No matter where you go in the country, there will be pros and cons to travel nursing in different areas. But is it worth it in California? There’s a lot you should know about travel nursing in this state.
Income and Cost of Living
California is notorious for being expensive. The cost of living in cities such as San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco is well above the U.S. average. However, the state also offers some of the highest travel nursing salaries in the country. Los Angeles and San Diego for instance, are listed on Indeed as being two of the top eight highest paying cities in the U.S. for travel nurses. Of course, certain cities in California have better income-to-cost of living ratios than others. In general, the further inland you go, the more money you may be able to save.
High Demand and Nurse-to-Patient Ratio Caps
The demand for travel nurses in California is extremely high. Being the state with the largest population means it also has the most COVID-19 cases in the country. The high influx of patients combined with a country-wide nursing shortage makes for a great need for travel nurses. While the general nursing situation in California might be a bit hectic right now, the nice thing about California is that it is the only state to require nurse-to-patient ratio caps by law. Nurse-to-patient ratio caps limit the number of patients a nurse can care for at one time. They help prevent nurses from getting stretched too thin, which can lead to inadequate care. The ratio caps are certainly a perk of being a nurse in California. However, in light of the pandemic, the California Department of Public Health has issued temporary waivers to increase the number of patients that ICU nurses and ER nurses can oversee. While these waivers only last 60 days, healthcare facilities can apply for them if needed.
Vaccine Mandates
As of August 5, 2021, California mandates that all healthcare employees must be vaccinated for COVID-19. As a nurse, this means that you can be sure that all your colleagues are vaccinated, which is necessary for the health and safety of your patients and community. Although some may find this controversial, it is nice to know that California prioritizes the health of its residents.
Sightseeing
California is one of the largest states in the U.S., meaning it has a wide variety of geographical features and attractions. It has beaches, mountains, deserts, and national parks like Yosemite. It’s also home to some of the most famous cities in the country. There’s no limit to what you can do in this state! Here are some of the best places to go in California, according to U.S. News & World Report.
So, is travel nursing in California worth it? We certainly think so! There’s a reason California is one of the most popular travel nursing destinations. Based near beautiful San Francisco, TheraEx Staffing Services has been a provider of rehabilitation services in the Bay Area since 2009. We know a thing or two about the area. If you want to visit and work in this amazing state, contact us to talk with one of our recruiters. You won’t regret it!
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