For nurses in Canada, travel nursing offers an exciting way to explore new destinations while advancing their careers. It provides the chance to work in some of the most sought-after locations worldwide, all while gaining valuable professional experience.
If you’re eager to take your skills beyond your local area, contacting a travel nurse agency can help you get started. They will guide you through the process and help set you up in your desired location, whether it’s in another province within Canada or abroad.
Below, we explore some of the most popular travel nurse destinations and what you can expect from working there.
The Most Exciting Places to Work as a Travel Nurse
Practice Nursing in California
California is one of the most popular travel nurse destinations, known for its stunning coastlines, diverse cities, and breathtaking natural landscapes. From the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco to the sunny beaches of Los Angeles, California offers an incredible lifestyle. Not to mention the world-famous national parks like Yosemite and Joshua Tree, which are perfect for weekend adventures.
The healthcare industry in California is robust, with a consistent demand for skilled nurses in hospitals, clinics, and specialty care facilities. Additionally, California has some of the highest-paying travel nurse positions due to its higher cost of living and nurse-to-patient ratio laws. This makes California an ideal destination for those who want to earn a competitive salary while enjoying various cultural, outdoor, and lifestyle experiences.
Plus, you can work in some of the country’s most renowned healthcare institutions, enhancing your professional profile.
If you’re curious about what it takes to become a travel nurse and start your journey, California is a great destination to consider.
Work in Arizona
Arizona is another top destination for travel nurses, known for its unique desert landscape, warm climate, and abundant outdoor activities. Cities like Phoenix and Tucson have a high demand for nurses, especially due to the influx of retirees seeking healthcare services in the state. This translates into competitive salaries and plenty of job opportunities for travel nurses.
Beyond the work, Arizona offers travel nurses the chance to experience a wellness-oriented lifestyle. The state boasts picturesque locations like Sedona, the Grand Canyon, and scenic drives through vast deserts, perfect for exploring during your days off. The cost of living is relatively low compared to other states, allowing you to save money or invest in local experiences.
If you love sunshine, outdoor activities, and a slower pace of life, Arizona could be your ideal destination. For those ready to break out of their routine and start a new career path in an exciting location, Arizona provides the perfect blend of work and adventure.
Support Communities in Northern Canada
For those looking for a unique and impactful experience, Northern Canada is a travel nurse destination that offers both personal and professional growth.
Remote regions in provinces like Nunavut, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories often face a shortage of healthcare professionals, creating a high demand for skilled nurses.
Working in Northern Canada provides the opportunity to make a real difference in small, tight-knit communities, often giving nurses a greater sense of purpose. The remote setting allows for a more hands-on and diverse range of nursing experiences, which can enhance your skills. You will also be surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes, such as the Northern Lights, snow-covered mountains, and pristine lakes, providing a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
The higher salaries and incentives offered for working in remote areas also make it financially rewarding.
Work in Healthcare in Edmonton
Edmonton is a vibrant city in Alberta that offers travel nurses a unique mix of urban living and outdoor adventure, making it one of the top travel nurse destinations. With a growing healthcare sector, the city has a steady demand for nursing professionals, especially in its numerous hospitals and specialty care facilities.
The city provides the conveniences of an urban lifestyle, with plenty of shopping, dining, and cultural events to enjoy. Edmonton is known for its summer festivals, offering travel nurses a lively and engaging social scene. Moreover, its proximity to the Rocky Mountains, Jasper National Park, and Banff makes it a gateway to some of Canada’s most stunning natural attractions.
Edmonton’s relatively low cost of living compared to other major cities allows you to save more while exploring all it has to offer.
Iceland – Natural Beauty and Cultural Experiences
Iceland may not be the first destination that comes to mind for travel nurses, but it’s certainly one of the most unique. The country is known for its stunning natural beauty, including glaciers, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes.
Due to nursing shortages, Iceland has relaxed its language requirements, allowing English-speaking nurses with proper certifications to work there. This provides an excellent opportunity for nurses seeking international experience without a language barrier. Working in Iceland offers the chance to immerse yourself in a rich cultural experience, with unique traditions and a close-knit community vibe.
Plus, the work-life balance is highly valued in Icelandic culture, giving you ample time to explore its breathtaking sights like the Blue Lagoon and the Northern Lights.
Iceland has more sheep than people! With a population of just over 370,000, you’ll find nearly twice as many sheep in the breathtaking landscapes – perfect for travel nurses who love nature!
Work Down Under in Australia
Australia is a dream destination for many travel nurses, offering sun, surf, and a laid-back lifestyle. With a high demand for healthcare professionals, finding work here is relatively easy, and Canadian nursing qualifications are recognized by the country’s nursing and midwifery board, simplifying the application process.
From the bustling cities of Sydney and Melbourne to the coastal charm of Brisbane and Perth, Australia has something for everyone. On your days off, you can explore the Great Barrier Reef, relax on world-renowned beaches, or take trips to nearby destinations in Southeast Asia.
Additional Considerations for Travel Nurse Destinations
When planning your journey as a travel nurse, there are several important factors to consider to ensure a smooth and successful experience in your chosen travel nurse destinations.
From understanding contract lengths and accommodations to navigating licensing requirements and choosing the right specializations, being well-prepared can make all the difference.
Travel Nursing Contracts and Length of Stay
Travel nurse contracts can vary in length, typically ranging from 2 weeks to 26 weeks or sometimes even longer. This flexibility allows you to choose how long you want to stay in a destination based on your career and lifestyle goals. To find the right contract length for you, check job postings or consult with an agency, as they can guide you toward positions that align with your needs and preferences.
Accommodations & Support
In some travel nurse destinations, accommodations are included in the contract, making the transition to a new environment much smoother. This support can range from fully furnished housing to a monthly stipend that covers rent. Having accommodations provided can significantly cut down on costs, helping you save money and avoid the stress of finding a place to live. Be sure to review the contract details and clarify what support is available, as some destinations may also include utilities, transportation, or even meal allowances.
If you’re already established in your nursing career, making the shift to travel nursing will require careful planning, patience, and courage. Knowing that accommodations and support are often part of the package can make this transition more manageable, allowing you to focus on enjoying the new experience.
Certifications and Licensing
To work in a new province, state, or country, being a registered nurse is usually the baseline requirement. However, additional licensing may be required depending on the destination. This process can be straightforward, especially with the help of a travel nurse agency that can guide you through the paperwork and documentation needed for your chosen location.
Specializing to Maximize Opportunities
Having a specialization in areas like intensive care, neonatal, emergency room, or home healthcare can greatly expand your job options and increase your earning potential in top travel nurse destinations. Agencies often seek nurses with specific skill sets, so gaining experience in a particular area can make you more competitive in the travel nursing market.
If you’re currently established in your nursing career and considering a change, learn more about what a travel nurse does to prepare for a smooth transition.
How Can I Get Help in My Nursing Courses?
If you are still taking courses to start your career as a nurse or travel nurse, you may find that the learning is difficult and you need some additional help. Nursing classes are known to be challenging, largely because you are taking learning from a range of disciplines, such as math, science, and medicine.
Nurses must also complete different exams to become qualified. This takes preparation and time, and ideally some help.
This is where hiring a tutor comes in. A nursing tutor can work with you in whatever capacity you need: getting through course readings, preparing for exams, or organizing your paperwork so you are prepared to look for work abroad.
Tutors can work with you for as much or as little as you need, and can share their own experiences to help you better understand the nursing field.
To find a nursing tutor, look on Superprof Canada. Superprof has listings for dozens of nursing tutors across Canada that do the work of supporting nurses and nurse candidates. Use the search tool to find a tutor in your area or that can work virtually, and contact those you are interested in.
Find a nursing tutor on Superprof today!
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