Travel Med Surg Nurse Jobs

For jobs available on Vivian as of Tuesday, June 6th 2023, the average weekly salary for a Travel Medical Surgical Nurse is $2,134, but can pay up to $5,178 per week.

The agencies on Vivian that currently have the most Travel Med Surg jobs are TotalMed Staffing (1228), Trustaff (999), and PRN Healthcare (906).

Medical-surgical Nursing, also known as ‘med-surg’, is a nursing specialty that makes up the foundation of nursing. In fact, many sub-specialties of nursing require that you have prior med-surg experience. Med-surg nurses are responsible for taking care of patients with acute medical issues, as well as those requiring surgical intervention, however, the med-surg umbrella term can often apply to any nurse not working in a specific specialty.

Med-surg nurses monitor their patients for acute changes in physical condition, vitals signs, or lab values. These nurses prioritize patient safety, educate patients and families, mobilize patients, and monitor and administer a patient’s medication regimen. Med-surg nurses also need to know how to delegate tasks to ancillary staff, as well as chart accurate and complete documentation for their patients.

Med-surg RNs can be found in acute and sub-acute settings such as hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. As a med-surg travel nurse, you are expected to work in a variety of settings with similar acuity levels. Med-surg nurses can work on general hospital floors like neuro, trauma, general surgery, oncology, cardiac, and many other areas of care. These nurses are working in a specialty, but are considered med-surg unless there is special monitoring or technology that requires additional training or certification.

To become a med-surg travel nurse, you need at least 1.5 to 2 years of experience in the setting you wish to work. You must have at least an Associates Degree in Nursing, and have graduated from an accredited nursing school with subsequent passing of the NCLEX or equivalent (if you were trained abroad, requirements vary by state). Med-surg nurses are required to have their Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Nurses are advised to get their Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) before traveling, but it is not always a requirement.

According to BLS data, the median annual wage for a med-surg RN was $73,300. Employment is expected to grow by 12 percent through 2028, which is exponentially faster than the average rate of growth for all other occupations (five percent). Demand is expected to increase due to an aging population, and greater need for nursing staff in care centers like hospitals, chemotherapy clinics, rehabilitation facilities, and in peri-op arenas.

Medical surgical nurses commonly hold Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), among others.

Some healthcare employers may prefer medical surgical nurse job candidates with Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification (MEDSURG-BC), AHNCC - Nurse Coach-Board Certified (NC-BC) or Certified Transcultural Nurse (CTN), and some may even require specific professional certifications.

Having a Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification (MEDSURG-BC) validates your knowledge and skills as a medical surgical nurse and your dedication to continuing your education in your chosen field. All of which makes you a more desirable job candidate to healthcare employers.

Having a AHNCC - Nurse Coach-Board Certified (NC-BC) validates your knowledge and skills as a medical surgical nurse and your dedication to continuing your education in your chosen field. All of which makes you a more desirable job candidate to healthcare employers.

Having a Certified Transcultural Nurse (CTN) validates your knowledge and skills as a medical surgical nurse and your dedication to continuing your education in your chosen field. All of which makes you a more desirable job candidate to healthcare employers.

Medical surgical nurses may need a Bachelor of Science with Nursing Major (BS) or Bachelor of Professional Studies with a concentration in Nursing (BPS) to improve their chance of getting hired or further their careers. Certain degrees may even be required before entering the field. Medical surgical nurses residing in Australia may benefit financially from pursuing a Bachelor of Health Science (BHSc Nsg).