Travel Nurse vs Traditional Staff Nurse: The Complete Canadian Guide for 2025
Summary : Travel nurses earn $45-65/hour or more + travel expenses (travel day, gas or plane ticket, meals) + isolation/remoteness allowance + housing. Staff nurses: $35-45/hour + $15-20k benefits/pension. Choose travel for flexibility/variety, staff for stability/advancement.
Quick Read Version (2 minutes): Skip to "Your Next Steps" section if you want immediate guidance, or see the FAQ for specific questions.
Disclosure: This article is published by Nordik, a healthcare staffing agency. While we facilitate travel nurse jobs and travel RN jobs, we're committed to providing comprehensive information to help you make the best career decision, whether that's travel or staff nursing.
Travel Nurse vs Staff Nurse: What's the Real Difference in 2025?
You're considering a change in your nursing career, and the travel vs. staff debate keeps coming up. Let's break down what each path actually means for your daily life and future.
If you choose travel nursing, you'll work temporary contracts at facilities experiencing staffing shortages. Your assignments can range from 2 weeks to 6 months, with various contract types available—temporary, full-time permanent (3 months on/1 month off), regular part-time (4 weeks on/4 weeks off), or occasional, often in regions outside major urban centres—ranging from small towns to remote communities in Nunavut. Your placement will be facilitated by healthcare staffing agencies like our team at Nordik that handles logistics, housing, and paperwork.
If you choose staff nursing, you'll hold a permanent position at one facility among various nursing job vacancies. You'll build deep expertise in your specialty, mentor new graduates, and shape your unit's culture. Your institutional knowledge and established relationships will enhance patient care quality—you'll become the backbone of your healthcare team.
Both paths require the same RN license, but your day-to-day experience will differ significantly. In travel positions, you'll work more independently, especially in remote areas with limited medical staff. In staff positions, you'll have the consistent support of established teams and familiar protocols.
The core difference? Travel nursing offers professional growth through diverse experiences across Canada, while staff nursing provides deep expertise and leadership opportunities within one community. Your choice depends on your current life priorities.
How Does Travel Nursing Actually Work in Canada?
The travel nurse vs traditional staff nurse debate has evolved significantly in recent years, addressing many traditional concerns while creating new opportunities for professional growth.
Do Travel Nurses Really Integrate Well With Staff Teams?
According to a 2025 industry analysis, Canadian healthcare facilities are moving toward a balanced staffing model that strategically combines permanent staff with travel nurses[1]. When implemented properly, this model enhances care quality while managing staffing fluctuations.
Most facilities now require 2-3 day orientation periods and pair travel nurses with permanent staff mentors. This creates valuable knowledge exchange opportunities that benefit both groups.
Reality check: Not all orientations are created equal. Some hospitals provide thorough 3-day orientations with dedicated mentors, while others offer just a few hours of unit tour before your first shift.
Will Travel Nursing Accelerate Your Professional Growth?
Travel nurse jobs do accelerate professional development through exposure to diverse practices and protocols. You'll master new skills regularly, adapt to different protocols, and become a more versatile nurse.
Most Canadian facilities provide travel nurses with:
Unit-specific orientation (2-3 days minimum)
Buddy shifts with experienced staff
Access to policy manuals and protocols
Access to nurse colleagues for questions (formal support varies)
Opportunities to share best practices from other facilities
How Do Travel Nurse Benefits Really Compare to Staff Benefits?
Travel nurses see those $45-65/hour rates (potentially higher in specialized settings with role expansion, emergency, and on-call premiums), but that higher pay compensates for:
No paid vacation or sick days
Gap periods between contracts (unpaid)
Risk of last-minute contract cancellations or transfers
Less job stability and schedule changes
Travel delays (especially winter—2-3 days common, up to 5 days possible)
No pension contributions (no collective insurance or union protection for agency nurses)
Flexibility to choose assignments and vacation duration (no minimum hours)
Working in diverse clinical settings
A 2024 analysis showed that when comparing hospital nurses, experienced staff nurses with full benefits packages often match travel earnings[5]. However, specialized travel positions (like dispensary nursing) can significantly exceed hospital staff salaries, especially with frequent overtime at time-and-half rates. The total compensation can be remarkably similar—the real question is what matters most to you.
What Makes Travel Nurses Feel Welcome on New Units?
Units that successfully integrate travel nurses treat them as valued team members from day one. Their strategies include:
Orientation guides (comprehensive welcome packages rare)
Designated staff nurse mentors
Regular check-ins during first week
Including travel nurses in team meetings
Clear communication channels for questions
Building trust over time as you prove your competence
The reality: Many units struggle with "travel nurse fatigue," and travel nurses often face skepticism initially. Without union protection or job security, you'll need to prove your clinical judgment and stay current with best practices independently. Some travel nurses fall behind on training without employer pressure, creating wariness among permanent staff. When facilities rely heavily on agency staff, permanent nurses can feel resentful about pay disparities or constantly training new people. This is why the best Travel Nurses are independently motivated to provide top-tier care and to prove themselves.
How Does Travel Nursing Work in Canada? (The Practical Details)
Whether you're exploring travel nurse jobs or other nursing opportunities, understanding the mechanics helps you make an informed decision.
How Do Travel Nursing Contracts Actually Work?
The contract process is straightforward. Here's your typical journey:
Application: You apply through a healthcare staffing agency
Matching: The agency presents suitable travel nurse jobs to you
Interview: Phone or video interview with the agency HR (not directly with facilities)
Contract: Assignments ranging from a week to 6 months with clear start/end dates
Extension: Option to extend if both parties agree
The Canadian travel nursing market has grown significantly since the pandemic, with most hospitals now utilizing travel nurses to manage staffing needs effectively[3].
Do Travel Nurses Really Make More Money? (Let's Break It Down)
Travel nurses typically see higher hourly rates, but here's the complete financial picture:
Base hourly rate: $45-65/hour depending on province and specialty (nurse salary 2025 rates)
Housing stipend: Typically covered directly by Canadian hospitals, reducing your logistical burden[2]
Travel reimbursement: Flights or mileage coverage
Overtime opportunities: Time-and-a-half after standard hours (varies by province and collective agreement)
Completion bonuses: Sometimes available for extended contracts (varies by province)
Per diems: Daily meal allowances (often tax-free if meeting CRA criteria)
While you won't receive traditional benefits, many travel nurses appreciate the flexibility to take extended time off between contracts and the ability to maximize earnings during peak working years.
Tax note: Many travel nurses can benefit from tax deductions on work-related expenses including licensing fees, uniforms, and travel[7].
How Does Travel Nurse Housing Work in Canada?
Canadian hospitals typically handle housing logistics. Your options include:
Agency-provided housing: Furnished accommodations typically shared with other healthcare professionals
Housing stipend: Take the money and arrange your own accommodations
Shared housing: Option to connect with other healthcare professionals
Meal per diems: Daily allowances for food expenses
Is Getting Licensed in Multiple Provinces Really That Hard?
You'll need separate licenses for each province where you work. Here's what to expect:
L'Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec (OIIQ) - Requires proof of French language proficiency
CNO (Ontario) - Requires passing a jurisprudence examination on Ontario nursing law and ethics
CARNA (Alberta)
BCCNM (British Columbia) - May require evidence of recent practice hours or competency assessment
Costs and timing:
Application fees: $300-500 per province
Processing time: 4-12 weeks
Annual renewal: $200-400
Getting licensed in a new province takes time and money. While the Canadian Free Trade Agreement helps with mobility, you still need to apply for registration in each new province and meet each regulator's specific criteria.
Many healthcare staffing agencies have teams to help with licensing paperwork. They'll guide you through each regulatory body's requirements, though you'll need to stay involved in the process.
💡 Curious what travel nursing opportunities actually look like in your province?
Explore Premier Soin Nordik’s current contracts and see how they compare to your current staff role.
Is Travel Nursing Actually Worth It in 2025? (The Million-Dollar Question)
Let's compare what matters most in your nursing career.
| Factor | Travel Nurse | Traditional Staff Nurse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Annual Nurse Salary 2025 | $85,000-110,000 (variable) | $70,000-95,000 (stable) |
| Benefits Value | $0 (self-purchased) | $15,000-20,000/year |
| Pension Contributions | $0 | 6-10% employer match |
| Schedule | Choose assignments, face gaps | Union-negotiated, predictable |
| Advancement | Diverse skill development | Management/clinical ladder |
| Work-Life Balance | High flexibility, constant change | Routine, community roots |
| Job Security | Contract-based flexibility | Union protection |
Let's Talk Money: Who Really Earns More?
Travel nurses see higher hourly rates, but the complete financial picture is more complex:
You can maximize earnings during peak demand periods
Housing is often provided directly by hospitals in Canada
Freedom to take extended breaks between assignments
You'll need to budget for licensing and insurance gaps
Staff positions include pension contributions that compound over time
Union wages with seniority can rival travel rates in some provinces
Travel nurses can negotiate salary with their agency
Real example (Ontario, 2025):
Travel RN: $55/hour × 1,800 hours = $99,000 (no benefits)
Staff RN (5 years): $42/hour × 1,950 hours = $81,900 + $18,000 benefits + $6,000 pension = $105,900 total compensation
Should I Be a Travel Nurse or Staff Nurse?
Travel nursing might suit you if you:
Want variety and new experiences
Value professional growth through diverse exposure
Enjoy exploring new communities
Thrive on building connections quickly
Appreciate flexibility in your career path
Comfortable being away from family/friends during contracts
Staff nursing could be your fit if you:
Value deep workplace relationships
Want to become an expert in one area
Prefer predictable schedules
Seek long-term career advancement
Want pension security for retirement
What About Work-Life Balance? (The Truth Nobody Talks About)
You'll work 7.5 to 12-hour shifts in both roles (12-hour shifts are considered atypical schedules in Quebec). The key difference lies in how you structure your time off. Travel nurses can work intensely for 6 months, then take 2 months completely off. Staff nurses build vacation time steadily and enjoy predictable schedules that support family routines.
How Can You Make Travel Nursing a Success?
Successful travel nurses share common strategies:
Professional Growth: Travel nurses report accelerated skill development. Different protocols, equipment, and patient populations create continuous learning opportunities.
Common challenges to prepare for:
Equipment variations: That IV pump you're expert with? The next hospital might use a completely different brand. Build extra time into your first shifts to familiarize yourself with equipment.
Charting systems: Every facility has its quirks. You might use seven different EMR systems in two years. So keep a notebook of login procedures and common pathways.
Unwritten rules: Every unit has them—which doctor prefers calls vs texts, where the "good" stethoscopes are hidden, which nurse in charge to approach for schedule swaps.
Financial Planning: Smart travel nurses typically:
Work intensively for 8-10 months, then take extended breaks
Use higher earnings to pay off student loans faster
Build emergency funds for gap periods
Invest the difference in self-directed retirement savings
Maintaining Connections: Technology makes staying connected easier than ever. Video calls keep you close to family, while each assignment expands your professional network across Canada.
Overtime reality: Linda Silas, president of the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions, reported that "overtime hours hit a new high last summer. Double shifts and cancelled vacations have become everyday reality" for many hospital nurses[10]. Both travel and staff nurses face overtime demands, though travel nurses often have more control over their schedule between contracts.
Making Your Decision
Many nurses work both paths throughout their careers—the flexibility to change paths as your life circumstances evolve is one of nursing's great advantages.
Provincial Considerations
Ontario
Bill 124 wage suppression impacts staff nurses more than travel nurses
Toronto hospitals offer premium rates for travel nurse jobs
CNO licensing typically takes 6-8 weeks
All nurses must pass jurisprudence examination on Ontario nursing law[12]
Growing demand for travel nurses in Northern Ontario communities
British Columbia
Remote nursing job vacancies abundant
BCCNM offers expedited licensing for northern positions
Housing fully provided in most rural assignments
GoHealth BC program requires minimum 2 years nursing experience[8]
First Nations communities offer unique cultural experiences
Alberta
Strong healthcare investment creates opportunities
CARNA maintains strict continuing education requirements
Calgary and Edmonton offer urban travel RN jobs
Healthcare staffing agencies recommend 3+ years experience before travel nursing[13]
Quebec
OIIQ requires proof of French language proficiency for full licensure
Temporary permits available while working toward language requirements
May need to pass French exam or show French-language education[14]
Unique opportunity to practice in bilingual environments
Your Next Steps
Both travel nurse vs traditional staff nurse paths offer rewarding careers with unique advantages. Consider these steps:
Assess your current life situation: What matters most right now—variety or stability? Adventure or roots?
Calculate the real numbers: Compare total compensation including benefits, pension, and quality of life factors
Start small: Consider trying a short travel contract close to home to test the waters
Connect with both types of nurses: Join online forums, attend local nursing association meetings, and seek mentorship
Explore opportunities: Research both healthcare staffing agencies and nursing job vacancies to understand your options
Remember it's not permanent: Your nursing license gives you the freedom to change paths—your choice today doesn't define your entire career
Can New Grads Be Travel Nurses in Canada? Self-Assessment Guide
Answer these questions honestly:
Do you enjoy learning new systems and protocols?
Do you have 3-6 months of expenses saved for flexibility between contracts?
Are you confident in your clinical skills?
Are you comfortable exploring different communities?
Do you have strong communication and adaptation abilities?
Can you handle being "the new nurse" every few months?
Are comfortable advocating for yourself when you need help?
If you answered "yes" to most questions, travel nurse jobs might be worth exploring. If you're unsure, talking to current travel nurses can help clarify your decision.
A note of caution: Some nurses try travel nursing to escape a toxic work environment, thinking a fresh start will solve everything. But if you're struggling with confidence or burnout, jumping into constantly new environments might amplify these challenges. Consider whether you're running toward something (adventure, variety, higher pay) or away from something (bad management, workplace conflicts). The most successful travel nurses are those seeking new experiences, not escaping old problems.
How to Switch from Staff Nurse to Travel Nurse
If you're considering travel nursing, here are practical next steps:
Research reputable healthcare staffing agencies that align with your values
Update your resume to highlight your adaptability and clinical strengths
Start the licensing process for provinces that interest you
Connect with current travel nurses through professional networks
Consider your first assignment - many nurses recommend starting with a shorter contract in a familiar setting
Remember, choosing travel nursing doesn't mean leaving staff nursing forever. Many nurses find that a few years of travel nursing enriches their entire career, whether they return to staff positions or continue traveling.
Reviewed by Jessica Rancourt-Bureau, RN, BScN, a clinical nurse with expanded practice who has worked in various hospital departments before discovering her passion for northern nursing in 2022. Jessica holds a nursing diploma from Collège de Valleyfield (2011-2015) and a Bachelor of Nursing Science from Université de Sherbrooke (2015-2017). Her experience spans both traditional hospital settings and the unique challenges of remote northern communities, giving her valuable perspective on both staff and travel nursing paths.
This article was written by Nordik's healthcare content team, dedicated to supporting nurses in making informed career decisions.
Last updated: August 29, 2025
FAQ
Q: Do travel nurses make more than staff nurses in Canada?
A: Travel nurses typically see higher hourly rates ($45-65/hour) plus free housing. However, staff nurses receive paid vacation, sick days, and pension contributions worth $15,000-20,000 annually. When comparing total compensation, the gap often narrows significantly.
Q: Is travel nursing worth it in 2025?
A: Travel nursing is worth it if you value flexibility, higher hourly rates, and diverse experiences in different nursing fields. The Canadian travel nursing market has expanded significantly since 2020, offering more opportunities than ever[3]. Your personal priorities determine whether it's right for you.
Q: Can new grads be travel nurses in Canada?
A: Most healthcare staffing agencies require 2 years minimum of acute care experience before accepting you for travel RN jobs. Canadian Health Labs states "the bulk of travel nurse contracts will require you to have a minimum of 2 years of recent experience in your field"[13]. Building experience in a staff role first prepares you for the independence required in travel nursing.
Q: How do travel nurse housing stipends work?
A: In Canada, hospitals typically provide housing directly or through agencies, which differs from the U.S. model where nurses often receive taxable stipends[2]. This reduces your logistical burden and ensures you have appropriate accommodations near your assignment.
Q: Which nursing path is better for work-life balance?
A: It depends on your definition of balance. Both involve 7.5 or 12-hour shifts, but travel nurses can take extended breaks between contracts while staff nurses have more predictable schedules with accumulated vacation time. Many travel nurses report feeling more in control of their overall work-life balance.
Q: How do I switch from staff nurse to travel nurse?
A: Ensure you have 2+ years experience, research reputable healthcare staffing agencies like Premier Soin Nordik, obtain licenses for desired provinces, save 2-3 months expenses for flexibility, and start with shorter assignments close to home. This transition is one of many career paths available to experienced nurses.
Q: Why are travel nurses paid more than staff nurses?
A: Travel nurses receive higher hourly rates to compensate for the flexibility they provide to healthcare facilities, their willingness to relocate, and the temporary nature of their work. These rates reflect the additional demands and uncertainties of contract-based employment[5].
Q: How has travel nursing changed since COVID-19?
A: The Canadian travel nursing market has grown substantially since the pandemic. Most hospitals now integrate travel nurses into their staffing models to fill nursing job vacancies, contracts have become more flexible (2-8 weeks), and the practice has expanded beyond remote regions to urban centres[3]. This growth has created more opportunities and better working conditions for travel nurses.
Sources and References
GQR Healthcare Resources. (2025). "Permanent vs Travel Nursing Trends 2025: The Balanced Staffing Model." Industry Analysis Report.
The Gypsy Nurse. (2025). "Travel Nursing: Canada vs United States Comparison." Retrieved from www.thegypsienurse.com
Vivian Health. (2025). "The Canadian Travel Nursing Market: Post-Pandemic Growth and Integration." Market Analysis.
Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions. (2024). "Nursing Agencies in Canada: Usage, Impact, and Workforce Dynamics." Annual Report. Retrieved from nursesunions.ca
Travel Nurse Houses. (2025). "Staff Nursing vs Travel Nursing: Comprehensive Compensation Analysis." Retrieved from travelnursehouses.com
Nova Scotia Nurses' Union. (2025). "News Bulletin: Rise of Agency Nursing - Lack of Benefits and Pension for Agency Nurses." Halifax, NS: NSNU.
NorQuest College. (2025). "Ultimate Guide to Travel Nursing." Retrieved from norquest.ca/travel-nursing
GoHealth BC. (2025). "Travel Nursing Program FAQ and Benefits." BC Provincial Health Services. Retrieved from careers.healthmatchbc.org
BC Nurses' Union. (2025). "For Patients, Not Profit." Update Magazine, Spring 2025.
Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions. (2025). "Overtime Crisis: The Reality for Canadian Nurses." Retrieved from nursesunions.ca
Queen's University/CFNU. (2025). "Opening the Black Box: Unpacking the Use of Nursing Agencies in Canada." Research Report.
College of Nurses of Ontario. (2025). "Registration Guide for Canadian Applicants." Retrieved from cno.org
Canadian Health Labs. (2025). "How to Land Your First Travel Nurse Job." Retrieved from canadianhealthlabs.ca
Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec. (2025). "Guide to Obtaining a Permit from OIIQ for Nurses from Other Provinces." Retrieved from oiiq.org