Why Washington State is Perfect for Travel Nursing

Washington State is one of the most beautiful and diverse states in the country, with a lot to offer travel nurses. As the #1 best state for RNs according to WalletHub, Washington is a great option for travel nursing jobs. From the stunning Pacific coastline to the majestic mountains in the east, this state is full of natural beauty. Washington is also home to major metropolitan areas like Seattle and Tacoma, as well as charming small towns that are worth exploring.

There’s never a shortage of things to do in Washington State, whether you’re a travel nurse interested in outdoor activities or city nightlife. It’s also home to a vibrant cultural scene, with world-class museums and art galleries, as well as thriving music and nightlife. If you’re looking for an adventure, there’s no better place to be a Working Tourist than Washington.

Travel Nursing in Washington

Top Hospitals and Healthcare Systems

In addition to an astonishingly diverse landscape as well as culture, Washington is home to a number of top hospitals and medical facilities, so you’ll have plenty of options for finding the perfect assignment. Whether you’re looking for a small community hospital or a large teaching hospital, you’ll find it here. This makes it a great place for travel nurses in a variety of different settings.

Travel Nursing Pay

There are a few other unexpected benefits to working in Washington. The salary for travel nurses is one of the highest in the country with an average of $51 per hour, or $106,086 per year. And with no state income tax, you’ll be able to keep more of your hard-earned money.

Licensing in Washington

Now that Washington has passed legislation to become part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, there are even more reasons for travel nurses to consider working there. This means that Washington will now be part of a multi-state agreement that allows licensed nurses to have one license that is valid in all participating states. To be eligible, a nurse must have a license in good standing in their home state and meet all other requirements of the Compact.

Eliminating the need for multiple licenses enables nurses to respond more swiftly to emergencies and fill vacancies in places where they are needed most. It also broadens the pool of highly qualified nurses available to provide care throughout the country.

Best Locations in Washington

Washington offers a variety of amazing places to live and work. If you’re looking for an exciting and well-paying travel nursing career, this is the perfect place to start your search. A few of the best locations for travel nurses are:

Seattle

• Seattle is a beautiful city with a lot to offer. From the Space Needle to the Pike Place Market, there are plenty of reasons to enjoy this city. Not only is it considered a scenic destination with plenty of outdoor activities, but it also offers a variety of top healthcare facilities to choose from.

Tacoma

• Tacoma is a large city with plenty of job opportunities, but it’s also close to nature and has a small-town feel. Known for its world-renowned glass art, Tacoma has a vibrant culture. The friendly city celebrates a melding of old and new with modern cuisine and performing arts happily mixed with classic cars and history.

Spokane

• Spokane is a scenic destination built on a vibrant city steeped in history. The early days of being a rail hub earned Spokane the nickname “The Gateway to the American West.” Today, you can experience, fine dining, history, entertainment, and picturesque outdoor adventures.

Olympia

• Olympia is the capital of Washington and a bustling city with an array of grandiose government buildings that are perfect for touring on off days. In addition to opulent architecture, Olympia hosts one of the best farmers’ markets in the Pacific Northwest. It also makes an excellent base camp for all types of outdoor activities and is close to Portland, OR, and bigger cities in Washington like Tacoma and Seattle.

Everett

• Everett is 25 miles north of Seattle and home to the largest building by volume in the world: Boeing’s massive jumbo jet assembly plant. In addition to the Future of Flight Aviation Center and Boeing Tour, Everett also hosts immaculate gardens, intriguing history centers, and beautiful museums.

Aberdeen

• Aberdeen’s official welcome sign showcases the quote “Come As You Are”. This is a nod to Nirvana since Aberdeen is the hometown of Kurt Cobain and officially the “Birthplace of Grunge.” Enjoy the history, scenic beachfront stretches, and local wineries on your day off.

Walla Walla

• Speaking of wineries, Walla Walla is the capital of Washington wine country. This area is one of the most fertile agricultural areas in the nation. But, it’s also home to one of the best small town main streets in the country. Boasting a crafty mix of vintage shops, cafes, bookstores, tasting rooms, restaurants, and more.

Vancouver

• Vancouver is a modern city in southern Washington connected to Portland, OR via two scenic interstate bridges. Similar to the rest of Washington, Vancouver hosts numerous outdoor attractions. However, it also celebrates its heritage in the form of Fort Vancouver, a sprawling historic site.

Travel Nursing Jobs in Washington

Travel nurses are in high demand across the country. Hospitals and other healthcare facilities are in need of experienced nursing staff, and travel nurses are uniquely positioned to help patients receive the care they need.

In-Demand Travel Nursing Specialties

Some of the top travel nursing specialties in Washington include:

• Corrections: Travel nurses can help to keep correctional facilities running smoothly while also keeping staff and inmates safe. If you’re interested in working in corrections, you can learn more here.
• Home Health & Hospice: As patients increasingly seek more healthcare accessibility and alternative care options, travel nurses can provide much-needed support for patients at home. Learn more about home health nursing here.
• Labor & Delivery: As one of the most popular travel nursing specialties, Washington has plenty of L&D jobs for travel nurses looking to work in the state.
• Emergency Department: ER/ED nurses with skills and experience to provide care for patients in high-pressure environments will have plenty of emergency room and emergency department opportunities across the state.
• Operating Room: Nurses with OR experience to support patients, surgeons, and other members of the healthcare team before, during, and after operations and other procedures are highly sought after in Washington.
• Medical-Surgical: Med-Surg is a very popular travel nursing specialty, and nurses with experience caring for adults with a variety of medical issues or who are preparing for/recovering from surgery, will have plenty of job opportunities here.
• Case Management: Travel nurses working in case management work with patients to coordinate their care and ensure that they are receiving the services they need. It’s an excellent travel job for those looking for a change in their nursing career or to get away from the bedside.

Washington is an amazing state for travel nurses with a lot to offer as far as job opportunities, facilities, pay, and unique destinations. Become a Working Tourist and explore the state’s many scenic wonders, from the snow-capped peaks of the Cascade Range to the rainforests of Olympic National Park. And, with the plethora of different hospitals and healthcare facilities, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to find the perfect travel nursing assignment.