The Best Travel Nursing Locations to Visit Now
By Ian Samuels, contributor
Summer is an ideal time to enjoy the benefits of seasonal travel assignments -- and it's not over yet so plan your travels. With a steady increase in demand for registered nurses combined with a rising retirement rate, the projected need for travel nurses is high.
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Top 5 Best Travel Nursing Locations
Whether you're looking to get the most out of this summer or already planning for next year, use the suggestions in this article as a starting point for finding the best travel nursing locations.
1. Boston, Massachusetts
One of the powerhouse states in the travel nursing job market is Massachusetts, atop five state for RN salary.
Boston boasts prestigious facilities like Massachusetts General, a consistent presence on U.S. News' best hospital survey, making it a powerful addition to any resume. The city's festive summer vibe, amazing array of cultural activities and countless sightseeing opportunities also put it at the top of U.S. News' survey of best summer vacations in 2018.
2. Orange County, California
The undisputed heavyweight of top travel nursing locations is California. The Golden State's legislated nurse-to-patient ratio and its distinction as the highest paying state for RNs make it a top destination for travel nurses.
Enjoying beach days by the Pacific is an excellent idea, too.
Deciding where to go in the large state can be tricky if you want to avoid tourist overcrowding. Orange County allows for breathing room and is tailor-made for family travelers, with iconic Disneyland heading up its vast array of beaches and theme parks.
3. Salem, Oregon
Skyrocketing demand for nurses has made Salem a strong candidate for one of the country's best travel nursing locations. Salem Hospital features several high-performing specialties, and the city nestles in the natural splendor of the Pacific Northwest. There are plenty of exciting destinations in easy reach, including Portland and the resort town of Seaside.
4. Nashville, Tennessee
Tennessee is part of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact, making it an excellent choice for nurses who want to make the most of their multistate credentials. Good pay and perks generally put it high on lists of best travel nursing locations. It's also home to incredible scenes for live music and cuisine, earning the city a top five spot on the summer vacation destination list.
5. Seattle, Washington
The ANCC recognizes two of Seattle's hospitals as magnet facilities, a boost to its status as a top travel nursing location.
The city also consistently ranks among America's top summer tourism destinations. It's replete with amazing arts, cuisine and activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Destinations like the legendary Pike Place Market make Seattle a prime travel nursing city.