It’s common knowledge amongst the travel nurse community that there are some places that are more “travel nurse friendly” than others. And when you’re first starting out in this industry, everything can feel overwhelming. That’s why picking a city that is generally more “travel nurse friendly” can help immensely. In this post, I’ll break down where I believe are the best places to go for your first travel nurse assignment and why!
Don’t miss…
What Makes a Place “Travel Nurse Friendly”
In my opinion, as a travel nurse of seven years, I believe what makes a destination “travel nurse friendly” is a combination of things. Is the unit used to having travel nurses? Does management frequently hire travel nurses? Do these places have good staffing ratios or laws protecting nurses? And based on my own experiences and feedback from other travel nurses. While I have not been to every place on this list, these are the places that I hear the most positive reviews about from other travel nurses and from my recruiter Jess. (You can contact her here if you’re looking for an assignment!).
If you need more guidance on becoming a travel nurse, make sure to check out The Ultimate Travel Nurse Bundle where you’ll get 60+ pages of travel nurse information including – how to make sense of your contract, how to negotiate pay, & more – delivered straight to your inbox!
If you’re a first time travel nurse, don’t miss…
- The Most Important Travel Nurse Terms to Know
- Your A-Z Guide to Travel Nursing
- What to Expect Once You Get a Job as a Travel Nurse
- 10 Tips for First Time Travel Nurses
- How Much Money Should You Save Before Becoming a Travel Nurse?
- 10 Pieces of Advice for New Travel Nurses
- 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Jumping into the Crazy World of Travel Nursing
- How to Negotiate Your Travel Nurse Contract
- How NOT to Pack for Your First Travel Nurse Assignment
- How to Deal with the Anxiety of Starting a New Travel Nurse Assignment
1. Fargo, North Dakota
Fargo, North Dakota might not seem like an obvious choice for a travel nurse assignment, but trust me when I tell you – it’s completely underrated. First off, pay in North Dakota is generally higher than elsewhere in the US (simply because not as many people want to go here) and the cost of living is affordable. Also, the people in North Dakota are very kind so your chances of working on a “nice” unit are higher. And lastly, Fargo is a really fun city!
If you’re considering Fargo for a travel nurse assignment, don’t miss…
2. Omaha, Nebraska
Like Fargo, Omaha might not be your first choice for a travel nurse assignment; but trust me when I say that it’s a hidden gem in the travel nurse world. The city is affordable, making it a great spot to save money while you’re getting started in travel nursing. Plus, Omaha offers a surprising mix of attractions for your days off – think exploring the trendy Old Market, indulging in top-notch steaks, or spending an afternoon at the Henry Doorly Zoo, one of the best zoo’s in the world. The nursing community here (and in the midwest overall) is known for being friendly and supportive, so you’re likely to land on a welcoming unit where you’ll feel right at home. It’s the perfect place to launch your travel nursing journey with a mix of stability, adventure, and charm.
If you’re considering Omaha for a travel nurse assignment, don’t miss…
- The Ultimate Travel Nurse Guide to Omaha
- A Local’s Guide to Visiting Omaha, Nebraska
- A Neighborhood Guide to Omaha, Nebraska
- 15 Best Restaurants in Omaha
3. Phoenix, Arizona
Of everywhere I took a travel nurse assignment, Phoenix surprised me this most. With its warm weather and endless sunshine, it’s the perfect place to escape cold winters and soak up some Vitamin D. On your days off, you can explore breathtaking desert landscapes, hike iconic spots like Camelback Mountain, or even take a quick road trip to the Grand Canyon. The cost of living is reasonable, and with plenty of healthcare facilities, you’ll have access to a variety of assignments. Phoenix is also known for its tight-knit nursing community, where you’re sure to find supportive colleagues who make your transition smooth.
3. Salt Lake City, Utah
I have personally never taken an assignment in Salt Lake City, but it’s not for lack of trying! Over my seven-year career as a travel nurse, I heard multiple other travelers rave about how Salt Lake City is their favorite place to take an assignment. Nestled between stunning mountain ranges, Salt Lake offers endless outdoor activities year-round – from skiing in the winter to hiking and mountain biking in the summer. The city itself has a low cost of living and a strong healthcare system, making it a great spot to save money while gaining valuable experience. On your days off, you can explore the vibrant downtown scene, visit historic Temple Square, or take a quick drive to the national parks nearby. It’s the perfect mix of adventure, affordability, and professional growth for any travel nurse.
5. Reno, Nevada
Reno is another location that I never made it to as a travel nurse, but the reason that I chose to include it in this list is because my travel nurse recruiter Jess (you can contact her here), told me that she gets the most positive feedback about Reno anytime she sends a travel nurse there. Known as “The Biggest Little City in the World,” Reno combines small-town charm with big-city amenities. With affordable housing and competitive pay, it’s a great spot to save money while building your travel nursing career. On your days off, you can enjoy the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains for hiking, skiing, or paddleboarding at Lake Tahoe – just a short drive away. Reno also boasts a lively downtown scene, with unique restaurants, art galleries, and fun events like the iconic Hot August Nights car show.
6. San Francisco, California
San Francisco is a great city for your first travel nurse assignment simply because they are always hiring travelers and each hospital is well-equipped to deal with new travel nurses. Not to mention, the pay in San Francisco is (usually) the highest in the country, and California has great laws protecting nurses. On your days off, you can explore iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, indulge in world-class dining, or take a ferry to Alcatraz. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you can take advantage of hiking in Muir Woods or relaxing on the beaches of Marin County.
If you’re considering a travel nurse assignment in San Francisco, don’t miss…
- The Ultimate Guide to travel Nursing in San Francisco
- 15+ of the Best Restaurants in San Francisco
- The Best Places to go for Views of the Golden Gate Bridge
- 8 Apps You Need for Transportation in San Francisco
7. Seattle, Washington
Of everywhere on this list, Seattle is the city I would recommend any and every travel nurse to start their career. Like California, Washington is always in need of travel nurses, pays well, and has great laws protecting nurses. Not to mention, the travel nurse community in Seattle is strong and present making it an easy place to make friends. On your days off, you can explore iconic spots like Pike Place Market, take a ferry to the nearby San Juan Islands, or hike in the Cascade Mountains. The city is also home to a thriving food and coffee culture – trust me when I say, you won’t want to miss indulging in fresh Pacific Northwest seafood. If you’re looking for a destination that offers a balance of career growth and unforgettable experiences, Seattle is the place to be.
If you’re considering Seattle for a travel nurse assignment, don’t miss…
- The Ultimate Travel Nurse Guide to Seattle
- 10 Unique Things to Do in Seattle
- 5 of the Best Hiking Trails Near Seattle
- The Ultimate Guide to Seattle
- 7 Things to Do When it’s Raining in Seattle
- Best Bars in Seattle
- The Ultimate Guide to the Seattle Food Scene
- The Best Dessert Places in Seattle
- Best Places in Seattle for Views of the Seattle Skyline
8. San Diego, California
I never made it to San Diego as a travel nurse, but again, it’s just one of the places that travelers rave about. I think that the downside to working in San Diego is that pay is mediocre (due to the number of nurses who want to take an assignment there) and cost of living is high. But on the flip side, it is a dream destination for a travel nurse assignment. With its year-round perfect weather and stunning coastline, it’s the ideal place to relax after a long shift at the hospital. The pay is competitive, and the city offers a variety of top-tier healthcare facilities to gain valuable experience. On your days off, you can unwind on the beaches of La Jolla, explore the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter, or take a scenic hike at Torrey Pines. San Diego’s food scene is equally impressive, from fresh fish tacos to fine dining with ocean views. If you’re looking for a destination that feels like a vacation while advancing your career, San Diego is the place to be.
Travel Nurse Essentials
FOR HOUSING
- VRBO
- Extended Stay America
- Hello Landing – Use code “PassportsandPreemies” for $250 off your first standard Landing stay
FOR RECRUITERS
- Fill out this form to connect with my favorite recruiter, Jess
FOR TRAVELING TO/DURING YOUR ASSIGNMENT
- To book a flight, I recommend this booking platform or Skyscanner to compare options
- If you need to rent a car, I recommend Discover Cars
FOR WORK
TO EXPLORE YOUR NEW “HOME”
- For tours I recommend Get Your Guide, Viator, Take Walks, & Devour Tours (available in select cities)
If you’re a new travel nurse, I hope that you found this guide for the best places for your first travel nurse assignment helpful! If you have any questions about travel nursing or where to go for an assignment, let me know in a comment below.
If you liked this post, you might also like…
- 5 Best States for Travel Nursing
- The Best Places to be a Travel Nurse
- How to Acclimate to Your New City as a Travel Nurse
- Navigating State Licensing and Certifications: A Comprehensive Guide for Travel Nurses
For more information and inspiration on all things nursing and travel nursing, make sure to check out my Instagram page/highlight reel by searching “#ppinscrubs” or under my highlights for “Nursing” or “Travel Nursing”; alternatively, head to my TikTok and search for the saved “Nursing” or “Travel Nursing” highlight
Pin Me!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase through my link, at no cost to you. Passports and Preemies is also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees.
Founded by Kylee, a NICU nurse with nine years of experience, including seven years as a travel nurse; Passports and Preemies was created in 2017 and is now the go-to travel and lifestyle channel for nurses who crave adventure beyond the bedside. Whether you’re a staff nurse looking for your next getaway or a travel nurse navigating life on the road, this space is designed to help you maximize your time off, explore the world, and prevent nurse burnout.
On Passports and Preemies, you’ll find everything from travel nursing insights – how to get started, land the best assignments, and thrive on the road – to expert travel tips, destination guides, and real-talk about balancing nursing with a life well-traveled. Passports and Preemies also includes Beyond the Bedside – group trips for nurses around the world; as well as the podcast, Passports and Preemies Talks.
