Travel nursing is a fantastic opportunity to see the country, from popular tourist destinations to hidden gems. But which locations do TRS Healthcare travelers love most? Here are the must-see travel nursing destinations recommended by traveling nurses on assignment with TRS Healthcare!
Some nurses choose locations based on pay. Others might look for facilities with the highest demand for their specialties. But Henry Bariteau, RN, prefers to seek out locations for the sake of experiencing the city itself.
Henry, who has been to Albuquerque three times and loves the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, says, “For me, [choosing assignments] is all about where I want to go and what I want to see.” As a photographer, Henry always brings his camera to events like this.
The mid-sized city of Chico is a cultural hub in the northern Sacramento Valley of California, offering beautiful woodland areas, pleasant weather, and great job opportunities for travel nurses.
“I loved Chico for the weather, for the people—it was beautiful,” says Lesly Chittavong, RN, who enjoyed living and working amid the area’s natural beauty. “I was there for quite some time.”
Sometimes, small communities in remote locations make for the best travel nursing experiences. According to Angela Jedlicka, RN, this is true of Chinle, Arizona. “It’s very rocky and rustic. It’s just beautiful. My backyard [was] the Canyon de Chelley.”
Beyond the landscapes, she also was impressed by the local culture and the professional opportunities she experienced.
“Working in Chinle has been one of the most rewarding professional experiences I’ve ever had. The patients are so thankful and appreciative to have any kind of care,” she adds.
Located just outside of Navajo Nation, Gallup has a strong connection to the indigenous culture of New Mexico. Being able to serve this community is why Susan Cavanagh, RN, loved working in Gallup.
“Some people didn’t want to come to the facility because they didn’t trust the care they would receive, so when folks would sit down and talk with me—open up to me—I felt so privileged,” she says of the incredible experience.
For Lee Ann Gray-Moore, RN, retail opportunities can make a big difference in a travel nursing assignment. This was one of the reasons why Lawrenceville was her favorite location.
“My favorite was Lawrenceville because, [for] one thing, the Mall of Georgia is there, so it’s like shopping ‘til you die!” she says.
Lee Ann also praised the local community and its hospitality. “I met some of the most amazing people, and we’re friends right now.”
Home of the Louisville Slugger, the Kentucky Derby, and some of the best cuisine in the South, Louisville is a frequent favorite among TRS Healthcare travelers, including Tammy Surrency, RN.
For Tammy, working as a travel nurse in Louisville was an easy and enjoyable experience—particularly since her housing was within five minutes of the hospital.
When asked what she loved most about the experience, she says, “It’s the people, [and] it’s the facility.”
With its great weather, beautiful beaches, and famous boardwalk, it’s no surprise that Myrtle Beach is a top travel destination for nurses who want to feel like they’re also on vacation while working a travel assignment.
“We lived less than a mile from the beach and loved to just walk there and go on runs in the morning,” says Katy Phenicie, RN. “We also just had a really solid group of friends that surrounded us.”
Located in the southwest corner of Idaho, Pocatello is a small, historic city with close ties to the Oregon Trail. It’s also known for its stunning mountain and forest views, which is one of the big reasons why the city made Emily Pike, CST’s list of favorite travel destinations.
“My best [assignment] was in Pocatello, Idaho,” she says. “Idaho is absolutely gorgeous.”
Rich culture, new experiences, and friendly people all make New Mexico’s capital city one of the best places for travel nurses to visit—and Kassie Anderson, RN, can certainly speak to that.
“[Santa Fe] was my very favorite assignment because of the type of people that were there and the different experiences and culture. They were very appreciative, kind, generous people,” she says.
After immersing herself in local culture and exploring the sights of the city, Majeedah Ahmad, RN found that Winchester had become her favorite travel nursing destination.
“Winchester was absolutely great,” she says. “I lived right in the downtown area, which was about five minutes away from the hospital and was super cute. Every year, they have the Apple Blossom Festival, and I got to experience [it] for the first time while I was on contract.”
Are you looking for your next travel nursing assignment? TRS Healthcare has a variety of travel jobs across the country, and we can help you find your new favorite destination. Browse our current jobs or apply with us now!
