Job Summary: Travel RN – Medical-Surgical (MedSurg)

Voyage Healthcare is seeking an experienced Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse for a high-paying 13-week travel contract in the historic coastal city of Sitka, Alaska. This role is designed for versatile clinicians who excel in fast-paced environments, managing a diverse patient load that typically includes post-surgical recovery, acute illness stabilization, and chronic disease management. Sitka’s unique island geography means the local facility serves as a critical healthcare hub for the Alexander Archipelago, requiring nurses who are confident in their clinical judgment and adaptable to “flex” shifting.

Key Responsibilities

Acute Patient Management: Coordinate and deliver care for a 4–6 patient assignment (typical MedSurg ratio), assessing conditions and implementing physician-ordered treatment plans.
Post-Operative Care: Monitor patients recovering from various surgeries, managing pain protocols, wound care, and early mobilization to prevent complications.
Pharmacological Administration: Safely administer medications, manage IV therapies, and monitor for therapeutic effects or adverse reactions.
Multidisciplinary Coordination: Act as the primary point of contact between patients, hospitalists, physical therapists, and case managers to ensure seamless discharge planning.
Documentation: Maintain precise electronic health records (EHR) to track patient progress, vital signs, and interventions in compliance with facility standards.

Required Qualifications & Skills

Experience: Minimum of 2 years of recent experience in a Medical-Surgical specialty is required.
Licensure: Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Alaska (or a temporary permit/compact license if applicable).
Certifications: Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association or Red Cross.
Adaptability: Willingness to work Flex shifts (which may include a mix of days, nights, and weekends) as determined by facility needs.
Clinical Competence: Proficiency in interpreting lab results, managing telemetry (if required), and utilizing various medical technologies (infusion pumps, PCA pumps, etc.).

About the Company: Voyage Healthcare

Voyage Healthcare specializes in connecting high-tier nursing and allied health professionals with lucrative travel opportunities across the United States.

National Reach: With thousands of openings, they focus on “top-rated” facilities.
Support System: Voyage is known for assisting travelers with the logistics of remote assignments, including housing coordination and credentialing support.

Market & Industry Context: The “Sitka Travel Premium”

Sitka is located on Baranof Island and is accessible only by air or sea. This geographic isolation creates a unique professional environment.

High-Value Compensation: The pay rate of $2,779 – $2,926 per week is significantly above the national average for staff MedSurg RNs, reflecting the “Alaska Premium” and the specialized nature of travel nursing in 2026.
Remote Healthcare Dynamics: In Sitka, MedSurg units often see a “higher acuity” mix than urban centers because the facility must stabilize patients before potential medevac to larger hubs like Anchorage or Seattle.

Career Growth & Travel Benefits

Travel nursing with Voyage Healthcare offers distinct professional advantages:

Clinical Diversification: Gain experience in a unique, rural-yet-advanced facility, adding “Remote/Arctic Nursing” to your professional portfolio.
Financial Acceleration: Ability to earn a year’s worth of traditional salary in a shorter timeframe through high-weekly stipends and overtime.
Adventure & Networking: Build a professional network across the U.S. while exploring Sitka’s world-class hiking, kayaking, and Tlingit cultural heritage.

Interview & Application Insights

Expedited Hiring: With an “ASAP” start date, the recruitment process moves quickly. Have your “Travel Pack” (Resume, Skills Checklist, and Reference list) ready.
Flexibility is Key: During the screening call with Voyage, emphasize your comfort with different shift rotations. Facilities in Alaska prioritize travelers who can help fill gaps in the core staff schedule.
Call for Details: Candidates are encouraged to call 800-798-6035 directly to discuss specific housing stipends and benefit options (which can influence the final weekly take-home pay).

Compensation & Total Rewards

Weekly Pay: $2,779 – $2,926 (total gross, including stipends).
Stipends: Typically includes tax-free housing and per diem allowances for those who qualify as “travelers” under IRS guidelines.
Contract Length: 13 weeks, with potential for extension based on performance and facility need.
Location Perks: Experience Sitka’s stunning scenery, including the Sitka National Historical Park and views of the Mount Edgecumbe volcano.

Compliance & Equal Opportunity Note

Voyage Healthcare is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. Successful candidates must pass a background check and drug screen as required by the healthcare facility.

Category	Details & Specifications
Agency	Voyage Healthcare
Location	Sitka, AK, United States
Weekly Pay	$2,779 – $2,926 (Includes stipends/tax-free components)
Contract Length	13 Weeks
Shift	Flex
Start Date	ASAP

Clinical Expectations & Travel Scope

As a Travel Medical-Surgical (MedSurg) Nurse in Sitka, you will be expected to integrate rapidly into a rural hospital setting, managing a diverse patient population with varied acute conditions.

Functional Area	Actionable Tasks
Patient Load	Managing a typical ratio of 1:4 or 1:5 (may vary based on facility acuity).
Acute Care	Post-surgical recovery, wound care, medication administration, and monitoring for changes in status.
Rural Dynamics	Handling a wide variety of diagnoses due to the limited number of specialized facilities in the region.
Documentation	Maintaining high-accuracy EMR charting to meet travel contract compliance standards.

Mandatory Qualifications & Experience

Specialty Experience: Minimum of 2 years of recent experience in MedSurg is strictly required.
Licensing: Valid State of Alaska RN License (Sitka is not currently part of the Nursing Licensure Compact, though temporary permits are often available).
Certifications: * BLS (Basic Life Support) – AHA or Red Cross.
- ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) is often preferred for travel roles.
Travel Readiness: Ability to relocate to Sitka for 13 weeks and adapt to “flex” shifts.

Sitka: The Island Life Experience

Sitka is located on Baranof Island and is only accessible by air or sea. It offers a unique professional environment distinct from the Alaska mainland.

Cost of Living: Sitka’s cost of living is approximately 15–20% higher than the national average, primarily due to shipping costs for groceries and fuel.
Housing: Travel stipends provided by Voyage Healthcare are intended to cover the high cost of local short-term rentals, which can be limited.
Recreation: World-class salmon and halibut fishing, hiking the Tongass National Forest, and rich Tlingit and Russian historical sites.

Comparison: Alaska Nursing Travel & Staff Roles

Metric	Voyage Travel RN (Sitka)	AK Regional Float RN	DOC Lead Psych PA/APRN
Weekly Income	~$2,850 (Gross)	~$1,800 – $2,200	$2,000+
Contract Type	13-Week Temporary	Permanent Staff	Permanent State
Housing	Tax-Free Stipend	Not Included	Not Included
Benefits	Agency-Specific	Comprehensive HCA	State Pension / $15k Bonus
Tax Impact	High Tax-Free Component	Fully Taxable	Fully Taxable

To apply for this job please visit www.voyagehealthcare.com.