travel assignments in california

Travel Nursing: California

Table of contents.

• Find Current Travel Nursing Jobs in California 2024

California Licensure Information and Requirements

California ceu requirements, what is the average travel nursing salary in california.

• How To Become a Travel Nurse in California With Trusted Nurse Staffing in Three Simple Steps

Why Should You Consider Becoming a Travel Nurse in California?

What are the high-demand travel nursing specialities in california right now, faqs about california travel nursing, find current travel nurse jobs in california.

For the most up-to-date information regarding California licensure information and requirements, visit the California Board of Registered Nursing website. 

Licensure Requirements

Because California does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact, travel nurses who wish to practice in California must apply for licensure by endorsement. 

RNs and LPNs applying for licensure by endorsement in the state of California must:

• Hold a current and active RN license in another state, U.S. territory, or Canada.
• Have completed a nursing program that meets all California requirements.
• Have passed the NCLEX or State Board Test Pool Examination.
• Submit verification through Nursys ® (there is no longer the option for using a BreEZe account for filling out a verification of license form ).
• Complete fingerprints via Live Scan or fingerprint card processing method.
• Have transcripts sent directly from your school to the board of nursing. 

Board of Registered Nursing P.O. Box 944210 Sacramento, CA 94244-2100

Nurses may apply for a temporary license to begin practicing in California while their application for endorsement is pending. The temporary license is valid for six months or until endorsement is completed, whichever occurs first. 

Licensure requirements for APRNs may vary based on the specialty. Please visit the CA Board of Nursing for more information. 

Licensure Fees

All application fees must be paid by credit card. 

If you are a travel nurse who has completed an approved nursing program within the United States or a US territory, your license application fee is currently $350. 

Temporary license fees are $100, and the fingerprint card for nurses from out of state is $49.00.  

Nurse Licensure Compact Status

California is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact .

Is California a Walk-Through State?

California is not a walk-through state. 

Registered nurses are required to complete 30 contact hours of continuing education courses every two years to maintain an active license. 

These courses must be completed during the preceding renewal period. Courses must be taken through a continuing education provider who the Board of Registered Nursing recognizes.

The average salary for travel nurses in California is $2,499 per week.

Cities in California With the Highest Travel Nursing Salaries

The average salary for travel nurses in Stockton, California, is $3,349 per week.

San Francisco

The average salary for travel nurses in San Francisco, California, is $2,793 per week.

The average salary for travel nurses in Sacramento, California, is $2,793 per week. 

The average salary for travel nurses in Vallejo, California, is $2,745 per week. 

The average salary for travel nurses in Oakland, California, is $2,599 per week.

Thousands of Nurses Love Partnering with Trusted Nurse Staffing

Trusted Nurse Staffing has taken care of me from start to finish in every contract. From the start of pre-employment screening and throughout the contract they had my back. They have been able to get assignments at each of my desired destinations and it’s a small enough company that you aren’t just a number to them. California has mandated ratios and breaks that are covered by dedicated break nurses. The multifaceted team approach is apparent in California and less so RN dependent. Respiratory takes care of EKG EEG and ABG. Phlebotomy draws labs when ordered and resource nurses are available to help when your day gets busy. The resounding support for in hospital nurses in California is nothing short of extraordinary.

Trusted nurse staffing is such a great company to work for and they are so easy to work with. I love using them as my first company for travel nursing!

My recruiter did an amazing job at finding the best fit for me! An outstanding job with communication, updates and ensuring all my questions were answered!!

I have been with Trusted Staffing for about 18 months now. I have essentially been working local contracts, but the experiences have been memorable. My recruiter, is always available when I have a question or concern. Travel nursing is something all nurses should experience. I can't wait until I can do some serious traveling

Every member of this company I’ve interacted with has exceeded my expectations. My recruiter, Alex, is so commutative and goes above and beyond always. I can’t imagine switching to another company!

I have had the best experience with Trusted Nurse Staffing. My recruiter Tom is amazing. He always treats me with respect and as a friend. He is on top of everything I need. And when my Dad passed away, he helped me with time off, no problem and they even sent me a beautiful comfort box that was very helpful. Fully recommend this agency.

How To Become a Travel Nurse in California With Trusted Nurse Staffing in 3 Simple Steps

First, go to our our Pronto job search. Then you can easily and quickly browse our job listings for California travel nursing assignments that pique your interest. And, to make your life even easier, Pronto will notify you when there are new California travel nursing jobs that match your requirements.

Ready to apply for an assignment in California? Next steps are easy with Pronto. Sign up, sign in, and you’re one step closer to heading to the Golden State. 

Pronto allows you to apply with the click of a button. Follow the prompts, upload the necessary documents and credentials, enter your preferred start date, and more.

If you’re unsure about next steps, connect with our friendly Trusted Nurse Staffing support staff members are available to answer all or your questions about travel nursing in California, help you if you’re unable to lockin your next assignment on Pronto, and offer ongoing support every step of the way.

Sign your contract and enjoy your new travel nursing assignment in California. If you end up loving your assignment, we can help you extend it. If not, you can begin looking for your next assignment on Pronto, or our staff will assist you in finding a new assignment .

It’s no surprise that California is a popular travel nursing destination. With plenty of demand, travel nurses flock to assignments in the “Golden State.”

From beaches to mountains, travel nursing in California is perfect for the adventure-seeker that is looking for a little bit of everything. If you love spending time outdoors, California has world-renowned state parks, rivers, lakes, and hiking trails. Some of those include Yosemite National Park, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Crystal Cove State Park, and more.

Not a nature buff? California is also known for famous attractions like Sea World, Disneyland, and Universal Studios, world-class museums, zoos, and more. With some of the best year-round weather in the country, many travel nurses enjoy season passes to their favorite attractions.

Aside from the adventure and fun that awaits you on your off time, California is also known to have some of the best hospitals in the country. Travel nursing in California is a great way to gain experience and add to your resume. 

When it comes to pay, California is one of the highest-paying states for travel nurses on average. On top of great pay, California has established nurse-to-patient ratio laws, allowing you to properly care for your patients without feeling over-stressed.

Housing For Travel Nurses in California: How Do I Go About Finding Housing?

“ Choosing to accept a stipend doesn’t mean that your recruiter at Trusted Nurse Staffing won’t be there to help you along the way. Connect with us, and we can give you insights into the various areas and even connect you with rental properties used by travel nurses in the past.”  

How Do I Find The Best Travel Nurse Agencies in California?

While we recommend reading reviews and listening to the experiences of other travel nurses, we also recommend speaking with multiple agencies. It is important to figure out not only what benefits are offered to you as a travel nurse but also how much support you will receive throughout your travel nurse assignment in California. 

The best travel nurse agencies in California will be communicable and responsive to your needs. We’re confident that after connecting with other agencies, you’ll see why so many nurses trust our team with their careers and why we’re a better solution for most nurses. For example, we offer 24/7 access to your recruiter for support.

Where Are The Best Places To Travel Nurse In California?

San Diego, San Francisco, and Los Angeles are very popular travel nursing destinations in California due to their nearby attractions and West Coast lifestyle. Cities in the Central Valley like Bakersfield and Fresno are also desirable locations due to their lower cost of living. 

Our Pronto job search can help you find the best location for your needs.

What Are The Best Things To Do in California For Travel Nurses?

In California, there is a little bit of something for everyone. If you love the outdoors, there is a surplus of outdoor sports, beaches, lakes, rivers, mountains, and forests to enjoy. Many travel nurses also enjoy visiting attractions like Disneyland and Universal Studios as well as aquariums, world-class museums, gardens, and more. California cities like Hollywood and San Francisco have a thriving nightlife scene, with trendy bars and clubs.

How Long Are California Travel Nursing Assignments?

The length of your travel nursing assignment in California can vary depending on what your selected staffing agency offers. 

At Trusted Nurse Staffing, we offer flexible contracts for travel nursing assignments in California. Travel nurses have the choice of selecting between 6, 8, and 13-week assignments. If you end up loving your California travel nursing assignment, we can help you extend it.

What Benefits Do I Receive As a Travel Nurse in California?

The benefits you receive as a travel nurse in California can vary depending on which staffing agency you partner with. 

For example, Trusted Nurse Staffing offers: 

Competitive Compensation

• 401(k) with 4% match after 1,000 hours and 1 year of employment
• Weekly Paychecks
• Direct Deposit
• Overtime/Double Time is Available
• Customizable Pay Packages

Top-Tier Bonus Opportunities:

• $1500 Referral Bonus Program
• Loyalty Program
• Sign-on & Completion Bonus
• Discount Program

Leading Health & Wellness Benefits:

• Employer Sponsored Health Insurance
• HRA Card to fully cover healthcare deductibles
• Guardian Dental and Vision Insurance
• Wellness Benefits

Additional Insurance Benefits:

• Portable Permanent Whole Life Insurance
• License, Certifications & CEU reimbursements
• Portable Short-term/Longterm
• Disability Insurance 

Work Flexibility:

• Flexible contract options
• Full/Part Time Work, Per Diem
• Housing, Meal and Travel Stipends
• Rental Car Options

Best In Class and Communication:

• On Day 1, you’ll get matched with your own dedicated support team that includes clinical support, payroll, and compliance experts, with ongoing assignment advocacy.

Why Should I Apply To Travel Nursing Assignments in California With Trusted Nurse Staffing?

Aside from the many benefits that Trusted Nurse Staffing offers, like the highest pay in the industry, bonuses, education reimbursements, and more, the biggest difference in our company is the support that we offer each and every one of our travel nurses. We believe that if you call, someone should pick up the phone. 

With 24/7 support, our travel nurses always have access to their recruiters to answer any of their questions and meet any of their needs from the moment they partner with our agency until the end.

Interested in Other States? Find Comprehensive Travel Nursing Information for Other States Using The Interactive Map Below

Travel Nursing in California | Top Paying Specialties & Cities 2022

Travel nursing is an exciting opportunity to see parts of the United States while making some serious money. California — one of the most sought-after states because of the diverse culture, fun outdoor activities including swimming in the Pacific Ocean or sipping wine in the Napa vineyards — is the ideal place to take a travel nursing assignment.

This guide will help you learn more about travel nursing in California and why it might be a great fit for you!

Speak with a recruiter about available travel nursing assignments in California!

COVID & travel nurses in California

As of December 3, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reported a minimum of 7,612 new cases per day.

California has been particularly hard hit with COVID cases, especially during the surge from the Delta variant. As a result, news reports indicate that more than ever, California is relying on travel nurses to fill the staffing shortage and help relieve overwhelmed hospitals. Furthermore, the Omicron variant has now been detected in California which could continue to strain hospitals and healthcare systems.

Currently, there is a shortage of 40,567 full-time RNs, which is projected to persist until 2026, according to an analysis of preliminary data from the 2020 Survey of California Registered Nurses and final data from the 2019-20 Annual RN Schools Survey.

How much do travel nurses make in California?

According to ZipRecruiter, the top locations for travel nurses are Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Sacramento.

Los Angeles

• Hourly Wage: $49.00
• Weekly Wage: $1,953/week
• Monthly Wage: $8,463/month

San Francisco

• Hourly Wage: $50.33
• Weekly Wage: $2,013/week
• Monthly Wage: $8,724/month
• Hourly Wage: $45.48
• Weekly Wage: $1,819/week
• Monthly Wage: $7,883/month
• Hourly Wage: $44.40
• Weekly Wage: $1,776/week
• Monthly Wage: $7,696/month

Highest paying nursing specialties in California

The highest-paid travel nursing specialties depend on a variety of factors including location, demand, and urgency of needs. Right now, the demand for travel nurses in California is extremely high due to COVID and crisis contracts. As a result, the wages that are being offered are steadily increasing. Unfortunately, this is not being seen across all disciplines of nursing.

Historically speaking, the top paying travel nurse specialties are,

• Labor and Delivery
• Operating Room
• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
• Post-anesthesia Care Unit
• Intensive Care Unit

With COVID, the top paying travel nurse jobs have changed and are based on location more so than position.

According to ZipRecruiter, the following cities have these top-paying specialties:

• ICU Travel Nurse: $58.54 per hour
• Emergency Room Travel Nurse: $57.29 per hour
• Labor and Delivery Travel Nurse: $63.26 per hour
• Intensive Care Unit Travel Nurse: $63.13 per hour
• Critical Care Travel Nurse: $65.32 per hour
• ICU Travel Nurse: $58.29 per hour
• ER Travel Nurse: $59.04 per hour
• ICU Travel Nurse: $56.18 per hour
• Labor and Delivery Travel Nurse: $59.06 per hour
• Emergency Room Travel Nurse: $54.84 per hour

Looking for travel nurse assignments in California? Speak with a recruiter today!

Top 5 Hospitals in California

With more than 39.51 million residents in 2020, California is the most populous U.S. state in population. California’s population is projected to reach 45 million people by 2050. With such a large population, California has multiple cities with over a million residents including Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Jose.

U.S. World News and World Report evaluated 416 hospitals in California. The top five hospitals in California as of 2020 were:

1. UCLA Medical Center

• Location: Los Angeles
• Nationally Ranked: 14 Adult Specialties and 6 Children’s Specialties
• High Performing: 17 Procedures/Conditions

2. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

• Nationally Ranked: 11 Adult Specialties
• High Performing: 1 Adult Specialty & 17 Procedures/Conditions

3. UCSF Medical Center

• Location: San Francisco
• Nationally Ranked: 14 Adult Specialties and 10 Children’s Specialties
• High Performing: 14 Procedures/Conditions

4. Stanford Health Care – Stanford Hospital

• Location: Stanford
• High Performing: 1 Adult Specialty & 16 Procedures/Conditions

5. Keck Medical Center of USC

• Nationally Ranked: 12 Adult Specialties

Cost of living for travel nurses in California

As the national cost of living continues to rise, California has continued to see a dramatic increase in the cost of living. In fact, the cost of living in California has always been one of the highest in the country. Cost of living is defined as the amount of money needed to cover basic expenses such as housing, food, taxes, and healthcare.

The cost of living is always higher in larger cities than smaller towns, therefore housing will cost more in Los Angeles and San Francisco.

According to Bestplaces.net , the overall cost of living in California rates 149.9. The number is well above 100, which means California’s cost of living is significantly higher than the U.S. average. The median house cost is $684,800 as compared to the median home cost in the U.S. as a whole ($291,700).

Payscale.com reports on the cost of living in major California cities including the median home price, median rent, and monthly energy bill.

• Compared to National Average: 43% higher
• Median Home Price: $788,384
• Median Rent: $2,470 / month
• Median Energy Bill: $180.74 / month
• Compared to National Average: 44% higher
• Median Home Price: $817,185
• Median Rent: $2,560 / month
• Median Energy Bill: $192.64 / month
• Compared to National Average: 80% higher
• Median Home Price: $1,146,835
• Median Rent: $3,593 / month
• Median Energy Bill: $182.92 / month
• Compared to National Average: 17% higher
• Median Home Price: $474,696
• Median Rent: $1,487 / month
• Median Energy Bill: $149.72 / month
• Compared to National Average: 49% higher
• Median Home Price: $860,907
• Median Rent: $2,697 / month
• Median Energy Bill: $210.75 / month

A great resource to evaluate how far a salary will stretch in a given city is CNN’s Cost of Living Calculator .

Pros & cons of travel nursing in California

With any career, there are pros and cons to the job. Travel nursing is no different. It’s important to take into consideration your own personal circumstances, family obligations, and reasons for wanting to be a travel nurse. Reasons that some nurses might see as a con may in fact be a positive for you.

• Increased earning potential: Travel nurses have the ability to earn significantly more money than staff nurses. Furthermore, they can make more due to reimbursements and incentives. Most travel nurses receive free housing or have a monthly allowance to put toward housing expenses.
• Travel: One of the main reasons travel nurses start this adventure is to experience different cities and states they may not otherwise get to experience. It also is great for nurses who are not sure where they ultimately want to settle down.
• Flexibility: You have the ability to take a contract when you want to and where you want to. If you really want to travel to Hawaii, you have the ability to find a contract that fits your needs.
• Networking: Most don’t consider this a huge pro of travel nursing, but it is! With an increase in the number of nurses that go on to earn an advanced degree, making connections with different hospitals, providers, and nurses can be very important when trying to find preceptors for graduate-level clinical rotations.
• Avoid hospital and unit politics: Most don’t like to admit but bedside nursing comes with drama and politics. It can be as simple as a hierarchy based on seniority or something more serious. Being a travel nurse allows you to avoid all of this by not being fully invested in the unit but rather helping out for a very specific amount of time.
• Always the new person: Being new to a unit can be exciting but can also be frustrating or even lonely. Not knowing anyone on the unit can affect the type of help you will get in your work environment.
• Not the best assignments: Some hospitals will assign travel nurses patients just like any other nurse on the unit. Others will assign them the easiest patients, the hardest patients, or the ones who no one wants to deal with.
• First to float to another unit: Despite being contracted to a specific unit, most travel nurses will have to float to other parts of the hospital within their skill set. This again will make you the new person which can affect how others perceive you and assist you throughout the shift.
• Finding a place to live: All travel nurse companies offer their nurses places to live during each contract. However, it is not always in the location that you want or with the amenities you desire. Contracts will offer a housing stipend instead, which most travel nurses take, but then finding appropriate housing falls on you.
• Changing health insurance policies: With each contract may come a new health insurance policy. This will be dependent on the agency that you work with. If you switch between multiple agencies then there will most likely be a lapse in your health insurance. However, nurses can opt for private insurance and pay out of pocket. That way, when the assignment ends, you won’t lose your insurance.

Why travel nurse in California?

California is a great state with sunny weather, diverse food, a rich cultural scene, pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, mountains, and vineyards as far as the eye can see.

With an ongoing high demand for travel nurses of all specialties at very competitive wages, California is a great fit for anyone interested in becoming a travel nurse. Whether it is your first contract or your fifteenth, California has something to offer anyone willing to explore!

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Find your dream travel nurse job in California

Travel Nurse Jobs in California

Are you a registered nurse that’s ready to explore new destinations? Start searching for travel nursing jobs in California with Host Healthcare. Whether you’re looking to explore Southern or Northern California, this state offers great weather, activities, and opportunities. Learn more about the career benefits and average annual salary you can earn while on a travel nursing assignment in California

If you are ready to access new California travel nursing jobs and take your career to the next level, talk with Host Healthcare today.

Cities Already Traveled

From northern to Southern California, Host Healthcare offers a number of nursing jobs throughout the state. Whether you’re looking for travel LVN jobs in the San Jose area or CNA jobs in the Southern California region of Santa Monica or you’re a registered nurse looking for placement, our team is ready to help you find the right hospital or healthcare facility for your specific situation and qualifications. Experience working with different healthcare professionals as you travel for your specialty by talking to one of our recruiters today.

California travel nurse jobs or traveling CNA jobs give nurses the opportunity to work in a new healthcare facility, train with a dedicated team of nurses, and earn an attractive salary. Whether you are a CNA, LVN, LPN, or RN, there are plenty of travel nurse jobs for your specific specialty.

Just a few cities we’ve placed travelers: San Francisco, Bakersfield, Fresno, San Diego, Long Beach, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and Redding.

Frequently Asked Questions

After submitting a job to the facility, a response is typically received approximately 2-7 days after submission. Please keep in mind that this response time will vary based on the facility. We prioritize putting your needs first, so don't hesitate to contact us for an update on your submission.

• Day-one medical, dental, and vision - and you can keep these benefits for up to 30 days between assignments so you can take a break and not worry about having medical coverage.
• Access to tens of thousands of travel healthcare jobs in every State in the U.S.
• Friendly, responsive, no-pressure recruiters. Click here to see our Traveler reviews.
• 401K matching
• Travel and professional development reimbursements such as scrubs, medical equipment, licensing, certifications, or any other professional development requirements you need for your assignment.
• Student loan reimbursement
• Personalized housing assistance and pet-friendly housing
• Sign up to receive auto-matching to travel healthcare jobs based on your experience and preference
• Voluntary benefits including critical illness, accident, short-term disability, and whole life

Host Healthcare offers Travel Nursing, Allied, and Therapy contracts in all 50 states. We also offer local contracts for those who are looking to work at facilities closer to their home.

At Host Healthcare, we specialize in working with travel nurses, therapists, and allied professionals. We hire for all specialties within these disciplines. We have travel healthcare jobs in every U.S. State. The number of travel healthcare jobs is dependent on the needs of the healthcare facilities. Please click here to view our current open positions in the location of your choice. If you do not see a job for your specialty, please complete this form and a member of our team will follow up with you immediately about available jobs and pay packages.

License regulations vary by state, so before you begin your travel assignment, we'll help you verify which licenses or certifications you will need and will also provide you with personalized assistance for credentialing and licensing.

When can I expect a response from the healthcare facility after being submitted for a travel healthcare job?

What benefits does host healthcare offer allied health travelers, how do i become a travel healthcare professional.

To get started on your travel therapist adventure, we encourage you to take 2 minutes, just sign up above! After you've completed that short form, one of our friendly recruiters will immediately reach out to you. We listen to understand what you're looking for, provide you with a wide range of options that meet your needs, and match you to the perfect travel therapy job.

Does Host Healthcare hire all healthcare disciplines and specialties?

Do i need to obtain another license to travel as a healthcare professional, the perfect meal.

In-N-Out Burger Animal Style Fries, Ceviche Tostadas, Lobster Rolls, and Cold-Pressed Kale Juice.

Wade These Beaches

West Bluffs at Crissy Field, San Fran. Family-Friendly views of Golden Gate. El Pescador State Beach, Malibu. Not overly developed. Surprisingly secluded. Tourmaline Surfing Park, San Diego. Big waves for the avid surfer. Lifeguards on duty.

Get to Know the Flora and Fauna of Golden State

Your next travel nursing California job is waiting for you. Want to explore parts of the bay area and enjoy the city life or perhaps you’re looking to work in the small-home-feel town like Bakersfield? No matter the desired destination in California, we’re here to guide you on any journey. Whether you’re looking for travel RN California jobs or nurse practitioner jobs, our team of trained recruiters will help pair you with the best hospital. Find a travel assignment in California today!

Discover San Francisco

Mission district.

San Francisco’s oldest neighborhood has a lot to offer. From unique shops to new restaurants, this is a must visit. This place also holds some of San Francisco’s oldest structures.

Golden Gate Park

This is one of San Francisco’s greatest treasures covering over 1,000 acres. Discover gardens, lakes, cultural events, or other activities. Free to visit during daytime hours.

Palace of Fine Arts

Gawk at one of the only surviving structures from the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition. View a dance production in this 900+ seat theater. There’s plenty to do at The Palace of Fine Arts.

Recruiters You’ll Love

Humble brag alert: Our recruiters have the best reviews in the business. Don’t believe us? See for yourself.

The #1 .cls-1{fill:#9ce7a7;stroke-width:0px;} Rated Travel Nursing Agency

Check out these reviews from real host healthcare travelers..

Host healthcare has been a great agency to work for so far! I’m a new travel nurse and they’ve helped make it easy for me to get my first assignment. They’re very attentive, especially Vee Jones, my recruiter. She has been kind and very helpful to me during this process.

Highly recommend - especially for new travelers. Kristen has been so helpful throughout the beginning of my travel nurse experience! She is quick to respond and very personable. I am now on my third contract with her and Host and have no desire to change companies anytime soon.

Host and my recruiter Rachel K. have helped me make a smooth transition into travel nursing into the States from Canada. They helped me get all my documents together and got me my first contract in no time. They have been a pleasure to work with!

I did 4 assignments through Host and my recruiter Allison was amazing! Easy to contact at all hours of the day and always did a great job finding me assignments In places I wanted to experience. She was also checking in on me frequently to make sure I was always doing good at new hospitals. Definitely recommend Host Healthcare and Allison!

Featured Jobs

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*Includes estimated wage of $62.15 - $69.15/hr and non-taxable benefits if eligible

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• RN 13 Weeks Nights Estimated Total Pay $3,347.08 - $3,525.87 /wk*

*Includes estimated wage of $35.25 - $42.25/hr and non-taxable benefits if eligible

• Vascular/ECHO Technologist 13 Weeks Days, Variable Estimated Total Pay $3,122.52 - $3,312.50 /wk*

*Includes estimated wage of $46.76 - $53.76/hr and non-taxable benefits if eligible

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California Travel Nurse Jobs

Ca travel nursing by specialty.

The most popular nursing specialties with positions available in California include:

Cardiac Cath Lab Cardio ICU Cardio OR Case Management Emergency Room Intensive Care Unit

Interventional Radiology Labor & Delivery LTC/SNF Medical Surgical NICU Operating Room

PACU Psychiatric Unit Radiology Stepdown Telemetry Wound Care

We connect care by staffing amazing healthcare facilities in California with talented and dedicated Travel Nurses .

All about Travel Nursing in California

California is one of the highest paying states for travel nursing jobs. For this reason travel nursing jobs in California can be the most sought after with higher than average wait times for candidates. Medical solutions can help you cut through that red tape and expedite the process for travel nurses looking to work in the Golden State.

What Travel Nursing is like in California

California is the most popular state for travel nurse and travel allied health jobs with Medical Solutions! Travel nursing jobs here are as varied and abundant as the state’s many geographic features and attractions. All that variety makes The Golden State a consistent traveler favorite. California offers everything from beaches to skiing, plus some of the country’s most cosmopolitan cities and some its most unspoiled nature.

California boasts a population of more than 39 million yet has one of the nation’s lowest numbers of nurses per capita. California also has some of the country’s most stringent nurse-to-patient ratio laws. Combine this with overall staffing protections and the demand for healthcare travelers is always relatively high at California facilities.

Average Salaries for Travel Nurses in California

When it comes to travel nursing opportunities, California stands out not only for its diverse landscapes and lifestyles but also for its competitive compensation. Travel nurses venturing into the Golden State can anticipate an average weekly salary between $1,800 to $3,000, contingent upon their area of expertise, years of experience, and the specific contracts of healthcare facilities. Driving this lucrative pay range is California’s vast healthcare network, spanning from high-tech hospitals in Silicon Valley to community clinics in its agricultural heartland. Furthermore, California’s sheer population size, coupled with its progressive healthcare mandates, ensures a continuous demand for nursing professionals across specialties. While California’s cost of living is notoriously high, especially in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, the substantial salaries often make up for it, rendering the state a profitable choice for travel nurses. More on salary further down.

Best Hospitals in California

U.S. News & World Report ’s 2020/2021 Best Hospitals list evaluated 409 hospitals in California. The top three includes #1-ranked UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, #2-ranked Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, and #3-ranked UCSF Medical Center in San Francisco. There are many other hospitals and non-hospital healthcare facilities throughout the state as well. U.S. News & World Report ’s 2021 Best States list ranked California at #24 overall, #5 for healthcare, and #10 for economy. California is a top location for travelers to work in healthcare, explore exciting cities, enjoy beautiful nature, and earn great wages!

California Nurse Licensure

California is not currently in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) but had legislation pending in 2021. The NLC allows nurses to practice in other NLC states without having to get additional state licenses. New states are frequently joining so keep an eye on the latest NLC map . In the meantime, our team is happy to help you with any California state licensing questions.

To Do and See in California

There’s so much variety in California, your only problem will be trying to do and see it all!

Some of the more well known metropolitan attractions include the Golden Gate Bridge, Disneyland, Universal Studios, The Getty Center, San Diego Zoo, Hollywood, Venice Beach, Griffith Observatory, Santa Monica Pier, and Alcatraz.

If the great outdoors are more your speed there are so many beautiful sites to see such as Yosemite National Park, Death Valley National Park, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, Joshua Tree National Park, Lake Tahoe, the Big Sur coastline, Redwood National and State Parks, wine country in Napa and Sonoma Valleys, Lassen Volcanic National Park, La Jolla Sea Caves, and Catalina Island.

If architecture interests you there’s also Hearst Castle which is located off Highway 1 in San Simeon near Estero Bluffs State Park.

• Activity: Beach Exploration
• Description: Wander around Santa Monica Pier, shop at the Promenade, and sunbathe on the iconic beaches.
• Activity: Hollywood and Griffith Observatory
• Description: Discover Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, and get a panoramic view from Griffith.
• Activity: Wine Tasting
• Description: Explore California’s premier wine region with vineyard tours and tastings.
• Activity: Yosemite National Park
• Description: Dive into nature with hikes and sightseeing in this iconic national park.
• Activity: Golden Gate Bridge & Alcatraz
• Description: Walk the famous bridge and take a ferry to the historic Alcatraz Island.
• Activity: Coastal Drive
• Description: Experience one of the world’s most scenic drives along the Pacific Coast Highway.
• Activity: Surfing & Relaxation
• Description: Catch waves in the morning and relax in trendy cafes by the afternoon.

Due to California’s massive size and diversity of locations California is generally a great state for several fun activities. Shopping, dining, golf, wine-tasting, and relaxing at the beach are among some of the most popular choices. As an outdoor enthusiast you might enjoy hiking, biking, boating, skiing, kayaking, or camping along the coast or in one of Californias famous state parks. If sightseeing is more your speed whale watching, seaside drives, and road trips offer a great number of spectacles to behold. There’s a reason California is so popular. If you can imagine it, California probably has it.

Must Try Food

• Restaurant Name: Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery
• Cuisine Type: Italian Deli
• Description: Famous for its “Godmother” sandwich, a local lunch favorite.
• Restaurant Name: Guelaguetza
• Cuisine Type: Oaxacan
• Description: Award-winning restaurant celebrated for its authentic Oaxacan flavors and mole dishes.
• Restaurant Name: The French Laundry
• Cuisine Type: French
• Description: A three-star Michelin restaurant offering an exquisite tasting menu by Chef Thomas Keller.
• Restaurant Name: Ahwahnee Dining Room
• Cuisine Type: American
• Description: Enjoy fine dining with a stunning view of Yosemite’s granite cliffs.
• Restaurant Name: Swan Oyster Depot
• Cuisine Type: Seafood
• Description: A century-old seafood counter serving the freshest oysters, crab legs, and clam chowder.
• Restaurant Name: Nepenthe
• Cuisine Type: Californian
• Description: Known for its Ambrosia Burger and mesmerizing cliffside views of the Pacific.
• Restaurant Name: Las Cuatro Milpas
• Cuisine Type: Mexican
• Description: A popular spot for traditional tacos, tamales, and burritos in Barrio Logan.

With California growing so much of the nation’s fruits and vegetables, you know it’s going to be a great spot for foodies! Seafood is also big business here. California has many iconic foods, some more famous than others depending on region. Citrus fruits are big in the San Joaquin Valley. Boudin Bakery is known for their sourdough bread in San Francisco. Fish tacos and Cioppino are popular all along the coast but are especially appreciated by foodies in Monterey. The famous California cobb salad is a fan favorite in Los Angeles. There are so many delicious treats to taste. From mission-style burritos to fusion dishes. Artichokes and avocado everything. And, of course, do not forget the humble California roll and In-N-Out burgers. Wash it all down with a mimosa or a refreshing Arnold Palmer and you’ll be living the California dream.

California Travel Nurse Salary

Base salaries for Registered Nurses in California average about $2,196/week with an average of about $15,000 of overtime per year.

The median base salary for California Registered Nurses is about $71,500/year according to salary.com. The average hourly rate for Registered Nurses in California starts at $42.10/hr which is 14% higher than the national average according to Indeed.com.

There are many factors that can affect travel nurse salaries in California. First of all, not all travel nurses are registered nurses. Nurse practitioners, LVNs (Licensed Vocational Nurses), and other clinical care providers may have different average salaries. The hospital system where you get your travel nursing assignments can affect nurse pay.

Other major factors that affect nurse pay in California is location. Because the state is so massive and population density ranges so vastly demand also varies.  Salaries in Northern California could be very different from salaries in Southern California. Sometimes more remote locations pay higher than contracts near population centers like the Bay Area or Los Angeles. Many times the opposite is true as well.

Lastly, your nursing specialty also makes a huge difference in pay. Some specialties are more approachable requiring fewer certifications & less experience. These specialties, such as Medical Surgical Registered Nurses may have lower average salaries than specialties that require more certifications/experience. Working with a travel nursing agency you’ll be able to get a better idea about where you have the most opportunity to get the best base pay while travel nursing in California.

Quick Facts About California

• State Nickname : The Golden State
• Capital City : Sacramento
• Largest Cities : Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno
• Charming Towns : Truckee, Arcata, Pismo Beach, Nevada City, Sonoma
• Random Trivia : California is the only state that’s hosted both the Winter Olympics and the Summer Olympics. This is a testament to the state’s geographic diversity.

Find Travel Nursing jobs in California

Frequently asked questions, find answers to your questions about california travel nursing jobs with medical solutions and travel nursing in general..

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 Search California Travel Nursing Jobs

Looking for a travel nursing job in California? Use our job search feature below to see all the available opportunities across the state, filter by your own nursing specialty, and learn more about each unique assignment.

California  as a Travel Nurse

When embarking on a travel nursing assignment in California, you'll have plenty of attractions and activities to explore during your downtime. Start by visiting the iconic cities of Los Angeles or San Francisco, where you can immerse yourself in cultural landmarks such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame or the Golden Gate Bridge.

Nature enthusiasts will be captivated by Yosemite National Park, which offers breathtaking views and opportunities for outdoor adventure. And don't forget to take advantage of California's stunning coastline by visiting world-renowned beaches like Santa Monica or driving the Pacific Coast Highway.

If you're in the mood for some nightlife, cities like San Diego offer a vibrant scene to enjoy. Wine lovers won't be disappointed with a trip to Napa Valley or Sonoma County for some wine tasting. With its diverse range of attractions and natural beauty, California truly has something for everyone as you embark on your travel nursing journey.

Enhance Your Job Search with SHC WeConnect

The SHC WeConnect app is your all-in-one platform for managing your career with our travel nursing agency.

With just a few taps on your mobile device, the app connects agency nurses with a wide range of nurse staffing positions, enabling you to search for assignments, set up job alerts, and apply for positions across the US.

The app provides a seamless experience, making it easier than ever to manage each stage of your experience. With SHC WeConnect, travel nurses can take control of their job search and stay connected in real-time throughout the process. Available for download now in the App Store and Google Play .

Travel Nursing Pay

Better pay for doing what you love.

Traveling nurses headed to California should do their research — your exact pay can vary significantly based on where you live and work. Overall, the average pay is close to the national average for travel nurses.

How much you’ll earn will depend on many factors including your specialty and nursing needs. Although the cost of living is higher in many areas, many travelers consider the tradeoff worth it when there are endless things to do and see in California.

Travel housing

Finding your home away from home.

How you’ll live plays a significant role in determining where you want to work. At SHC, we want you to be comfortable when you travel to your new nursing assignment. We have a travel housing department that helps you find places to live on your assignment in California.

Whether you’re hoping for an apartment in the city or are looking into rooming with another travel nurse, we can help. You deserve support as you plan for your next assignment, and our dedicated team will be there from the start to make sure your new home meets is your California dream!

More Rewards  with SHC

On top of all the amazing perks of travel nursing, you’ll earn exclusive benefits working with SHC. In addition to great assignments, we make it possible for caring travel nurses to continue to work with us assignment after assignment - in Washington and wherever you choose next!

From 401k retirement plans to voluntary individual benefits including whole life insurance, short term disability, accident, and pet insurance, Supplemental Health Care has you covered.

Education & Licensure

Advance your career.

Supplemental Health Care supports your nursing career and recognizes the value of increasing accessibility to professional education and advancement. We support upskilling programs and scholarship opportunities for nurses so you can further your education and advance your nursing career .

To become a travel nurse in California, you must do so through reciprocity and an endorsement. You will also need to show that your past education meets all California state requirements and that you have passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) or the State Board Test Pool Examination (SBTPE). For more information on travel nurse licensing requirements, visit the California Board of Nursing to learn more.

Explore Top Locations & Specialties in CA

The state of California boasts numerous opportunities for travel nurses in search of their next adventure. From the bustling atmosphere of large cities to the serene beauty of small towns, travel nursing in Californiais an ideal way to explore all that the state provides.

Here are some best destinations and most in-demand specialties for travel nurses in California:

top locations

• Bakersfield, CA
• Los Angeles, CA
• Modesto, CA
• Murrieta, CA
• Oakland, CA
• Redding, CA
• Redlands, CA
• Sacramento, CA
• San Diego, CA
• San Francisco, CA

Top Specialties

• Critical Care (CCU) Nurse Jobs
• Emergency Department (ED) Nurse Jobs
• Emergency Room (ER) Nurse Jobs
• Home Health Nurse Jobs
• Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Nurse Jobs
• Labor & Delivery (L&D) Nurse Jobs
• Medical-Surgical (Med-Surg) Nurse Jobs
• Nurse Case Manager Jobs
• NICU Nurse Jobs
• Oncology Nurse Jobs
• Operating Room (OR) Nurse Jobs
• Telemetry (Tele) Nurse Jobs

Get Started with SHC

Travel nursing jobs are in high demand in hospitals and healthcare facilities across the country and we have so many travel nursing opportunities available right now! Our dedicated team is excited to connect with you in the next step of your travel nursing journey.

If you're ready to take the next step, fill out our short contact form below to get started travel nursing with Supplemental Health Care!

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Travel Nursing Jobs

Aya has the most travel nursing assignments in the country.

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Aya delivers:

• The most jobs in the industry. We have the largest and most reliable job database, which means the jobs you see are open, updated in real time and ready for you!
• Competitive advantage over other agencies. Front-of-the-line access through our direct facility relationships — many with quick (even same-day) offers, giving you the best chance of securing your ideal opportunity.
• Expedited licensing and streamlined compliance. An industry-leading on-time start rate and strong relationships with boards of nursing across the country to accelerate the process in all 50 states.
• Expert career guidance. A dedicated recruiter to help you achieve your dream career. Travel, per diem, permanent — we have the reach and access to get you the jobs you want, and the expertise to help you realize your long-term goals.
• A best-in-class support system and an exceptional experience. Enjoy accurate, weekly pay, and an entire team dedicated to your happiness on assignment, 24/7.

Plus, you get everything you expect from the largest healthcare staffing company in the industry:

• Exceptional benefits, including premium medical, dental, vision and life insurance beginning day one of your assignment. Want to take time off? Keep insurance coverage for up to 24 days between assignments.
• A generous 401(k) match.
• Paid company housing (we'll help you bring your pets along, too!) or a generous housing stipend.
• Paid sick time in accordance with all applicable state, federal, and local laws. Aya's general sick leave policy is that employees accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. However, to the extent any provisions of the statement above conflict with any applicable paid sick leave laws, the applicable paid sick leave laws are controlling.
• The industry's only clinical ladder program for RNs on assignment.
• Access to unlimited continuing education units online.
• Licensure, relocation and other reimbursements, when applicable.
• Pay listed above includes taxable wages and tax-free expense reimbursements.

For all employees and employee applicants, Aya is an Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") Employer, including Disability/Vets, and welcomes all to apply. Please click here for our EEO policy.

• Bi-weekly weekend travel home.
• A rental car and paid housing.

With Aya Locums you get:

• Access to top hospitals and healthcare systems in diverse care settings.
• Highly competitive, transparent locum tenens pay.
• Dedicated application and assignment support.
• In-house credentialing and licensing teams.
• Full coverage of licensing costs.
• Travel and lodging coverage.
• Easy timekeeping and streamlined management of documents.
• Malpractice coverage and risk management support.
• Premium medical, dental, vision and life insurance beginning day one of your assignment.
• Paid sick time. Aya provides paid sick leave in accordance with all applicable state, federal, and local laws. Aya's general sick leave policy is that employees accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. However, to the extent any provisions of the statement above conflict with any applicable paid sick leave laws, the applicable paid sick leave laws are controlling.
• Generous 401k match.
• Aya may provide other benefits where required by applicable law, including but not limited to reimbursements.
• Aya coordinates all travel and lodging accommodations.
• Travel information is received the evening prior to your scheduled departure.
• Airfare is covered and, if driving to the assignment, reimbursement is available.
• Once notice is received, communication from our team is sent via email and text to ensure you are kept in the loop as soon as information becomes available.
• Your safety is Aya's top priority. We work closely with the facility to ensure additional security measures are taken onsite so you can focus on what really matters: patient care.
• Licensure, relocation and other reimbursements.

Experience the Aya difference today

• A dedicated recruiter who advocates for you every step of the way.
• We'll ensure the hiring manager prioritizes your interest and schedules an interview quickly.
• A streamlined hiring process means offers are often presented within 24-48 hours after an interview with a hiring leader.
• Flexible start dates that work around your availability.
• We make it simple with one point of contact the entire time.
• University of Washington (UW) offers a wide range of benefits as part of your total compensation package. Choose from top medical and dental insurance programs; plan for your future with tax-deferred investing through the UW retirement options; enjoy generous vacation and sick leave policies; and protect yourself and your family with life and long-term disability insurance. For more information, follow the links shown below or explore the Benefits website at http://hr.uw.edu/benefits/

With Aya, you get:

• Higher compensation - we negotiate on your behalf.
• Work-life balance - contracts are up to 40 hours per week, with workdays ending mid-late afternoon and weekends off!
• An employee advocate - our team ensures you have the support needed to be successful in your role.
• Options post contract - extend, convert to a permanent employee or find a new job.
• Paid company housing (pets are welcome to tag along) or a generous housing stipend.
• If qualified, continued insurance coverage over the summer.
• A generous 401k match.
• A robust team to support you every step of the way.
• A credentialing specialist to streamline the entire compliance process.
• Freedom and flexibility around your current schedule.
• The easy-to-use Shifts app. Select shifts anytime, anywhere.
• Premium medical, dental, vision and life insurance.
• Front-of-the-line access to exclusive jobs at thousands of healthcare facilities nationwide.
• A robust team to support you every step of the way to ensure you start on time, have accurate payroll and an exceptional experience.
• Certification and other reimbursements, when applicable.

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Travel Nursing In California

California is a prime destination for travel nurses, and why wouldn’t it be? The state has some of the nation’s best beaches, skiing, cities, and national parks. It’s also home to 10% of the nation’s population. Where there are more people, there are more hospitals and more travel nursing jobs. California also has strict RN to Patient Staffing Ratios  which serves to increase the overall need for RNs. But just because California seems wide open for assignments doesn’t mean it should be approached willy-nilly. There are vast differences across the state and understanding these differences will help set expectations and allow travel nurses to formulate a strategy.

Travel Nursing Pay in California

Northern vs. southern california.

Perhaps the most well-known general variation pertains to pay rates for travel nurses in California. You’ll often hear that in general the pay rates are lower in Southern California and Higher in Northern California . And this is true…in general. The pay rates in San Diego are certainly among the lowest rates in the state. Everybody wants to go there and people tend to want to stay once they get there. The same can be said of Orange County (the OC) and the greater Los Angeles area as well.

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However, this doesn’t mean that there aren’t exceptions to the rule. For example, there are some hospitals in Southern California that pay much higher than the average. West Hills Hospital in West Hills, CA and Los Robles Hospital in Thousand Oaks, CA are examples of hospitals that pay more than average in Southern California. There are also hospitals that pay much lower than average in Northern California. For example, Stanford Hospital and Lucile Packard Children’s in Palo Alto, pay much lower than the Northern California average.

The Best Bang for Your Buck

Another general rule pertaining to pay rates is that the best bang for your buck is in California’s Central Valley. This is true from Bakersfield to Stockton, with Sacramento just making the cut. Bakersfield and Fresno tend to be the best places to make money because the cost of living is lower relative to the average pay in these areas. Moreover, you can often find travel jobs that guarantee 48 hour work weeks.

I’m not going to lie though, most of the Central Valley is less than glamorous. However, Fresno is reasonably close to Yosemite and both Fresno and Bakersfield are agricultural hubs. If you’re interested in learning about farming and love access to locally grown produce, then these places are great.

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Sacramento is sort of the best of both worlds. It’s the state capital, has a pretty good nightlife, decent cultural vibe, and excellent restaurants. It has great weather 9 months out of the year; it gets a little hot in the summer. There are plenty of outdoor opportunities in the area with rivers, hills for hiking, and trails for biking. There’s also plenty of wine tasting close by and the Napa Valley is within an hour away. It’s also an hour and a half from both Lake Tahoe and San Francisco. The cost of living is higher than the rest of the Central Valley, but much lower than the San Francisco Bay Area where the pay rates are pretty much the same.

Hospitals That Use Travel Nursing in California

Kaiser in california.

In addition to variations in standard pay rates, it’s also important to know about the hospital organizations operating in California. Kaiser Permanente is the largest hospital organization operating in California. There are no fewer than 38 Kaiser hospitals in the state . Based on a quick look at the list, I’d say at least 30 of them regularly have open jobs.

You’ll regularly hear travel nurses warn against working an assignment at Kaiser. However, it would be unwise to adhere to this advice. I’m sure that many of those who administer these warnings have valid reasons for doing so. However, I filled hundreds of assignments in my days as a recruiter and the number of nurses and healthcare professionals who liked Kaiser just fine was much higher than the number of nurses who disliked Kaiser. In fact, the number of nurses who went on to become permanent employees of Kaiser was higher than the number of nurses who disliked their Kaiser assignments.

Moreover, Kaiser often calls its crisis rate into action and the pay for Kaiser’s crisis rate is among the highest, if not the highest, in the state. Disqualifying Kaiser from consideration means missing out on some of the highest paying assignments in the nation. It’s important to note that Kaiser hospitals sometimes require previous Kaiser experience in order to qualify for one of their crisis rate assignments.

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When it comes to Kaiser’s pay for assignments, you may also hear that Kaiser pays the highest rates, period. While this used to be true, it is no longer the case. When American Mobile beat out Nursefinders as the Managed Service Provider for Kaiser’s travel and PRN needs, part of that win was the result of a much lower bid on the bill rates. Now, the bill rates for Kaiser assignments are at, or perhaps just below, the averages for Northern and Southern California.

This brings us to our final point on Kaiser, California’s single largest user of travel nurses. American Mobile is the Managed Service Provider. This means that American Mobile has an exclusive contract with Kaiser to staff all of Kaiser’s contingent staffing needs. However, American Mobile contracts with other agencies to help them meet the demand. These agencies are commonly referred to as “sub-vendors.” You can read more about Managed Service Providers here . And you can read more about travel nursing with Kaiser in California here .

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Dignity and Sutter in California

There are a few other large hospital organizations in California that frequently have open travel jobs. Dignity Health (formerly Catholic Healthcare West) operates no fewer than 32 hospitals in California . However, fewer Dignity hospitals make regular use of travel nurses and those that do, use them to a lesser degree than Kaiser. Sutter Health is yet another large hospital organization that frequently has open travel jobs. Sutter Health operates no fewer than 19 hospitals in California. However, a strong percentage of their assignments are at their Alta Bates Summit Medical Center in Berkeley, CA. Unlike Kaiser, Dignity Health and Sutter Health do not utilize a single Managed Service Provider for their entire hospital organization.

HCA, Tenet and Cottage Health in California

Some of the smaller hospital organizations in California include HCA which operates 5 hospitals in the state and goes through Parallon Workforce Management Solutions as its managed service provider, who again utilizes many sub-vendors to assist in staffing all needs. Tenet Health operates 11 hospitals in the state and utilizes a Vendor Management System to fill its travel jobs. Finally, Cottage Health System operates 5 hospitals in the Santa Barbara area and uses a Vendor Management System to fill their travel jobs. It’s worth mentioning that Santa Barbara is an absolutely beautiful area. The pay isn’t all that great relative to the cost of living, but it certainly makes up for it in beauty.

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There are many other small hospital organizations and many other areas that we have not discussed. However, the information we’ve covered here should provide an idea of the general topography of travel jobs in California. As always, please let us know if you have any questions and share your thoughts in the comments section.

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I live in Washington state, work the Med-Surg floor and I make $29/hr with 1.5 yrs Acute Care RN experience. According to websites RN’s make about $50/hr in Napa, CA area. We would consider moving down there if this is really true and if jobs are not difficult to get.

Yes, it’s widely reported that RNs in northern California have among the highest hourly rates. It’s important to factor in the cost of living in California, which is quite high. If you do decide to make the move, my recommendation would be to land a job before moving. I hope this helps!

I am finding it incredibly difficult to find a med/surg travel opportunity in southern Cali. I have spoke with numerous recruiters and been submitted to a number of jobs but never hear anything. I have not traveled before but have 8 yrs experience and nothing against my license or record. Any advice? Something I’m possibly doing wrong? Already temporarily living here and feeling “stuck” please help!

Does anyone know much about the Encinitas area? Hospitals around the area that pay well?

How are the hospitals and living conditions in Stockton? Just wondering if there are good hospitals there and low crime rates.

Interestingly, I grew up in Stockton, CA 🙂 I wish I could say it’s a safe place. However, the statistics indicate that it’s that it’s pretty unsafe. Here is a link to the city’s page on Neighborhood Scout .

The two main hospitals in the area are Dameron and St. Joseph’s. By most accounts, they fall right into the “average” category. That, said, they received some pretty bad reviews from travel nurses on Travel Nursing Central. Here are the links: Dameron and St. Joseph’s . There are very few reviews for both hospitals, so I recommend reading the reviews themselves to find out what people did/didn’t like. Also, the hospital reviews are pretty low overall on Travel Nursing central, so the scores should be considered against the scores of other hospitals with a similar number of reviews. I hope this helps!

where to live if your a travler to west hills medical center

Kyle, do you have an article on blended rates?

Thanks for the inquiry, Patty. Here is an article that discusses Blended Travel Nursing Pay Rates. Here is another that provides some sample breakdowns of travel nursing pay packages and how to compare them by blending them.

Are there opportunities for PRN work in California? I want to maintain my current Baylor position in another state, but would consider traveling at my own expense to fulfill the required shifts for a PRN position if the pay was right. I knew a few people who did this in the past and it worked well for them.

Yes, there are PRN opportunities in California. You can get PRN through an agency or directly with a hospital. The scenario you’re describing would most likely require that you get hired on directly by a hospital for a PRN position. This is because agencies pay significantly less and are not able to offer the same shift guarantees as the hospital. The downside is that it’s more difficult to land a PRN job with a hospital than with an agency. I hope this help!

How many years do you need in experience in Tele Nurse to be a travel nurse in California?

The general rule of thumb is at least 1 full year of experience, preferably 2. However, the job market is so hot for travel nurses right now that some hospitals may accept less experience. The best way to find out is to speak with a few agencies. I hope this helps.

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This Disneyland employee has one of the park's tastiest jobs

“Just overlap your fingers,” Disneyland photographer David Nguyen said, “so it already looks like a heart.” The person he’s directing is holding the carnitas-style pork belly from the LA Style kitchen from the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival . 

“I like having people hold food almost like a heart shape,” he explained, “so everyone is already in love with the food.” 

My assignment for the day was shadowing Nguyen in Disney California Adventure as he was shooting festival foods for the @DisneyEats Instagram account. The heart trick was the first pro tip I’d pick up, but it definitely wasn’t the last. 

“We eat with the camera first, and then we eat with our eyes, then we actually eat it,” he said.

Even if you’ve never been to Disneyland, you’ve definitely seen David Nguyen’s work. It’s on billboards all over California, and all over the internet. If it’s not people enjoying themselves at the park, it’s photos of perfect-looking food — often, but not always, Mickey-shaped. But beyond photographing food and beverages, he works with the culinary and product development teams to create the actual food and food merchandise, like popcorn buckets . Nguyen has helped create everything from the cult favorite Ronto-less wrap in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to the Jabba the Hutt popcorn bucket that debuted on April 5 for this year’s Season of the Force “Star Wars” festival.

“Food is an attraction here,” he said. “People come here, and I personally come here, just to enjoy the food and the atmosphere. … The moment we don’t want to eat here, we should revise our menu.” 

Ask Nguyen his title, and he’ll say, “It’s really hard to say anything besides concept development for food and beverage.” The full description has bullet points: product optimization, food, manager, photography, synergy.

“But we also help with novelty development,” he added. “We’re brainstorming on what’s new, what’s next, what are we going to create on that one? We’re feeding ideas off each other. The easiest way to say it is, ‘Oh, I do food things.’” 

It’s hard to summarize Nguyen’s job, but it’s not hard to explain it. As we walked through the park, he told me about a road trip he took through Northern California, and how it made him see the Grizzly Peak area of DCA differently . “I walked around here and I was like, ‘We did such a good job,’” he said. 

I had a similar experience when I visited Humboldt for the first time ( looking for Bigfoot, of course ). “I got off the plane and I looked at the rest of the airstrip,” I told him, “and I thought, ‘It looks just like the ride building for Soarin’. They really nailed this.’”

“Good,” Nguyen responded. “Now tell that in a story. How do we make food in that area?”

My mind briefly flashes to Bigfoot-themed meals before I realize how disgusting that would be. “S’mores,” he said. “We make s’mores everything.” 

There it is, right there. That’s the job — adding food to Disneyland that propels the storytelling and immersion in the experience. After that, there are the food-adjacent souvenirs to figure out, like popcorn buckets and those light-up baubles that go in and on beverages . Then it’s creating images that entice people to purchase those things: the billboards, the in-park food images that go on event signs, the shots that eventually make it onto Disney Eats.

“We’re connecting all the dots,” he said. “Almost like a restaurant. You’re working on salads, you’re working on entrees, you’re working on a hot line. How do we get together to make that food item land on the plate?”

By this time, we’re done with the in-park shoot and we’ve gone backstage (Disney’s term for locations that are on property but not accessible to guests) to the building where Nguyen and his team work. (There are three of them in this specific “food things” team: Nguyen, Stacy Salazar and Karlos Siqueiros, and they collaborate with a larger team of about 40.) The morning was for the Food & Wine Festival, but the afternoon is dedicated to creating images for the upcoming Pixar Fest, which starts at the end of April. 

We walk into a room full of photo equipment and a table strewn with toys and props from Pixar films. There are a bunch of bakery treats that will be released for the festival, some returning and some new, which I can’t talk about yet because they’re still a secret. One that’s definitely coming back is the Nemo cake pop, which is the first one Nguyen sets up for a shoot. 

We’re just chatting casually about the building (it’s incredible to see all the tiny Disney touches everywhere, but I’m not allowed to go into more detail other than that we were on the “Lion King” floor). Nguyen sets up a couple of lights as we talk, aims his camera, shoots. All of a sudden an image pops up on the connected tablet, showing a preview of a picture I didn’t even realize he was ready to shoot. It’s a Nemo cake pop, but there’s so much depth of field that it almost looks like it’s actually a fish swimming underwater. The image hasn’t been retouched at all, it’s raw straight from the camera, and it’s as beautiful as anything I’ve seen on Disney’s social media.

“What helps me do 3D items on a 2D platform is giving depth,” he explained. “Something in front, something in the middle, something in the back to tell stories.” Use this tip next time you’re shooting a Mickey bar for your own feed: If the camera catches something in front of it, and something behind it, while the bar itself is in focus, you’ll have an image so technically sophisticated that you probably won’t believe you could have pulled off. 

The era of “Instagram or it didn’t happen,” especially when it comes to people shooting everything they eat at Disneyland, is a relatively new complication in food concept development.

“Before, I didn’t have a problem putting brown on brown on brown,” Nguyen said. “I could put a hamburger on a brown plate and I would have been happy. Now it has to stand out.” 

“We play a lot,” he added. “Does this have a cheese pull, now that we’re in the world of videography as well? Our cellphones are so advanced that it’s like, ‘What other element can this thing do?’ But as cute as it can be, we always want to make sure it will be delicious.”

All this talk about blue sky dreaming for specialty foods, and I can’t help myself. I shoot my shot, asking Nguyen if there might ever be a return of my favorite-ever Disneyland treat: the rose gold Minnie macaron from Jolly Holiday, made with lemon verbena buttercream and strawberry compote, which was only in the parks for a brief stretch during the rose gold craze of 2018.

“I could definitely add it to the list of things if we have  a throwback night or something like that,” he said. “No food idea is gone forever.”