As a travel nurse, the world is your oyster. You can meet new people and grow your career while making a positive impact on patients and communities. And with travel nursing, you can also explore different destinations, including the best places in New York!
Continuing our travel nursing tour of the country, let’s explore why the Empire State is among the best travel nursing destinations in the United States. From bustling cities to rolling countryside, let’s look at some of the best places in New York to visit on your travel nursing assignment.
Travel Nursing Destinations: The Best Places in New York
Frank Sinatra, Jay-Z, and Taylor Swift may be onto something — New York is a place for dreamers and doers. There’s a reason it’s the setting for our favorite books, TV shows, and movies.
New York may be known for its bustling city life in Manhattan, but the state offers much more than just that as one of the top travel nursing destinations. From upstate to the Big Apple, here are the best places in New York to visit while on assignment:
Explore the Wild Beauty of the Adirondacks
If you love outdoor adventures, the Adirondacks are a must-see. With more than six million acres of protected wildlife and over 10,000 lakes, there’s plenty of opportunity for hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, kayaking, and camping year-round.
Tour the Famous Niagara Falls
Looking for the best places in New York? Don’t forget to visit the iconic, 12,000-year-old Niagara Falls on the border of New York and Canada. Take a scenic boat tour of the falls and cross the “world’s fastest-moving waterfall” off your travel nursing destinations bucket list.
Enjoy the Endless Entertainment of Syracuse
As one of the best places in New York, Syracuse has a vibrant downtown, a growing job market, and plenty to explore. Nestled in the heart of central New York, Syracuse offers a college-town culture with affordable living options and endless entertainment. Explore the city’s history, dine at local restaurants, catch a few ballgames, and enjoy the many festivals and events throughout the year.
Escape to the Peaceful Scenery of the Catskills
A nature lover’s dream, the Catskills is one of the best places in New York to escape from the city with its tranquil forests, waterfalls, and hiking trails. Take a break and immerse yourself in nature’s beauty as you ski, rock climb, swim, fish, and adventure in your downtime.
Play Tourist for the Day in New York City
No list of the best places in New York would be complete without the excitement of New York City. The city that never sleeps is a hub of cultural activity, stunning architecture, and diverse neighborhoods.
NYC is filled with exciting travel nursing destinations for everyone:
- Catch a Broadway show.
- Visit world-class museums, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the American Museum of Natural History.
- Reenact your favorite movie scene, and stroll through Central Park.
- Explore Rockefeller Center.
- Tour the famous Times Square (don’t forget to take a classic tourist picture!).
- See the city from new heights at the Statue of Liberty or the Empire State Building.
- Try classic NYC foods, like NY-style pizza, NY cheesecake, homemade bagels, pastrami sandwiches, black-and-white cookies, street vendor hot dogs, and more.
>Interested in other travel nursing destinations? Check out our Rhode Island Guide and Pennsylvania Guide!
Benefits: Why New York is One of the Best Places for Travel Nursing
While travel nursing is filled with adventure, it’s also hard work. Being a travel nurse in the best places in New York can reward you with several benefits for your personal and professional goals:
1. New York is Ranked as One of the Best Place for Healthcare
U.S. News & World Report ranked New York as #9 in healthcare overall in the country. By category, the state ranked #5 in Public Health and #10 in Health Care Access.
>Browse Travel Nursing Jobs in New York!
2. One of the Most Employed States for Nurses
A 2023 Forbes article ranked the 5 top states for RNs in the U.S. — and New York made the list. Overall, statistics show New York is the #4 state for most employed nurses and #3 for job outlook, with over 14,000 projected positions.
3. Nto Diversity and Inclusion
New York represents the diversity of the U.S. in both culture and scenery. Spend your free time meeting people, hearing stories, and trying food from around the world.
Even more, The City of New York’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion for NYC Health + Hospitals is established to support diversity and inclusion in healthcare for patients and staff.
4. Competitive Salary and Benefits
On top of the growing job demand, the pay for nurses in New York is unmatched. The average registered nurse in New York earns $67.69 per hour, which is 32.81% more than the national average.
Of course, New York is known for one of the highest costs of living. However, as a travel nurse, you have a special advantage. Most agencies provide a housing stipend, cutting back expenses while allowing you to enjoy the local pay.
5. Plenty of Opportunities to Explore
The high employment rate makes New York one of the best travel nursing destinations for professionals looking to gain experience and find their fit. There are several job opportunities, specializations, and settings to choose from, including Skilled Nursing/Long Term Care.
6. Gain Experience at the Top Facilities in the Country
As a national hub, New York expands your experience and your network. Find opportunities to gain experience at some of the best places in New York, working at the top clinics in the nation and alongside renowned healthcare professionals.
Explore the Best Places in New York with a Travel Nursing Recruiter
Ready to explore travel nursing jobs in the best places in New York or beyond? To become a travel nurse in New York, you’ll need to apply for your license by endorsement. As an RN, LPN, or LVN, you’ll need to:
- Verify your nursing license in another state.
- Apply for licensure, including proof and transcripts of your Professional Education Certifications.
- Obtain additional certifications, depending on the role or clinic.
Let CareerStaff help! Quick apply today to connect with your travel nursing recruiter and get the help you need every step of the way.