As the weather heats up, healthcare facilities across the nation may experience higher patient loads due to seasonal illnesses or increased tourism. In addition, some nurses may be taking vacations or time off, creating temporary staffing needs. As a result, summer happens to be an ideal season for nurses to pick up the slack and land some of the hottest summer nursing jobs.
From the sunny shores of San Diego to the lively downtown scene of New Orleans, here are the top picks for the highest-paying cities for RNs to work and enjoy a great summer season.
What Are Good Destinations for Travel and PRN RNs?
Because PRN nurses are typically employed by hospitals, clinics, assisted living facilities (ALFs), skilled-nursing facilities (SNFs), long-term care, and various health agencies to provide temporary staffing support during periods of high patient census, staff vacations, or sick leave, summer can be a fruitful time for per diem RNs to find exciting and new career opportunities. Moreover, since per diem nurses work as needed or on-call, they can generally expect to receive higher pay than the average nurse.
Either way, some of the best jobs for registered nurses are in cities with top-ranked hospitals, such as San Diego, Denver, and Salt Lake City. Not only do these locations offer excellent summer nursing jobs for nurses, but they also offer an array of cultural attractions, good food, and diverse neighborhoods to explore. Keep reading for a peek into some of the best destinations for summer nursing jobs below:
1. San Diego, California: A Paradise for Nurses
With its beautiful beaches, a world-famous zoo, museums, theme parks, and delicious food, there is something for everyone on the sunny shores of San Diego. Likewise, any per diem RN or registered nurse looking for a competitive RN salary should make San Diego a top pick for landing a great summer nursing job.
In fact, an RN can make up to $60.79 an hour picking up per diem shifts at some of San Diego’s top healthcare facilities. Needless to say, if you are a nurse looking for a mild climate, picturesque landscapes, and a top RN salary, San Diego is the perfect place to be this summer.
2. Salt Lake City, Utah: A Hidden Gem
Salt Lake City is a charming destination packed with hidden gems just waiting to be explored. Renowned for its dining scene, which features many delicious local and international cuisines, to stunning and scenic mountain ranges that surround the city, Salt Lake is truly a destination worth visiting.
What’s more, is that Salt Lake City is one of the highest-paying cities for RNs. As a matter of fact, a per diem registered nurse can pick up a shift in Salt Lake City right now for $76.97 per hour. For a nurse who loves the great outdoors and wants a high-paying RN job, Salt Lake City is an excellent place to find the best nursing jobs for registered nurses.
3. New Orleans: Rich Culture and Character
Per diem registered nurses looking for local travel jobs will be delighted to know that they can find some of the highest-paying summer nursing jobs in the vibrant city of New Orleans. Between noshing on world-renowned cuisines such as gumbo and jambalaya, nurses can earn up to $59.87 per hour when picking up per diem shifts in the city of New Orleans. Off-shift, nurses can experience the unique French-inspired architecture of the city’s historic neighborhoods and revel in the rich cultural experience New Orleans offers to every one of its visitors.
4. Port Charlotte, Florida: A Change of Scenery
Are you a nurse looking for a change of scenery? Then Port Charlotte, Florida, is the place to check out this summer. That’s because Port Charlotte offers a range of activities for curious nurses to enjoy, such as nature walks, boating, and fishing, making it an excellent destination for all types of travelers. In addition, Port Charlotte provides per diem nurses a chance to earn a great RN salary of upwards of $81.5 per hour. Finally, Port Charlotte is close to several gorgeous beaches— and boasts its own picturesque bayfront beach—making it a perfect destination to relax on your days off!
5. Tucson, Arizona: Desert Charm
With beautiful desert landscapes, and fascinating museums, Tucson, Arizona, is ranked as one of the best “small” cities in the U.S. And, since Tucson happens to be home to a few prestigiously ranked medical facilities, there are plenty of high-paying shifts available for per diem RNs.
Likewise, permanent residents throughout Arizona looking for local travel RN jobs can earn an average of $62.31 while working as a registered nurse in Tucson, Arizona. Either way, any nurse interested in exploring the charm of the American Southwest should consider scouting out summer nursing jobs in Tucson, Arizona.
6. Denver, Colorado: High RN Salaries in the Rockies
Modern urban vibes, endless outdoor recreation, and a stunning backdrop of the idyllic Rocky Mountain Range put Denver on the list of one of the best summer destinations for professional nurses looking for job opportunities. Similarly, per diem RNs who want to experience the freedom of picking up per diem shifts in Denver can expect high earning potential at first-rate medical facilities throughout the city. Currently, a per diem RN can make an average of $50.04 per hour in Denver.
With over 300 days of sunshine per year, high average pay per hour, and exciting activities such as hiking, biking, skiing, and snowboarding - Denver, Colorado, is a utopian destination for nurses and adventure seekers alike.
7. Las Vegas, Nevada: The Ultimate Escape
They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Maybe it’s because Las Vegas is home to some of the world’s liveliest nightlife, colorful casinos, and most opulent resorts, hotels, and restaurants. Similarly, when it comes to finding a summer nursing job, Las Vegas doesn’t disappoint. Because believe it or not, Las Vegas has become a hot spot for nurses looking for a competitive average pay per hour in a vibrant city that some say “never sleeps.”
Per diem, RNs can expect to earn around $60.03 per hour when picking up per diem shifts at various medical facilities throughout Las Vegas. Ultimately, Las Vegas not only offers great pay for nurses but happens to be a perfect destination to participate in a range of thrilling and one-of-a-kind experiences.
Working as a Per Diem RN in the Summer
Whether you are employed as a full-time nurse or looking to pick up per diem shifts, working per diem in the summer can provide flexibility in scheduling while earning extra income. A great place to start looking for high-paying summer nursing jobs is in the cities mentioned above.
From there, you can start daydreaming of making this summer a time to explore different work environments and gain diverse experiences. With all that in mind, here’s to a summer season of prosperity, travel, and new adventures!
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