What is the Origin of Travel Nursing?

Where would we be today if nurses had never stepped out of their comfort zone to help others?

In the beginning, travel nursing was not as popular—or as essential—as it is today. But the pioneers who recognized the need for mobile healthcare professionals stepped forward as early as the 1850s.

Florence Nightingale, along with 37 other volunteer nurses, traveled to Turkey to assist wounded English soldiers during the Crimean War. Six and a half years later, during the U.S. Civil War, Clara Barton traveled from Europe to Washington, D.C. to care for wounded soldiers on both sides of the conflict.

While these women were not “travel nurses” in the modern sense—working through travel nursing agencies—they sparked the foundational idea that nurses could travel to where care was needed most.

Travel Nursing in America

Travel nursing in the United States emerged in the late 1970s, beginning in New Orleans, Louisiana. During Mardi Gras week in 1978, hospitals faced an overwhelming influx of patients and injuries that stretched staff beyond capacity.

To address the crisis, hospitals contracted nurses from across the country to provide temporary support. This successful response helped establish travel nursing as a viable workforce solution, gaining widespread traction throughout the 1980s as the national nursing shortage intensified.

By the late 1980s, travel nurse assignments were widely accepted as a cost-effective way for healthcare facilities to manage staffing shortages. For nurses, these short-term contracts offered higher pay, skill development, and diverse clinical experience—benefits that still attract travelers today.

Travel Nursing Today

Today, a career in travel nursing is both professionally and personally rewarding. Healthcare facilities rely on travel nurses to meet fluctuating patient demands, and travelers enjoy the flexibility to choose assignments across the country.

The digital age has played a major role in expanding travel nurse job opportunities. Technology allows hospitals to quickly connect with qualified nurses, while agencies like Anders Group make it easy for skilled nurses and allied healthcare professionals to build exciting travel careers.

Historically, nursing was viewed as a female-dominated profession. However, the number of male nurses has steadily increased since 1970. Today, more than 13% of nurses are male, with higher representation in specialties such as military nursing and nurse anesthesia.

The demand for travel nurses surged during the COVID-19 pandemic as hospitals faced staffing shortages and unprecedented patient volumes. Travel nursing agencies stepped in to support healthcare systems nationwide, reinforcing the essential role of travel nurses.

Looking ahead, demographic shifts and an aging population continue to drive demand for chronic and long-term care professionals—making travel nursing more critical than ever.

The Future of Travel Nursing

Although the pandemic has passed, the travel nursing industry continues to evolve. Several key trends are shaping the future:

Increased Collaboration

Hospitals are emphasizing teamwork between travel nurses and permanent staff, creating more integrated patient care models.

Greater Demand for Specialized Nurses

Specialties such as critical care, ICU, and surgical nursing remain in high demand. Travel nurses with advanced or niche skills will continue to see top opportunities.

Growth of Remote Care

Telehealth and remote care services are now permanent components of healthcare delivery. Travel nurses with remote-care experience are increasingly valuable.

Focus on Mental Health and Wellness

Healthcare organizations are prioritizing wellness programs that support travel nurses’ mental and emotional well-being.

Travel Nursing Careers with Anders Group

If you’re an RN, your skills are in high demand. Ongoing nursing shortages mean you can take your career almost anywhere.

By joining thousands of travel nurses nationwide, you can expand your career, explore new destinations, and earn competitive pay—all with the support of Anders Group.

Whether you’re new to travel nursing or a seasoned professional, Anders Group helps match you with the right assignment and provides personalized support every step of the way.

Explore current travel nurse jobs and discover opportunities that take your career—and your life—somewhere new.