Nurse First Travel Agency provided this article.
Travel nursing is an exciting career path for those wanting to get out of their comfort zone. Not only does it provide flexibility, but it allows you to see the country while you’re at it. Travel nurses are often paid more than regular nurses and are given a stipend for lodging as well. Many companies even provide bonuses and allow nurses to choose their own schedules. The average time for a travel nurse assignment is 13 weeks, and before venturing out on that journey, it’s time to decide where to go. Some nurses already have a place or a list of places in mind. It all comes down to narrowing down the pros and cons of each place to find that ideal location. Other nurses choose travel nurse locations by finding where they can best apply their skill set to the maximum value, and this might fall into states all over the country. To find that sweet spot, look at the top 3 highest paying states for travel nurses!
1. California
California holds three major hospitals that are likely to be hiring. These include Kaiser Permanente, which owns 38 hospitals throughout the state; Dignity Health which operates 32 hospitals; and Sutter Medical Foundation, which runs 19 hospitals.
The Golden State is a top destination for nurses thanks to its booming economy and picturesque landscape. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurses in California make an annual wage of $106,905 and an hourly wage of $51.41. Pay rates tend to be higher in Northern California as the cost of living is one of the highest in the United States. However, the opportunities for nurses are endless in California, from big urban centers like Los Angeles and San Francisco to the rural areas in the north and south. Whatever your nursing needs, California has something to offer.
2. Hawaii
If you’re looking for an exciting and exotic location to work as a travel nurse, Hawaii should be at the top of your list! The mean annual wage for travel nurses in Hawaii is $98,080, and the hourly wage is $47.16. It is important to note that the cost of living in Hawaii is quite high, and one nurse suggested taking a housing stipend to save money. Luckily, with the size of Hawaii, it is likely better to go to less tourist-heavy locations such as the Big Island over Maui or Oahu instead of Kauai.
The hospitals in Hawaii are top-notch and offer a unique experience for nurses. Whether you’re looking to work in a tourist-heavy environment or a more rural area, Hawaii has something to offer everyone. With its diverse landscape, culture, and climate, Hawaii is the perfect place to travel nurse!
3. Oregon
Oregon has something for everyone. Whether it be the theater culture in Ashland, foodie-friendly portland, the natural beauty such as the Oregon Coast, or hiking Mt Hood, with its vast beauty and artistic cities, Oregon draws in a lot of travel nurses. The state holds a mean annual wage of $91,080 and an hourly wage of $43.79.
In order to be a travel nurse in Oregon, you must have an RN or LPN degree. If you’re coming from outside the state and don’t hold an Oregon nursing license, you may apply for one by examination or endorsement, depending on the stage of your career. It is possible to handle your license verification needs online, but as the nurse, you will still need verification from the original state of licensure. If you take the endorsement route, you will pay $195 plus $52 for fingerprint processing. Nurses who have been out of practice for a while may need to take a reentry course.
Ready For Your Next Adventure
If you’re ready to choose your next assignment, consider one of these states.
Hawaii is a great destination for those who want to step out of their comfort zone and explore new cultures. If you’re looking for a more relaxed vacation spot, consider spending some time in California. If you’re more of a nature person, Oregon has you covered with a heap of hikes and waterfalls.
No matter what your interests are, there is a great U.S. state waiting for you to explore. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next vacation today!
Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.
