Key insights
- Demand for temporary nursing staff is increasing, according to Jefferies data, with the Aya Travel RN & Allied Health Demand Index reaching its highest level since December 2025. While the index remains below pre-COVID levels, the recent increase suggests a tightening labor market within the healthcare sector. This could lead to increased costs for healthcare providers and potentially impact earnings for companies like AMN Healthcare.
Investing.com -- Demand for temporary nursing staff increased 3.6% week-over-week, following a 3.2% rise the previous week, according to data from Jefferies released Tuesday.
The Aya Travel RN & Allied Health Demand Index showed the nursing component rose 4.4% week-over-week, while the allied component increased 2.6% week-over-week.
The JEF Bill Rate Index, which tracks rates from multiple sources, moved up 0.1% week-over-week to approximately $2,218 per week, following a 0.4% increase the prior week. The index projects a flat move of 0.0% quarter-over-quarter for the second quarter of 2026 and a decline of 0.3% quarter-over-quarter for the third quarter of 2026.
Data from healthcare staffing firm Aya Healthcare showed total jobs available increased 1.0% week-over-week to 40,043. Data from Vivian showed week-over-week declines in travel jobs available of 3.6% for registered nurses and 5.8% for allied health positions.
The Aya Index has increased 24% over the past 12 weeks, reaching its highest level since December 9, 2025. The index currently sits approximately 29% below pre-COVID levels.
During AMN's first quarter 2026 earnings call, the company reported roughly flat demand year-over-year across nurse and allied positions. The company's second quarter guidance for nurse and allied revenue implies a sequential decrease excluding strike-related activity.