Travel nursing in Virginia has seen significant growth, as the state offers a variety of healthcare facilities in need of skilled nurses. Whether you are a seasoned nurse or considering a career in travel nursing, Virginia is a beautiful state with something for everyone. From beaches and mountains to history and city life, Virginia has plenty to offer as a home base for your next travel nursing adventure!
Travel nursing has become an increasingly popular career choice for nurses seeking adventure, flexibility, and new experiences. With the demand for nurses on the rise, travel nursing offers a unique opportunity to work in various healthcare settings across the country, providing temporary support where it is needed most.
Virginia is for Travel Nursing
No wonder this state’s slogan is “Virginia is for Lovers”… of travel nursing! Virginia is a fantastic destination for nurses to grow both professionally and personally. The healthcare facilities in the state are highly ranked, and there is a long list of things to see and do after your shift. Read on to learn more about the quality healthcare systems in Virginia, the location benefits, and specialty opportunities available throughout the state.
Hospitals and Healthcare Systems
Virginia is ranked second in the nation for hospital safety, according to the LeapFrog Group Hospital Safety Grade. Out of the state’s 100+ hospitals, an impressive 15 are rated as Best Regional Hospitals. These significant recognitions show the caliber of Virginia facilities. Working at a hospital on these lists is a great way to boost your resume and gain valuable firsthand experience.
Location and Things to Do
The nature and cultural scenes in Virginia are incredibly diverse. The state is steeped in history and surrounded by scenery, making it a perfect location to explore. If you’re looking for outdoor recreation as well as city living and unique cultural experiences, Virginia could be a great choice for your next travel nursing assignment.
Specialty Opportunities
Travel nurses are in high demand in Virginia across many specialties and facility types. Nurses can gain valuable travel nursing career experience in VA among these top specialties:
- Medical-Surgical
- Step-Down
- Emergency Services
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
- Case Management
- Nurse Practitioners
Top 10 Destinations to Work in Virginia
Virginia’s proximity to coastal life, Washington, D.C., mountain regions, and more make it a great spot for travel nurses. Whether you’re looking for beach days or visits to historical sites, here are just a few of the cities in Virginia that would make a great home base during your next travel nursing assignment.
- Charlottesville: This southeastern gem is a wonderful hub of history. Many travel nurses love exploring Shenandoah National Park. If you’re interested in hitting trails between shifts, this area is a great spot to explore. Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello home is located in Charlottesville, offering house and garden tours and plenty to learn and explore. The downtown of Charlottesville is also a top-rated urban park in the country, with enough shops and restaurants to fill your weeks with fun.
- Dansville: Consider exploring the heart of Southern Virginia and make Danville your travel nursing home base. Here you’ll find just the right combination of big-city life mixed with small-town charm. The Riverwalk Trail is a local favorite, offering shops and dining and a beautiful place to browse. You’ll also be located right along the North Carolina border, giving you options for many other day trips and additional spots to explore.
- Falls Church: Nicknamed “The Little City with Big Charm,” Falls Church is a charming city for travel nurses to explore. This little spot has prioritized people with intentional urban planning, making for a great local experience and an impressive ranking of America’s healthiest city. They strive to be a “15-minute city,” meaning you can walk, bike, or take convenient transit to whatever you need in just 15 minutes.
- Fredericksburg: One hour south of Washington, D.C. is Fredericksburg, a quaint town with an impressive history. This was the childhood home of George Washington, a primary port during colonial times, and the site of many major Civil War battles. Travel nurses can visit the historic district along the Rappahannock River, with beautiful historic buildings and museums as well as restaurants, galleries, and shops.
- Norfolk: Looking for a beautiful waterfront location? Norfolk is a lovely coastal city for travel nurses to consider. This is Virginia’s second-most populated city and a wonderful spot to explore. If you’re interested in maritime history or simply as many convenient beach days as possible, Norfolk is a great spot.
- Richmond: The capital city of Virginia offers travel nurses a metropolitan area rich with history. There are museums and historical sites ranging from the Civil War to Edgar Allan Poe and a fantastic architecture and food scene. Food & Wine even named the city a culinary powerhouse, and noted the local food scene’s growing appeal. Plus, you’re still just a short day trip away from Washington, D.C.
- Salem: Located between the Allegheny and Blue Ridge Mountains, Salem is a beautiful city in the Shenandoah Valley. The city also sits along the Roanoke River, giving travel nurses a diverse offering of beautiful nature and outdoor activities. Salem also has a reputation for being a sports town.
- Alexandria: This breathtaking city boasts fantastic proximity to Washington, D.C. With only a 20-minute drive between the two, this location offers all the D.C. amenities, museums, and monuments. Also, the average salary for travel nurses in Alexandria is typically slightly higher than the state average.
- Winchester: Winchester is a charming mix of old and new. The historic homes and Civil War landmarks offer the grounding history that makes this area so unique. The modern galleries, shops, and festivals breathe life into that history and keep travel nurses entertained. The countryside in this area is also beautiful throughout the seasons.
- Chesapeake: Looking for outdoor adventures? Chesapeake, just south of Norfolk, might be for you. This is Virginia’s hot spot for the outdoor enthusiast. If you’re looking for hiking, biking, or even bird-watching, Chesapeake offers a memorable outdoor experience for travel nurses.
Licensing in Virginia
Working in Virginia is convenient for travel nurses (RNs and LPNs/LVNs) because the state is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). The NLC is an agreement between states that recognizes licensure across state borders rather than requiring additional licensing specific to that state. There are currently 42 states/territories that recognize the Compact, and Virginia is on that list.
If your primary license is from a state outside of the Compact, or you do not hold a Compact license, you can apply for a Virginia license through the Virginia Board of Nursing.
Find Travel Nursing Jobs in Virginia
Overall, Virginia is a great spot to consider for a future travel nursing contract as a registered nurse (RN) or nurse practitioner (NP). You’ll gain work experience in a high-quality work environment while exploring a wonderful, diverse state on the East Coast.
Ready to take the next steps toward finding your travel nursing opportunity in Virginia? Supplemental Health Care (SHC) makes it easy to find the right position for you. Virginia is for nurses — and our recruiting team is ready to help you set up your next travel nursing job.
search content