Travel Medical Surgical Jobs

Experience more in travel nursing with Prolink's customized assignments, premium benefits, and more.

Travel med-surg nurses go across the country caring for patients of all ages who have medical conditions, including conditions that require surgery. This is one of the most in-demand types of travel nurses because of the versatility of care these professionals offer.

Navigating the Med/Surg travel nursing career path

Practice
Education
Salary
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Scope of practice

Travel med-surg nurses take on many responsibilities and roles to provide effective and comprehensive assistance to patients. Their tasks can include:

  • Obtaining and interpreting vital signs
  • Providing pain management solutions
  • Offering patient education
  • Performing pre-surgical preparations 
  • Assessing patients
  • Collaborative care with other team members
  • Providing wound care
  • Advocating for patients 
  • Maintaining patient safety
  • Administering medication

Travel med-surg nurses work in operating rooms, exam rooms, and patient rooms in hospitals and other inpatient facilities. They work closely with physicians, other nurses, and specialists to provide the best possible care.

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Required education and training

To become a travel med-surg nurse, you need to be an RN, which means getting your associate degree or bachelor’s degree. You then need to take the NCLEX, which officially makes you a registered nurse. 

Before working as a travel med-surg nurse, you need experience in medical-surgical nursing. Two years of experience in the field are typically required to begin traveling. After obtaining your license, you can also seek certifications from organizations like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN).

Experienced med-surg travel nurses find many career advancement opportunities. They often move into leadership roles such as Nurse Educator or Clinical Nurse Specialist. Getting specialty certifications like the Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) credential can improve career prospects and boost earning potential.

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Travel Med-Surg salary and benefits

Your pay as a travel med-surg nurse can vary depending on the facility, location, and your specialty. Some states and organizations pay more than others, and of course, the amount of travel contracts you take on will affect your yearly income.

As a travel med-surg nurse with Prolink, you’ll receive industry-standard benefits packages, including:

  • Health insurance from day one
  • Life insurance
  • Short- and long-term disability coverage
  • Retirement planning
  • Extension and referral bonuses
  • CE and certification reimbursement

Travel med-surg roles typically come with housing and travel stipends as well.

Med Surg RN travel jobs: opportunities nationwide

Med Surg RN travel jobs: opportunities nationwide

Med-surg travel nurses are in high demand right now. Nursing shortages and our aging population continue to fuel this need. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 6% increase in registered nurse positions by 2031, with about 203,200 job openings each year as nurses leave the profession. Med-surg travel nursing is a rewarding career path that helps fill critical healthcare staffing needs. We are looking medical-surgical nurses and offer weekly pay between $1,900 to $4,000. The complete benefits package includes housing stipends. Nurses can gain clinical experience in different settings and still maintain their work-life balance to reach their financial goals.

Search for Travel Medical-Surgical jobs and get matched with a role that is perfect for your career skills and ambitions. Apply now to be matched with a Prolink recruiter who will find you the latest assignments and stick with you through every adventure.

Travel Med-Surg FAQs

Where do travel med-surg nurses work?

Travel med-surg nurses work in numerous settings around the country. They can work in surgical inpatient units, outpatient clinics, and even in patients’ homes. Nurses who choose to specialize can work in more targeted settings, like cancer or pediatric units. It’s a highly versatile job that allows you to try a wide range of environments.

Do you need a degree to work as a travel med-surg nurse?

Yes. You need to be a registered nurse, which means getting either an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree. Then, you have to pass the NCLEX, gain experience, apply for licensure, and get certified. If you have a licensed practical nurse (LPN) degree, you can become an RN more quickly, but you’ll still need to obtain certification as a med-surg nurse.

Can you take vacations as a travel med-surg nurse?

Absolutely! You decide when you want to take a vacation instead of having to ask for time off and wait for approval. This freedom to take postings and breaks when you want to is one of the biggest reasons to make the leap into travel nursing. By choosing your own work calendar throughout the year, you can ensure a solid work/life balance.

Who pays for my housing as a travel med-surg nurse?

When you work as a travel med-surg nurse, you get a stipend for housing, travel, and some daily expenses. This means you don’t have to worry about this aspect of travel nursing. Even better, these stipends are usually tax-free.

Is there a high demand for Med-Surg nurses in the travel nursing sector?

Yes, medical-surgical nurses are highly sought after. According to NurseJournal.org, the field of med-surg nursing is expected to grow by 7% by 2030, with even more opportunities available for those in travel nursing.

Begin a fulfilling adventure as a Med-Surg travel nurse

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When you partner with Prolink, you receive an industry-leading benefits package:

  • Day-one health insurance and 401(k)
  • Dental and vision coverage
  • Short- and long-term disability
  • Life insurance
  • Exclusive perks and discounts
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