By The Gypsy Nurse

September 2, 2025

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Which Fourth Wing Quadrant Matches Your Specialty?

Rebecca Yarros’ Fourth Wing takes readers into the captivating world of Basgiath War College, an elite military university located within the majestic mountains of Navarre, where students are sorted into four distinct quadrants: Infantry, Healers, Scribes, and Riders. Each quadrant embodies unique traits, skills, and responsibilities – and just like in Basgiath, your role in healthcare might reveal which Fourth Wing quadrant you’d belong to. Read on to discover which quadrant your RN or Allied specialty matches, and if you have what it takes to conquer a dragon.

Fourth Wing Quadrant Infantry: The Frontline Warriors

The Infantry Quadrant is for those who thrive in high-stakes environments, leading the charge and confronting challenges head-on. They are fearless, decisive, and quick on their feet. These individuals excel under pressure and take pride in their ability to respond swiftly and effectively in unpredictable situations.

Specialty Match: ER RNs, ICU RNs, and Step-Down RNs

  • Why Infantry? As an ER or ICU nurse, you’re constantly facing emergencies and making split-second decisions to save lives. Step-down nurses provide critical care for patients transitioning from ICU-level support, balancing acute needs with a step toward recovery.
  • Key Traits: Courage, resilience, and adaptability.
  • Why You’d Belong: Like Infantry members, you’re at the frontline of healthcare, handling intense situations with poise and determination. Your ability to think on your feet and stay calm under pressure ensures the best outcomes for patients when it matters most.

Fourth Wing Quadrant Healers: The Compassionate Caregivers

The healer quadrant is home to those dedicated to nurturing others back to health. They possess empathy, patience, and an innate ability to bring comfort. These are the individuals who focus on the holistic well-being of their patients, addressing not only physical recovery but also emotional and mental health.

Specialty Match: Medical-Surgical RNs, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Respiratory Therapists

  • Why Healer? Med-Surg nurses provide essential care for recovering patients, monitoring and managing their progress. Physical and Occupational Therapists help patients regain mobility and independence, empowering them to return to daily life. Respiratory Therapists are critical in ensuring patients can breathe easier, whether they’re recovering from illness or managing chronic conditions.
  • Key Traits: Compassion, dedication, and a holistic approach.
  • Why You’d Belong: Like Basgiath’s Healers, you’re the heart of patient recovery, blending skill and empathy to create lasting impacts. Your ability to connect with patients on a deeper level fosters trust and makes you a cornerstone of their healthcare journey.

Fourth Wing Quadrant Scribes: The Knowledge Keepers

Scribes are meticulous, detail-oriented, and thrive on knowledge and precision. They ensure that vital information is preserved and shared accurately. In healthcare, these individuals are the backbone of diagnostics and procedural success, ensuring every detail is accounted for.

Specialty Match: Echo Techs, Cath Lab Techs, and OR RNs

  • Why Scribes? Echo Techs and Cath Lab Techs gather and interpret critical diagnostic data that guides patient care and treatment decisions. OR nurses are the epitome of precision, ensuring surgical procedures are executed flawlessly while maintaining a safe and sterile environment.
  • Key Traits: Precision, organization, and analytical thinking.
  • Why You’d Belong: Scribes play a crucial role behind the scenes, ensuring every piece of information contributes to the bigger picture – just like you do in your specialty. Your commitment to accuracy and thoroughness ensures that every patient receives the best care possible, often without the spotlight on you.

Fourth Wing Quadrant Riders: The Visionary Adventurers

Dragon Riders are the daring, visionary leaders of Basgiath. They’re bold, ambitious, and thrive on challenges that others might shy away from. These individuals are always seeking the next big adventure, breaking barriers, and redefining what’s possible.

Specialty Match: Travel Nurses and Allied Health Professionals

  • Why Riders? Travel RNs and Allied Health Professionals embody the spirit of Dragon Riders by taking assignments in new locations, stepping out of their comfort zones, and embracing the unknown, whether you’re navigating a new hospital system or exploring a new city, your adaptability and resourcefulness shine.
  • Key Traits: Adventurous, resourceful, and independent.
  • Why You’d Belong: Like Dragon Riders, you’re always chasing the next great opportunity and conquering uncharted territories. Your fearless approach to both career and life allows you to thrive in diverse settings and make a difference wherever you go. You bring a unique energy and perspective to the healthcare field, inspiring others to take bold steps of their own.

Just like the characters in Fourth Wing, your specialty reflects your unique strengths and qualities. Are you ready to become a Dragon Rider and start your next adventure? Apply today and take the first step toward an exciting new chapter in your healthcare career.

Did you love Fourth Wing? Are you still recovering after reading Onyx Storm

By AMN Healthcare

June 6, 2025

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Top-Paying States for ER Travel Nurses

Looking for your next travel assignment as an ER nurse? While passion drives much of what you do, competitive pay is a major factor when choosing where to go next. Fortunately, travel nursing offers the unique opportunity to explore new destinations while earning excellent compensation.

This guide breaks down the highest-paying states for ER travel nurses, key factors that influence pay, and tips to help you make the most of each assignment.

er travel nurse

Why Are ER Travel Nurses in High Demand?

Emergency departments nationwide are dealing with consistent staffing shortages, seasonal spikes, and increased patient loads. As a result, hospitals frequently rely on experienced ER travel nurses to fill critical gaps—especially those who thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.

What Affects an ER Travel Nurse’s Pay?

Several factors influence travel nurse compensation, including:

  • Demand: High patient volumes and staffing shortages often lead to better pay.
  • Cost of Living: Higher wages are common in states or cities with higher living costs.
  • Certifications: Specialized credentials like TNCC, ACLS, and ENPC can boost earning potential.
  • Location Attractiveness: Some areas offer more to entice nurses to rural or underserved regions.

The Best-Paying States for ER Travel Nurses

California
Average Weekly Pay: $3,000–$4,500
Strict nurse-to-patient ratios and high demand make California a consistent leader in pay. Cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego offer generous compensation and housing stipends. The cost of living is high, but with proper budgeting, nurses can make the most of the financial opportunity.

New York
Average Weekly Pay: $2,800–$4,200
From Manhattan to upstate hospitals, New York offers a range of settings and high earning potential. Seasonal staffing needs, especially during winter, drive pay up. Housing costs in the city can be steep, but stipends and nearby boroughs provide affordable options.

Texas
Average Weekly Pay: $2,500–$3,800
Texas offers a strong healthcare system and no state income tax, making it a great option for maximizing take-home pay. Metro areas like Houston, Dallas, and Austin are hot spots for ER travel nurse contracts. Rural assignments can also be lucrative for those open to varied locations.

Massachusetts
Average Weekly Pay: $2,700–$3,800
Massachusetts is known for top-tier hospitals and academic medical centers. Boston consistently ranks high for ER travel nurse opportunities. Cold winters can be tough, but the professional growth is well worth it.

Oregon
Average Weekly Pay: $2,500–$3,700
Oregon’s growing healthcare needs and efforts to staff rural areas result in competitive pay. Portland offers city life perks, while more remote assignments may include added stipends and bonuses.

Iowa
Average Weekly Pay: $2,200–$3,400
In Iowa, ER travel nurses can earn solid pay, especially in smaller towns and rural areas. The lower cost of living helps your paycheck go further, and the state’s scenic landscapes and friendly communities make it a rewarding place to live and work.

Illinois
Average Weekly Pay: $2,400–$3,500
Illinois offers a mix of big-city excitement in Chicago and quiet charm in smaller towns. Demand for skilled nurses is steady across the state, with higher pay offered in fast-paced urban hospitals.

How to Maximize Your ER Travel Nurse Pay

Even in top-paying states, there are strategies to boost your income:

  • Take Advantage of Overtime: Many contracts include premium pay for extra hours.
  • Expand Your Credentials: Earning certifications like TNCC, ENPC, and PALS can open doors to higher-paying jobs.
  • Negotiate Your Perks: Don’t forget housing, travel reimbursements, and meal stipends during contract talks.
  • Work with the Right Agency: A trusted staffing partner can help you find high-paying roles and secure great benefits.

Build a Career That Pays—Financially and Personally

Choosing assignments in the highest-paying states is a great step toward achieving both career and financial goals. But beyond pay, it’s important to consider what aligns best with your personal values, work style, and lifestyle preferences.

Whether you’re drawn to California’s coastline, the nonstop energy of New York, or Oregon’s outdoor escapes, there’s a high-paying ER travel assignment out there that’s right for you.

Ready to Find Your Next Assignment?

Explore travel nursing opportunities with AMN Healthcare. With a nationwide network and customizable contracts, we make it easy to take the next step in your travel nursing career, with confidence and support every step of the way.

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

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Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.