Travel nursing is a booming industry across the country. If you are a qualified nurse looking to see new places and gain valuable professional experience, you can choose from large cities and small towns in all 50 states. While everyone has their own personal preference when it comes to choosing the right location, certain cities stand out as more popular and desirable.
Furnished Finder has collected information and statistics on local housing markets in order to help landlords and travel nurses better understand demand across the country. This data has been used to compile a list of the 10 most popular travel nurse cities along with everything you need to know about them.
#1 San Diego, California
In the past 12 months, there have been 26,126 housing searches and requests made by travel nurses looking to live and work in San Diego. Tens of thousands of nurses are actively reaching out to property owners to acquire short term leases to accommodate their needs during their 12-week work contracts.
Housing Availability
There is no shortage of available housing in San Diego, which has helped it earn the top spot as the most popular destination for travel nurses. In total, there are 485 short term, fully furnished rentals available in the city. Out of those rentals, 240 consist of private units that provide you with an entire home. This is perfect if you are traveling with a significant other or you don’t want to deal with an unfamiliar roommate while you are on the road and exploring San Diego.
For those who want to save money and don’t mind sharing living space, there are 243 rooms for rent in the area. This arrangement can reduce costs and help you get to know people in a new city. You will still enjoy a private bedroom, but depending on the property, you could end up sharing the living room, kitchen and other public spaces.
Cost of Housing in San Diego
While San Diego tends to have a higher cost of living than other locations, travel nurses can still find affordable housing. If you are interested in renting a whole house, 24.5% of rentals are priced between $1,500 and $2,000. Another 24.5% are in the price range of $2,000 to $2,500. There are properties that rent for under $1,500, but there are fewer options at the price point and you may end up having to commute further to work and other amenities.
Top Specialties and Staffing Agencies in San Diego
Top staffing agencies, including Aya Healthcare (opens in new tab), AMN Healthcare (opens in new tab)and Flexcare Medical Staffing (opens in new tab), all work to place travel nurses in San Diego and make sure that they are receiving generous benefits and compensation. These agencies will negotiate the details of contracts and help you get the most out of every travel nursing experience.
Travel nurses who bring specialized skills to the table can expect to earn more and have access to more opportunities. These are the top nursing specialties that are in the highest demand in San Diego:
Critical care
Pediatric
Emergency
Cardiac
Medical-surgical
Surgical
Neonatal
Maternal-child
Perioperative
Telenursing
If you specialize in one of these areas, you can play an important role in helping local hospitals fill staffing gaps and shortages and provide patients with better care.
Hospitals in San Diego
The San Diego area is home to dozens of hospitals, including:
Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego
Kindred Hospital San Diego
Sharp Memorial Hospital
Living in San Diego
Part of the reason San Diego is such a popular choice for travel nurses is the temperate Pacific Coast climate. You will enjoy the beautiful weather and access to countless beaches and parks. It is the perfect place to experience the outdoors and the draw of big city attractions like world-class restaurants, museums and shopping. The city is visitor-friendly and offers plenty of affordable public transportation options to help you find your way around. You can take the bus, use the waterfront shuttle, hitch a ride in a pedicab or hop on the trolley.
Must-See Attractions
When you are in San Diego, there are some must-visit destinations. Balboa Park (opens in new tab)should be at the top of your list. This park features a zoo, walking trails, beautiful Spanish Revival architecture, a botanical house and a museum. You can wander for free or pay to learn more about the history of the park.
The Point Loma lighthouse (opens in new tab)and cemetery are also worth visiting. This coastal landmark is rich in history and offers beautiful views and an excellent place for whale watching and taking in other local wildlife. Europeans first landed on the peninsula in 1542 and the fort has been a military stronghold ever since, so there is plenty to see and learn about during your visit.
Between rewarding work opportunities and plenty of attractions, you won’t be bored during your stay in San Diego.
#2 Seattle, Washington
Seattle, Washington ranks as the second most popular city for travel nurses. This metropolitan area offers plenty of housing options and professional opportunities. In the past year, there have been over 20,000 housing requests and over 117,000 page views for different properties.
Housing Availability
Seattle offers a wide selection of fully furnished short term rental options that are designed to accommodate the unique needs of travel nurses. There are 378 available rentals in the area. A total of 234 of those are private units that allow you to rent out an entire house and enjoy maximum privacy.
If you are interested in living with a roommate, there are 142 rooms for rent. In some cases, you will be sharing space with the homeowner, but you can also find options that allow you to room with a fellow travel nurse. This can be a great option because you will be able to network with someone else in the industry who may also provide a traveling companion as you get out and explore the city.
Cost of Housing in Seattle
Over the past decade, Seattle has become the fastest growing city in the nation (opens in new tab). The population has increased 18.7% since 2010. This boom means that housing can be expensive. Only about 10% of the houses or private units are priced between $1,000 and $1,500 a month. The majority of houses are going to cost between $1,500 and $2,000 while 33% of houses rent for over $2,500 per month. For travel nurses, a monthly housing stipend will help curb these costs, but you still if you want to save more of your paycheck, it might be worth looking into renting a room.
When it comes to shared spaces, 21.4% of the market is priced at under $1,000. A full 57.1% of rooms will cost between $1,000 and $1,500. The pricing difference may depend on the location of the rental and how much private space you get. You can find options that offer a private bathroom or save even more if you are willing to share a bathroom.
Top Staffing Agencies and Nursing Specialties
While most staffing agencies operate across the country and offer contracts in all major cities, there are some standout agencies who are successfully placing travel nurses in Seattle. Aya Healthcare (opens in new tab), AMN Healthcare (opens in new tab)and Fusion Medical Staffing (opens in new tab)are the top three agencies in the area and worth contacting if you want to work in Seattle.
If you specialize in a certain area of nursing, your skills and experience may be in higher demand in different areas of the country. In Seattle, these are the top ten specialties:
Critical care
Pediatric
Medical-surgical
Surgical
Emergency
Cardiac
Oncology
Travel
Neonatal
Perioperative
Seattle area hospitals and medical facilities need to fill staffing gaps in these areas and your skills are in demand.
Hospitals in Seattle
Virginia Mason Medical Center
Seattle Cancer Care Alliance
University of Washington Medical Center
Living in Seattle
Seattle is usually synonymous with rain, but the actual total rainfall is well below other major cities, such as New York and Boston. The problem is that the city is overcast for an average of 220 days and while the rain may not be heavy, it tends to come down in a constant drizzle. A seemingly endless string of cloudy days may be enough to get you down, but a lot of people actually enjoy the weather and are more than happy to deal with some rain in order to enjoy a vibrant city that is also ranked as the fourth safest in America. (opens in new tab)
What to Do in Seattle
The great part about working as a travel nurse is that you have about 12 weeks to explore and experience a city. That gives you plenty of time to visit famous landmarks and get to know the hotspots that the locals love. When it comes to Seattle, you can’t skip a visit to the iconic Pike Place Market (opens in new tab)where you can partake in the traditional fish tossing. The Space Needle (opens in new tab)should also be on your list and the Seattle Center Monorail (opens in new tab)is a great way to enjoy a view of the city.
You can also experience some cultural activities by visiting the Museum of Pop Culture (opens in new tab), taking a tour of the Chihuly Garden and Glass (opens in new tab)museum or watching a performance by the Pacific Northwest Ballet (opens in new tab). There is plenty to do and with easy access to affordable public transportation (opens in new tab), you can traverse the city without having to worry about parking.
#3 San Francisco, California
San Francisco, California, is another major city where there is a high demand for travel nurse housing. Fortunately, the city provides plenty of affordable options for those looking to stay in the area for a few months at a time. Over the past 12 months, there have been over 26,000 requests for housing in the San Francisco area, helping to make it one of the most popular destinations for travel nurses.
Housing Availability
Fortunately, there are plenty of high-quality, short term rentals that come fully furnished in the San Francisco area. Currently, there are a total of 543 rentals available. About half of those are whole house rentals and the other half are rooms for rent. There are also three hotels in the area that cater to short term renters looking for corporate style accommodations. For those who want to enjoy all the amenities that come with hotel living, including an on-site gym, housekeeping, laundry service, etc. there are options available.
If you would rather save money on housing and use those extra funds to enjoy activities throughout the city, consider a shared housing situation. In many cases, you will have access to a private bathroom and you can room with other travel nurses who are going through similar experiences.
Cost of Housing in San Francisco
San Francisco has one of the highest costs of living in the country, but there are affordable housing options available. If you would like to rent an entire house or private unit, 59% of available properties cost over $2,500 per month. However, about 20% of the market is priced at between $2,000 and $2,500 while 14% of available options cost between $1,500 and $2,000. The market has a fairly wide range or price points so that you can find the ideal combination of cost, location and amenities.
For those who are interested in renting a private room, 43% of available properties rent for $1,000 to $1,500 a month. An additional 39% of the market is priced at $1,500 to $2,000.
If these prices seem steep, keep in mind that travel nurses receive a housing stipend that covers some if not all of the rental price. In addition, these figures often include Internet, parking and utilities so there are no additional or hidden fees to worry about.
Top Staffing Agencies and Nursing Specialties
AMN Healthcare (opens in new tab), Flexcare Medical Staffing (opens in new tab), Aya Healthcare (opens in new tab)and Cross Country TravCorps (opens in new tab)are the top medical staffing agencies in San Francisco. If you want to live and work as a travel nurse in San Francisco, be sure to reach out to these agencies first to get expert help finding the best positions at area hospitals.
The nursing specialties that are in the highest demand include:
Critical care
Emergency
Medical-surgical
Cardiac
Pediatric
Surgical
Maternal-child
Travel
Oncology
Radiology
Specializing in one of these areas can provide you will access to some of the best opportunities in the city.
Hospitals in San Francisco
UCSF Benioff Hospital
San Francisco VA Medical Center
Chinese Hospital
Living in San Francisco
If you hate traffic and love the outdoors, you will be right at home in San Francisco. The city is incredibly walkable. Whether you are heading to the gym, stopping by the grocery store or going out to eat, everything you could want or need is within walking distance. The hilly terrain also provides great views of the city and the bay. Residents spend their time relaxing, exercising and socializing in many of the city’s beautiful parks. The area is a great combination of architecture, trees and outdoor spaces.
Must-See Destinations in San Francisco
A visit to the Golden Gate Bridge (opens in new tab), Fisherman’s Wharf (opens in new tab)and Alcatraz (opens in new tab)should be at the top of your list, but there are plenty of other sites worth visiting. San Francisco is home to four Chinatowns, including one located on Grant Avenue, which is famous for being the biggest one outside of Asia. Be sure to visit on an empty stomach and spend some time tasting authentic and delicious Chinese food.
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (opens in new tab)is another notable landmark that is worth visiting. This museum has been a leader in popularizing modern art and showcases over 29,000 pieces. No matter what your interests, there is something for everyone in San Francisco.
#4 Los Angeles, California
As the second most populous city in America, it should come as no surprise that travel nurses are joining the crowds that want to live and work in Los Angeles. Over the past 12 months, there have been over 26,000 searches and inquiries for housing in LA. The good news is that while there are plenty of nurses searching for housing in the city, there are also plenty of properties that are located near public transportation and major hospitals.
Housing Availability
In LA, there are a total of 390 short term rentals available that come fully furnished, making them the perfect fit for travel nurses working on 12 week contracts. A total of 199 of those rentals allow you to rent an entire house or a private unit. For those who are traveling with a spouse or significant other or don’t want to deal with a roommate, it can be worth paying a little more to have total privacy.
If you don’t mind sharing the kitchen, living room and other spaces, then renting a room may be the best option. With 211 rooms for rent in LA, you are sure to find a location that meets all your needs and provides you with the perfect home away from home while you explore the city.
Cost of Housing in LA
The cost of living in LA is notoriously high, but housing stipends should help to offset these costs and allow you to find a property that fits your budget. If you are interested in renting a whole house, you can expect that the majority of properties will be priced at over $2,500 per month. About 29% of the market rents for between $2,000 and $2,500 while just 16% of available housing costs $1,500 to $2,000.
If those prices are too steep, you can opt for the more cost-effective option of renting a room. In this case, 54% of rooms rent for $1,000 to $1,500. A full 18% of rooms will cost you under $1,000. Keep in mind that the more money you are able to save on housing,
the more you will be able to spend on enjoying food and activities throughout the city.
Top Staffing Agencies and Nursing Specialties
In LA, the top medical staffing agencies are AMN Healthcare (opens in new tab), Aya Healthcare (opens in new tab), Cross Country TravCorps (opens in new tab)and Flexcare Medical Staffing (opens in new tab). If you have your heart set on working at a hospital in LA, these are the agencies you should be contacting. They have well-established relationships with top providers and understand the needs of nurses want to live in the city.
The top nurse specialties in LA include:
Critical care
Emergency
Medical-surgical
Pediatric
Cardiac
Maternal-child
Surgical
Travel
Telenursing
Neonatal
If you work in one of these areas, you will have a competitive advantage when it comes to landing a prime position.
Hospitals in Los Angeles
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Living in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a diverse melting pot of people from all over the world. You will encounter a rich cultural tapestry where you can sample delicious ethnic food and learn about different backgrounds without leaving the city. The biggest challenge of living in LA is getting around. The city is big and spread out, which means that you won’t be able to walk to work, restaurants and other amenities. You will have to get in the car to get just about anywhere and with 3 million other people on the road, things can get congested quickly.
You will need to be patient with traffic and take advantage of ride sharing services, scooters and other modes of transportation to help get around the city.
Must-See Attractions in LA
With so much to see and do in LA, you will want to prioritize your free time to make sure you can squeeze in as much as possible. For those who like roller coasters and rides, Universal Studios (opens in new tab)and Disneyland (opens in new tab)are close by. On days when you want something a little more relaxing, you can visit the Griffith Observatory (opens in new tab), which offers great views of the city, or see world class art at the Getty Museum (opens in new tab)and Los Angeles County Museum of Art (opens in new tab). Foodies will want to visit Grand Central Market (opens in new tab)and Chinatown to sample some unique delicacies. No matter what your interests, LA has plenty to offer.
#5 Boston Massachusetts
Boston is one of the few east coast cities to break the top ten list. The city is popular with travel nurses in part because of its high density of world-renowned universities and hospitals. From the Boston Medical Center (opens in new tab)and Massachusetts General Hospital (opens in new tab)to the Brigham and Women’s Hospital (opens in new tab), the area is packed with medical facilities that offer specialized care and are located right in the heart of the city. Boston provides excellent professional opportunities and the chance to get to know one of the country’s most beloved and historic cities.
Housing Availability
When it comes to short term rentals that cater to the needs of travel nurses, Boston offers plenty of options. You can enjoy high-quality housing that comes fully furnished so that you can hit the ground running once you arrive. There are 192 short term rentals available in the city. One hundred of those are whole house rentals or private units while 90 rentals are a shared space where you can rent a room. There are also two hotels in the city that offer long-term stays. If you want to have access to additional amenities and services, such as laundry and a concierge, a hotel may be the right option.
Cost of Living in Boston
As with any major metropolis, the cost of living in Boston can be expensive. If you have your heart set on a private unit, you can expect to pay over $2,500 per month. About 68.5% of the market is priced at $2,500 and above. Fortunately, there are more affordable options available. A total of 16.2% of short term rentals cost between $1,500 and $2,000 a month. With plenty of available housing, you will be able to find the right combination of pricing, location, privacy and amenities.
If you don’t mind sharing kitchen and living spaces with a roommate, you can save money on housing and still enjoy the privacy of your own room. The majority of rooms for rent in Boston cost between $1,000 to $1,500 and 11.7% of the market rents for less than $1,000.
While Boston can be an expensive city, there are housing options that will allow you to keep more of your paycheck and still enjoy high-quality and convenient rentals.
Top Staffing Agencies and Nursing Specialties
The top travel nurse staffing agencies in Boston include: AMN Healthcare (opens in new tab), Aya Healthcare (opens in new tab), Medical Solutions (opens in new tab)and Travel Nurse Across America (opens in new tab). All of these agencies have a history of negotiating contracts with area hospitals and can help nurses find ideal positions. If Boston is at the top of your wish list, these agencies can help.
The following nursing specialties are in the highest demand in Boston:
Critical care
Surgical
Emergency
Medical-surgical
Pediatric
Cardiac
Maternal-child
Neonatal
Radiology
Perioperative
Travel nurses play a vital role in filling staffing gaps in these areas.
Hospitals in Boston
Massachusetts General Hospital
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Living in Boston
Boston is home to over 600,000 residents (opens in new tab)and 4.59 million people who live in surrounding suburbs. Unlike other big cities, which can feel overwhelming and impersonal, Boston still feels small, welcoming and accessible. This can be attributed to the fact that the city is fairly compact and extremely walkable. Greenways and the Freedom Trail (opens in new tab)connect various parts of the city and make it easy to explore, commute to work and run errands. Walking is also the best way to take in all the historical sites and monuments that define the city.
Must-See Attractions in Boston
For history buffs, Boston is a mecca that is full of must-see sites that are tied to the birth of America. Boston Common (opens in new tab)was created in 1634, which makes it the oldest city park in the country. This destination provides a lush park and includes the Boston Massacre Memorial (opens in new tab)along with the Central Burying Ground (opens in new tab)where you can visit the graves of famous poets and artists who have helped shape American culture. To experience a more recent piece of American history, be sure to catch a game at the famous Fenway Park (opens in new tab). Whether you love the outdoors, trying out new restaurants, watching sports or learning about history, Boston offers something for everyone.
#6 Denver, Colorado
Denver is located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains and offers beautiful views along with more than 200 city parks and 14,000 acres of land around the city. The city was originally a mining town brought about by a gold rush. During its early days, it was the epitome of the wild west, but it has since grown into a more civilized city that is attracting thousands of new residents every year. The combination of natural beauty, world-class hospitals and big city amenities have helped make Denver a popular choice for travel nurses.
Housing Availability
While Denver is one of the fastest growing cities in the country, there are still plenty of housing options available. With a 408 short term, fully furnished rentals in the area, there is no shortage of affordable rentals. There are 197 rooms for rent in the area and 206 private units for those who don’t want a roommate. In addition, five hotels in the city offer long-term rentals. With a little research, you will be able to find convenient housing within your budget.
Cost of Living in Denver
Compared to other cities on this list, Denver is relatively affordable. About 35% of private or whole house rentals are priced between $1,500 to $2,000 with an additional 18.4% renting for $1,000 to $1,500. Renting a private room will cost less than $1,000 in most cases. Living and working in Denver will allow you to enjoy all the advantages of a big city without the exorbitant prices that come with other major US cities.
Top Staffing Agencies and Nursing Specialties
If you are interested in working as a travel nurse in Denver, Aya Healthcare (opens in new tab), AMN Healthcare (opens in new tab)and Aureus Medical Group (opens in new tab)are the top staffing agencies in the area. While other companies can also help you secure top positions, these agencies have the most experience and have already established strong relationships with area hospitals and healthcare facilities.
Those who work in the following specialities are in especially high demand in the Denver area:
Critical care
Medical-surgical
Surgical
Pediatric
Cardiac
Emergency
Travel
Perioperative
Maternal-child
Neonatal
Hospitals in Denver
Rose Medical Center
Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center
Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children
Living in Denver
Denver is one of the most beautiful areas in the country and offers an excellent quality of life. It is sunny for 300 days out of the year and the desert climate and mile-high elevation create brighter skies and excellent conditions for star-gazing. Residents spend most of their time outside enjoying the weather, scenery and local beer scene. The city has a booming economy and a relatively affordable cost of living, which makes it easy to see why so many people are moving to the area.
Must-See Attractions in Denver
If you are an adrenaline junkie, you can tackle some of the biggest white water rapids in the country or ski challenging mountain courses. For a more laid back experience, catch a show at the famous Red Rock Amphitheater (opens in new tab)or take a relaxing hike through the foothills. Denver is also home to four different professional sports teams (opens in new tab), so you can always catch a game throughout the year. There is plenty to do and you don’t have to spend a dime to experience some of the best of what Denver has to offer.
#7 San Jose, California
Over the past year, there have been just over 13,000 housing requests for short term furnished rentals in San Jose, helping to make it one of the most popular destinations for travel nurses. With plenty of hospitals that are nationally ranked (opens in new tab)in several specialties, San Jose provides plenty of great opportunities for nurses looking to build their resume. California is also the state with the largest nursing shortage (opens in new tab), which means that travel nurses are in high demand.
Housing Availability
One of the biggest challenges of working as a travel nurse is finding short term housing. Fortunately, there are plenty of fully furnished options in the San Jose area that specifically cater to travel nurses who need move-in ready spaces. San Jose has a total of 210 short term rentals available. While most of those properties are private rooms in a shared home, there are 57 options that offer a private unit.
Cost of Living in San Jose
Living in San Jose can be expensive. A total of 58.5% of the short term rental market rents for over $2,500. However, 15% of whole house rentals cost between $1,500 and $2,000, so there are more affordable options. The best way to save money on housing is to opt for a private room in a home. Most of these rooms rent for just $1,000 to $1,500 and provide a more cost-effective option that will allow you to save money and still enjoy all that San Jose has to offer.
Top Staffing Agencies and Nursing Specialties
The top staffing agencies in San Jose include: AMN Healthcare (opens in new tab), MedSource Travelers (opens in new tab), TotalMed Staffing (opens in new tab)and Flexcare Medical Staffing (opens in new tab).These agencies operate throughout the country and provide travel nurses with the support they need to find the perfect position in their choice of cities.
If you work in one of the following specialties, your skills and experience are in high demand in the San Jose area:
Critical care
Medical-surgical
Emergency
Cardiac
Maternal-child
Surgical
Obstetrical
Pediatric
Telenursing
Neonatal
Hospitals in San Jose need nurses to meet staffing deficits in these areas.
Hospitals in San Jose
Good Samaritan Hospital
Pediatric Associates - Camden Avenue
Crestwood Behavioral Health
Living in San Jose
San Jose was a relatively quiet city until the tech boom gave birth to Silicon Valley and made it the premiere area for innovation and technology. Today, the city has a reputation for being one of the best places to live and work. The residents are truly passionate about what they do and often spend their free time enjoying the beautiful weather. San Jose is also ranked as one of the safest and healthiest cities in the country. You really can’t go wrong with a stay in San Jose.
Must-See Attractions in San Jose
If you like murder mysteries or ghost stories, you have probably heard of the Winchester Mystery House (opens in new tab), which was owned by the family that made Winchester rifles. The house has a haunting story and is full of mysterious rooms and passageways. You can spend hours wandering the mansion and learning more about how the unique house came to be.
San Diego is also known for its loyal sports fans who love to come out and support their Sharks (opens in new tab). Even if you aren’t a huge hockey fan, the energy at the games is contagious. Finally, be sure to schedule a visit to one of the local wineries (opens in new tab)to enjoy the views and live music while you sip on some wine.
#8 Atlanta, Georgia
If Atlanta, Georgia, hasn’t been on your radar as a top choice for travel nursing, it should be. The local economy is thriving and the city is a unique mixture of Fortune 500 companies, thriving health services and creative media communities. In the past 12 months alone, there have been over 10,000 housing requests for short term rentals in the Atlanta area. That number is sure to increase as more people discover the advantages of this southern city.
Housing Availability
While Atlanta is growing quickly, the area has been able to keep up with increased housing demands. There are a total of 184 short term, fully furnished rentals available in the city. These properties cater directly to travel nurses who need temporary housing solutions.
A full 97 of the rentals are private or whole house options so that you won’t have to worry about sharing space during your stay. If you would prefer some company, 85 rentals are for rooms in a home. This more affordable option also allows you to meet other people and get some tips for navigating the city.
Cost of Living in Atlanta, Georgia
One of the main reasons Atlanta is attracting so many young people is the affordable cost of living. Renting a private unit is likely to cost between $1,500 and $2,000 a month while 19% of the market is priced at $1,000 to $1,500. About half of the rooms for rent in Atlanta cost under $1,000 and 42.2% cost between $1,000 to $1,500. The overall cost of living in Atlanta (opens in new tab)is below the national average and incredibly affordable compared to other big cities.
Top Staffing Agencies and Nursing Specialties
If you are interested in working as a travel nurse in Atlanta, you will want to get in contact with one of the area’s top staffing agencies, including: AMN Healthcare (opens in new tab), Medical Solutions (opens in new tab), Aya Healthcare (opens in new tab)and Randstad Healthcare (opens in new tab). All of these agencies have strong relationships with local hospitals and can help connect you with excellent professional opportunities.
In Atlanta, the following nursing specialties are in the highest demand and present the most opportunities for travel nurses:
Medical-surgical
Surgical
Critical care
Emergency
Cardiac
Perioperative
Travel
Oncology
Radiology
Maternal-child
Hospitals in Atlanta
Emory University Hospital
Hartford Hospital
Kennestone Hospital
Living in Atlanta
Atlanta has a vibrant music and film scene along with world-class restaurants, one of the largest aquariums in the world and beautiful weather for those who don’t enjoy long, cold winters. While the city is still working on becoming more pedestrian friendly, it is largely split into close knit neighborhoods, so most people stick close to home. The city is also full of young singles and home to one of the largest LGBT populations. Perhaps the one drawback is the traffic. You’ll want to find housing as close to the hospital as possible in order to avoid spending too much time on your daily commute.
Must-See Attractions
The Georgia Aquarium (opens in new tab)is an absolute must-see during your stay in Atlanta. You can see special exhibits and view tens of thousands of different animals, including four whale sharks and four beluga whales. Also, be sure to visit the MLK Jr. National Historic Site (opens in new tab)and learn more about this civil rights leader. Finally, don’t miss out on the chance to spend the day at the Centennial Olympic Park (opens in new tab), which hosted the 1996 games. The park provides a unique greenspace in the middle of the city and there is plenty to see and do while you are there.
#9 Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix is another city that is attracting more young people with the promise of beautiful weather and excellent professional opportunities. In the past 12 months, over 12,500 travel nurses have requested housing in the area and there have been almost 150,000+ searches for short term, fully furnished rentals. The city needs travel nurses to meet growing demands and more nurses are choosing Phoenix as one of their top cities to live and work.
Housing Availability
Fortunately, Phoenix has plenty of housing options to meet the needs of travel nurses who want to work in the city. Out of a total of 313 available rentals, 204 are whole house or private properties. There are 104 rooms for rent, and five hotels offer furnished housing that is perfect for travel nurses. With so many options, you can find the right combination of location and cost.
Cost of Housing in Phoenix, Arizona
If you are looking to rent a room, there is an abundance of affordable housing options on the market. Almost 78% of the market is priced at below $1,000. If you would like your own private housing, rent prices are still low. A full 35.5% of the houses cost $1,500 to $2,000 per month while 24.6% rent for $1,000 to $1,500. With a little searching, you can find a housing option that fits your budget and puts you within close proximity to work, amenities and entertainment options.
Top Staffing Agencies and Nursing Specialties
In Phoenix, Arizona, the top travel nurse staffing agencies include: Medical Solutions (opens in new tab), Aya Healthcare (opens in new tab), Flexcare Medical Staffing (opens in new tab)and Aureus Medical Group (opens in new tab). These agencies can work with you to get to know your goals and match you up with the right opportunities and healthcare facilities in the area.
The following nursing specialties are in high demand in Phoenix:
Critical care
Emergency
Medical-surgical
Pediatric
Cardiac
Surgical
Telenursing
Travel
Neonatal
Perioperative
Hospitals throughout the area need to fill positions in these specialties and are looking for help from travel nurses to address immediate needs.
Hospitals in Phoenix
Oasis Hospital
Mayo Clinic - Phoenix Hospital
Banner Boswell Medical Center
Living in Phoenix
Phoenix, Arizona, enjoys more sunny days than any other metropolitan city in the US. If you enjoy the outdoors, Phoenix is the perfect place for you. From urban greenspaces to state and national parks, there are plenty of opportunities to go hiking, mountain biking, golfing and spend your free time outside soaking up the sun. Overall, Phoenix residents like to stay active, which contributes to the excellent quality of living.
Must-See Attractions in Phoenix
It should come as no surprise that many of the must-see attractions in Phoenix involve getting outdoors and taking in nature. Start with the Desert Botanical Garden (opens in new tab)where you can learn more about the local flora. A hiking trip to Camelback Mountain (opens in new tab)should be on your list, but be prepared for a challenging climb that will be rewarded with excellent views.
Kayaking the Salt River (opens in new tab)is another way to enjoy the sights and get to know Tonto National Forest (opens in new tab).
Phoenix is also known for its local art and architecture. You can see world-class collections at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (opens in new tab)and the Heard Museum (opens in new tab)for American Indian art. Finally, be sure to book a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s (opens in new tab)famous Taliesin West (opens in new tab)home.
#10 Tacoma, Washington
In the past year, there have been 30,516 housing request in the Tacoma area and over 156,000 views of different properties. The city is located just south of Seattle along the Puget Sound and is ranked as one of the most livable and walkable cities in the country. While the Air Force is a large employer, there are also four major hospitals, which means a high demand for qualified nurses.
Housing Availability
Housing can be more expensive in nearby Seattle, but there are plenty of short term, fully furnished rentals available in Tacoma. There are a total of 533 listed and 313 of those are private units or whole houses. You will be able to afford to live on your own and enjoy the optimal privacy is that is your preference. One hotel in the area also caters to travel nurses and offers furnished accommodations.
Cost of Living in Tacoma
If you want a private unit, you can expect to pay between $1,500 and $2,000 per month. A total of 37.7% of houses fall in this price range. Just over 20% rent for $2,000 to $2,500 and about 12% cost $1,000 to $1,500. For those who don’t mind sharing space and want to save on rent, rooms in the area will cost $1,000 to $1,500, although a full 37,6% rent for under $1,000.
Top Staffing Agencies and Nursing Specialties
Aya Healthcare (opens in new tab), Travel Nurse Across America (opens in new tab), AMN Healthcare (opens in new tab)and Fusion Medical Staffing (opens in new tab)represent the top staffing agencies in Tacoma. They will be familiar with needs in the area and have a leg up on negotiating contracts with local hospitals, making them a great place to start if you are interested in working as a travel nurse in the area.
Currently, the top specialties include:
Critical care
Medical-surgical
Pediatric
Emergency
Cardiac
Travel
Surgical
Oncology
Neonatal
Telenursing
Experience in one of these areas could help you earn more and gain access to competitive positions.
Hospitals in Tacoma
Kaiser Permanente Tacoma Medical Center
Life Force Services
Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital
Living in Tacoma, Washington
Tacoma has a population of just over 213,000, which helps give it the feel of a small big city. The combination of the ocean and the mountains create a beautiful backdrop and locals love to get outdoors. There are over 50 parks located throughout the city and a waterfront the is perfect for walking and jogging. The city is also known for its vibrant arts scene that includes plenty of museums and public art pieces.
Must-See Attractions in Tacoma
You will probably end up spending quite a few days at Point Defiance Park (opens in new tab), which includes hiking trails and the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium (opens in new tab). To take a closer look at the art scene, be sure to visit the Museum of Glass (opens in new tab)and learn more about the area at the Washington State History Museum (opens in new tab). If you enjoy roller coasters and rides, the Wild Waves Theme & Water Park (opens in new tab)is nearby. Finally, be sure to schedule some time to visit nearby Seattle and Portland.
Finding the Right City for Your Travel Nurse Assignment
While the cities listed above are the 10 most popular cities for travel nurses, there are really no limits to where you can live and work. If you prefer small cities or want to work at a specific hospital, there are short term, fully furnished rentals in the area that can meet your needs. Deciding on the right city for your next assignment depends on where you want to travel, what kinds of professional development opportunities you are looking for and where there are open positions. Contacting staffing agencies and doing your own research can help you find the perfect fit.