Colorado has it all—from the majestic Rockies and endless outdoor activities to a lively art scene and numerous craft beer breweries. What’s not to love?
If you’re a travel nurse seeking an ideal travel placement, rest assured that you won’t regret choosing the Centennial State.
Boasting four distinct seasons and ample opportunities for professional growth, we’re here to provide you with all the details on Colorado travel nursing, making sure you’re well-prepared to make the most of your time there.
Understanding the Travel Nursing Landscape in Colorado
Travel nursing in Colorado can be an enticing prospect to explore. This state not only offers sustainable living and breathtaking scenery but also presents a dynamic job landscape across various industries, nursing included.
In the context of Colorado’s travel nursing scene, it’s essential to take into account a few crucial factors, such as:
- Compensation – Travel nurses can expect to earn an average of $1,961 per week in Colorado. However, that number will differ depending on several factors, including:
- The city where you reside
- Your years of experience
- Your specialty
- Job specialties – Colorado’s healthcare facilities offer career opportunities for nurses across multiple specialties, from pediatrics to oncology to home health, and plenty in between.
- Urban and rural placements – Effortlessly discover your next travel nursing job in the type of town that suits your comfort, whether you thrive in a bustling metropolitan hospital or prefer the tranquility of a small-town practice.
Perks and Benefits of Travel Nursing in Colorado
Do you really need any additional benefits when Colorado’s natural beauty bursts from every crevice like freshly bloomed flowers? Perhaps not, but that won’t stop us from listing some of the recreational and professional advantages you can enjoy during your time there:
Choose From Several Diverse Cities
This mid-western state boasts several unique cities to choose from, all brimming with abundant opportunities for travel nurses. While we can’t tell you which one is right for you, we can point you in the direction of some excellent cities to consider as you begin your search for your next travel nursing job:
- Denver – If you want to enjoy big-city vibes with the beauty of the Rocky Mountains on the horizon, Denver is the place to be. Living in Colorado’s capital city, you’ll have access to several hospitals, medical centers, and specialty clinics while being conveniently close to public transportation and all of the museums and music venues Denver has to offer.
- Boulder – Located at the foothills of the mountains, you’re only steps away from endless outdoor activities—hiking, kayaking, bouldering, you name it. In addition, the city hosts several notable farmer’s markets if you’re interested in adopting an all-natural lifestyle. It’s also close to the University of Colorado Hospital, a central hub for medical research and education.
- Greeley – This smaller—but still mighty—city is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a welcoming atmosphere with a more affordable cost of living than some of Colorado’s larger cities. Plus, no matter your nursing specialty, Greeley has numerous healthcare facilities that focus on a broad range of specialty services.
Explore the Great Outdoors
Whether this is your first foray into a state known for its outdoor activities or you’ve chosen Colorado for this exact reason, it truly is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Let’s explore some of the adventurous pursuits you won’t want to miss on your days off:
- Skiing – During the chilly winter months (and often into the spring), there’s plenty of fresh powder waiting to be shredded. And with 32 ski resorts across the state, you can choose one in your budget and hit the bunny slopes or the diamond descents—the choice is yours.
- Hiking – If you’re new to the cardio-packed exercise that is hiking, we suggest the Bear Lake Trail, nestled inside the Rocky Mountain National Park. If you’d rather stay closer to Denver, the Fountain Valley Loop Trail in Littleton is only an hour from the city. Once you’ve mastered the simpler trails, there are plenty of 14’ers (mountains that exceed an elevation of 14,000 feet above sea level) waiting to test your endurance skills, like Quandary Peak or Mt. Sherman.
- Fishing – Alongside one of Colorado’s many rivers, reservoirs, and brooks, try your luck at reeling in a diverse array of 35 warm- and cold-water fish species. With 6,000 miles of streams and 1,300 lakes and reservoirs, your future fish tales are endless!
- Mountain climbing – With a mountain peak at nearly every turn, there are plenty of chances to check mountain climbing off of your bucket list. If this is your first time, we recommend taking a beginner’s rock climbing class to find your footing (pun intended) or practicing at a local gym. Once you’ve gained confidence, you can hire a guide to take you on your first official mountain climb at a local crag. A few of our favorite places include Eldorado Canyon, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Garden of the Gods.
Elevate your Professional Development
A new city presents fresh opportunities to attend professional development workshops related to your nursing specialty. It also doubles as a chance to network with instructors and fellow students. So, don’t hesitate to search for specialty training or general education EUs in your Colorado city—and share your expertise and experience with the professionals you meet while you’re there!
Licensing and Requirements for Travel Nurses in Colorado
Colorado is a compact state, so it’s relatively simple to accept and start an assignment here if you have a multi-state license. If you don’t have one, that’s okay. Instead, you’ll need to apply for a Colorado nursing license. To be eligible, be sure you’ve completed all the items listed on the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies’ License Application Checklist.
Networking and Resources for Colorado Travel Nurses
As with most healthcare jobs, networking can be fundamental in expanding your professional circle and advancing your career. As a travel nurse, Colorado grants several opportunities to network with other healthcare professionals. Consider:
- Taking advantage of social media – Leverage your business-related social media platform to connect with fellow nurses and physicians in Colorado. Engage in organic conversations through group discussions where you can share your experiences and learn useful tips from others.
- Being active in the community – Whether you’re part of the Colorado Nurses Association or are simply seeking local events online, you can use your sleuthing skills to find gatherings and charity functions to attend, professional and otherwise.
- Engaging with colleagues – Get better acquainted with your colleagues in the nursing unit by participating in social events organized by the Colorado hospital you are assigned to. You might establish new connections with work friends. And, who knows—these relationships could extend beyond the workplace and become lasting friendships.
Tips for Embracing the Colorado Lifestyle as a Travel Nurse
While you’re working in this captivating state, do as the Coloradans do and embrace the outdoor adventures, participate in the local culture, and savor the diverse culinary experiences that make Colorado truly unique. Below, we share some tips to make the most of your Colorado experience:
- Immerse yourself in the culture – From craft breweries and local brunch spots to art galleries and music festivals, be sure to invest some of your free time soaking up Colorado’s diverse entertainment scene.
- Experiment with the local cuisine – With sustainability at the forefront of many farmers’ minds, you’re sure to find plenty of farm-to-table restaurants throughout Colorado. There, you can enjoy a range of organic, fresh foods that are sure to delight your taste buds (and make your eco-friendly mind smile).
- Attend sporting events – With several professional sports teams such as the Denver Broncos, the Denver Nuggets, the Colorado Avalanche, and the Colorado Rockies, there’s an abundance of games to attend during your stay. Whether your passion is football or hockey, there’s no limit to the excitement your sports-loving heart can experience, especially on a Sunday night.
- Drive along scenic byways – Take a scenic drive through the twists and turns of some of Colorado’s most vibrant mountain passes and byways. Between the mountains, national parks, and historic towns, you can’t go wrong. During the summer months, we recommend Mount Evans Scenic Byway. It’s the highest paved road in North America, and once you’ve reached the summit you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over the Rockies.
Embrace Your Inner Adventurer with Host Healthcare
As a travel nurse, Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, or another vibrant city could be your new home for the next few months. And between rugged mountain peaks and farm-fresh fruits and veggies, there’s so much to appreciate when you’re living in Colorado.
What better way to ensure you find the perfect placement than by working with a travel nursing agency that takes your needs into account?
Enter Host Healthcare, a staffing company that provides exclusive access to thousands of healthcare jobs around the country. As a traveler with Host Healthcare, you’ll work alongside a dedicated recruiter who’ll assess your needs to find top positions and locations catered to your requests.
Whether you’re new to travel nursing or just looking for a new adventure, partner with Host Healthcare to secure an ideal placement that aligns with your preferences right from the start. Apply to become a traveler today to get started.
Sources:
“Travel Nurse Salary in Colorado – Indeed.” Indeed, www.indeed.com/career/travel-nurse/salaries/CO. Accessed 12 Jan. 2024.
Altschul, Craig. “What State Has the Most Ski Resorts?” On The Snow, 7 Nov. 2023, www.onthesnow.com/news/what-state-has-the-most-ski-resorts/. Accessed Jan 12, 2024.
“Colorado Hiking: 5 Popular & Easy Trails.” Colorado.Com, 25 Oct. 2023, www.colorado.com/articles/colorado-hiking-5-popular-easy-trails. Accessed Jan. 12, 2024.
“How to Climb Your First 14er.” GoBreck, 22 June 2023, gobreck.com/trip-ideas/hiking/climb-your-first-colorado-14er. Accessed Jan. 12, 2024.
“Colorado Parks & Wildlife.” Colorado Parks and Wildlife, cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/pages/fishing.aspx. Accessed 12 Jan. 2024.
“RN – Online Application Checklist.Pdf.” Google Drive, Google, drive.google.com/file/d/0BzKoVwvexVATTEVXYV9jeTBHcDg/view?resourcekey=0-F1XdnuFCQiO_Z-e-PKC9JA. Accessed 12 Jan. 2024. Accessed Jan. 12, 2024.
“9 Spectacular Scenic Drives in Colorado.” Earth Trekkers, 4 July 2023, www.earthtrekkers.com/best-scenic-drives-in-colorado/. Accessed 10 Jan. 2024.
Registered Nurse
Years of Experience: 24 Years
Specialties: Cardiac, ED, Pre-op/PACU
Cindy began her healthcare career back in 2000 working for an orthopedic surgeon after high school. She fell in love with healthcare and decided to go to nursing school. After becoming an RN, Cindy worked in oncology, cardiac, ED, pre-op/PACU, and currently works in IV hydration.