{"id":5284,"date":"2023-11-10T19:02:04","date_gmt":"2023-11-10T19:02:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/?p=5284"},"modified":"2026-03-04T17:53:39","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T17:53:39","slug":"changing-specialties-as-a-travel-nurse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/changing-specialties-as-a-travel-nurse\/","title":{"rendered":"Changing Specialties as a Travel Nurse"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<p>It has been said the only thing in life that never changes is the fact that things change. Therefore it\u2019s quite natural to wonder about the nature of the grass on the other side of the proverbial fence from time to time. One of the many benefits of being a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/\">travel nurse<\/a> is the potential for a wide variety of experiences in a broad array of differing circumstances. Thus, while changing specialties as a travel nurse can be a bit of a challenge, it can be done.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Here\u2019s what you\u2019ll need to do.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_62 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/changing-specialties-as-a-travel-nurse\/#Consider_The_%E2%80%9CWhy%E2%80%9D_First\" title=\"Consider The \u201cWhy\u201d First\">Consider The \u201cWhy\u201d First<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/changing-specialties-as-a-travel-nurse\/#Conduct_Careful_Research\" title=\"Conduct Careful Research\">Conduct Careful Research<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/changing-specialties-as-a-travel-nurse\/#Recognize_Your_Strengths\" title=\"Recognize Your Strengths\">Recognize Your Strengths<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/changing-specialties-as-a-travel-nurse\/#Consider_a_Lateral_Move\" title=\"Consider a Lateral Move\">Consider a Lateral Move<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/changing-specialties-as-a-travel-nurse\/#Take_a_Float_Assignment\" title=\"Take a Float Assignment\">Take a Float Assignment<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/changing-specialties-as-a-travel-nurse\/#Consult_Your_Agency\" title=\"Consult Your Agency\">Consult Your Agency<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/changing-specialties-as-a-travel-nurse\/#Make_A_Wise_Choice_with_Wanderly\" title=\"Make A Wise Choice with Wanderly\">Make A Wise Choice with Wanderly<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/changing-specialties-as-a-travel-nurse\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  \">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  <\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/changing-specialties-as-a-travel-nurse\/#What_are_the_typical_responsibilities_of_a_travel_nurse\" title=\"What are the typical responsibilities of a travel nurse? \">What are the typical responsibilities of a travel nurse? <\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/changing-specialties-as-a-travel-nurse\/#Are_there_opportunities_for_professional_growth_as_a_travel_nurse\" title=\"Are there opportunities for professional growth as a travel nurse? \">Are there opportunities for professional growth as a travel nurse? <\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/changing-specialties-as-a-travel-nurse\/#Are_travel_nurses_eligible_for_continuing_education_opportunities\" title=\"Are travel nurses eligible for continuing education opportunities?\">Are travel nurses eligible for continuing education opportunities?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/changing-specialties-as-a-travel-nurse\/#Are_travel_nurses_responsible_for_obtaining_state_licenses_in_each_location_they_work\" title=\"Are travel nurses responsible for obtaining state licenses in each location they work? \">Are travel nurses responsible for obtaining state licenses in each location they work? <\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/changing-specialties-as-a-travel-nurse\/#What_is_the_difference_between_a_travel_nurse_and_a_per_diem_nurse\" title=\"What is the difference between a travel nurse and a per diem nurse? \">What is the difference between a travel nurse and a per diem nurse? <\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Consider_The_%E2%80%9CWhy%E2%80%9D_First\"><\/span><strong>Consider The \u201cWhy\u201d First<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Coming to an understanding of why you want to try something different is key to your success in this regard. Changing specialties can be an involved undertaking. Knowing precisely why you\u2019re doing it can help buoy you along if the process becomes taxing.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Among the reasons others have cited for considering this are a thirst for new challenges, an interest in broadening their skills and a desire to move into an area that\u2019s<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/travel-nursing-specialties-and-locations-high-demand-and-great-pay\/\"> more in demand.<\/a> Of course, your \u201cwhy\u201d may be completely different. Whatever it is, though, it\u2019s important to get clear on it before beginning the process.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conduct_Careful_Research\"><\/span><strong>Conduct Careful Research<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>You\u2019re about to make a rather significant investment of time and money. Rather than jumping in blindly, take some time to carefully decide what you want as your new specialty.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Where do your passions lie?\u00a0 What kinds of patients do you want to serve?<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Perhaps there\u2019s a particular type of unit in which you want to work. Will the going <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/travel-nurse-pay-2\/\">rate of pa<\/a>y for the specialty you\u2019re considering support your lifestyle? Does that matter to you? What about scheduling and shift concerns?<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>It\u2019s also prudent to get a good idea of the growth potential anticipated for the specialty you\u2019re considering.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Recognize_Your_Strengths\"><\/span><strong>Recognize Your Strengths<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>While <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/how-to-pick-a-specialty-as-a-new-nurse\/\">researching your new specialty<\/a>, make every effort to consider your personal strengths. Yes, it is entirely possible to transition into an area in which you have no proficiency and do quite well. However, shifts of this nature tend go more easily when you take your strengths into consideration.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Are you someone who thrives under pressure? Are you more effective as part of a team, or do your prefer working alone? Is there a particular age group of patients you prefer?\u00a0 What is your current skill set? How well will it translate to the specialty you\u2019re contemplating?<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Consider_a_Lateral_Move\"><\/span><strong>Consider a Lateral Move<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Going into a specialty with similarities to your current one can make the switch easier to accomplish.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Some <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/\">travel nurse jobs<\/a> to think about in this regard include:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Med-Surg to Tele<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li>Tele to PCU<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li>PCU to ICU<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li>PICU to ICU<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li>NICU to PICU<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Take_a_Float_Assignment\"><\/span><strong>Take a Float Assignment<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Working as a float nurse will give you an opportunity to see what different specialties entail firsthand. You can experience several different units within a facility with a float assignment. That said, don\u2019t ask to cover an area in which you\u2019re ungrounded. Overlapping specialties are best observed using this method.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Consult_Your_Agency\"><\/span><strong>Consult Your Agency<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>One of the best resources to tap when you consider changing travel nurse specialties is your recruiter. They can provide you with insights as to what the specialty you\u2019re considering will require of you. This also lets them know to start looking for placement opportunities for you while you\u2019re completing the background work you\u2019ll need to be competent in your new specialty.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Make_A_Wise_Choice_with_Wanderly\"><\/span><strong>Make A Wise Choice with Wanderly<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p>We understand that changing specialty as a travel nurse can be challenging, as well as looking for travel nurse jobs. Let Wanderly be your guide to make a smart choice and get the best travel nurse assignments.<\/p>\r\n<p>We at Wanderly are leveraging big data, machine learning, and blockchain technology to establish an open marketplace for the healthcare workforce sector. Using these technologies, we create an ecosystem based on facilitating meaningful connections for all parties involved. We aim to bring travel healthcare professionals and agencies together more quickly.<\/p>\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\"><\/span><strong>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<br \/><br \/><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<ol>\r\n<li>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_typical_responsibilities_of_a_travel_nurse\"><\/span>What are the typical responsibilities of a travel nurse?<strong><br \/><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\nTravel nurses can work as generalists, providing comprehensive care across various departments, or as specialists, focusing on specific areas such as emergency room, surgery, or labor and delivery. Additionally, they perform patient assessments, administer medications, collaborate with healthcare teams, and provide patient education.<\/li>\r\n<li>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_there_opportunities_for_professional_growth_as_a_travel_nurse\"><\/span><strong>Are there opportunities for professional growth as a travel nurse?<br \/><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\nYes, travel nursing offers ample opportunities for professional development. Nurses can gain experience in various clinical settings, enhance skills by working with diverse patient populations, and adapt to different hospital protocols and technologies.<br \/><br \/><\/li>\r\n<li>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_travel_nurses_eligible_for_continuing_education_opportunities\"><\/span>Are travel nurses eligible for continuing education opportunities?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\nAbsolutely! Nurses can attend workshops, seminars, and online courses to enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest advancements in healthcare. Continuing education not only enriches nurses&#8217; knowledge but also opens doors to more specialized and higher-paying assignments.<br \/><br \/><\/li>\r\n<li>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_travel_nurses_responsible_for_obtaining_state_licenses_in_each_location_they_work\"><\/span><strong>Are travel nurses responsible for obtaining state licenses in each location they work?<br \/><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\nTravel nurses need to have a registered nurse (RN) license, but they may require additional licensure in the state where they work. Many states are part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing nurses with a multi-state license to practice in other compact states. Your travel nursing agency typically assists with the licensure process.<br \/><br \/><\/li>\r\n<li>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_difference_between_a_travel_nurse_and_a_per_diem_nurse\"><\/span><strong>What is the difference between a travel nurse and a per diem nurse?<br \/><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\nWhile travel nurses work temporary assignments in various locations, per diem nurses work on an as-needed basis within a specific facility. Per diem nurses often have more flexibility in choosing shifts and schedules. In contrast, travel nurses commit to longer-term assignments in different regions.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<!-- AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on the_content --><!-- AddThis Share Buttons generic via filter on the_content -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It has been said the only thing in life that never changes is the fact that things change. Therefore it\u2019s quite natural to wonder about the nature of the grass on the other side of the proverbial fence from time to time. One of the many benefits of being a travel nurse is the potential [&hellip;]<!-- AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on get_the_excerpt --><!-- AddThis Share Buttons generic via filter on get_the_excerpt --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":{"author_name":"adlyd","author_description":"","author_user_level":10,"author_avatar":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/86bf0574a8efbaf50009a8aba5aa3c47?s=96&r=g"},"featured_media":5274,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false,"jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false}}},"categories":[49,54,17],"tags":[461,118,449,62,111,57,71],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/tech-5-1.png","author_info":{"display_name":"Adlyd","author_link":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/author\/adlyd\/"},"featured_image":{"size_thumbnail":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/tech-5-1-150x150.png","size_medium":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/tech-5-1-300x300.png","size_large":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/tech-5-1-1024x1024.png","size_full":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/tech-5-1.png"},"loftocean-view-count":null,"category":[{"id":49,"slug":"travel-nurse-career","name":"Career Resources"},{"id":54,"slug":"nurse-life","name":"Nurse Life"},{"id":17,"slug":"travel-nursing","name":"Travel Nursing"}],"post_tag":[{"id":461,"slug":"cna-jobs","name":"cna jobs"},{"id":118,"slug":"nursing","name":"nursing"},{"id":449,"slug":"travel-cna","name":"travel cna"},{"id":62,"slug":"travel-nurse","name":"Travel nurse"},{"id":111,"slug":"travel-nursing","name":"travel nursing"},{"id":57,"slug":"wanderly","name":"wanderly"},{"id":71,"slug":"wanderly-nurse","name":"wanderly nurse"}],"views":2740,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/tech-5-1.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p92mSz-1ne","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5284"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/42"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5284"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5284\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7483,"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5284\/revisions\/7483"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5274"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5284"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5284"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5284"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}