With its historical charm and world-class medical centers, Maryland is a leading destination for travel nurses who want to broaden their professional experience and have a thrilling time while they’re at it.
Meaning, if you’ve ever found yourself Googling “travel nursing Maryland,” we completely understand.
In this guide, we’re exploring why travel nurses flock to Maryland, how to set yourself up for a successful assignment there, and how to make the most of your time in Maryland.
Why Choose Maryland in Your Travel Nursing Journey?
The Chesapeake Bay may have helped put Maryland on the map, but the “Old Line State” offers more than a stunning waterfront and the nation’s largest estuary. Ideally located on the Eastern seaboard—with proximity to Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City—Maryland is full of incredible nursing and travel opportunities:
- Prestigious healthcare centers – Baltimore—Maryland’s biggest city and economic heart—is home to two of the most distinguished and innovative medical hubs in the country: The Johns Hopkins Hospital and the University of Maryland Medical Center. Johns Hopkins paved the way for several of the most vital medical fields—including neurology and pediatrics—while the University of Maryland is home to one of the nation’s largest trauma centers.,
- Superb recreational and entertainment activities – Whether you consider yourself a foodie or an avid hiker, a history buff or a passionate shopper, Maryland has something for everyone. It’s home to a stand-out dining scene (and some of the best seafood in the States), the 3,900-acre Deep Creek Lake, the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historic Park, and The Collection at Chevy Chase (an uber-posh, block-long outdoor shopping plaza). Basically, you’ll never be at a loss for things to do during your time off.
Intrigued? We thought so. But before you apply for a travel nursing opportunity in Maryland, take a look at our top seven strategies for optimizing your time there.
#1. Navigate the Travel Nursing Scene in Maryland
Maryland is home to 48 different hospitals, so there are plenty of opportunities to broaden your career with new experiences.
As with any travel nursing job though, it’s essential to work with a diligent and committed travel nurse recruiter who can help you navigate the intricacies of onboarding and moving to a new city, such as:
- Credentialing
- Housing
- Benefits
- Contract assistance
At Host Healthcare, our dedicated team of recruiters is by your side every step of the way to ensure a seamless, stress-free transition to your new assignment.
#2. Fulfill Licensing and Requirements for Travel Nurses in Maryland
Speaking of credentialing: the licensing and requirements for Maryland are another solid reason “travel nursing Maryland” is a top search. As the first state in the U.S. to become a member of the National Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), Maryland accepts a multi-state license, which enables RNs like you to practice in your home state and participating states.
Additional requirements for a Maryland travel nurse include:
- A background check
- State-required fingerprints
- Vaccine records
- Physical exams
- Drug screening
Don’t worry about taking notes on all this—when you partner with Host Healthcare, your recruiter will help you ensure all of these requirements are met and can even provide further guidance on how to get a multi-state nursing license.
#3. Consider Top Cities and Regions for Nursing Assignments in Maryland
Maryland may be globally renowned for its scenic beauty and fascinating history, but it also has a thriving economy—which may be to your benefit. According to NurseJournal, Maryland RNs often receive competitive salaries, highlighting the state’s potential as a rewarding destination for nursing professionals.
Given that Baltimore is home to the two nationally-ranked (and universally esteemed) medical centers listed above—The Johns Hopkins Hospital and the University of Maryland Medical Center—“Charm City” (and Baltimore metro) is a natural choice for travel nurses.
Other sought-after cities for travel nursing jobs in Maryland include:
- Salisbury
- Cumberland
- Hagerstown
- California-Lexington Park
- Clinton
- Glen Burnie
- Silver Spring
- La Plata
- Rockville
Maryland is home to several Magnet Designated hospitals, presenting abundant opportunities for nursing professionals. If you’re especially keen on scoring a post at a Magnet Designation—or a hospital ranked by the American Nurses Credentialing Center for its best-in-class nursing practices and terrific work environments—you might consider exploring various cities and counties across Maryland, including Dorchester, Chestertown, and Easton.
#4. Explore the Perks and Benefits of Travel Nursing in Maryland
In addition to the urban elegance and Southern hospitality Maryland is famous for, the state offers several perks that may be appealing to travel nurses, such as:
- A manageable cost of living – Yes, the cost of living in Maryland is 22% above the national average. And yet, for a state on the coveted East Coast, it has a lower cost of living than its neighbors. For those searching for “travel nursing in Baltimore,” you may be pleased to learn that Maryland’s signature city is more economical to live in than nearby Washington D.C. and Philadelphia.
- First-rate quality of life – Maryland ranks as the 17th best state in the nation in terms of health, safety, education, and economy. This isn’t to say your time there will be all rainbows and butterflies. However, a state that ranks high in these traits is likely to offer a really enjoyable experience.
What’s more, Maryland’s legendary health centers and academic institutions are on the cutting edge of the latest medical research—you might find the mere proximity to this energy downright exhilarating.
#5. Secure Housing for Your Maryland Nursing Assignment
Part of Maryland’s magic is that it boasts cosmopolitan cities, delightful small towns (complete with cobblestone streets and canals), gorgeous rural communities, and everything in between. To phrase it differently, you’ll likely be able to find your ideal “home away from home” vibe for your Maryland travel assignment.
Host Healthcare can even assist with directing you to the area that will best align with your personal and professional aims and with housing help that guarantees your comfort.
That said, you’re certainly free to find your own housing if that’s something you’re interested in. A handful of the top housing sites for travel nurses include:
- Airbnb
- Furnished Finder
- CHBO
- Vrbo
- Zumper
- Zillow
- Facebook Marketplace
#6. Build Networks and Tap Into Resources for Maryland Travel Nurses
One of the most daunting aspects of travel nursing—particularly for those who are new to taking their skills on the road—is being away from the structure of daily life and the people, places, and experiences that make a place home.
Fortunately, there are dozens of ways to feel part of a community while practicing in Maryland (and throughout the country and world). Not only can you make a proactive effort to befriend your colleagues (and spend time with them), but you can also immerse yourself in activities outside of work that will bring you in touch with a community of like-minded folks.
This might look like joining a:
- Yoga studio or gym
- Facebook travel nurse group
- Support group specifically tailored for traveling healthcare professionals
- Hiking or running club
And when homesickness strikes? By all means, reach out to your people back home—and remember that you’ll grow exponentially in your travel nursing career by flying solo for a bit.
#7. Immerse Yourself in the Maryland Lifestyle as a Travel Nurse
Maryland travel nursing jobs are hugely popular because of the superb lifestyle the state affords its residents and guests.
But how can you immerse yourself in a new environment and take advantage of all that Maryland has to offer?
By getting to know Maryland on an intimate level:
- Familiarize yourself with Maryland’s rich (and vital) history by checking out the state’s greatest historical sites, such as Baltimore’s Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum and Solomons’ Calvert Marine Museum
- Attend farmers’ markets that will—literally—offer you a taste of Maryland’s exceptionalism
- Give “crabbing” (a popular pastime in the Chesapeake Bay) a whirl
- Check out a few of Baltimore’s popular art museums, like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Baltimore Museum of Art (which is free to the public), and the Walters Art Museum
If you’re looking to take in some of the state’s natural beauty, consider:
- Touring one or several of Maryland’s lovely small towns on your days off
- Camping and hiking at one of its state parks, such as the Assateague State Park and Catoctin Mountain Park
Hoping to bring a friend along on your escapades? Ask another nurse on your team to join you or use a social app like Meetup.
Enjoy Maryland’s Unparalleled Allure with Host Healthcare
From vibrant, nonstop cities to serene, rural regions—and from illustrious healthcare centers to a booming culinary scene—Maryland brims with promise for travel nurses.
And luckily, you can harness the potential opportunity to practice in Maryland with Host Healthcare. We pair skilled travel nurses like you with expert recruiters who will support you on every step of your personal and professional journey. Premier benefits, housing assistance, logistical support, exclusive access to thousands of jobs in every state, and an unlimited referral program are just five of the benefits Host Healthcare offers its family of nurses.
Craft the travel nursing career of your dreams and apply to Host Healthcare today.
Sources:
“Chesapeake Bay.” National Wildlife Federation, www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Wild-Places/Chesapeake-Bay. Accessed 15 Feb. 2024.
“Baltimore.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., 5 Feb. 2024, www.britannica.com/place/Baltimore. Accessed 15 Feb. 2024.
“History of Medical Innovation at Johns Hopkins.” Johns Hopkins Medicine, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/about/history/medical-innovation. Accessed 15 Feb. 2024.
“About the University of Maryland Medical Center.” University of Maryland Medical Center, www.umms.org/ummc/about. Accessed 15 Feb. 2024.
“Maryland Hospitals Number by Ownership 2021.” Statista, 30 Nov. 2023, www.statista.com/statistics/202849/number-of-hospitals-in-maryland-by-ownership-type/. Accessed 15 Feb. 2024.
“Maryland Spends $6 Million to Combat State Nursing Shortage.” NurseJournal, 19 July 2023, nursejournal.org/articles/maryland-nursing-shortage-6-million-state/. Accessed 15 Feb. 2024.
Maryland Board of Nursing, mbon.maryland.gov/Pages/msl-compact-states.aspx. Accessed 15 Feb. 2024.
“Average RN Salary in Maryland.” NurseJournal, 16 June 2023, nursejournal.org/state/maryland/rn-salary/. Accessed 15 Feb. 2024.
“Magnet Redesignation® for 2019-2022.” UM Shore Regional Health, www.umms.org/shore/news/awards-honors/magnet-nursing-redesignation. Accessed 15 Feb. 2024.
Travel Nurse Salary in Maryland, www.indeed.com/career/travel-nurse/salaries/MD. Accessed 16 Feb. 2024.
Cost of Living in Maryland 2023 | Rentcafe, www.rentcafe.com/cost-of-living-calculator/us/md/. Accessed 16 Feb. 2024.
“6 Reasons Why Nursing in Baltimore Is a Good Idea – NDMU.” Notre Dame of Maryland, 26 Sept. 2023, absn.ndm.edu/blog/6-reasons-why-nursing-in-baltimore-is-a-good-idea/. Accessed 15 Feb. 2024.
Belt, Deb. “Where Maryland Ranks on List of Best States to Live: New Report.” Across Maryland, MD Patch, Patch, 19 Aug. 2022, patch.com/maryland/across-md/where-maryland-ranks-list-best-states-live-new-report. Accessed 15 Feb. 2024.
“12 Best Places to Find Travel Nurse Housing.” Nurse.Org, nurse.org/education/travel-nursing-housing/. Accessed 16 Feb. 2024. Accessed 15 Feb. 2024.
