Nursing is a career of endless possibilities. If you’re craving adventure, career growth, and the chance to work in fast-paced environments, travel interventional radiology (IR) nursing offers something truly unique.

But how do you get there? 

Whether you’re new to IR nursing or an experienced IR nurse looking for a career change, taking a step-by-step approach to travel healthcare is key to maximizing the benefits of this specialty. 

From gaining the right experience to securing high-paying assignments, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. Because when it comes to travel IR nursing, the journey is just as exciting as the destination—and Host Healthcare is here to help you every step of the way.

What Makes IR Nursing a Great Specialty for Travel Nurses?

Not all nursing specialties translate seamlessly into travel roles, but IR nursing is built for the adventurous, adaptable, and skilled nurse looking to take their career on the road. It’s a dynamic field where no two days (or assignments) are the same. 

If you thrive in high-tech environments, love being part of cutting-edge procedures, and want a career that blends precision with patient care, IR travel nursing could be your perfect match. 

As an IR travel nurse, you can enjoy:

  • Exposure to cutting-edge medicine – IR is at the forefront of medical innovation, using imaging-guided techniques to perform life-saving procedures without open surgery. As a travel IR nurse, you can constantly expand your skill set by working with top-tier specialists and seeing how different hospitals approach advanced treatments.
  • Opportunities to work in various settings – IR isn’t limited to large hospital systems—travel nurses can find opportunities in outpatient surgical centers, trauma hospitals, research institutions, and specialized cardiovascular centers. This variety means you can explore new locations while experiencing different aspects of IR nursing.
  • A collaborative, tight-knit team environment – As a travel IR nurse, you’ll work closely with radiologists, technologists, and anesthesiologists to ensure procedures run smoothly. This makes each assignment an opportunity to form strong professional relationships and learn from other experts in the field.
  • The perfect blend of autonomy & support – IR nursing offers the best of both worlds if you enjoy having a high level of responsibility and autonomy while still being part of a specialized team.

How to Gain the Right Experience for Travel IR Nursing

As a travel IR nurse, you’re the steady hand in the middle of intricate procedures, the calm presence for patients undergoing life-changing interventions, and the expert who keeps everything running smoothly. 

Sound exciting? 

If you’re wondering how to become an IR nurse, the journey starts with a strong foundation. Before you take your skills on the road, you’ll need to:

  • Meet IR nurse requirements – To enter this field, you must earn your RN license through an associate degree in nursing (ADN), a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN), or a diploma program (if you haven’t already). Unlike some specialties, IR nursing allows you to go straight into the field from nursing school, with on-the-job training further shaping your expertise.
  • Build at least one year of IR experience – Travel assignments require at least one year of IR nursing experience before you can hit the road. Use this time to fine-tune your skills, gain confidence in different procedures, and get comfortable working in a high-tech, team-driven environment. 
  • Get comfortable with procedural nursing – Spend time observing or shadowing in the IR suite, ask questions, and familiarize yourself with sterile technique, sedation administration, and real-time patient monitoring.
  • Hone your critical thinking & quick decision-making – In travel nursing (and most types of nursing), things can change in an instant, so you need to be able to anticipate what’s next. The more experience you gain in high-stakes situations, the more confident you’ll be in travel IR.

Finding the Best Travel IR Nursing Assignments

With the right experience under your belt, the next step is landing the perfect travel IR nursing assignment. But with so many options out there, how do you know which contracts are the right fit?

  • Understand the facility’s IR volume & case types – Before accepting an assignment, ask about procedure volume, the types of cases performed, and the level of nurse involvement to ensure the job aligns with your experience and goals.
  • Check the facility’s work environment & team culture – If possible, talk to other travel IR nurses who’ve worked at the facility or ask your recruiter about the hospital’s staffing ratios, leadership support, and team dynamics.
  • Network with other travel IR nurses – Connecting with fellow IR travel nurses through online forums, social media, or professional associations can help you learn about ideal assignments before they’re widely available. What’s more, networking can lead to valuable advice, mentorships, and friendships with people who understand the travel lifestyle.
  • Partner with a specialized recruiter – At Host Healthcare, our specialized recruiters ensure access to top-tier assignments that align with your skills, experience, and career goals. We also advocate for you every step of the way to make sure each assignment is the right fit. Ultimately, with Host Healthcare, you’re part of a team that puts your needs first.

What to Expect in Your First Travel IR Nursing Contract

No matter how confident you are in your skills, that first contract will come with a mix of excitement, challenges, and valuable learning experiences. Understanding the following key aspects of travel contracts will help you navigate the transition with ease:

  • A short and focused orientation – Unlike permanent nursing roles, travel nurses don’t get weeks of training. Most IR travel nurses receive a few days (or even just one day) of orientation before jumping into procedures. Be ready to absorb information quickly, ask questions, and adapt on the fly.
  • A fast-paced adjustment period – The first week of any travel assignment can feel like a whirlwind. You’re learning names, understanding hospital policies, and jumping into cases all at once. It’s completely normal to feel a little out of place at first—but give it time. By the end of your first few shifts, you’ll start settling into a rhythm.
  • Different workflows & equipment – You may find that your new hospital uses different charting systems, imaging equipment, or sedation protocols than what you’re used to. Stay flexible, and if you’re unfamiliar with a system, take a few minutes during downtime to explore it—it’ll save you time later.
  • New faces, new dynamics – Travel nurses work with entirely new teams every few months, so relationship-building is a skill you’ll develop quickly. Introduce yourself, show you’re willing to learn, and be a team player—you’ll adjust faster than you think.
  • Shorter contracts – Travel contracts typically last 8 to 13 weeks. Around week 6 or 7, you’ll need to decide if you want to extend, take a break, or start searching for your next contract. Keep open lines of communication with your recruiter so you’re never scrambling at the last minute.

Maximizing Your Pay, Benefits, and Experience as a Travel IR Nurse

Whether you’re looking to boost your income or expand your skill set, how you approach each contract can impact your success. To maximize your pay, benefits, and overall experience as a travel IR nurse, follow these helpful tips:

Negotiate Beyond the Hourly Rate

True earning potential comes from the full pay package. Before signing a contract, consider:

  • Tax-free housing, meals, and travel stipends
  • On-call and overtime pay differentials
  • Bonuses for contract completion or extensions
  • Reimbursements for licensure, certifications, and relocation

At Host Healthcare, we know that maximizing your earnings goes beyond just the hourly rate. That’s why our experienced recruiters work with you to break down your full pay package, ensuring you understand how tax-free stipends, overtime differentials, and bonuses impact your total compensation. 

Target High-Paying Locations & In-Demand Contracts

Hospitals facing urgent staffing shortages often offer premium rates to attract skilled travel nurses. If maximizing your income is a priority, consider contracts in high-demand states and facilities that require IR expertise, such as:

  • Level I trauma centers 
  • Specialty Cardiac & Stroke Centers
  • Teaching hospitals 
  • Facilities in rural areas

Stay on Top of Certifications & Skill Development

In the fast-paced world of travel nursing, hospitals and healthcare facilities often look for highly skilled IR nurses who can seamlessly integrate into new teams with minimal training. To that end, having specialized experience and advanced certifications can increase your job opportunities. 

If you want to advance your career and expand your earning potential over time, several specializations can help you reach your goals:

  • Radiology-oncology
  • Neuro-interventional radiology
  • Oncology
  • Computed Tomography (CT)

Work with a Recruiter Who Prioritizes Your Goals

At Host Healthcare, we work hard to ensure each contract moves you closer to your goals, whether that’s maximizing your income, gaining experience in top-tier hospitals, or finding assignments in dream destinations.

How Host Healthcare Supports Travel IR Nurses in Their Career Journey

A career in travel IR nursing offers opportunities to grow, explore, and shape your career on your terms. But even the most skilled nurses need a strong support system, and that’s where Host Healthcare comes in. 

From the moment you start your journey, we’re here to handle the details, from securing high-paying contracts to navigating licensure, compliance, and housing. Our expert recruiters take the time to understand what you want, ensuring each opportunity is the right fit. And once you’re on assignment, you’re never alone—our team is available to support you through every step, so you can focus on what you do best: delivering exceptional patient care.

With Host Healthcare in your corner, the road to a fulfilling travel IR nursing career is wide open. Whether it’s your first contract or your tenth, we’ll help you take that next step with confidence. 

Where will your journey take you next? Let’s find out—together. Apply today!

 

 

Sources: 

Indeed Editorial Team. “How To Become an Interventional Radiology Nurse in 7 Steps.” Indeed, June 28, 2024, https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-interventional-radiology-nurse. Accessed March 2, 2025.

Kathleen Gaines. “How to Become a Travel Nurse.” nurse.org, August 6, 2024, https://nurse.org/education/how-to-become-travel-nurse/. Accessed March 2, 2024.

Pattie Trumble. “Pros and Cons of Being an Interventional Radiology Nurse + Salary + Steps to Become.” NurseProccess.org, 2025, https://www.nursingprocess.org/interventional-radiology-nurse.html. Accessed March 2, 2025.

“What Is a Travel Nurse? Job Description and Salary.” St. Catherine University, December 16, 2021, https://www.stkate.edu/academics/women-in-leadership-degrees/what-is-a-travel-nurse. Accessed March 2, 2025. 

Elizabeth Clarke. “What Is a Travel Nurse?” NurseJournal, August 28, 2024, https://nursejournal.org/careers/travel-nurse/. Accessed March 2, 2024.

Portia Wofford. “Navigating a Travel Nursing Contract During COVID-19.” Indeed, August 15, 2024, https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/pay-salary/travel-nurse-contract. Accessed March 2, 2025.

Karen Cas-Alinas. “What Are the Highest-Paid Registered Nurse Specializations?” RegisteredNursing.org, September 5, 2024, https://www.registerednursing.org/articles/highest-paid-nurse-specializations/. Accessed March 2, 2025.

Muriel Moyo. “Radiology nursing: A growing specialty.” American Nurses Association, September 11, 2019, https://www.myamericannurse.com/radiology-nursing-a-growing-specialty/. Accessed March 2, 2025.