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We look forward to helping you advance your career as a travel nurse!
If you’re looking for a new travel nurse assignment—or just curious how much current travel nurse jobs are paying out—here are some of the highest-paid travel nursing jobs currently available across the country.
Speak with a recruiter about available travel nursing assignments today!
Speak with a recruiter about available travel nursing assignments today!
Speak with a recruiter about available travel nursing assignments today!
For those looking for positions in case management, consider the following options:
We found openings for cath labs in most states. Here are the current highest -paying states:
Here is a sampling of ER travel nurse jobs available across the country.
Home health is a growing field throughout all of nursing, and if you have experience in home health, travel nursing opportunities may be available for you. Some of the home health opportunities we found are hospice-specific, so be sure to double-check that the assignment matches with your preferences before speaking with your recruiter.
Speak with a recruiter about available travel nursing assignments today!
Here are some of the highest-paying MICU/SICU, CVICU, and CICU travel nursing assignments we found across the country:
We found the following opportunities for L&D travel nurses:
Speak with a recruiter about available travel nursing assignments today!
Not all long-term care facilities are open to travel nursing, but travel nursing long-term care jobs do exist. We did find a limited number of LTC travel nursing roles this week, which may reflect the Trump administration’s change to nursing staffing rules at nursing homes that went into effect on Feb. 2, 2026. (The rule no longer mandates 24/7 RN staffing at nursing homes.)
While there weren’t many LTC travel roles, some weekly shifts still exist on a PRN status. Here are some current roles we found across the nation:
For medical-surgical nursing assignments, here are the highest-paying opportunities per state:
Speak with a recruiter about available travel nursing assignments today!
There are many oncology travel nursing assignments available:
There are numerous high-paying OR travel nursing assignments available.
Find available travel nursing assignments near or far.
For those who prefer working with children, there are NICU, PICU, pediatric OR, and general pediatric nursing opportunities available in multiple states, such as:
Speak with a recruiter about available travel nursing assignments today!
Looking for travel options in the mental and behavioral health space? Consider these states:
Speak with a recruiter about available travel nursing assignments today!
If telemetry is your area of expertise, you can look in these states:
Speak with a recruiter about available travel nursing assignments today!
Becoming a travel nurse is an exciting adventure, but determining where to take an assignment can be overwhelming.
Salary, housing options, location amenities, and staffing ratios can all factor into the decision. The location itself — its desirability and relative location to a nurse’s current assignment or hometown — can be a major consideration.
Most travel nursing assignments are only 13 weeks, so travel nurses can move on after an assignment if they are no longer needed or are unhappy with the placement. This flexibility appeals to many nurses and continues to make travel nursing one of the most desirable careers in the nursing industry.
Looking for open travel nurse assignments? Speak with a recruiter today!
Salary tends to be the number one driving factor for nurses comparing travel nurse jobs. However, the cost of living and housing affordability in those destinations are often overlooked. States with higher hourly wages generally have a higher cost of living, which means less affordable housing and higher taxes.
For example, a travel nurse in California will likely make more money per hour than a nurse in Texas. However, the nurse in Texas will likely end up bringing home a bigger paycheck because of the lower cost of living expenses and taxes. Assignments in states like Oklahoma or Kansas may not look undesirable, but with a low cost of living, nurses have the ability to make more money.
It is important to factor in the cost of living when determining where to take your next travel assignment. Hawaii, one of the most desirable locations for travel nurses, may have extremely high hourly wages, but the cost of living is among the highest in the country.
Furthermore, consider the housing stipend and rental costs in the area. If the housing stipend is lower than current rentals, this will impact your overall net salary.
A U.S. News & World Report looked at the most affordable states in the country. Topping the list was Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, and South Dakota. Currently, Arkansas is ranked #1 as the most affordable state. California currently ranks the lowest in affordability with the highest cost of living and the least affordable housing in the country.
Interestingly, California and Hawaii are some of the most desirable states for travel nurses, though their hourly pay is very low compared to what is needed for living expenses. In cases like this where the location is a travel or vacation destination, travel nurses may forgo pay for the experience of living in a vacation destination like Hawaii or San Diego for 13 weeks.
Other states recognized as the least affordable include Washington and New York, and Massachusetts — also popular travel nurse destinations.
According to ZipRecruiter.com, in 2024, travel nurses will earn the highest average salary in California with an average hourly wage of $44 and an annual salary of $90,766. It’s important to note wages can increase between travel nurse companies and vary depending on certifications and unit placement. ICU nurses tend to earn more than medical-surgical nurses, for example.
Find available, high-paying travel nurse opportunities.
Here’s a list of the top 10 highest-paying cities for travel nurses.
| City | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scotts Valley, CA | $164,925 | $13,743 | $3,171 | $79.29 |
| Aspen, CO | $160,571 | $13,380 | $3,087 | $77.20 |
| Santa Clara, CA | $155,118 | $12,926 | $2,983 | $74.58 |
| Burlingame, CA | $150,296 | $12,524 | $2,890 | $72.26 |
| Pittsfield, MA | $148,303 | $12,358 | $2,851 | $71.30 |
| San Francisco, CA | $148,150 | $12,345 | $2,849 | $71.23 |
| Marysville, WA | $146,374 | $12,197 | $2,814 | $70.37 |
| San Jose, CA | $143,569 | $11,964 | $2,760 | $69.02 |
| Alexandria, VA | $141,356 | $11,779 | $2,718 | $67.96 |
| Redwood City, CA | $140,665 | $11,722 | $2,705 | $67.63 |
Source: ZipRecruiter.com
Travel nurse companies and recruiters work with travel nurses to find the best placement at the highest possible salary. Some companies have specific contracts and can offer higher pay than others. In fact, two travel nurses working in the same unit at the same hospital may make two different salaries. It’s important to pick a company you feel comfortable will advocate on your behalf to get higher wages.
At times, the recruiter will be more important than the company. The recruiter is your direct liaison with the hospital administration and will be your go-to for all contract negotiations, extensions, cancellations, and any issue that may arise during the assignment.
A 2017 Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) study examined the specific projected job growth and demand of nurses in each state through 2030.
Based on the study, there are four states that will continue to have a deficit of nurses through 2030. Travel nurses are desperately needed in these states, and employers often give incentives to entice nurses. These states are:
As the country continues to see a mass exodus of nurses at the bedside, every state is desperately looking for nurses to fill the voids. Aya travel nursing company advertises over 14,000 travel nurse positions available on its website. Most other major travel nursing companies have countless unfilled nursing positions.
Additionally, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) says 55% of today’s nursing workforce is 50 years or older. The number of nurses retiring is also contributing to the ongoing nursing shortage.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for RNs to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Roughly 193,100 openings for registered nurses are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Unfortunately, the BLS does not differentiate between staff nurses and travel nurses, but it can be assumed that if there is a need for nurses in general, this will also include travel nurses.
California consistently has the highest demand for travel nurses throughout the year. Due to a powerful statewide union and specific laws regarding safe nurse-to-patient staffing ratios, there will always be a large need.
The time of year also affects which states need nursing resources. States such as Alaska, Maine, and Vermont have higher needs for travel nurses during the winter months but lower needs in the summer months – mostly because those are less desirable times to live in those locations. Conversely, Louisiana, Alabama, and Arkansas have higher needs during the summer and lower needs during the winter. Consider traveling to desirable locations during “off-peak” months for better assignments and pay.
Strictly choosing a travel nursing job and location based on pay and affordability can limit your decision. Travel nurses generally work three days a week, leading to a lot of time off to explore each new location. Thirteen weeks in a location that doesn’t fit can be exhausting and depressing.
When choosing a location, remember to consider your hobbies and what you like to do in your free time.
These questions are important when looking at job opportunities. It can be exciting to see the country and try new things, but if you know you hate the snow — don’t choose a snowy location in the winter.
Travel nursing isn’t strictly about seeing the country while earning a higher wage. It’s also about working at some of the top hospitals in the country.
Consider assignments at hospitals that will look good on your resume and help with your career advancement. Having worked at hospitals such as Johns Hopkins Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Mayo Clinic, Massachusetts General Hospital, UCLA Medical Center, and UCSF Medical Center will help travel nurses in future career endeavors. Assignments at these hospitals will open many doors for travel nurses, both professionally and academically.
Deciding which city to take an assignment can be daunting for new travel nurses, but with guidance from a seasoned recruiter, the task is more manageable. Remember to look at locations during off-peak months, consider house affordability, and evaluate the overall cost of living and location amenities when choosing your next contract.
Ready to begin travel nursing? Get started today!
Travel nursing is an exciting opportunity to travel the country while working in the nation’s top hospitals, but figuring out nursing license requirements for each state can be overwhelming.
The good news: The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) developed the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC), which is an agreement between states that allows nurses to have one license and the ability to practice in all the states that participate in the program.
RNs can earn up to $2,300 a week as a travel nurse. Speak to a recruiter today!
The Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) has been around since 2000, but was updated in 2018 to the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC) and includes standards for licensure, which the original compact license lacked. The eNLC allows nurses to hold one license to practice in participating states without having to pay additional licensing fees.
Currently, 30 states participate in the eNLC. In order to be eligible for a multi-state nursing license a nurse must have:
Source: National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) 2019
You must claim residency in an eNLC participating state in order to apply for a compact license. (Your primary residence refers to the state where you file your tax returns, vote, and/or have a driver’s license.) As a non-resident of an eNLC state, you can apply for licensure by endorsement, but will only be issued a single-state license instead of the compact license. Nurses can hold multiple single-state licenses.
This may be confusing, so here are a couple examples:
Example #1: A nurse has primary residence and obtained their license in the state of Colorado, but wants to take a travel nursing job in Arizona. Because Colorado and Arizona both participate in the eNLC, there is no need to obtain an additional nursing license — the nurse can start the position in Arizona immediately. (The nurse’s current licensing information is confirmed by the employer from a national database known as Nursys and the nurse is required to complete a criminal background check and fingerprinting for the state of Arizona.)
Example #2: A nurse has primary residence and licensure in Kentucky, but wants to take a travel nursing job in Alaska. Kentucky participates in the eNLC, but Alaska does not. The nurse must obtain a single-state license for Alaska before starting their assignment.
Pro tip: If you know the specific state you’d like to travel to, then visit its state board of nursing website or ask your recruiter about licensing in that state specifically.
Travel nurse staffing agencies may refer to some states as “walk-through states,” which refers to states that issue licensure by endorsement or “temporary licenses.” Temporary licenses are mainly used for nurses who are looking to move to another state or have accepted a job and are waiting for their permanent licensing application to be processed. These types of licenses are often used during nursing strikes too. For example, obtaining a license in California can take several months, but temporary licenses are processed more quickly, so demand for nurses during strikes can be met.
Read more: Crossing the Picket Line as a Travel Nurse
Temporary licenses are typically good for 30 days to six months. If the nursing assignment is longer than the length of the temporary license, then a permanent license is required. Temporary licenses can only be obtained once per state and not all states allow temporary licenses.
Current “walk-through” states include:
The licensing fee and requirements for licensure by endorsement and permanent licensing are similar. Those fees and requirements include:
Note: Some states also require two letters of reference and proof of work history when applying for licensure by endorsement.
Travel nursing agencies typically do not pay for nursing licenses or license renewals. They will often assist in the process though, and may even submit the paperwork.
While individual state nursing boards do not require certifications such as Basic Life Support (BLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), hospitals do require nurses have these certifications. That means travel nurse staffing agencies will require that these certifications be up to date before submitting your travel nurse contract to a hospital.
The cost of licenses can add up quickly for travel nurses especially when working in states that don’t participate in the eNLC.
Pro tip: Somes states allow nurses to suspend their license for a nominal fee; to reinstate the license, it’s another small fee.
For example, if a nurse holds a primary nursing license in Washington and wants to take a travel nursing assignment in Oregon (neither of which participate in the eNLC), then they must apply for a permanent license in Oregon. To obtain a single-state license, the nurse must fill out an application, pay the licensing fees, and complete a background check and fingerprinting — this process may take several weeks.
If the same nurse wants to renew their Oregon license after two years, then they must complete the required continuing education hours and pay the renewal fees. Technically, this nurse should also maintain their Washington nursing license too as it’s their primary residence. This means paying the renewal fees and completing any continuing education requirements for Washington as well.
Obtaining a nursing license can be as quick as two days in states like Hawaii or as long as six months in California or Ohio. (California and Ohio currently have the longest wait times for a permanent license.) Travel nurses may have to take contracts in other states while they wait for their license to be approved. It’s important to plan ahead if there are non-compact states on your desired list of places to travel. Typical wait times for nursing licenses for non-compact states:
If working as a travel nurse and figuring out licensing still seems daunting, don’t fret. Travel nurse agencies and recruiters are knowledgeable on the topic and in some states can help nurses expedite the licensing process.
Nurses with compact licenses have increased flexibility and can start new contracts immediately in other compact states with minimal paperwork and fees. This opens the door for more employment opportunities for nurses. The impact of the eNLC extends beyond the flexibility for nurses, though. It also increases the access to care for patients and allows hospitals to hire the best nurses for a position by removing the limitation of geographical licensures.
If you’re considering travel nursing, then ensure your license is up to date and get ready for your next adventure.
Speak to a recruiter today to find travel nursing assignments near you!
The opportunity to be a travel nurse is one of the single best aspects of our profession. I cannot think of any other job which allows you to basically have a trial period of living in a new place of your choice, honing valuable career skills, and earning maximum wages for it. Travel nursing is an incredibly enriching experience both personally and professionally.
The decision to try travel nursing is not easy. It’s very common to find ourselves comfortable — comfortable in our current role, comfortable in our environment, comfortable with predictable shifts, comfortable with coworkers who feel like a small family. However, to truly grow as a nurse and as a human, it’s important to challenge ourselves. To experience the unknown is uncomfortable, but it makes all the difference. That is exactly what travel nursing is — exposure to new environments, new coworkers, new clinical skills — and it will enable you to reach the next level of your potential.
Discover available travel nursing assignments today!
My own journey as a travel nurse has been a rollercoaster. I’ve experienced the fast-paced city life of Chicago, enjoying runs along Lake Michigan during the beautiful summer months and walking to work through harsh winter winds wondering why I chose to live in such a place. I’ve experienced the lush green California forests with coastlines of mountain cliffs meeting the Pacific Ocean during vibrant sunsets.
I’ve experienced working for the nation’s top hospitals with some of the most brilliant minds in the country, learning how to utilize breakthrough research and treatments to help my patients. I’ve worked with an entire spectrum of diverse patient populations. I’ve been thrown into countless situations where I felt lost — unable to locate supplies, unable to manage challenging patient ratios, unable to remember hospital-specific policies — but those were always learning moments.
I’ve also worked with amazing travel nurse companies and companies who didn’t treat me with the respect I deserve. It’s a lifestyle that you can’t imagine until you try it — and I dare you to try it!
There’s another HUGE benefit to travel nursing that we cannot ignore — salary. Travel nursing pay can vary greatly based on a number of variables, so I will try to break down the basics of getting a lucrative contract.
Staffing Company. Choosing a travel nursing company can be difficult because there are so many out there — some are sister companies, some claim to have exclusive contracts with hospitals, etc. The best advice I can give is to shop around and do some research. Pay packages are higher than staff nurses are used to, so first-time travel nurses often settle for mediocre contracts.
When a position opens at a hospital or facility, that organization offers a set bill rate for the position. Travel nursing companies recruit and manage travel nursing contracts, so they earn money by taking a percentage of what the organization is willing to pay. (The average is 15-30%, but sometimes higher.) This is why transparency is best when negotiating a contract. It’s also completely professional and acceptable to tell recruiters that you’re comparing pay and benefits between companies.
Pro tip: Everything is negotiable in your contract — hourly pay, overtime wages, non-taxable housing stipend amount, travel and licensing reimbursement, and even extension bonuses.
Specialty. Pay packages tend to be higher for in-demand specialties like Labor & Delivery, OR, Oncology, and ICU. If you are a nurse with specialized experience, be sure to note that on your resume. Also, earn any certifications that quantify your experience like CCRN or ONS.
Location. Where you take a travel contract heavily determines what kind of pay package to expect. In general, big cities offer higher wages, and states like New York and California. Alternatively, rural hospitals in need of staff may also offer very competitive salaries.
Timing. The best times to earn money as a travel nurse are during the holiday months, during cold seasons in northern areas, and during acute staffing shortages like strikes. Most contracts are 13 weeks in length, but there are contracts much shorter or longer depending on the needs of the facility. If you connect with multiple travel companies, you’ll be contacted frequently during times of need, which guarantees higher earnings.
Read more: Travel Nursing Salary, Pay Range, & Compensation Rates
So, you’re somewhat convinced. Earning some great money seems nice, trying a new experience sounds like fun, now how do you choose where to go?
To work a nursing contract in any location, you need an active licensure from that corresponding state. A large majority of states in the US are covered under the Compact RN license. If you want to work in a state outside of your license network, you’ll have to apply for a new license. Many travel nurse companies can help you with the process, and many will even pay for your new license.
The process is fairly straightforward. Most require a background check, proof of an active RN license, and a fee made payable to the state nursing board. There are even states that allow faster processing for “temporary” licenses, so you can take an assignment on short notice. Before you have your heart set on a location, know that processing times vary. California, for example, is notoriously long for processing, about 4 months. Once you have narrowed your choices to a few states and your licenses are in process, look for travel assignments often — new travel nurse assignments pop up every day. Alternatively, recruiters ask for your top picks for location and contract and match you as jobs arise.
If you’re not sure where you want to travel, make a list of places in the country you’ve always wanted to explore, are near family and friends, or have top hospitals that you’d love to work at. Travel nursing can take you anywhere you like. Travel nurse companies usually reimburse for travel expenses (like flights and gas) to get to your new location too. If it seems like too much to uproot or the thought of embarking on your own overwhelming, know that many travel nurses adventure with their friends, their partners, their pets, and even children!
Read more:
Phenomenal pay, check. Once in a lifetime experiences, check. But, what about the job itself?
No matter how many years of experience you have as a nurse, there’s always a chance to grow and learn while traveling. Being in a new environment requires you to adapt and be flexible. You’ll need to know your resources because with each new contract there are new policies, new people, and new technology.
You’ll learn new evidence-based practices and how to marry that with your wealth of knowledge. You’ll become incredibly well-versed at performing clinical skills with ever-changing technologies and products. You’ll master all EMR charting systems, which makes you incredibly desirable for future jobs. You’ll see new diagnoses, treat diverse patient populations, and manage challenging workflows. You’ll learn to communicate and cooperate with a plethora of new coworkers. The experience of working as a travel nurse is humbling, exhilarating, and invaluable.
There’s so much to gain and so little risk involved. If you’re still unsure about going it alone, ask a nurse friend to join you — companies can pair your contracts together! If you’re doubtful of moving to a new place, think of it as an extended vacation and plan tons of adventure for your days off. If you’re overwhelmed by the process and don’t know where to start, let the travel companies do all the work for you. That’s what they do best.
Believe in yourself and say yes to an adventure. Happy travels!
Discover available travel nursing assignments today.
Starting a new job is stressful and with travel nursing it may be more so — the hospital or facility more than likely needed you yesterday and your training is often condensed into a short time frame.
As a new traveler, adjusting to a new hospital every three months was challenging, but now it’s become my favorite part of the job. Over the years, I’ve learned a few tips and tricks that ensure my first days on a new assignment run smoothly.
Ready to start your next assignment? Connect with a recruiter today!
In other words, come prepared. Bring hard copies of all of your important documents in a binder on your first day of orientation. The travel nurse agency you’re employed with and the hospital you’re contracted at both require specific documents like your nursing license, certifications, and health records. On occasion, travelers were prevented from starting because [insert important document] is missing and the nurse is unable to work until the document is received. Save yourself time and undo stress by having your documents readily available if needed. CamScanner is a free app that I use to upload all of my important documents to my phone — problem solved!
Also, bring a lock for your locker — most hospitals won’t provide one for you. And, bring a lunch. Don’t assume that you’ll have ample time to run down to the cafeteria to grab food.
Pro tip: Bring coffee and baked goods to break the ice with your new co-workers. Write a brief note on the box introducing yourself and expressing your excitement. Nurses appreciate the gesture!
Arrive early your first day and speak with the charge nurse (or whoever makes the assignments) and be assertive about who you want as your preceptor. As a traveler, your orientation is usually 1 to 3 days max, so it’s important that you maximize the time you have — securing a preceptor that’s the right fit for you is a good start.
For example, the charge nurse may assign you with nurse Betty who’s been working at the hospital for 30 years. Nurse Betty may be awesome at patient care, but as an experienced nurse who’s ready to hit the ground running, you’re not there to “learn to be a nurse.” You have a couple of days to learn the computer charting, so if nurse Betty isn’t comfortable using the computer, then you should speak up and request a “super user” on the unit.
Also, let the charge nurse know what you need to feel comfortable by yourself on the unit, so you’re able to have assistance from your preceptor the first-time around like for a full admission and/or discharge. As a labor and delivery nurse, I always ask to see at least one cesarean and one vaginal delivery during my orientation.
It’s impossible to learn every single thing in 1 to 3 days, so bring a notebook and write down all of the important things that you’ll need. Make sure you know how to call the charge nurse, nurse manager, and code team during an emergency. Also, make sure you know where the code button is in every room! Write down all of the codes to the locker room, bathroom, pyxis, storage room, etc. Print out important policies and procedures you may need to refer to in the future. And, don’t be afraid to ask questions — every hospital runs differently, so it’s not a good idea to assume anything. If you’re unsure, ASK. Don’t put patient safety at risk because you don’t want to ask too many questions.
Most importantly, always keep a positive attitude. No place is perfect and it’s not your job to point out everything you see wrong or try to “fix” anything either. Keep an open mind and remember that most things can be done more than one way.
Focus on your patients and concentrate on providing the best care for them. No matter where you’re working or what your experience is, it’s all about perspective. A difficult assignment can be a learning opportunity. Being floated can add new skills to your resume. If the hospital isn’t “traveler friendly,” that’s okay — you can do anything for three months.
Ready to start your next assignment? Connect with a recruiter today!
Being a travel nurse can be rewarding on multiple levels — career advancement, great pay, and the ability to explore the country. But, it’s not as straightforward as becoming a staff nurse. There are inherent differences and challenges that you may not be aware of.
To help you navigate the world of travel nursing, we sought out advice from a travel nurse staffing professional. Mike Wilder is a senior career consultant and team lead for Medical Solutions in Omaha, Nebraska. He’s been working with travel nurses and finding them placements for over eight years.
“In our line of work, no one candidate is the same. I talk to people from all walks of life — from those who just graduated nursing school to those with 20 years experience,” he says.
His biggest piece of advice to nurses of every age, gender, and speciality is to simply keep an open mind. It’s how you get the most out of your experience, he says.
Here are some of this other tips for those interested in travel nursing:
There are a lot of requests for assignments in Hawaii, but there are far less jobs available than other beach communities. Georgia, the Carolinas, and even Texas have some wonderful beaches, so make sure you consider those too.
Like Hawaii, California is also high on the list of placement requests, especially in the winter. But competition isn’t the only thing that might make you reconsider the Golden State for your next travel nursing assignment. “There are a lot of jobs there because of a nursing shortage, and their pay rates are the highest. But the state is notorious for taking three months for an application by endorsement to go through,” Wilder says.
Find out which locations are hiring. Begin your adventure today!
“It’s a disservice to paint yourself into being a certain type of nurse — such as one who only wants to work at a big university hospital,” he adds. “The more flexible you are, the more experience you’ll get.” So much of being a travel nurse is having a sense of adventure. Explore the opportunities that you’ll find in settings you normally wouldn’t experience otherwise. You may be surprised to discover how much you like working with children or how rewarding the ICU is.
“There are 28 states that share a nursing compact — meaning there is reciprocity that each state accepts the nurse’s license from those other states,” Wilder says. That can make the transition from nurse to traveling nurse quite fast.
However, other states have their own rules and may require you to submit an application by endorsement or pay a fee before being verified to practice in that state. For example, California, where many nurses want an assignment, is not part of the nursing compact and has an application process separate from other compact states.
Read more: Current Nursing Compact States
Also, you’ll need to get fingerprinted and wait for a background check. Some states can issue the endorsement in 7-10 days, while others take two to three months. On average, the cost for the application is $100-$250.
It can take as little as two weeks to get a nurse ready for their new job once they decide on an assignment. But, depending on other factors like how complicated the application process, you may have more downtime than expected between assignments.
On average, most traveling nurse contracts are three months. Though, some hospitals offer longer or shorter contracts dependent on needs — many have 8-week contracts to fill for maternity leave coverage.
If a nurse finds that what was promised in the contract isn’t coming to fruition at the hospital, they can contact the clinical team at their staffing agency who will step in to help with the problem. Most agencies are also flexible if there is a sickness or death that may require you to terminate your contract early.
Speak with a staffing agent who can help you understand everything you need to know.
The agency which placed you is usually the one paying you. The hospital doesn’t pay for any insurance or payroll taxes. All billing goes through the travel company.
“Everything is taken care of by us,” Wilder explains. “We even cover liability insurance.”
Every travel nurse staffing company has different offers. Most offer non-taxable housing stipends and mileage reimbursement. Some companies such as Medical Solutions reimburse for any continuing education and certification expenses, and license renewals while being a travel nurse.
The staffing agency knows all the best and safe housing options available in the places they send travel nurses. But if nurses decide to find their own housing, they can still use the travel companies’ housing departments to find locations that are convenient and in good neighborhoods.
“If the travel nurse takes housing through us, we have a very experienced housing department that finds the best housing in safe communities with a short commute to the hospital,” Wilder says.
Don’t close yourself off from those you are working with. “Try to bring the community of traveling nurses together, and explore the area as much as possible,” he says. “Most nurse work three 12-hour shifts, so that affords you time to explore the area. Don’t just immerse yourself in the job.”
Wilder says it’s all about staying adaptable, being outgoing, having fun, and learning from the experience.
“Sometimes, travel nurses settle into where their assignment is and love the area. And the hospital feels the same way about them. They decide to keep the travel nurse on indefinitely. That has happened,” he says.
Travel nurses are in high demand. Meet your next employer now.
Everyone has a dream location they would like to be a travel nurse at. Some want the ocean. Some want the mountains. Some want rural. Some like the big cities. There seems to be something out there for everyone.
“I don’t think nurses find it hard at all to determine what destinations they would like to pursue,” says Kat Griffin, senior recruiting consultant at Republic Health Resources. “With more and more states becoming compact, it’s also becoming easier for nurses to bypass licensing processes.”
She adds that some nurses find it hard to be flexible when the market changes.
“When there are no openings in the destinations they prefer, then often they have to look elsewhere. Or if the money isn’t good where they want to go, then it’s better for them to be flexible and look at other locations,” she explains.
“It’s is a little more difficult for a new traveler to decide on their first destination, but mainly because this is a new venture for them,” Griffin says.
There also is some hesitation on which hospital to work at, or how far to travel from home. Some new travelers are very adventurous and open to going anywhere for the first time.
But most times, a new traveler will stick to in-state or neighboring states, “in case things don’t work out.” This makes them more comfortable.
“As a recruiter, it’s my job to make their transition to traveling as smooth as possible. This is why I always try to suggest some of our more popular hospitals, whom we know are more travel-friendly and have great traveler reviews.”
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This will vary. But for the most part, the older nurses and more seasoned travelers know exactly where they do and don’t want to go, Griffin adds.
They tend to be less flexible. Younger travelers and ones that don’t typically have a lot of family ties yet, seem to be more free-spirited when it comes to choosing a destination.
“When helping a traveler decide where they want to go next, I try to find out more about them,” she says. What weather they prefer, if they like rural or urban areas, and if they enjoy outdoor activities or social events.
She also questions them about what is most important to them when looking for their next assignment. Is it money, location or the shift they work? This helps her determine their motivation, and even how flexible they may be.
“If giving advice, I would tell the nurse to consider all the above. But they should remember that in travel nursing, you have to go where the jobs are. So, flexibility is key,” Griffin states.
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It’s great if you can get all of the things you want including the money, location and the shift you prefer. But more often than not, you will only get two, she says.
Plus, nurses really should try to look at traveling as an adventure. There will be bad assignments. But you should always be able to learn something from each of them.
Flexibility always will play a huge role in choosing an assignment, Griffin says. Finding good assignments takes some research by both the nurse and recruiter. There are many sources available to find current feedback on hospitals. Recruiters will have an idea of where the good assignments are, too, based on their experience and feedback. But in the end, the less flexible a nurse is, the more challenging it is to find a good assignment.
“Most times, these bucket-list locations are more broad, like a whole state such as California, Hawaii, and Alaska,” she says. “From my experience, once a nurse has traveled for a while, they tend to circle back to where they’ve been before because they know the area, and they are comfortable with the hospital. With many, I think this becomes more important with time.”
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It’s the middle of summer, which means it’s also the middle of beach season. There’s something at the beach for everyone and fortunately for travel nurses, one of the best beaches in the nation can be a quick drive away – or possibly right across the street! Finding the perfect city that also happens to be close to a beach is much easier than you might expect.
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When people think of Washington state, the first thing that comes to mind is usually rain and evergreen trees. While that’s not entirely untrue, there’s a lot more that this west coast state has to offer.
The beaches in Washington state come in all types of varieties. There are sandy beaches that draw big crowds whenever the sun comes out, and there are rockier beaches that are excellent for finding a secluded area for kayaking or jumping in the water.
There’s really no way to rank the best destinations for beaches without mentioning Hawaii. Hawaii is one of the most beautiful areas in the world, home to volcanoes, forests and, of course, beaches.
One reason Hawaiian beaches are to die for is the great weather that Hawaii is famous for. Sure, it’s not perfectly sunny year round. However, it will be easier than not to find a day to enjoy beaches that people travel across the world for.
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Alabama isn’t usually on people’s list for great beach destinations. That makes sense, considering Alabama only has a little over 50 miles of coastline, but the coastline Alabama does have is definitely worth getting excited about – especially since their weather is consistently warm.
Many of the beaches in Alabama are long and sandy making them perfect destinations for weekend retreats or day trips. Also take into account that you’ll be able to get some of the best seafood on the Alabama coast and it’s hard to think of reasons not to travel to Alabama.
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Fun fact: Florida has the second largest coastline of any state (after Alaska). Not only does Florida offer beaches in the Gulf and Atlantic coast, but Florida also shares the same waters as the Bahamas.
Travel nurses should be sure to check out Miami, Tampa and Jacksonville if they are looking to be right on the beach.
Who said the best beaches had to connect to the ocean? Michigan borders four of the five Great Lakes, and each of them is much more impressive than expected. Michigan beaches can get a little chilly to visit during the winter, but during the summer they are just as good as any ocean beach you’d find.
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New Jersey gets a bad rep because of certain people, but it can actually be an awesome place to take a travel nursing assignment in. Jersey beaches are severely underrated, and all it takes is one visit to realize it.
The best beaches in New Jersey are easily reachable from Atlantic City. Those willing to travel farther to get to the beach may even consider taking an assignment in Newark or Jersey City.
California and Nevada share one of the most appreciated lakes in the country: Lake Tahoe. Because it’s in the mountain, Tahoe beaches can get frigid in the winter, but waiting until the summer is totally worth it. Not only are the beaches beautiful and the weather great, but water visibility is usually around 70 ft – meaning you can see clearly 70 ft down into the water.
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And such concludes our list of the top beach locations for nurses! Did we miss anywhere great that you visited on a previous travel nursing assignment?
We all know what they say about opinions. But alas, that is what this article is about, my opinion on the top 5 states to travel to. However, I’m going to go ahead and pull the experience card. I may not have been to all 50 states for this to be 100% accurate but I am about to start my 15th assignment and my 5th year of traveling, so I do know a few things and want to share them with you.
So without further ado, here are the top places for travel nursing – from an actual travel nurse’s point of view.
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This probably doesn’t come as a surprise to anyone. Once you get past the craziness that is the licensing process, California is easily my favorite spot to travel to. California has everything you could possibly want from a travel assignment – great pay, stunning beaches, lush forests and mountains, and so many things to do you couldn’t get bored even if you tried.
In northern California you can expect to make about $45-50 per hour, and that’s not even including any type of housing, housing stipend, or meals reimbursements. You’ll also find cool summers, fun in San Francisco, and the picturesque Redwood National Park.
Southern California will satisfy your Mexican food cravings, help you work on your tan, and allow you to finally learn to surf, an activity not limited to summertime. Southern Californian hospitals typically pay around $30-$35 per hour not including housing or meals.
Never fear snow bunnies, no matter where you are in the state of California, you are within driving distance of beautiful resorts and great skiing. Not mentioned yet are the many amazing hospitals you’ll have the opportunity to work at. A few of the award-winning hospitals are UCLA Medical Center, Cedars-Sinai, UCSF Medical Center, and Stanford. If you plan your assignments right, you can have an entire year of sunny 70 degree weather.
Apply now for travel positions in California!
An entire article could be written about all the things New York City has to offer. Tons of history, prestigious hospitals, and something to appeal to every single person in the world. No matter what time of the year you go, you will never run out of things to do . Central Park in the summer is great for biking, running, and sightseeing. In the wintertime, cold weather calls for indoor activities like going to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Natural History Museum, seeing a Broadway show, eating at any of the top-rated restaurants, or take advantage of some of the greatest shopping in the world.
Traveling to NYC will give you the chance to work at New York Presbyterian Hospital and NYU Langone Medical Center where you can expect to bring home approximately $45 per hour. With everything NYC has to offer, money is the last thing on my priority list.
New York is waiting. Start your travel nursing adventure now.
When I think of Colorado, the following things come to mind: professional sports, the great Rocky Mountains, and delicious craft brew. The city of Denver is known for the Broncos and Rockies, however it is also known for its variety of microbreweries and craft beer. If you choose to partake in the adult beverage and consider yourself a “beer snob” or “connoisseur” then Denver is the place for you. If that’s not your scene, fear not, the Rocky Mountains run the entire length of the state and offer miles of hiking and biking trails, skiing, scenic drives, and historic mountain towns.
Denver is home to University of Colorado Health System and Children’s Hospital of Colorado. Depending on specialty one might expect to make approximately $30 per hour here that you can put right toward your ski lift ticket. Not convinced yet? It’s a compact state! Yep, no need to apply for licensure if your initial license is compact.
Take your career to a new high in Colorado. Travel nurses needed now.
Full disclosure: I am a native Texan. However, I’ve spent most of the last 5 years out of state so I feel like I can be mostly unbiased at this point. Texas is hands down one of the best places to be during the wintertime. If kayaking, standup paddle boarding, or paddle boating in January and February sounds like a good time, Austin is the place for you. Austin is also known as the live music capital of the world and hosts many live music festivals like Fun, Fun, Fun Fest, South by Southwest, and Austin City Limits. Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio are also mild winter options for those who are tired of those northern snow storms or have never lived north of the Mason-Dixon.
Texas is home to Baylor University Medical Center and Houston Methodist Hospital – both highly esteemed in the medical community. In Texas you’ll take home $20-$30 per hour. Don’t be discouraged by the lower hourlies, the cost of living in Texas is a lot lower than California or New York so your money will go further there. It’s also another compact state!
Ready for a Texas-sized opportunity? Travel nurses make up to $10k per month!
This one might seem a little bit out of left field. As far as I know, it doesn’t make any top lists of places to visit in the travel nurse world. That’s too bad, because it is such a great state. Before traveling to Baltimore, Maryland I had no idea where it even was on a map. I found out it’s a lush, green state, full of history and great opportunities. My favorite thing about Maryland is its rich history. The cities of Annapolis and Baltimore date back to the 1700s and you can still eat and drink in places that have been in existence for over a hundred years.
Maryland is also right in the middle of the east coast. If you’re the type of traveler who likes to get good bang for your buck, Baltimore is it. In 3 hours or less, you can drive to New York City, Atlantic City, Philadelphia, and beachy Ocean City, Maryland. Washington D.C. is just an hour train ride to the south. So just one assignment in Baltimore can get you to all those amazing cities. Maryland is also great for outdoorsmen and women. Maryland’s outer banks have lovely beaches and Assateague State Park where you can spot wild horses in their natural habitat. Further inland, you can take advantage of the many state parks for hiking, mountain biking, and waterfall hunting.
Let’s not forget the biggest selling point for travel nurses, Johns Hopkins Hospital. It’s one of the best hospitals in the nation and it’s the only hospital I’ve been back to twice. Hourly rates in Maryland are $20-$30 per hour depending on what hospital you work at and what company you’re traveling with which is true for each state. And once again, Maryland is a compact state.
Related: Current Nursing Compact States – What You Need To Know
These are but a humble traveler’s top 5 states for travel nursing. The second I get back from Alaska or Hawaii, it’s possible this list could change, but I’ll stand by it for now. Also, it’s important to note that ten of the hospitals I mentioned hold spots in U.S. News’ Best Hospitals Honor Roll for 2016-2017. My favorite 5 states are rich in history, adventures, and great medical care. Please do yourself a favor and travel to all of them! Twice!
Travel nursing is a fun and exciting adventure! It’s the best time I’ve ever experienced during my nursing career. But what happens when something goes wrong? What happens when the adventure turns south…really quick?
In this article I will discuss some typical issues you may come across in travel nursing and how to fix them.
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My number one rule when traveling has always been: be prepared, do your homework, and plan ahead. If you simply do this, you will eliminate 99% of all the bad things that could happen to you.
But let’s say you didn’t do your research and you signed up with the first travel company you could find. You were so excited that you signed the first contract they put in front of you, and rushed off to your first travel assignment. Upon your arrival, you discover that your housing location won’t allow your best friend, your dog, to stay with you. You may have also failed to recognize the travel time between your housing and your work location making your drive to work over 45 minutes everyday.
Honestly, housing issues are a very typical mistake with first time travelers and it’s usually a quick fix. Simply partner up with your travel company and see if they can help you out. A good travel nursing company will do everything they can to find you new housing, or work with the apartment complex to accommodate you. You should always have a say in where and how the travel company accommodates you, in respects to housing.
Always, always read your travel contract before you sign it. This point can’t be stressed enough. You would think that this is a no-brainer when it comes to travel nursing, but all too often, nurses forget to read the fine print and their travel nursing dream becomes a nightmare. Remember, if you signed it, you are bound to it.
Some nurses get so focused on the destination or the pay, they forget to make sure key details are in their contract. I remember talking to a new travel nurse who was assigned to work in a different unit than what was promised to her. She was working in a float role rather than her desired unit of choice. I told her to read what her contract said. Sure enough, when she went back and looked at the contract, it stated that she signed up for a floating role with different hours than what she wanted. This happens sometimes and unfortunately there is not much you can do about it when it’s that late in the game.
In this situation, you can reach out to your travel company and explain that this is not what was discussed, and they can contact the hospital and see if they can work something out.
Travel nursing is supposed to be a “win” for everybody, but sometimes key details about the location and assignment don’t get mentioned. That’s why it’s important to make sure your needs and wants are in the contract, including the unit you will be working on and the guaranteed shift times/hours.
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Yes, even in travel nursing you can get sent home due to low census. The difference between travel nursing and a regular job back at home is accumulating PTO. Some travel nursing companies offer PTO while others might not.
Travel nurses are usually the first to get sent home without pay or floated to other units because of low census, which can be extremely frustrating. As a travel nurse, you are a temporary worker and they would rather send you home or float, before doing that to one of their regular employees.
One way to combat this is to have certain circumstances in your contract. In my contracts, I have a maximum number of low census times allowed per month. If the hospital exceeds the certain number of times they send me home due to low census, I still get paid. It’s a nice thing to have in your contract because it guarantees your hours and pay. It was actually pretty nice to get sent home and still get paid for a full day’s work.
When it comes to travel nursing, 99% of the time, it will be an enjoyable experience. That is, if you take your time and pick the best travel nursing company for you, be prepared for anything, do your homework, and plan ahead. If not, there is a good chance you will become a perfect example for my next travel nursing horror story article.
