The Three Hottest States to Work as a Travel Nurse
California, Texas and Maryland are so hot right now – and we’re not even talking about the higher summer temperatures. Hospitals in these states have some of the best opportunities to offer nurses looking for their next travel assignment: great pay, site-seeing destinations and an urgent need for nurses. Here we’ve highlighted why you should consider them for your next assignment.
California
The State of California speaks for itself – it is home to some of the country’s best beaches, skiing, big cities and national parks. In other words, there’s something for everyone in California. Travel nurses could spend an entire year hopping hospitals in California, and still have more to see and experience.
On a practical note, California has a rigid RN to patient staffing ratio requirement, which increases the area’s overall need for nurses – enter, travel nurses. While every facility is different, the great need for travel nurses in California inspires gratitude among the permanent staff that makes the hospitals in this state very “traveler-friendly”. California is not only a great place to explore and have fun, but an opportunity to truly fulfill your calling as a nurse and serve a patient population in dire need of your skills. It can take longer than usual to get licensed in California, so if you’re considering work in this state it’s best to get the process started as soon as possible.
View our open jobs in California
Texas
Everything is bigger in Texas, including the need for travel nurses. There’s a variety of travel assignments available, so it’s likely you can find exactly what you’re looking for in terms of your chosen specialty and location requirements. Like California, the State of Texas has a little bit of everything, depending on where you choose to go in the state: sprawling landscapes, exciting cities (hello Austin, San Antonio, Dallas and Houston!), beaches and other natural attractions.
Texas is a member of the nursing compact states, so many nurses are able to work on their current license – if you do not hold a compact license from any of the nurse compact states, a single state Texas license only takes about two weeks to obtain. In other words, Texas makes it relatively easy to become licensed, which is especially beneficial for new travel nurses ready to hit the ground running. Get your cowboy boots ready, and make Texas your next travel destination!
Maryland
Surprised to see this state on the list? Many people think that Baltimore is all that the State of Maryland has to offer, but nursing jobs in Maryland can take you to some of the country’s oldest seaports in Chesapeake Bay. Picturesque breezeways along the coast are reminiscent of the 1920s, where you can enjoy salt water taffy or ice cream while browsing upscale boutiques. On your days off, take a day trip to Bethseda Row, a renowned shopping district known for its delicious eateries. Get your fill of American history in Baltimore by visiting the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House and exploring national historical trails.
If scenery isn’t your thing, then Maryland is a great place to go to make some extra money-money-money-money…money! According to a 2016 study by Nurse Journal, travel nursing salaries in Maryland are 3% higher than the nationwide average.
View our open jobs in Maryland
Want to talk to a recruiter about the job opportunities in the state you want to work in? Give us a call or view all of our open nursing jobs.