Working as a travel nurse can be a great experience. Combining the responsible and hard work of nursing with the excitement and novelty of traveling is ideal for young nurses looking for experience, both in terms of career and life.
Indeed, plenty of young people apply for these kinds of jobs. However, there are others, too. Those touched by wanderlust will often choose these kinds of jobs to perfectly balance their careers with the need to travel.
Ventura MedStaff caters to all kinds of traveling nursing professionals and more. With our significant experience, we came up with this handy list of top destinations in the US for traveling nurses.
Travel Nurse Positions in Anchorage, Alaska
One of the most beautiful, and certainly the wildest parts of the US must be Alaska. This thinly populated state is remote and somewhat cut off from a majority of things we take for granted in the lower 48.
One thing that Alaska is in need of is certainly medical staff. The wages in Alaska are typically significantly higher than in the rest of the country, making this an appealing prospect to first-timers, who are looking to maximize their earnings all the while exploring the stunning beauty of Alaska.
Anchorage is the biggest city in the state (some would say the only real city), so it is the hub for all travel nursing jobs. If you’re a fan of long summer days, there’s no place in the US where summer days are longer than in Anchorage.
Job Opportunities in Austin, Texas
On the very opposite side of the spectrum from Alaska, Austin presents a very different experience. This urban environment in central Texas promises a more familiar living environment.
However, what Austin does have in common with Anchorage is the need for more skilled nursing staff. Austin has been a city with one of the highest population growths in the country for years. This steady population growth is always followed by the increased demand for skilled workers, including nurses.
With its reputation for amazing food, enjoyable climate for much of the year, and amazing music scene, Austin is a magnet for nursing staff, many of whom stay in the city thanks to the opportunities it offers.
Nurse Traveler Island Adventure in Honolulu, Hawaii
If you’re looking for something completely out of the ordinary and really want to focus on the ‘travel’ part of your travel nurse job, there are some amazing opportunities in the youngest of the US states – Hawaii.
Needless to say, travel nurse jobs in Hawaii are extremely desirable and aren’t easy to get, especially if you’re a novice. This competition is the reason why these jobs are not too highly paid. Still, if you’re keen to experience amazing Hawaii in person, this might be the best way.
Diversity Nursing Tour in San Francisco, California
As you probably know, San Francisco is one of the most expensive cities in the US to live in. However, that also means that travel nurse jobs are well compensated, too. Most people opt for a short stint in the Golden City – mostly for the experience rather than a way to make serious money.
With its rich cultural heritage and the proximity of the Silicon Valley, San Francisco is a city that promises a unique life experience to which many are drawn. If you find yourself longing for foggy walks on the beach, amazing architecture, and a diversity of people and cultures, Frisco might just be for you.
A Healthy Mix in Denver, Colorado
If you’re looking for an urban environment to work in, but with plenty of picturesque scenery where you can spend your free time, Denver, Colorado might be suited for you. Nested in the South Platte River Valley in the Rocky Mountains, this city offers a variety of activities and environments for outdoorsy travel nurses. Even though famous for its skiing slopes, Denver has plenty to offer all throughout the year.
When it comes to the professional environment, Colorado is a part of the Nursing Licensure Compact, meaning that your nursing license from a different state won’t necessarily mean a lot of annoying paperwork and that you will get all of your work permits much quicker.
Try the Melting Pot of New York, New York
One of the most desirable locations in the US, New York is accordingly one of the most expensive places to live in the US, and probably in the world. However, traveling nurses can also count on some of the highest wages in this city, too. Much like San Francisco, most traveling nurses come to New York for short contracts primarily for the experience of living in the Big Apple. With world-renowned museums, parks, and theaters, as well as unsurpassed cultural diversity, New York is a unique living experience.
Professionally, New York offers some of the most renowned medical facilities which often seek traveling nurses and offer short-term contracts. Having hospitals like Mount Sinai and the NYU Langone Medical Center in your résumé might be a great boost to your career later down the line.
How to Decide Where to Go?
When it comes to traveling nurse jobs, there are a few things most people focus on. First of all, depending on the reason they’re opting for a travel nurse job, the location may be more important than the conditions – like in Hawaii. In that case, be warned that it is possible you will return with mostly just memories and experiences and very little extra money.
However, if you’re primarily concerned with earning the most money during your stay, you should focus on the areas which provide the highest pay, while not being prohibitively expensive. However, in most cases, people are looking for a mix of the two – an interesting location that also provides an opportunity to earn some money.
If you’re unsure which location is the right for you, contact us and our staff will be more than happy to help you pick the best location and set you on the path of a travel nurse.
