Medical-surgical is the most in-demand travel nursing specialty in the US. More jobs, wider geographic availability, and the best entry point for first-time travelers.
Real-time openings updated every 4 hours. Pay packages include taxable base hourly + tax-free housing + meal stipends.
New med-surg openings are posted daily — often dozens per week.
Contact us to get on our priority notification list for med-surg RN openings in your target states.
Join Priority ListIf you're considering travel nursing for the first time, med-surg is the specialty most travel nursing veterans recommend as a starting point — and for good reason.
More med-surg openings exist than any other RN specialty — dramatically more job options, faster placement, and the ability to choose locations
Most RNs have med-surg experience from their first year. Travel med-surg lets you practice in new systems without learning a completely new clinical specialty
Med-surg travel positions are available in all 40+ NLC Compact states. No waiting 8–12 weeks for a CA or NY license if you start in a compact state
Experienced med-surg nurses typically need 3–5 days of orientation vs. 2+ weeks for ICU or OR travel positions. You start billing faster
Many nurses use a med-surg travel contract to relocate near a specialty program, complete certifications, or build a multi-state license portfolio before moving to higher-acuity travel
California dominates on gross pay due to AB 394 mandatory 1:5 ratios creating persistent demand. But zero-tax states like Texas and Florida often deliver comparable or better net pay.
| State | Weekly Pay Range | Ratio Law | NLC Compact | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $2,400–$3,200/wk | 1:5 mandatory (AB 394) | ✗ Non-Compact | Extreme |
| New York | $2,200–$2,900/wk | Pending legislation | ✗ Non-Compact | Very High |
| Washington | $2,100–$2,700/wk | Staffing committee required | ✓ Compact | Very High |
| Massachusetts | $2,000–$2,600/wk | No mandate | ✗ Non-Compact | High |
| Texas | $1,900–$2,500/wk | No mandate | ✓ Compact | Very High |
| Florida | $1,900–$2,400/wk | No mandate | ✓ Compact | Extreme |
| Arizona | $1,800–$2,300/wk | No mandate | ✓ Compact | High |
| Rural / Midwest | $1,800–$2,200/wk | Varies by state | Most yes | High |
Medical-surgical nursing covers the broadest patient population in the hospital. Understanding the typical case mix helps you assess whether your experience matches a specific unit's needs — and helps facilities recognize your transferable skills.
| Condition / Patient Type | Typical % of Census | Acuity Level | Key Skills Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post-surgical recovery | 30–40% of census | Moderate | Joint replacements, abdominal surgeries, appendectomies |
| Diabetic management | 20–25% | Moderate | Insulin management, DKA stabilization, wound care |
| CHF / Cardiac | 15–20% | Moderate–High | Fluid management, diuresis monitoring, telemetry if step-down capacity |
| Respiratory (COPD, pneumonia) | 10–15% | Moderate | Nebulizers, O2 therapy, respiratory monitoring |
| GI conditions | 10–15% | Moderate | GI bleeds, colostomy care, NPO management, TPN |
| Stroke / Neuro (step-down) | 5–10% | Moderate | NIHSS monitoring, aspiration precautions, therapy coordination |
ACLS is the baseline requirement for most travel med-surg contracts. These additional credentials increase your weekly rate and open doors to higher-acuity facilities.
| Certification | Pay Impact | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Medical-Surgical RN (MSNCB CMSRN) | +$100–$200/wk | The dedicated med-surg credential — shows commitment to the specialty and qualifies for higher tiers |
| ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) | Required by most contracts | Baseline requirement for most acute care travel contracts — get this before your first assignment |
| NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) | +$50–$100/wk | Required at many hospitals for floor RNs who may see stroke or neuro patients |
| Wound Care Certification (WCC) | +$100–$200/wk | High-value in LTC-adjacent med-surg units and post-surgical floors with complex wounds |
| IV Therapy / PICC Certification | +$50–$100/wk | Standalone PICC placement credential — valued at facilities with high chemo/TPN patient populations |
| Factor | Med-Surg | Step-Down / PCU | ICU |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekly Pay (National Avg) | $1,800–$2,800 | $2,100–$3,000 | $2,400–$3,500 |
| Typical Patient Ratio | 1:5–1:7 | 1:3–1:4 | 1:1–1:2 |
| Acuity Level | Moderate | Moderate–High | Critical |
| Job Volume | ★★★★★ (Highest) | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Experience Required | 1–2 years | 2–3 years | 2–3 years ICU |
| NLC Compact Availability | All 40+ states | All 40+ states | All 40+ states |
| Orientation Length | 3–5 days | 5–7 days | 5–10 days |
| Best For | First-time travelers, wide market access | Cardiac experience, mid-acuity growth | Highest acuity, crisis rates, smaller market |
Travel med-surg nurses earn $1,800–$3,200/week depending on location and contract type. In California, where AB 394 mandates a 1:5 nurse-to-patient ratio and chronic staffing shortages persist, med-surg travel packages regularly hit $2,400–$3,200/week. In NLC Compact states like Texas and Florida, rates are $1,900–$2,500/week — but 0% state income tax means net take-home is often comparable. The total package includes taxable base hourly + tax-free housing + tax-free meal stipends.
Yes — med-surg is widely considered the best starting specialty for travel nursing. It offers the most job openings nationwide (dramatically more than ICU or OR), the widest geographic availability, faster orientation onboarding, and a familiar clinical environment for most RNs who started their career on acute care floors. You gain the travel nurse lifestyle, financial benefits, and license portability — without the steep learning curve of a new specialty.
At minimum: active RN license and current ACLS certification. Most facilities also require BLS. The Medical-Surgical RN certification (CMSRN from MSNCB) is not always required but adds $100–$200/week to your rate and signals specialty commitment. NIHSS (NIH Stroke Scale) is required at many hospitals. Beyond that, any certifications you have from your permanent position typically transfer directly to travel contracts.
Patient ratios vary significantly by state. California mandates 1:5 by law (AB 394). Most other states have no mandatory ratio — typical med-surg ratios are 1:5 to 1:7 depending on the facility and shift. NLC Compact states generally have more flexible staffing models. When evaluating a contract, ask your recruiter specifically about the unit's typical patient ratio — this information is available before you sign.
Most travel agencies (including CatSol) require a minimum of 1–2 years of acute care RN experience before placing a nurse in a travel contract. This is because travel nurses must orient in 3–5 days (vs. months for a permanent position) and function independently from day one. New grads typically work 1–2 years in a permanent med-surg role first, then transition to travel nursing. That said, a new grad with a strong 12–18 month med-surg background in a high-volume academic center can often qualify.
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With 1+ year of med-surg experience, you're ready to travel. CatSol places med-surg RNs in all 50 states — NLC Compact states for fast activation, or we'll handle the CA and NY license endorsement process for you.