Ever dreamed of working as a travel nurse in Hawaii, California, or New York City, then wondered if you actually get to pick your destinations? The question of location choice is probably the biggest thing holding many nurses back from taking the leap into travel nursing. The truth about travel nurse location control might surprise you—it’s not complete freedom, but it’s far from limited either. Let’s dive into exactly how much say you really have in where your travel assignments take you, and how to maximize your options for the destinations you actually want.
How Travel Nursing Assignments Actually Work
Understanding the travel nursing ecosystem is crucial before we discuss choice. Think of it as a three-way partnership between you, your travel nursing agency, and healthcare facilities needing temporary staff. Your agency acts as your professional advocate and matchmaker, maintaining relationships with hospitals across the country while you bring the clinical skills they desperately need.
Here’s the typical flow: hospitals submit staffing requests to agencies, outlining specific needs like specialty, shift requirements, start dates, and pay packages. Your agency then presents these opportunities to you based on your profile and preferences. You’re not browsing an open job board like a regular application process—it’s more curated based on established relationships and immediate needs.
Clinical Pearl: Agencies often have exclusive contracts with certain hospital systems, meaning some assignments might only be available through specific agencies.
The timing plays a huge role too. Most travel assignments pop up 4-8 weeks before the start date, though high-need positions or crisis situations can appear much faster. This compressed timeline affects how much choice you have—spontaneous flexibility often leads to better location options than rigid planning far in advance.
The Reality: How Much Choice Do You Really Have?
Let’s be honest—you won’t always get your first-choice location every time. But experienced travel nurses typically secure their preferred destinations about 60-70% of the time with some strategic planning. The key expectation to set: location choice exists on a spectrum from complete control to considerable influence based on multiple factors we’ll explore.
High-demand specialties like ICU, ER, and L&D nurses generally enjoy the most location flexibility. When hospitals are desperate for your specific skill set, they’re more willing to accommodate location preferences. Meanwhile, nurses in less specialized roles might need to be more geographically flexible, especially when starting their travel careers.
Here’s what realistic control looks like:
- Complete control: Rare, but possible for highly experienced nurses in crisis situations
- Strong influence: Common for specialty nurses with multiple certifications
- Moderate choice: Typical for most experienced travelers
- Limited options: More common for new travel nurses or less in-demand specialties
Pro Tip: Your first assignment might require more flexibility, but successfully completing your initial contract significantly increases your leverage for subsequent location choices.
5 Key Factors That Determine Your Assignment Options
Several variables impact how much location choice you’ll have in travel nursing. Understanding these factors helps you strategize for better destination outcomes.
1. Seasonal Demand Patterns
Healthcare needs fluctuate dramatically throughout the year. Winter brings snowbird migration to Florida and Arizona, increasing demand across these states. Summer months see vacationing nurses creating temporary shortages in tourist destinations. Understanding these patterns helps you time your applications for maximum location options where you want to go.
2. Your Specialty Experience
Not all nursing specialties travel equally well. Critical care nurses often have their pick of locations, while med-surg nurses face more competition for desirable destinations. Additional certifications like CCRN, TNCC, or ACLS instructor status can dramatically expand your options.
3. Flexibility on Non-Location Factors
The more flexible you are on shift times, unit size, or even pay rate, the more location options you’ll typically have. Sometimes accepting a night shift or slightly lower pay unlocks access to your dream destination.
4. Your Agency Relationships
Long-term relationships with multiple agencies significantly increase your location access. Different agencies have exclusive contracts with different hospitals, so diversifying your connections opens more doors.
5. Timeline and Planning
Last-minute availability (3-4 weeks out) often yields the best location options as facilities scramble to fill urgent needs. However, this requires substantial flexibility on your end.
Common Mistake: Many new travel nurses fixate on one specific destination for one specific timeframe, drastically limiting their options. Consider alternative similar cities or flexible dates to dramatically improve your chances.
Strategic Approaches to Get Your Preferred Locations
Ready to increase your odds of landing in your desired destinations? These strategies consistently help experienced travel nurses secure better location options.
First, diversify your agency portfolio rather than relying on just one. Work with 2-3 agencies simultaneously, ensuring they specialize in different regions or facility types. This approach maximizes your exposure to available assignments without overwhelming yourself with too many contacts.
Second, consider your timing strategically. Research peak demand seasons for your specialty in target locations. For example, ICU nurses might find more options during winter months in warm climates when staffing dips due to vacation coverage.
Third, build your credentials progressively. Each new certification, specialized training, or successful travel assignment builds your marketability for competitive locations. Think of it as collecting keys that unlock more destination doors.
Pro Tip: Start a destination wishlist and rank your preferences. When your top choice isn’t available, you’ll have already thought through acceptable alternatives rather than feeling forced into random locations.
Most In-Demand vs. Hardest-to-Fill Locations
Understanding geographic trends helps you strategically plan your travel nursing career. Some locations consistently feature high demand for travel nurses, while others represent coveted but competitive destinations.
High-Demand Locations (Typically More Accessible):
- Rural areas in Midwest and South
- Government facilities (VA hospitals, military bases)
- Crisis locations during natural disasters or surges
- Less desirable urban areas
Competitive/Limited-Access Locations:
- Major tourism cities (San Diego, Miami, Seattle)
- Exclusive hospital systems with limited travel contracts
- Popular seasonal destinations (populated summer/winter spots)
Consider this approach: secure your first few assignments in high-demand areas to build experience and reputation. This track record makes you a stronger candidate for competitive locations later in your travel career.
| Location Type | Typical Pay Rate | Flexibility Factor | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major Metro/Hospital | $2,000-2,800/week | Low (High competition) | Experienced specialists |
| Rural Setting | $2,200-3,000/week | High (Always in demand) | Building experience |
| Crisis Assignment | $2,500-5,000/week | Variable (Based on need) | Quick financial goals |
| Government Facility | $1,800-2,400/week | Moderate | Career stability |
| Winner: | Rural for new travelers, crisis for experienced RNs |
Making the Most of Any Assignment
Sometimes the assignment available isn’t your dream location—but that doesn’t mean it can’t become an amazing experience. Every travel assignment offers unique growth opportunities if you approach it with the right mindset.
Imagine arriving in a small midwestern town when you’d hoped for California. Instead of counting the days, dive into local culture, explore nearby state parks, connect with fellow travelers, and focus on the financial benefits that fund your dream destination next time. Many seasoned travelers cite their “least desired” assignments as their most rewarding personal and professional experiences.
focus on making the most of your downtime regardless of location. Research local attractions, connect with other travel nurses in the area, and consider housing options that put you near regional attractions for your days off. A less-desirable work location might position you perfectly for weekend adventures to nearby destinations.
Clinical Pearl: Every successful assignment builds your reputation with both your agency and facilities. Even shorter or less desired contracts establish reliability that opens doors to better locations long-term.
Track your experiences in each assignment, noting what you enjoyed and what you’d avoid in future contracts. This documentation becomes invaluable for planning your next moves with your recruiter—they’ll appreciate your thoughtfulness and can better match you to subsequent opportunities.
Common Myths About Travel Nurse Location Choice
Let’s bust some persistent misconceptions that might be holding you back from travel nursing or causing unrealistic expectations.
Myth #1: You can pick exactly where you want to go. Reality: Location options depend on facility needs, your specialty, and timing. The most successful travelers blend preferences with flexibility.
Myth #2: Popular locations always pay more. Reality: Sometimes premium destinations offer lower rates due to high demand of nurses wanting those assignments. Less desirable locations often pay significantly more.
Myth #3: You’re locked into one agency for your preferred locations. Reality: Working with multiple agencies typically provides the best location access, as each has different facility partnerships.
Myth #4: New nurses can’t get good assignments. Reality: While experienced nurses have more leverage, new travelers with in-demand specialties can still secure excellent locations, especially during peak demand seasons.
Myth #5: Bad locations mean bad assignments. Reality: The quality of your assignment often correlates more with the specific unit, management, and your attitude than the geographic location itself.
Understanding these realities empowers you to make better decisions about your travel nursing journey rather than being derailed by unrealistic expectations.
FAQ About Travel Nursing Location Selection
Can I work in the same hospital system but different locations? Yes, many healthcare systems like HCA, CommonSpirit, or Tenet have travel contracts across multiple states. Once established with one facility, transferring to sister hospitals often becomes easier.
Do states with compact nursing licenses offer more location options? Absolutely. The Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) allows you to work in any member state without additional licensing, dramatically increasing your location options and reducing administrative barriers.
Can I request locations near family or friends? Definitely. Many travel nurses specifically seek assignments near loved ones. Be clear with your recruiter about geographic constraints, understanding this might limit immediate options but family connections are valuable benefits.
What if I hate my assignment location? Most contracts are 13 weeks, making temporary commitments manageable. Focus on the short-term nature while documenting your preferences for future assignments. Some travel nurses request early transfers if absolutely necessary, though this requires careful negotiation.
Can seasonal strategies help with location choice? Yes. Research seasonal patterns: ski destinations need staff winter, beach towns summer, Arizona needs nurses winter when snowbirds arrive. Timing your applications around these patterns significantly increases options in preferred seasonal destinations.
Conclusion & Key Takeaways
Travel nursing offers significant location choice, but it requires strategic planning and realistic expectations rather than complete freedom. Your specialty experience, flexibility, timing, and agency relationships all influence how much control you have over destinations. Remember that successful travel careers often involve a mix of preferred and strategic locations, each building toward your long-term goals. The journey to landing dream assignments starts with that first flexible contract—each completed assignment expands your options and marketability. Trust the process, build your credentials, and stay open to unexpected opportunities along the way.
What’s your experience with travel nursing location assignments? Share your stories, tips, or questions in the comments below—it helps fellow travelers make informed decisions about their journeys!
Want more insider travel nursing strategies delivered weekly? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive insights, contract tips, and destination guides that aren’t available anywhere else.
Found this helpful? Share it with your nursing colleagues considering travel assignments—your share might help someone take the leap toward their adventure!