People want their skills valued in every profession, and nursing is no exception. For travel nurses, working in a high-demand specialty means better job security, higher pay rates, and more flexibility in choosing where and when you work. And if you’ve at least one year of experience in one of these travel nurse specialties, you’ll find even more opportunities for exciting travel assignments.
So, which travel nurse specialties are currently the most sought-after? Here’s a look at the top in-demand fields for 2025.
1. Operating Room (OR) Nursing
OR nurses continue to be some of the most requested travel nurses nationwide. Since surgery is such a pivotal moment in a patient’s care, having experienced, steady hands in the operating room matters.
Within OR nursing, you’ll typically find:
- Circulating nurses caring for patients before and after a procedure, and documenting throughout.
- Scrub nurses assisting surgeons directly during operations.
- RN first assistants helping with tasks like incisions and suturing under a surgeon’s supervision
If you thrive under pressure and have a sharp eye for detail, OR nursing could be your calling. Most healthcare facilities require 1-2 years of recent experience in the operating room, ensuring that nurses are well-prepared to handle the demands of this specialty, and short-term assignments. Additionally, while it’s not always mandatory, obtaining your CNOR (Certified Perioperative Nurse) certification could get you a competitive advantage in the job market.
2. Cardiac Nursing
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., according to MedicalNewsToday.com, so it’s no surprise that cardiac nurses are in constant demand. This specialty covers several areas, including:
- CVOR (Cardiovascular Operating Room) assisting with open-heart surgeries and other cardiovascular procedures.
- CVICU (Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit) caring for critically ill cardiac patients recovering from surgery or dealing with severe heart conditions.
Each role varies by setting and patient type, making aligning your career goals with the right cardiac specialty essential. These roles also tend to rank among the highest-paying travel nursing positions. Facilities typically want these nurses to have 1-2 years of recent experience in a cardiac unit, CVOR, or CVICU setting.
3. Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Nursing
ICU nurses are known for their expertise and adaptability in critical situations. Travel ICU nurses care for patients with life-threatening conditions, including severe trauma, post-operative complications, and acute illnesses that require continuous monitoring and complex interventions. It’s highly recommended that to be an ICU travel nurse, you become a CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse) to allow you to work in specialized ICUs that may include:
- Medical ICU (MICU)
- Surgical ICU (SICU)
- Neuro ICU
- Cardiac ICU (CVICU)
The field is expanding, too, with emerging roles like virtual ICU command center nursing becoming more available in today’s healthcare landscape.
4. Emergency Room (ER) Nursing
With over 136 million ER visits annually in the U.S. according to the CDC, demand for skilled ER nurses remains high, making this a rewarding specialty for those who thrive in high-stakes environments.
ER nurses need to think fast, stay calm, and act decisively. The emergency department treats many urgent conditions and injuries, so no two days are the same. Most travel ER positions require 1–2 years of recent ER experience, and certifications like PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) and TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course) can boost your job options, especially at trauma centers.
5. Women’s Health: NICU, MBPP, and Labor & Delivery (L&D)
The need for women’s health nurses is growing, especially in areas like:
- NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)
- MBPP (Mother/Baby and Postpartum)
- Labor & Delivery
Patience, empathy, and emotional resilience are key traits in these travel nurse specialties. L&D positions often require prior experience in postpartum care, plus certifications in BLS and ACLS. Most contracts call for 1–2 years of recent specialty experience, like other travel nurse specialties. For L&D and NICU roles, additional certifications like NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program) are often preferred.
6. Medical-Surgical (Med-surg) Nursing
Med-surg nursing is a popular starting point for new RNs and a versatile specialty for experienced nurses. You’ll manage various patient care duties, from IV administration to post-op monitoring, and work closely with diverse patient populations.
This specialty offers abundant travel opportunities and valuable experience for whichever career path you pursue next. To stand out as a Med-surg candidate, it’s a good idea to earn your MSRN (Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse) certification. Most travel med-surg positions require at least 1 year of recent specialty experience.
7. Telemetry Nursing
Telemetry nurses care for patients with serious health conditions requiring continuous monitoring. You’ll record and interpret vital signs, track heart rhythms, and educate patients about post-discharge care.
If you’re decisive, tech-savvy, and enjoy patient education, travel telemetry positions could be a perfect fit. To gain a competitive edge in this specialty, it’s a good idea to earn your PCCN (Progressive Care Certified Nurse) certification and have 1-2 years of recent telemetry experience.
8. Psychiatric Nursing
As mental health awareness and prioritization grow, so does the demand for psych nurses. These professionals provide compassionate, immediate care to patients in crisis, working in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and inpatient facilities.
While requirements are similar to other travel nurse specialties, many employers prefer at least two years of experience and recent mental health nursing hours. To broaden your job options, you may want to consider obtaining a PMHN-BC (Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing) certification.
9. Home Health Nursing
With the aging Baby Boomer generation, home health nursing has skyrocketed. This specialty provides essential care for patients recovering from illness, injury, or surgery in the comfort of their own homes.
Travel home health nurses—along with CNAs, LPNs, therapists, and other healthcare providers—are needed nationwide. These positions typically offer flexible schedules and meaningful one-on-one patient care.
Since home health nurses often work independently, strong assessment skills and the ability to adapt to different home environments are essential. Experience with OASIS (Outcome and Assessment Information Set) documentation and electronic visit verification (EVV) systems is typically preferred, and having a driver’s license and reliable transportation is a must.
10. Oncology Nursing
Oncology nurses care for patients undergoing cancer treatment, providing clinical support and emotional guidance. Cancer remains the second-leading cause of death in the U.S., keeping demand for this specialty consistently high.
From chemotherapy administration to hospice care, oncology nurses are critical in helping patients and families navigate difficult journeys.
Most positions require 1–2 years of recent oncology experience, and many employers prefer or require chemotherapy and biotherapy certification. Earning an Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN®) credential can also expand your career opportunities.
Choose a Specialty That Inspires You
While it’s smart to consider travel nurse specialties in high demand, finding a nursing path that excites and fulfills you is the most important factor. Medical Solutions has exclusive openings at top-rated facilities across the U.S. for these travel nurse specialties and more if you’re an RN with at least a year of hospital experience.
Ready to find your next adventure? Search travel nursing jobs or connect with a Medical Solutions recruiter today — and let’s find the perfect assignment for you.
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