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If you’ve Googled “Travel Nurse job description,” you’ve probably seen the same copy-paste template over and over again.
Bullet points. Buzzwords. Responsibilities. Requirements. Apply here.
But here’s the problem: none of those generic posts are actually written to attract great travel nurses.
They don’t tell candidates what makes your team worth joining.
They don’t explain the mission, the lifestyle, or the kind of impact they’ll make on the road.
And they certainly don’t help you stand out from the dozens of other facilities hiring for the exact same role.
The result?
Your best candidates scroll right past—and apply somewhere else.
This guide is different. Instead of giving you a templated wall of text, we’re going to show you how to write a Travel Nurse job post that actually works. One that:
- Connects with top-tier nurses who care about more than just pay
- Highlights your values, team, and culture
- And encourages the right kind of applicants to raise their hand
If you want to write a Travel Nurse job description that does more than just check boxes—keep reading.
📌 Bonus: If you haven’t read our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ , we recommend starting there. It breaks down the biggest mistakes hiring teams make (and how to fix them).
Hiring doesn’t have to be hard.
If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.
What A Travel Nurse Actually Does - Their Roles
Here’s the human, no-fluff breakdown of what a Travel Nurse actually does:
What Does a Travel Nurse Actually Do?
A travel nurse is a registered nurse who takes on short-term assignments in different locations—usually to help hospitals and healthcare facilities fill urgent staffing gaps.
They might work in a small-town ER for 8 weeks, then take an ICU contract in a big-city hospital the next month.
But this role isn’t just about packing bags and chasing high paychecks. The best travel nurses are adaptable, emotionally intelligent, and fast learners. They know how to step into a new environment, build rapport with staff quickly, and provide top-notch patient care—without skipping a beat.
A great travel nurse brings:
- Clinical skill
- Flexibility under pressure
- And a sense of calm, even when they’re the “new person” every few months
This is a role for someone who thrives on variety, loves a challenge, and wants to make an impact wherever they go.
Two Great Travel Nurse Job Description Templates
We’ll provide two tailored job description options:
1.✅ Option 1: For employers looking to hire an experienced candidates with prior experience.
2.Option 2: For employers open to hiring entry-level candidates or those willing to train someone with potential.
✅ Template 1: Job Description For Experienced Travel Nurses
📌 Job Title:
Travel ICU Nurse – 13-Week Assignment at Horizon Medical Group (Austin, TX) | $2,400–$2,800/week | Housing Included
🎥 A Quick Hello From Your Future Team
Before you read the full description, meet Sarah—our Chief Nursing Officer at Horizon Medical Group. In this short video, she shares why we’re hiring for this role, what our team is like, and what to expect during your contract with us.
📺 [Insert Loom or YouTube Link Here]
🏢 Who We Are
Horizon Medical Group is a growing network of hospitals and outpatient facilities across Texas, with a core mission to provide compassionate, fast, and expert care—especially in high-pressure environments like ICU and trauma units.
At our Austin campus, we’re known for clinical excellence, strong leadership, and a tight-knit team that knows how to support each other—especially during high-acuity shifts.
We’re hiring a Travel ICU Nurse who can hit the ground running and help us deliver exceptional care during a critical staffing period.
💡 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- You’ll join a respected ICU team in one of Austin’s top trauma centers
- You’ll work in a modern facility with supportive leadership
- You’ll have furnished housing covered—or choose a stipend if you prefer your own space
- You’ll gain valuable experience and build your professional network in a high-impact setting
🎁 Perks and Benefits
- Weekly pay: $2,400–$2,800 depending on experience
- Housing provided or $800/week housing stipend
- Travel reimbursement up to $500
- Paid licensing support for compact/state-specific license
- Scrubs + onboarding materials provided
- 24/7 nurse support line during your assignment
🧠 What You’ll Be Doing
- Deliver high-quality care to critically ill patients in the ICU
- Collaborate with physicians, RTs, and hospitalists on care plans
- Monitor vitals, manage ventilators and IV drips, and document in Epic
- Communicate clearly with families and support staff
- Adapt quickly to protocols, workflows, and a new hospital culture
✅ What We’re Looking For
- Active RN license (Compact license preferred)
- Minimum 2 years ICU nursing experience
- ACLS + BLS certified
- Strong clinical judgment and calm under pressure
- Experience with Epic or Cerner EMR preferred
📍 Contract Details
- Duration: 13 weeks
- Location: Horizon Medical Group – Austin, TX
- Shift: 3x12s (nights)
- Pay: $2,400–$2,800/week
- Start date: Within 2–3 weeks of offer
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to evaluate applicants based on real-world skills and clinical judgment—not just résumés.
Click the link below to complete your short, structured evaluation:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
✅ Template 2: Job Description For Entry-Level Travel Nurses / Willing to Train
📌 Job Title:
Entry-Level Travel Med-Surg Nurse – Paid Orientation + Housing | Aster Care Network (Denver, CO)
🎥 Meet Your Mentor Nurse
Watch this short video from Jacob, one of our former travel nurses turned full-time mentor, as he shares what it’s like to start your travel nursing journey with Aster Care—and how we support you every step of the way.
📺 [Insert Loom or YouTube Link Here]
🏢 Who We Are
Aster Care Network is a community-first healthcare group with hospital partners in Colorado, Utah, and Arizona.
We believe in giving early-career nurses real growth opportunities—without throwing them into the deep end. Our onboarding program includes paid training, guided mentorship, and placement in supportive units where you can thrive.
This role is based at our partner hospital in Denver, where you’ll join a mission-driven Med-Surg team with an excellent track record of supporting new travelers.
💡 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- You don’t need travel nursing experience—we train you
- You’ll gain exposure to hospital systems, EMRs, and team-based care
- You’ll receive mentorship and hands-on guidance, not just “sink or swim” assignments
- You’ll grow your confidence while exploring a new city and expanding your resume
🎁 Perks and Benefits
- Weekly pay starting at $1,850
- Housing provided (private furnished unit near the hospital)
- Paid orientation week + structured mentorship
- Access to mental health and wellness support
- Continuing education credit reimbursements
- Performance bonuses after contract completion
🧠 What You’ll Be Doing
- Assist with post-op care, vitals, charting, and discharge prep
- Learn unit flow, hospital procedures, and patient communication best practices
- Participate in interdisciplinary rounds and nursing huddles
- Rotate between day and evening shifts (no overnights)
- Collaborate with senior nurses and attend regular feedback sessions
✅ What We’re Looking For
- Active RN license (we can help with state-specific licensing)
- 6+ months of med-surg or clinical experience
- CPR/BLS certified
- Eager to learn, adapt, and grow as a professional
- Friendly, respectful, and a team player
📍 Contract Details
- Duration: 12 weeks
- Location: Aster Care Network Partner Hospital – Denver, CO
- Shift: 3x12s rotating days/evenings
- Start date: Rolling start dates available every two weeks
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to give everyone a fair chance based on performance—not just keywords or résumé formatting.
Click below to complete your short evaluation:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link Here]
Don’t let bad hires slow you down.
WorkScreen helps you find the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
Breakdown of Why These Travel Nurse Job Posts Work
This section teaches the reader why the job descriptions above are effective—by breaking down the key elements that set them apart from the average, generic post.
🔍 Why These Travel Nurse Job Posts Actually Work
- The Job Titles Are Clear, Specific, and Compelling
Instead of saying something vague like “Hiring Travel Nurse,” each title includes:
- The specialty (ICU / Med-Surg)
- The location
- The contract type
- And either pay or perks
This instantly filters the right audience and helps your post show up in search results with higher relevance.
- There’s a Warm, Human Introduction
Most job posts jump straight into duties. These ones start with a welcome—acknowledging the candidate, outlining the opportunity, and building context. That human touch pulls readers in and sets a friendly tone from the start. - A Video Adds Trust and Personality
Adding a video from the hiring manager or mentor nurse makes your job post stand out immediately. It shows there’s a real team behind the job—and that you care enough to personally connect before the interview.
This is especially valuable in a world of AI-generated, faceless job posts.
- The Company Overview Is Specific and Real
Instead of a generic “we’re a leading healthcare organization,” these posts actually name the company, explain what they do, and show what it’s like to work there. That gives candidates something to connect with—and filters out people who won’t align. - “Why This Role Is a Great Fit” Highlights the Candidate’s Needs
Most posts just talk about what the company wants. These ones flip the lens and show why the role matters to the nurse.
Are you new to travel nursing and need support? There’s a place for you.
Are you experienced and looking to build your résumé in a Level 2 trauma center? You’re covered too.
- Perks and Benefits Are Listed Separately—and Clearly
Transparency builds trust. That’s why both posts include:
- Weekly pay breakdown
- Housing and stipend options
- Travel or licensing support
- Wellness and training perks
When candidates know what’s in it for them, they’re far more likely to apply.
- Responsibilities Aren’t Just Tasks—They Show Impact
It’s not “administer medications.” It’s “deliver high-quality care to critically ill patients in a fast-paced ICU.”
This shift in language shows purpose, not just action. It helps candidates picture themselves in the role and feel proud about what they’ll contribute.
- The Application Process Is Respectful and Modern
Each job ends with a clear, structured CTA using WorkScreen—not a cold “Send CV to hr@…” or “Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.”
This signals that you respect the applicant’s time and are using better tools to make the process fair and efficient.
Example of a Bad Travel Nurse Job Description (And Why It Fails)
This section shows readers what a generic, outdated job post looks like—and why it repels the exact kind of candidates they’re trying to attract.
❌ Bad Job Description Example:
Job Title: Travel Nurse
Company: Healthcare Staffing Solutions
Job Type: Contract
Location: Various
Job Summary
We are seeking a qualified travel nurse to fill open positions in hospitals and clinics across the country. The nurse will be responsible for providing patient care, following procedures, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations.
Responsibilities
- Administer medication and monitor patient vitals
- Follow hospital guidelines and protocols
- Report patient updates to attending physicians
- Maintain accurate records and documentation
Requirements
- RN license
- Minimum 1 year nursing experience
- Willingness to relocate as needed
How to Apply
Submit your résumé and cover letter to hr@healthcarestaffingsolutions.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
⚠️ What’s Wrong With This Job Post?
- The Job Title Is Too Generic
Just saying “Travel Nurse” tells you nothing about the specialty, location, or what makes this opportunity unique. A great candidate will skip right over it in search results. - The Company Intro Is Cold and Vague
“Healthcare Staffing Solutions” with no story, mission, or team context? Candidates want to know who they’re working with and why it matters. This sounds like a faceless agency, not a real team. - The Summary Is Just Filler
“Responsible for providing patient care” is like saying a chef “cooks food.” It’s obvious, adds no value, and doesn’t inspire confidence or connection. - No Mention of Culture or Support
There’s zero indication of what it’s like to work with the team, how new nurses are treated, or what values the organization lives by. This makes the job feel transactional, not purposeful. - There’s No Salary, Housing, or Perks Listed
In today’s market, omitting pay or benefits is a red flag. Transparency earns trust—and hiding compensation details just makes your post feel outdated or sketchy. - Responsibilities Are Too Broad and Impersonal
These could apply to any nurse in any setting. They don’t speak to travel-specific needs, unit specialties, or contract dynamics. - The Application Process Feels Dismissive
“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” is one of the fastest ways to turn off applicants. It signals that you don’t value their time or effort—and encourages ghosting behavior from both sides.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Job Description Stand Out
These aren’t just “nice-to-haves.” They’re small details that add trust, personality, and professionalism—and they can be the difference between getting ghosted and getting great applicants.
✅ 1. Add a Security + Privacy Notice for Applicants
Job scams are on the rise, especially in travel nursing. Including a simple statement in your post shows you take candidate safety seriously.
You can add something like this at the bottom of your post:
🔐 Important Notice: We will never ask for payment, financial info, or personal identification during any part of our hiring process. If you receive any suspicious communication claiming to be from us, please contact us directly.
This builds trust—and helps protect your employer brand.
✅ 2. Mention Leave Days or Flex Time (If Applicable)
Travel nurses don’t always get PTO, but even a few flex days or guaranteed rest breaks between contracts can be a game-changer.
You could say:
“Enjoy up to 3 flex days off during your 13-week contract to recharge and reset—because we believe great nurses need rest, too.”
Even a small gesture like this shows you value people, not just productivity.
✅ 3. Highlight Training or Growth Opportunities
Most job posts say “competitive pay”—but almost none talk about how you’ll grow.
If you offer anything like mentorship, training stipends, CEU credits, or internal advancement pathways, say it clearly. For example:
“We invest in our nurses. You’ll get access to 1:1 mentorship, paid CEU reimbursements, and support to transition into more advanced contracts over time.”
Especially for newer travel nurses, this can tip the scale in your favor.
✅ 4. Add a Loom or YouTube Video from the Hiring Manager
We covered this in the templates above, but it’s worth repeating: a quick 1–2 minute video introducing the team or explaining the role dramatically increases engagement.
It shows there’s a real human behind the post—and helps your opportunity stand out in a sea of bland text.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
Should You Use AI to Write Job Descriptions?
Let’s be honest: AI makes it really easy to generate a job description in 10 seconds. Tools like ChatGPT, Manatal, and Workable offer one-click job post creation.
But here’s the truth:
If you use AI without any input, you’ll end up with the same generic job description your competitors are already using.
It might look polished, but it won’t connect. It won’t reflect your company. And it definitely won’t attract the right people.
❌ The Wrong Way to Use AI
“Write me a job post for a Travel Nurse.”
You’ll get something that:
- Uses corporate buzzwords
- Misses your tone and values
- Attracts low-effort or irrelevant applicants
- Sounds like every other listing on Indeed or LinkedIn
It’s not personal. It’s not specific. And candidates can tell.
✅ The Right Way to Use AI
Use AI as a collaborator, not a crutch.
You provide the ingredients—then let AI help shape and polish your message. Here’s a better prompt:
Prompt Example:
“Help me write a job post for our company, Horizon Medical Group. We’re hiring a Travel ICU Nurse to help cover a 13-week assignment in Austin, TX.
Our culture is supportive, fast-paced, and team-oriented. We want to attract nurses who are adaptable, clinically strong, and care about making an impact quickly.
We offer furnished housing, weekly pay of $2,400–$2,800, and travel reimbursements.
Here’s our hiring process: candidates apply via WorkScreen and complete a short skills evaluation.
Here are a few bullet points I’ve written: [Insert your draft notes]
Please help refine this into a conversational job description that sounds human, trustworthy, and candidate-focused.”
Now you’re giving AI something real to work with. You stay in control of your message—and you get a final product that actually reflects your values.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache.
WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
Copy-Paste Travel Nurse Job Description Templates (Quick Use)
We get it—sometimes you just need something fast.
Maybe you’ve already read this guide and understand what makes a great job post. But you still want a strong starting point you can copy, paste, and tweak in just a few minutes.
That’s what this section is for.
✏️ Important Reminder:
Don’t copy this word-for-word and expect magic.
This is a foundation, not a final draft.
Add a Loom video, inject your team culture, and edit the details to reflect your actual company.
In this section, you’ll find two ready-to-use job description templates for quick copy-paste use — but please remember, like we mentioned above, don’t just copy them word-for-word and expect results.
Think of these as starting points, not final drafts.
- Option 1: A more conversational, culture-first job description that highlights personality and team fit.
- Option 2: A more structured format, including a Job Brief, Responsibilities, and Requirements for a traditional approach.
✅ Option 1: Conversational Job Description Template (Culture-First Style)
📌 Job Title:
Travel Med-Surg Nurse – 12-Week Contract | [Salary Range] | [Housing Provided or Stipend]
🎥 A Quick Intro From Your Team
Before you read the full details, take a moment to watch a short video from our Nurse Manager at [Company Name]. You’ll hear what it’s like to work with us, why we’re hiring, and how this contract fits into our mission.
📺 [Insert Loom or YouTube Link]
🏢 Who We Are
At [Company Name], we provide high-quality, compassionate healthcare services to communities across [Location/Region].
Our team believes in supporting one another, moving fast, and delivering excellent care—even in high-pressure situations. We’re hiring a travel nurse who thrives in dynamic environments and wants to make a real impact from day one.
💡 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- Join a unit that values teamwork and clear communication
- Get real support from leadership and fellow nurses
- Work in a modern facility with reliable systems and protocols
- Bring your clinical expertise to a team that recognizes great work
🎁 Perks and Benefits
- Weekly pay: [Salary Range]
- [Housing Provided] or [Stipend Option]
- [Travel Reimbursement Amount]
- Paid onboarding and scrubs
- 24/7 clinical support
- Compact licensing assistance (if applicable)
🧠 What You’ll Be Doing
- Provide hands-on care to Med-Surg patients
- Monitor vitals, administer medications, and maintain accurate charting
- Collaborate with physicians, RTs, and hospital staff
- Educate patients and families on discharge plans
- Adjust quickly to new systems and workflows
✅ What We’re Looking For
- Active RN license (Compact or [State-Specific License])
- 1+ year Med-Surg experience
- BLS certification
- Adaptable, professional, and strong communicator
- Able to start within [Timeframe]
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to evaluate candidates based on real-world skills—not just résumés.
Click the link below to complete your short, structured evaluation:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link Here]
📄 Option 2: Structured Format (Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements)
Job Title: Travel Nurse – [Specialty]
Company: [Company Name]
Location: [Location]
Contract Type: [Job Type]
Pay: [Salary Range]
Start Date: [Expected Start Date]
Who We Are
[Company Name] partners with healthcare facilities across [Region] to provide responsive, high-quality care to the communities that need it most.
We’re a mission-driven team that believes in hiring nurses who want to grow, adapt fast, and do work that matters. You’ll be supported from day one with structured onboarding and ongoing access to clinical leadership.
Job Brief
We’re looking for a Travel Nurse with [X] experience to join our [Unit Type] team for a [Contract Length] assignment. This is a great fit for someone who can jump into new situations, stay calm under pressure, and deliver exceptional care in unfamiliar settings.
Responsibilities
- Deliver patient care in a [Med-Surg, ICU, ER, etc.] environment
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and hospital leadership
- Maintain accurate documentation using [EMR System]
- Monitor vitals, respond to changes, and support patient recovery
- Communicate clearly with families, staff, and care teams
Requirements
- Active RN license (Compact or [State License])
- years of clinical experience in [Specialty]
- Current BLS (and ACLS if needed)
- Strong adaptability and clinical decision-making
- Able to commit to full [Duration] contract
Perks & Benefits
- Weekly pay: [Salary Range]
- Housing provided or stipend
- [Travel Reimbursement, if available]
- Paid onboarding
- Shift differentials (if applicable)
- Access to ongoing clinical support
How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to help you showcase your skills in a structured, fair way.
No résumé black holes. No guessing games.
Click the link below to get started:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link Here]
Let WorkScreen Handle the Hard Part of Hiring
This is your soft-sell moment. You’ve already shown readers how to write better job descriptions—now you’re offering them a smarter, faster way to evaluate applicants.
Here’s a clean, conversational CTA section you can reuse across all your job description articles:
Writing a great job post is step one. But finding the right candidate? That’s where most hiring processes fall apart.
That’s why we recommend using WorkScreen.io—a smarter way to evaluate applicants based on real skills, not résumés or keyword filters.
Here’s what WorkScreen helps you do:
✅ Spot Top Talent Automatically
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
✅ Test for Real-World Skills (Not Buzzwords)
With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
✅ Eliminate Low-Effort Applicants (Including AI-Generated Ones)
WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
✅ Save Hours in Your Hiring Process
No more sorting through résumés manually. WorkScreen automates the hard part—letting you focus on conversations, not admin work.
WorkScreen gives you confidence at every step.
Whether you’re hiring travel nurses, sales reps, or softw
👉 Click here to check out WorkScreen now
are engineers
FAQs - Travel Nurse Job Description
Beyond clinical expertise, the best travel nurses have strong adaptability, emotional resilience, and excellent communication skills. Since they often jump into unfamiliar hospital environments, they need to learn fast, build rapport quickly, and stay calm under pressure.
Other must-have traits include:
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Cultural sensitivity (working in diverse settings)
- Tech fluency (to quickly navigate new EMR systems)
- Time management in high-acuity environments
Soft skills matter just as much as technical ones—especially when the nurse is expected to be effective from day one.
The average travel nurse salary in the U.S. ranges between $1,900 and $3,100 per week, depending on:
- Specialty (ICU, OR, Med-Surg, etc.)
- Location and cost of living
- Housing arrangements (stipend vs. provided)
- Shift type (day, night, rotating)
- Length of the contract and urgency of need
Specialty nurses (like ER, CVICU, or L&D) often earn more, especially during high-demand periods.
Not always—but it definitely helps.
A Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) license allows RNs to practice in any of the participating states without needing to apply for individual licenses. If your contracts frequently take you across state lines, having a compact license streamlines the entire process and makes you more marketable to agencies and facilities.
The main difference is flexibility and duration.
- A staff nurse works permanently for one facility, often with set shifts and benefits.
- A travel nurse works short-term contracts at different locations, often filling urgent staffing gaps.
Travel nurses typically receive higher weekly pay, housing support, and stipends, but may not get the same long-term benefits (like 401(k) or PTO) unless hired through a staffing agency that provides them.
