5 Travel Nursing Hot Spots in Virginia

When considering destinations for your next travel nursing assignment, there are many things to take into account. Many nurses have landed on Virginia as the location of their next travel job, with it’s proximity to Washington, D.C., the Atlantic Coast, and mountainous areas all major attractions.

The Virginia-focused recruiters at Health Carousel Travel Nursing list five travel nursing hot spots within the Cavalier State, and explain the attraction to each location.

1. ALEXANDRIA

The major draw to Alexandria, Virginia, is it’s close proximity to D.C. With less than a 20-minute drive from the center of Alexandria to Capitol Hill, travel nurses in this area have access to all the amenities the D.C. area has to offer, as well as unique attractions such as the Smithsonian Institution museums, the National Mall, and major professional sporting events (the NBA’s Wizards, NHL’s Capitols, and MLB’s Nationals all call the district home). HCTN recruiters see many contracts in the D.C. area—Alexandria included—with high bill rates.

2. RICHMOND

The capitol of Virginia, Richmond is one of the United States’ oldest metropolitan areas. Home to worthwhile attractions like the American Civil War Museum and the Edgar Allen Poe Museum, the region’s rich history will give you a chance to escape from the hustle and bustle of the hospital during your free time. HCTN has placed many travelers in this area and received great feedback from both nurses and facilities.

3. NORFOLK

The second-largest city in Virginia in terms of population (behind only nearby Virginia Beach), Norfolk’s waterfront location is a draw for many nurses. For U.S. military buffs, Battleship Wisconsin, Naval Station Norfolk, and the MacArthur Museum serve as local attractions worth a visit. For beach-goers, Virginia Beach is just a short, half-hour drive from the center of Norfolk. HCTN has placed many pediatric nurses in this area.

4. CHESAPEAKE

Just south of Norfolk is Virginia’s third-largest city by population, Chesapeake. Known in the region as a hub for outdoor adventuring, Chesapeake can serve as the perfect base camp for hiking, biking, fishing, golfing, bird-watching, and more. The city features vibrant cultural and music scenes, as well as convenient access to Portsmouth, Norfolk, and Williamsburg.

5. ROANOKE

Maybe the coast isn’t your thing? Home to nearly 100,000 Virginians, Roanoke could be the perfect travel nursing destination for you. Located in central Virginia just south of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, the Roanoke Valley in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains can provide breathtaking views—especially during the fall—and many outdoor activities. There are markets and boutiques in Downtown Roanoke, as well, to take advantage of on your off day. You may also be interested in catching an ACC sporting event at nearby Virginia Tech in Blacksburg (about 40 miles away).