Travel Nursing Jobs
Aya Has the Most Travel Nursing Assignments in the Country
Travel Nursing Jobs FAQs
How do travel nurses get health insurance and other benefits during assignments?
One of the best things about working with Aya Healthcare is you can elect health coverage through us – and they start on day one of your assignment! Eligibility depends on a variety of factors, so be sure to check with your recruiter for details on what benefits you can take advantage of!
Here’s what benefits you may have available to you:
- Comprehensive health coverage – You’ll have access to medical, dental, and vision insurance from your first day on assignment. If needed, you can add your spouse and/or dependents to your plan for complete coverage.
- 401(k) retirement plan – Aya’s 401(k) lets you start saving as soon as you’re eligible. You can enroll after working four consecutive months or after a year (with at least 1,000 hours worked). Aya offers employer matching after a year, helping your savings grow faster.
- Paid sick time – You’ll start earning sick time right away— one hour for every 30 hours worked. Once you hit 90 days, you can use your accrued hours when needed, giving you peace of mind if you ever need to take time off.
- Aya Scholars program – If you’re focused on career growth, Aya’s clinical ladder program can help with tuition and certification exam reimbursements, affording you the opportunity to continue advancing in your specialty as you travel.
- Exclusive perks and discounts – Aya travel nurses also get exclusive discounts from top brands and businesses, making it easy to save on the essentials and extras.
What are the highest-paying travel nursing jobs?
Pay for travel nursing varies depending on factors like specialty, location, demand, and time of year. Increased needs for certain specialties may result in higher wages for those roles. Assignments in high-demand locations or workforce disruption roles may also come with higher compensation. Your recruiter will work closely with you to find the best-paying jobs that match your skills, experience and goals. Whether you’re looking for the highest possible pay or a balance between salary and your dream location, they’ll help you navigate your options and maximize your earning potential.
What are some benefits of travel nursing?
Beyond the adventure of working in new places, travel nurses enjoy:
- Competitive pay – Travel nursing affords nurses the opportunity to earn competitive pay across markets, especially in high-demand areas.
- Housing stipend or Aya-provided housing – Choose a stipend (if eligible) to find your own place or let Aya handle housing for you.
- Health, vision, and dental insurance – Coverage starts on your first day.
- 401(k) retirement savings with matching – Plan ahead for your future.
- Paid sick time – Earn sick leave as you work.
- Continuing education and free CEUs – Stay current in your field at no cost.
- Stipends – Eligible assignments include additional money for approved expenses.
Aya’s benefits package is designed to make your travel experience smooth, so you can focus on your patients and the adventure while we support you in the details! You can check with your recruiter on your eligibility for the benefits listed above.
How does the cost of living impact my paycheck?
As you research traveling, it’s important to be aware that your location affects how much you take home. For example, while jobs in cities with a high cost of living — like San Francisco or New York — often offer higher pay, your expenses (rent, groceries, transportation costs) might also be higher. On the flip side, assignments in lower-cost areas may offer slightly less pay but allow you to save more because your expenses are lower. Your recruiter can help you weigh the cost of living versus pay rate so you can make an informed decision and maximize your earnings.
How do licensing and certifications work for travel nurses?
If you plan on accepting a travel assignment out of state, you may need to obtain a license to practice there. Some states are part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows you to practice in any NLC state with a single, multistate license. Certifications are nationally recognized and are essential for certain specialty assignments. Either way, we’re here to assist you in obtaining a state license and can even expedite the process to ensure you start your new assignment on time.
Can I be a travel nurse with a family?
Absolutely! Many travel nurses bring their spouses, children and pets on assignments. While traveling with family requires a bit more planning, it’s completely doable.
Tips:
- If you’re traveling with another healthcare professional, whether it’s family or a friend, your Aya recruiter may be able to help find assignments for both of you in the same area.
- If you’re traveling with a pet, make sure the housing you select is pet friendly!
- Talk to your recruiter! Aya works hard to accommodate your needs so you can travel in a way that works for you.
How is travel nursing different from a permanent nursing job?
The biggest difference? Variety! Instead of staying in the same facility long-term, travel nurses get to experience new hospitals, teams and locations every few months.
Along with this exciting variety, you’ll get to:
- Learn new skills by working in different clinical settings.
- Expand your network and connect with other professionals nationwide.
- Enjoy flexibility — take time off between assignments if you’d like.
- Earn great pay while exploring new places.
Travel nursing is an exciting way to grow both professionally and personally while enjoying a career full of adventure.
How long are travel nurse contracts? Can I extend them?
Most travel nursing contracts last 13 weeks, but they can be shorter or longer depending on facility needs. If you love an assignment and want to stay longer, contract extensions are often an option — just let your recruiter know, and they’ll work with the facility to see if an extension is possible. Many nurses extend contracts when they enjoy the team, location or experience and aren’t quite ready to move on yet.
Can I choose between short-term and long-term assignments?
Yes! At Aya Healthcare, you’re in complete control of the length of the assignments you accept. Short-term contracts may offer more flexibility and variety, while long-term ones might provide deeper immersion in a community or specialty. As the largest healthcare staffing agency in the nation, Aya has the most jobs in the industry and offers a variety of short- and long-term contracts across the United States. When searching for travel assignments, you can filter your preferences and communicate your desires to your recruitment team. As your #1 fans, we’ll do our best to find the jobs that best fit your needs and preferences.
Do travel nurses need special licenses or certifications?
You’ll need an active nursing license in the state where you plan to work. Some positions may also require specialty certifications, depending on the role and unit. Most travel nurse positions require at least one year of experience, but additional experience may be needed for highly specialized roles or for a specific facility. Aya’s credentialing team makes sure your license and certifications are up to date and a match for the job you’re interested in, and they’re here to guide you through this part of the process so you can hit the ground running.
What’s involved in the state licensure process for travel nurses?
If you live in a non-compact state, you’ll need to apply for an individual license in each state where you take an assignment. Some states process licenses quickly, while others can take weeks or months. Aya’s credentialing and licensing teams help speed up the process for you where possible, ensuring you have everything you need before your assignment starts. We handle the paperwork so you can focus on your next big opportunity!