Selecting the suitable specialization is a crucial decision for travel nurses, because it sets the stage for a gratifying and enriching profession. By prioritizing sought-after fields, travel nurses can optimize their possibilities of securing desirable assignments and advancing professionally.
In line with Only Wanderlust, travel nursing offers not only the chance to explore latest destinations but in addition the potential for higher earnings. In 2021, travel nurses reportedly earned a median of $124.96 per hour, which was thrice higher than the pay rate of staff nurses.
This significant wage difference has prompted 47% of staff nurses to depart their positions in favor of pursuing travel nursing assignments.
In this text, we are going to emphasize the importance of education and preparation specific to travel nursing, followed by an exploration of popular specializations on this field.
Travel Nursing Education and Preparation
Before diving into specific specializations, it’s necessary to handle the education and preparation required for travel nursing. While a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is usually the minimum educational requirement, some facilities may prefer or require the next degree.
Moreover, obtaining relevant certifications, comparable to Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), can enhance your marketability.
To excel in travel nursing, consider pursuing specialized training or certification programs in areas comparable to critical care, emergency nursing, labor and delivery, pediatrics, operating room nursing, or medical-surgical nursing. These programs provide invaluable knowledge and skills specific to your chosen specialization and might make you a more competitive candidate.
In line with Elmhurst University, obtaining experience in a spread of healthcare applications, comparable to clinics, hospitals, or long-term care institutions, will assist you to develop into more versatile as a travel nurse. Seek opportunities to work in other departments or units with a view to acquire a well-rounded skill set.
Popular Specializations
With regards to travel nursing, having a specialized focus can open doors to exciting opportunities and mean you can make a major impact within the healthcare field. Below, we have now discussed among the hottest specializations for travel nurses.
Critical Care Nursing
Critical care nursing stays a sought-after specialization for travel nurses. These professionals work in intensive care units (ICUs) and handle critically in poor health patients.
As mentioned by Nursingprocess.org, ICU travel nurses are typically not classified as members of a hospital’s core nursing staff. It is because they are sometimes employed on contractual agreements lasting for 13 weeks. Depending on the terms of the contract, there could also be provisions for contract renewal for a predetermined variety of times.
With a high demand for critical care services nationwide, travel nurses on this field often discover a plethora of task options. Nevertheless, it’s necessary to notice that critical care assignments will be demanding and require advanced skills and certifications.
Emergency Room Nursing
Travel nurses specializing in emergency room (IS) nursing play an important role in providing immediate care to patients in critical condition. As stated by BBN Times, emergency room travel nurses possess advanced skills in delivering healthcare for diverse medical conditions and emergencies. They exhibit expertise in various medical treatments, exhibit the aptitude to make swift decisions, and possess the physical stamina required to offer patient care.
ER assignments offer a fast-paced and dynamic work environment, making it an exciting alternative for adventurous nurses. As emergency departments experience high patient volumes, travel nurses can find abundant opportunities on this field. Flexibility, adaptability, and the power to handle high-stress situations are key qualities for achievement in ER nursing.
Labor and Delivery Nursing
Labor and delivery nursing is a rewarding specialization that involves caring for expectant moms and assisting with childbirth. Travel nurses on this field often work in hospitals, birthing centers, or maternity clinics.
With a relentless demand for labor and delivery services, travel nurses can find assignments in diverse locations. Being well-versed in prenatal care, assisting in deliveries, and supporting postpartum recovery are essential skills for travel nurses specializing on this field.
Pediatric Nursing
Travel nurses with a passion for working with children can consider specializing in pediatric nursing. These nurses provide care to infants, children, and adolescents in various healthcare settings.
The demand for pediatric healthcare stays regular, with opportunities in hospitals, pediatric clinics, and specialty centers. Compassion, patience, and the power to speak effectively with young patients and their families are crucial attributes for achievement in pediatric nursing.
Operating Room Nursing
Operating room (OR) nursing is an integral a part of surgical care. Travel nurses on this specialization assist surgeons during operations, ensuring patient safety and proper sterile techniques.
OR nursing assignments will be present in hospitals, surgical centers, and ambulatory care facilities. The demand for expert OR nurses is consistent, offering travel nurses a spread of opportunities. Attention to detail, excellent teamwork, and the power to handle high-pressure situations are essential on this field.
Medical-Surgical Nursing
Medical-surgical nursing is a flexible specialization that covers a broad range of patient populations and healthcare needs. Travel nurses on this field work on general medical-surgical units, handling various medical conditions and assisting with postoperative care.
The demand for medical-surgical nurses stays high, making it a wonderful alternative for travel nurses searching for diverse assignments. Strong assessment skills, multitasking abilities, and the capability to adapt to different patient populations are crucial for achievement on this field.
Ending Note
Travel nursing offers an exciting profession path with quite a few opportunities for skilled growth and better earnings. By selecting in-demand specializations comparable to critical care nursing, emergency room nursing, labor and delivery nursing, pediatric nursing, operating room nursing, or medical-surgical nursing, travel nurses can optimize their possibilities of securing desirable assignments.
Specialized education, diverse healthcare experience, and relevant certifications play an important role in enhancing marketability and competitiveness in the sphere. The demand for expert travel nurses in these specializations stays regular, providing a spread of options and the chance to make a meaningful impact within the healthcare industry.
With the correct preparation and a deal with sought-after fields, travel nurses can embark on a rewarding and fulfilling profession that mixes their passion for nursing with the thrill of exploration and adventure.
