to the interview and offers based on your responses or calls for an interview.
• Your profile was sent over, but the manager has already submitted offers to other nurses. We get a rejection due to “job closed” or “max files.” Your recruiter closes that job out and moves on to find new options for you
• Your profile was sent over, but your skills don’t match the manager’s needs. Your recruiter works with you to revamp your profile, or we look for better-suited positions.

Looking Over the Assignment Contract

So, let’s say every option above except numbers four and five plays out. You have your official job offer for a travel contract! Your recruiter calls you to go over the details. What are some things you should be aware of before accepting the offer with the hospital and your agency?

• Confirm the length of the assignment and the start date. Some hospitals do orientation every Monday, whereas others have specific start dates.
• Call off policy: How often can the hospital call you off, and what happens when they do? Do you get stipends if you’re sent home?
• What happens if you call out sick? How do stipends work if you don’t get your 36 hours per week due to illness?
• Who is in charge of compliance, and when is it due? Does your agency set up the clinic visit and pay for modules, or is that out of pocket?
• Is there housing help available if you need it?
• Will you be floated to different units? If so, how often and which ones?
• Is there clinical help available if you need to speak to someone about unit concerns?
• How is payroll done? Is there someone in the agency that does payroll for you, or is it your recruiter?

Accepting and Preparing for Your First Assignment

So all your questions are answered, and you’re feeling good. The hospital sounds good, housing seems easy enough, and the pay looks great. Now what? YOU ACCEPT YOUR TRAVEL CONTRACT! Your agency will inform the hospital of your acceptance and write up the official contract. Your recruiter will go over all the details (again) with you, and you’ll sign on the dotted line! 

There are still a few items you’ll want to take care of before your first day on assignment. Assuming the start date is approximately 3-4 weeks out, you’ll put in your two-week notice if you are working a staff job and dive headfirst into traveler compliance with your agency. Warning – compliance can be a lot! There are legal documents, modules, and clinic visits to get through, but the right agency will hold your hand through the entire process. You’ll also book housing (some travelers suggest getting an extended stay hotel until you know your area better, then looking for more permanent housing once acclimated). You’ll show up in your new city the weekend before you start the assignment and then head to the hospital first thing Monday morning for a new chapter in your life.

Fitting in on the Hospital Unit

You’re there on the unit – now what? Make friends. Make fast friends by bringing in a tray of cookies or some freshly baked goodies. Not kidding – it works. 

Remember, you’re the new person in town. You’re there to help, and the hospital desperately needs it, but the staff doesn’t know your history, skill set, or how well you work with others. It’s time to prove yourself as someone who can hit the ground running, provide excellent patient care, work as a teammate, teach new things, and learn new things. Find your unit manager and get their contact information (you’ll want it for a reference later). So, focus on making new friends, finding the other travelers, and diving headfirst into the unknown.

Getting Ready for Your Next Assignment

You’ll be surprised how quickly 13 weeks pass. By the time you find the supply closet, it’ll be time to move on to your next assignment! About halfway through your assignment, your recruiter will work with you to start exploring your options. Do you want to extend your current assignment and stay a few more weeks, or do you want to start the process over and find a new contract? The world is YOUR pizza party now, and it’s time you enjoy the slice.

About Ashley Hazen

Ashley has been recruiting travel nurses for eight years. She knows how to handle a full plate and thrives off seeing others live out their dreams.

Ashley lives in a small town in Iowa with her husband, two kids, two dogs, two cats, and two horses. She loves true crime podcasts, Tom Brady, 90s music, and making new friends. Say hi to her @travel_nurse_recruiter on Instagram .

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What Do Travel Percentages Mean in a Job Description?

Written by Nathan Brunner .

Last updated on December 12, 2023.

“Travel percentages” refer to the amount of time that an employee is required to travel as part of their job responsibilities.

For example, if a job description requires “50% travel,” the employee will be required to spend roughly half of their time traveling and the other half working from their home office or the company’s headquarters.

Before accepting a job that involves travel, it’s important to carefully consider whether you’re willing and able to meet the job’s travel requirements.

Tip : Find Jobs on Salarship .

The Implications of Travel Percentages on Work-Life Balance

Different travel percentages can have significant implications for work-life balance.

For instance, if a job requires very little or no travel, an employee may be able to maintain a more consistent schedule and have more time for personal activities or family commitments.

On the other hand, frequent or extended travel can lead to fatigue, stress, and a lack of personal time, which can negatively affect an employee’s mental health and well-being .

Here is a quick table to help you understand how the different travel percentages will impact your life once you start your job:

• 10% travel — It means one or two months’ worth of business trips each year. In my experience, it is relatively easy to endure as it means a few travel days (or sometimes weeks) here and there.
• 25% travel — You will spend at least a quarter of your working hours away from your usual place of work. It amounts to 3 months per year, one week per month, or two days per week.
• 50% travel — It means constant overnight or international business trips for at least two weeks per month or six months a year. 50% of travel is usually mentioned in international business job descriptions.
• 75% travel — You will essentially live out of your suitcase and move from hotel to hotel for nine months per year, or three weeks each month. Most jobs that require you to travel three-fourths of the time are pretty stressful (e.g., high-paying jobs or jobs in the transportation industry ). You may rake in a hefty salary, but the tradeoff is little time for yourself, your family, and your non-work-related hobbies and goals. 

On the bright side, companies usually shoulder most (if not all) of your travel expenses, including food expenses, hotel expenses, and transportation expenses.

How To Get a Job That Requires You To Travel

If you’re deadset on getting a job that includes a travel percentage in the description, here are a few tips to keep in mind — whether you’re writing your cover letter or answering an interview question on whether you’re willing to travel or not.

• Highlight any previous travel experience you have. You want to reassure your potential employer that you’re not likely to, say, suffer from jet lag, or commit novice mistakes like forgetting to apply for a visa in countries that require them.
• Be honest about the amount of time you’re willing to spend traveling. The more honest you are about what you want at the job application or interview stage, the more likely you’ll end up with a job that’s a good fit for you. 

Final Thoughts

Evaluating the time you’ll be traveling in a job description can help you decide whether a position is right for you.

On the one hand, traveling often translates to more opportunities for promotion and career growth. On the other hand, traveling can be stressful and take a toll on your physical, mental, and psychological health.

Ultimately, it all boils down to your personal priorities and values.

Similar Articles

• The Meaning of “Clerical Speed And Accuracy” in a Job Description
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Japan’s first-ever megaquake advisory brings worry and confusion. What does it mean?

Japan issued its first-ever “megaquake advisory” last week after a powerful earthquake struck off the southeastern coast of the country’s southern main island of Kyushu. Though the magnitude 7.1 quake caused no deaths or severe damage, the subsequent advisory caused public unease about when the next big one will hit.

A beach is deserted after swimming was prohibited as the megaquake advisory was issued in Nichinan, Miyazaki prefecture, southern Japan, on Aug. 9, 2024. (Kyodo News via AP)

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Stone lanterns fall at a shrine following a strong earthquake in Nichinan, Miyazaki prefecture, southern Japan, on Aug. 9, 2024. (Kyodo News via AP)

A person checks emergency kit sold at a shop following a strong earthquake in Shibushi, Kagoshima prefecture, southern Japan, on Aug. 9, 2024. (Kyodo News via AP)

University of Tokyo seismologist Naoshi Hirata, left, a member of an expert panel, speaks during a press conference on the possible Nankai Trough earthquake, at Japan Meteorological Agency in Tokyo, on Aug. 8, 2024. (Kyodo News via AP)

TOKYO (AP) — Japan, one of the most earthquake-prone nations on earth, issued its first-ever “megaquake advisory” last week after a powerful quake struck off the southeastern coast of the southern main island of Kyushu.

The magnitude 7.1 quake caused no deaths or severe damage, but the advisory has led to widespread confusion and a lingering sense of worry — in a country well accustomed to regular quakes — about when the next big one will hit.

The Associated Press explains what the advisory means, what people are being told to do, and what could happen if a massive quake hits Japan.

What is a megaquake advisory?

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued the advisory after concluding that the magnitude 7.1 quake that struck on Aug. 8 on the western edge of the Nankai Trough increased the likelihood of a stronger one.

There is a 70-80% chance of a magnitude 8 or 9 quake associated with the Nankai Trough within the next 30 years, and the probability is now “higher than normal” after the latest quake, the JMA says.

But that is not a prediction that a megaquake will happen at any specific time or location, says University of Tokyo seismologist Naoshi Hirata, who heads the JMA’s experts panel. He urged people to remain cautious and prepared.

What is the Nankai Trough?

The Nankai Trough is an undersea trench that runs from Hyuganada, in the waters just off the southeastern coast of Kyushu, to Suruga Bay in central Japan. It spans about 800 kilometers (500 miles) along the Pacific coast.

The Philippine Sea Plate there slowly pulls down on the Eurasian Plate and causes it to occasionally snap back, an action that could lead to a megaquake and tsunami, JMA says.

The last Nankai Trough quake off Shikoku in 1946 recorded a preliminary magnitude of 8.0 and killed more than 1,300 people.

How damaging can a megaquake be?

In 2013, a government disaster prevention team said a magnitude 9.1 Nankai Trough quake could generate a tsunami exceeding 10 meters (33 feet) within minutes, killing as many as 323,000 people, destroying more than 2 million buildings and causing economic damage of more than 220 trillion yen ($1.5 trillion) to large swaths of Japan’s Pacific coast.

What is the government doing to prepare?

As a result of the “megaquake advisory,” Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida canceled his planned Aug. 9-12 trip to Central Asia and announced he would lead the government response and ensure preventive measures and communication with the public.

The Fire and Disaster Management Agency instructed 707 municipalities seen as at risk from a Nankai Trough quake to review their response measures and evacuation plans.

Experts and officials have urged people to stay calm and carry on their daily social and economic activities while also securing emergency food and water and discussing evacuation plans with family members.

In a reassuring note on Monday, JMA experts said they have so far found no abnormal seismic or tectonic activity that would indicate a megaquake.

How are people reacting?

The “megaquake advisory,” which is filled with scientific jargon, has worried and baffled people across the country. Some towns closed beaches and canceled annual events, which has led to challenges for travelers during Japan’s Obon holiday week, a time for festivals and fireworks across the nation.

Many people have put off planned trips and rushed to stock up on rice, dried noodles, canned food, bottled water, portable toilets and other emergency goods, leaving shelves empty at many supermarkets in western Japan and Tokyo, even though the capital is outside the at-risk area.

The Summit supermarket chain said microwavable rice is in short supply and the store is limiting purchases to one pack per customer.

Yoshiko Kudo and her husband Shinya said they had trouble understanding what exactly the advisory meant, how worried they should be and what they should do.

“We are trying not to go overboard. Too much worry is not good,” Yoshiko Kudo said.

“We don’t know how to be prepared and to still live normally like the experts tell us,” said Shinya Kudo, a caregiver in his 60s.

Yoneko Oshima, walking by a major train station in Tokyo, said: “It’s scary ... They say there’s a (70-80%) chance in the next 30 years, but it could be tomorrow.” Her latest purchase is a portable toilet. She says water is indispensable for her diabetic husband, who needs to take medicine after every meal.

“I plan to take this opportunity to make a list and make sure we have everything at hand,” Oshima said. She hasn’t changed her holiday plans this week, but her daughter canceled a planned trip to Mount Fuji.

In Matsuyama city on the island of Shikoku, which has many hot springs, hotels and resorts reviewed their evacuation procedures and emergency equipment and launched a radio communication system for emergency use. They have received hundreds of cancellations since the advisory was issued, said Hideki Ochi, director of the Dogo Onsen Ryokan Association.

Rail companies serving the region said their trains are operating at slightly reduced speeds as a precaution.

A crisis management task force in the coastal town of Kuroshio in Kochi prefecture, where a tsunami as high as 34 meters (111 feet) was predicted in the government risk analysis, initially set up 30 shelters across town. But only two are still open following Monday’s JMA statement that there has been no indication of an impending megaquake.

Higashi Osaka urged residents on the town website not to engage in “unnecessary and non-urgent” travel in case of a major quake.

The popular seaside town of Shirahama in Wakayama prefecture said its four outdoor hot springs, parks and other facilities would be closed for a week. Saturday’s annual fireworks festival was also canceled.

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• Health and social care
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Clade I mpox virus infection

Urgent public health message to all NHS service providers regarding Clade I mpox virus (MPXV) infection.

Actions for the NHS

Providers to ensure that relevant clinical services – including primary care, urgent care, sexual health services, paediatrics, obstetrics and emergency departments – are aware of the information in this public health message and that a differential diagnosis of Clade I mpox virus (MPXV) infection is considered in any patient who meets the operational case definition below.

Providers to ensure that they have adequate stocks of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and relevant staff are trained in its use for the assessment and treatment of patients presenting with suspected Clade I MPXV infection.

Providers to ensure there is a clinical pathway for isolation and management of suspected Clade I MPXV cases within their setting. This should include isolation of the patient, liaison with local infection prevention and control (IPC) teams, and arrangements for discussion of the case with local infectious disease, microbiology or virology consultants if a diagnosis of Clade I MPXV is being considered so that appropriate clinical management, including testing and infection control measures, can be implemented.

All samples from all individuals testing positive for mpox must be sent to the UKHSA Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory (RIPL) for clade differentiating tests.

Providers to note the information below for the clinical assessment and testing of patients with potential Clade I MPXV infection.

MPXV is a virus from the same family as smallpox, that presents with a rash illness which may be mild and localised, or severe and disseminated. There are 2 distinct clades of the virus: Clade I and Clade II. Clade II MPXV is responsible for the global outbreak that began in 2022. Clade I MPXV is currently considered more severe than Clade II MPXV , leading to its classification as a high consequence infectious disease ( HCID ).

Historically, Clade I MPXV has been reported only in 5 Central African countries. However, recent cases in additional countries within Central and East Africa mark the first known expansion of its geographical range, heightening the risk of spread beyond the region. Evidence of sustained sexual transmission of Clade I MPXV has emerged in the Democratic Republic of Congo ( DRC ). Healthcare professionals should remain vigilant for Clade I MPXV , including in sexually acquired mpox cases, and should obtain comprehensive travel histories from patients.

The symptoms of mpox begin 5 to 21 days (average 6 to 16 days) after exposure with initial clinical presentation of fever, malaise, lymphadenopathy and headache. Within 1 to 5 days after the appearance of fever, a rash develops, often beginning on the face or genital area and it may then spread to other parts of the body. The rash changes and goes through different stages before finally forming a scab which later falls off. Treatment for MPXV is mainly supportive.

Clinical assessment and operational mpox HCID case definition

The following patients should be managed as HCID cases (pending confirmation of clade type where appropriate):

• confirmed mpox where Clade I MPXV has been confirmed  
• there is a travel history to the  DRC  or  specified countries  where there may be a risk of Clade I exposure
• or a link to a suspected case from those countries (listed below), within 21 days of symptom onset
• or there is an epidemiological link to a case of Clade I mpox within 21 days of symptom onset

The countries where Clade I cases have been reported, as well as countries bordering those with ongoing Clade I transmission are currently:

• Republic of Congo
• Central African Republic
• South Sudan

Given the rapid spread of Clade I in the African region, please check the UKHSA mpox pages regularly for any updates to the countries included.

Mpox is not considered an HCID in the following circumstances:

• a case has a laboratory confirmed Clade II mpox virus ( MPXV ) infection
• a confirmed or clinically suspected mpox case of an unknown clade and none of the epidemiological characteristics listed above in the operational HCID case definition apply

Management of possible cases

Clinicians should be alert to the possibility of Clade I MPXV infection in patients presenting with suspected mpox where there is a link to the specified countries in the African region (as listed above). Clinicians treating patients with suspected mpox who may meet the operational case definition of an HCID (as outlined above) should discuss this with local infection specialists.

Infection Specialists should discuss all possible Clade I MPXV cases with the UKHSA Imported Fever Service ( IFS ) on 0844 778 8990 so that testing can be expedited. Patients with severe disease (who do not meet the operational case definition) should also be discussed with the IFS .  

Individuals with clinically suspected mpox presenting to acute care settings who meet the case definition for possible Clade I MPXV infection should be isolated and managed as a HCID as outlined in the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual .

In outpatient settings, individuals presenting with clinically suspected mpox who meet the case definition for possible Clade I MPXV infection should be isolated appropriately (single room, closed door) and clinical staff should wear face fit tested FFP3 masks, eye protection, long-sleeved splash resistant gowns and gloves to provide care if immediately required.

Where suspected cases meeting the operational case definition present in primary care, General Practitioners should isolate the patient in a single room and contact their local infection service for advice, including appropriate arrangements for transfer into secondary care and immediate precautions in the setting.

All samples from all individuals testing positive for MPXV (regardless of whether there are potential links to Clade I or travel from the African region) must be sent to the UKHSA RIPL for clade differentiating tests.  UKHSA will contact Trusts for samples for any mpox cases for which samples have not been received for clade typing.  

Cases of confirmed Clade I MPXV infection will be managed through the specialist network of HCID centres.

UKHSA ’s mpox resource collection  will be kept up to date with information on affected areas for the duration of the outbreak to assist NHS clinicians in diagnosis.

Additional information

• HCID status of mpox
• Mpox (monkeypox): diagnostic testing
• Imported fever service

Updates to this page

Updates to management of possible cases section.

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The mpox strain spreading now is different from the one in 2022: Here's what to know

The World Health Organization’s decision to declare mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years may seem like déjà vu — but there are key differences between the strain that’s causing international concern now and the one that spread in 2022.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral infection characterized by painful lesions. It’s spread by direct contact with an infected person, animal or contaminated items like clothing or bedding.

The virus is classified into two distinct groups: clade I and clade II. 

Clade II was responsible for the 2022 outbreak, which has led to around 100,000 cases worldwide . 

But now, a version of clade I has spread internationally. The outbreak started in January 2023 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and has since reached 12 other countries in the region.

On Thursday, Sweden confirmed the first known infection of clade I outside Africa , though Swedish health officials said the person was infected while spending time in Africa. Health authorities in Pakistan also confirmed a case of mpox on Friday but have not identified the strain yet. 

Clade I is more transmissible than clade II and capable of being more severe, so infectious disease experts are concerned about further international spread.

“We should have learned a lesson from 2022 that an infection anywhere is potentially an infection everywhere,” said Anne Rimoin, an epidemiology professor at the University of California, Los Angeles Fielding School of Public Health.

How does this version of mpox spread?

Mpox has historically spread in a few ways. The first is through close, personal contact with an infected person, such as skin-to-skin contact with rashes or with saliva or mucus. The second is via contact with contaminated materials. And the third is contact with infected animals: hunting, trapping or cooking them, touching sick rodents or getting bitten or scratched. 

In 2022, the version of clade II that spread globally, dubbed clade IIb, was passed primarily through sexual contact, particularly among men who have sex with men.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo recently, clade Ib has also been spreading through sexual contact among female sex workers and men who have sex with men. Research that hasn’t yet been published or peer reviewed linked an outbreak in an eastern mining town in Congo to professional sex work in bars.

But that’s not the only way the virus is being transmitted. Dr. Stuart Isaacs, an associate professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, said much of the spread of clade I could be due to exposure to animals and transmission within households, but limited surveillance in the regions where the virus is make it difficult to know for sure. 

Isaacs said there’s early evidence that clade Ib has certain “properties that are allowing it to spread more readily person to person.”

How severe are the recent cases?

In the past, outbreaks of clade I have been deadlier than clade 2, killing up to 10% of people who got sick . But more recent outbreaks have had lower death rates. Out of an estimated 22,000 cases in this outbreak in Congo , more than 1,200 people have died — which puts the fatality rate at just above 5%. 

By comparison, clade II outbreaks in Africa have generally had a mortality rate of around 1%, and just 0.2% of cases linked to the 2022 global outbreak were fatal.

Rimoin said the disease’s severity “can have less to do with the actual clade and more to do with route of transmission, the immune system of the individual, the source of the infection.” 

The threat in the U.S. could be milder than in Africa, according to Marc Siegel, an associate professor of medicine at the George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

“The underlying health conditions of the population in the DRC are probably contributing to the current case fatality rate,” he said, using the acronym for the Democratic Republic of Congo. “With less malnutrition and better access to health care resources, I would imagine that the case fatality rate will not be as high as we’re seeing in the DRC.”

Vaccines for mpox are also widely available in the U.S., following a major rollout effort in 2022. Two doses of the mpox vaccine or a previous clade II infection should protect against severe illness from clade I, the Department of Health and Human Service said Wednesday.

Do mpox symptoms differ between the clades?

Symptoms of the two mpox clades can be difficult to distinguish from each other.

The illness generally starts with a rash that progresses to small bumps on the skin, followed by blisters that fill with whitish fluid — a hallmark of the disease — and eventually scab over. People may also experience a fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen lymph nodes.

These symptoms often disappear on their own within a few weeks. But in severe cases, people may develop larger, more widespread lesions, secondary bacterial infections, pneumonia, heart inflammation or swelling of the brain. Immunocompromised people may develop atypical symptoms and have a greater risk of hospitalization and death. 

Historically, mpox lesions have tended to appear on the face, chest, palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. But during the 2022 outbreak, people frequently developed lesions around the genital and anal region or inside the mouth and throat, presumably because of how the virus was spreading at the time . The lesions were also fewer in number and less pronounced overall.

Some cases of this nature have also been detected in the current outbreak in Congo. 

“There is talk that there are more people that have lesions around the genitals this time around than previous clade I outbreaks,” said Amira Albert Roess, a professor of global health and epidemiology at George Mason University. “It’s going to take us some time to really understand what may be going on here.”

Aria Bendix is the breaking health reporter for NBC News Digital.