A new survey released by TotalMed Staffing, the leading healthcare staffing agency, travel nurses who see the most COVID-19 patients, including ICU and ER nurses, have seen salary increases in 2020, by as much as 20%. The survey also shows that the majority of travelers have not faced periods of unemployment, suggesting that the right healthcare staffing company can help nurses navigate these uncertain times. 

The survey also shows that 40% of travel nurses have had more difficulty finding positions during the pandemic. This increased difficulty may be due to restrictions on elective procedures, redistributions of healthcare funds, and fluctuations in staffing levels. 

In September 2020, TotalMed Staffing polled 100 travel nurses who have been active during the COVID-19 pandemic. The respondents indicated that stress and uncertainty were among the most challenging aspects of their work in the pandemic. In searching for relief from these unique job stressors, 92% of respondents strongly agree that their recruiter has been supportive during this difficult time.

When looking to the future, nearly half of travel nurses surveyed said that they think the profession will emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever.

“We’re proud to support travel nurses, who are often on the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19,” said Dave Barse, Vice President of the Clinical Healthcare Division at TotalMed. “This data shows that not only are TotalMed travel nurses supported during these uncertain times but that our clinicians strongly believe that there’s light at the end of the tunnel.”

You can read the full Travel Nursing COVID-19 Pulse Survey Report here.

Looking for more staffing industry insights on the pandemic? Check out our COVID-19 Pulse Report.