Travel Nursing Jobs – Frequently Asked Questions What are travel nursing jobs? How long do travel nursing job assignments typically last? Are nurse travel jobs available to everyone? Do I need to be licensed in every state where I take on travel nurse jobs? How well do travel nursing jobs pay? What out-of-pocket expenses are incurred with nurse travel jobs? What kinds of medical facilities offer travel RN jobs and travel nurse jobs? Q:  What are travel nursing jobs? A:  The idea of travel nursing jobs was brought to life due to the widespread nursing shortage in the U.S.  Travel nurse jobs allow hospitals, medical facilities and staffing agencies to fill positions with nurses who may otherwise be outside of their geographic region. Q:  How long do travel nursing job assignments typically last? A:  The travel nursing industry standard is 13 weeks.  However, depending on the agency or medical facility, the travel assignment could last 13, 26 or as high as 52 weeks. Q:  Are nurse travel jobs available to everyone? A:  Travel nursing jobs are open to any RN or LPN nurse who is willing and able to trek across the US for extended periods of time. Q:  Do I need to be licensed in every state where I take on travel nurse jobs? A:  Yes.  You must have a current license for any state that you plan to take on a travel nursing job.  Some states have “reciprocal” polices that accept another state's permanent nursing license.  Most travel nursing agencies have resources to help nurses find and complete the appropriate forms, and in some instances have reimbursement plans to help pay for licensure fees. Q:  How well do travel nursing jobs pay? A:  According to MSN Encarta, travel nurse jobs pay an average of $28 per hour.  Of course, this can be much higher with some travel nurse jobs paying at $40 per hour or more.  The rate of pay will vary depending on location (California ranks as the highest paying state, on average), the travel nursing job in question and your experience/skills coming into the assignment. Q:  What out-of-pocket expenses are incurred with nurse travel jobs? A:  New traveling nurses are often worried about out-of-pocket expenses like housing and travel (i.e. gas or air fare).  The majority of agencies provide housing, including utilities, or supply their nurses with a housing stipend.  Typically, costs are reimbursed for getting to and from a travel nursing job assignment.  As previously mentioned, licensure fees are often reimbursed, too. Q:  What kinds of medical facilities offer travel RN jobs and travel nurse jobs? A:  These days, nearly all medical facilities have a need for travel nursing jobs.  Large hospitals, teaching facilities and even small rural facilities use traveling nurses!  If you have a preference, most travel nursing agencies can work with you for placement in a medical facility of your liking.