Short answer: Not according to recent evidence, but both groups report that the work environment still needs improvement.
Travel Nurses and Core Nurses: Work Environment Comparison
A national study in The Journal of Nursing Administration (JONA) examined whether travel nurses and core (non-travel) nurses perceive their work environment and ethical climate differently. Conducted across seven U.S. health systems with 615 travel nurses and 1,586 core nurses, the study found no meaningful differences between the two groups’ perceptions. More concerning, both cohorts reported that a healthy work environment was not consistently present.¹
Implication: The friction often attributed to traveler-versus-core dynamics may be overstated. The larger issue is systemic work-environment health—staffing ratios, communication, leadership support, and psychological safety.
The real challenge: speed to effectiveness
Even without perceived inequity, travelers face a steep unit-specific learning curve—local workflows, equipment, documentation norms, and team culture. Shortening that ramp-up is essential for safety, throughput, and morale.
How to close the gap (practical moves)
- Standardize orientation with microlearning. Unit-specific, 10–15 minute modules covering equipment, meds, order sets, escalation paths, and documentation tips.
- Role-based checklists and digital playbooks. One-click access to policies, contact trees, and “how we do it here” guides.
- Just-in-time cognitive aids in high-acuity areas. For example, structured OR protocols and checklists that improve team coordination.²
- AI-assisted matching and onboarding. Use AI to match skills to unit demand, pre-populate competency profiles, and prompt required learning before day one.
- Measure and manage the environment. Track HWE indicators (communication, recognition, staffing adequacy) at the unit level; act on hotspots regardless of employment type.
Bottom line
The data suggest parity in perceived treatment between travel and core nurses—but also a shared deficit in healthy work environments. Focus investments on environmental health and faster, standardized onboarding. That’s where patient outcomes, staff experience, and cost all move in the right direction.
¹ JONA: “A National Study of Travel and Nontravel Nurses’ Perceptions of Work Environment and Ethical Climate,” 2025.
² Alexander Langerman, MD, SM, FACS—work on standardizing OR processes and training: https://alexanderlangerman.com/
