The Evolution of Flexible Models — Travel, Per Diem, and Internal Agencies
In 2026, the "Travel Nursing" market has matured. While the extreme pay spikes of the early 2020s have stabilized, flexible labor remains an essential component of the healthcare labor mix.
The Rise of Internal Agencies: To reduce reliance on expensive external firms, many large health systems have launched "Internal Travel Programs." These programs offer full-time employees the higher pay and flexibility of travel nursing but keep them within the same system, ensuring continuity of care and familiarity with the EHR.
Locum Tenens Resilience: The market for Locum Tenens (contract physicians) is projected to grow by 10-15% in 2026. This model is no longer seen as a "temp job" but as a premium career choice for specialists like OB-GYNs, surgeons, and oncologists who value autonomy and the ability to work in diverse clinical settings.
Gig-Economy Integration: Specialized apps allow nurses to pick up single "per diem" shifts with the same ease as a ride-share driver. This "micro-staffing" approach helps facilities fill 4-hour gaps or meal-break coverage without committing to a full 13-week contract.
