Travel nursing has been the most emerging occupation for nurses worldwide. They’re usually known as registered nurses who take temporary assignments in different locations.
Travel nurses are known to have one common skill: flexibility. Their job requires them to move from one place to another in a few weeks, months, or even years!
Their experience in this field allows them to easily adapt and showcase their skills from the different places they’ve learned from.
In 2023, the demand for travel nurses has been soaring. Today, we’d like you to take a closer look at the top seven specializations that open opportunities for you. If you’re ready, read on!
Factors Influencing the Demand for Travel Nurse Specialties
Are you aiming to become a registered nurse? Or are you already one? If yes, then you might be considering becoming a travel nurse.
Before going to the main thing, let’s look at why travel nurses are in demand today. There are four main reasons:
Factor # 1: Population Aging
Let’s admit it — we’re not getting any younger. As our generation continues to age, the attention to medical care increases.
A report by the U.S. Census Bureau suggests that by 2030, all those older than 65 will widen the size of the older population. This older generation is more prone to:
- Hearing loss
- Cataracts and refractive errors,
- Back and neck pain and osteoarthritis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Dementia
So, geriatric, cardiac care and orthopedics nursing are needed more than ever.
Factor # 2: Global Health Crises and Pandemics
We have seen how devastating COVID-19 was for the whole world – to us. That’s why the healthcare system needs to know how to take action and adapt quickly.
If you decide to be an ICU or Emergency Care travel nurse, you must prepare yourself for the sudden rise in patient numbers. You must also double the effort to care for patients in affected areas.
We may not know what to expect soon, but as a travel nurse, you can fill the gaps and strengthen the healthcare world.
Factor # 3: Technological Advancements in Medical Treatments
We keep discovering a lot of things day by day — new treatments, procedures, and even technologies. So what do we do? We value the importance of continuing education.
Training and knowledge in using the latest medical equipment and techniques are important. Specific specialties in the electronic monitoring of patients or knowing robotic surgery techniques are something nurses should adapt to.
Factor # 4: Regional Shortages of Specific Specialties
Whatever ideal locations you consider, every region has different demands. This is based on:
- Demographics
- Health trends
- Existing healthcare infrastructure
- Educational opportunities
- Migration patterns
- Local health crises
Despite these factors, be proud! As a travel nurse, you’re a solution to these places with popular demands. Choosing this profession also means your patients receive quality patient care.
Top 7 Most In-Demand Travel Nurse Specialties for 2023
Nursing is always changing based on what people need. In 2023, some types of travel nurses are super popular because of health problems in different areas, new medical treatments, and always trying to help patients quickly. Here are 2 of the top 10 special nurse jobs that are in high demand this year:
Top 1: Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Nurses
ICU Nurses specialize in a few different things:
- Look after patients with critical condition
- Use advanced medical tools
- Check the health stats of patients
- Work closely with doctors
Because of their roles, they need to make quick decisions and handle stressful emergencies.
Since older people have complicated health problems, this usually means more patients in the ICU. Some places don’t have enough people but have an increased number of patients, so that’s why this specialization needs more of you.
Top 2: Emergency Room (ER) Nurses
Once a patient enters the hospital, ER nurses are the first to treat the patient. They usually have a crucial role in deciding who gets treated first, help doctors, and send people to particular departments.
Emergencies always happen, especially in 2023. Many crises occur, so as hospitals get better technology, they also need experienced ER nurses. You, as a travel nurse, have experience and skills.
Top 3: Labor and Delivery (L&D) Nurses
L&D nurses are involved in the childbirth process. In this specialty, you team up with:
- Doctors
- Midwives
- Families of the mother and baby
But your work doesn’t stop after the delivery. You also check the baby’s heartbeat afterward, give medicines, educate new parents, and step in for any problems.
Yes, the older generation increases in number as babies are born. S your job is not simple; it needs special training and the right skills.
If you’re targeting the countryside, that’s a great choice. Travel nurses are needed in this place to guide and comfort families during childbirth.
Top 4: Operating Room (OR) Nurses
Also called ‘perioperative nurses’, they’re always there when it comes to surgeries. They make sure that patients are safe before, during, and after an operation.
Specifically, they prepare the operating room, making sure it’s sanitized and well-cleaned. They help surgeons by monitoring the patient and caring for them.
Surgeries happen too often. Since surgical tools and techniques are advancing, travel nurses must learn to adapt quickly. OR nurses can make a difference in patient care. If you’re into heart or brain operations, this one’s the perfect in-demand job.
Top 5: Oncology Nurses
If you are passionate about treating cancer, this travel nursing job is for you. There are a few requirements to be one; you need to have in-depth insights about:
- Cancer
- Its treatments
- How to handle its symptoms
It’s not just about therapy but also teaching patients about their illness and providing emotional support. Treatment may be complex, so you usually consult different healthcare experts.
After the treatment, you check on your patients, watch if the cancer returns, and guide your patients on returning to a healthy, daily life.
Now, why are onology nurses in demand? Cancer is the top cause of death worldwide. As more people get cancer, having more experts in this field is crucial.
Top 6: Cardiac Cath Lab Nurses
These nurses assist with heart-related procedures such as:
- Angioplasties
- Valvuloplasties
- Implantation of pacemakers
- Monitor patients before and after procedures
To be sure you’re qualified for this field, you need to be skilled in the equipment and medicines you give your patients.
If you have a family member suffering from high blood pressure, artery problems, or prone to heart failure, you know how much Cardiac Cath Lab Nurses are needed. As we enter the phase where technology gets advanced day by day, we need more nurses who specialize in this.
Top 7: Medical-Surgical Nurses
Med-surg nurses are those who work with adult patients in different ways. For instance, some may be sick and waiting for surgery, while others might heal after the operation.
As much as a regular nurse does a few things like Med-surg nurses, like giving medicine, checking on patients, and planning their care. This field is like the bridge connecting patients and the hospital’s medical team.
Not every hospital has this specialist, making them even more in demand. Yes, you will be doing a lot of responsibilities, but that will make you even more valuable. You give every patient the care they need.
Benefits of Being a Travel Nurse in a High-Demand Specialty
There are many reasons why being a travel nurse is in demand. As you choose to be part of a travel nurse specialty, know that there are a lot of advantages you can enjoy. For example:
Competitive Compensation
If you haven’t noticed – a high demand comes with a better salary. Travel nurses with specializations are rare. Hospitals and healthcare invest in travel nurses who will surely give their skills and talent in the field.
Aside from that, you can get bonuses, housing allowances, travel reimbursements, and signing bonuses! Your pay can increase, especially in places where you’re really needed.
Professional Growth
Second on the list is being exposed to different methods and medical cultures. Why is this beneficial? It can give you an edge as a better nurse as it is the best time to enter the healthcare industry.
Continuously learning different techniques and technologies can boost your career. You are establishing yourself for greater roles or advanced positions in the near future.
Diverse Medical Exposure
Whatever facility you choose, remember that it’s unique. There are many ways to do things and have their own technologies.
Travel nurses experience different surroundings; for instance, a hospital is experienced with surgical tech, then another in telemedicine.
You’ll work in this setting that makes you rare and versatile wherever you go.
Networking
Although this benefit is not discussed too much, it’s essential to make you aware that you build connections when working as a travel nurse.
You will meet a lot of different healthcare professionals in the places you go to. This can open doors to future opportunities, partnerships, or simply learning from each other.
As much as skill is important, so is connecting with a group of individuals you can relate to.
Personal Growth
But it’s not all about work. Travel nurses also get a rich personal experience. You learn about different health perspectives from diverse patient groups. You get to understand more and become driven as a caregiver.
Also, you get the fulfillment of visiting new places, trying out the culture, and understanding how healthcare works for a particular place. It’s a chance for you to be better at your job and become a more well-rounded individual.
The Bottom Line
As you choose your specialty this 2023, know that whatever field you put your heart into, you’re in for great opportunities.
Everywhere you set your feet into as you show your skills, know one thing – you are unique, in-demand, and versatile. Having travel nurses around the globe isn’t just for a hospital’s image now; it’s essential.
While you’re at it, you might consider the help of Total Nurses Network. We help you get your dream job and improve your benefits as an in-demand nurse. Make your entire journey promising and shape the future of the medical world!
