Getting your nursing credentials and hitting the road is a fantastic way to earn a lucrative living while seeing parts of the nation you would otherwise overlook. Travel nursing in the USA offers many opportunities, but you want to take some time to consider what will be a good fit for your unique needs. Read on to discover the best states for travel nursing in the USA from our team at ICAN Staffing Agency.
What Makes a State Ideal for Travel Nurses?
Consider what destinations have to offer and estimating your travel expenses. What may seem like a surefire win based on benefits may not be optimal if the cost of living undercuts your pay. Some factors you should think about include:
- Job Demand: What is the overall demand for nurses? A state with higher demand is likely to pay more, but may not have the best support technologies.
- Licensing: Do your current credentials carry over into the state you’re considering? Socioeconomic and political influences impact different licenses, so double-check before applying.
- Cost of Living: A $20 coffee is going to dig into your profits pretty quickly. Make sure the cost of living, like housing, transportation, food, and essentials is equitable.
- Quality of Life: Does the state provide interests in areas you love, like outdoor hiking, community events, cultural attractions, and availability of goods?
As long as you can strike a good work-life balance, the state you’re considering should offer plenty of benefits for travel nursing in the USA.
Top States for Travel Nursing in the USA
#1 – California
California has the 5th largest economy behind the USA, China, Germany, and Japan. There is a massive population and plenty of opportunity around bigger cities like San Francisco, LA, San Diego, and Sacramento.
Best of all, you can find a good fit in pretty much any ecosystem you’d like. That means living in a high farming area, up in the mountains, or anywhere along the massive coastline. California has strong labor laws and union protections, but you may want to keep an eye on the cost of living.
#2 – Texas
Texas is one of the fastest-growing states in the nation. Cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin provide a significant demand for nurses and offer access to some of the most technologically advanced facilities in the world.
You can earn a decent living, and the housing and food costs are relatively low. Just be sure you’re okay with the current political climate. No matter what side of the aisle you lean toward, it can be challenging to fulfill your duties as a nurse.
#3 – Florida
Time for fun in the sun and close proximity to some of the best amusement parks the world has ever seen. Florida has an extremely advanced healthcare system due to the high number of aging patients. You get plenty of experience diversity through cities like Miami, Tampa, and Orlando.
Florida is also part of the NLC, making it much easier for compact license holders to find travel nursing in the USA work. This is your top destination for getting a tan and enjoying a warmer winter.
#4 – New York
If you want direct experience in career-minded fields that will propel you to incredible specializations, you cannot go wrong with New York. NYC and Albany have major centers for research, trauma, and some of the most publicized procedures you’ll ever see.
Pay rates will be high and you are likely to get a lot of support finding educational opportunities due to the high concentration of colleges and universities. However, the cost of living will be up there a bit, so be prepared for a roommate or two.
#5 – Arizona
Like Florida, Arizona has a high concentration of older patients. Research centers here, like the Mayo Clinic and Banner Health, offer many learning opportunities and in-depth skill training.
The only thing is, unless you’re living in the greater Phoenix area, you’ll be out in the boonies. So be sure you are closely monitoring placement when considering this state.
Choosing the Right Destination
The best travel nursing in the USA opportunities come down to matching your skills, desires, and financial goals with the locations available. What may seem perfect in New York could be better in Alaska or Kansas City.
If you want to understand how to find a good fit for your needs, contact our team at ICAN Staffing Agency. We have years of experience finding client placements that ensure good pay, quality benefits, and plenty of future opportunities.
