Being a travel nurse is like taking a detour in the middle of a trip and ending up in a much better place. You go to nursing school, graduate, and then finally land your dream job in a hospital. If you feel overworked or the pay does not match the workload, there are many other options for you.
You do not have to give up on nursing; you can just take a different path. Now, more hospitals and healthcare facilities are looking for you.
Why are travel nurses in high demand in 2026? At AB Staffing Solutions, we see what is going on behind the scenes.
Why Hospitals Are Turning to Travel RN Staffing
Travel nurses take contract work at locations and facilities where they are needed. Unlike traditional nurses, they get to jump from one city to another, exposing themselves to more cultures and experiences for professional and personal development.
In 2018, there were roughly 33,000 travel nurses working across the United States. Fast forward to 2024, and that number had jumped to more than 175,000. In a few years, nursing grew by over 400%. As more RNs make that move, hospitals are adjusting right along with them.
Staffing Gaps
There is no shortage of licensed nurses in the United States. There is, however, a shortage of nurses actually working at the bedside, especially in hospitals.
As of mid-2024, over 1.1 million registered nurses held active licenses but were not working as RNs at all. At the same time, hospitals employed around 3.6 million RNs, even though nearly 4.8 million nurses were licensed nationwide.
The workforce exists. It is just not where hospitals need it most. As such, they are trying to fill schedules in real time, and nurses step in to bridge that gap quickly.
Seasonal Surges
Even in a good year, hospital staffing is a moving target. What complicates things? Seasonal spikes. For instance, during summer in coastal states, populations swell overnight with tourists, and emergency rooms feel it immediately. During fall and winter, the flu season, RSV, and other respiratory illnesses start making the rounds.
Unexpected events like natural disasters, disease outbreaks, or regional crises further overwhelm local healthcare systems with little warning. RNs are often the first call in these situations.
Burnout
Burnout has become one of the biggest drivers of turnover in nursing, especially among permanent staff. 62% of nurses report feeling burned out, so many decide to quit to seek other work opportunities that do not compromise their well-being.
Many travel nurses used to have permanent positions and had no time off. For example, one had 310 hours of unused vacation time because their requests were so frequently denied. Another wanted two weeks off and immediately knew the request would be another source of stress, involving back-and-forth with their manager.
That contrast is what pulls many RNs toward contract work. As a traveler, you hustle for a set period of time, then you step away to rest and reset. Still, hospitals are not left without staff.
Top Specialties in Need of Traveling Nurses
No matter your profession, it is always good to know that your skills are sought after. For RNs, specialty choice plays a huge role in pay rates, assignment availability, and flexibility. If you have at least a year of experience in a high-demand area, doors open faster and more often.
Emergency Department
If you like variety, urgency, and never knowing what is coming next, the ER may feel like home. Emergency departments handle countless visits each year, and RNs with quick judgment, strong instincts, and the ability to stay grounded in chaos thrive.
Most travel ED roles ask for one to two years of recent experience. Certifications like PALS or TNCC can make you even more marketable. Experience adrenaline and fast-paced teamwork in an ED Department in Northern, AZ, or other destinations.
Med-Surg
Medical-surgical departments are one of the most versatile specialties. A Med-Surg RN in Barrow, Alaska,or anywhere else, you do the following:
- Administer medications
- Manage IVs
- Monitor post-op patients
- Coordinate care across disciplines
Your broad skill set makes you incredibly valuable to hospitals.
Travel med-surg positions are plentiful, and most contracts require at least one year of recent experience. An MSRN certification can help you stand out and get consistent assignment options.
Labor & Delivery
Labor & Delivery and LDRP nurse positions are increasing in demand. In rural settings, the LDRP role is more common to be able to assist with recovery and post partum also.
Labor & Delivery nurses also have the lowest nurse-to-patient ratio in the hospital, making it a highly sought-after specialty. Take a look at what L&D jobs are available to you.
The Role of Agencies in Fast, Reliable Placement
Nursing is exciting, but the logistics can be overwhelming if you do it alone. That is why agencies like AB Staffing Solutions are of great help. We work with healthcare facilities and travel RNs to ensure smooth, reliable placements. Instead of juggling paperwork, licensing requirements, and job searches on your own, you get a partner who carries most of the load.
Our team has access to assignments in various destinations. Tell us your goals and where you wish to work, and we will match you with a job. Whether you are dreaming of a seasonal contract near popular hiking sites, a high-paying urban hospital with many other travel RNs, or a quieter rural clinic where you have time for continuing education, we will do our best to place you there.
Count on us to guide you through compensation details and benefits. We take over the logistics, and you focus on patient care and professional and personal growth.
Find Nurse Work Opportunities Now
The predictability and stability that a permanent nursing position offers are incomparable. However, for those who seek better work-life balance and financial rewards, travel nursing is an appealing option. Don’t be afraid to take the leap.
Are you ready to explore what is out there for you? Search open positions for travel nurses, talk with AB Staffing Solutions, and let us maximize the possibilities together. Reach out to our team today to learn more about our services.
