Is job availability one of the key reasons you chose nursing as a career? The nationwide nurse shortage offers many opportunities for travel nurses who want to see different areas. Some cities stand out for job assignments not just because they have more work available, but also for things like culture or climate. Consider these top cities for nurses to thrive.

1. Grand Junction, Colorado

A city that is both scenic and bursting with nursing opportunities. Three of the top employers in this town of just under 150,000 people are medical facilities.

Grand Junction is literally a junction. It sits in a valley the joins the Colorado and Gunnison rivers. It is not the rivers that will grab your attention when you first arrive, though. The surrounding mountains take your breath away. Grand Junction brings in mountain bikers from all over the world to ride its vast trails.

Main selling point: The scenery. If you love the outdoor life, Grand Junction is frequently named as one of the top cities for its small town feel, rivers and mountain scenery.

2. Washington D.C.

You’ll never be bored working in Washington D. C. There are the obvious sites like the various Smithsonian museums and some less obvious ones, too. For example, the city is known for its indie culture. You can spend many evenings taking in undiscovered music at indie clubs like The Black Cat.  

Washington offers a rapid transit system, too. You can get just about anywhere in the city on the Metro.

Main selling point: Lots to do in your off time.

3. Jackson Hole, WY

If you have never heard of Jackson Hole, or simply Jackson, Wyoming, don’t feel bad. It is a small town that sits on the border of Wyoming and Idaho. You might know it by another name. Jackson Hole is the major gateway to Yellowstone National Park. It serves this function for two other major national sites, as well: the Grand Teton National Park and the National Elk Refuge.

With a population of fewer than 10,000, it is the culture that puts Jackson Hole on the livability map. From the National Museum of Wildlife to the annual Grand Teton Music Festival, there is plenty to see in this tiny town. During the off-season, you can enjoy some night skiing at the local Snow King resort or head up Jackson Hole Mountain to tackle the vertical drops.

Main selling point: It is a small town that has everything from culture to world-class skiing.

4. Minneapolis, MN

If you seek the hustle and bustle of city life then Minneapolis, Minnesota is a better choice. Minneapolis is large enough to give you things to do in your off time, but still has enough scenic attractions to fuel your need for the outdoors.

Minneapolis is situated on both banks of the Mississippi River, so there is plenty of waterworks to enjoy. This city is really for the art lover, though. It hosts the Walker Art Center, one of the five largest art museums in the country and has live theater, jazz music and the largest literary and book arts center in the country.

Main selling point: The art culture; there is a little something for everyone.

5. Oakland, CA

If diversity and a good climate are the keys factors you look for, then put Oakland on your list. Did you know Oakland is known for its sunshine? In fact, it averages about 260 sunny days every year.

Main selling point: Awesome weather mixed with a varied culture.

Working as a travel nurse allows you to experience many different cities and what they have to offer. Explore one of these new locations with Fastaff!