If there’s one thing travel nurses know how to do, it’s adapt. The travel nursing industry has seen some serious shifts over the past few years—booming demand during the pandemic, a market correction in its aftermath, and now, a new normal that’s still taking shape. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting to explore the possibilities, let’s break down what’s happening in the travel nursing industry right now and what it means for you.
The Market is Stabilizing (Finally!)
The travel nursing industry went from a $6.5 billion market in 2019 to a staggering $42.7 billion in 2022—only to shrink back down by 40% in 2023. If it felt like a rollercoaster, that’s because it was! Now, experts predict a more sustainable market size of around $19.5 billion in 2025. While pandemic-level bill rates aren’t the norm anymore, travel nursing is still a fantastic way to build your career, see new places, and make great money. It’s just about knowing where to look!
Hospitals Still Need You
Even though the frenzy has settled, there’s still a massive demand for skilled nurses—especially those willing to travel. Many hospitals are struggling with staff shortages due to retirements, burnout, and an aging population needing more care. So while contracts might not be as sky-high as they were in 2020, travel nurses remain essential. Facilities need flexibility, and that’s where you shine.
Technology is Changing the Game
From new staffing platforms to gig-style apps, technology is making it easier than ever for nurses to find assignments that fit their lifestyle. Some travel nurses are even using apps to pick up per diem shifts in between contracts, allowing for even more flexibility. The days of waiting weeks to hear back about a job are fading—today, speed and choice are on your side.
Who’s Traveling? A Changing Demographic
More and more younger nurses are jumping into travel nursing earlier in their careers, drawn by the adventure, flexibility, and (let’s be honest) the pay. But experienced nurses are also making moves, using travel nursing as a way to avoid burnout and shake up their routine. No matter where you are in your career, there’s a place for you in the travel nursing industry.
The Money Talk: What to Expect
Let’s be real—compensation is always a big factor. While those once-in-a-lifetime pandemic contracts are mostly gone, pay is still solid. Some nurses are finding creative ways to boost their income, like using gig apps to pick up extra shifts with pay rates hitting $70–$100 per hour. But keep in mind that working as an independent contractor comes with tax considerations and added costs, so be sure to plan ahead.
The Bottom Line
Travel nursing isn’t going anywhere. It’s evolving, and those who stay flexible and informed will continue to thrive. Whether you’re chasing the best contracts, looking for a better work-life balance, or just love the excitement of new places, there’s still plenty of opportunity out there.
At OneStaff, we’re here to help you navigate these changes and find assignments that fit your goals. Ready to see what’s out there? Let’s chat and get you set up for your next adventure!
Intrigued? Let’s dance! Browse all of our top-paying travel nurse jobs now here.
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The Mountains are calling, and I must go! -John Muir
If you’re a mountain lover, adventure seeker, and love to travel to destinations that feed your passion, here are a couple of places worth considering.
There are few major cities in America where you can be a short drive to hiking trails, mountains, waterfalls, canyons, and urban amenities. Colorado has so much to offer with its majestic Rocky Mountains range in every direction. Colorado travel assignments might just be for you if you like a winter wonderland. Colorado offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the U.S., with Vail and Aspen as two of the most popular destinations.
Personally, Breckenridge is a favorite of mine. The moment you arrive, you feel a contagious energy, a laid-back mountain vibe, and a fun-loving sense of adventure that calls out the freedom-seeker in all of us! You will feel right at home, and honestly, you may not ever want to leave. For those who prefer to stay off the slopes but still want to experience all that winter has to offer, Colorado offers plenty of opportunities to snowshoe, snowmobile, or cross-country ski.
My first travel assignment was in Colorado Springs; it quickly stole my heart and is still one of my most favorite assignments. It is a gem of a city! Depending on your specialty and time of year, there are usually an abundance of travel nursing options in Colorado. If you are looking for a relaxing lifestyle in a town with natural beauty that offers awesome outdoor opportunities available year-round, you definitely need to add this town to your bucket list.
Staying fit and healthy is a priority of the locals, and it is a very pet-friendly town. Pikes Peak is the most famous natural attraction in the region, and you can enjoy hikes up to the 14,000-foot summit. In Colorado, you can be in the urban city but have the option to head to the mountains for a quick getaway in minutes!!
* Mentor Tip: If you are up for a big challenge, make sure to check out the extreme rated, heart-pounding Manitou Incline Hiking trail where you gain over 2,000 vertical feet in less than a mile climbing 2,744 stairs to reach the summit where there are stunning panoramic views. Trust me, the views at the top are well worth the effort!
I saved the best for last. I must warn you, proceed with caution because Big Sky Country will likely steal your heart, and you may never want to leave. As soon as you cross state lines into Montana, you get this laid-back, easy pace way of life vibe. You can follow the Rockies all the way up through into western Montana into the northern region where the Canadian Rockies begin. There are jagged peaks, pristine water, and abundant wildlife in every direction.
Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Glacier National Parks are all worth visiting while in this area. In my opinion, Glacier National Park steals the spotlight. It is land of mountain ranges carved by prehistoric ice rivers full of alpine meadows, deep forests, waterfalls, about 25 glistening glaciers, and 200 sparkling lakes. The vistas seen from Going-To-The-Sun Road are breathtaking, a photographer’s paradise.
Relatively few miles of road exist in the park’s 1,600 square miles of picturesque landscape, thus preserving its primitive and unspoiled beauty. It offers tons of hiking trails and backcountry camping and hiking. Billings, Bozeman, Missoula, and Kalispell, are all cities that often have travel nursing needs. I was able to spend 9 months in Kalispell as a traveler to help them open up a brand new Children’s Hospital. As a traveler, you get to enjoy the breathtaking views of vast forests, rugged mountains, and green meadows, which will make your assignment an unparalleled adventure. Montana is truly the Last Best Place.
*Mentor Tip: Montana is Grizzly Bear country and hiking in these areas requires some preparation and planning. Make sure to educate yourself on Bear Safety and understand the proper way to secure your food. Make sure to always carry bear spray and know how to use it; it could save your life. Also, this is NOT the place to hike alone, and if you do, that is a risk you assume. Try to hike with groups of 3 or more and make lots of noise when on the trails.
Being able to have endless adventures in the mountains is one of the many perks of becoming a traveling nurse. The mountains are a place to go to feel fully truly alive.
This is just a glimpse of the incredible locations travel nurses can enjoy while on assignment. Want to learn more? Contact Brandy@travelnurse101.com today to schedule your complimentary 1:1 mentor session.
We hope you enjoyed this article on two travel nursing destinations for the mountain lover. Have you found any great mountain destinations for travel nursing assignments? Comment them below.
Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for an upcoming assignment? Click here to search our housing page.
If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:
We love our furry family members! We can’t say enough about the benefits of travel nursing with your dog. It’s also essential to communicate with your recruiter about your desire so you can find pet-friendly housing and a dog walker when you’re on a long shift. Taking Fido with you is exciting, strengthens your bond, increases physical activity with outdoor adventures, reduces separation anxiety, and encourages social interaction for your pet and yourself. It can be the adventure of a lifetime for both of you.
Travel Nursing with Your Dog:
Benefits of Traveling with Your Dog
Moving to a new place can be stressful, so having a familiar furry face by your side can ease the stress and loneliness during travel assignments. Petting your dog lowers blood pressure, eases your mind, and fights anxiety you may have about moving to a new place. We always recommend having personal essentials with you like music, photos, and favorite clothing items, but it’s also comforting to be traveling with your dog.
And it’s good for both of you to be together!
Getting out in nature for a walk or hike allows Fido to explore their new home; we call it a “sniff-ari,” a sniffing safari. Just 20 minutes of sniffing is equal to a one-hour walk, so it’s healthy to let your dog get used to their new neighborhood. Walking in the sunshine is also healthy for humans in terms of getting much-needed Vitamin D as well as clearing your mind.
Another benefit of travel nursing with your dog is that you and your pet can meet new people. Check out the local dog parks and say hello to neighbors you see while walking. Visit municipal parks and learn more about your new home. Visit Bring Fido to find out where the dogs are meeting and where there are pet-friendly accommodations.
It’s also security to have your dog with you. Our providers tell us there is a sense of peace in having the familiar bark of their dog to notify them of people near their home or to have with them as they take a long drive.
Essential Considerations
As always, we recommend communicating with your recruiter about your intention to travel with your dog. Every assignment is different, and they need to know things upfront so they can plan accordingly. There may be limited housing options where you cannot take your pet; these can be easily eliminated if your recruiter knows you’re traveling with Fido.
Finding pet-friendly housing is essential. Even if you’re working in a big city with many options, remember that you and your dog will need dog-friendly spaces like parks and grassy areas. Learn about local pet laws, such as picking up after your dog and noise ordinances. If you’re renting directly from a landlord, be sure to ask about pets, pet deposits, and pet rent so no one is surprised when you show up with your dog.
When you’re preparing your resume, certifications, and referrals, don’t forget to pack your pet’s documentation. This includes a travel certificate that verifies the health of the dog as well as their vaccination record. If microchipped, don’t forget to change your address.
Preparing for Travel Nursing with Your Dog
It is essential to keep your dog as close to their routine as possible. If you wake up, have coffee, and walk, keep the same routine even while on the road. It will alleviate stress for both of you. Dogs love a routine, so keep it when you arrive at your destination, too.
In the car, take essential pet supplies like crates, seat covers, or hammocks. For long drives, it may be good to use a hammock rather than a crate so your dog can move around more. The seat cover will help keep your car clean and your dog safe. Water, food, treats, and collapsible dog bowls will make it easy for your dog to stop, stretch, and hydrate. Some dogs are too stressed to eat their meals while on the road because they don’t like change, but snacks might work. They’re good as long as they’re drinking water and going to the bathroom
Plan ahead so you’re not stopping in remote areas. We want you and your dog to arrive safely. Try to plan your stops or stop in areas where there are people like restaurants or rest stops.
When you arrive, maintain their routine with consistent feeding and exercise. You may consider hiring a dog walker from Rover or Wag or nearby doggy daycare, especially when you work long shifts. This will help your dog stay on their routine, and you won’t have an excited dog or accidents in the house. Find a veterinarian near you just in case your pup needs attention or vaccinations.
Lastly, find the dog people at work! It’s a great way to network, make friends, and find dog-friendly places to visit.
We’re excited you’re travel nursing with your dog and wish you both all the best on your new adventure!
We hope you found this article on tips for travel nursing with your dog helpful. Have you ever traveled with your dog? Share your tips for travel nursing with your dog below.
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Are you on the hunt for your next travel healthcare gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities. We have opportunities for all travel healthcare professionals.
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As a travel healthcare professional, you spend your days (or nights!) tirelessly caring for patients across the country, supporting facilities in need. This important work can often be exhausting and thankless, leading to potential burnout.
One way that you can avoid burnout is to take time away from work to relax and recharge, focusing on yourself and your relationships. If you can pair your vacation with a chance to get to know other healthcare professionals, you can build friendships and spend time with other people who understand exactly what you’re going through.
Club CoreMed is an annual all-inclusive trip for healthcare professionals that combines networking and friendships with rest, relaxation, and fun. Here are ways you can combat burnout while on vacation, whether it’s Club CoreMed or another trip.
Self-Care At The Spa
Many all-inclusive resorts have a spa on site, giving you an opportunity to take advantage of services like massages, facials, and more. Some resorts even offer the chance to get these services outside, on the beach! It’s important to take time for self-care, and a spa day is the perfect opportunity for that.
Delicious, Fresh Food
When you think of an all-inclusive resort, one of the first things that comes to mind is the unlimited alcohol. But what you may not realize is that all-inclusive resorts can have an amazing unlimited array of healthy, fresh food too! While everyone wants to enjoy a decadent meal on vacation, you can also find locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables that taste good and are good for you. Fresh mangoes on the beach, anyone?
Bonding With Friends
Building strong relationships with friends and family is an important tool in your toolkit when it comes to conquering burnout. Having people who care about you and support you can make life as a traveling healthcare professional easier, giving you a strong foundation back home. But meeting new people on vacation is also a great chance to make new friends! At Club CoreMed, those new friends will be other healthcare professionals, but any vacation offers you a chance to meet new people!
Having Fun
Vacation should be all about fun! And Club CoreMed delivers on that with parties, activities, games, and more. Whether you want to play volleyball in the pool, read a book in a lounge chair, or dance the night away to live music, there’s an opportunity to find whatever fun looks like to you. Don’t spend your time off worrying about projects and work back home – make sure to take time to enjoy yourself and let loose!
Ready For A Vacation?
If you’re ready to combat burnout with a tropical vacation, Club CoreMed is the perfect chance to do that. It’s a free trip for healthcare professionals who work with CoreMedical Group held every March.
Find Your Next Travel Healthcare Assignment with Our Job Board!
Are you on the hunt for your next travel healthcare gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities. We have opportunities for all travel healthcare professionals.
Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment
Between long shifts, adjusting to new locations, and constantly being on the move, eating healthy can feel like a challenge for travel nurses. A busy schedule can lead to quick, convenient food choices that aren’t always the healthiest. With a little planning and a few simple strategies, you can fuel your body with nutritious meals and snacks that will keep you healthy and energized for every shift!
Meal Planning
One of the best ways to ensure you eat well while on assignment is to plan ahead. This doesn’t mean spending hours meal-prepping—just a little bit of organization can go a long way.
Pack your shift meals: Bringing your own food helps you avoid vending machines and cafeteria fare. Healthy options like wraps, hummus with veggies, or a protein bar can keep you satisfied during a busy shift.
Keep it simple: Pre-pack easy grab-and-go meals like overnight or protein-packed salads and wraps.
Batch-cook basics: At the start of the week, make a large batch of grilled chicken, roasted veggies, or quinoa to mix and match for quick meals.
Snack Smart
Having healthy snacks on hand keeps you energized and prevents last-minute unhealthy choices.
Choose protein-packed options like Greek yogurt, or hard-boiled eggs.
Stock grab-and-go snacks like nuts, trail mix, and string cheese.
Prep fresh choices in advance, such as cut-up veggies with hummus or fruit.
Watch for hidden sugars in granola bars and processed snacks—opt for whole-food alternatives.
Stock Up
Planning your grocery trips and keeping your pantry stocked with healthy, whole foods makes it easier to maintain nutritious eating habits, even on busy days.
Use grocery delivery or pickup: Save time and energy by ordering your groceries online for delivery or curbside pickup on your way home.
Visit local farmers’ markets: This is a great way to stock up on fresh produce while exploring your new location.
Choose portable staples: Stock your fridge and pantry with foods you need for snacking and meal prep.
Choose Balanced, Energizing Meals
Whether you’re eating at home, grabbing takeout, or having a meal at work, aim for a balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs to keep you fueled.
Easy meal ideas: Try grilled chicken with brown rice and veggies, a quinoa and chickpea salad, or a whole grain wrap with turkey and avocado.
Smarter takeout choices: Look for options like salads with lean protein, grain bowls, or grilled proteins with vegetables.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration is just as important as eating well—especially during long shifts.
Carry a reusable water bottle and sip throughout the day to prevent dehydration and fatigue.
Limit sugary drinks and excess caffeine, which can cause energy crashes.
Infuse water with fruit or herbs for a refreshing twist if plain water gets boring.
Keep It Realistic
Eating healthy doesn’t mean being perfect—and occasionally treating yourself is necessary! The key is making consistent choices that support your energy and well-being while allowing flexibility for your busy lifestyle.
By incorporating these small but effective habits into your routine, you can stay nourished and energized—wherever your next assignment takes you!
We hope you found this article on healthy eating tips helpful. Do you have any healthy eating tips to share with fellow travel nurses? Comment them below.
Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!
Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.
Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment
Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.
Just as the wonder of Christmas and the New Year dawns, the annual song and dance begins with plethora of ads targeting the stress of taxes and tax filing. Even the Super Bowl during time outs is tainted with plead for your loyalty to a particular tax software or chain.
Travelers present a different drama to a tax professional. “You do what?” askes the tax representative often sounding like your relatives at your Christmas gathering becoming concerned that therapy is your next destination. We know…. We are just unique right?
So comes tax filing. How many states? How many W2s? We are different yet again
One of the greatest challenges travelers need to be aware of when tackling their taxes is how to properly file those state returns.
State Filing Basics
The one big difference in the tax returns that travelers file is the number of states. In our tax practice we can occasionally see a traveler with up to 6 states and since we also serve professional sports players, that number can rise to 16 or more thanks to their road games. Some travelers make the mistake of thinking they are only required to file taxes in one state.
This is not the case. We are required to file in all the work states as well as our home state unless a reciprocity rule overrides the normal arrangement. Being a non-resident doesn’t exempt you from tax. Your earning income within the state borders on assignment and therefore are subject to that states tax structure on that income. As a resident of your home state, you are subject to tax on ALL your income by that state. Fortunately, your home state will credit you for taxes paid to the non-resident states, so you are not double taxed.
This attention to your home state is very important in protecting your practice license especially if you hold a multistate compact license in your profession. When professional practice boards validate these licenses at renewal, they look for the normal signs that the applicant is truly a resident of that state. A resident tax return is one critical verification tool that the boards use.
This is why having your taxes done professionally by a chain requires some extra oversight on your part. Most chain tax preparation companies teach their preparers to follow a cookie cutter days of presence approach to determining residency and often we correct clients returns when the preparer filed the traveler as a part year resident of each state they worked in. This goes beyond tax returns as well. Getting a drivers license in another state will often cause friction with a compact license as a driver’s license is another one of the tools licensing boards will use in validating residency.
Some of the statements from clients that are new to traveling that we frequently hear are
“I didn’t work at home, why are you filing a return there?”
“I don’t live there, why are they taking taxes out for that state”
“Since I don’t live there I am exempt for taxes there” (especially those from states without an income tax )
“None of my travel friends so that” assuming that loosing yourself in the herd of non-compliance provides immunity
Staffing Agency Blunders in Reporting Income
Allow me to vent a bit please? I have been doing multistate tax work for 25 years and was a traveling respiratory therapist for several years as well. It amazes me that our industry as mature as it still manages to foul up payroll when it comes to reporting the income to the proper state. Just in the last year, we saw the following examples of airheaded payroll management
Reporting Hawaii earnings to California
Reporting state earnings to the location of the agency’s headquarters
Reporting earnings in Wisconsin to the traveler’s home state
Not reporting to any state at all
And my apologies to all the wonderful Canadian travelers for the practice of established agencies not being able to incorporate a foreign address in their payroll and insisting that you pick some fictitious US state to pretend you live in. And then having the audacity to report your earnings in both the state you worked and the state you pretend to live to help the payroll software work. Canada Revenue Agency will not accommodate those doubled foreign credits
And then when the agency blunders, it takes an act of congress to get someone to write a simple letter on the agency letterhead explaining the actual location of earnings so you can properly file your return with the state you neither lived in or worked in and get the withholding back.
taxes
Thank you, I feel better now …..
The takeaway is this- ALWAYS look at your first paystub with each new contract and make sure the agency has got the reporting and tax withholding correct. Don’t ignore it. You will save a lot of problems down the road if you do.
The State “Discovery Unit”
Want to join an exciting covert operation where your job description includes finding taxpayer ghosts that pretend to live elsewhere but are really in your back yard? Welcome to the Discovery Unit or as one southwest state calls it, the Project Assessment Unit.
What is this department? It’s a group of sleuths that scour drivers’ licenses, car registrations, addresses on Federal tax returns / W2s compliments of data feeds from the IRS, and professional practice licenses to find taxpayers that should be filing as a resident of a state that are trying to be invisible. New York sends scouts at night through neighborhoods in neighboring states to find New York license plates as well as New York neighborhoods to find out of state plates that are parked one too many times in a neighborhood.
California has trolls that wander through apartment complexes logging out of state license plates looking for cars that have become frequent visitors to determine whether they are really living there. Some apartment managers join the hunt as well. That suspicious dude in a hoodie looking at the cars in your parking lot may very well be on a different kind of theft as an agent of a state tax department
It happens though not as sinister as I might be presenting it, but it reminds us that are in the mobile lifestyle to guard our tax homes and legal ties with all the energy we can give it. As the old song laments being “torn between two lovers, feeling like a fool”, carelessly leaving breadcrumbs all over the nation can lead to a lot of hungry state revenue agencies hiding in the shadows of your life.
I have represented clients in some pretty wild state residence cases that prove my point
Ohio taxpayer and their spouse resided in a midwestern state, but both worked insane hours in the energy industry. Wife becomes pregnant and goes to Maine to be near family during her delivery. Two years later they get a letter from Maine revenue assessing them for tax on all their income that year. When talking to one of the attorneys with the Maine tax department to resolve the issue she pointed out that the taxpayer had their baby in Maine hence she was a resident of Maine. If she wasn’t a resident, why did she deliver in Maine? And this was a female attorney that said this mind you. Probably had never been pregnant
This happens a lot: recently divorced, moving to another state but has mail delivered to parents for safety. State revenue agency sees this and assesses the taxpayer for resident taxes on all the income earned in the calendar year.
More frequently, taxpayers move to another state and fail to change their drivers’ licenses and other legal ties. The assumption that state tax departments make is that if you take off and go elsewhere you need to prove that you landed there and severed ties to the former state.
What to do?
I hope my effort at humor helps you understand the importance of your state tax returns. Compared to the states, the IRS is in many ways a harmless fuzzball. Filing right and living consistently with your legal ties will 99% of the time help avoid problems with the states.
We hope you found these tips for travel taxes helpful. Do you have any travel taxes nightmares to share/ Comment them below.
Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!
Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.
Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment
Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.
Travel nursing means starting a new job every 13 weeks, give or take. This can cause travel nurse anxiety to rise. We see many posts in our Facebook group about nerves before the first assignment. And many veteran travel nurses say that they still have those same first-day jitters after many assignments. So, how do you handle the jitters and travel nurse anxiety? Below, you will find some of the tips fellow travel nurses had in our Facebook group.
Surviving Travel Nurse Anxiety:
Think Positive
Keeping a positive mindset will help you get through. Going into the assignment with a positive outlook will affect your assignment. Many people believe that your thoughts genuinely affect your actions, and it is true. So keeping a positive mindset will help to ease some of your anxiety even if the positive mindset is that it is only 13 weeks, and then you are on to your next location.
Be Positive in Your Skillset
Most travel nurses have at least 2 years of experience. You have developed a great skill set and learned many things in that time. Your skillset won’t change just because you are going to different facilities. Things may not be done exactly like you are used to, but hey, you may just learn something new with each new facility you work at.
Become familiar with the facility, unit, and parking prior to your first day
Members mentioned taking time prior to your first day to get accustomed to the area, the facility, your home unit in the facility, and the parking situation. Some assignments charge for parking. Knowing that before your first day will help with your anxiety. One member said she asks for an orientation of the unit before her first day. This would give you time to ask questions about where things are, codes for doors, and just any questions you may have. Getting to know the facility prior is a great idea too. It gives you a chance to get to know where things are in the facility.
Remember, you are the same nurse at any facility
The biggest takeaway from the comments on the post was that at the end of the day, you care for patients and nurse the same regardless of the location. So, just because your hospital is changing, you are still the same nurse and will give the same care.
We hope you found these tips for coping with travel nurse anxiety helpful. Do you suffer from travel nurse anxiety? How do you cope? Do you have any tips to share with fellow travel nurses? Comment them below.
Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for your assignment? Click here to search our housing page.
If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:
An exciting part of travel nursing is traveling around the country and experiencing life in all the major cities, but with COVID-19 numbers declining and travel nurse needs in hospitals decreasing, finding your next travel assignment might be more difficult. One solution might be to look for an assignment in a small town or midsize town. It is easy to overlook a city you have never heard of, but there are benefits to accepting a travel assignment in a small or midsize town. Here are six listed below.
1. Open Positions
The need for travel nurses in big cities has declined with the declining COVID-19 numbers, which results in fewer jobs and lower wages. But Small or midsize towns still have a need for nurses. Even before COVID, many small towns struggled to keep patient ratios down due to the lack of well-educated nurses in their local areas. Next time you have a conversation with your recruiter, investigate smaller, less familiar towns.
2. Lower Cost of Living
The cost of living in a small town is less than in a big city. You may think, “Well, my company will pay for my housing.” That may be true, but it is not just housing that costs less. Groceries can be cheaper. Shorter commutes to work mean saving money on gas. If you choose to find your own housing, you may find a better deal in a small town than in a big city.
3. No Traffic
Living in a smaller town can be beneficial for your work commute. From my own personal experience of moving from Denver, CO, to Springfield, IL, I noticed my 30–40-minute commute went down to 15-20 minutes with no traffic issues. This was not just helpful for my work commute, but it was quicker and easier to grocery shop, find my way around, go to the gym, get coffee, and more.
4. Small Town Charms
The most amazing part about traveling to a small town is all the small-town charm you will find. Chain restaurants and stores are great for predictability, but nothing beats the unique finds of a mom-and-pop restaurant or family-owned store. Homemade cookies, jams, jellies, honey, and even wine from a local country store can be a life-changing experience. The idea of “shop local, buy local” has more meaning when you can purchase homemade goods from the people who make them. You might even find yourself making friends and connections you will keep for life at the corner diner or local coffee shop.
5. More Big Cities to Visit
When looking at small-town locations, you might find that many are located within just a few hours’ drive of a big city or two. . If you have a goal to see as many cities as possible, this is a terrific way to knock a few off your list with one assignment. For example, from my current location of Springfield, IL, there are three major cities, all within a 3–4-hour drive or train ride. Chicago is about 3 and a half hours away. Indianapolis is about 3 hours away. St. Louis is less than 2 hours away. All are great for a weekend getaway without the hassles of living in a big city.
6. More Nature to Get Lost In
If outdoor recreation is a passion of yours, small towns are a wonderful place to find nature. The whole reason small towns exist is because they are surrounded by unoccupied land. Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon are not the only national parks worth seeing. Every state has their own national parks to visit. Anywhere you find mountains, rivers, lakes, or even beaches, you can find a small-town hospital in need of nurses nearby.
Melbourne, FL is a midsize city in central Florida. It is about 3 hours north of Miami, 2 hours east of Orlando, and sits right next to intercoastal waterways. It is about a 15-minute drive away from the Atlantic coast beaches. Whether you are in the Midwest, South, East Coast, or West Coast, there are small towns surrounded by nature.
The draw of a big city can be exciting, but traveling to a smaller mid-size city or small town also has its benefits. Next time your nurse recruiter mentions a city you have never heard of, do not discount it right away. Instead, do some research, see where it is located, and ask yourself these questions. Is it close to a big city you have wanted to visit? What is the cost of living? What small town charms might it hold? Nursing is stressful. Moving is stressful. Maybe for your next assignment, a smaller, easier place to live is just the thing you need.
Have you taken an assignment in a small town and loved it? Comment your experiences below!
Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for an upcoming assignment? Click here to search our housing page.
If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:
For travel nurses, the allure of adventure, professional growth, and adapting to new environments is a major draw. One of the most significant developments making this lifestyle even more appealing is the rise of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). The Nurse Licensure Compact allows travel nurses to streamline their practice across state lines, turning a once-complex licensing process into a much smoother experience.
Understanding the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)
Nurse Licensure Compact
The NLC offers a solution for nurses seeking greater flexibility in their careers. It allows both Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses (LPN/VNs) to hold a single, multi-state license. This enables them to practice in any of the participating compact states without the need to obtain individual licenses for each state.
The Nurse Licensure Compact enhances opportunities for nurses seeking flexibility in their careers and offers significant advantages in travel nursing.
Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
Eligibility: If your primary state of residence is a compact state and you meet the specific requirements, you can apply for a multi-state license.
Reciprocity: Once approved, you gain the privilege to practice in other compact states without navigating the often-lengthy process of acquiring additional licenses.
Growth: Since its creation, the NLC has expanded to include 42 states and territories (as of May 2024), and continues to grow. This expansion is reshaping the travel nursing landscape, providing nurses with increased mobility and career opportunities.
Key Facts About the NLC:
Broad Reach: Currently includes 42 states and territories, with ongoing expansion.
Primary Residence: Requires nurses to declare a “home state” as their primary residence for licensure.
Relocation Protocol: If you move to a different compact state, you are required to transfer your primary license to your new state of residence.
Stay Informed: For the most current list of participating compact states, refer to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) website.
This growth of the Nurse Licensure Compact is reshaping the travel nursing landscape, providing nurses with increased mobility and career opportunities.
Why Compact Licenses are a Major Advantage for Travel Nurses
Compact licenses offer a multitude of benefits, particularly for travel nurses. The very nature of travel nursing demands flexibility, efficiency, and adaptability – qualities perfectly aligned with the advantages of compact licenses.
1. Eliminating Licensing Roadblocks
In the past, travel nurses were often burdened with applying for individual licenses for each new state where they intended to work. This involved application fees and considerable time spent on paperwork. These delays could lead to missed opportunities. Compact licenses remove these obstacles, empowering nurses to readily accept assignments in compact states.
2. Expanding Career Horizons
A compact license broadens your potential job opportunities beyond your home state or neighboring regions. This increased range allows travel nurses to negotiate better compensation, select assignments that align with their passions, and gain experience in diverse healthcare settings.
Understanding how the Nurse Licensure Compact works can help you fully leverage its benefits for your travel nursing career.
3. Simplifying Agency Credentialing
Many travel nursing agencies require nurses to hold a valid state license before they can be considered for assignments. Obtaining these licenses can add complications to the credentialing process. Compact licenses streamline this process, accelerating the completion of paperwork for travel nursing positions, especially those requiring immediate or short-term coverage.
With a Nurse Licensure Compact license, you can accept assignments in multiple states without the hassle of acquiring separate licenses.
4. Enabling Rapid Response to Emergencies
A compact license under the Nurse Licensure Compact broadens your potential job opportunities beyond your home state or neighboring regions.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical role of nurses in responding swiftly to crises. Compact licenses enhance the agility of travel nurses, enabling them to deploy to different states during emergencies without delays.
First, verify that your primary state of residence is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. If not, you will need to pursue individual state licenses until your state joins the Nurse Licensure Compact.
The expense of applying for and renewing multiple state licenses can accumulate significantly over time. A compact license reduces these costs, helping travel nurses optimize their finances.
How to Obtain a Compact License: A Step-by-Step Guide
Obtaining a compact license is a relatively straightforward process, but requires attention to detail to ensure eligibility and compliance. Follow these steps to secure your compact nursing license:
The Nurse Licensure Compact allows for quicker deployment, especially in emergency situations where travel nurses are needed immediately.
Step 1: Confirm State Participation
The application process for a compact license is designed to be efficient, keeping in mind the fast-paced nature of travel nursing roles.
First, verify that your primary state of residence is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. If not, you will need to pursue individual state licenses until your state joins the compact.
Step 2: Meet Eligibility Criteria
Each compact state adheres to the same NLC standards for issuing licenses. To be eligible, you must:
Possess an active and unencumbered RN or LPN/VN license.
Declare a compact state as your primary state of residence.
Have passed the NCLEX exam or fulfilled initial licensure requirements in your home state.
Successfully complete a federal criminal background check.
Step 3: Apply Through Your State Board of Nursing
Once you have confirmed your eligibility, submit your application for a compact license through your State Board of Nursing. This typically involves providing necessary documentation and paying the required fee.
Step 4: Explore Opportunities
Once your application is approved, you can begin exploring assignments in compact states.
Addressing Common Questions
While compact licenses offer numerous advantages, it’s normal to have questions. Here are some common concerns:
Working in Non-Compact States: If you wish to work in a state that is not part of the NLC, you will need to apply for a single-state license in that specific jurisdiction.
Loss of Compact License: Certain circumstances can lead to the loss of your compact license, such as moving to a non-compact state or violating nursing regulations.
Adherence to State Laws: Even with a compact license, you are obligated to follow the nursing laws and regulations of the state where you are currently practicing.
Embrace the Freedom of a Compact License
Compact state licenses are transforming the travel nursing profession, providing increased freedom, reduced administrative burdens, and greater job mobility. Whether you are an experienced travel nurse or just starting your career, a compact license can significantly enhance your professional journey.
Travel nurses can stay informed about the Nurse Licensure Compact’s expansion to ensure they maximize their career opportunities. The benefits of the Nurse Licensure Compact are numerous, helping to facilitate a smoother transition for travel nurses. Embracing the Nurse Licensure Compact means embracing a new level of freedom in the travel nursing profession.
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