Travel nurses, America needs you! And as we move into the peak summer season and start looking ahead to the autumn months and even 2023, here are the top 10 travel nurse destinations for nursing professionals seeking great job opportunities in some scenic corners of the United States.
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Top 10 Travel Nursing Destinations for 2022-2023
From coast to coast, from north to south, healthcare employers like hospitals, clinics, skilled nursing and long-term care facilities, and even schools and educational facilities are in urgent need of motivated nurses to help fill gaps in patient care. The following destinations offer the chance to not only help these facilities meet their patient care goals, but also explore some spectacular parts of the country.
Travel Nurse Destination #1: Wyoming
With warm climate (for the most part) and plenty of wide-open spaces, Wyoming is a dream for those who love the outdoors — or who are seeking a more relaxed pace and affordable cost of living.
At around 100,00 citizens, Cheyenne is one of the country’s most modestly sized metro areas. And the area around it is filled with almost unlimited natural beauty, from rolling hills and rushing rivers in the east to majestic mountains and forests in the west. And working a travel assignment in this area means having access to all the amenities of city life, while also still enjoying that rustic old West lifestyle.
> Hot job alert: Check out our open travel nursing jobs in Wyoming
Travel Nurse Destination #2: California’s Eastern Sierra
Straddling eastern California and southwestern Nevada, the Eastern Sierra is an oasis of lakes and forests in the high desert. It’s also a place to enjoy all that California has to offer without the traffic or congestion of the big metro areas. (Don’t worry, though — with Las Vegas close at hand, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy big-city living, and then some.)
Covering the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada mountains, this is one of the nation’s hotspots for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, boating, fishing and pretty much every other outdoor activity. And the towns of Lone Pine and Bishop also offer easy access to spectacular destinations like Mammoth Lakes, Death Valley National Park and Mount Whitney, the tallest mountain the continental United States.
> Ready to travel? Check out our current nursing jobs in California
Travel Nurse Destination #3: West Virginia
For nurses who prefer to work in rural and remote areas, few places are as scenically isolated as the mountains of West Virginia. Many of the towns around Charleston also offer an opportunity to help communities most in need of skilled nurses. And for those who prefer urban amenities, Charleston is a small but enticing city that offers plenty of dining, shopping and entertainment.
> Take a closer look: See available nursing jobs in West Virginia
Travel Nurse Destination #4: Idaho
Snow-capped mountains, miles and miles of forested valleys and a brisk northern climate all combine to make Idaho a favorite for travel nurses with love for the natural beauty of the great outdoors. It’s also one of the fastest-growing states — so for those who have always wanted to visit Idaho’s many treasured natural sites, the time is now! (And if Yellowstone National Park is on your bucket list, it’s just a quick drive away.)
> See what’s available: Search nursing jobs in Idaho
Travel Nurse Destination #5: Maine
One of America’s favorite summertime vacation destinations, the Pine Tree State offers a stunning combination of natural scenery and nautical small-town charm. From the rugged coast around Acadia National Park and the mountains in the north to the many Revolutionary War sites and Portland’s world-famous lobster rolls, there are many reasons why Maine is a long-time favorite spot for travel nurses.
> Don’t miss out! See all nursing jobs in Maine
Travel Nurse Destination #6: New Hampshire
As one of the smallest states in the U.S., travelers looking for small-town charm can enjoy the quaintness of the #6 Best State to live in. For lovers of the outdoors, travel nursing in New Hampshire is a great way to experience the beauty of iconic mountain landscapes, valleys, and coastlines. Depending on where you choose, a couple more hours will get you to the big city, with nearby states like New York City or Boston.
> See what’s available: Search all nursing jobs in New Hampshire
Travel Nurse Destination #7: Alaska
As America’s Last Frontier, Alaska attracts a lot of people seeking adventure or a change from the norm. And with very little darkness during the summer and almost no daylight in the winter, it’s a land that attracts extremes.
But make no mistake: Despite its geographic isolation, Alaska is also a friendly, down-to-earth place. The northernmost American state offers not just exotic outdoor adventure but also quaint alpine villages and remote, island-based communities — many of which are in need of nurse travelers to help keep their inhabitants safe and healthy.
> Find an opportunity now: Search all Alaska travel nursing jobs
Travel Nurse Destination #8: North Carolina
With its abundance of interesting cities, natural sites, historic architecture and scenic drives, North Carolina has been called the best road tripping state in America. It’s also home to famous breweries, barbeque spots, beaches, and tons of other unique cultural touchstones.
Whether you prefer the big city bustle (and professional sports excitement) of Charlotte, the offbeat appeal of Asheville, the seaside charm of Wilmington or any of the other fantastic towns, cities and locations throughout the Tar Heel State, North Carolina offers some of America’s top travel nurse destinations.
> Ready to hit the road? Browse North Carolina Travel Jobs Now
Travel Nurse Destination #9: New Mexico
The biggest city in New Mexico has a lot to offer. Small enough to be easy to navigate while large enough to offer the amenities of city living, the New Mexico is also located amid some of America’s most beautiful natural scenery. The adventurous will have many parks, canyons and trails to choose from, while those who prefer staying closer to home will enjoy great climate and an appealing cost of living.
> Hot job alert: See all travel nursing jobs in New Mexico
Travel Nurse Destination #10: Grand Junction and Western Colorado
For those interested in pure mountain living, Western Colorado and Eastern Utah offer a treasure trove of natural wonders. With the western Colorado Rockies on one side of the border and Canyonlands and Arches National Parks on the other, there’s plenty of outdoor scenery to enjoy around Grand Junction — and lots of options to get active with world-class skiing, hiking, biking, and more.
> What’s available now? Find Travel Nursing Jobs in Colorado
Find a Job in a Top 10 Travel Nursing Destination with CareerStaff!
If you’re ready to find your next travel nursing job in one of these great destinations or any other, we’ve got the opportunities you’re looking for! CareerStaff travelers get great pay and benefits, along with stipends for travel and housing. It’s a great way to see the country and help those in need — and get paid to do it!
You can check out our available travel nursing jobs or fill out a quick application now.
Last Updated on May 11, 2023