By ONESTAFF MEDICAL

November 21, 2025

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Young, Skilled, and Restless? Travel Nursing Could Be Your Perfect Fit.

So, You’re Wondering: Is Travel Nursing Right for Me?

You’ve put in the hours, earned your stripes, and now you’re asking the big question: What’s next? If you’re a nurse with two-plus years of experience, the answer might just involve a suitcase and a sense of adventure.

Travel nursing isn’t just a job—it’s a lifestyle. And right now, with hospitals juggling overstaffing and understaffing like a circus act, travel nurses are the MVPs keeping the show running. Here’s why this could be your best career move yet.

What to Expect When You Hit the Road

1. Freedom & Flexibility
Imagine swapping rigid schedules for the ability to choose where and when you work. Want to spend winter in sunny Florida and summer in the Pacific Northwest? Done. Travel nursing lets you design your own map.

2. Competitive Pay (Yes, Really)
Travel nurses often earn more than staff nurses—sometimes a lot more. Add housing stipends, travel reimbursements, and tax perks, and suddenly your paycheck looks like a vacation fund on steroids.

3. Professional Growth
Every assignment is a crash course in adaptability. You’ll master new systems, meet diverse teams, and build a résumé that screams “experienced and versatile.” Employers love that.

4. Adventure Factor
New cities, new cuisines, new friends. Your Instagram will thank you. And let’s be honest—life’s too short to wonder what the beach in California looks like in January.

Is Travel Nursing Right for You?

Ask yourself:

  • Do you thrive in new environments?
  • Are you ready to embrace flexibility?
  • Do you want to accelerate your career while exploring the country?

If you answered “yes” to any of these, travel nursing isn’t just an option—it’s an opportunity.

Why Start Now?

With two years of experience, you’re in the sweet spot: seasoned enough to hit the ground running, young enough to enjoy the ride. Overstaffing trends mean hospitals are leaning on travelers to fill gaps quickly. That’s your chance to step in and shine.

Top Myths About Travel Nursing—Busted

  • Myth: “I’ll feel isolated.”
    Truth: Travel nurses often have strong support networks, plus agencies like OneStaff make sure you’re never flying solo.
  • Myth: “It’s only for thrill-seekers.”
    Truth: It’s for anyone who values flexibility, growth, and financial freedom.
  • Myth: “I’ll have to move constantly.”
    Truth: You choose your assignments. Want to stay in one city for a year? Totally doable.

How to Get Started

  1. Partner with a Trusted Agency
    OneStaff Medical specializes in making your travel nursing journey seamless—from finding the right assignment to supporting you every mile of the way.
  2. Get Your Paperwork Ready
    Licenses, certifications, and a sense of adventure—check!
  3. Pack Smart
    Pro tip: Your favorite coffee mug makes any new place feel like home.
  4. Check Out Our “Beginner’s Guide” for More Details
    We have a handy page for all the details on getting into traveling healthcare here. Check it out, if you still have questions, just reach out!

Ready to see where travel nursing could take you?
Start exploring open assignments across the country on The Gypsy Nurse Job Board. Your next adventure is just one click away.

By HealthTrust Workforce Solutions

November 11, 2025

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Top 10 Holiday Travel Tips for Nurse Travelers

With patient volume surging and core staff taking PTO, the holidays are a busy time for most healthcare facilities — and that usually means they’re hiring more travel nurses. That means more travel nurse opportunities — and more reasons to brush up on some essential holiday travel tips. So, whether you’re a seasoned traveler seeking a new assignment or a first-time traveler looking to try a new type of nursing lifestyle, this season is a good time to hit the road to help a community in need. 

But traveling during Thanksgiving, the holiday season, or cold-weather months can also come with some challenges. Stay on top of them and make sure your travels are safe, happy, productive, and memorable with these 10 holiday travel tips for travel nurses.

Top 10 Holiday Travel Tips to Stay Safe & Beat the Holiday Blues this Winter

1. Plan ahead! An essential travel tip for any time of year, planning ahead is absolutely critical during the winter months, when airports and roads are busier than ever and the best accommodations are booked well in advance. That means booking your flight, figuring out your route, and lining up your lodging as early as you can to avoid delays and unpleasant surprises.

2. Keep an eye on that flight. You can expect air travel to be busier and more unpredictable than ever this season. Stay on top of any potential flight delays or cancellations well in advance by watching your airline’s flight tracker at least 24 hours ahead of time. And even if everything’s on schedule, give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport before takeoff.

3. … or your vehicle’s bill of health. If you’re driving, don’t forget to schedule a full vehicle check-up before you set out. Even if you’re not going somewhere cold, seasonal maintenance is a must — not just for comfort and convenience but also for your safety. While you’re at it, pack an emergency kit, too!

4. Layer up! Winter weather can be unpredictable pretty much anywhere you travel these days. Be ready for snow, sun, wind, and rain all at once by stocking up on some smart layers before you travel. And remember, as a nurse, you’re eligible for deals and discounts on some of your favorite brands.

5. Stay connected with loved ones. In the age of video calling, staying connected with loved ones back home is easier than ever. Whether it’s your spouse, kids, parents, besties, or all of the above, all it takes is some planning ahead to set up time to talk, on a holiday, winter weekend, or anytime you feel like connecting.

6. Spruce up your living space with coziness and cheer. No matter if you’re staying in a hotel, shared living space, weekly rental, or anywhere else, there’s no reason why you can’t spruce up your temporary housing with some festive cheer. You can find plenty of holiday lights and decorations at local discount stores. Or, if you’re feeling creative, make some yourself! Crafting some homemade décor before you leave can be a fun way to make your space even cozier.

7. Lock down your living space. The holiday season can bring increased activity in many neighborhoods, so it’s a good idea to take extra steps to keep your temporary home secure. You can help keep your living space safe by buying extra padlocks for your doors, or even timers that turn on music, lights, or your TV while you’re at work.

8. Find friendship away from home. If you crave companionship during the holidays, you can try meeting new folks on Facebook nursing groups, by volunteering at a shelter, toy drive, or food bank, or by checking out the bulletin boards at coffee shops and music stores. You can also consider hitting up holiday light displays — or if you’re single, search Google for singles nights at places like libraries, wineries, museums, pubs, or taprooms.

9. See the sights. With fewer crowds and cheaper prices, the colder months can be the best times to visit local attractions or just get out into nature. Take advantage of your nurse discounts on hotels and other travel perks to take an extended weekend somewhere fun that you might not otherwise have the chance to visit — think nearby villages, event venues, or national parks.

10. Bring a friend! It’s relatively easy to bring a pet with you on assignment — all it takes is a little planning. Even better, some travel agencies offer referral bonuses when you recommend someone for a travel job. If the stars align, you could refer a friend to the same facility you’re working at and spend some quality time with a buddy during your next travel assignment!

Ready to travel? You’ll find plenty of great assignments with HealthTrust! Visit healthtrustjobs.com to search openings now. And have a safe and happy holiday season!

Ready to find your next winter assignment?
Explore current travel nurse jobs on The Gypsy Nurse Job Board and make your next adventure one to remember.

By Titan Medical

November 4, 2025

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Working Through the Holidays: A Travel Healthcare Worker’s Guide to Navigating the Season

For many, the holidays are a time to relax, reconnect, and recharge. But if you’re a travel healthcare professional on assignment during this time, you may be facing a different reality: working when others are off, being away from home, juggling shifts with travel, and still giving your all to your patients!

It’s a unique experience, and with a careful mindset and smart preparation, it can also be a deeply rewarding one. Below are some of the most important things to consider if you’re working through the holidays while also making the most of them.

Working Through the Holidays

1. Recognize the Dynamics of Holiday Healthcare

The holidays bring increased patient volume (think: seasonal illnesses, accidents, family visitors, holiday travel) and often decreased staffing or more pressure on units. As a travel nurse, your role becomes even more critical in filling these gaps.

  • Tip: Remember that your contribution is especially meaningful during this season. Being on assignment when many are off is a kind service and it matters!!!

2. Plan Ahead (Both Professionally and Personally)

Before you accept or begin a contract that covers the holidays:

  1. Ask about the holiday schedule: days off, shift changes, and how floating is handled.
  2. Clarify start and end dates so you know where you’ll be over key holiday dates.
  3. On the personal side: schedule calls with loved ones, plan for how you’ll celebrate (or modify your celebration) given your assignment.

3. Create Your Own Traditions, Wherever You Are

Being away from home doesn’t mean skipping the holiday vibe. Consider:

  • Light a small tree or hang decorations in your housing.
  • Find local holiday events such as community tree lighting, local markets, and festive concerts.
  • Work with your unit to participate in holiday potlucks or staff celebrations. It helps build connection and eases the “away from home” feeling.

4. Set Boundaries & Commit to Self‑Care

Working through the holidays can blur lines between home and work. Be intentional:

  • Block calendar time for rest, for calling home, for doing something that recharges you.
  • If you’ll be working a shift on a major holiday, decide ahead of time how you’ll celebrate or mark the occasion (even in small ways).
  • Prioritize sleep, nutrition, hydration!! Especially when shift demands escalate.
    Self‑care isn’t optional; it’s essential for maintaining your best performance and mental health.

5. Leverage the Travel Advantage

There are unique perks for travel nurses during the holidays:

  • You may qualify for premium pay or holiday differentials depending on the contract.
  • You get to spend a holiday season in a different city or state, which can mean fresh local experiences and memories!!
  • The bonds you form with fellow travelers on assignment can become meaningful support systems during times when friends/family are far.

6. Communicate With Your Recruiter & Facility

Clear communication is key:

  • Let your recruiter know your preferences (time off during specific holiday days, rotating shifts you’re willing/unwilling to take, etc.).
  • At the facility: ask about holiday staffing plans, on‑call expectations, policies for floating. You’re stepping into a setting already tracking heightened demands—clarity helps you arrive prepared.


If you and your recruiter are aligned on expectations, your holiday assignment has a higher chance of being a positive experience!

7. When You’re Not Working the Big Days — Make Them Yours

If your assignment skips major holiday dates (e.g., you have those days off), you still can make them special:

  • Travel locally nearby for a day trip or experience you otherwise may not have time for.
  • Host a virtual call with family/friends and plan to open gifts or share a meal “together” from afar.
  • Reflect on what you’re grateful for: the flexibility of travel nursing, the opportunities you’ve had, and being part of patient care when it matters.

The holidays as a travel healthcare worker can be challenging, but they don’t have to feel like a sacrifice. With the right preparation, clear communication, and self‑care mindset, your assignment can be a unique chapter filled with new friendships, meaningful care, and personal growth!

And if you’re not looking to work through the holidays this year, maybe you need a break or want to wait for a post‑holiday contract — we’ve got something special for you!! At Titan Medical Group, we’re offering a referral bonus of up to $1,500 if you refer a friend or a colleague who starts a contract with us. So even if you’re choosing rest now, you can still stay connected, earn, and support fellow travel healthcare professionals!!

Whatever your plan this season, working or waiting, we salute your dedication. Here’s to meaningful care, new experiences, and finding your place (even if it’s away from home for a moment).

Whether you’re working through the holidays or planning your next break, the perfect travel assignment is waiting. See what’s available now. View Open Travel Jobs

By Phoebe Lyman, for Titan Medical Group

By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

October 27, 2025

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The Perks of Travel Nursing

Ready to take your nursing career on the road? Travel nursing is so much more than a career—it’s a lifestyle that lets you build your work around your goals, explore new destinations, and grow your skills in ways a permanent position can’t.

From mountain towns to coastal cities, each assignment is an opportunity to immerse yourself in a new community, meet diverse teams, and gain experiences that make you a stronger, more adaptable nurse. Plus, with control over your schedule and assignments, you can avoid burnout, build lasting professional connections, and create the kind of career—and life—you actually love. Read on to discover the perks of being a travel nurse.

Top Benefits of Being a Travel Nurse

Flexibility

Imagine being able to plan your life around your priorities, not a fixed schedule. As a travel nurse, you’re in full control. You decide when to take your next assignment and how long to stay in between.

There’s no waiting for time-off approvals or getting caught up in management changes. When your contract ends, you can choose to extend, relocate, or take a break. That kind of freedom gives you control over your work-life balance—something every nurse deserves.

Adventure

Travel nursing lets you live like a local in places most people only visit as tourists. You’ll dive into the culture, try new foods, and get to deeply experience the local scene—all while growing in your career.

Many travelers discover that their favorite destinations are the ones they never expected. Each 13-week assignment brings the chance to live, learn, and fall in love with somewhere new. Stay open to places that aren’t on your travel list—you just might find your next favorite destination!

Growth

Every new hospital, unit, and team you work with adds another layer to your professional experience. You’ll learn from diverse clinical settings, strengthen your adaptability, and build leadership skills that make your resume shine.

That adaptability doesn’t just make you a better traveler—it makes you a stronger nurse wherever your career takes you next.

Less Burnout

With control over your schedule and environment, you can avoid the burnout that affects so many in healthcare. You can take extended time off between contracts, explore hobbies, and truly rest—without the stress of mandatory overtime or hospital politics.

Community

Travel nursing may sound independent, but it’s far from lonely. You’ll join a network of recruiters, clinicians, and fellow travelers who share advice, friendship, and encouragement from assignment to assignment.

And when you travel with TNAA + TotalMed, you gain award-winning support—the kind that makes sure you can focus on the experience, not the logistics.

Find Out if Travel Nursing is Right for You

Curious if becoming a travel nurse is right for you? Join one of TNAA and TotalMed’s free monthly webinars, built for healthcare professionals exploring the idea of taking their career on the road. You’ll get a breakdown on everything you need to thrive as a travel nurse and start your travel career with confidence.

Do these perks sound good? Visit our job board to find your next travel nursing adventure and take control of your career and lifestyle.

By The Gypsy Nurse

October 19, 2025

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9 Healthcare Influencers Every Healthcare Traveler Should Follow

Whether you’re on assignment across the country or taking a well-deserved vacation, staying connected with inspiring voices in healthcare can make all the difference. From practical travel tips to mental health guidance, these 9 influencers provide insight, motivation, and a little humor along the way.

9 Healthcare Influencers Every Healthcare Traveler Should Follow

1. Brandy Pinkerton: @travnurse101 (Instagram) 👩‍⚕️✈️

As a travel nurse mentor for Travel Nurse 101, Brandy gives real-world advice for travel nurses and healthcare travelers. She is passionate about guiding new and experienced travelers through every step of their journey, from landing assignments to finding housing and navigating contracts. Recently named Best Nurse Mentor by nurse.org, Brandy offers practical tips, motivational advice, and resources that are designed to help travelers be successful.

2. Nurse John @nurse.johnn (Instagram & TikTok) 😂🩺

With over 4 million followers, Nurse Johnn is one of the most recognizable voices in the nursing social media world. His content blends humor, relatable stories, and some behind-the-scenes glimpses of healthcare life. For travelers, his posts are a refreshing reminder that laughter really can be the best medicine. And that no matter where you work, every nurse shares the same experiences.

3.Bianca Soffer @biancasoffer (Instagram) 🌟📖

Bianca has become one of the most followed travel nurses on Instagram. All thanks to her polished, aspirational feed. She shares everything from lifestyle content to travel nurse advice. Inspiring her followers to embrace their careers and their passions. Bianca’s account is an amazing mix of beauty, motivation, and practical insights.

4. Sophie @thetravelingsopha (Instagram) 🌎🩺

Now an international travel nurse and blogger, Sophie documents her global nursing adventures with beautiful and practical advice. Sophie is a must-follow for nurses looking at international travel nursing in the future.

5. Off The Clock Nurse @offtheclocknurse (Instagram) 🌟

Leah Helmbrect is more than a nurse; she’s a storyteller, advocate, and explorer. With experience in forensic nursing and acute care discharge, Leah uses her platform to inspire others to set boundaries, prioritize wellness, and embrace the adventures that come along! She also co-hosts the Nurse Converse Podcast and organizes group trips for fellow travelers. Her Instagram feed is filled with honest nursing insights, lifestyle balance tips, and travel inspiration. Leah is a must-follow for any healthcare professional looking to thrive both on and off the clock.

6. That Magical Nurse @thatmagicalnurse (TikTok)🪄

Known for her creativity and upbeat personality, Britt, or That Magical Nurse, shares funny, relatable, and uplifting content about nursing life. Her TikToks bring a bit of magic to everyday realities of healthcare, making her account a favorite among nurses who need a dose of positivity.

7. Nurse Kelv @nurse.kelv (TikTok) 🎬

Nurse Kelvin combines humor, real talk, and motivational content to highlight the realities of nursing and healthcare culture. His videos touch on everything from patient interactions to work-life balance, making him a go-to for nurses looking to laugh and reflect.

8. The Dude Nurse @thedudenurse (Instagram) 💪

Nate (The Dude Nurse) is all about advocacy, humor, and breaking stereotypes in nursing. With a growing Instagram presence, he brings a fresh perspective to the profession, tackling serious topics while also keeping things lighthearted and relatable.

9. Nurse Nico @nurse.nico (Instagram) 😎

Nico shares his journey as a nurse with a mix of humor, motivation, and behind-the-scenes looks at the profession. His engaging content resonates with both new and veteran nurses, making him a strong voice in the online nursing community.

From laughter to career advice, these influencers are shaping the way healthcare professionals connect online. Whether you’re a nurse, a healthcare traveler, or just someone who loves authentic content, following these creators will keep your feed full of inspiration, humor, and real talk.

By HealthTrust Workforce Solutions

September 16, 2025

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How to Fast-Track Your Career Development with Travel Nursing Jobs

The third week of September is Nursing Professional Development (NPD) Week, a great time to take stock of your career and make sure it’s going in the right direction. And that’s especially true if you work as a travel nurse, where there’s a whole world of opportunities waiting for you — some of which you may not know about!

You probably do know that travel nursing is one of the best ways to develop your nursing skills, knowledge, and expertise. But those benefits don’t always come automatically. With that in mind, here are five specific steps you can take to fast-track your career development with travel nursing jobs, and some specific ways to do it.

5 Ways to Fast-Track Your Career Development With Travel Nursing Jobs

Tip #1: Get on-the-job training by working travel nursing jobs in new specialties.

One of the biggest benefits of traveling is developing skills in adjacent specialties. Employers are often willing to hire travel nurses for urgent assignments while they source more qualified long-term applicants. Of course, you’ll need to have similar skills and clinical experience — and the more relevant certifications you have, the better.  

How to do it: For example, if you have ICU experience, you can probably land a travel job in an emergency department, and vice versa — especially since nurses are in such high demand in those settings. Or if you’re a pediatric nurse, you may be able to branch out into PICU jobs.

Tip #2: Expand your skill set in your chosen specialty with travel nursing jobs in new settings.

By offering the chance to work with new equipment, different types of patients, or the latest clinical best practices, traveling can be a great way to develop skills in the specialty you already work in. You can also get up to speed on advances in technology — a must in certain roles where it changes fast, like telehealth or dialysis care. 

How to do it: Start by finding a travel job in a different type of facility than where you usually work. For instance, if most of your experience has been in hospitals, look for roles in outpatient settings. Whatever you choose, simply working a variety of different travel jobs over the course of a few years can expose you to new equipment, EHR systems, clinical protocols, patient conditions, and lots more — all of which can boost your career prospects and earning power.

Tip #3: Align your travel assignments with must-attend events.

Conferences, workshops, and other events are excellent opportunities to network, earn CE credits, and meet recruiters and employers across the U.S.A. But for busy full-time nurses, it’s not always easy to take the time to travel to them. By planning ahead, you can align an upcoming travel assignment with an important event, giving yourself double the career benefits.

How to do it: For example, travel events like TravCon take place in Las Vegas every September, and taking an autumn assignment in Nevada makes it easy to attend. At events like this, you’ll meet fellow nurses and healthcare travel companies such as HealthTrust — all great opportunities to grow your network and further develop your nursing career.

Tip #4: Focus on networking — and follow through!

Another key benefit of travel nursing is meeting new people, from co-workers to clinical managers to recruiters and executives. In addition to simply making friends, some of these folks could connect you with key opportunities down the road, especially since they’ll have first-hand experience of your skills, attitude, and team spirit.

How to do it: Having a friendly, can-do attitude during your assignment is essential, but it’s only the first step. Make sure to connect on LinkedIn, too, and then use it to stay in touch — for instance, by planning meet-ups at conferences. And this benefit works both ways! If your new friends are seeking opportunities, you can also refer them to your current employer or agency.

Tip #5: Get NPD certified!

Although its main focus may be on helping other nurses develop skills, a Nursing Professional Development (NPD) certification can offer other benefits to your career. For instance, it can help open the door to a wide variety of new job opportunities, including leadership roles — everything from nursing coach, unit educator, and staff development coordinator to charge nurse, shift manager, clinical supervisor, and much more.  

How to do it: Valid for five years, the Nursing Professional Development certification is offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Ready to advance your career prospects with new travel opportunities? You’ll find plenty at the HealthTrust Workforce Solutions travel jobsite! Visit healthtrustjobs.com to search for open positions now.

By Triage Healthcare Staffing

November 21, 2023

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How to Land a Travel Assignment in a Desirable Area

Triage Healthcare Staffing provided this article.

If you’re looking for an assignment in a great location, you know the competition is fierce. Desirable locations have a lot of nurses, all competing for the same jobs. Luckily, we’ve got tips that can help you land a travel assignment where you want to go—even if lots of other nurses are all vying for the same position.

land a travel assignment

Be Flexible with Pay or Housing

In desirable areas, you may need to be less picky than with a normal assignment. This means that the average pay rate may be lower than you’re used to because so many other nurses are interested in the area. It’s simple supply and demand—if the supply of nurses who want to experience a specific area is higher than normal, the facilities will lower the bill rate, which directly affects travel nurse pay.

Housing may be hard to come by in popular areas, too. This can affect you in one of two ways: you may need to pay more for housing that’s close to the facility or live further away. Either option works. It just depends on what you want out of your living situation.

Book an Assignment in the Off Season and Extend

This tip comes directly from a pair of Triage travelers. Our travelers often think ahead to where they want to spend the summer and then book an assignment in that location in the spring. That way, when the summer is close, they are already in the area and their first choice when the position opens up. Of course, this tip might not work as well in locations like Hawaii that are super popular year-round, but our travelers have found it to work in nearly every instance.

land a travel assignment

Work with a Recruiter You Can Trust

A recruiter you can trust is an invaluable resource. When you have someone in your corner that you trust, you’ll be able to have a conversation with your recruiter about what you’re looking for in an assignment. By maintaining this relationship, your recruiter will be able to look out for the locations you want to work in. Then, if you have your profile ready, your recruiter can submit you within seconds once you give them the go-ahead. When there’s a lot of competition for desirable locations, being first in line can make it more likely that you get the assignment. The early bird gets the worm, right?

Be Open to a Night Shift or Float Pool

Lastly, being open to a night shift or float pool can help your chances of being hired in a competitive location. When you’re flexible with your shift or willing to jump in and help out in a different specialty, you’re a more attractive candidate for the facility. However, make sure that you talk to your recruiter to ensure you’re not floated to a specialty you’re not comfortable with. And if you are asked to float somewhere outside your skill set, your agency’s clinical department can help you navigate that situation so your license stays safe. That’s what they’re there for! Looking for travel nurse jobs in a location everyone else wants to go to? Scoring one of these sweet assignments can be a challenge, but there are ways to make it happen. Use these tips (and a Triage recruiter) and get yourself on the road.

We hope you enjoyed this article on landing a travel assignment in a desirable location. Do you have any tips to share with your fellow travelers? Comment them below.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)