Best Cities For Travel Nursing
What are the best cities for travel nursing? If you are considering starting another assignment, or maybe you just have the desire for some new adventure, you might have contemplated searching for the best cities for travel nursing on Wanderly.
In the travel nursing world, there are so many options and so many places to try. It is perfectly normal to wonder you are going to sift through all of the craziness that is a brand new home, even if it is temporary. We get questions all the time like this: “where should I go?” or “what are the best cities for travel nursing?” or “what is the atmosphere, community, etc. like there,” and “what is the weather going to be like in my brand new city?” We want to put you back in control. We have some recommendations for you based on things that we like, and they are all so different we hope that you, too, can align with one of our favorites and get back out there as soon as possible!
Though a lot of the best cities for travel nursing are in the US, there are also a lot of places in other countries that are awesome to travel nurse in too!
Travel Nursing in Different Locations
Nursing is by far one of the most versatile, ever-changing, demanding, and flexible professions out there. Nursing provides many new experiences and opportunities for anyone looking for a lasting and fulfilling career. Due to these opportunities, a lot of thought should go into exactly where you want to go to be a travel nurse and what to expect from our suggestions of the best places to travel nurse. Most importantly, if you are considering your career path and the future of nursing for you individually cautiously, filling your resume with locations that you not only like but serve you professionally is vital.
Here is our list of suggestions for the best cities for travel nursing:
Denver, Colorado
Denver has become one of the nations most sought after destinations in the last three years. Not only can you enjoy 300 days of sunshine in Colorado, but also there is no lack of nightlife and fun for you to partake in. Since making recreational marijuana legal, Denver has seen a huge influx of people coming from all over the country. This has created a scene filled with vibrancy and interesting new life in the mile high city. You can enjoy the outdoors by going for a hike in the Rocky Mountains or relax at a spa downtown. There are plenty of bars, clubs, restaurants, and sporting events to watch right in the center of downtown Denver. You can have it all, plus four separate seasons each uniquely filled with various activities!
New York City, New York
New York City is practically the melting pot cultural spread of America. If you enjoy a fast-paced city that is known for its art, filled with incredible culture, home of fashion, and uniquely bustling with finance, then New York is a good place to consider. Also, have you tried the cheesecake and pizza?! Those are not just rumors, friends!
New York is also where some of the most renowned hospitals and health care facilities are located, so there are plenty of options for you to consider for nursing and increase your skillset in a safe place coupled with expert health care professionals. Don’t forget, New York also pays incredibly well for travelers.
When it comes to what you are going to want to be doing outside of work in New York City you can always (and you should!) visit iconic sites like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, the Museum of Natural History, and Times Square. NYC is a ginormous playground for you, so go, and stay awhile!
Los Angeles, California
We all know what word comes to mind when someone brings up living and working in Los Angeles: TRAFFIC. Don’t worry; we are well aware as Wanderly is based of our Greater Los Angeles. THAT is what makes us so confident you will love it here, too. You see, the traffic and crowded streets of Los Angeles are not every part of Los Angeles. Sure, if you want to live or work next to Staples Center you might be in for a long commute. However, what most people do not know, is there are many surrounding communities that are still a part of Los Angeles that do not require you to ever get on the freeway in your day to day. There are many hospitals in beach cities or along the coast that are not only filled with fun things to do, but have easy commutes to and from hospitals.
Fun things to do in Los Angeles: it is incomparable. We are known for our insane amount of diverse food options, the beach, volleyball, sporting events, and outdoor activities. There is no shortage here, so don’t let the rumors stop you!
Washington D.C.
This is one of the best cities for travel nursing especially for our history buffs, and we absolutely love the idea of being a travel nurse in Washington D.C. It is one of the best places to travel nurse, especially if you are historically, politically, or academically enthused. America’s capital, the red, white, and blue!
Fun, iconic, important, and interesting places to visit and things to do: Capitol Building, tour the White House, catch a concert at the Kennedy Center, explore at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum or see the pandas at the National Zoo.
Washington D.C. is one of the best cities for travel nursing. You can also experience the weather, and take some fun winter photos. Be sure to pack a winter coat if traveling October-February and your touristy shorts and tee shirt for the summer months!
Atlanta, Georgia
The South also offers a great opportunity to be a travel nurse. In Atlanta, Georgia you are going to experience a lifestyle unlike anything you’ve ever dreamed of (unless you are from the South, of course!). Think super sweet tea, delicious southern cooking complete with fried chicken, BBQ, and collard greens, and warm weather perfect for swinging on the front porch listening to the fireflies. This city has one of the highest salaries for nurses and is popular for exquisite hospitals and health care facilities that serve large amounts of people.
Of course there are tons of things to do in Atlanta (besides seeing a Braves game!): Atlanta Botanical Garden, Turner Field, Georgia Aquarium, and the Fox Theater.
Las Vegas, Nevada
It’s Vegas, baby! This one is pretty self-explanatory. If you’re young and single or married and experienced, everyone can have fun in Las Vegas. Not only does travel nursing here give you the opportunity to enjoy the richness of the casinos, shows, and cuisine, but you also have the time to explore the desert and life outside of the strip.
There are so many things to do in Las Vegas… you will never get bored. You will also meet a ton of interesting people, and have experiences that are unforgettable. The hospital scene is unique to Nevada, and offers a large learning opportunity for you and as long as you remain open-minded– you will have a blast.
Roll the dice on Las Vegas!
Maui, Hawaii
Maui is another beautiful destination and place to be a travel nurse. On the slightly more expensive side of the spectrum, it’s a great place to say for the short-term in order to really enjoy the unique beauty of the Hawaiian sand, ocean, and sky. If you like being outdoors and hiking, biking, windsurfing, and snorkeling, then you’ll love exploring Maui. There is nothing quite like the island life and the kindness of the Hawaiian people!
Seattle, Washington
Seattle has always been a top travel nursing destination. There is so much to do, and so many travelers are there it is easier to find community. Seattle is vibrant, with music and food festivals occurring often. People may shy away after hearing about the rain, but the lush forests surrounding Seattle and the beautiful Spring and Summer seasons outweigh any concern by a landslide.
San Diego, CA
California is a top destination to live in general, then you add in the skyrocketed travel nursing rates?! San Diego has it all. It is close to the mountains, desert, beach, and Mexico. You can truly find something to do for any type of person and any interest. There are so many different places to explore, shop, eat, and experience. San Diego is really tough to beat if you enjoy being outdoors, being social, and being a part of a bustling community at all times.
Austin, TX
Austin is super popular among travelers 25-35. The city is filled with liveliness, fun, and is a constant scene. You can boat, party, shop, and eat with the best people in the best areas. Rainey Street is extremely popular for nightlife, and there is no shortage of people willing to get out and socialize. Austin is the new hot spot for young travelers and young people in general. You don’t want to miss out on taking a contract. Everyone is doing it, truly.
These are just some of the best cities for travel nursing, but which one will you choose?
Be sure to search for the highest pay packages on Wanderly.