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Aug 04, 2025
Table of Contents
Travel nursing offers flexibility, adventure, and the opportunity to gain experience in a variety of clinical settings. But before you hit the road, it’s important to understand the most common question travel nurses ask: How long is a travel nurse contract—and why?
Most travel nurse contracts last 13 weeks, which has become the industry standard across the U.S. However, depending on the healthcare facility’s needs and the nurse’s availability, contracts can vary in length, typically ranging from:
At Aequor, we help match travel nurses with contracts that best fit their lifestyle, goals, and specialties, whether they’re looking for a short term gig or a longer commitment.
The 13 week model has stood the test of time for a few key reasons:
Hospitals and healthcare facilities often experience fluctuations in patient volumes due to seasonal illnesses, staff leave, or census surges. A 13 week contract allows facilities to adjust staffing levels without committing to permanent hires.
A 13 week period is long enough for a travel nurse to get oriented, settle into the role, and make a meaningful contribution to patient care—but not so long that it delays the ability to respond to new staffing demands.
Travel nurses need time to get credentialed and sometimes licensed in new states. A contract lasting at least 13 weeks gives that process meaning and value, especially for compact or non-compact states. Check our Aequor’s interactive licensing map for more information about specific state requirements.
Many facilities offer extensions if they’re happy with your performance and still have coverage needs. If you’re enjoying the team, the location, or the work, talk to your Aequor recruiter about extending your contract or finding a new opportunity nearby. For more information, read our blog The Case For Extending Your Travel Nurse Contract.
Travel nurses play a critical role in maintaining high quality patient care, especially during times of staffing shortages or increased patient volume. They bring valuable skills, fresh perspectives, and flexibility to hospitals and clinics that may be struggling to fill permanent positions due to geographic location, seasonal spikes, or unexpected vacancies. Their ability to quickly adapt to new environments allows healthcare systems to remain responsive and resilient, ensuring that patient care doesn’t suffer when staffing gaps arise. In many ways, travel nurses are the bridge that helps facilities continue operating smoothly and safely, no matter the circumstance. For more information about the critical role travel nurses play in healthcare, check out this Aequor blog.
Whether you’re just getting started in travel nursing or you’re a seasoned traveler, the length of your contract should align with your personal and professional goals. Here are a few things to consider:
At Aequor, we take all of this into account when helping you find your next assignment so you can make the most of your travel nurse experience.
Connect with an Aequor recruiter today to find a travel nurse contract that fits your lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a shorter 8 week stint or a long term adventure, we’ve got opportunities across the country waiting for you.
Browse our open travel nurse positions and start planning your next assignment today.
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