Travel nursing is in high demand across the country, but rural areas in particular are relying on travel health staff to compensate for workforce shortages. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 197,200 new RN nursing jobs are expected to be created annually from 2023 to 2033, with many of those positions being travel nursing roles.
Many of those travel nurses will gravitate to heavily populated areas, but rural areas are home to nearly one-fourth of the American population, and they shouldn’t be overlooked. Before deciding on a future travel nursing position, read below to understand the benefits of travel nursing in rural areas, tips on overcoming potential challenges with rural positions, and how to connect with the right travel nursing opportunity.
The Often Overlooked Benefits of Rural Care
Travel nurses might typically gravitate toward bustling cities or well-known urban areas for travel nursing assignments, but opportunities in rural areas offer an entirely different (but not lesser!) appeal. Here are a few of the benefits unique to rural area travel contracts that deserve to be considered:
Higher Demand
Patients in rural areas often face severe staffing shortages, and their care facilities need qualified providers. The economic inequities and geographic accessibility barriers that many rural populations face create significant opportunities for travel nursing positions.
Increased Earnings
Many professionals assume higher earnings are found in densely populated areas, but the cost of living needs to be taken into consideration. Rural areas offer a significantly lower cost of living, which can mean the bottom line of a travel nursing opportunity could be higher than in a larger city. Also, being in high demand in rural areas can give travel nurses negotiating power over other benefits or contract bonuses, making the rural position even more financially attractive.
Work-Life Balance
The outdoor and community experiences offered in rural areas are unique, and some of the most beautiful areas in the country are more accessible when working a rural travel nursing job. When there are fewer urban distractions and more balanced schedules, many travel nurses find valuable time to enjoy nature and explore new areas.
Professional Growth
Many rural areas have limited access to specialty care, and providers may have to expand their skills to serve a diverse patient population. This variety and scope mean more professional experience and an enhanced expertise to add to a travel nursing resume. Working in a rural area can leave travel nurses with greater confidence and stronger decision-making skills, making them more qualified for future travel or local positions.
Greater Impact
Rural communities face a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, injury, stroke, cancer, chronic lower respiratory disease, and other conditions. Working in rural areas means making a significant difference in the lives of individuals who need quality care and support. Career satisfaction and fulfillment can be high when working in rural areas with significant needs.
Common Challenges of Rural Healthcare
With the unique benefits of rural settings come a unique set of challenges. Some of these barriers in rural healthcare can actually contribute to personal and professional growth. A few of the common challenges some rural travel nursing assignments experience can include:
Reduced Funding and Limited Resources
Rural areas receive fewer healthcare resources and funding than urban areas, and even efforts to mitigate that inequity prove difficult to implement. Proposed policies that lower Medicaid funding or cut resources for rural hospitals directly impact the quality of care for rural populations. Rural areas face smaller budgets, staffing shortages, and limited qualified specialists.
Isolation
Rural residents typically travel an average of twice as far to the nearest hospital as urban residents. Rural areas also saw a significantly high rate of hospital closures from 2013 to 2020, with four percent closing completely. This isolation also correlates with certain health issues, such as alcohol or drug misuse or reduced insurance coverage.
Cultural Adjustments
For nurses accustomed to bustling urban environments, rural assignments can sometimes bring culture shock. Smaller communities can often be rewarding, though. Making connections and embracing the community can help with the transition to a rural setting.
In Need of Nurses: Locations and Specialties Looking to Hire
When it comes to rural travel nursing, there are beautiful areas across the country that have ample opportunities for travel nurses to consider. Some rural travel locations (in some states you might not expect!) with unique draws for travel nurses include:
- Virginia: The Appalachian region of Virginia offers mountain landscapes, close-knit communities, and ample recreation options.
- Colorado: Explore the Eastern Plains and Western Slope of scenic Colorado, with manageable drives to national parks, summer hiking, or winter slopes.
- California: The Eastern Sierra of California offers beautiful lakes and forests, with drivable access to urban communities between shifts.
- Alaska: The isolation of Alaska can be part of the state’s appeal — beautiful landscapes and wildlife away from the hustle of the continental U.S.
- Missouri: Explore the Ozarks in central Missouri and experience affordable, welcoming communities throughout the majority of the state.
Rural areas also offer opportunities for specialized nursing positions. With limited access to specialty services, many rural area hospitals are eager to hire a travel nurse in specialties like:
- Cardiac nursing
- Emergency room (ER) nursing
- Home health nursing
- Intensive care unit (ICU) nursing
- Operating room (OR) nursing
- Psychiatric nursing
- Women’s health nursing
These are just a few of the areas and specialities that are in high demand among travel nursing positions. Each provides unique opportunities to grow both personally and professionally during a temporary travel nursing contract.
Find the Support You Need with SHC
Travel nursing is an incredibly rewarding opportunity across all rural and urban settings. Partnering with the right recruiter can ensure you find the position that fits your goals and needs, and Supplemental Health Care understands that process. If you’re looking for support in connecting with a rural opportunity or you’re just ready to learn more about travel nursing options, contact us today to speak with our experienced team.
FAQs About Rural Travel Nursing
Looking into travel nursing in a rural area? Here are a few frequently asked questions about travel nursing opportunities specific to rural opportunities:
Where are the best locations for rural travel nursing opportunities?
Some of the top states for travel nursing opportunities in rural areas include Alaska, South Dakota, Idaho, Montana, West Virginia, Oregon, and more.
Which rural locations pay travel nurses the most?
Alaska often pays travel nurses more than other states, with North Dakota, South Dakota, Oregon, and Minnesota also offering competitive wages.
Do urban travel nurse positions pay more than rural travel nursing opportunities?
The demand for travel nurses in rural areas often means higher salaries, lower cost of living, professional skill development, and other benefits that can make rural positions more appealing than urban opportunities.
How do I become a travel nurse?
Becoming a travel nurse requires these five steps: gain nursing experience, decide where you want to work, partner with an agency, apply for positions, and accept an assignment.
Why are rural travel nursing positions appealing?
Rural travel assignments are appealing to travel nurses because they often offer higher earning potential, low cost of living, welcoming communities, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
search content