How Long Do Travel Nurse Contracts Usually Last?

“How long are travel nurse contracts?” This is one of the most common questions asked when looking into travel healthcare. Whether you're a new travel nurse exploring your first assignment or a seasoned traveler planning your next move, understanding contract lengths is crucial to managing your career and lifestyle.

In this guide, we’ll break down the typical duration of travel nurse contracts, how renewals work, what to expect from different assignment types, and how to choose the right contract for your goals.

Let’s dive in.

Understanding Travel Nurse Contracts

Travel nurse contracts are agreements between a nurse and a healthcare staffing agency outlining terms, location, pay, and assignment duration.

At CoreMedical Group, our recruiters provide personalized, hands-on support to help you navigate contract terms, understand expectations, and find assignments that align with your lifestyle and career goals.

Typical Duration of Travel Nurse Contracts

The average length of travel nurse contracts is 13 weeks — just over three months. 13 weeks strikes a good balance between stability and flexibility, making it ideal for those who enjoy exploring new locations without committing to a long-term position.

However, travel nursing contracts can vary. While 13 weeks is the standard, some contracts are as short as 8 weeks or as long as 26 weeks (six months), depending on the facility’s needs and your availability.

The freedom and flexibility of travel nursing is becoming more and more sought after in healthcare – learn more about the benefits of travel nursing here.

Types of Travel Nurse Assignments

The duration of travel nurse assignments can also depend on the type of facility or unit:

• Acute care hospitals often use 13-week contracts for consistent rotation coverage.
• Rural or hard-to-staff locations may offer longer contracts to ensure continuity of care.
• Crisis or seasonal assignments may be shorter (4–8 weeks) but offer higher pay.
• Float pool positions can be more flexible and may vary in length and scheduling.

Our experienced recruiters at CoreMedical Group work closely with you to match your preferences with the right assignment type and duration.

The Role of Staffing Agencies

Reputable agencies, like CoreMedical Group, are powerful tools to utilize while embarking on the travel nursing journey. Agencies help you find exclusive job posts, edit your resume, prepare for interviews, find secure housing, and succeed in your new role. At CoreMedical Group, we specialize in travel placements and understand that one size doesn’t fit all. We take the time to understand your goals and offer personalized service and support throughout the entire process.

Renewing Travel Nurse Contracts

If you’re enjoying your current assignment and the facility wants to extend your stay, contract renewals are a great option. Many travel nurses choose to renew for another 13 weeks (or more), which allows for continuity without the need to relocate right away.

At CoreMedical Group, we handle the renewal process on your behalf, making sure all the terms are right for you and that everything goes smoothly.

Benefits of Shorter Contracts

Shorter contracts, such as 8–13 weeks, offer several advantages:

• Flexibility to explore new locations more frequently
• Freedom to take extended time off between assignments
• Opportunities to test different specialties or settings
• Quick transitions if a facility isn’t the right fit

This flexibility is a major draw for many travel nurses, and our team helps you plan your career accordingly.

Challenges with Longer Contracts

While longer contracts (20–26 weeks) offer more stability and financial consistency, they can come with challenges:

• Less flexibility if the assignment isn’t ideal
• Longer time away from family or personal commitments
• Greater potential for burnout without breaks between contracts

That’s why it’s important to have a strong support system, like the one CoreMedical Group provides, to help weigh the pros and cons before committing.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Fit

When it comes to travel nursing, contract length is more than just a number — it’s about aligning your career, lifestyle, and personal goals. Whether you’re looking for a short-term adventure or a longer-term commitment, CoreMedical Group is here to help you find assignments that truly fit.

Want to learn more about travel nursing contracts or speak with a recruiter who puts your needs first?

Connect with CoreMedical Group today and take the next step in your travel nursing journey!