Hey ER RNs! 👋 If you’ve been thinking about taking your skills on the road, now’s the time to explore the exciting world of travel nursing. From landing in hot spots with high demand to finding the best housing, I’ve got all the info you need to get started as a traveling ER nurse. Let’s dive in!
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Why Travel? Adventure, Growth, and Flexibility
As an ER nurse, you’re already used to high-energy environments, quick decisions, and tons of adrenaline. So why not take those skills and experience new places? Traveling gives you the chance to explore new cities, tackle different ER challenges, and meet new people (while earning a nice paycheck). The best part? The flexibility is all yours. You choose where and when to work, taking breaks between assignments to recharge, travel, or spend time with family.
And here’s the kicker—travel nurses make an average of 15-30% more than permanent staff nurses . So not only do you get the adventure, but your pay can significantly increase too!
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Compact Nursing License: Your Travel Bestie
Before you take off, let’s talk licenses. One thing that’ll make your life easier as a travel nurse is getting yourself a Compact Nursing License. This gem lets you work in multiple states without having to go through the headache of applying for individual licenses over and over.
If you’re based in a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, you’re already ahead of the game! With a compact license, you can work in any of the 39 participating states without needing to apply for new licensure every time you switch assignments.
Quick Tip: If you aren’t in an NLC state yet, no worries! You can apply for a license in one of the compact states as your primary state of residence. Check out the full list of participating states and more info on the Nurse Licensure Compact here.
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Hot Spots for Traveling ER Nurses 🚑🔥
Now that you’re prepped to move around, let’s talk about where to go! Certain locations are always in high demand for ER nurses, whether because of population size, seasonal needs, or just consistently high patient volumes. Here are a few hot spots where travel ER nurses can really make an impact (and snag those higher pay rates 💸):
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Texas: From Austin to Houston, Texas hospitals are known for needing skilled ER nurses. The state’s large population and wide rural areas mean more opportunities in both big city hospitals and smaller, rural ERs. Check out the nursing job market in Texas here!
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Florida: The Sunshine State is perfect for nurses who love to mix work with warm weather. Winter is the peak travel season here, thanks to the influx of “snowbirds.” For a deeper look into Florida nursing stats and requirements, visit Nurse.org’s guide to Florida.
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New York: With NYC’s fast-paced environment and many other large cities nearby, New York remains a popular spot for ER nurses to dive into diverse cases and high-intensity settings.
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Washington: The Pacific Northwest has beautiful landscapes, but it also has hospitals that are always looking for top-notch ER nurses. Plus, it’s great for anyone who loves outdoor adventures on your days off.
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Housing Hacks for Traveling ER Nurses 🏡
One of the biggest questions you’ll have when you start traveling is where do I stay? Fear not! There are plenty of housing options designed to help travel nurses feel right at home, whether you’re staying for 8 weeks or 6 months.
Here’s a breakdown of some top housing options for traveling ER RNs:
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Furnished Finder: This website is a travel nurse fave, with over 70,000 listings of short-term rentals near hospitals. It’s great for fully furnished spaces with flexible leases. You can check it out here.
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Airbnb & VRBO: If you want to feel more “at home” and maybe bring your pet along, Airbnb and VRBO offer long-term stays where you can negotiate a monthly discount. Don’t be afraid to reach out to hosts directly to work out deals!
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Extended-Stay Hotels: Many travel nurses love these for the convenience. You can enjoy amenities like housekeeping and a kitchen without being tied to a lease. Websites like Extended Stay America even cater specifically to healthcare professionals.
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RV Life: If you’re feeling extra adventurous, many travel nurses have embraced the RV life! It gives you flexibility to move at your own pace and park near your hospital. Plus, no need to pack and unpack all the time—everything travels with you. Here’s a guide on how to get started with RV living as a nurse.
Bonus Tip: Always check with your travel agency—some will help cover your housing or offer a housing stipend so you can choose where to stay.
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What Do You Need to Be a Travel ER Nurse?
Now that you know where to go and where to stay, let’s cover what you’ll need to get started.
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Experience: Most agencies prefer at least 1-2 years of ER experience. It’s not just about handling the fast pace but also being confident enough to jump into a new hospital and hit the ground running. Having strong foundational skills is key.
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Certifications: You already know that staying certified is essential in the ER. Keep your ACLS, BLS, and TNCC (if required) current. Some assignments may also require PALS, especially if you’ll be in a children’s ER. Check out the American Heart Association’s certification courses if you need a refresher.
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Flexibility: Travel ER nursing isn’t just about flexibility in location—it’s also about staying flexible with shifts, patient loads, and the unique challenges each new hospital may bring.
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The Perks of Being a Traveling ER Nurse
Besides the paycheck and adventure, there are some sweet perks to becoming a traveling ER nurse:
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Freedom to Explore: You get the chance to experience new cities, states, and regions while still doing what you love. Think of it as a paid vacation that never gets boring.
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Higher Pay: Since travel nurses fill high-demand roles, you can usually score higher pay rates and bonuses compared to permanent positions. In fact, travel nurses can earn upwards of $3,000+ per week, depending on the location and specialty .
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New Connections: Each assignment means new colleagues, patients, and mentors who will shape your career in amazing ways.
Ready to Start Your Journey? Let’s Do This! 💪
Whether you’re a seasoned ER nurse or just looking to mix things up, travel nursing gives you the freedom to explore new places, meet new people, and grow in ways you never thought possible. So why not make this year the year you take your ER skills on the road?
Pack your stethoscope, grab your scrubs, and let the adventure begin! CrossMed is here to make sure your adventure is seamless. Connect with our team today to jump all in!