Best Midwest States For Travel Nursing Careers

Travel nursing is an exciting career path that offers nurses the opportunity to explore different locations, gain new skills and experience, and advance their careers. When it comes to deciding which state to work in, there are several factors to consider, such as salary, cost of living, job availability, and leisure activities. While personal preferences vary, here is an overview of some of the best Midwest states for travel nurses to consider:

Illinois:

Illinois offers an abundance of travel nursing jobs, especially in cities like Chicago, Rockford, and Springfield. These towns are known for their cutting-edge healthcare and offer a variety of cultural experiences, including art galleries, nightlife, shopping, and diverse culinary options. Nature enthusiasts can explore the Garden of the Gods in Shawnee National Forest.

Kansas:

Kansas provides travel nurses with a unique blend of experiences. They can indulge in the famous Kansas-style BBQ, enjoy water activities, and attend festivals. Kansas City is home to the renowned Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, showcasing an impressive collection of photographs and paintings by masters like Rembrandt, Monet, and Van Gogh. Union Station, a renovated 1914 train station, offers a unique shopping and dining experience.

Wisconsin:

Wisconsin offers more than just its famous cheese. Football fans can visit Lambeau Field, home to the Green Bay Packers, and explore the impressive Hall of Fame. The Discovery World Pier in Milwaukee combines entertainment and education, featuring the Reiman Aquarium and interactive exhibits like playing guitar with a virtual Les Paul. Lake Geneva, a resort town, provides an ideal setting for rest and relaxation, with yacht cruises and hiking trails.

Iowa:

Iowa offers a picturesque Field of Dreams with its charming towns and picturesque farmlands. Travel nurses can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and golfing. Iowa also has floating casinos along its great rivers, combining gaming and dining experiences with nature.

Indiana, Ohio, and Missouri:

While not extensively discussed, these Midwest states also offer great opportunities for travel nurses, with a range of attractions and healthcare facilities to explore.

When considering the best Midwest states for travel nursing, it's important to weigh factors such as salary, cost of living, and personal interests. Each state in the Midwest offers a unique blend of cultural, historical, and natural attractions, providing travel nurses with a wealth of choices to suit their professional and leisure needs.

Illinois: Chicago, Rockford and Springfield offer an abundance of travel nursing jobs and cultural attractions

Illinois is a great choice for travel nurses who want to experience life in the Midwest. Chicago, Rockford, and Springfield offer an abundance of travel nursing jobs and cultural attractions. These cities are known for their cutting-edge healthcare and vibrant urban scenes, boasting art galleries, nightlife, shopping, and diverse culinary experiences.

Springfield, the state capital, is a must-visit destination for architecture enthusiasts. The city features buildings designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, including his own home. For those who love the outdoors, Springfield is also a great base for exploring the beautiful Garden of the Gods in Shawnee National Forest.

Chicago, the largest city in Illinois, offers a plethora of attractions. The Magnificent Mile on Michigan Avenue is a shopper's paradise, while Millennium Park offers iconic architecture and beautiful landscapes in the heart of the city. Chicago is also home to the world's largest indoor aquarium, Shedd Aquarium, with over 32,000 animals and interactive exhibits.

Rockford, the third-largest city in Illinois, provides its own unique experiences. It is known for its blend of cultural attractions and outdoor adventures. Rockford is home to a diverse array of museums, including the Discovery Center Museum, the Burpee Museum of Natural History, and the Rockford Art Museum. The city also boasts over 4,700 acres of parks, with hiking trails, gardens, and scenic waterways to explore.

Travel nurses in Illinois can take advantage of the state's vibrant cities while also enjoying the flexibility and financial benefits that come with travel nursing. With a high demand for travel nurses, Illinois offers competitive salaries, and its midwestern location provides a more affordable cost of living compared to some other regions.

So, whether you're a culture enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking new career opportunities, Illinois is an excellent Midwest destination for travel nurses.

Kansas: Experience the blues, Kansas-style BBQ, water activities, festivals and art

Kansas is a great choice for travel nurses who want to experience the unique culture of the Midwest while also earning a competitive salary. Here's why:

The Blues

Kansas has a rich history of blues music, which has influenced various genres such as jazz, rock and roll, and country. Immerse yourself in the soulful sounds of Kansas City blues and discover the local music scene.

Kansas-style BBQ

When it comes to barbecue, Kansas knows how to deliver. Kansas City is known for its mouth-watering BBQ, with the famous American Royal World Series of Barbeque Contest taking place every fall. Over 500 teams compete for the title of the World's Best Barbeque, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to indulge in delicious, authentic BBQ.

Water Activities

Kansas offers a variety of water activities for outdoor enthusiasts. From kayaking and canoeing on one of the many rivers to swimming and boating in lakes, you'll have plenty of ways to stay cool during the warm Kansas summers.

Festivals

Kansas is home to a diverse range of festivals throughout the year. In addition to the BBQ contest, you can enjoy cultural events, music festivals, and local celebrations. Experience the vibrant energy of Kansas through its festive celebrations.

Art

For art lovers, Kansas offers a wealth of cultural experiences. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City is a must-visit destination, with over 7,500 photographs and paintings by renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Monet, and Van Gogh. Union Station, a spectacular shopping centre renovated from a 1914 train station, also showcases various art forms, including boutique shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Salary and Cost of Living

In addition to the cultural experiences, Kansas offers competitive salaries for travel nurses. According to ZipRecruiter.com, the average base salary for travel nurses in Kansas is $121,537 per year. Additionally, Kansas has a low cost of living, which means you'll be able to stretch your earnings further.

So, if you're looking for a unique travel nursing experience with a blend of culture, nature, and great earnings, Kansas is an excellent choice. Immerse yourself in the local culture, enjoy the outdoors, and make new connections while advancing your career.

Wisconsin: Football, cheese, and the Discovery World Pier in Milwaukee

Wisconsin, a state known for its love of football and cheese, is a great choice for travel nurses. The state offers a good balance of salary, cost of living, and job opportunities. While the salaries for travel nurses in Wisconsin may not be the highest in the country, the state makes up for it with a lower cost of living compared to other states.

When it comes to things to do in Wisconsin, Milwaukee, the largest city in the state, has a lot to offer. For those who enjoy exploring the great outdoors, Milwaukee has numerous parks, including Lake Park, with its beautiful lake views and scenic trails, and Veterans Park, which offers a peaceful escape from the city. Milwaukee is also a haven for art enthusiasts, boasting several world-class museums such as the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Harley-Davidson Museum, and the Pabst Mansion.

One of the most unique attractions in Milwaukee is Discovery World, located on the shores of Lake Michigan. Discovery World is a science and technology museum that ignites curiosity and inspires exploration. It is home to Wisconsin's largest aquarium, offering a fascinating glimpse into the underwater world. The museum caters to all ages, with hands-on exhibits, interactive labs, and virtual reality experiences. You can operate an air-powered dinosaur, create a thunderstorm over the Great Lakes, or even pilot a virtual plane in the flight simulator. Discovery World is not just a place for learning but also a place where imagination and creativity thrive, with exhibits tailored for early learners to explore and create their own wonderland.

In addition to its cultural and educational offerings, Milwaukee is also a food lover's paradise. The city is renowned for its diverse culinary scene, with an array of restaurants, breweries, and cheese shops to satisfy any craving. And of course, no discussion of Wisconsin would be complete without mentioning its passionate football culture. The state's love for the game is embodied by the Green Bay Packers, the state's very own NFL team, and the Wisconsin Badgers, the University of Wisconsin's football team, who play their home games at the iconic Camp Randall Stadium.

Iowa: Hiking, biking, golfing, floating casinos and great outdoor activities

Iowa is a beautiful Midwestern state with picturesque farmlands, charming towns, and great outdoor activities. Travel nursing jobs in Iowa allow you to enjoy hiking, biking, and golfing. There are also plenty of floating casinos along the great rivers where nurse travelers can try their luck and dine while experiencing the great outdoors.

Iowa offers a range of outdoor activities that can be enjoyed in all seasons. One can explore the beautiful farmlands and charming towns or hike, bike, or golf amidst the scenic landscapes. Iowa is also known for its floating casinos, offering a unique combination of gaming and dining experiences.

For hiking enthusiasts, Iowa offers a variety of trails that showcase its natural beauty. The High Trestle Trail Bridge, for example, provides a stunning view of the bridge and is a popular spot for biking as well. The Trout Run Trail in Decorah is another excellent option, offering a diverse landscape of hills, prairies, and crystal clear trout streams. The Cedar Valley Nature Trail, located in Edgewater Park, is a 1.5-mile concrete walkway that takes you through a disc golf course and provides opportunities for birdwatching.

If you're looking for a more relaxed outdoor activity, Iowa has some fantastic golf courses. The Riverside Casino & Golf Resort, for instance, offers a lively casino and a highly-rated golf course. The Preserve on Rathbun Lake is another excellent option, featuring a beautiful lodge, a water park, bike trails, and boating. Spirit Hollow Golf Course, Amana Colonies Golf Course, and Tournament Club of Iowa are also highly recommended by golfers.

Iowa's floating casinos add a unique twist to the state's outdoor activities and entertainment options. These casinos are located along the state's great rivers and offer gaming, dining, and, in some cases, golf. The Diamond Jo Casino, for instance, is known for its vibrant casino lights, while the Rhythm City Casino Resort offers excellent food and friendly staff. Other popular floating casinos include Ameristar Casino Hotel, Meskwaki Bingo & Casino, and Riverside Casino & Golf Resort.

So, whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, gaming thrills, or dining experiences, Iowa has something for everyone. Its charming towns, picturesque landscapes, and abundance of nature trails make it an ideal destination for travel nurses seeking a balance of work and exploration.

Indiana: Not specified, but mentioned alongside the above states

Indiana is a great option for travel nurses, with a good salary and a low cost of living. The average base salary for travel nurses in Indiana is $136,082 per year, which is over the national average.

While Indiana doesn't rank in the top 10 states for travel nursing jobs, it does offer a good balance of job opportunities and pay.

When considering a travel nursing job in Indiana, it's important to keep in mind the location and amenities that are important to you. Do you prefer a major city or a small town? Do you want to be near the mountains or the ocean? Indiana may not have mountains or oceans, but it has other attractions that make it a great place to live and work.

In addition to salary and location, other factors to consider when choosing a travel nursing assignment include housing options, staffing ratios, and the length of the assignment. Most travel nursing assignments are only 13 weeks, so if you're unhappy with your placement, you can move on after a short time.

Remember that as a travel nurse, you have the freedom and flexibility to work anywhere across America. You can explore different locations, try new things, and advance your career, all while making a great salary and enjoying the perks of travel nursing.

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