Travel Nursing

Stability Healthcare Ranked 4th Best Travel Nursing Agency

BluePipes took a look at over 350 travel nursing companies based on reviews left by nurses on 6 of the most reputable review sources. Stability Healthcare skyrocketed in 2021 and was ranked 4th best travel nursing company thanks to glowing reviews from our nurses.

“Stability Healthcare comes in at number 4 on our list of the best travel nursing agencies with an aggregate average score of 94.96 on 102 total reviews. They received 62 new reviews in the last year.”

We chatted with Stability’s Experience and Retention Manager, Sarah, to learn more about what makes Stability stand out.

What’s the most important thing when it comes to the support Stability provides?

For our team at Stability, the most important focus is that our nurses feel like part of our family. We want to make sure they know they are supported throughout each and every assignment and always have someone to reach out to.

What sets Stability apart in terms of service?

The biggest factor that sets Stability apart from its competitors is the support we provide to our Practitioners. Every candidate is assigned a triple layer of support. They have a Support Specialist that works alongside their recruiter to make sure their profile highlights their experience and expertise and makes them more appealing for our hiring managers, a Recruiter who is committed to finding them the best possible options for assignments that match their priorities and an Experience Specialist that checks in frequently and adjusts their frequency based on the nurse’s feedback. The team is in constant communication with the nurse and with each other to make sure every bump along the road is smoothed over and that each nurse knows how important they are to Stability. Our Recruiters are assigned candidates rather than positions to fill and so their focus is on taking care of the Nurse and their needs instead of just filling positions.

What sets Stability apart overall?

Our assignments are posted with full transparency. We don’t just post a rate. We post the location, the hours, the shifts, AND the pay. We want our nurses to go into an experience knowing what to expect and that they can count on us for honest opportunities.

Star Reviews

“Stability Health has an amazing system and employees. The hiring process was very simple which is rare. Someone was always available to answer my questions.
I know my recruiter went above and beyond to get me the best pay and benefits.
I have worked previously with companies that I feel was less than honest about benefits, such as PTO.
I’m now sure how Stability Health treats their staff, but they are doing something right! I have yet to speak to someone that wasn’t pleasant. It’s as if they all love their job and it shows and it keeps me excited to be a part of their team.
At this point, I would not consider traveling with another company. I don’t feel like a number.
I don’t know how they do it! I recommend Stability Health to every traveler I meet. I tell them they would be making g a huge mistake to go with any company😎”

“Just completing my first assignment with Stability and have had nothing but a positive experience. I have been in the travel nurse world for almost 6 years now and with various companies. Stability has been efficient, flawless and responsive. I would most definitely work with them again!”

“This was my first contract as a travel nurse and honestly was such a great experience from beginning to end. Everything went smoothly and there was always someone to assist me if I had any questions. Debbie has been amazing! Thank you Debbie. My contract ends soon and hope to work with them again in the future. 5 stars!”

Looking for a top rated agency to start your next travel nursing placement with? See Stability’s available positions today!

10 Exercises you can do at work

As a travel nurse, it’s not uncommon to work long shifts while providing first-rate care to your patients. Although rewarding, this strenuous routine can hinder your physical health. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least thirty minutes of moderate physical activity per day to keep your heart healthy and improve your well-being overall. That’s why we created these ten simple exercises that you can do in between daily tasks such as charting, administering medications, and physical exams.   

Calf Raises

The calves are an instrumental part of our daily lives, helping us in our small everyday movements. As a travel nurse, it’s essential to strengthen these muscles to prevent injuries and improve stability. You can do this exercise indiscreetly around the hospital. Simply place your hands on your hips, or put your hands on the wall if you need some stability. Lift onto the balls of your feet and squeeze your calves and glutes. Hold for a couple of seconds and lower back down. Make sure that you’re standing straight and your core is tight. 15-20 reps should do the trick! If that’s too easy, add weights to each arm. 

Squats

Squats are perfect if you are looking for an exercise that targets multiple muscles in your lower body. Place your feet wider shoulder-width apart and maintain the knee and spine in a neutral position when squatting down as if you were sitting in a chair. If you are looking for a bit more balance, spread your legs wider. 10 to 15 reps should get your heart rate moving and blood pumping. If you want a challenge, try jump squats. 

Lunges

Another great lower body exercise is lunges. Lunges are great for balance and stability. Alternate lowering one knee as low as you can while keeping a straight spine. Keep your arms to the side and lookup. Repeat 10-12 times on each leg. 

Chair Dips

Try chair dips or tricep dips if you find yourself sitting on a sturdy chair that won’t roll away during your shift. This exercise targets the muscle on the back of your upper arms. Sit on your chair with your feet hip-distance apart. Move your torso to the end of the chair so your lower body is hovering off the floor and your palms are where your buttocks should be. Breathe in as you slowly lower your body off the chair at a 90-degree angle. Breathe out as you push your body back up to the starting position. Start with 7-10 reps, and increase the amount you do overtime. 

Imaginary Jump Ropes

Since bringing a jump rope to work is highly unlikely, you can do the next best thing, pretend jump roping. Stand with your feet close together and extend your arms out. Jump up and down while making circular motions with your hands. This exercise helps burn calories and improve heart health. 

Arm Circles

You don’t need fancy weights or dumbbells to target your arm muscles. Arm circles will do the trick. All you need to do is move your arms in a circular motion one way and then reverse the movement. Continue for 15-20 reps. To make it more difficult, try increasing the reps. 

Wall Sits

Wall sits are a great way to build up endurance in your lower-body muscles. Find a wall you can lean up against and lower your body to a 90-degree angle. Hold for thirty seconds to a minute and then slide back up. Inch lower or hold the squat for longer if you want a challenge. 

Marches

Marching is a quick and easy movement to get your heart rate up and keep your immune system strong. Alternate one knee in front of the other. Keep your back straight and chest open. You can do this around the hospital or facilities in between your daily responsibilities. 

Wall Push-Ups

This exercise targets the entire body and is a great modifier for regular push-ups. Face the wall arm’s length away and place your hands shoulder-width apart. Bend elbows and move towards the wall. Hold the position for a couple of seconds, and then move back until your arms are straight. Try this exercise for 15-20 reps. You can make this exercise more challenging by moving your feet further back. 

Plank

Take a plank break at work if there’s enough space. Planks are great for balancing and strengthening your core muscles. All you need to do is place your forearms on the floor and keep a straight posture. Try to hold the position for at least a minute. 

We understand that the travel nursing career comes with difficulties especially exercising! No movement is too small, and doing these workouts once or twice a day can improve your physical well-being. If you get in the habit of exercising, you will start to feel better every day! Share these exercises with your travel nursing friends so that they can benefit from these movements too. And don’t forget to take the time to stretch your muscles before and after a workout. 

Packing tips and tricks for travel nurses

Nurse of the Month: Rachel Venugopal

Meet July’s Nurse of the Month – Rachel! Rachel is a Cardiac step-down nurse that picked up travel nursing during the pandemic. She has a passion for nursing and it brings her joy to help others and push herself to be a better nurse. Travel nursing gave her the opportunity to meet new people, to learn how practices are done in other places, all while consuming her wanderlust soul. Learn more about Rachel below:

What has it been like working during the pandemic?

If I’m being honest, it was the most challenging, exhausting, emotional roller coaster I’ve ever been on. At the same time, having gone through something like that, I have found such joy in what I do, a passion for helping others, and a desire to constantly push myself to be better as a nurse when it comes to interactions and the care I provide my patients. I have also learned so much in the process (both in how to be a nurse and also who I am as a health care professional)

What placements have you had in the past?

Crazy enough, I have only had one other placement. I started my traveling journey in March and feel in love with the hospital, so much so, they asked me to resign for another 3 months!

Dream Placement?

Europe

What is your career history, how did you become a travel nurse?

I started my nursing career on a cardiac step-down unit. In the process of working on that unit, I was pulled away to become a COVID nurse for six and a half months.
I’ll admit, I’m still fairly new in the traveling and overall, in nursing. I wanted to push myself as a nurse and in my career. Traveling was my opportunity to do so. To meet new people, to learn how practices are done in other places, all while consuming my wanderlust soul.

What inspired you to become a travel nurse?

Long story short, I was born and adopted from India. Raised in the Philippines as a missionary kid. Then moved to the US. Traveling is in my blood and it’s all I want to be doing. I’m so incredibly blessed to be a travel nurse. have met such amazing doctors and nurses already and my journey has just begun.

What is your nursing specialty?

Cardiac step-down
Telemetry
Progressive care
COVID nurse

Favorite hobbies outside of work?

I absolutely love being outdoors. I love romping around, getting lost in nature, or disappearing somewhere on a lake, on my stand-up paddleboard. I love also love flying and exploring other cities I’ve never been to.

What’s your favorite part of working with Stability?

I absolutely love how much the staff communicates with you, how much they make you feel a part of something, a part of a bigger family. They make you feel like your not just another number.

What is something you bring with you (non-nursing related) to every move/placement?

I always bring my pillow. I don’t care how uncomfortable a bed/hotel is… my pillow is a must. I’ll pass out anywhere with that thing.

Any advice for future travelers?
Don’t be afraid to be uncomfortable, to voice your thoughts, your desires, your fears. Don’t be afraid to go to a new city, to try something new, to get outside of your bubble and your comfort zone. Living in the uncomfortable sparks one’s ability to grow.

Top 3 Placements for Summer Fun

Summer is feeling like it did back when we counted down the minutes until the clock hit 3 pm on the last day of school. With everything reopening, the excitement is in the air, and now is the perfect time to start checking some summer fun off your bucket list. While you can find a way to enjoy summer just about everywhere, we’ve narrowed down our top three places to make the most of your summer.

Denver, Colorado

What’s great about Denver is that it’s the perfect mix of city and nature. With the Rocky Mountains in your backyard, there is no possible way to run out of things to do.

Chase waterfalls

Take a few days to hop in the car and head down to Telluride. The hiking here is unmatched and people often compare it to a fairy wonderland. If the timing lines up and your feeling like some music would make you happy, you can also attend the Telluride Bluegrass Festival – something you won’t want to miss.

Brewery Hop

Denver has the second most microbreweries in the country and it’s even home to the more notable Coors brewery. Some of our favorite spots:

Billings, Montana

When you’re thinking of summer fun, this spot is often overlooked by the bigger names. But Montana is an absolute gem in the summer.

Partake in literally any lake activity

Cliff diving, boating, water skiing, fishing, tubing, kayaking, jet skiing, paddle boarding, the list goes on. If it can be done on a lake, you can check that off your list in Montana. Montana is home to hundreds of lakes – each with its own beauty and sparkling clean water. They are accessible by car, by hiking, and even by helicopter if you’re feeling fancy. Check out these sites for boat and water sport rentals.

Explore Glacier National Park

Some might argue that Glacier National Park is one of the prettiest parks the country has to offer. With endless opportunities for hiking, biking, and more, you’re sure to have a good time exploring all summer long.

Park City, Utah

When it comes to summer, Park City knows what it’s doing. Whether you want to stroll the historic main street filled with bars and shops or adventure into nature. Park City has it all.

Take a hot air balloon ride

If we’re talking about a summer bucket list – this should absolutely be added. Park City boasts several different companies that will send you into the sky to enjoy sprawling views of Utah unlike any other. Pro tip: wake up early and opt for the sunrise timeframe. You won’t regret it.

Go horseback riding

While we’re on the topic of seeing somewhere from a different view – why not from the top of a horse! Park City is full of different ranches that will show you around on horseback. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced, explore over 9,000 acres of trails through Park City and the Uinta Mountains.

Ready to plan your next summer adventure? Head to our job page to see what placements are available and get the process started today!

Understanding Your Travel Nurse Health Insurance Options

Travel nurses often struggle to choose the right health insurance for their situation. Since travel nurses spend a lot of time on the road, finding the right insurance option is key. Luckily, many travel nursing agencies offer health insurance plans as part of their benefits package. However, with so many options to consider, it’s important to know everything about insurance. 

Travel Nurse Health Insurance Options

When it comes to choosing health insurance, there are a couple of options to choose from. In fact, a comprehensive health insurance package that adds extras like pet benefits, retirement account options, employee assistance programs, and mental health management benefits is a sign that you’re working with a good travel nursing agency. 

Agency-Provided Health Insurance

Most agencies will offer their travel nurses health insurance. However, not always do the nurses get to choose their coverage. Of course, there are many benefits of choosing the health insurance coverage your agency provides. Being easy and already taken care of is one of those benefits. 

When you choose the insurance benefit your agency provides, you won’t experience any gaps in coverage. You count on the flexibility of being able to work with different agencies without worrying about deductibles. 

Of course, if you change agencies often, this might not be the best option as you’ll have to adjust your insurance every time. Or, you’ll have to try to maintain your insurance through COBRA, which can often be expensive and sometimes unaffordable. 

Individual or Family Health Insurance

Most travel nurses have either an individual or family health insurance plan that they manage personally. These are the plans you can access during the open enrollment period, which often lasts from November 1st to December 15th. You cannot enroll in an individual health insurance plan outside of this timeframe, which can be problematic to some. The only way you could apply is if you have a qualifying life event, such as:

• Having a baby
• Moving outside your plan’s coverage area
• Changing jobs

However, you‘ll only have a 60-day special enrollment period to navigate the health insurance market and pick the right one for you. 

Short-term Health Insurance

Another popular option among travel nurses is short-term health insurance plans. These can be much cheaper than individual plans but don’t come with the same comprehensive benefits.

These plans are great for those in-between jobs, looking to switch agencies, or having difficulties affording insurance otherwise. However, unlike individual plans, these can deny your coverage based on pre-existing conditions. They may also not pay for certain health care services, including those related to pre-existing conditions. 

What About Supplemental Insurance?

Most insurance packages offered through a travel nursing agency will include vision and dental insurance. However, these often don’t cover routine dental and vision care for those who choose short-term or individual insurance plans. 

Luckily, vision and dental insurance is much cheaper than comprehensive insurance and covers vision checks, glasses, and dental cleanings. It’s a matter of personal preference to choose or not these supplemental insurances. If you’re someone who wears glasses, for example, vision insurance might be a good idea. 

How to Maintain Coverage Between Travel Nurse Jobs

Many nurses take time between contracts to visit family, go on more extended vacations, or take time off between assignments. This flexibility is one of the perks of being a travel nurse. However, this flexibility can frequently mean you lose your health insurance coverage when it comes to insurance. 

Of course, when you choose a travel agency, they’re likely to handle all the details about your insurance policy and explain what your options are. But, if you choose an individual insurance plan, then you have to look at your options. 

Using COBRA

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) allows eligible employees and their dependents to continue the benefits of existing health insurance coverage if they lose their job. In some cases, you’ll be able to purchase the same health coverage plan at your employee’s group rate. 

Under COBRA, you can continue this type of coverage for up to 18 months or over if you qualify. 

However, these plans can often be unaffordable. This is why many travel nurses opt for short-term insurance plans when they’re in between assignments. 

What Happens If I Don’t Have Health Insurance

While the tax penalty for not having health insurance has been repealed at the federal level, you can still be fined at a state level for not having ACA-compliant health insurance. 

As of today, you can be fined in the following states:

• California
• New Jersey
• Rhode Island
• Washington D.C.

Most of these states impose a tax penalty on individuals who go without health insurance but could afford it. 

Need More Help?

Stability Healthcare is an industry leader in travel nursing. Our outstanding benefits include day-1 premium insurance, paid-time-off, and competitive pay. Visit our benefits page to learn more about our packages. If you still have questions, contact our representatives. They are always available to help you start a fascinating career in the travel nursing field. 

5 Signs You Picked a Good Travel Nursing Agency

When you’re looking for a travel nursing agency, there are many things to look at and consider. But sometimes, you leap of faith and start working with a new agency based on what you researched. Luckily, you can recognize some things that will help you realize if you picked a good travel nursing agency rather quickly. Let’s explore the top things to consider when choosing an excellent travel nursing agency from the many aspects. 

1. They Have Variety in Travel Nursing Jobs

The more contracts a travel nursing agency has, the more chances you’ll have to get the best job placements. As a travel nurse, you want to know your agency can offer contracts in different assignments, ranging from four weeks to more long-term assignments. 

A good travel nursing agency should offer various assignments at leading facilities across a variety of specialties. Even if you have a not-so-popular thing, a good agency should provide you with opportunities. 

2. Offer High Compensation Packages

When you’re working with a travel nursing agency, you’d want to find the one that offers the highest-paying positions. Understanding how they operate is particularly important for doing your travel nurses’ taxes, especially if you have and maintain a tax home. Take a look at our complete guide to travel nurse taxes for more information. 

Compensation also has to deal with reimbursements. Sometimes salaries might appear low, but a travel agency will cover lodging, meals, and incidentals while on assignment. These can make up a large portion of your salary and your take-home pay as a travel nurse. A good agency will not try to hide this information from you. Remember to ask questions about how they structure the compensation packages to understand better what to expect while on assignment. 

3. Offer Comprehensive Benefits

The best travel nursing agencies offer comprehensive benefits packages and perks. The most common benefits are insurance and lodging, but good agencies will go the extra mile. Some travel nursing agencies will offer company-sponsored housing or will offer a stipend to purchase housing with. 

Beyond those benefits, a great agency will also have perks like continuing education courses. Some agencies will partner with continuing education providers to secure classes or workshops at little to no cost. 

And, another benefit that so many times people forget is: remaining non-exclusive. If you’re able to work with multiple travel nursing agencies, you can widen your reach when it comes to finding and getting more assignments. 

4. They Offer a Streamlined Onboarding Experience

The application process to work with a travel nursing agency shouldn’t feel like a hassle. Instead, it should be an easy onboarding experience. The application and onboarding process is the best way to analyze whether a travel agency is worth your time and investment. 

Here’s where you can also tell how much support you’ll receive from this agency. The more comfortable you feel throughout this process, the more likely you’re to have a successful experience in the future. 

5. Count With a Friendly and Helpful Recruiters

While you’re looking at the agency as a whole, you’ll be working with recruiters most of the time. Good agencies hire helpful recruiters that will answer questions, guide you through getting your first assignment, and more. A good travel nurse recruiter is responsive and always makes sure you don’t have any setbacks during the time-sensitive application process.

Of course, they also listen to your needs and expectations to help you find the right type of assignment. They’re knowledgeable about the different requirements, conditions, and processes to maintain your travel nursing license to date. 

And finally, they really have your best interest at heart. You should feel as if your recruiter is really going the extra mile to find the right assignment for you. 

6. They Offer On-the-Job Support

A good travel nursing agency will want you to grow in your assignments. They should be available to answer questions and offer support during assignments. More than just helping you land an assignment, will they offer you support on the job as you start to get the hang of working in another state. 

On-the-job support also means they’ll have around-the-clock support to assist you with emergencies or questions no matter the time. This is particularly important to remember when you’re on location. Time zone differences can sometimes leave you waiting forever for assistance. 

If you’re already working with a travel nursing agency and something doesn’t feel right, odds are you should look for a different agency. A good travel nursing agency and its recruitment team should make you feel confident, comfortable, excited, and prepared to take your travel nursing career to the next level. 

Nursing Advocacy for LGBTQ+ 

Since 1969, we have designated June as Pride Month to commemorate the Stonewall Riots and pursue equality for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) community. However, the LGBTQIA+ community faces ongoing discrimination and stigma in our society, even in healthcare. The American Nurses Association (ANA) “condemns discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or expression in health care and recognizes that it continues to be an issue despite the increasing recognition and acceptance of LGBTQIA+ populations.” It’s an important month to remind healthcare providers of the health disparities in the LGBTQIA+ community and educate ourselves on ways to be better advocates. 

Health Care Challenges 

Everyone who needs medical care should receive it without being mistreated, discriminated against, or denied access. Yet, researchers have found inequality in health care, which endangers and affects the mental health of the LGBTQIA+ community. This impact can discourage people from seeking health care. The ANA is continuously spreading systemic awareness and creating a safe and inclusive health care environment for everyone. As a healthcare professional, there are ways to advocate for this marginalized community on an individual level. 

Recommendations

Educate + Advocacy 

It is crucial to stay up-to-date on basic LGBTQIA+ terms, language, and definitions as a health care professional. Staying knowledgeable creates a closer bond with your patient, identifies potential mental and physical health risks, and creates a generally more inclusive and safe environment.

Take advantage of the many resources and hotlines to further your knowledge: 

• Trevor Project: leading organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25 
• American Medical Association: Creating an LGBTQ-Friendly Practice
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: LGBT Health Services 
• Nurses Health Education About LGBT Elders 
• The World Professional Association for Transgender Health: Standards of Care 
• National LGBT Health Education Center

Create an inclusive space 

We all want to feel comfortable, and it is difficult when the space is unknown or uninviting. And years and years of discrimination doesn’t help either. Create a safe place in the hospital, whether that be in the waiting room or medical facility such as: 

• Unisex restrooms
• LGBTQIA+ flags or other symbols that represent inclusiveness
• Anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies 
• Preferred contacts and support systems (LGBTQ+ community more likely to create a chosen family) 
• Establish pronouns prior. Always include your pronouns as well. 

Respect

Putting in the time to educate oneself and creating an inclusive space isn’t enough. Ultimately, a nurse must respect every one of their patient’s gender identity and sexual orientation. This means settings aside one’s personal and religious beliefs in the process. The best strategy is to be unassuming and gender fluid in language, ask open-ended questions and maintain a non-judgmental behavior. Therefore, creating an enjoyable and safe experience for LGBTQIA+ patients, so they can continue seeking medical attention. Share your pronouns on your name tag or in your introduction to open up a safe and welcoming space. 

All in all, this is an important topic that takes time, patience, and continuous knowledge to stay informed. As nurses, it’s your professional responsibility to ensure all patients are provided with medical care. As the Code of Ethics For Nurses states, “the nurse practices with compassion and respect for every person’s inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes. 

Any advice we’re missing? Let us know!

Nurse of the Month: Anna

Anna is a Telemetry/Medical-Surgical who became a travel nurse when the pandemic started. She’s spent time in California and Arizona. Learn more about Anna below:

What has it been like working during the pandemic?
I was not a travel nurse when the pandemic started but the unit that I was working on became a Covid 19 unit. It was very tough and very frustrating because I see patients getting worst each day instead of getting better. But because my heart is to serve as a nurse I need to have a strong spirit to take care of patients who are sick.

What placements have you had in the past?
I started as a travel nurse last year 2020, in the midst of a pandemic. My first placement was in Arizona in a Medical-Surgical unit in a Neuroscience Hospital for 8 weeks. I also have placement in California, Bay area which I still currently holding placement.

All-time favorite placement?
Alameda, California

Dream Placement?
Hawaii

What is your career history, how did you become a travel nurse?
I started my career as a healthcare worker in Louisiana as a CNA for 7 years. While working nights I went back to school and finished LPN in a community college. After a year as an LPN on a Medical-Surgical floor, I went back to school and transition to BSN. At this time, I have 6 years of experience as an RN. I’m very adventurous and like challenges. I also had experience in home health services, infusion clinic, trauma unit, but mostly medical-surgical. So I decided to try travel nursing which took me a year to have the courage to pursue it. I talked to a lot of agents until I found Chad (my recruiter) and gave confidence that I can be a travel nurse.

What inspired you to become a travel nurse?
What inspired me to become a travel nurse is the challenges of being a flexible nurse and it also inspired me to go see different places in the US.

What is your nursing specialty?
My specialty in nursing is Telemetry/Medical-Surgical.

Favorite hobbies outside of work?
I liked the outdoors. My favorite things to do are walking, hiking, and spending time at the beach.

Best travel nursing story?
One of my best travel nursing experiences is during my placement in Arizona. The hospital is huge and had more than 600 beds in several buildings. I got the chance to be assigned to different floors each day that I work, meet new faces, and learned a lot of nursing stuff.

What’s your favorite part of working with Stability?
My favorite part of working with Stability is the consistency. My recruiter followed me in each and every step from assignment to assignment. I felt comfortable talking to them and very professional.

What is something you bring with you (non-nursing related) to every move/placement?
Since I loved driving, I just brought my blue mini cooper with me. I was amazed that it fits all the things I need.

Any advice for future travelers?
It took a lot of courage for me to be a travel nurse but since I found the right recruiter, I became confident & liked traveling. My advice to future travelers is to find the agency and recruiter the fits your needs will guide you and have open communication.

Top 5 summer placements

As a travel nurse, you have the luxury to choose your next placement location, and what better time than in the summer. There are many options to choose from, like a warm beach town or a city surrounded by mountains. Also, our list comes with sites to visit, restaurants, and things to do while working in the city. Here are our top five locations to choose from this summer: 

New York, New York 

New York City is a prime adventure spot for travel nurses this summer. Not only does this destination offer the highest paying travel nursing jobs, but the city is officially opening back up in July! That is why the summer season is the perfect time to work in this fast-paced metropolis with easy access to subway lines and bus stops. 

While in New York, plan on visiting landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Grand Central Station, the Empire State Building, and Central Park. During the warm summer days, take advantage of the beaches just a subway or ferry ride away.

Professionally, New York City hospitals were ranked as the best in the country in 2020-21, including New York-Presbyterian’s Columbia and Cornell hospitals ranked fourth in the nation. The attractions, nightlife, and well-ranked hospitals make this destination a must for travel nurses this summer. 

La Jolla, California

Although not a city of its own, La Jolla is a beautiful seaside community in San Diego County. This thriving down-to-earth village is second on our list for many reasons. Despite the fact La Jolla is small, there is a ton to do. This beach town is famous for its outdoor activities, including surfing, tide pools, hiking the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, and visiting the sea lion caves. 

Average temperatures in La Jolla range from 50-77 degrees – great for those nurses who want to avoid the heat. In addition, the gloomy clouds dispel during the summer months, making it the perfect season to visit! In addition, Scripps La Jolla Hospitals ranked as a top hospital in San Diego County for the third year in a row. 

Wilmington, North Carolina 

The port city of Wilmington is third on our list for travel nurses this summer. Victorian architecture, historic homes, and brick streets transport you back in time. Voted “America’s Best Riverfront,” Wilmington’s riverwalk features top-rated restaurants, boutiques, and dynamic nightlife. For historical enthusiasts, take a tour of the World War II Battleship NORTH CAROLINA or the many historical homes preserved from the Civil War. 

Wilmington’s travel nursing opportunities include New Hanover Regional Medical Center, which was rated high performing in seven adult procedures and conditions. 

Seattle, Washington

Calling all coffee lovers, foodies, and adventurers. Seattle is a superb place for travel nurses in the summer. Planted right in the Pacific Northwest, this place has many things to do, and not to mention top medical hospitals such as the Swedish Memorial, Virginia Mason, and the University of Washington. 

Explore the famous Space Needle, Museum of Pop Culture, the first-ever Starbucks, and Pike’s Place Market. On your days off, visit the Pudget Sound, hike Mount Rainier, or scour the countless waterfalls only an hour outside of the city. Seattle has it all! 

Anchorage, Alaska 

Last on our list to travel to this summer is the gateway to Alaska. With long-lasting daylight, wildlife viewings, and temperatures ranging from 60°F – 80°F, summer is the perfect time to visit Anchorage.

Take a day trip to Denali National Park and visit the highest peak in North America, Mt. McKinley. Not only does Alaska have fishing, hiking, glacier-exploring, and amazing wildlife, but it is home to one of the best medical centers, Alaska Native Medical Center. 

Summertime is a great season to explore different cities. To find out what travel nursing opportunities are available in these five cities or other destinations, check out Stability for open roles and check off your bucket list today!