operating room travel nurse canada

Operating Room Nurses

Operating room nurses coordinate and plan the activities of the or, sterilization unit and anesthetic recovery area, monitor quality and hygiene, supervise and train staff and support policy development, responsibilities.

As an operating room (OR) nurse working with Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), you will coordinate and plan the activities of the OR, sterilization unit and anesthetic recovery area. You will also monitor quality and hygiene in the OR, supervise and train staff, and support with policy development. Locally hired nurses provide direct care. Internationally hired OR nurses are in charge of medical supply and ensure that protocols are respected and quality standards met. You will also participate in data collection and reporting.

Requirements

• Full and current registration as a registered nurse or nurse practitioner
• Minimum two years relevant post-qualification work experience
• Experience in providing pre- and post-operative care
• At least six months of clinical experience within the last two years
• Experience in managing staff in a multicultural team (supervision and training)
• Excellent command of English, as well as French (level B2) or another language (Arabic, Spanish). Refer to this  evaluation grid
• Relevant travel or work experience in contexts similar to where MSF works (armed conflicts, disasters, public health emergencies or situations of healthcare exclusion)
• Available to work 6 to 9 months
• Relevant OR experience in pediatrics, maternity, trauma and orthopedic surgery
• Experience in sterilization procedures (e.g. autoclave)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software (especially Excel)

MSF Core Competencies

• Adapts behaviour to the needs of the situation
• Shares information and coordinates with team and others
• Works towards objectives, preserving established standards
• Demonstrates knowledge of and accepts MSF’s principles
• Gives feedback and sets limits
• Demonstrates an integrating attitude
• Manages own stress

Familiarity with EDI concepts and their application in a humanitarian context

To find out more about MSF core competencies, please look  here .

You can find a comprehensive view of MSF career paths  here .

Before you apply

As you consider applying to undertake an MSF assignment, it is essential that you have a well-informed and realistic personal reflection. Assignments often mean long hours with a heavy workload, basic living conditions, and working and living in often chaotic and volatile environments.

Security and Safety

Because Doctors Without Borders’ purpose is to bring medical assistance to people in distress, the work may occur in settings of active conflict, or in post-conflict environments, in which there are inherent risks, potential danger and ongoing threats to safety and security. MSF acknowledges that it is impossible to exclude all risks, but it does its utmost as an organization to mitigate and manage these risks through strict and comprehensive security protocols.

Please watch this video for information on how MSF manages security.

International staff will be fully informed of the risk associated with a potential assignment before accepting a particular posting. Working for MSF is a deeply personal choice; individuals must determine for themselves the level of risk and the circumstances in which they feel comfortable, based on a full and transparent understanding of the possibilities they may face. Once in the assignment, all MSF staff must strictly observe security rules and regulations; failure to do so may result in dismissal.

Terms of Employment

MSF staff are employees with a salary and benefits. See more information on the  terms of employment .

MSF encourages the completion of multiple assignments. There are many possibilities for professional growth within the organization, into the medical, non-medical and coordination streams. For more information on learning and development as well as career opportunities with MSF, see our FAQ .

Final Thoughts

As you consider applying to undertake an MSF assignment, is it essential that you have a well-informed and realistic personal reflection. Assignments often mean long hours with a heavy workload, basic living conditions, and working and living in often chaotic and volatile environments.

Despite such challenges, thousands of people have worked with MSF over the years and found their experiences in the field to be deeply rewarding, even life-changing. More than anything else, being an MSF international worker means acting in solidarity with people facing unimaginable medical challenges. Your presence alongside people in times of need sends a profoundly meaningful and human message: “ You are not forgotten. ”

STEP 1 - REQUIREMENTS CHECK

Answer all our requirement questions below:

I am a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada. Please note that MSF-Canada requires all applicants to have at least their permanent resident status.

Don’t have this? You will need to apply through your nearest MSF office

I have watched the  Recruitment Video Series to learn more about MSF requirements, recruitment process, remuneration, benefits and career development.

I have read and understood MSF’s Data Privacy, EDI (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion), Accessibility and Climate statements

Click here to read Data privacy and EDI statements

STEP 2 - APPLICATION FORM

Please upload your CV in PDF format and reply to the questions below instead of submitting a cover letter.

International candidates are encouraged to apply through other MSF offices https://www.msf.org/work-msf , who each handle contracting for their respective countries.

Demographic Questions (Optional)

MSF Canada is a people-focused humanitarian organization that is proud to offer a diverse, collaborative, and inclusive work environment. We strongly believe this approach enhances our work and we’re committed to equity in employment. The organization seeks to attract and engage the best professionals to join and maintain meaningful, productive and lasting work relationships. We embrace diverse motivations and backgrounds of people working together to exhibit their passion in action for the social mission of MSF.

MSF Canada acknowledges the existence of systemic racism and oppression and is committed to sustaining and strengthening its anti-racism and anti-oppression (AOAR) efforts.

As MSF Canada continues to grow and strive to remove barriers in its offices in Canada and in MSF work environments abroad, we welcome applications from individuals with unique experiences of intersectional oppression on the basis of their social markers such as their ethno-racial identity, age, gender identity, education, socio-economic status or place of origin.

We encourage Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, LGBTQIA2S+ people, individuals living with disabilities and any individual experiencing vulnerable circumstances to apply.

Responses to the below questions are completely voluntary and are not associated with your individual application and has no impact, in any way, in the hiring decision. The data collected will be used in aggregate only to help us identify areas of improvement in our recruitment process. 

Thank you for your interest in working with Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Canada. We confirm that we have received your application for the position.

We will be reviewing applications for this position and will contact you if we think you would be a good fit.

Fill out the form to download posters and fundraising toolkits that will help you with your fundraising initiative for MSF.

* Required field

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Travel as an Operating  Room Nurse

View LRS Healthcare’s available travel OR Nurse positions.

Traveling as an OR Nurse with LRS Healthcare

LRS Healthcare is proud to be a leader in the travel healthcare industry. Our recruiters strive to help OR Nurses find a job placement that they are excited about.

Traveling is the perfect opportunity to take your skills to a new location and work in a top-notch facility. Our recruiters are dedicated when it comes to learning your professional and personal preferences. Using this information, they find an assignment that aligns with these expectations.

Learn more about our available OR Nurse travel opportunities with LRS Healthcare and apply today to get started. A recruiter will be in touch with you shortly to finalize the application, give a summary of important job details (like pay and start dates), and finally, place you!

What to expect

Applying for or nurse travel jobs.

Your dream job is closer than you think! To begin the application process, you will first need to apply . One of our specialized recruiters will be in touch and dive into the job details, get a better grasp of your geographical preferences, and secure your assignment. After all credentialing and background checks are completed and if the facility extends an offer, you’ll be ready to take on your new role as a traveling healthcare professional.

Download the Complete Checklist for Every New Healthcare Travel Assignment

of Traveling as  an OR Nurse

As a travel nurse, you have the unique opportunity to surround yourself with new colleagues and experience the different ways hospitals operate. Our recruiters work with you to find an assignment that exceeds your expectations and allows you to grow both personally and professionally. Who wouldn’t want that?

Additional perks include:

Excellent Weekly Pay

Explore New Cities

Fun and Flexible Lifestyle

On-the-Job Experiences

Professional Growth

Extended Time Off Between Assignments

Meet New People

24-Hour Support

With all of this change and excitement, it may take some time to get comfortable in your new job and location. Don’t worry this is expected and your recruiter will be there at every step of your journey! Learn more about travel opportunities for Nursing Professionals.

Asked Questions

01. Healthcare traveler requirements vary by facility and state. To ensure that you are ready to go when a recruiter contacts you, we recommend that: • All professional licenses and certifications are updated and ready to go before you apply. • Any additional licenses that may be required based on your assignment’s location. • You have at least 2 years of on-the-job experience as an OR Nurse. (This isn’t necessarily required, but we have found that these individuals are typically positioned better and will likely be more comfortable with the responsibilities).

02. To guarantee that the process is stress-free, it’s a great idea to do your research when selecting a healthcare staffing agency. LRS Healthcare trains all of our recruiters to be subject matter experts, this ensures you receive high-quality, 24/7 support and are placed in an exceptional facility.

03. Depends on experience and the destination. Different states offer different benefits such as pay. If you are looking for higher pay, this may be something to consider. Pay can vary due to other factors as well, such as the job, facility, and agency you work with. Something else to pay attention to is whether job boards or sites promote jobs that display pay before or after taxes and include or exclude travel and housing stipends. All of these factors impact what your take-home pay could be and could potentially vary from the number promoted on the job post. To ensure complete accuracy, we recommend you speak with an LRS Healthcare recruiter so we can review your personalized pay package with you in full transparency.

04. A standard OR Nurse travel assignment is 13 weeks. This time frame allows you to fully submerge yourself into your new role and city. Not ready to leave just yet? Don’t worry, you can always request an extension .

24/7/365 Benefits

Beyond-your-basic benefits.

Licensure Reimbursement

Certification Reimbursement

Traveler Experience Team

Referral Bonus

LifeWorks EAP

Clinical Team

Healthcare Traveler App

Learn more about our benefits .

From the LRS Healthcare Blog

Unlock your potential: travel careers in ophthalmology, pharmacy and dental, hidden gem national parks: nature's best-kept secrets for travelers, america’s top 6 firework displays.

Why Choose LRS Healthcare?

Your success is our priority. That’s why we make the traveler experience easy, so you can spend more time living your life and caring for your patients. Here are just a few more reasons to travel with us.

Traveler First:

You’re never just a number to us. We take the time to learn about you, including your career goals and desired destinations. Your recruiter will guide you from one assignment to the next and be your advocate throughout your journey with us.

Responsive:

Submit your online application, and we’ll be in touch right away. Once we’ve gotten to know you and matched you to an ideal position, we’ll work together to collect the rest of the details.

Full Service:

Along with your recruiter, you’ll have access to our dedicated operations and traveler experience teams. They help take care of all the details to make your assignment the very best it can be. You won’t go it alone—you can contact us any time, 24/7/365.

Traveler App:

LRS Connect is our job search and employment app designed specifically for healthcare travelers. Start your profile to set up custom job preferences and we’ll notify you (in real time) as soon as your dream job becomes available! When you’re ready, you can apply with ease directly through the app with one simple click!

Travel with LRS Healthcare

Ready to hit the road for your next assignment.

Apply to be a travel nurse!

Send us your details and our team will reach out to connect with you soon!

Have a few more questions?  No problem!

Let's get you matched to your ideal placements.

Northern Medical Connections (NMC) is a preferred Canadian travel nurse agency, proudly based in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

© 2015 Northern Medical Connections Inc.

Who Made This Site?

Travel Nursing

Staffing shortages in hospitals and care facilities offer opportunities for short-term staffing assignments from 2 to 30 weeks or longer. Enjoy great pay, travel throughout British Columbia, and diversify your resume through travel nursing positions.

Travel nurses benefit from competitive wages due to high demand and vast nursing shortages.

Accommodations

Your room-and-board are planned in advance and fully paid. Accommodations may be located on premises, or in a location near to the facility. Arrangements may be made to stay at a hotel or B&B of your choice.

Flights are planned in advance and fully paid. Detailed travel itineraries will be forwarded to you in advance. If driving, fuel costs are fully reimbursed upon completion of assignment.

Earn bonuses when extending assignments. Referral bonuses may be available.

Flexibility

Work as an independent contractor or as an employee, affording you advantages under Canadian tax law.

Travel British Columbia

From the beaches of North Vancouver and Kitsilano, to the majestic beauty of the Rocky Mountains, to the vineyards of the Okanagan, we have travel assignments in over 60 cities throughout British Columbia.

Fort St. John

Fort St. John is a city located in northeastern British Columbia, Canada. It's the most populous municipality in the Peace River Regional District.

Chetwynd is a district municipality located on the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in northeastern British Columbia, Canada.

Prince Rupert

Prince Rupert is a port city on British Columbia's northwest coast. It's a gateway to wilderness areas like the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Sanctuary bear habitat.

Nanaimo is a city and ferry port on the east coast of Vancouver Island, in British Columbia, Canada. At its heart, the Nanaimo Museum displays exhibits on the city's industries and indigenous peoples.

Terrace is a city located near the Skeena River in British Columbia, Canada. The community is the regional retail and service hub for the northwestern portion of British Columbia.

Kitimat is a district municipality in the North Coast region of British Columbia, Canada. It is a member municipality of the Regional District of Kitimat–Stikine regional government.

Prince George

Prince George is the largest city in northern British Columbia, Canada, with a population of 74,004 in the metropolitan area.

Smithers is a town in northwestern British Columbia, approximately halfway between Prince George and Prince Rupert.

Vanderhoof is a district municipality near the geographical centre of British Columbia, Canada.

Diversify Your Resume

You have the opportunity to work in a variety of British Columbia’s leading facilities, explore diverse specialties, and increase your professional networking resources.

Registered Nurse (RN) - Emergency

Multiple locations.

Health Staffing is looking for a Registered Nurse interested in a travel assignment. Apply today to join our team!

Registered Nurse (RN) - Critical Care / ICU

Registered nurse (rn) - medical / surgical unit, registered nurse (rn) - operating room (or), registered nurse (rn) - long-term care / palliative care.

Health Staffing is looking for a Registered Nurse interested in a long-term care assignment. Apply today to join our team!

Registered Nurse (RN) - ICU / Critical Care

Health Staffing is looking for a Registered Nurse interested in an ICU/Critical Care assignment. Apply today to join our team!

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) - Long-term Care

Health Staffing is looking for a Licensed Practical Nurse interested in a long term care assignment. Apply today to join our team!

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) - Emergency

Health Staffing is looking for a Licensed Practical Nurse interested in an Emergency Care travel assignment. Apply today to join our team!

Registered Care Aide (RCA) - Long-term Care

Health Staffing is looking for a Registered Care Aide interested in a long-term care assignment. Apply today to join our team!

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Operating room travel nurse jobs at a glance

Table of Contents

Operating room travel nurse jobs with nomad health.

If there was an entire sport dedicated to keeping your cool under intense pressure, operating room nurses would always take home gold. Also known as OR nurses or perioperative nurses, these healthcare individuals are highly specialized, perform incredibly well in stressful situations, and can effectively manage multiple streams of communication at once. They are experts when it comes to assisting with surgical prep and intraoperative procedures.

We work with OR travel nurses all over the country, and love helping them find assignments that meet their career advancement goals. Our operating room travel nurses get access to a robust benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401 (k) with employee matching after a year, and malpractice insurance. Our OR travel nurses also get travel reimbursement, a stipend for housing and utilities, and state license and certification reimbursement. We even developed a mobile app to make time tracking and payday easier and more streamlined than ever before.

What is an OR travel nurse?

From sterilizing surgical equipment to assisting surgeons during invasive procedures, OR travel nurses are prepped and ready to provide care to patients before, during, and after a variety of highly specialized surgeries. Some common duties they may perform include: preparing patients for surgery, assisting during surgery, making sure operating rooms and instruments are sterile, starting IVs, and verifying that consent has been signed. They also make sure patients and their families or caregivers are informed about the surgery, as well as risk and recovery plans. (Nurse.org, n.d.).

There’s a wide range in the types of surgeries OR travel nurses work with. Some are elective, others are life saving. According to John Hopkins Medicine, some of the most common surgeries performed in the United States are: appendectomy, breast biopsy, cesarean section (also called a c-section), coronary artery bypass, hysterectomy, mastectomy, prostatectomy, and tonsillectomy.

Popular Operating Room Travel Nurse jobs

Or travel nurse pay.

At Nomad Health, the average weekly pay of an operating room travel nurse is about $2,554.* So for one 13-week assignment, that’s about $33,202. The average hourly rate for an operating travel nurse at Nomad Health is about $65.* There are a lot of factors that can influence a travel OR nurse’s pay, including experience, education, facility, city, and industry demand. Today, the three states with the most OR travel nurse job openings at Nomad are New York, Illinois, and Massachusetts.*

*Subject to change. Based on internal salary data pulled in December 2023.

Highest-paying OR travel nurse jobs

On the higher end, an OR travel nurse with Nomad Health can make up to $3,520, or $89 an hour.* Certifications can help advance an OR travel nurse’s career, which can lead to higher compensation. According to the Competency and Credentialing Institute, some of these certifications include the Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR), the Certified Foundational Perioperative Nurse (CFPN), and the Certified Ambulatory Surgery Nurse (CNAMB).

We know that salary can be a big influencing factor when it comes to choosing a travel assignment, which is why we provide salary transparency on each of our OR nursing job posts. As soon as you log in to your Nomad Health account and start exploring potential assignments, you have the ability to filter and sort search results by payscale. Nomad Health is a recruiter-less, digital healthcare staffing agency, which means we save on operations costs and pass those savings to our travel community.

Trends in operating room travel nursing

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , the nursing profession is expected to grow by 6% by 2032, adding approximately 177,000 jobs. With faster than average growth like this, OR travel nursing jobs are likely to remain in demand, especially with a nursing shortage.

See our highest paying travel nurse jobs

Types of operating room travel nurse jobs.

There are so many different types of surgeries, each of which requires the highest level of knowledge and a certain set of responsibilities. Because of this, there are a variety of specialties within OR travel nursing. Some assignments focus on specific operations, such as cardiovascular surgery, while others travelers look for specific roles in the OR setting, such as scrub or circulating nurse.

Cardiovascular OR Nurse

A cardiovascular OR nurse, or CVOR, is a RN with operating room experience who specializes in working with open-heart patients and other cardiovascular procedures. Some of their on-the-job duties may include: patient assessments, preparing the room and equipment before the procedure, organizing the various groups of people who will be working on the case, assuring all monitors and devices are turned on and ready, and accurately charting during the case. Their main focus, while doing all of that, is to advocate for the patient while they are in surgery. It is recommended that cardiovascular OR nurses get their Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR) credential. (Top Nursing, n.d.).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, so cardiovascular OR nursing is an important specialty and has a high impact on the wellbeing of our community.

OR First Assistant Nurse

The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) describes a registered nurse first assistant (RNFA) as, “a perioperative registered nurse who functions in an expanded role, working in collaboration with the surgeon and health care team members to achieve optimal patient outcomes.” Some typical tasks performed by RNFA travel nurses include: preoperative patient management, intraoperative surgical assistance and postoperative patient management. (AORN, 2018). They have acquired the necessary knowledge, judgment, and skills specific to the expanded role of RNFA clinical practice, and they do not function as a scrub nurse or circulator.

Intraoperative performance may involve using instruments and medical devices, providing surgical site exposure, or handling/cutting tissue. Other responsibilities could be providing hemostasis, suturing, and wound management. After a procedure or operation, a RNFA may work in collaboration with other health care providers and assist in postoperative rounds and patient discharge planning. (AORN 2018).

The requirements for an OR first assistant nurse are a bit more expanded than that of a traditional OR nurse. The AORN states that an RNFA must have their CNOR credential, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and have completed an RNFA program.

The average weekly compensation for OR first assistant travel nurses at Nomad Health is about $3,213 while the median hourly rate is about $80, which is higher than our average pay for operating room travel nurses. The pay range for operating room first assistants goes up to $4,040 a week, making it one of the highest paying specialties offered at Nomad Health.*

OR Scrub Nurse

Scrub nurses are vital to a safe and successful surgery. They set up the operating room before a procedure, which requires meticulous planning and accuracy. OR scrub nurses have to consider the surgery, patient's age, size and surgeon's preference card (when applicable). Furthermore, they have to ensure equipment is working properly and supplies are not expired. Operating room scrub nurses are responsible for setting up essential equipment to prevent complications that can occur during a surgery. For example, they would set up an Intermittent Pneumatic Compression device machine, and have appropriately sized sleeves ready to go. These would be used to prevent deep vein thrombosis, or blood clots, which are a known complication to surgery. They would also set up IV pump(s) and suction. Scrub nurses are also responsible for selecting and passing instruments and supplies to the surgeon during the operation. Scrub nurses have to be confident and communicate clearly and effectively if they see anything that could potentially impact a successful procedure.

Circulating OR Nurse

A circulating OR nurse assists with surgeries, but unlike a scrub nurse or a first assistant nurse, they work outside the area of sterilization. They are the eyes and ears of the operating room on a whole, and make sure all teams are running smoothly and have what they need to best ensure patient care. (Nurses for a Healthier Tomorrow, n.d.) According to the AORN, the circulating nurse serves as the patient advocate while the patient is most vulnerable. Since the majority of patients are sedated or anesthetized during a surgery, they are unable to make decisions on their own. Typically, there is one circulating nurse assigned to each patient for the duration of the surgery. They manage all nursing care within the OR, observe the surgical team from a broad perspective and assist the team to ensure a safe, comfortable environment.

The circulating nurse has the following responsibilities immediately before and during the surgery: completing and verifying surgical documentation, verifying patient identification, ensuring correct surgical site, and assessing the patient for allergies and other preexisting conditions. They also prep and position patients for surgery, oversee blood transfusions, and maintain infection control throughout procedures. Furthermore, they monitor arterial lines, last devices, and imaging and video equipment, and perform counts of surgical items before and after surgeries. It’s up to them to coordinate responses in the event of an emergency.

Operating room travel nursing 101

OR travel nursing is an exciting and challenging career path. Registered nurses who are considering travel OR nursing should account for a number of factors: moving stressors, licensure logistics, and facility transitions (ie. being the “new kid.”) Once making the jump, many travel nurses find the hassle well worth it. OR travel nurses gain incredibly valuable career experience by working with a variety of patients in different types of settings, including hospitals in rural areas, big facilities in highly populated metropolitan cities, and surgicenters.

How to become an OR travel nurse

To become an operating room travel nurse, you start by earning either an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). While not required, most facilities require a BSN. After earning your nursing degree, you have to pass the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX). From there, it’s recommended that you gain experience and earn a perioperative certification. OR nurse residencies or fellowship programs offer great opportunities for new or experienced nurses. Most programs offer hands-on training, didactic/classroom time, and you’ll learn both scrub and circulating nurse roles.

Operating room travel nurse job requirements

Travel OR nurses are extremely detail oriented, good under pressure, and thrive in team environments. They don’t mind sporadic schedules; surgeries can happen at any time of day or night depending on the setting (emergency surgeries versus elective procedures). It’s important for travel nurses to make sure they are certified as an RN in the state(s) they are hoping to take assignments in. A lot of travel nurses opt to get their Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which covers 39 participating states and allows for extra freedom of movement.

Operating room travel nurse certifications

Aside from an active nursing license, travel OR nurses will need the the following certifications at a minimum to qualify for most jobs:

• Basic life support (BLS)
• Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS)

Benefits and challenges of OR travel nursing

It’s important to consider the whole picture when it comes to OR travel nursing. Here are some of the benefits and challenges that come with the profession.

OR travel nurse benefits

A major benefit of OR travel nursing is the ability to increase your income more quickly than staff nursing positions. Although higher pay is not always guaranteed, you have the freedom and flexibility to choose your assignment and pursue multiple options that offer varying pay rates, locations, and schedules. Better yet, most assignments last eight to 13 weeks at a time so there’s always another opportunity to find something better once your assignment ends.

Professional development

OR travel nursing can create many opportunities for professional development. Some nurses can feel stagnant in their growth after working in the same environment for too long. Traveling can give you exposure to different hospital systems, patient populations, and practices. Some facilities may specialize in surgical procedures that were uncommon at your previous facility or may implement different evidence-based practices in the operating room. Learning and adjusting to new practices can be a catalyst for growth in your clinical skills and career.

Exploring new destinations

One of the best parts of being a travel OR nurse is the opportunity to explore new cities and experience different ways of living. There is no right or wrong way to decide where to go next, but enjoying the sights, sounds, flavors, and activities of an unexplored destination is a great way to maximize your travel experience.

If you’re curious about west coast living, you can find jobs in Oregon, Washington, and California. If you’re a snowbird and love extreme winter sports, taking an assignment in North Dakota or Colorado might be your cup of tea. Whatever your preferences and your goals, Nomad has exciting job opportunities for you.

Relocating often

A major challenge in OR traveling nursing can be having to move often. Most travel contracts last eight to 13 weeks and unless you extend your contract, you’ll have to secure a new assignment and housing before you know it. That being said, there are plenty of resources available to help you transition smoothly from one assignment to another. Many travelers find that as they take on more travel contracts, the logistics of moving become easier to navigate.

Changing environments

While seeing new places and experiencing different facilities can have its upsides, change can be stressful. Many facilities expect travelers to be able to hit the ground running with minimal orientation, which can be challenging. Travelers may have to learn new charting systems and workflows while making new relationships with coworkers in a relatively short period of time. In order to be successful, OR travel nurses should be able to learn and adapt quickly to these changes.

Legal and ethical considerations for OR travel nurses

As an OR travel nurse, you may encounter various legal and ethical considerations related to patient care, staffing, or personal conduct. It’s important to be aware of your legal and ethical responsibilities as a travel OR nurse as you go from facility to facility.

Although the general consensus is that nursing is the same everywhere, there may be small differences in scope-of-practice between each state and facility. As a traveler, it’s your responsibility to understand these nuances wherever you take an assignment. As best practice, you should know your state laws and facility policies before you start your assignment or at least know where this information is located.

Know your state laws

According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), each state has a law called the Nurse Practice Act that is enforced by the Nurse Regulatory Body (NRB) of that jurisdiction. These laws describe:

• Licensure qualifications
• Nursing titles allowed to be used
• Scope of practice
• Potential consequences if the law is not followed

It’s important to be familiar with this information when you go on assignment. You can find more information on each state’s Board of Nursing website or on the NCSBN website.

Know your facility policies

Similar to scope-of-practice differences between states, facility policies may differ from one another. It’s best not to assume that what is allowed in one facility is implicitly allowed at another. When in doubt, ask a trusted source like a unit manager and know your resources so you can locate this information easily.

As a travel OR nurse, you may face ethical dilemmas while you provide patient care in different environments and with varying resources. That’s why it’s important to have a strong foundation in nursing ethics , which revolve around four concepts: autonomy, beneficence, justice, and non-maleficence. These concepts have formed the basis for patient rights today.

Some patient rights are enforced by law while others are upheld by various professional organizations and detailed in a Patient’s Bill of Rights. Some examples of patient rights include:

• The right to informed consent, or to receive information about care
• The right to refuse treatment
• The right to confidential medical care under HIPAA
• The right to provide advanced directives
• The right to receive medical treatment during an emergency under EMTALA

You can find the American Medical Association's (AMA) Patient’s Bill of Rights here .

Informed consent

As an OR travel nurse, ensuring that informed consent is performed and documented before a surgical procedure is a common responsibility. According to Olejarczyk and Young (2022), the following are the required elements for documentation of an informed consent discussion:

• the nature of the procedure
• the risks and benefits and the procedure
• reasonable alternatives
• isks and benefits of alternatives
• assessment of the patient's understanding of elements one through four

To learn more about informed consent, refer to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) website.

Evidence-based practice and high-quality patient care

High quality patient care is a responsibility carried by all nurses. One way to maintain this is to read the latest evidence-based research in medical publications and journals. Other ways to stay up-to-date on best practices is to attend unit in-services and lectures, and to obtain specialty certifications. OR travel nurses can get educational support and guidance on evidence-based practices from the Clinical Navigator team when traveling with Nomad.

Join Nomad's travel nurse community

Lifestyle considerations for or travel nurses.

OR travel nursing can be a fast-paced adventure full of career growth and exploration, but there are some lifestyle considerations you should be aware of before taking the plunge.

Most travel assignments span eight to 13 weeks on average, which means you may have to find new housing every three months or so. The search to find housing that fits your needs every few months can be challenging if you don’t have the right resources. Thankfully, Nomad offers resources to help travel OR nurses secure both non-furnished and fully furnished rental housing.

Some OR travel nurses might opt to stay with family or friends, or split housing with a roommate or another traveler in the area. Others might take full advantage of the nomadic lifestyle by staying in an RV. Ultimately, we encourage you to explore your options, be open-minded, and have fun with it! And if you can’t get everything you want from the available housing options at the time, you can still find other ways to enjoy your assignment to the fullest.

Health and wellness

Maintaining your health and wellness while traveling as an OR nurse is a high priority since it can affect your ability to care for patients and enjoy your overall travel experience. Here are some key considerations:

Health insurance- know if your employer provides health insurance coverage and know which medical facilities are nearby in case of an emergency. Nomad offers medical, dental, and vision insurance benefits to all of its travelers.

Mental health- OR travel nursing can be stressful. Combine frequent moves and being away from friends and family and all of it can take a toll on your mental health. Identify when you’re feeling too stressed or close to burnout and prioritize adequate rest, sleep, and quality social interaction while on assignment. Nomad offers mental health benefits to support its travelers.

Fitness and exercise- learn which exercise options are available to you to keep a healthy fitness routine. Working out regularly can benefit your physical and mental health, especially in stressful moments during transition.

Nutrition- it’s easy to fall into patterns of unhealthy eating when you’re on the road or changing environments frequently. Do a little research beforehand to identify healthy dining options and grocery stores around your assignment location so you can set yourself up for success.

Travel logistics

Many OR travel nurses may enjoy the overall experience of traveling but dislike the logistics of moving. The good news is, there are strategies you can employ to help make traveling as enjoyable as possible:

If you’re taking a road trip, map everything out from start to finish. Plan stops along the way to break up the monotony and stress of sitting all day. Bring a friend, play your favorite songs, and see a national park or two along the way. Nomad offers reimbursements for up to $1000 of one-way travel to your new assignment, plus more. Learn more here.

Take a more minimalist approach to packing. If it’s not an item you use on a daily or even weekly basis, it’s probably something you don’t need to bring with you. Make a list of the essential items like clothing, kitchen supplies, toiletries, bedding, and forgo the rest.

Give yourself enough time to get to your next location, unpack, and get settled before starting your assignment. Even having one extra day to buy groceries, pack a lunch, and explore the local area can reduce stress.

Whether you’re introverted or extroverted, it’s important to find community as an OR travel nurse. Being a traveler can pose challenges when it comes to developing long-term relationships, but making connections is worth it. You can start small by socializing with your fellow coworkers and travelers at work, or even spend time outside of work doing extracurricular activities with them. In the best of scenarios, you may make lifelong friendships and at a minimum, it’s nice to have friendly faces to support you while you’re on assignment.

Traveling as an OR nurse can change your finances in considerable ways—from increasing your income to dealing with travel-related taxes, you may find yourself needing a different strategy to manage your money. Consider seeing a financial advisor or a tax professional to navigate these issues. And don’t forget to check with your employer about any potential financial benefits available to you as a traveler.

Nomad offers its travelers the option to invest in a 401(k) from day one of the assignment, along with numerous other reimbursement benefits for scrubs, licenses, and approved certifications.

Professional development opportunities for OR travel nurses

Professional development is an important part of having a long, fulfilling career for many healthcare professionals, especially travel nurses. Growing professionally can seem like a challenge without access to the same resources that a staff job might provide, but it’s more doable than you think. Here are some ways that OR travel nurses can continue to grow their clinical skills, confidence, and knowledge base while on the road:

Continuous learning

OR travel nurses are in the unique position to expedite their learning through fast exposure and hands-on experience. Many OR travel nurses may discover that when they take an assignment in another state or facility, they learn about new surgical techniques, procedures, and disease processes simply through exposure. Experiencing how other surgical teams function and care for patients of different demographics and conditions can be an excellent learning opportunity and something that only a travel job can provide.

To supplement this exposure, OR travel nurses can continue to educate themselves by reading about related topics in peer-reviewed publications such as:

• AORN Journal
• Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing
• Annals of Surgery
• The American Journal of Surgery

If Nomad OR travel nurses need one-on-one coaching and educational support about clinical practice related topics, the Clinical Navigator team is available to help.

Advanced degrees and certifications

OR travel nurses can obtain advanced degrees and certifications to further their professional development and expertise, although this is typically not required for most jobs.

The main certification an OR travel nurse can get is the Certified Perioperative Nurse credential from the Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI). In order to obtain it, a registered nurse has to have at least two years of perioperative experience and be able to pass a 200-question multiple choice exam. Other OR nursing certifications include:

• Certified Surgical Services Manager (CSSM)
• Certified Perioperative CNS (CNS-CP)
• Certified Ambulatory Surgery Nurse (CNAMB)
• Certified Foundational Perioperative Nurse (CFPN)
• Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA®)

While pursuing these certifications isn’t mandatory, they can positively impact hireability and salary. According to the CCI and based on a salary and compensation survey conducted by the AORN in 2022, nurses who are certified receive an average of $2,600 more annually than nurses who are not.

Professional organizations

OR travel nurses can also join professional organizations that offer educational resources, networking opportunities, and certifications. Here are some top OR nursing organizations to join:

• Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN)
• American Nurses Association (ANA)
• American Society of periAnesthesia Nurses (ASPAN)

Workshops, seminars and conferences

Attending workshops, seminars, and conferences as an OR travel nurse can be a rewarding experience. These events can provide opportunities to earn continuing education credits, attend hands-on skills sessions, listen to lectures from experts, and network with other OR travel nurses. Here are some events to attend as a travel OR nurse:

• AORN Global Surgical Conference and Expo

Support and resources for operating room travel nurses

While on assignment, there are plenty of resources for operating room travel nurses who need ongoing support. Here are the best resources we’ve found:

• Nomad Navigators
• Nomad Clinical Navigators
• American Nurses Association ( ANA )
• Association of periOperative Registered Nurses ( AORN )
• American Society of periAnesthesia Nurses ( ASPAN )

How to apply for an operating room travel nurse job

Ready to start your OR travel nursing adventure? Nomad Health is your gateway to a world of endless possibilities. With our job database, finding and applying for operating room travel nurse jobs has never been easier.

Register to access thousands of jobs

Completed profiles get faster offers, find your speciality and browse open jobs, frequently asked questions about or travel nurses, what is it like to be an or travel nurse, is there a high demand for operating room travel nurses, where do operating room travel nurses make the most money, find your next travel nurse destination, or travel nurse healthcare resources.

• AORN. (2018). AORN position statement on RN First Assistants. Retrieved March 9, 2023, from https://aorn.org/docs/default-source/guidelines-resources/position-statements/first-assisting/aorn_position_statement_rnfa.pdf?sfvrsn=7d9f3037_3
• Brooks, A. (2020, May 4). Dissecting the critical role of an operating room nurse. Rasmussen University. Retrieved March 9, 2023, from https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/nursing/blog/role-of-operating-room-nurse/
• LPN Programs and Schools. (n.d.). Cardiovascular operating room nurse. Retrieved March 9, 2023, from https://www.topnursing.org/career/cardiovascular-operating-room-nurse/
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, October 14). Heart disease facts. Retrieved March 9, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm
• Gaines, K. (n.d.). How to become an operating room (OR) nurse. Nurse.org. Retrieved March 9, 2023, from https://nurse.org/articles/or-nurse-salary-and-career-opportunities/
• Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. (n.d.). Perioperative nurse - explore health care careers. Retrieved March 9, 2023, from https://college.mayo.edu/academics/explore-health-care-careers/careers-a-z/perioperative-nurse/
• AORN. (n.d.). Need for RN circulator legislation. Retrieved March 9, 2023, from https://aorn.org/docs/default-source/aorn/pdfs/rn-circulator-flyer.pdf?sfvrsn=c9fcb067_3
• ZipRecruiter. (n.d.). Operating room travel nurse salary. Retrieved March 9, 2023, from https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Operating-Room-Travel-Nurse-Salary
• CCI. (2023, January 16). OR nursing certifications: Why get certified? Retrieved March 9, 2023, from https://www.cc-institute.org/why-certify/
• Nurses for a healthier Tomorrow. (n.d.). PERIOPERATIVE (O.R.) NURSE. Retrieved March 9, 2023, from https://www.nursesource.org/perioperative.html
• Discover Nursing. (n.d.). Perioperative Nurse. Retrieved March 9, 2023, from https://nursing.jnj.com/specialty/perioperative-nurse
• ASPAN. (n.d.). Practice recommendation. Retrieved March 9, 2023, from https://www.aspan.org/Portals/88/Clinical%20Practice/Practice%20Recommendations/PR_Patient_Classification_Staffing_Recommendations.pdf?ver=zspJsb1KSSaT1XdIorR3Mw%3d%3d
• HCUP. (n.d.). Surgeries in Hospital-Based Ambulatory Surgery and Hospital Inpatient Settings, 2014 #223. Retrieved March 9, 2023, from https://hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/statbriefs/sb223-Ambulatory-Inpatient-Surgeries-2014.jsp
• Walker, A. (n.d.). How to make the most money as a travel nurse. Nurse.org. Retrieved March 9, 2023, from https://nurse.org/articles/how-to-make-the-most-money-as-a-travel-nurse/
• RN Salary Writers. (2022, October 30). How to become an operating room nurse - salary. Retrieved March 9, 2023, from https://www.registerednursing.org/specialty/operating-room-nurse/
• National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). (n.d.). Nurse Licensure Guidance. Retrieved from https://www.ncsbn.org/nursing-regulation/licensure/nurse-licensure-guidance.page
• National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). (n.d.). About Nursing Regulatory Bodies. Retrieved from https://www.ncsbn.org/nursing-regulation/about-nursing-regulatory-bodies.page
• National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). (n.d.). Nurses as Advocates for Patients. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538279/ \
• National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). (n.d.). Nursing Ethics. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526054/
• American Medical Association. (n.d.). Patient Rights. Retrieved from https://code-medical-ethics.ama-assn.org/ethics-opinions/patient-rights
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). (n.d.). Informed Consent FAQs. Retrieved from https://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/regulations-and-policy/guidance/faq/informed-consent/index.html
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). (n.d.). HIPAA for Professionals. Retrieved from https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/index.html
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). (n.d.). Emergency Medical Treatment & Labor Act (EMTALA). Retrieved from https://www.cms.gov/medicare/regulations-guidance/legislation/emergency-medical-treatment-labor-act

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OR Nurse Jobs

Jump to OR Nurse Jobs

Brittany R., OR RN

Access Operating Room Nurse Jobs Nationwide

Operating room nurses are critical members of the OR team. As an OR RN, you care for patients before the first incision is made, during their operation and after the last suture is closed.

With the surgery rates in the U.S. rebounding, right now, OR nurse jobs are available across the country.

With travel OR nurse jobs as well as permanent, per diem and local opportunities, our exceptional team at Aya Healthcare can help you reach your goals.

Employment Types For OR Nurses

Featured nationwide or jobs.

Browse All OR RN Jobs Now

I love that Aya lets you pick contracts that you are interested in. This saved me so much time. You just go to your account and start looking for jobs and if you are interested, you click on the interested button and your recruiter submits you. It makes finding your next traveling assignment super easy... Sandra N. Healthcare Professional

What OR travel nurse jobs are open?

Travel OR travel nurse jobs give you first-hand experience changing and saving lives in operating rooms across the country. You’ll get to work with cutting-edge doctors and surgeons, and alongside other incredible healthcare professionals. We’ve heard from our traveling OR nurses that they leave every assignment with new OR skills and knowledge that will last a lifetime.

How can I find a permanent position for OR nurse jobs?

Settle down without settling with a permanent position at a leading hospital or healthcare organization.

Aya Healthcare is more than a typical travel agency. If you’re seeking to put down roots in a specific location, we can leverage our extensive network of top hospitals and healthcare systems to quickly find and secure permanent OR nurse jobs compared to applying independently.

Just complete your profile and explore our available permanent OR RN jobs. Express your interest in a specific role, and a dedicated recruiter will reach out to discuss your ideal job.

Aya Healthcare’s recruitment team is the best in the industry. Serving as your primary supporter and advocate, your recruiter will accompany you every step of your journey, offering assistance in your search, providing interview preparation, resume advice and more. They’ll diligently work to secure priority placement, competitive compensation, and facilitate a seamless transition into your new permanent role.

What per diem OR nurse jobs are open?

Perhaps you’d like to pick up extra shifts to amplify your income? Or maybe you want to create a schedule that fits your lifestyle? PRN OR RN jobs are a great option to consider. And for anyone looking to stay close to home, our local contracts let you make an impact in surrounding areas.

What Factors Can Influence A Permanent OR Nurse Salary?

Salaries and pay rates vary between permanent, per diem and travel OR nurses. At Aya Healthcare, we know you want as much information as possible to make informed career decisions and optimize your pay as an OR RN. That’s why Aya Healthcare strives to provide the most competitive rates in the industry for our OR nurse jobs.

While pay is important, it’s not the only thing to consider. On top of competitive rates, Aya Healthcare also offers awesome benefits for our OR nurse jobs. If you’re looking for a permanent position, researching what benefits each facility offers is another way to decide which job is the right one for you.

When it comes to finding the highest-paying regions to work, the bad news is they’re always changing. The good news is when you work with Aya Healthcare, you get to choose when and where you want to work. This means you can talk with your recruiter and stay up-to-date on which regions are offering the most competitive rates for OR nurse jobs.

Ready to find an OR nurse job that matches your personal and professional goals?

Register now to browse all jobs, view pay and facility information and express interest with just one click.

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Traveling Today? What You Need to Know About the Global Tech Outage.

While service is slowly recovering, flights are still being canceled and delays can stretch for hours. Here’s the latest on airlines, airports and cruises, as well as your rights and how to reach customer service.

• Share full article

By Derek M. Norman Christine Chung and Ceylan Yeğinsu

• July 19, 2024

While commercial air service was slowly recovering on Friday after a technology outage caused thousands of flights worldwide to be canceled or delayed, the ripple effect from the disruption left airports crowded with passengers and airlines working to get planes and crews back in position.

“These flights, they run so tightly, so back to back, that even after a root cause is addressed, you can still be feeling those impacts throughout the day,” said Pete Buttigieg, the transportation secretary, in an appearance on CNBC.

The outage was caused by a flawed update from the cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, whose software is widely used around the world. At United Airlines, for example, the outage affected technology used to calculate aircraft weight, check in customers and operate call-center phone systems.

Throughout Friday, messages that travelers posted on social media showed flights grounded worldwide, some terminal monitors down and crowds of stranded passengers waiting at airport gates and customer service desks. At airports in India and South Korea, some passengers stood in long lines to obtain handwritten boarding passes .

Are flights still grounded?

Since the initial outage, service is slowly resuming, but the number of global delays and cancellations has continued to increase throughout the day.

Worldwide, around 110,000 commercial flights were scheduled on Friday, and around 5,117 of those flights, or 4.6 percent, have been canceled, according to Cirium, an aviation data company. In the United States, the number of cancellations stood at more than 2,300 — or about 9 percent of daily flights — as of Friday afternoon.

Fewer than half of the flights today in the United States left on time, the others departing with delays of a half-hour or longer, according to Cirium.

Delays at some airports in the United States were well beyond an hour, according to data from the Federal Aviation Administration. The average delays at Kennedy International Airport and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, the world’s busiest airport, were nearly three hours.

Which airlines are most affected?

In the United States, at least five carriers — Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Spirit Airlines and United — temporarily grounded flights, according to the F.A.A .

As of about 4 p.m. Eastern, more than 830 Delta flights had been canceled, and more than 1,220 had been delayed. American was reporting more than 360 flights canceled and more than 1,040 delayed. More than 380 United flights had been canceled and more than 1,260 were delayed, according to FlightAware.

The Dutch airline KLM canceled around 41 percent of flights on Friday, according to FlightAware. It has begun to recover, but advises passengers to check their flight status online before traveling. “We urge passengers not to come to the airport if their flight is not departing or is severely delayed,” the airline said in a statement.

Why weren’t some airlines, like Southwest, affected?

Southwest, Alaska Airlines and JetBlue Airways barely scrapped any flights on Friday. A spokesperson for Southwest said, “The outage did not directly affect our operations,” but did not elaborate on why.

Alaska does not use CrowdStrike, and its operations were “mostly unimpacted,” said Tricia Bruckbauer, a spokeswoman for the airline.

Which airports have been hit the worst?

In the United States, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta appeared to have the most flights affected by the outage, with a total of more than 590 incoming and outgoing flights canceled and more than 780 flights delayed as of midafternoon on Friday, according to FlightAware .

Many other airports, including hubs in New York, Chicago and Charlotte, N.C., also appeared to experience significant disruption. J.F.K. advised passengers not to show up to the airport without confirming flight status.

The outage also affected major airports in Europe. Several airlines at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam were unable to gain access to their check-in systems. The systems have since restarted, and the airport said it was working with airlines to “get all passengers to their destinations as quickly as possible.”

London’s busiest airports, Heathrow and Gatwick, said they were using contingency systems to get around the outage, but both were still reporting delays for almost half of their incoming and outgoing scheduled flights.

Hong Kong International Airport had to switch to manual check-in, but the airport reported that flight operations were not affected .

I’m flying today. What can I do?

Pack patience.

Delta , United , American , and Spirit have issued flight waivers allowing passengers to rebook without any additional fees. The terms and applicable airports vary. Generally, passengers are required to depart within a week.

Travelers can usually check itineraries through the airline’s website or app, but some travelers on Friday reported difficulties rebooking through the Delta and United apps.

You can also contact airline customer service by phone, though travelers posting on social media said that they had not been able to reach agents. But there are a few tricks you can try aside from the primary hotline: U.S. airlines have overseas customer service phone lines, easily found on the internet, and those agents can help too.

FlightAware can offer detailed data about delays and cancellations, and which airports are most affected, in real time.

What are my rights if my flight is delayed or canceled?

You may be entitled to certain compensation — such as airline-provided hotel or meal vouchers — detailed on the Transportation Department’s Airline Customer Service Dashboard .

The Transportation Department said the software outage is considered within airlines’ control and that airlines must follow through on their commitments to travelers, which for most United States-based carriers include complimentary ground transportation and accommodation for those affected by overnight delays and cancellations, as well as meal vouchers for waits exceeding three hours. Travelers should not expect to have this compensation offered to them, but are within their rights to ask the airlines for it.

“We have reminded the airlines of their responsibilities to take care of passengers if they experience major delays,” Mr. Buttigieg said in his CNBC appearance on Friday.

Passengers’ rights can differ for international flights . For example, in the European Union, cancellations or long delays may give you the right to a refund, a replacement flight and financial compensation. Passengers on flights delayed overnight may receive reimbursement for food, accommodations and ground transportation. (Travelers should hold on to any receipts for costs incurred.)

I have a cruise to catch. Will I get a refund if I miss the ship?

Cruise lines typically do not provide refunds, rebooking or any other concessions if flight disruptions cause travelers to miss their cruise departure, and the large companies are not making exceptions now.

But things look brighter for Carnival and Royal Caribbean passengers who booked their airfare through the cruise lines. Should they miss their departure, those travelers can expect benefits including coverage for flights, hotels and ground transportation to get them to the next port of call.

“Regrettably, air service disruptions — whether technological or weather — are beyond our company’s control,” said Chris Chiames, the chief communication officer for Carnival. “We always encourage our guests to purchase travel insurance, and today’s news is an important reminder of why.”

I have travel insurance. Am I covered?

Travel insurance companies are expecting an influx of claims, mostly for delays and missed connections, as a result of the outage.

One agency, InsureMyTrip , anticipated more than 1,600 of its customers could be affected by the outage, said Suzanne Morrow, the company’s chief executive. Policyholders may be entitled to coverage for their expenses related to delays, as well as coverage for any missed connecting flights, she said.

Any travelers hoping to file a travel insurance claim related to the outage should make sure to keep all their receipts or bills to show proof of purchase, as well as check their insurance plan or policy and file a claim right away.

Mark Walker contributed reporting from Washington.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Derek M. Norman is a senior news assistant for the International section of The Times. More about Derek M. Norman

Christine Chung is a Times reporter covering airlines and consumer travel. More about Christine Chung

Ceylan Yeğinsu is a travel reporter for The Times who frequently writes about the cruise industry and Europe, where she is based. More about Ceylan Yeğinsu

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