Top Picks: Best States for Travel Nursing in 2025

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 nurse placements 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.

Introduction to Travel Nurse Assignments

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 2025—from top agency choices to in-demand specialties.

Top Travel Nursing Agencies in 2025

When it comes to travel nursing agencies, Axis Medical Staffing and Host Healthcare really shine as top choices for healthcare professionals looking for great assignments. Let’s take a closer look at what makes their customer service stand out from the rest and why they’re considered exceptional in the industry. 

Advantis Medical Staffing: Committed to Excellence

Advantis Medical Staffing is a highly regarded travel nursing agency dedicated to providing outstanding services to healthcare professionals searching for top-tier assignments. Known for its commitment to quality, exceptional customer service, and professionalism, Advantis Medical Staffing has received multiple accolades, including:

• 2023 Top Places to Work in Healthcare by Top Workplaces
• 2nd Fastest Growing Firm in Dallas by SMU Cox 2023
• Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies 2023

What Advantis Medical Staffing Offers:

• Competitive Pay Rates: Rates that align with industry standards.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Including health insurance, travel reimbursements, and retirement plans.
• Personalized Support: Dedicated recruiters who understand your career goals and preferences.
• Diverse Assignments: Access to a range of positions across various specialties and locations, ensuring the perfect match for every travel nurse.
• Supportive Work Environment: A workplace that values each nurse's contributions and provides opportunities for professional growth.

Advantis Medical Staffing stands out for its commitment to nurse satisfaction, offering an optimal balance between work and personal life. This makes it a top choice for travel nurses seeking rewarding and fulfilling assignments.

Axis Medical Staffing: A Leader in Quality Assignments

Axis Medical Staffing is recognized as one of the top travel nursing agencies, earning a solid reputation for delivering quality assignments to healthcare professionals.

What Axis Medical Staffing Offers:

• Competitive Pay Rates: Ensuring you receive fair compensation for your hard work.
• Comprehensive Benefits: A robust benefits package that supports your health and well-being.
• Employee Assistance Program: Dedicated support for nurses during their assignments, ensuring they have the resources they need.
• “Ask an Axis Travel Nurse” Feature: A unique opportunity to get insights and answers from experienced travel nurses.

Axis Medical Staffing places a strong emphasis on nurse pride and empowerment, providing valuable perspectives on the operations of travel nursing agencies and the assignments they offer. This commitment makes them a standout choice for healthcare professionals seeking fulfilling travel nursing opportunities.

Host Healthcare: Personalized Assignment Matching

Host Healthcare stands out among travel nursing agencies by offering a range of unique features designed to enhance the travel nursing experience:

• Personalized Assignment Matching: Each assignment is tailored to fit the individual nurse’s qualifications, skills, and experience, ensuring the best possible match with potential employers.
• 24/7 Support: Travel nurses have access to round-the-clock assistance, providing help whenever it’s needed.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: This includes reimbursements for licensing, travel, tuition, and scrubs, along with extensive medical coverage.
• Bonuses: Host Healthcare offers referral bonuses for bringing fellow nurses on board, making it rewarding to connect with others in the profession.

The assignment matching system at Host Healthcare is designed to connect travel nurses with screened employers who are looking to hire directly. This approach considers the nurse’s credentials and prioritizes a smooth and enjoyable travel nursing experience, making Host Healthcare a top choice for nurses seeking rewarding assignments.

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, it's essential to evaluate the stipends, tuition reimbursement, and housing benefits provided by various agencies. 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.

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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.

Tailoring Your 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.

By following this approach, you’ll ensure your search for travel nursing assignments is tailored to your specific needs and aspirations.

Navigating the Housing Market as a Travel Nurse

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 all rentals fully furnished, 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.

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

Leveraging Job Boards for Optimal 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:

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

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

Preparing 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 Documentation: 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 that may arise.

By following these steps, you 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.

Conclusion: An Agency That Cares

At Advantis Medical Staffing, we take great pride in our commitment to caring for clinicians. We are dedicated to connecting passionate professionals with the best travel jobs available nationwide while providing exceptional service that promotes a trusted partnership for life. It’s no wonder we are ranked as the #1 travel nurse agency by nurses themselves!

If you’re interested in embarking on your travel journey, we are eager to match you with your next dream job. You can work with one of our dedicated Pro Recruiters or express your interest in specific jobs directly on our job pages. Start your next adventure by searching here for travel nurse jobs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the highest-paying travel nurse jobs?

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) top the list, with travelers earning an impressive average annual salary of $194,352, or about $93 per hour, according to ZipRecruiter. Other lucrative options include advanced practice nursing roles such as Nurse Midwives and Nurse Practitioners, which also offer attractive pay rates.

What are the shortest travel nurse assignments?

Travel nurses can opt for rapid response assignments, which begin within just two days to two weeks. These assignments often pay significantly more than traditional 13-week contracts, making them an appealing option for those looking for shorter commitments.

What is the highest-paying nurse agency?

Advantis Medical Staffing stands out as one of the highest-paying agencies for nurses, offering competitive hourly wages paid weekly, along with referral bonuses that surpass many competitors. Their comprehensive benefits package and commitment to nurse satisfaction make them a top choice for numerous travel nurses.

Where do traveling nurses go?

Travel nurses are skilled professionals who provide quality care to patients in various settings across the country, including hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. They take temporary positions in high-need areas to ensure that patients receive the care they need.

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