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16 travel nursing locations to try before you die

From sea to shining sea, there are all sorts of must-see destinations in the United States. Most people won’t have time to visit as much of the country as they want to, but travel nurses are particularly lucky. They get to travel across the country, meet people, learn new skills — and get paid for it. Here are 16 states travel nurses won’t want to miss, from obvious winners like California and New York, to less crowded but equally charming destinations like Missouri and Ohio.

California

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California is well-known for its amazing beaches, thrilling cities and natural beauty. San Francisco has fascinating history and the inspiring Golden Gate Bridge, and it’s close to the towering redwoods of Muir Woods. However, nurses traveling with families might prefer the advantages of Southern California. Kids (and kids at heart) will always love attractions like Disneyland and California’s long stretch of nearby sandy beaches.

California is a great market for nurses in the specialties of medical surgical, operating room, and labor and delivery. It’s also the highest paying state in the country for nurses, with a median salary of $100,460.

See open travel nursing jobs in California.

Massachusetts

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History fans will love Boston’s historical sites, from the harbor where the famous Tea Party happened to Boston Common. What better way to unwind after a long shift than taking in a baseball game at legendary Fenway Park? Enjoy a hotdog, peanuts, and Cracker Jack as the famous Boston Red Sox take the field.

Massachusetts is looking for nurses focusing on operation room technology, intensive care unit nurses, and emergency room nurses. It pays well, too. The average median salary for nurses in Massachusetts is $84,410.

See open travel nursing jobs in Massachusetts.

Georgia

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For those wanting a trip as sweet as peaches, Georgia is the place to go. Georgia is home to the Blue Ridge Mountains and amazing historical spots like Savannah, but one thing to be sure to see is Atlanta’s Georgia Aquarium. It’s the largest aquarium in the western hemisphere, with 10 million gallons of water and thousands upon thousands of different sea animals. Atlanta is also a great destination for food and music.

Georgia is looking for nurses specializing in medical surgical, operation rooms, and labor and delivery. The average median salary for nurses in Georgia is $64,340.

See open travel nursing jobs in Georgia.

Virginia

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Virginia is another great place for history lovers. You can pay respect to some of the United States’ most important leaders at the Arlington National Cemetery, as well as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Explore historic Jamestown, which was the first permanent English settlement in America.

Hospitals and clinics in Virginia are looking specifically for nurses specializing in medical surgical, operation rooms, and telemetry. Nurses in Virginia make an average salary of $64,470.

See open travel nursing jobs in Virginia.

Florida

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There’s a reason college students and retirees flock to Florida — it’s the ideal place to relax and soak in the sun. To combine relaxation with adventure, visit the Florida Keys. If you like the water, snorkel along coral reefs to explore all the sea life around them, or enjoy land-based experiences like breathtaking sunsets and hikes that range from easy strolls to challenging treks.

Florida is particularly in need of medical-surgical nurses, ICU technologists, and telemetry nurses. The average median salary for nurses in Florida is $62,720.

See open travel nursing jobs in Florida.

North Carolina

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North Carolina exudes southern charm, with gardens and beaches galore. To experience true southern hospitality, visit the Biltmore Estate, once home to the famously wealthy Vanderbilt family. The estate, built in 1895, covers nearly 8,000 acres, and includes a 250 room house, ornate gardens, and a winery. For a true getaway, there is now a lodge on the estate, so nurses can relax like a Vanderbilt in royal comfort.

North Carolina is looking for specialists in medical surgical, progressive care units and stepdown, and emergency rooms. Nurses in North Carolina earn a median salary of $59,590.

See open travel nursing jobs in North Carolina.

Texas

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Everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes the travel opportunities. Take an assignment in Austin and experience the food and music scene or Houston if you like sports. Stop in San Antonio to tell your friends you remembered the Alamo by seeing it in person. Visit the 300-year-old mission, and see tons of artifacts, battle reenactments, and of course, the historic building and grounds. After the tour, there’s plenty more to see in San Antonio. Explore the River Walk, botanical gardens, theme parks and more.

Texas is a particularly good destination for nurses specializing in medical surgical, operation rooms and catheterization labs. The average salary for nurses in Texas is $68,680.

See open travel nursing jobs in Texas.

Pennsylvania

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Pennsylvania, and the city of Philadelphia in particular, is quickly becoming a popular destination for all types of people. Where else can visitors see treasures like the Liberty Bell and the Philadelphia Museum of Art in a single day? Be sure to visit the Reading Terminal Market, which has been an indoor farmers market for more than a century.

Pennsylvania is particularly looking for nurses specializing in medical surgical, intensive care units, and emergency rooms. The median salary for nurses is $66,660 in Pennsylvania.

See open travel nursing jobs in Pennsylvania.

New York

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New York is a must-see for anyone, but travel nurses have a big advantage in the Big Apple. A travel assignment gives them extra time to fully explore this diverse city. First, cross off the essentials, like New York City’s Central Park and Times Square. Then spend a day in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or stroll through the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. If you have even more time, try something off the beaten path, like Letchworth State Park, which has been nicknamed “The Grand Canyon of the East.”

Hospitals and clinics are looking for nurses specializing in medical surgical, operation rooms, and emergency rooms. The average salary for nurses in New York is $80,380.

See open travel nursing jobs in New York.

Michigan

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Since it’s surrounded by the Great Lakes, Michigan is the place for any water lover. The state offers a unique balance between big city energy and the slower pace of small towns along the shore of Lake Michigan. Visitors can camp, hike, fish and swim, and the lake communities themselves have a special coastal charm you might not expect to find in this part of the country.

Michigan is looking for medical surgical technologists and specialists in operation rooms and emergency rooms. The median salary for nurses in Michigan is $67,450.

See open travel nursing jobs in Michigan.

Ohio

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Like Michigan, Ohio also has great access to lakes, but music lovers must see Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This is the place to celebrate great artists from the beginning of rock to the present day. The Hall of Fame has permanent and rotating exhibits on important musical acts. Plus, it often hosts concerts.

Ohio is looking for nurses specializing in medical surgical, operation rooms, intensive care units, and emergency rooms. The average salary for nurses in Ohio is $62,310.

See open travel nursing jobs in Ohio.

Colorado

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Colorado is a dream for the outdoorsy type, but Denver offers enough urban culture to keep everyone happy. For outdoor enthusiasts, Rocky Mountain National Park is a must-see. Just an hour and a half from the city of Denver, the park gives you the feeling of being deep in the wilderness. Postcard-worthy scenery is waiting for you around almost every bend of the road.

Colorado is looking for specialists in medial surgical, operation rooms, intensive care units, and emergency rooms. Colorado’s median salary for nurses is $68,750.

See open travel nursing jobs in Colorado.

Missouri

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If you want to snap a photo that looks like a postcard, make the Gateway Arch one of your first stops in St. Louis. After getting the perfect Instagram shot, visitors will love St. Louis’ City Museum. While the building was originally a shoe factory, it has now become a giant playground that’s fun for all ages.

Missouri is specifically looking for nurses specializing in medial surgical, operation rooms, intensive care units, and emergency rooms. The average salary in Missouri for nurses is $58,820.

See open travel nursing jobs in Missouri.

Tennessee

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Nashville, Tennessee, is another spot that’s a must-see — in fact, it’s a must-see-soon, since it’s only getting more popular. And why wouldn’t it? It is arguably the nation’s country music capital. Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry has hosted the greatest of the greats in country music. Not far away, you’ll find Memphis, where you can tour Elvis Presley’s home, Graceland.

Tennessee is specifically looking for nurses specializing in medial surgical, operation rooms, intensive care units, and emergency rooms. The median salary in Tennessee for nurses is $57,590.

See open travel nursing jobs in Tennessee.

Illinois

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The first thing to do in Illinois is to take a photo with the Cloud Gate sculpture, more commonly known by it’s nickname, “The Bean.” Then, take advantage of Chicago’s other attractions, like Wrigley Field for sports enthusiasts or the Art Institute of Chicago for art lovers.

Illinois is in need of nurses specializing in medial surgical, operation rooms, intensive care units, and emergency rooms. The average salary in Illinois for nurses is $68,710.

See open travel nursing jobs in Illinois.

Indiana

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Nurses live their lives in the fast lane, so why shouldn’t they visit some of the fastest lanes out there? Indiana is home to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which hosts famous car races like the Indy 500. It also has a museum that tells the thrilling story of car racing and often hosts special events like concerts or signings by famous drivers.

Indiana is looking for nurses specializing in medial surgical, operation rooms, intensive care units, and emergency rooms. The median salary in Indiana for nurses is $58,810.

See open travel nursing jobs in Indiana.

Start exploring these locations today

There’s no reason to wait until your life is nearly over to start creating experiences that others dream of. Whether you travel on your own or with a loved one, you can find rewarding assignments in locations you really want to explore. Give us a call at 800.866.0407 or explore our open jobs across the country.

About the author

Kathleen Stone

Kathleen Stone is a writer for RNnetwork from Salt Lake City, Utah. In her spare time, she loves going to the desert, trying new foods and being with family.

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