Positions that involve registered nurses specializing in the care of infants, children, and adolescents, who accept temporary assignments in various healthcare facilities across different geographical locations, are a growing sector within the nursing profession. These roles offer a unique blend of professional experience and personal enrichment through travel and exposure to diverse patient populations. For example, a registered nurse with a background in pediatric intensive care might choose to work in a children’s hospital in a different state for a 13-week contract.
The value of these specialized nursing assignments lies in their ability to address staffing shortages in underserved areas, provide hospitals with highly skilled professionals for specific short-term needs, and offer nurses opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential. Historically, the rise of temporary healthcare staffing has been driven by fluctuating patient volumes, seasonal demand, and the ongoing need for specialized skills, particularly in areas like pediatrics where the patient population requires specialized care.