States with a continual need?

NedRN · Jan 27, 2015

States to avoid and better states to work in have been discussed in just the last few days as well as which licenses to get first. I'd post some links but difficult to do from my phone. Just read the last dozen or so threads and you will read some excellent posts about your questions. Good question! Not asked so often.

PacoUSA, BSN, RN · Jan 27, 2015

I am personally avoiding southern states for travel assignments, particularly Texas and Florida. Those states dont seem to be worth my time and effort, particularly in the sense that travelers have not been treated well there from what I've heard, and the staffing situation is not good. I know people will pipe in as being exceptions to the rule, but popular criticism is enough for me not to even consider going there. Besides, I lived in Florida for 5 years before I became a nurse and that experience alone validates my desire not to return as an employee there.

California however is not only one of the best paying states, particularly Northern California, but it's popular due to the mandated nurse-patient ratio law, the only one in the USA at this time. Definitely work on getting a license there ASAP, as it does take a while to get. And there's also the nice weather which is a bonus.

Other states that I am considering for assignments are Colorado, Arizona, Maryland, Connecticut, and Hawaii. These are due to personal interests and are balanced out by good reviews from other travelers.

I'm currently in NYC on my first assignment, actually on an extension. NYC is also well paying and worth the experience.

Sent from my iPad using allnurses

NedRN · Jan 27, 2015

Good synopsis!

PacoUSA, BSN, RN · Jan 27, 2015

Good synopsis!

Thanks Ned! It's through your guidance that I was able to become so savvy

blackeyedsusan · Jan 28, 2015

California always, always, always has assignments. Most people I've talked to love it out there. Maryland, Virginia, Texas and New York are pretty consistent, too. (I did an assignment in Houston, and didn't have any problems with staffing ratios and I was treated just fine. Texas is a big state so there is a lot of variety.) You didn't mention if you have a compact license, but if you do, I would start in a compact state to get the feel of traveling without investing a lot of time and effort in new licensure. (FYI, Maryland tends to pay pretty good, is a compact state, and always has something going on in the Baltimore area.)

raindrop · Jan 28, 2015

PACO, I read your threads and somehow never knew u were in NYC. I would love to go there for a 13-week-1 year. can you tell me more about your housing? Did u take stipend? How far are u from the hospital? Fastaff always has openings in NYC, but I've read that it is a PITA to get to/from work. I don't want to spend my days commuting. Please PM me any addtl' info that may be helpful, including your agency/recruiter. Do u think multiple extensions are the norm with most travelers there?

BigT · Jan 28, 2015

California always, always, always has assignments. Most people I've talked to love it out there. Maryland, Virginia, Texas and New York are pretty consistent, too. (I did an assignment in Houston, and didn't have any problems with staffing ratios and I was treated just fine. Texas is a big state so there is a lot of variety.) You didn't mention if you have a compact license, but if you do, I would start in a compact state to get the feel of traveling without investing a lot of time and effort in new licensure. (FYI, Maryland tends to pay pretty good, is a compact state, and always has something going on in the Baltimore area.)

Indiana is not a compact state so I will be applying for/endorsing to states individually. That gets expensive so I was trying to narrow down the cost/benefit list for a certain number of states. This gives me an idea for a poll...... :>).

PacoUSA, BSN, RN · Jan 28, 2015

Indiana is not a compact state so I will be applying for/endorsing to states individually. That gets expensive so I was trying to narrow down the cost/benefit list for a certain number of states. This gives me an idea for a poll...... :>).

You do know that agencies reimburse you for the cost of getting or renewing a license? Provided of course you can get the license relatively quickly once you are committed to an assignment, or in some instances have started the process within a few months of an anticipated start time in a state. Essentially you're getting the license for free. I think tho they only reimburse the license fee, not the fees to endorse existing licenses through the BON or Nursys and not fees paid to send nursing school transcripts.

PacoUSA, BSN, RN · Jan 28, 2015

PACO, I read your threads and somehow never knew u were in NYC. I would love to go there for a 13-week-1 year. can you tell me more about your housing? Did u take stipend? How far are u from the hospital? Fastaff always has openings in NYC, but I've read that it is a PITA to get to/from work. I don't want to spend my days commuting. Please PM me any addtl' info that may be helpful, including your agency/recruiter. Do u think multiple extensions are the norm with most travelers there?

I will send you a PM.

msgirl68 · Jan 28, 2015

California is always busy. Pays well, staffing ratios are fair!

toomuchbaloney · Jan 28, 2015

Seems to me that Banner in Fairbanks AK is always looking for travellers...and not just RNs. They pay pretty good up there but it is currently -40 with ice fog in the river valley that is the city.