Where Travel Nurses are Most Needed: A Guide to Top Assignment Locations

One of the best things about travel nursing is the freedom to select your work location. Some nurses opt for contracts in dream destinations like Hawaii, Washington, or Arizona. Others prefer assignments closer to home or in neighboring states. If you’re unsure about where to go for your next assignment, take a look at our list of cities that are in high demand for travel nurses, along with some suggestions for activities during your days off!

Wausau, WI

Wausau, located in the heart of Wisconsin, has seen a growing demand for travel nurses due to its expanding healthcare facilities and an aging population requiring more medical attention. The city's key hospitals, like Aspirus Wausau Hospital, are continually seeking travelers to handle the increasing patient load, particularly in specialized fields such as geriatrics and cardiology. Furthermore, seasonal changes and winter sports injuries contribute to the need for medical professionals in emergency departments.

Things to Do:

Granite Peak Ski Area: Enjoy skiing or snowboarding during the winter months.

Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum: Explore fascinating art exhibits, especially the renowned "Birds in Art" show.

Rib Mountain State Park: Hike up Rib Mountain for stunning views of the surrounding area.

Waukesha, WI

Waukesha's healthcare sector is thriving, creating a steady demand for travel nurses to support local hospitals and clinics. The city is home to ProHealth Waukesha Memorial Hospital and numerous specialty clinics that require additional nursing staff to maintain high standards of patient care. As the local population grows and ages, the need for skilled nurses in areas like orthopedics, rehabilitation, and chronic disease management increases.

Things to Do:

Retzer Nature Center: Discover beautiful hiking trails and nature exhibits.

Waukesha Farmers' Market: Browse local produce and artisanal goods on Saturdays.

Fox River Park: Enjoy a day of picnicking, hiking, or kayaking.

Evansville, IN

Evansville, the third-largest city in Indiana, is a medical hub with several major hospitals and a need for additional nursing staff. Institutions like Deaconess Hospital and St. Vincent Evansville are constantly seeking experienced travel nurses to fill positions in critical care, surgery, and pediatrics. The city's strategic location along the Ohio River also makes it a key regional center for healthcare services, necessitating a robust nursing workforce to meet patient needs.

Things to Do:

Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden: Spend a day with over 700 animals and lush gardens.

Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science: Explore exhibits ranging from fine art to historical artifacts.

Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve: Hike through one of Indiana's largest urban forests.

Newburgh, IN

Newburgh's close proximity to Evansville and its own growing healthcare facilities make it a prime location for travel nurses. The town hosts several important medical centers, including the Women's Hospital and Deaconess Gateway Hospital, which often require additional nursing staff for maternity, neonatal care, and general medical-surgical units. As these facilities expand their services, the demand for travel nurses with specialized skills increases.

Things to Do:

Rivertown Trail: Enjoy scenic views along the Ohio River.

Angel Mounds State Historic Site: Discover one of the best-preserved Native American sites in the United States.

Historic Downtown Newburgh: Stroll through charming shops and restaurants.

Hendersonville, NC

Known for its excellent healthcare system, Hendersonville is in constant need of travel nurses to support its medical facilities. Hospitals such as Pardee Hospital and AdventHealth Hendersonville require additional nursing staff to manage the high volume of patients, especially during the peak tourist seasons when the population temporarily increases. The area's reputation as a retirement destination also drives the need for skilled nurses in geriatric and long-term care.

Things to Do:

DuPont State Recreational Forest: Hike to beautiful waterfalls and lush landscapes.

Historic Downtown Hendersonville: Enjoy shopping, dining, and seasonal festivals.

Jump Off Rock: Take in breathtaking mountain views from this scenic overlook.

Chicago, IL

Chicago, one of the largest cities in the U.S., has a vast network of hospitals and clinics that constantly require additional nursing staff. Renowned institutions like Humboldt Park Health, University of Chicago Medical Center, and Rush University Medical Center are always in need of travel nurses to fill roles in critical care, emergency services, and specialized units such as oncology and cardiology. The city's diverse population also demands culturally competent healthcare providers, further increasing the need for experienced nurses.

Things to Do:

Millennium Park: Visit the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture and enjoy outdoor concerts.

Art Institute of Chicago: Explore world-renowned art collections.

Navy Pier: Enjoy rides, dining, and lakefront views.

Appleton, WI

Appleton's growing healthcare system is creating a steady demand for travel nurses to fill various roles in its medical facilities. The city’s main hospitals, such as ThedaCare Regional Medical Center, require additional staff to handle increasing patient numbers and to cover for permanent staff during peak times. Specialties in demand include emergency medicine, surgical nursing, and intensive care.

Things to Do:

Hearthstone Historic House Museum: Tour this beautifully preserved 19th-century mansion.

Fox Cities Performing Arts Center: Catch a Broadway show or live performance.

Downtown Appleton: Shop local boutiques and visit the Farmers Market every Saturday during the summer and fall.

Spring Grove, MN

This small town in Minnesota has a high demand for travel nurses due to its rural healthcare needs and limited local nursing staff. Facilities like Gundersen Tweeten Care Center often rely on travel nurses to provide high-quality care in areas such as long-term care, rehabilitation, and primary care. The community's reliance on a small number of healthcare providers makes the presence of travel nurses crucial.

Things to Do:

Giants of the Earth Heritage Center: Learn about the town's Norwegian heritage.

Bluff Country: Explore scenic drives and outdoor activities in this picturesque region.

Spring Grove Cinema: Enjoy a movie at this historic small-town theater.

Green Bay, WI

Green Bay, home to the famous Packers, also has a strong need for travel nurses to support its robust healthcare system. Major healthcare providers like Bellin Health and Aurora BayCare Medical Center continually seek travel nurses to manage patient care in various specialties, including cardiology, orthopedics, and neonatal care. The city's status as a regional medical center means that it serves a large and diverse patient population.

Things to Do:

Lambeau Field: Tour the home of the Green Bay Packers.

Bay Beach Amusement Park: Visit this park on the beach for rides, concessions, and additional events.

Green Bay Botanical Garden: Stroll through beautiful gardens and seasonal displays.

Travel nursing not only provides the opportunity to advance your career but also to explore new places and experience different cultures. Whether you're skiing in Wausau or exploring the vibrant streets of Chicago, these cities offer both professional growth and personal adventure. Click here to start your next adventure today!