Top Picks: Best States for Travel Nursing in 2024

As 2024 wraps up, the world of travel nursing is evolving with exciting new opportunities for healthcare professionals. With top assignments at your fingertips, finding the perfect fit has never been easier.

In this post, we’ll explore the best travel nursing opportunities of the year, highlighting leading agencies, top benefits, and high-demand specialties that can elevate your career and create unforgettable experiences. Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways

• Discover the best travel nurse assignments with reliable agencies that offer competitive pay, health coverage, and other benefits.
• Evaluate top travel nursing agencies, such as Advantis Medical, Axis Medical Staffing, and Host Healthcare, for their unique advantages.
• Prepare for a successful assignment by familiarizing yourself with the work environment, managing work-life balance, and staying adaptable.

Travel Nurse Assignments: What You Need to Know

As a travel nurse, your career possibilities are practically limitless. With the flexibility to choose where and when you work, travel nursing lets healthcare professionals explore new cities, build their skills, and make a meaningful impact across various healthcare settings.

However, with so many agencies and assignments available, finding the perfect fit can be overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll break down some of the best options for 2024.

Benefits That Make an Assignment Stand Out

When selecting the ideal travel nurse assignment, the benefits provided by different agencies play a crucial role in your decision-making process. Here are some key benefits to consider:

• Health Coverage: Comprehensive medical insurance is essential for protecting your health while on assignment.
• Insurance Perks: Additional insurance options, such as dental and vision coverage, can enhance your overall compensation package.
• Stipends: Financial stipends for travel, meals, or incidentals can help offset living expenses and improve your quality of life on the road.
• Housing Benefits: Whether it’s agency-provided housing or generous housing stipends, these perks can significantly ease your transition to a new location.

Taking the time to examine these benefits can lead to a more satisfying and rewarding travel nursing experience.

Health Coverage and Insurance Benefits 

Health coverage and insurance benefits can significantly vary among travel nursing agencies. For example, RN Network provides basic medical coverage, along with dental and vision plans, including comprehensive dental and vision options for travel nurses.

By comparing the health coverage plans and benefits offered by different agencies, you can identify the one that best meets your needs. For a detailed guide on selecting the best health insurance for a travel nurse, be sure to check out Advantis Medical’s blog post.

Insurance benefits available through agencies like RN Network include medical, dental, and 401(k) plans, life insurance, and voluntary benefits. Having access to comprehensive health coverage and insurance perks not only offers peace of mind, but also ensures financial security throughout your assignments.

Stipends and Housing Benefits

When considering a travel nursing assignment, evaluating the stipends, tuition reimbursement, and housing benefits provided by various agencies is essential. Most travel nursing agencies offer a housing stipend to help cover living expenses while on assignment.

Nurses can use this stipend to pay for their own housing arrangements and may be reimbursed for housing-related costs.

Agencies differ in their housing benefits; some offer agency-funded housing, while others provide a housing stipend that allows nurses to choose and manage their own accommodations. The choice between agency-funded housing and a stipend ultimately depends on each nurse’s personal preferences and circumstances.

It’s important to assess which option aligns best with your needs—whether you prefer the convenience of agency-secured housing or the flexibility of a housing stipend.

Exclusive Insights from Experienced Travel Nurses

Gaining insights and advice from seasoned travel nurses can significantly enhance your decision-making process when it comes to choosing assignments. These professionals bring a wealth of knowledge and experience that can be invaluable as you navigate the world of travel nursing.

Experienced travel nurses can provide practical tips on selecting the right assignment based on:

• Career Objectives: Understanding how a particular assignment aligns with your long-term goals.
• Location Preferences: Choosing areas that suit your lifestyle and personal interests.
• Desired Remuneration: Evaluate pay rates to ensure they meet your financial expectations.
• Professional Prospects: Identifying opportunities for skill development and career advancement.
• Proximity to Family or Friends: Considering how close an assignment is to loved ones.

In addition, they can share their experiences with various staffing agencies and shed light on the dynamics within different healthcare settings. By leveraging this valuable knowledge, you’ll be better positioned to find the ideal travel nurse assignment that meets your needs and aspirations.

How to Search for the Perfect Assignment

Customizing your search for travel nurse assignments is essential for finding opportunities that align with your preferences and priorities. Here are key factors to consider:

• Career Objectives: Identify assignments that support your long-term goals.
• Location Preferences: Choose areas that appeal to your lifestyle and interests.
• Desired Remuneration: Focus on pay rates that meet your financial needs.
• Professional Prospects: Look for roles that offer growth and development opportunities.
• Personal Preferences: Factor in your unique needs, such as work-life balance and community engagement.

Online platforms and social media can be incredibly helpful in refining your search. Websites like LinkedIn, Facebook groups, and forums dedicated to travel nursing allow you to connect with other nurses and gain insights into available assignments. Additionally, job search apps like Advantis Connect can simplify the process and help you manage your assignments seamlessly.

To tailor your search effectively, follow these steps:

1. Determine Your Desired Location: Decide where you want to work.
2. Research Seasonal Trends: Explore outdoor activities and the overall climate of that location.
3. Engage a Trustworthy Travel Nursing Agency: Partner with an agency that understands your preferences.
4. Personalize Your Resume: Highlight relevant experience that matches the assignments you’re interested in.
5. Communicate Your Location Preferences: Clearly express your desired locations to your agency.

Following this approach’ll ensure your search for travel nursing assignments is tailored to your specific needs and aspirations.

The Travel Nurse Housing Market

Finding the right housing during an assignment can be challenging, but there are numerous resources and options available to make the process easier. Here are some websites that can help you secure accommodations:

• Airbnb
• Apartments.com
• HouseStay.com
• VRBO
• FurnishedFinder.com
• HomeStay.com

Each platform offers unique benefits tailored to the needs of travel nurses. For example, FurnishedFinder.com focuses on budget-friendly options with fully furnished rentals, ideal for travel nurses.

HomeStay.com provides a more personal touch, allowing travelers to stay with hosts who rent out a room or space, offering a chance to connect with locals and immerse themselves in the culture.

In addition to these resources, many travel nursing agencies offer housing assistance through agency-funded housing or housing stipends. By exploring these various options, you can effectively navigate the housing market and find the best fit for your needs and preferences as a travel nurse.

Balancing Work and Leisure in Travel Nursing

Achieving a healthy balance between work and leisure is essential for travel nurses to maintain their well-being and fully enjoy their assignments. Here are some tips to help you strike that balance:

• Prioritize Self-Care: Make self-care a priority by incorporating activities that promote your physical and mental health into your routine.
• Take Time Off: Don’t hesitate to take breaks or time off between assignments to recharge and explore your surroundings.
• Set Clear Boundaries: Establish distinct boundaries between your work and personal life to prevent burnout.
• Disconnect from Work: When you’re off-duty, unplug from work-related emails and calls to focus on relaxation and personal interests.
• Engage in Hobbies: Make time for hobbies and passions that bring you joy and help you unwind.

By implementing these strategies, travel nurses can better care for themselves while maximizing their enjoyment of assignments.

Also, nurturing relationships, participating in leisure activities, and seeking mental health support when necessary can enhance your overall experience. Striking a balance between work and leisure allows travel nurses to enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding professional and personal journey.

Using Job Boards for the Best Nursing Assignments

Job boards and recruiters are essential tools for finding the best travel nursing assignments. Agencies like Advantis Medical provide job boards that connect travel nurses with top companies by aggregating and comparing data on available positions.

This streamlined process helps nurses quickly identify and apply for assignments that match their preferences and qualifications.

Using a recruiter in conjunction with job boards offers several advantages including:

• More Nursing Opportunities: Recruiters have access to a vast selection of job openings across various locations and specialties.
• Custom Matching: Recruiters can match travel nurses with assignments that align with their specific skills and preferences.
• Completes Support: Recruiters offer guidance throughout the process, including relocation logistics assistance.

By leveraging job boards and the expertise of recruiters, travel nurses can simplify their job search and secure the ideal assignment more efficiently.

How to Plan for a Successful Travel Nurse Assignment

Proper preparation is essential for a successful travel nurse assignment. Here are some key steps to follow:

• Choose the Right Agency: Select a travel nurse agency that aligns with your priorities and preferences. Establish clear communication with your recruiter to ensure a smooth process.
• Gather Necessary Documents: Ensure you have all required documents, including licenses, certifications, and immunization records, readily available.
• Familiarize Yourself with the Work Environment: Take time to understand the policies and procedures of the hospital or facility where you’ll be working.
• Maintain Communication with Your Recruiter: Stay in touch with your recruiter throughout your assignment for updates or any concerns.

Following these steps can set yourself up for a smooth and successful travel nursing experience.

Finally, remain adaptable and open to new experiences. Travel nursing often presents unique challenges and opportunities for growth. By embracing flexibility and viewing each assignment as a chance for continued education and professional development, you’ll be well-prepared to thrive in your travel nursing career.

A Travel Nurse Agency That Truly Cares

We take great pride in supporting travel nurses with more than just top travel nursing jobs—we’re building trusted, long-term partnerships that make your journey smoother, more rewarding, and stress-free. With over 700 5-star reviews and dozens of real nurse testimonials sharing their experiences, we’ve earned our reputation as the #1 travel nurse agency.

Our Advantis Gold Standard ensures you receive personalized support, exclusive travel job opportunities, and a level of care designed to put you first. Whether you want one-on-one guidance from a Pro Recruiter or prefer to explore travel jobs on your own, we’re here to make it easy.  Start your next adventure today—explore high-paying travel nurse jobs and discover what’s possible!

FAQ – Best Paying Travel Nurse Jobs