July 31, 2025

2010 Views

Which States Pay Telemetry Travel Nurses the Most?

Posted on July 31, 2025July 24, 2025 by AMN Healthcare

Telemetry nursing has emerged as one of the most financially rewarding specializations in healthcare. These skilled professionals monitor patients with complex cardiac and respiratory conditions using advanced medical equipment, making their expertise invaluable to hospitals nationwide.

The combination of specialized training requirements, high-stress environments, and critical patient care responsibilities has created strong demand for telemetry nurses. This demand, amplified by an aging population and post-pandemic staffing challenges, has driven compensation rates to impressive levels across the United States.

For travel nurses considering telemetry as their specialty, understanding which states offer the highest pay rates can significantly impact both career trajectory and financial goals. The variation in compensation reflects factors like cost of living, staffing shortages, and regional healthcare demands.

What Makes Telemetry Nursing So Valuable?

Telemetry nurses require specialized skills that set them apart from general nursing roles. They must interpret electrocardiograms (EKGs), operate sophisticated monitoring equipment, and make rapid decisions in high-pressure situations where patient lives hang in the balance.

These nurses work with patients who have recently experienced heart attacks, undergone major surgeries, or require continuous surveillance to prevent health deterioration. The technical expertise required includes understanding complex cardiac rhythms, recognizing dangerous patterns, and responding immediately to changes in patient status.

The specialization demands additional training beyond basic nursing education, creating a smaller pool of qualified candidates. This scarcity, combined with increasing chronic health conditions and an aging baby boomer population, has created a supply-demand imbalance that benefits telemetry nurses financially.

Top States for Telemetry Travel Nurse Compensation

California: Leading the Pack

California consistently offers the highest compensation for telemetry travel nurses, with weekly rates ranging from $1,836 to $2,997. Major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego drive these premium rates.

The state’s mandated nurse-to-patient ratios create constant demand for experienced professionals. California’s high cost of living necessitates competitive salaries to attract qualified nurses, making it an attractive destination despite housing expenses.

Hawaii: Paradise with Premium Pay

Hawaii offers telemetry travel nurses weekly rates between $1,569 and $1,759, often supplemented by housing stipends and relocation assistance. The state’s geographical isolation creates unique staffing challenges.

Maintaining a steady pool of qualified nurses proves difficult when surrounded by thousands of miles of ocean. Healthcare facilities compensate by offering attractive packages that make relocating from the mainland financially worthwhile.

New York: Urban Opportunities

New York provides weekly wages ranging from $1,909 to $2,656 for telemetry travel nurses. Cities like New York City, Buffalo, and Albany offer diverse opportunities in both teaching hospitals and community medical centers.

The state’s extensive healthcare infrastructure and high patient volume create consistent demand. Urban hospitals operate in fast-paced environments where telemetry expertise becomes essential for patient outcomes.

Massachusetts: Healthcare Hub Premium

Massachusetts offers weekly compensation between $1,737 and $3,473 for telemetry travel nurses. The state’s reputation as a healthcare and research center drives competitive compensation packages.

Boston’s concentration of teaching hospitals and research facilities creates demand for top-tier nursing talent. These institutions often compete for experienced telemetry professionals, driving wages upward.

Texas: Growing Demand

Texas provides competitive weekly rates from $1,462 to $1,611 in major cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin for travel telemetry nurses. The state’s rapid population growth and increasing prevalence of chronic conditions fuel demand.

Texas offers diverse opportunities, from large urban medical centers to smaller rural facilities. This variety allows telemetry nurses to choose environments that match their preferences while earning competitive wages.

Nevada: Entertainment Capital Needs

Nevada has emerged as a hotspot for telemetry travel nurses, with weekly pay rates between $1,459 and $1,635. Las Vegas healthcare systems particularly drive this demand.

The state’s expansion as a tourist and entertainment destination has strained healthcare resources. Combined with a growing resident population, this creates opportunities for travel nurses seeking competitive compensation.

Washington: Pacific Northwest Premium

Washington State offers telemetry travel nurses weekly rates from $1,656 to $2,213, particularly in Seattle and Tacoma. The state’s tech-driven economy and progressive healthcare policies support high nursing salaries.

Washington’s growing population and advanced medical facilities create consistent demand for specialized nursing skills. The state’s commitment to healthcare quality translates into competitive compensation packages.

Key Factors Affecting Telemetry Nurse Salaries

Cost of Living Considerations

States offering the highest wages often have correspondingly high living costs. California and New York provide premium salaries, but housing, transportation, and daily expenses can offset income gains. Travel nurses should calculate net income after factoring in local expenses.

Geographic Demand Variations

Rural areas experiencing staffing shortages may offer higher pay to attract specialized nurses willing to relocate. Conversely, urban hospitals with heavy patient loads also provide competitive wages to meet demand. Understanding regional healthcare needs helps identify optimal opportunities.

Contract Structure Benefits

Travel nursing contracts often include housing stipends, completion bonuses, and other perks beyond base pay. Short-term assignments in states with acute staffing needs can particularly boost overall compensation packages.

Seasonal Fluctuations

Some states experience seasonal demand variations affecting compensation. Winter months may see increased need in certain regions, while tourist destinations might require additional staffing during peak seasons.

Maximizing Your Telemetry Travel Nursing Earnings

Research potential assignments thoroughly, considering both base pay and additional benefits. Factor in cost of living, housing arrangements, and contract duration when evaluating opportunities.

Maintain current certifications and consider additional specializations that increase marketability. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and other relevant certifications often command premium rates.

Build relationships with reputable travel nursing agencies that understand telemetry specialization requirements. Experienced recruiters can identify high-paying opportunities and negotiate favorable contract terms.

Launching Your High-Paying Telemetry Career

Telemetry travel nursing offers exceptional financial opportunities for qualified professionals willing to embrace new environments and challenges. The states highlighted represent current market leaders, but opportunities exist nationwide as healthcare systems adapt to evolving patient needs.

Success in this specialty requires technical competence, adaptability, and commitment to patient care excellence. For nurses possessing these qualities, telemetry travel nursing provides both financial rewards and professional fulfillment.

Whether seeking permanent placement in a high-paying state or exploring diverse locations through travel assignments, telemetry nursing offers unparalleled career growth potential. The investment in specialized training and certification pays dividends through premium compensation and job security in an essential healthcare specialty.

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.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

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.

By Amber Kendra

July 30, 2025

7978 Views

Things to Never Leave Home Without When Traveling With a Dog.

Posted on July 30, 2025July 30, 2025 by Amber Kendra

Hi friends! Amber from @shesoutwandering here with Zoe, Myla, and Enalina from @lovedogs_traveloften. Traveling around the country with pups isn’t always easy, but it is always worth it! Bringing along necessary items to keep them safe and make the transition easier is a must. I personally keep an overnight bag packed at all times with the items listed below (and a few others). This is “their” bag, and whenever I put it in the car, they know that we are moving and that they are coming too. I want them to be just as excited as I am about the change, and creating a positive experience is a priority.

Important Items:

Vaccination paperwork, medication/food prescriptions, copies of certifications, microchip identification, and ownership registration. Any paperwork that you feel would be important in an emergency. It’s also a good idea to bring a printed up-to-date photo that shows a clear image of your pet along with any markings that may identify him/her in case of emergency. Keep copies of these items in a folder in the dog’s overnight bag.

Insurance Forms-

This could be included under important items; however, it is so important I felt that it needed its own description. Pet insurance is the absolute best thing I have ever done for my girls. While on assignment in Asheville, NC, my oldest Bernese Mountain Dog became very ill, and I had to rush her to a nearby emergency clinic.

The fabulous team saw her promptly. She was admitted to the intensive care unit and kept overnight. She was treated for hemorrhagic gastroenteritis of an unknown cause. The emergency care cost was greater than $5,000, and because of my pet insurance coverage, I was only responsible for 10% of the total amount (less the deductible). I would have personally done whatever I needed to afford the care she deserved; however, pet insurance greatly helped reduce some of the stress during an already stressful situation. She will be 9 years old on April 1st.

A Security Camera:

a WiFi-enabled security camera that can be accessed from an app on your phone. A recording feature is also important. The camera can be easily set up on arrival and used to check in on your four-legged family member. It’s a great resource when answering the famous question, “What does your pet do while you are working.” I personally have recorded footage of exactly what is happening in their new space, and the answer is usually sleeping. Some systems even allow you to receive notifications when movement is sensed so that you can quickly check in on the situation. The camera provides a sense of safety and security for both of you while on the road.

Calming music-

Did you know they make therapeutic music specifically for helping pets to relax? It’s fantastic and a must in my opinion when on the road. I play songs anytime I leave home to help my family members remain calm. If it’s a long car ride, I will use the playlist until they fall asleep. If I leave for work the first few nights, I find the calming music helpful in my absence.

A six-foot lead and an extra collar-

Another learning curve. I was in a major city when Zoe’s collar broke, and she began trotting down the sidewalk along the busy street. Fortunately, she has a fantastic recall, but this unexpected event could have turned tragic. I had another collar in the overnight bag, and we were able to continue our day unscathed. I specify a 6-foot leash because it is the recommended length for owners to maintain safe control while allowing their pups to explore. Longer leads (especially retractable) can cause injury to both the pet and owner and place pets in harmful situations.

A Toy-

Bring along your dog’s “favorite” toy. This may seem like common sense, but designating one toy that your dog enjoys the most to always be present during travel and relocation will help them to associate their new space with home. When we arrive at a new place, I do two things: I unpack their favorite toy, and I give them a new toy as a surprise. Every time we get to a new location, they know that their “favorite” toy will be there, and they will be rewarded for coming to a new space.

And finally… your DOG-

It’s important to work hard to train your dog to a level of obedience that is respectful for others when in public so that all humans and animals can enjoy the day together. I have made a conscious effort to spend my time outside of work with them as much as possible by seeking out pet-friendly restaurants, shopping, parks, and hiking trails. The more I travel with my pups, the more I realize that at the end of the day, they don’t really care what we are doing, just that we are together. The above tips will help keep your pet safe and comfortable, but, ultimately the time you spend with them is what matters most.

We hope you found this list of items to always bring when traveling with a dog helpful. Did we leave any items off that you think are important or helpful? Comment those items below. Have pictures of yourself and your dog or pet on assignment? Tag us on our Instagram with the hashtag #gypsynurseadventures. We love to see all your adventures and adorable animals!

Finished the travel nursing guide and are ready to look for an assignment?

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

By Grace Hawkins

July 29, 2025

7886 Views

7 Ideas To Make Your Day Off Fun As Travel Nurse

Posted on July 29, 2025July 29, 2025 by Grace Hawkins

Hectic life and little rest might predispose you to long-term health issues, ranging from physical symptoms to mental health disorders. If you’re a travel nurse who works for almost the entire day, it’s essential to work on self-care. Therefore, on your day-offs, you must make the most through adequate self-care and rejuvenation.

Try to follow a calm and relaxing routine that helps uplift your mood. That way, you can recharge your body and come back better on the assignment days. If you do not know where to start, here are seven ideas to make your day off fun and to relax.

1. Plan A Small Trip for Your Day Off

Almost every travel nurse has to keep moving from one corner of the city to another due to emergencies. It can leave you all-drained and induce mental burnouts up to a great extent. You can keep the mental issues at bay with frequent travel getaways. Also, the quick trip is likely to uplift your mood, reduce stress, and keep you away from the mundane routine.

In case you like art, you can always explore the art museums and art galleries for artists near you. This will help you stay creative and will definitely going to relax your mind.

2. Try To Rethink Your Daily Diet

Do you tend to compromise on your own nutritional needs due to the busy schedule and emergencies while on call? As a travel nurse, you must focus on your diet and regimen. While consuming a nutritious diet at work can be difficult, you can constantly replenish the nutrient reservoir on holidays.

Incorporate a well-balanced meal rich in essential nutrients like proteins, carbs, as well as fats. Along with this, you can prepare your healthy meals and take them along to work. Some nutritious lunch options to try are chicken salad, veggies, and dips, as well as avocado sandwiches. You can infuse the meals with some CBD tinctures to increase the potential health benefits.

3. Give Your Skin A Quick Prep

Another common issue prevalent amongst travel nurses is skin breakouts and blemishes. While traveling, you might get exposed to many environmental pathogens and dust particles. Take at least a day off to rejuvenate and improve your skin quality. You can follow a 3-step skincare regime for this purpose.

Along with this, the DIY face mask recipes containing kratom extracts might control acne issues. The herbal extracts contain mitragynine that can prevent skin inflammation and possible breakouts.

4. Overcome The Lack Of Sleep

Functioning in a sleep-deprived state can keep your body on alert mode and increase stress levels. Hence, it’s crucial to replenish the sleep deprivation and get proper sleep on the off-days. Try to get over the lack of sleep through a good sleep environment and herbal sleep aids.

Also, keep the room dark, cool, and well-ventilated to avoid possible mental health issues. Aim for at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep and use herbal sleep aids like chamomile or valerian. Not only will it reduce sleep-related lethargy, but it also allows you to unwind and relax in between work shifts.

5. Get Out & Move For A While

Don’t end up spending your day off under your cozy blankets with a hot cup of coffee. You must get out and do some physical activity to keep your body in the right shape. Hectic working shifts and constant traveling can affect your physical health.

Also, it may lead to excessive accumulation of fats and cause weight gain. Try to take out at least 30 minutes on the days off and do some aerobic exercises. You may head out for a quick run or do a few squats in the comfort of your home.

6. Make Time For Your Hobbies

After you begin your professional life as a travel nurse, you may not find enough time to pursue your hobbies. But, you can always bring the creative entity out on the holidays or your day off. Try to do at least one activity that soothes your mind and rejuvenates your body. It could be anything, ranging from painting to sketching or even gardening.

Hobbies help you unwind, relax, and take your mind off the constant work-related thoughts. Not to forget, it can be the much-needed therapy after days of emergencies and hectic nursing schedules.

7. Plan A Meal With Your Loved Ones

As a social being, you must take out some time for your family and close friends. You can plan a getaway with your parents or head out to explore that new cafe with your friends. Also, try to mingle with friends outside your work as well.

That way, you get to keep your mind off the work incidences and possible stressors. It’s essential to spend time with your colleagues as well as your good-old buddies. On your day off, you can plan a movie or house party and spend some quality time with your loved ones.

The Takeaway

Travel nurses are always on the move during patient care or while traveling to the workplace. For all the travel nurses, frequent breaks are essential to unwind and relax after long hours of emergency duties. Take out at least one day off for your mental and physical well-being. You can spend the day watching your favorite shows or overcome sleep deprivation. Also, plan a day out with your friends to relax and get your mind off the work stress.

We hope you found these tips for things to do on your day off as a travel nurse helpful. Have you found things to do on your day off that you would like to share? Comment them below.

Are you looking for your next assignment? Click here to view our job board. If you need to find housing for your assignment click here to view our housing page.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By Alex McCoy

July 26, 2025

2550 Views

Can You Work as a Travel Nurse Without a Home Base?

Posted on July 26, 2025June 24, 2025 by Alex McCoy

If you are considering getting into travel nursing, one of the first terms you might read about is a “tax home”. This term can be a bit confusing, but it is an important thing to understand in order to make sure you are being correctly taxed on your earnings and honestly reporting your “home” to your travel nursing company.

What is a “Tax Home” in travel nursing?

In the most simple terms, a tax home is a location where you pay to reside, pay taxes, and keep all of your belongings and licenses registered.

Can I pay any amount of rent to friends or family and claim it as my tax home?

No! One key piece of maintaining a tax home is paying fair market value for whatever space is yours. This can be a mortgage or rent, but you cannot underpay, and you need to have a receipt for all payments in case you are audited.

So, what is the point of having a tax home?

Having a tax home allows travel nurses to collect tax-free stipends while on contract. These stipends are meant to pay for the cost of “duplicating expenses”. This means that if you are not duplicating housing costs, you do not qualify for tax-free stipends.

Is it really worth it to pay for housing I won’t be living in most of the time?

The answer here is–it depends! For some people, it may be worth it to maintain a tax home. For others, you may want to consider working as an itinerant worker instead. Let’s break down some of the differences between both options and why one may work better for you.

Itinerant workers do not claim a tax home. Instead, they take all pay packages at a fully taxed rate. At first, this may seem like a deal breaker for travel nurses, but for some, it might actually make sense.

If your established home is a place where the cost of living is extremely high, it might be worth it to simply forgo paying rent or a mortgage on a tax home. This is especially true if you don’t have a way to rent from a friend or family member in an area that has a high cost of living.

However, if you do plan to return home regularly and will need a place to stay, it might be worth it from a personal standpoint to have a place to land from time to time. Keep in mind, most travel nurses also keep some amount of stuff in storage, so regardless of your friends and family situation, you will likely have somewhere that your stuff will land.

Claiming itinerant status may also be worth it if you own a home and plan to rent the entire home out while on assignments. You cannot claim your home as your tax home if you are renting it! If you want to use your home address and claim tax-free money, you will need to keep a space in the house that is designated as “yours”.

Basically, you would need to be more like occasional roommates with whoever is renting the home you own. Once again, this may work if you have friends or family members who want to rent a portion of your home while you are gone, but it might be trickier to find someone you don’t know who can be trusted with your home while you are away for long stretches of time.

If you think working as an itinerant worker might be right for you, it would be worthwhile to speak to a recruiter about what a pay package and taxes would look like for tax-free vs itinerant for a couple of jobs. Then, you can decide if the money you are saving by not paying for a tax home is worth it compared to the higher amount of taxes you will be saving.

As always, we highly recommend you talk to a tax professional as well when making these decisions. TravelTax.com is a great resource for specific tax-related questions.

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.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

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.

By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

July 24, 2025

1238 Views

6 Signs You’re Ready to Be a Travel Nurse

Posted on July 24, 2025July 21, 2025 by TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

Travel nursing is more than just a career choice—it’s a chance to break out of routine, see new places, and expand your clinical skills. Whether you’re feeling stuck in your current role or just daydreaming about new adventures, travel nursing might be the answer you are looking for.

But how do you know if you’re ready to take your career on the road and become a travel nurse? There’s a lot to consider—but you’re not in it alone.

Here are six signs travel nursing might be the perfect next step for you.

6 Signs You’re Ready to Be a Travel Nurse:

1. You Crave More Flexibility in Your Life and Career

Flexibility is one of the biggest reasons nurses start traveling. Maybe you want a better work-life balance. Perhaps you’re looking to travel more between assignments, or maybe you want the freedom to choose when (and where!) you work. If that kind of freedom sounds exciting, you’re already thinking like a traveler.

2. You Love Exploring New Places and Embrace Change

One of the biggest perks to being a travel nurse is the travel aspect of this lifestyle. Getting to discover new places, meet new people, and check off your travel bucket list (while getting paid!) is what keeps many travelers going assignment after assignment. If the same routine has got you feeling antsy, it just might be time to embrace your wanderlust via the travel nurse lifestyle.

3. You’re Adaptable and Quick to Build Rapport

Every new assignment means walking into a new facility—and yes, sometimes figuring things out on the fly. Being adaptable, friendly, and able to build trust with new coworkers quickly is a superpower in this career path. If you’re someone who can thrive in new environments, you’re a great fit for travel life.

4. You Have at Least One Year of Experience—and You’re Confident in Your Clinical Skills

Most travel nursing jobs require at least one year of recent experience in your specialty. Why? Because facilities count on travelers to hit the ground running. If you’ve got that experience under your belt and feel confident making clinical decisions, advocating for patients, and staying cool in unfamiliar situations, you’re ready to pack your bags.

5. You’re Open to Learning—and Asking for Help When You Need It

Even seasoned travelers hit the occasional speed bump. What sets successful ones apart is being teachable, resourceful, and proactive about asking questions. If you’re someone who knows how to lean on your recruiter, coworkers, or facility staff when needed, you’re already thinking like a travel nurse.

6. You’re Motivated by New Experiences, Growth, or Financial Goals

Everyone has their “why”—whether it’s reaching financial goals, gaining experience in different facilities and clinical settings, or just living life to the fullest. If you’ve got a strong internal motivation and a sense that you’re ready for something new, travel nursing can be a powerful next step.

Tips for Success

Find a Travel Nurse Mentor

Starting something new is always easier with someone who’s been there—espeically if that someone is a travel nurse mentor. Having a mentor can help you navigate your first assignment, avoid common mistakes, and feel more confident every step of the way.

If you’re looking for a mentor who gets it and is ready to help you succeed, book a complimentary mentorship session with Brandy Pinkerton of Travel Nurses 101. As a seasoned travel nurse and award-winning travel nurse mentor, Brandy knows exactly what it takes to be a successful travel nurse.

Learn More With TNAA

If you are still unsure if travel nursing is the right career move for you, it’s important to get as much information as possible to help you make the right decision. Fortunately, TNAA has teamed up with Brandy Pinkerton to offer a free webinar for those exploring a travel nurse career:

Healthcare Travel 101: Are You Ready to Become a Healthcare Traveler?

We’re covering what it means to be a traveler, how to get started, and answering the most frequently asked questions new travelers have. It’s a free, low-pressure way to explore whether this lifestyle is right for you. It’s all happening on Wednesday, July 30 at 2 p.m. ET—sign up today!

Get Ready for Adventure

Travel nursing may not be for everyone, but for those who embrace the change, it’s the adventure of a lifetime. If any of the above signs had you nodding your head, it’s worth exploring more about travel nursing and planning your first travel assignment.

Take your time, ask questions, and trust yourself. If travel nursing feels like the right next step, it probably is.

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.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

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.

By Amber Pickler

July 10, 2025

8656 Views

Advice and Tips for New Travel Nurses

Posted on July 10, 2025July 10, 2025 by Amber Pickler

So, you are taking your first assignment and you aren’t sure what to expect, or you are looking for some advice. We frequently see posts in our Facebook group asking for advice and tips for new travel nurses. Veteran travel nurses are great about giving advice and being there to mentor new travel nurses as they start their assignments. In this article, we put together some of the best advice and tips we have seen in our Facebook group for new travel nurses.

Advice and Tips for New Travel Nurses

If you have questions, ask them

If you aren’t sure how something works or even where something is at your new assignment, just ask. There may be a few people who get annoyed answering your questions, but most will be happy to help you.

Protect your license

Just because you are a travel nurse doesn’t mean you should have to take a bigger patient load. If the floor tries to give you a patient load that you don’t feel is safe, speak up. If it continues to be an issue where you are constantly getting a bigger or harder patient load, speak to your recruiter to see what can be done.

Don’t talk about how things were done at other hospitals

While you may have learned other ways or methods of doing things at your staff hospital or even at different assignments. Others at your current facility are most likely not interested in hearing “well at this facility we did it this way or we did this another way at my staff hospital.” It may be hard, but just keep it to yourself.

Breathe

We know that sounds crazy but just breathe. You may feel overwhelmed at times during your first assignment, but you will get through it. Take deep breaths and just remember that you have the experience and expertise to do the job. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be there. Your nursing skills don’t change just because your job location does.

Remember it is only 13 weeks

Just keep reminding yourself that the assignment is only 13 weeks. You can do it. If the assignment gets tough or you are just having a hard time with it, remember you are moving on in 13 weeks and your next assignment will most likely be nothing like your previous one. You can get through it, you wouldn’t have signed on if you didn’t think you could make it.

We hope these advice and tips for your first travel assignment were helpful. Do you have any advice and/or tips for new travel nurses or first travel nurse assignments? Comment them below.

New travel nurses, just remember: You got this!

Are you looking for your first travel nurse assignment or your next adventure? Click here to view our job board. If you need to find housing for your next assignment click here to search our housing page.

By Katie Pierce

July 8, 2025

9201 Views

6 Packing Tips for Travel Nurses

Posted on July 8, 2025July 8, 2025 by Katie Pierce

Getting ready to hit the road for another assignment? The life of a travel nurse can be full of excitement and adventure, but it can also cause a ton of stress and inconvenience without the right preparation. To help you avoid this situation, we’ve made a list of 6 packing tips for travel nurses that are easy to remember and simple to do.

Let’s get started.

Packing Tips for Travel Nurses:

Tip #1: Find out how long you’ll be traveling

Being on the road distances you from a ton of society’s modern conveniences, e.g., department stores, specialty boutiques, and restaurants. Before embarking on the next journey of your life, find out exactly how long this trip is going to be. That way, you can come up with an appropriate estimate of items to bring on your trip. Some assignments may take nurses over a month to complete. Others may only last a few days.

Tip #2: Location, location, location

Our second travel nurse tip is to research details about your assignment location. Is the climate warm or cold? Does it rain a lot in the area? What activities can you participate in while you’re there? Will you need to get any papers or certificates while in the area, e.g., a driver’s license, IDs, a card to ride public transportation? Knowing details like this can help you get a better idea of what items you need to pack and what procedures you need to follow.

Tip #3: Personal care items first

If you’re someone who’s particular about the products you use on yourself, make sure you pack all your personal care items first. Everything from your skincare essentials down to your favorite brand scrubs. Some states or countries may not carry the product you’re using or perhaps may not have the model you’re looking for in stock.

For some women, this may also mean packing more period underwear than you normally would. You never know when accidents may happen while you’re on your assignment. In this case, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Tip #4: Travel light

Unless you’re planning to stay in a location for more than a couple of weeks, you don’t need to bring an excessive amount of things with you. Apart from really important papers and personal care items, everything else you need you can simply buy or rent while you’re in a foreign location.

Travel nurses need to be quick on their feet in case of emergencies or new assignments. Traveling light reduces the level of struggle that you may experience during each transition. So as much as possible, stick to the basics.

Tip #5: Consider compression bags

Running out of luggage space? Compression bags are nifty equipment that you can use to squeeze your clothing into tighter shapes, so you can easily squeeze them into your suitcase. They come in a variety of sizes and, most cases, in sets. The great thing about compression bags is that they can also keep your things protected from possible leakage in your bags, e.g., from lotions, oils, and creams from your personal care items.

Tip #6: Consider leaving behind unnecessary items

If you want to make more room in your suitcase, perhaps consider leaving a few items that aren’t technically necessary on your trip. For instance, you don’t need to bring along your entire library of books. Get a kindle and download all the titles you want to read on that single device.

Want to take amazing pictures of the sights you visit? Most mobile devices nowadays have cameras that can take HD images that are just as good or even better as larger cameras.

Pack it all up!

Packing for a nursing trip can be overwhelming, especially if this is your first time. However, with the tips that we’ve given you above, you should be able to manage packing without any trouble. Enjoy your next nursing adventure!

We hope you found this article with 6 packing tips for travel nurses helpful. Do you have any packing tips to share with fellow travel nurses? Comment your packing tips below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for an upcoming assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By Laura Pierce

June 30, 2025

5130 Views

My Travel Nurse Journey: 18 Years of Memories

Posted on June 30, 2025June 30, 2025 by Laura Pierce

How do you sum up eighteen years of travel nursing? That’s 18 years of travel nurse contracts, new places, new co-workers, new patients, and new experiences. The past 18 years have been pretty fantastic. I’ve had the fortune of working in places like Guam (6 different times), Hawaii (the big island and Maui), Alaska, and many other US states.

My travel nurse journey

Sometimes I get extremely lucky in my travels. For instance, I experienced Maui during the lockdowns and had the beaches to myself. It was the stuff of dreams. Or when I decided I was going to work in Alaska one summer. I lucked out when I found a contract in Anchorage. The cherry on the top was the mama moose who would bring her baby out on the hospital grounds every dawn and dusk.

When I look at my work badges, I am reminded of the places I’ve worked and the places I visited on that contract. And, almost as important, the places I’ve been between travel nurse contracts. Whether it be solo travel or with friends and family, my home base is in Missouri, but I usually work at least 1 travel nurse contract each year in California. This means I drive 30 hours to California.

I often invite my mom or a friend to fly out and drive back together, stopping to see as many sights as possible. On these return trips, my mom and I saw Yellowstone National Park, Grand Tetons National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Las Vegas, and many other sights. And a friend and I saw the Grand Canyon for her first time.

Little did I know that she had always wanted to see La Brea Tar Pits, so we checked it out before we left Los Angeles. The tar pits are excavation sites near downtown Los Angeles, where saber-tooth cat and wooly mammoth dating to 38,000 years have been dug out of the ground, and liquid tar bubbles up out of a pit.

My international travels

My travel nurse journey has also afforded me the luxury of international travel. And believe me. I come up with some crazy ideas. Like when a friend and I hopped on a flight to India for 6 weeks. Or when working on Guam, Southeast Asia and Japan are only a short flight away.

One year after leaving Guam, I whittled my traveling items into 1 suitcase. I traveled through 10 different countries in Southeast Asia for 4 months. It was amazing. I met a Buddhist monk in Myanmar who became my unofficial tour guide. He took me to gorgeous 1000-year-old temples (over 30) carved from a single boulder. The following year, I returned to Southeast Asia and Australia for 3 months, and my new friend accompanied me to Indonesia.

Another time my friend Salma and I vacationed on a tiny island off the coast of Belize. There was no electricity or internet, but there was plenty of snorkeling, hermit crabs, and coconuts. We were adopted by Lucky, one of the five island dogs. He was an Australian shepherd who we loved. The island was so small that a person could walk all the way across the island in about 5 minutes. I didn’t want the week to end.

Last fall, I embarked on a 6-week getaway. I came across a cruise where both the price and the timing were perfect. Before the cruise, I flew into Zurich, Switzerland, and spent the day meeting up with a couple of old friends. Among other places, we visited the Lindt chocolate factory and ate our weight in Lindt chocolate.

After Zurich, I made my way to Venice for the cruise by way of the Bernina Train, considered one of the top train rides in the world, and it is something that had been on my ‘to-do’ list. The 27-night cruise started in Venice and ended in Durban, South Africa, winding its way through the Mediterranean, through the Suez Canal, down the eastern side of Africa, and stopping in 10 different countries (including 3 island nations) along the way. Once the cruise was over, I flew to Kruger National Park in South Africa for a week-long safari. I couldn’t believe the numerous herds of zebras, elephants, giraffes, and hippopotami.

My career has been fulfilling and gratifying

These days, I usually work a couple of contracts a year, and I don’t work when I’m at home in the Ozarks. My house is paid for, and I have some money in the bank. And working less gives me more time to pursue more traveling and spend more time with family and friends. I consider myself extremely blessed to be doing what I love for work while seeing so much of the world’s beauty. My travel nurse journey has been extremely fulfilling and gratifying. I’m not sure exactly how much longer I’ll be at the bedside, but if it means another 18 years of traveling for both work and pleasure, I’ll take it!

We hope you enjoyed reading Laura’s travel nurse journey story. Would you like to share your story? Comment below or send an email here.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By AB Staffing Solutions

June 25, 2025

1296 Views

Travel Nurse Housing Tips We Say on Repeat

Posted on June 25, 2025June 24, 2025 by AB Staffing Solutions

We’ve checked in with our housing specialists and asked what tips they’re saying on repeat to our travel medical professionals. From starting your search early to being a good tenant, we’ve got their feedback for you.

Travel Nurse Housing Tips We Say on Repeat

Start Your Search Early

As you start your search, think about what amenities you’d like in your home and neighborhood.

If you’re a city person who likes to stop at a coffee shop, browse a bookstore, or go to the gym, make those part of your search. It helps you know areas where you would like to work so that we can find contracts in those places. You can also start your search before you have a contract, just don’t sign anything or travel anywhere until your recruiter says it’s ok.

In our experience, housing moves fast, so it benefits you to be proactive. You will find more and better options.

Furnished Finder Is a Go-To, But Not the Only Option

There can be times when housing is hard to find. Often, that’s because you haven’t searched in the right places. Furnished Finder is a great resource, but it isn’t the only option. Facebook groups for travel nurses, Airbnb for longer stays, and travel nurse housing forums are also where our travelers find appropriate, safe housing. Extended stay hotels may offer medical professional rates or long-term stay rates, too.

As you’re searching, consider what you need to make temporary housing feel like home. Music, photos, a Bluetooth speaker, and cozy blankets and pajamas are all recommendations.

Always Ask About What’s Included

Fully furnished may mean you get a bed, coffee table, and couch, but no linens or cookware. Ask what is included before signing a lease.

Are utilities included?
Do you need to pay for parking?
Where do you park?
Is Wi-Fi available, and is it included?

Request a complete list of what is included to know what to expect and what you need to pack.

Never Pay a Deposit Without a Lease or Video Tour

Scams can happen. Protect yourself by doing video walkthroughs and getting a written lease. Never wire money or pay via apps without verification. In our article Avoiding Scams in Travel Healthcare, we tell readers to trust their instincts. If a landlord is asking for Venmo payment without a tour, that’s a red flag.

Don’t sign a lease before you’ve signed a travel contract. We don’t want you to pay for housing and then have the work fall through.

Communicate with prospective landlords through phone calls, texts, and email. Someone using WhatsApp could be a scammer. And avoid Craigslist, as it is popular for scammers.

Be safe and make sure you know what you’re signing. If you’re not getting the information you need, find a different place.

Be Clear About the Contract End Date (and Flexibility)

Ensure your lease has flexible terms or a precise end date that aligns with your assignment. Extensions happen; ask if your landlord can accommodate that. Ideally, only look for rentals that offer month-to-month leases, so you have flexibility built into the lease.

Read more in our article Housing Advice for Travel Nurses.

Location Is Everything – Do Your Homework

Make use of the information on the internet. It’s easier than ever to look at maps, view apartments, and get video tours of housing, even if you’re doing it from afar. Start by mapping your facility and then finding the safest neighborhoods. No matter your schedule, we want you to be aware of your surroundings, feel safe, and have conveniences like a nearby grocery store and gym.

Join local Facebook groups and ask current travelers for insights about their experiences in neighborhoods. That will give you a better idea of where to search.

Have a Backup Plan Just in Case

The housing tip we say on repeat is to have a backup plan just in case something goes wrong. Keep a short list of other options in the area, even temporary ones. A week in a hotel is better than scrambling at the last minute.

Know the IRS Rules if You’re Taking a Housing Stipend

If you’re receiving a housing stipend instead of agency-placed housing, understand the IRS rules regarding duplicating expenses and maintaining a tax home. A tax home is the state you claim as your home state. This matters, along with compliance, during tax season. Depending on the laws and tax home, it could mean multiple tax forms in various states or a more straightforward process.

Short-Term Leases Often Cost More

Budgeting is important. Month-to-month or 13-week leases are convenient, but you will pay a premium, so you need to budget. Try to negotiate if you’re staying longer or rebooking.

Remember Your Pets

Another reason to start searching for housing early is if you have pets. If you’re traveling with a furry friend, you may have limited options depending on the location. Find out what the extra pet fees are and plan for them. We offer more tips in our article Travel Nursing with Your Dog.

Be a Great Tenant

We don’t like that we have to say this, but please be a great tenant. Leave your housing clean, communicate respectfully with management, and follow through on lease agreements. The travel nurse community is small, and word gets around quicker than you think. Building good relationships helps you and the community.

Thank you for being part of our travel nurse community!

If you’re looking for a new opportunity, check our job board and contact us today.

Find Your Next Travel Healthcare Assignment with Our Job Board!

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

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel healthcare 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.

What Makes Telemetry Nursing So Valuable?

Top States for Telemetry Travel Nurse Compensation

California: Leading the Pack

Hawaii: Paradise with Premium Pay

New York: Urban Opportunities

Massachusetts: Healthcare Hub Premium

Texas: Growing Demand

Nevada: Entertainment Capital Needs

Washington: Pacific Northwest Premium

Key Factors Affecting Telemetry Nurse Salaries

Cost of Living Considerations

Geographic Demand Variations

Contract Structure Benefits

Seasonal Fluctuations

Maximizing Your Telemetry Travel Nursing Earnings

Launching Your High-Paying Telemetry Career

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

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Important Items:

Insurance Forms-

A Security Camera:

Calming music-

A six-foot lead and an extra collar-

A Toy-

And finally… your DOG-

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1. Plan A Small Trip for Your Day Off

2. Try To Rethink Your Daily Diet

3. Give Your Skin A Quick Prep

4. Overcome The Lack Of Sleep

5. Get Out & Move For A While

6. Make Time For Your Hobbies

7. Plan A Meal With Your Loved Ones

The Takeaway

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

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6 Signs You’re Ready to Be a Travel Nurse:

1. You Crave More Flexibility in Your Life and Career

2. You Love Exploring New Places and Embrace Change

3. You’re Adaptable and Quick to Build Rapport

4. You Have at Least One Year of Experience—and You’re Confident in Your Clinical Skills

5. You’re Open to Learning—and Asking for Help When You Need It

6. You’re Motivated by New Experiences, Growth, or Financial Goals

Tips for Success

Find a Travel Nurse Mentor

Get Ready for Adventure

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment