The Ultimate Guide to Travel Nursing in Austin

One of the most unique and fun cities in America, I was lucky enough to snag an 8-week contract in Austin, Texas as a travel nurse.  Austin is an eclectic city and once you visit you’ll realize what it means when people say, “Keep Austin Weird”.  The food is incredible, the day trips from the city are incredible, even the wine is something to write home about.  If you’re looking to take an assignment in Texas – keep your eye out for a contract in Austin.

While eight weeks wasn’t nearly enough time, I picked up quite a few tips and tricks that I’m excited and willing to share with you.  Including what things to prioritize in the city, what restaurants to visit, and more.

 

Best Time to Be a Travel Nurse in Austin

The heat in Austin is NO JOKE.  And add in the humidity and you’re experiencing some seriously hot summers.  I recommend taking a travel nurse assignment in Austin in the spring or fall when temperatures cool down but you still have long days and sunshine ahead of you.

 

 

 

The Best Housing Options for Travel Nurses in Austin

 

USE VRBO TO BOOK YOUR NEXT TRAVEL NURSE STAY!

 

Neighborhoods in Austin

One of the most stressful things about being a travel nurse is figuring out where to live!  Know that the price to live in Austin is getting more expensive because of the number of people moving to the city each day.  The way that I rationalize high rent prices is by knowing that this is just a small blip in life, a time to experience different cities, meet new people, and just have fun.  The areas in Austin that I enjoyed the most were downtown Austin and South Congress.  If you can find housing anywhere near those two areas you’ll be set.  If you want to save money, you can live further out of the city – either way, I recommend bringing a car to Austin to get around.

 

 

The Best Housing Options in Austin

• Upscale Downtown Condo
  • Studio/1 bathroom
  • In-unit washer/dryer
  • 24-hour concierge
  • Rooftop terrace, fitness studio
  • Parking availability
  • 30 night minimum stay
• Awesome SoLa Central Austin Condo
  • 1 bedroom/1 bathroom
  • Reserved parking spot
  • In-unit washer/dryer
• Pastel Studio – Portoro
  • Studio/1 bathroom
  • In-unit washer/dryer
  • Outdoor deck
  • Require an extra cleaning fee for stays over 3-weeks
  • Street parking
  • Must be 25 to book
• Breakers on the Lake 314 – Use code “PassportsandPreemies” for $250 off your first standard Landing stay
  • Studio/1 bathroom
  • In-building washer/dryer
  • Utilities not included
  • Apartment on 2nd floor
  • Free parking available
  • Pets allowed (at additional charge)
  • Pool, lounge, 24-hour concierge, dog park, fire pit
• Summit at Hyde Park Apartments C102 – Use code “PassportsandPreemies” for $250 off your first standard Landing stay
  • 1 bedroom/1 bathroom
  • In-building washer/dryer
  • Apartment on 1st floor
  • Utilities not included
  • Free parking available
  • Pets allowed (at additional charge)
  • Dog park, pool, 24/7 concierge, fire pit, outdoor games
• Bridge at Henley 260 – Use code “PassportsandPreemies” for $250 off your first standard Landing stay
  • 1 bedroom/1 bathroom
  • In-unit washer/dryer
  • Apartment on 2nd floor
  • Utilities not included
  • Free parking available
  • Pets allowed (at additional charge)
  • Pool, fire pit, playground, fitness center, pet spa, cabanas, clubhouse
• The Guthrie 1355 – Use code “PassportsandPreemies” for $250 off your first standard Landing stay
  • 1 bedroom/1 bathroom
  • In-unit washer/dryer
  • Apartment on 3rd floor
  • Balcony
  • Utilities not included
  • Free parking available
  • Pets allowed (at additional charge)
  • Pool, lounge, clubhouse, fitness center, dog park
• Collection at Lady Bird Lake 512 – Use code “PassportsandPreemies” for $250 off your first standard Landing stay
  • 1 bedroom/1 bathroom
  • In-unit washer/dryer
  • Apartment on 1st floor
  • Utilities not included
  • Free parking available
  • Fitness center, courtyard, pool

 

ANOTHER HOUSING OPTION IN AUSTIN IS TO STAY AT EXTENDED STAY AMERICA – BOOK HERE!

 

Cost of Living in Austin

As I mentioned earlier, the cost of living in Austin is on the rise due to people moving in.  And in my experience, I had trouble finding affordable housing – the mean rent in Austin is $1,584.  According to Payscale, the cost of living in Austin is 1% higher than the national average with housing being 16% higher than the national average, groceries being 12% lower than the national average, and utilities being 6% lower than the national average.

 

For a more comprehensive guide on how to find housing as a travel nurse, read:

• Resources for Finding Housing As a Travel Nurse

 

Travel Nurse Salary in Austin

There are tons of factors to consider when discussing what a travel nurse’s salary is.  These factors include (but are not limited to)…

• Time of year
• Unit need (the more desperate, the higher the pay)
• Unit (specialized units generally pay higher than non-specialized units)
• Cut that your recruiter takes
• & more

With that being said, as a NICU nurse working in Austin my contract was $1,800/week (I paid $1,800/month in rent).  In my opinion, Austin is too expensive to accept anything under $1,800/week.

 

To better understand travel nurse pay, don’t miss:

• Your Guide to Travel Nurse Pay

 

Travel Nurse Jobs in Austin

When searching for travel nurse jobs in Austin, my biggest piece of advice is to find a recruiter that you trust and go from there.  When you’re working with a recruiter to be placed in Austin, make sure that the company staffs in Texas and ask your recruiter if the company has had success placing other travelers in Austin.  (This is where that trust aspect comes in!  DM me on Instagram if you’re looking for a trustworthy recruiter).

 

Transportation in Austin

 

CAR

I highly recommend bringing a car to Austin.  The city is spread out and public transportation is not a popular way to get around or the most convenient.

If for some reason you don’t bring a car to Austin, I recommend using Discover Cars to rent a car when necessary.

 

AIRPORT

The main airport that services Austin is Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.  The airport is located about 10-miles southeast of downtown Austin.

 

PUBLIC TRANSIT

The MetroRail is a 32-mile train system that runs from Leander to North Austin (and vice versa).  For more information about using the MetroRail, including how to pay, make sure to check out this website.

 

RIDESHARE

Rideshare is common and convenient in Austin.  Make sure to download both Uber and Lyft on your phone to guarantee the cheapest ride.

 

Hospitals in Austin/Texas Licensing

There are many hospitals and hospital systems in Austin.  The children’s hospital is Dell Children’s Hospital, the largest hospital is Seton Medical Center, and another hospital system is the St. David’s Healthcare System.

Getting licensed in Texas is pretty easy compared to other states (California, Massachusetts, etc).  Plus Texas is a part of the NLC so if you already hold a compact license then you don’t need to get a new license.

 

For more information on compact states, don’t miss…

• Compact vs Non-Compact Nursing License – What You Need to Know

 

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A TRAVEL NURSE RECRUITER TO HELP YOU LAND IN ASSIGNMENT IN AUSTIN, DM ME ON INSTAGRAM SO I CAN SET YOU UP WITH MY RECRUITER!  OR FILL OUT THIS FORM AND A SENIOR LEVEL RECRUITER WILL REACH OUT TO YOU.

 

Prioritizing Your 13-Week Stay – What Should You Do?

Whenever I arrive at a new destination, I sometimes feel completely overwhelmed at all there is to see and do.  I think to myself, how in the world do I accomplish all that I want to accomplish without wasting any time in 13 VERY short weeks (or 8 weeks)?  Where do I even start?  Well, that’s what I’m here for!  Austin is brimming with things to do.  Here is a comprehensive list of what to do, restaurants to eat at, bars to visit, and more!

 

Things to See & do in Austin

Paddleboard/Kayak on Lady Bird Lake – Lady Bird Lake is the perfect outdoor activity.  You’re in the water so you stay nice and cool while getting top-notch views of the amazing Austin skyline.  To rent paddleboards/kayaks head to the Rowing Dock, which opens as early as 9 am.

Rainey Street – Rainey Street is a fun and unique street of houses that have been converted into bars.  You can go during the day-to-day drink, but the real fun starts at night.  Either way, come hungry!  There are tons of food trucks around Rainey Street.

South Congress Street – South Congress Street is the street to go to if you’re looking to shop at fun boutique shops.  Head to Alan’s Boots for a taste of Texas boots, Cove for clothes, and Maufrais for hats.

Tube Down San Marcos River – Grab some friends and tube down the San Marcos River!  The river is only 30-45 minutes outside of Austin making it the perfect day activity.  You can rent tubes from Texas State Tubes, and off you go!

 

Day Trips from Austin

Driftwood – Driftwood is located about 25-miles southwest of Austin.  It’s part of what is referred to as “Texas Hill Country” and is a fun area to visit if you want to get out of the city and drink wine.  When you visit make sure to head to Salt Lick for BBQ and Duchman Family Winery for wine.

Fredericksburg – Fredericksburg is located about 80-miles west of Austin and is the biggest wine-producing area outside of Austin.  There are 50 wineries in Fredericksburg (100 in “Hill Country”) making Fredericksburg quite popular amongst locals and visitors.  Plus Fredericksburg has a cute downtown area so if you want to stay longer (or if you accidentally drink too much) consider spending the night.  Read more about Fredericksburg:  5 of the Best Wineries in Fredericksburg, Texas.

Waco – One of the main reasons to visit Waco is to visit Magnolia Market.  And let me tell you, it does not disappoint.  Located 100-miles north of Austin spend the day visiting Chip and Joanna Gaines store, eat at their bakery, and soak in all things, Magnolia.  Read more about visiting Magnolia Market:  Planning a Trip to Magnolia Market – Everything to Know When Visiting.

 

Restaurants in Austin

ATX Cocina – By far one of the best restaurants in Austin, ATX Cocina is an upscale Mexican restaurant.

Biscuits and Groovy – Biscuits and Groovy is an incredible food truck that serves biscuits and gravy.  There are a couple of locations around Austin, don’t miss your chance to try it out!

Eberly – A chic restaurant, Eberly is perfect for cocktails and appetizers before going out for the night.

Irene’s – Open all day, Irene’s is a fun place to go for brunch.  Irene’s doesn’t take reservations but they have a fun patio to hang out on while you sip drinks and wait for a table.

Kemuri Tatsu-Ya – Kemuri Tatsu-Ya is Texan, Japanese fusion food.  With quirky decor and an incredible saki menu, it’s the perfect place to eat out with friends or on a date!

Loro – Another Asian, Texan fusion restaurant, Loro is a casual and laidback restaurant.  A place where you order at the front bar, and that doesn’t take reservations, but don’t let that deter you.  Go early to put your name in for a table and get drinks from the outdoor bar while you wait around to eat.  Loro is popular so expect there to be a wait!

Perla’s – Perla’s is an incredible seafood restaurant with an incredible atmosphere.  Located on South Congress Street it’s the perfect place for drinks and oysters after you’ve had a long day shopping.

Uchi – A few years ago Uchi was named one of the top sushi restaurants in the United States.  When you visit Austin I highly encourage you to try to get reservations here.  Make sure to plan well in advance!

 

Bars in Austin

Banger’s Sausage House and Beer Garden – Located on Rainey Street, Banger’s is a good place to go for food and beer before going out on Rainey Street.

Lustre Pearl – Also on Rainey Street, Lustre Pearl usually has a great DJ on the weekends.  Plus there’s an incredible food truck that sells wings right outside.

Blind Pig Pub – The Blind Pig is located on Dirty Sixth Street.  Dirty Sixth is a fun place to go out although prepare yourself for some pretty wild shenanigans.

 

Have you been a travel nurse in Austin?  What did I miss?  Let me know in the comments below!

 

Travel Nurse Essentials

 

If you’re looking for other ideas of where to be a travel nurse, check out these posts:

• Travel Nurse Guide to Huntsville, Alabama:  Where to Work, Live, & Explore
• The Travel Nurse Guide to Seattle – Everything You Need to Know for a Successful Assignment
• The Travel Nurse Guide to Boston – Everything You Need to Know Before Starting Your Assignment
• The Ultimate Guide to Travel Nursing in Chicago
• The Ultimate Travel Nurse Guide to Fargo
• The Ultimate Travel Nurse Guide to Omaha
• The Ultimate Travel Nurse Guide to Santa Barbara
• The Ultimate Guide to Travel Nursing in San Francisco

 

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