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Travel nursing in New Jersey: 5 reasons to work in the Garden State

Atlantic - travel nursing destination in New Jersey

New Jersey is much more than just the middle ground between Philadelphia and New York City! From bustling shorelines and picturesque wildlife preserves to unique regional cuisine and award-willing small towns, the Garden State is a melting pot of cultures with a rich history and a vibrant future. Thanks to the major metro areas that New Jersey borders, the state ranks among the highest paying states for nurses in the country. Need a few more reasons to consider a travel nursing job in New Jersey? Keep reading!

1. New Jersey needs more nurses

The shortage of nurses in New Jersey is higher than ever. More facilities are turning to travel nurses to fill these vacant positions while offering higher pay and better benefits than in prior years. There are 113 hospitals in New Jersey, 72 of which are acute care facilities. The healthcare industry in New Jersey is the largest private sector employer in the state, and healthcare professionals there care for over 15 million patients annually. You may find an opportunity to give support and gain experience at award-winning hospitals such as Morristown Medical Center, which is nationally ranked in three specialties, or Hackensack University Medical Center, nationally ranked in 5 specialties.

River in New Jersey

2. It’s a NLC compact state

In 2021, New Jersey added its name to list of states in the U.S. who have passed legislation to enter the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which creates a fast-track to working as a nurse in all member states. Well over half of U.S. states plus two territories current belong to the NLC, and that total is expected to grow. Holding a compact-member state license makes it cheaper and easier to experience new parts of the country as a travel nurse.

3. Something for everyone

There is a reason why New Jersey has been dubbed “America in miniature,” because any atmosphere you prefer, you can find. The state boasts 130 miles of coastline along its eastern border. The interior of the state contains densely wooded forests in the south and fertile farmland in the north. In the northwest corner, the rolling hills and mountains make up the landscape. There are modern, up-and-coming cities as well as historically preserved villages. If you enjoy big city life, settle into one of the suburbs of Philadelphia or New York City. Jersey City is nicknamed “the 6th borough” due to its location just across the Hudson River from Manhattan. For a slower pace, you could choose to cozy into towns like Princeton or Fair Lawn, which both won Best Small City in America accolades.

Small town in NJ

4. Attractions for every interest

It is easy to find something to excite various interests all throughout the Garden State. Arguably the most famous attraction in New Jersey is Atlantic City, the gambling capitol of the east coast. Here the busy boardwalk lures visitors from all over with world-renowned shows, luxury shops, and sparkling casinos. For family-friendly entertainment, visit Ocean City, stay in a historic Victorian bed and breakfasts in Cape May, or bask on the beaches of the Jersey Shore. For nature enthusiasts, Delaware Gap National Recreation Area and Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge provide hiking trails and wildlife watching opportunities. History buffs can learn more about the longest battleship ever built at Battleship New Jersey, explore the grounds of one of the largest battles of the Revolutionary War at Monmouth Battlefield State Park, or walk the home and laboratory of an extraordinary inventor at Thomas Edison National Historical Park.  

5. Local delicacies

Your tastebuds will never be bored when exploring the regional cuisine of New Jersey. The east coast beach staple of salt water taffy originated in Atlantic City. Tomato pie, an inverted form of pizza, is a favorite in Trenton and can be found on menus throughout the state. In Clifton, long-standing Rutt’s Hut made a name for itself creating “the ripper,” a deep-fried hot dog cooked until it rips apart, then covered in equally famous house relish. The state is home to over 500 diners, more than any other in the nation, ensuring you can find a hot meal 24 hours a day. Dig into a diner specialty, disco fries — a dish of french fries covered in brown gravy and mozzarella cheese. A diner is also a great place to find the Jersey original pork roll, which is similar to sausage and served sliced and pan fried. Also deserving a mention are the many ethnic cuisines to be found in the state, thanks to a large immigrant population. Authentic Indian, Chinese, Cuban, Middle Eastern, Italian, Polish, and Filipino restaurants (to name a few) are readily available.  

Waterfall in New Jersey

If you’re looking for a rewarding job where there is a need for quality nurses and a vast array of options for entertainment, look no further than the Garden State.

To learn more about travel nursing jobs in New Jersey, give us a call at 800.866.0407 or view today’s travel nursing jobs in New Jersey.

About the author

Meg Leberknight

When she’s not writing for CHG, Meg is a floral designer with a background in hospitality and event management. She is currently adventuring around the U.S. with her partner, Chase. Meg enjoys backpacking, skiing, taste-testing hot sauces, and nerding out over word puzzles.

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