In 2025, one of the most significant shifts in the travel nursing industry is the return to pre-pandemic staffing levels. While travel nurse jobs skyrocketed during the height of COVID-19, hospitals and healthcare systems are now stabilizing and re-evaluating how they fill positions. This transition is reshaping the opportunities and expectations for travel nurses nationwide.
The Pandemic Surge: A Quick Recap
During the COVID-19 crisis, hospitals faced unprecedented patient loads and extreme staff shortages. As a result, travel nurse contracts soared, with some nurses earning over $10,000 per week during the peak.
Agencies rushed to fill critical roles, and nurses willing to move quickly were rewarded with premium pay and perks. But as the public health emergency faded, so did the inflated rates and the need for emergency-level staffing.
What “Pre-Pandemic Staffing Levels” Really Means
This term refers to how hospitals are now rebalancing their workforce, moving away from short-term travel nurse contracts and back toward building a stable team of full-time staff.
Here’s what that means in 2025:
- Fewer crisis contracts at extremely high rates
- More emphasis on permanent positions or long-term contracts
- Selective hiring for travel nurse roles (especially in metro areas)
- Rural facilities still rely heavily on travel nurses
According to CoreMedicalGroup, many healthcare employers are focused on reducing reliance on contract labor and rebuilding permanent nursing teams for long-term stability.
How This Affects Travel Nurses
The market is not disappearing — but it’s maturing. Travel nurses in 2025 are still in demand, especially in:
- Underserved regions (Midwest, rural South)
- High-turnover specialties like ICU, OR, and Labor & Delivery
- Facilities undergoing EHR transitions or expansions
But competition for assignments has increased, and nurses are seeing more average pay rates ranging from $2,000–$2,800 per week, instead of the pandemic highs.
Pro tip: Nurses who are licensed in compact states, have in-demand specialties, or show flexibility in location are still landing the best contracts.
Why This Trend May Actually Benefit Nurses
While some see this as a negative change, others see a return to balance. The post-pandemic normalization allows for:
- More predictable assignments
- Better integration with hospital teams
- Fewer burnout-inducing crisis contracts
Nurses can now focus more on long-term career planning, professional development, and mental wellness, rather than constantly chasing crisis contracts.
How to Stay Competitive in 2025
To stay ahead in this evolving environment, travel nurses should:
- Expand licensure (e.g., join eNLC states if eligible)
- Specialize in high-demand areas like telemetry, ICU, or OR
- Partner with top-rated agencies that offer exclusive contracts
- Embrace flexibility with location and start dates
For a full list of recommended agencies, check out:
Top Travel Nurse Agencies in 2025 – Advantis Medical
Final Thoughts
The return to pre-pandemic staffing levels may signal the end of crisis-mode travel nursing, but it doesn’t mean the end of opportunity. Instead, it marks the beginning of a more sustainable, career-focused phase in travel nursing.
If you’re a travel nurse (or thinking about becoming one), now’s the time to adapt, grow, and align yourself with where the industry is headed next.
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