By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

April 18, 2025

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6 Must-Visit States for Travel Nurses in 2025

Looking for your next adventure as a travel nurse? 2025 is bringing exciting opportunities across the country, and some states are standing out as must-visit destinations.

Whether you’re drawn to bustling cities, scenic coastlines, or small-town charm, these six states are in high demand for travel nurses. Each offers a mix of clinical settings from big city trauma centers to rural critical access hospitals—plus endless adventure and opportunities for once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Read on to discover the must-visit states for travel nurses in 2025.

Must-Visit States for Travel Nurses in 2025:

states for travel nurses

Washington

Washington is a top destination for travel nurses seeking diverse assignments and breathtaking natural beauty. From the bustling healthcare centers in Seattle to rural hospitals spread across the state, there’s always a need for skilled travel nurses in this popular assignment destination. Whether you’re based in the vibrant west side near the Puget Sound or the quieter, nature-filled east side, the Evergreen State has plenty of travel nurse opportunities. Explore Olympic National Park, enjoy the scenic Columbia River Gorge, and enjoy the majestic views of Mount Rainier. Washington’s combination of professional growth and outdoor adventure will keep you engaged on and off the clock.

South Dakota

South Dakota may not be an obvious choice for travel destinations, but with its stunning landscapes and welcoming small-town vibe, it’s the perfect place to call home for your next assignment. It’s also a state with a high demand for travel nurses, with assignments available in rural hospitals, trauma centers, and community healthcare facilities. Whether enjoying larger cities like Sioux Falls or Rapid City or exploring the beauty of South Dakota’s wilderness, you’ll experience a unique and fulfilling environment to call home. South Dakota is the ideal destination for nurses looking for a slower pace of life while still being able to take in iconic landmarks such as Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and Badlands National Park.

Georgia

Georgia offers a perfect mix of fast-paced metropolitan assignments and peaceful small-town facilities. From Atlanta’s top-rated hospitals to rural clinics scattered across the state, travel nurses are needed in a wide range of specialties. When you’re not working, enjoy everything Georgia has to offer—from Atlanta’s vibrant culture and history to the natural beauty of the Appalachian Mountains and the coastline of Savannah. No matter where you are in the state, Georgia has something unique to offer every travel nurse.

North Carolina

North Carolina’s healthcare needs span from large academic medical centers to small, community-based hospitals in coastal and mountain regions. Travel nurses are in high demand across the state, from bustling cities like Charlotte and Raleigh to more serene rural areas. When you’re not on shift, take in the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, soak up the sun on the Outer Banks, or enjoy the historic charm of towns like Asheville. North Carolina offers travel nurses an unbeatable mix of career opportunities and natural beauty.

Maine

Maine may be one of the smallest states in the U.S., but its demand for travel nurses is large. Whether you’re working in the city of Portland or one of the state’s quieter rural areas, Maine offers a variety of healthcare settings, with a particular need for nurses in emergency care and med-surg. Take a break from your assignment and enjoy Maine’s rugged coastline, charming lighthouses, and stunning parks like Acadia National Park. The state’s coastal towns, world-famous lobster rolls, and laid-back atmosphere make it a relaxing yet enriching place to travel.

Alabama

Alabama may surprise you with the sheer variety of assignments available throughout the state. Whether you’re working in Birmingham’s busy medical centers, Montgomery’s historic hospitals, or coastal healthcare facilities in Mobile, there’s no shortage of travel nurse jobs. In your downtime, explore the state’s white-sand beaches along the Gulf Coast, visit the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, or experience the rich cultural history of cities like Selma and Birmingham. Alabama offers a welcoming atmosphere and a lower cost of living, making it one of the attractive states for travel nurses.

Ready for Your Next Assignment?

Spring 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting season for travel nurses, and these states offer both professional growth and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re looking for mountain hikes, coastal getaways, or vibrant city life, these in-demand and must-visit states for travel nurses provide something for everyone. Start planning now and talk to your recruiter or agency to see if they have assignments available in these top states for travel nurses!

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 Emma Joyce

April 14, 2025

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Comfort on the Go: Creative Ways to Feel at Home as a Travel Nurse

Discovering new places, embracing different cultures, and honing professional skills in a range of healthcare environments are all made possible by travel nursing. But living a nomadic lifestyle can make it difficult to feel at home and grounded, particularly if you’re constantly switching between assignments. Both professional and personal success depends on the ability to adapt to new situations while retaining a sense of stability. This article examines innovative ways to support travel nurses in establishing a sense of stability wherever they go, guaranteeing comfort, emotional equilibrium, and a smooth transition to each new setting.

Personalize Your Space

Customizing your living space is one of the first things you should do when you get to a new assignment to create a cozy atmosphere and a sense of stability. To turn temporary housing into a cozy haven, little details can have a big impact. Bring things that make you feel at home, like old pictures of your family, a blanket you love, or a candle that smells like home. Adding accent pieces to your room, such as plants, rugs, or throw pillows, can also make it cozier. These minor adjustments can give your space a more welcoming and distinctive feel, even in furnished accommodations.

When packing your essentials, choose lightweight, multipurpose items that are easy to transport if packing space is at a premium. For example, foldable storage bins or portable LED string lights add style and utility without taking up much space. No matter how often you move, you can maintain a sense of stability by putting personalization first.

Stay Connected to Loved Ones

For emotional health, it’s critical to keep up relationships with loved ones and friends while traveling. Using social media, video calls, and instant messaging to stay in touch with your support system is easier than ever thanks to technology. Setting up frequent get-togethers or online get-togethers can help you feel more connected and at home, reinforcing a sense of stability.

Additionally, think about sharing pictures, anecdotes, and experiences from your assignments with your loved ones to include them in your travels. In addition to strengthening your bonds, this gives them a sense of inclusion in your journey. No matter where your career takes you, maintaining emotional support requires striking a balance between your travel nursing duties and meaningful relationships, which further enhances your sense of stability.

Establish a Routine

For travel nurses adjusting to ever-changing schedules and locations, routines offer a sense of stability and normalcy. You can feel more centered and in charge of your day by forming daily routines like journaling, yoga in the morning, or preparing your favorite meal. Also, make sure you pick places with practical hot water systems that will allow you to take a hot and relaxing shower before or after your shift, as this will help you feel amazing. These routines give you a sense of stability in the middle of the chaos and let you take breaks from a demanding job.

To control stress and preserve your mental well-being, include self-care components in your daily routine. Making time for your well-being, whether it be through regular exercise, visits to a local park, or meditation, guarantees that you remain balanced and motivated while working on your assignments. The goal of a well-structured routine is to establish anchors that provide your day with direction and predictability, helping to maintain a sense of stability without being rigid.

Immerse Yourself in the Local Community

Connecting with your environment is often a key component of feeling at home. You have the exceptional chance to experience different cultures and immerse yourself in diverse communities as a travel nurse. Spend some time interacting with your neighborhood; go to farmers’ markets, sample local food, and go to events. In addition to offering chances for leisure and recreation, exploring your new city or town can help you feel more a part of your temporary residence and reinforce a sense of stability.

Developing connections with coworkers and residents helps you feel like you belong. Participating in social events, volunteering, or taking a fitness class are all ways to engage with people and build a network of friends and acquaintances. By creating a positive atmosphere, these relationships can improve your professional experience in addition to enriching your personal life, contributing to a sense of stability in your assignments.

Embrace Flexibility and Positivity

The secret to succeeding as a travel nurse is adaptability. By adopting flexibility, you can avoid burnout and approach every task with positivity and an open mind, which makes it simpler to overcome obstacles and take pleasure in novel experiences. Change your viewpoint to enjoy the opportunities and adventures that come with every move rather than dwelling on what you might miss about your previous location. A sense of stability does not come from staying in one place but from building habits and attitudes that ground you no matter where you go.

Having a positive outlook can change your experience by helping you see change as an exciting opportunity rather than a stressful situation. Honor little victories, like finding a favorite coffee shop, learning a new skill, or developing a deep connection. You can handle the highs and lows of travel nursing with poise and confidence if you practice gratitude and resilience, which ultimately contributes to your sense of stability.

Travel nursing is a fulfilling profession with countless chances for development, discovery, and excitement. These techniques not only improve your general well-being but also give you the tools you need to succeed both personally and professionally. By prioritizing strategies that foster a sense of stability, every new assignment can feel like a home away from home.

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 Jennifer Traub

April 9, 2025

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My Travel Nurse Career: Then and Now

I was 28 years old when I first began my travel nurse career. I had never lived in any city besides my home and college towns. I had not resided in any state other than Florida. I had not yet explored the world nor was really educated on cultures and lifestyles that existed outside of my immediate radius. For lack of better words, I was slightly naïve but knew enough to know, there was so much more to learn. This was the initial motivation behind what we will call my “exploration era.”

Starting my Travel Nurse Career:

I took a leap in 2017 to seize an opportunity in southern California in the form of a very generous paying travel nurse contract. This was the first time I’d be leaving home for an extensive period of time and to say I wasn’t a little nervous would be a lie. Ironically, fear has always guided me in the right direction. On the other side of fear is everything you could ever want.

travel nurse career

My travel nurse career today

Fast forward 8 years later, I have worked in almost 30 different hospitals all over the states of California and Florida. I have visited 33 countries on 4 different continents. As much as I have seen, I know there is still so much more I have not. I have made a valiant attempt, however to satiate my burning desire to learn as much as I possibly can.

I have witnessed countless amounts people take their last breath before my eyes in my career. It has taught me every single day is a gift, and I am one diagnosis or accident away from not being any different from one of my patients.

I have visited countries that are actively at war, such as Israel. A missile could come flying from a hostile neighbor at any given moment. Majority of their buildings have bomb shelters for that reason. It has taught me safety is not a right, but a luxury.  

In Costa Rica, affluence is not abundant, but pura vida is. In Europe, the wine is plentiful, each meal prepared with passion, and its people have a perfect sense of work-life balance. Why else would a siesta be a cultural norm? These countries taught me that money isn’t the only essential component to being truly wealthy.

travel nurse career

I have wept with family members over the loss of their loved ones and have had to make really tough decisions in regard to patient care. I’ve lost countless nights of sleep beating myself up over whether I made the correct choices. This has taught me that growth and learning never truly end, medicine is a practice, and as much as we may strive for perfection, we must accept ourselves in all of our humanness. Mistakes and all.

All of my experiences have made all of the “problems” that I deemed insurmountable not just in my life, but in our country, so miniscule. First world problems if you will. The more you learn, the more perspective you have. We should never stop seeking answers, questioning reality, and counting our blessings each and every day. The ability to open our eyes in the morning and go about our days as we please is a greater gift than many may realize.

We hope you enjoyed reading Jenn’s travel nurse career journey. Would you like to share your travel nurse career story? Comment below.

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 Miles Oliver

April 6, 2025

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Essential Financial Tips for Travel Nurses: Managing Your Money on the Go

Travel nurses can have deeply fulfilling careers, but knowing the potential challenges associated with this career path is critical: examples include fluctuating income, moving to different cities, and adjusting to varying living expenses. Fortunately, a proactive budgeting and financial planning approach can manage your money and alleviate stress.

Any financial advisor will tell you this one thing — start out by building a solid budget.

Essential Financial Tips for Travel Nurses:

financial tips

Build a Solid Budget To Manage Your Finances

As a travel nurse, setting up a flexible budget is key to managing your finances. Since your expenses might vary by assignment, it’s essential to have a system to track them and make adjustments when necessary. Creating a budget maximizes your income while preventing unnecessary financial stress during transitions between assignments.

This doesn’t need to be complicated. Start by determining your total earnings and spending by week, month, and year; remember to include taxes, loan payments, and side hustles. Then, open an online banking account and schedule regular withdrawals like car payments.

To prioritize your spending, designate budget categories like housing, transportation, and entertainment. From there, you can work with different kinds of budget allocation models. One is the 50/30/20, which is basics/luxuries/savings. A reverse budget drops 10 to 20 percent of total earnings into a savings account before using the funds for other expenses.

Need more guidance? There are travel nurse apps for this! Three suggestions are YNAB (You Need A Budget) for budget management, Mint for tracking spending, and SoFi for stock trading.

Another component of managing your financing is designating an emergency fund.

Plan for the Unexpected With an Emergency Fund

Building an emergency fund is one of the most critical ways for travel nurses to protect their financial stability. With a fluctuating income and frequent moves, you must have a cushion to cover unexpected costs, like medical emergencies or unanticipated moving expenses.

Aim to save three to six months of living expenses to protect yourself from financial uncertainty. That safety net allows you to continue working confidently, knowing you can handle unexpected challenges without significant financial strain.

Explore Financial Aid for Education and Career Development

If you’re still in nursing school or considering additional certifications, many financial aid options are available to cover the costs of your education. Scholarships, grants, and low-interest loans can help reduce the monetary burden of nursing education; work-study programs are another option.

Some travel nurse agencies offer financial assistance programs to help you further your career. Review any available opportunities, as debt can be quite a burden.

Maximize Your Income and Minimize Expenses

Many travel nurses leverage tax deductions to maximize their salaries. You can claim business-related expenses like housing, transportation, and equipment on your taxes, potentially saving you a significant amount. A tax professional familiar with travel nursing taxes can help you take full advantage of these deductions.

In addition to tax savings, negotiating pay rates and housing stipends with your agency can help reduce your living expenses, allowing you to keep more of your income. Don’t accept an offer without due diligence; researching different contracts and understanding compensation packages can help you make the best financial decisions for your career.

Set Long-Term Financial Goals for Stability

Saving for retirement is an often overlooked aspect of travel nursing. Even though you may not have access to an employer-sponsored 401(k), you can still invest in an IRA or other investment vehicles.

Consider automating those contributions to consistently build wealth for the future, even as a traveling professional. Sticking to this routine early in your career will help you stay on track and create long-term stability.

Your Financial Independence is Within Reach

Managing your finances as a travel nurse can be part of your routine. You can prioritize financial stability throughout your career by setting up a flexible budget, building an emergency fund, exploring financial aid options, and choosing methods for maximizing your income.

Financial independence is within reach — sticking with these strategies will help you stay on track and thrive in the dynamic field of travel nursing.

By ONESTAFF MEDICAL

April 1, 2025

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Navigating the Travel Nursing Industry in 2025: What You Need to Know

If there’s one thing travel nurses know how to do, it’s adapt. The travel nursing industry has seen some serious shifts over the past few years—booming demand during the pandemic, a market correction in its aftermath, and now, a new normal that’s still taking shape. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting to explore the possibilities, let’s break down what’s happening in the travel nursing industry right now and what it means for you.

travel nursing industry

The Market is Stabilizing (Finally!)

The travel nursing industry went from a $6.5 billion market in 2019 to a staggering $42.7 billion in 2022—only to shrink back down by 40% in 2023. If it felt like a rollercoaster, that’s because it was! Now, experts predict a more sustainable market size of around $19.5 billion in 2025. While pandemic-level bill rates aren’t the norm anymore, travel nursing is still a fantastic way to build your career, see new places, and make great money. It’s just about knowing where to look!

Hospitals Still Need You

Even though the frenzy has settled, there’s still a massive demand for skilled nurses—especially those willing to travel. Many hospitals are struggling with staff shortages due to retirements, burnout, and an aging population needing more care. So while contracts might not be as sky-high as they were in 2020, travel nurses remain essential. Facilities need flexibility, and that’s where you shine.

Technology is Changing the Game

From new staffing platforms to gig-style apps, technology is making it easier than ever for nurses to find assignments that fit their lifestyle. Some travel nurses are even using apps to pick up per diem shifts in between contracts, allowing for even more flexibility. The days of waiting weeks to hear back about a job are fading—today, speed and choice are on your side.

Who’s Traveling? A Changing Demographic

More and more younger nurses are jumping into travel nursing earlier in their careers, drawn by the adventure, flexibility, and (let’s be honest) the pay. But experienced nurses are also making moves, using travel nursing as a way to avoid burnout and shake up their routine. No matter where you are in your career, there’s a place for you in the travel nursing industry.

The Money Talk: What to Expect

Let’s be real—compensation is always a big factor. While those once-in-a-lifetime pandemic contracts are mostly gone, pay is still solid. Some nurses are finding creative ways to boost their income, like using gig apps to pick up extra shifts with pay rates hitting $70–$100 per hour. But keep in mind that working as an independent contractor comes with tax considerations and added costs, so be sure to plan ahead.

The Bottom Line

travel nursing industry

Travel nursing isn’t going anywhere. It’s evolving, and those who stay flexible and informed will continue to thrive. Whether you’re chasing the best contracts, looking for a better work-life balance, or just love the excitement of new places, there’s still plenty of opportunity out there.

At OneStaff, we’re here to help you navigate these changes and find assignments that fit your goals. Ready to see what’s out there? Let’s chat and get you set up for your next adventure!

Intrigued? Let’s dance! Browse all of our top-paying travel nurse jobs now here.

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.

By Brandy Pinkerton

March 29, 2025

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Two Travel Nursing Destinations for the Mountain Lover

The Mountains are calling, and I must go! -John Muir

If you’re a mountain lover, adventure seeker, and love to travel to destinations that feed your passion, here are a couple of places worth considering. 

Colorado

There are few major cities in America where you can be a short drive to hiking trails, mountains, waterfalls, canyons, and urban amenities. Colorado has so much to offer with its majestic Rocky Mountains range in every direction. Colorado travel assignments might just be for you if you like a winter wonderland. Colorado offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the U.S., with Vail and Aspen as two of the most popular destinations.

Personally, Breckenridge is a favorite of mine. The moment you arrive, you feel a contagious energy, a laid-back mountain vibe, and a fun-loving sense of adventure that calls out the freedom-seeker in all of us! You will feel right at home, and honestly, you may not ever want to leave. For those who prefer to stay off the slopes but still want to experience all that winter has to offer, Colorado offers plenty of opportunities to snowshoe, snowmobile, or cross-country ski.

My first travel assignment was in Colorado Springs; it quickly stole my heart and is still one of my most favorite assignments. It is a gem of a city! Depending on your specialty and time of year, there are usually an abundance of travel nursing options in Colorado. If you are looking for a relaxing lifestyle in a town with natural beauty that offers awesome outdoor opportunities available year-round, you definitely need to add this town to your bucket list.

Staying fit and healthy is a priority of the locals, and it is a very pet-friendly town. Pikes Peak is the most famous natural attraction in the region, and you can enjoy hikes up to the 14,000-foot summit. In Colorado, you can be in the urban city but have the option to head to the mountains for a quick getaway in minutes!!

* Mentor Tip: If you are up for a big challenge, make sure to check out the extreme rated, heart-pounding Manitou Incline Hiking trail where you gain over 2,000 vertical feet in less than a mile climbing 2,744 stairs to reach the summit where there are stunning panoramic views. Trust me, the views at the top are well worth the effort!

Montana 

I saved the best for last. I must warn you, proceed with caution because Big Sky Country will likely steal your heart, and you may never want to leave. As soon as you cross state lines into Montana, you get this laid-back, easy pace way of life vibe. You can follow the Rockies all the way up through into western Montana into the northern region where the Canadian Rockies begin. There are jagged peaks, pristine water, and abundant wildlife in every direction.

Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Glacier National Parks are all worth visiting while in this area. In my opinion, Glacier National Park steals the spotlight. It is land of mountain ranges carved by prehistoric ice rivers full of alpine meadows, deep forests, waterfalls, about 25 glistening glaciers, and 200 sparkling lakes. The vistas seen from Going-To-The-Sun Road are breathtaking, a photographer’s paradise.

Relatively few miles of road exist in the park’s 1,600 square miles of picturesque landscape, thus preserving its primitive and unspoiled beauty. It offers tons of hiking trails and backcountry camping and hiking. Billings, Bozeman, Missoula, and Kalispell, are all cities that often have travel nursing needs. I was able to spend 9 months in Kalispell as a traveler to help them open up a brand new Children’s Hospital. As a traveler, you get to enjoy the breathtaking views of vast forests, rugged mountains, and green meadows, which will make your assignment an unparalleled adventure. Montana is truly the Last Best Place.

*Mentor Tip: Montana is Grizzly Bear country and hiking in these areas requires some preparation and planning. Make sure to educate yourself on Bear Safety and understand the proper way to secure your food. Make sure to always carry bear spray and know how to use it; it could save your life. Also, this is NOT the place to hike alone, and if you do, that is a risk you assume. Try to hike with groups of 3 or more and make lots of noise when on the trails. 

Being able to have endless adventures in the mountains is one of the many perks of becoming a traveling nurse. The mountains are a place to go to feel fully truly alive.

This is just a glimpse of the incredible locations travel nurses can enjoy while on assignment. Want to learn more? Contact Brandy@travelnurse101.com today to schedule your complimentary 1:1 mentor session.

We hope you enjoyed this article on two travel nursing destinations for the mountain lover. Have you found any great mountain destinations for travel nursing assignments? Comment them 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:

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

By AB Staffing Solutions

March 26, 2025

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Travel Nursing with Your Dog

We love our furry family members! We can’t say enough about the benefits of travel nursing with your dog. It’s also essential to communicate with your recruiter about your desire so you can find pet-friendly housing and a dog walker when you’re on a long shift. Taking Fido with you is exciting, strengthens your bond, increases physical activity with outdoor adventures, reduces separation anxiety, and encourages social interaction for your pet and yourself. It can be the adventure of a lifetime for both of you.

Travel Nursing with Your Dog:

Travel Nursing with Your Dog

Benefits of Traveling with Your Dog

Moving to a new place can be stressful, so having a familiar furry face by your side can ease the stress and loneliness during travel assignments. Petting your dog lowers blood pressure, eases your mind, and fights anxiety you may have about moving to a new place. We always recommend having personal essentials with you like music, photos, and favorite clothing items, but it’s also comforting to be traveling with your dog.

And it’s good for both of you to be together!

Getting out in nature for a walk or hike allows Fido to explore their new home; we call it a “sniff-ari,” a sniffing safari. Just 20 minutes of sniffing is equal to a one-hour walk, so it’s healthy to let your dog get used to their new neighborhood. Walking in the sunshine is also healthy for humans in terms of getting much-needed Vitamin D as well as clearing your mind.

Another benefit of travel nursing with your dog is that you and your pet can meet new people. Check out the local dog parks and say hello to neighbors you see while walking. Visit municipal parks and learn more about your new home. Visit Bring Fido to find out where the dogs are meeting and where there are pet-friendly accommodations.

It’s also security to have your dog with you. Our providers tell us there is a sense of peace in having the familiar bark of their dog to notify them of people near their home or to have with them as they take a long drive.

Travel Nursing with Your Dog

Essential Considerations

As always, we recommend communicating with your recruiter about your intention to travel with your dog. Every assignment is different, and they need to know things upfront so they can plan accordingly. There may be limited housing options where you cannot take your pet; these can be easily eliminated if your recruiter knows you’re traveling with Fido.

Finding pet-friendly housing is essential. Even if you’re working in a big city with many options, remember that you and your dog will need dog-friendly spaces like parks and grassy areas. Learn about local pet laws, such as picking up after your dog and noise ordinances. If you’re renting directly from a landlord, be sure to ask about pets, pet deposits, and pet rent so no one is surprised when you show up with your dog.

When you’re preparing your resume, certifications, and referrals, don’t forget to pack your pet’s documentation. This includes a travel certificate that verifies the health of the dog as well as their vaccination record. If microchipped, don’t forget to change your address.

Preparing for Travel Nursing with Your Dog

It is essential to keep your dog as close to their routine as possible. If you wake up, have coffee, and walk, keep the same routine even while on the road. It will alleviate stress for both of you. Dogs love a routine, so keep it when you arrive at your destination, too.

In the car, take essential pet supplies like crates, seat covers, or hammocks. For long drives, it may be good to use a hammock rather than a crate so your dog can move around more. The seat cover will help keep your car clean and your dog safe. Water, food, treats, and collapsible dog bowls will make it easy for your dog to stop, stretch, and hydrate. Some dogs are too stressed to eat their meals while on the road because they don’t like change, but snacks might work. They’re good as long as they’re drinking water and going to the bathroom

Plan ahead so you’re not stopping in remote areas. We want you and your dog to arrive safely. Try to plan your stops or stop in areas where there are people like restaurants or rest stops.

When you arrive, maintain their routine with consistent feeding and exercise. You may consider hiring a dog walker from Rover or Wag or nearby doggy daycare, especially when you work long shifts. This will help your dog stay on their routine, and you won’t have an excited dog or accidents in the house. Find a veterinarian near you just in case your pup needs attention or vaccinations.

Lastly, find the dog people at work! It’s a great way to network, make friends, and find dog-friendly places to visit.

We’re excited you’re travel nursing with your dog and wish you both all the best on your new adventure!

We hope you found this article on tips for travel nursing with your dog helpful. Have you ever traveled with your dog? Share your tips for travel nursing with your dog below.

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.

By CoreMedical Group

March 25, 2025

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Avoiding Burnout With An Annual Vacation

As a travel healthcare professional, you spend your days (or nights!) tirelessly caring for patients across the country, supporting facilities in need. This important work can often be exhausting and thankless, leading to potential burnout.

One way that you can avoid burnout is to take time away from work to relax and recharge, focusing on yourself and your relationships. If you can pair your vacation with a chance to get to know other healthcare professionals, you can build friendships and spend time with other people who understand exactly what you’re going through.

Burnout

Club CoreMed is an annual all-inclusive trip for healthcare professionals that combines networking and friendships with rest, relaxation, and fun. Here are ways you can combat burnout while on vacation, whether it’s Club CoreMed or another trip.

Self-Care At The Spa

Many all-inclusive resorts have a spa on site, giving you an opportunity to take advantage of services like massages, facials, and more. Some resorts even offer the chance to get these services outside, on the beach! It’s important to take time for self-care, and a spa day is the perfect opportunity for that.

Delicious, Fresh Food

When you think of an all-inclusive resort, one of the first things that comes to mind is the unlimited alcohol. But what you may not realize is that all-inclusive resorts can have an amazing unlimited array of healthy, fresh food too! While everyone wants to enjoy a decadent meal on vacation, you can also find locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables that taste good and are good for you. Fresh mangoes on the beach, anyone?

burnout

Bonding With Friends

Building strong relationships with friends and family is an important tool in your toolkit when it comes to conquering burnout. Having people who care about you and support you can make life as a traveling healthcare professional easier, giving you a strong foundation back home. But meeting new people on vacation is also a great chance to make new friends! At Club CoreMed, those new friends will be other healthcare professionals, but any vacation offers you a chance to meet new people!

Having Fun

Vacation should be all about fun! And Club CoreMed delivers on that with parties, activities, games, and more. Whether you want to play volleyball in the pool, read a book in a lounge chair, or dance the night away to live music, there’s an opportunity to find whatever fun looks like to you. Don’t spend your time off worrying about projects and work back home – make sure to take time to enjoy yourself and let loose!

Ready For A Vacation?

If you’re ready to combat burnout with a tropical vacation, Club CoreMed is the perfect chance to do that. It’s a free trip for healthcare professionals who work with CoreMedical Group held every March.

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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.

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By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

March 23, 2025

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Healthy Eating Tips for Travel Nurses

Between long shifts, adjusting to new locations, and constantly being on the move, eating healthy can feel like a challenge for travel nurses. A busy schedule can lead to quick, convenient food choices that aren’t always the healthiest. With a little planning and a few simple strategies, you can fuel your body with nutritious meals and snacks that will keep you healthy and energized for every shift!

Meal Planning

One of the best ways to ensure you eat well while on assignment is to plan ahead. This doesn’t mean spending hours meal-prepping—just a little bit of organization can go a long way.

  • Pack your shift meals: Bringing your own food helps you avoid vending machines and cafeteria fare. Healthy options like wraps, hummus with veggies, or a protein bar can keep you satisfied during a busy shift.
  • Keep it simple: Pre-pack easy grab-and-go meals like overnight or protein-packed salads and wraps.
  • Batch-cook basics: At the start of the week, make a large batch of grilled chicken, roasted veggies, or quinoa to mix and match for quick meals.

Snack Smart

Having healthy snacks on hand keeps you energized and prevents last-minute unhealthy choices.

  • Choose protein-packed options like Greek yogurt, or hard-boiled eggs.
  • Stock grab-and-go snacks like nuts, trail mix, and string cheese.
  • Prep fresh choices in advance, such as cut-up veggies with hummus or fruit.
  • Watch for hidden sugars in granola bars and processed snacks—opt for whole-food alternatives.

Stock Up

Planning your grocery trips and keeping your pantry stocked with healthy, whole foods makes it easier to maintain nutritious eating habits, even on busy days.

  • Use grocery delivery or pickup: Save time and energy by ordering your groceries online for delivery or curbside pickup on your way home.
  • Visit local farmers’ markets: This is a great way to stock up on fresh produce while exploring your new location.
  • Choose portable staples: Stock your fridge and pantry with foods you need for snacking and meal prep.

Choose Balanced, Energizing Meals

Whether you’re eating at home, grabbing takeout, or having a meal at work, aim for a balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs to keep you fueled.

  • Easy meal ideas: Try grilled chicken with brown rice and veggies, a quinoa and chickpea salad, or a whole grain wrap with turkey and avocado.
  • Smarter takeout choices: Look for options like salads with lean protein, grain bowls, or grilled proteins with vegetables.

Stay Hydrated

Hydration is just as important as eating well—especially during long shifts.

  • Carry a reusable water bottle and sip throughout the day to prevent dehydration and fatigue.
  • Limit sugary drinks and excess caffeine, which can cause energy crashes.
  • Infuse water with fruit or herbs for a refreshing twist if plain water gets boring.

Keep It Realistic

Eating healthy doesn’t mean being perfect—and occasionally treating yourself is necessary! The key is making consistent choices that support your energy and well-being while allowing flexibility for your busy lifestyle.

By incorporating these small but effective habits into your routine, you can stay nourished and energized—wherever your next assignment takes you!

We hope you found this article on healthy eating tips helpful. Do you have any healthy eating tips to share with fellow travel nurses? Comment them below.

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.