Best Cities to Work (Pay and Experience)

[godbless-yute]

Hey everybody, I'm planning on starting traveling in the spring. I want my first assignment to be in or near Philly (I have family there). I still want to travel to other places just for the experience. At the same time, I have two degrees worth of student loans in repayment right now, so $$ is important. What cities/ hospitals did you guys have the best time in?? Where did you get the best pay?? I always hear about California, but where else??

[travelerjulesRN]

I'm currently in NC the town is an hour from Raleigh and an hour from the ocean but in itself doesn't have a lot to do. The hospital however and the people have made it a great first experience as a traveler and I actually extended my contract.

Good luck to you!

[godbless-yute]

Come on guys, I'm sure you have something you could offer from your own experience.....thanks travelerjulesRN

[gnursjr2]

I was just in San Diego on contract, paid really well, but it was a fortune to live there. You have to take into consideration, things like TX, and NV don't have State tax, so you clear more $$. California is expensive, especially, SD, and the Bay area.

[lowtide57]

Travelerjules, I'm moving close to the area you are working in, and I'm going to start traveling, too, in early November. What hospital are you working for and what company placed you there? I'm looking for some opportunities relatively close to home from time to time and need to know the options. Thanks!

[martjohn]

I'm currently at a position in Tucson, AZ, the floor I work on is stressful, but the staff is so much fun to work with!!! The pay is excellent, especially for how cheap living expenses are here. The wage I make here are close and sometimes more than Cali wages and like I said, cost of living is muuuch lower here. Plus, I find if you find your own housing, you end up being able to pocket around half of your stipend (aaand it goes straight to my student loans)! Good luck with your travels!

[ORSPEC]

Hey gnursjr. I had a quick question about S Cal travel. Shoot me a PM or email at [email protected]. Thanks!

[AppleRN4]

I've always heard NoCal pays really well, and so far, it's been the best $$ I've made. Currently in San Jose, CA and making over $1600/wk.

Good luck!

[dixRN]

Loved Hawaii & it paid well but it is a fortune to live there. Alaska's ANC pays your student school loans up to $50,000 for a two year contract. Alaska pays well but also very expensive. In general I find that the higher the area pays the higher the cost of living.

[futuretravelrn]

dixRN , what did you mean, ANC? referring to alaska?

[dixRN]

Alaska's ANC hospital is the native/Indian hospital in Anchorage, Alaska. Google: Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. I believe that there is also a student loan payback if you work for the BIA in the lower 48 states. The ANC hospital in Anchorage is a nice place to work & Alaska is AMAZING! It is such a huge state. I have been here for 6 months & only seen & done a fraction of what is available.

[akRN68]

Alaska's ANC hospital is the native/Indian hospital in Anchorage, Alaska. Google: Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. I believe that there is also a student loan payback if you work for the BIA in the lower 48 states. The ANC hospital in Anchorage is a nice place to work & Alaska is AMAZING! It is such a huge state. I have been here for 6 months & only seen & done a fraction of what is available.

I live in Alaska and work in Anchorage. I hope you enjoy the state. I've only been here for 2 years and Love it!!!! I am working for a small surgical clinic/dr office. I love the people I work with and our patients are wonderful. I've been trying to get on with local hosp(s) here but am finding it very difficult. I graduated in 09 and my background is mostly hospice/home health. I am beating my head against a wall everywhere I go. I wish you the very best and hope you explore the state a bit before you leave.