For nurses with specialized skills, travel nursing opens doors to rewarding assignments in different locations.
Finding the right travel nurse company is crucial — especially for specialty nurses who need placements that align with their skills and career goals.
Here we explore the best travel nurse companies for specialty nurses and highlight important considerations.
Why specialty nurses choose travel nursing
Travel nursing is popular among specialty nurses for many reasons, including the following:
- Career growth: Specialty nurses can gain experience in various clinical settings, from community clinics to large teaching hospitals. This diversity enhances their skills, making nurses more competitive in the job market.
- Higher pay: Travel nurses often receive higher pay rates than their permanent counterparts, particularly for high-demand specialties such as ICU, OR, or labor and delivery. Many of the best travel nurses companies offer bonuses, stipends, and other financial incentives.
- Flexibility: Travel nursing allows specialty nurses to choose assignments that fit their lifestyle and align with their personal and professional goals.
- Professional development: Specialty travel nurses can work in diverse environments, gaining exposure to different practices and technologies. This can lead to nurses obtaining advanced certifications and specializations.
Key factors to consider when choosing a travel nurse company
Identifying the best travel nurse companies is crucial to making the most of your travel nursing career. Here are some important questions to ask:
Does the company have a strong track record of placing nurses in your specialty?
The best travel nurse companies have established relationships with healthcare facilities that frequently hire specialty nurses.
Does the company provide ongoing support throughout your assignments?
Ideally, you want 24/7 access to recruiters, assistance with licensing and credentialing, and resources for transitioning to new work environments.
Are assignments available at prestigious hospitals and specialized care units?
The best travel nurse companies offer a wide range of assignments across the country.
Does the company have a good reputation?
Research reviews and testimonials from other nurses. The best travel nurse companies are highly rated for their professionalism, reliability, and commitment to their nurses.
Top travel nurse companies for specialty nurses
Based on the above criteria, here are some of the best travel nurse companies for specialty nurses:
Aya Healthcare is one of the largest travel nurse companies in the industry, known for their extensive network of healthcare facilities across the U.S. With partnerships in nearly every state, Aya offers a wide range of assignments for specialty nurses, including critical care, labor and delivery, OR, and more.
Travel Nurse Across America (TNAA) is well regarded for commitment to nurse satisfaction and providing high-quality assignments. TNAA employs recruiters who are experts in various nursing specialties, ensuring that nurses are matched with assignments that fit their expertise. TNAA offers flexible contracts and allows nurses to extend assignments, providing stability for those who prefer longer stays.
FlexCare Medical Staffing is known for its “Singlepoint” approach, which gives each nurse a single point of contact for all their needs, from recruitment to assignment management. This model ensures that nurses receive personalized attention, which is particularly beneficial for specialty nurses with unique requirements. The company also has access to assignments in top-tier hospitals, making it an excellent choice for nurses seeking prestigious placements.
Medical Solutions offers a wide range of assignments and strong support for nurses. The company offers assignments in various specialties, including pediatrics, ICU, and emergency nursing. The company provides resources for professional development, including access to continuing education and specialty certifications.
Cross Country is one of the oldest travel nurse companies and offers a large network of assignments in various specialties. The company employs experienced recruiters who understand the needs of specialty nurses.
Additional tips for specialty nurses in travel nursing
For specialty nurses, the best travel nurse companies open doors to career advancement. Here are some additional factors to consider, to maximize success in travel nursing:
- Stay current with certifications and consider pursuing additional certifications relevant to your specialty. That makes you more competitive and can open up more assignment opportunities.
- Be open to new experiences. It’s important to find assignments that match your skills, but there may be unexpected opportunities. Consider exploring different practice settings, healthcare facilities, or geographical locations.
- Network with other travel nurses. Online forums, social media groups, and professional organizations are great places to connect with other travel nurses in your specialty.
- Plan for downtime. Travel nursing can be intense, so plan for downtime between assignments. Use this time to rest, explore personal interests, or pursue continuing education in your specialty.
- Communicate with your recruiter. A good relationship with your recruiter is key to a successful travel nursing career. Be clear about your preferences, so they can find assignments that fit the needs of your specialty and career goals.
Opportunities for specialty nurses in travel nursing
Specialty nurses can use travel nursing to gain diverse clinical experience in various healthcare settings. This enhances their skills, adaptability, and professional network.
Researching the best travel nurse companies is vital for specialty nurses who want to make the most of their careers. As demand for specialized nursing skills continues to grow, opportunities for specialty nurses in travel nursing are also expanding.
As a specialty nurse, you’ll want to choose a company that aligns with your needs, to facilitate a successful travel nursing career. Whether you’re an ICU nurse, an OR specialist, or a med-surg nurse, the best travel nurse companies will help you achieve your professional goals.
Whether you're actively seeking a new role or assessing your next steps, explore Nurse.com's talent marketplace to help match your experience and skills to the best-fitting role.
