How much experience you need, by specialty
The recent experience and certifications agencies usually ask for in each travel nursing specialty, from ICU to dialysis.
October 12, 2026 · 4 min read
Typical requirements by specialty
Critical Care
| Specialty | Recent experience | Usually required | Often preferred |
|---|---|---|---|
| ICU | 1+ yr | BLSACLS | CCRN |
| CVICU | 2+ yrs | BLSACLS | CCRNCSC |
| Neuro ICU | 1+ yr | BLSACLS | CCRNNIHSS |
| Step-Down / PCU | 1+ yr | BLSACLS | PCCN |
Emergency
| Specialty | Recent experience | Usually required | Often preferred |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Room | 1+ yr | BLSACLSPALS | TNCCCENENPC |
Med-Surg & Telemetry
| Specialty | Recent experience | Usually required | Often preferred |
|---|---|---|---|
| Med-Surg | 1+ yr | BLS | ACLSCMSRN |
| Telemetry | 1+ yr | BLSACLS | PCCN |
| Med-Surg / Tele | 1+ yr | BLSACLS | CMSRN |
Perioperative & Procedural
| Specialty | Recent experience | Usually required | Often preferred |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating Room | 2+ yrs | BLS | ACLSCNOR |
| CVOR | 2+ yrs | BLSACLS | CNOR |
| PACU | 1+ yr | BLSACLS | PALSCPAN |
| Pre-Op | 1+ yr | BLS | ACLS |
| Cath Lab | 2+ yrs | BLSACLS | RCIS |
| Interventional Radiology | 2+ yrs | BLSACLS | CRN |
| Endoscopy / GI Lab | 1+ yr | BLSACLS | CGRN |
Women's & Children's
| Specialty | Recent experience | Usually required | Often preferred |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labor & Delivery | 2+ yrs | BLSNRP | ACLSAWHONN fetal monitoringRNC-OB |
| Postpartum / Mother-Baby | 1+ yr | BLSNRP | RNC-MNN |
| NICU | 2+ yrs | BLSNRP | S.T.A.B.L.E.RNC-NIC |
| PICU | 2+ yrs | BLSPALS | CCRN-Peds |
| Pediatrics | 1+ yr | BLSPALS | CPN |
Oncology & Infusion
Dialysis
| Specialty | Recent experience | Usually required | Often preferred |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dialysis | 1+ yr | BLS | CNNCDN |
| Acute Dialysis | 1+ yr | BLSACLS | CNN |
| Chronic / Outpatient Dialysis | 1+ yr | BLS | CDNCNN |
Behavioral Health
| Specialty | Recent experience | Usually required | Often preferred |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psych / Behavioral Health | 1+ yr | BLSCPI / de-escalation | PMH-BC |
Post-Acute & Long-Term Care
| Specialty | Recent experience | Usually required | Often preferred |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rehab | 1+ yr | BLS | CRRN |
| LTAC | 1+ yr | BLSACLS | — |
| Long-Term Care / SNF | 1+ yr | BLS | — |
Home, Hospice & Community
| Specialty | Recent experience | Usually required | Often preferred |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Health | 1+ yr | BLS | — |
| Hospice | 1+ yr | BLS | CHPN |
| Correctional | 1+ yr | BLS | CCHP |
| School Nurse | 1+ yr | BLS | NCSN |
Case Management & Float
| Specialty | Recent experience | Usually required | Often preferred |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case Management / UR | 2+ yrs | BLS | CCMACM |
| Float Pool | 2+ yrs | BLSACLS | — |
Ambulatory & Virtual
| Specialty | Recent experience | Usually required | Often preferred |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinic / Ambulatory | 1+ yr | BLS | — |
| Telehealth / Virtual Nursing | 2+ yrs | BLS | — |
| Wound Care | 2+ yrs | BLS | WOCNCWCNWCC |
Getting your first travel contract
- Build your experience on a busy unit in your specialty, and keep your certifications current.
- Have two recent references from charge nurses or managers ready.
- Get a compact license if your home state offers one. It opens more jobs.
- Learn how to read a pay package before your first recruiter call.