As you jot down options for your upcoming travel nursing assignments, you’ll find there are numerous beautiful locations to consider. If you’re interested in exploring historic cities and indulging in delectable clam chowder and lobster rolls, Massachusetts is the ideal destination. Even if outdoor activities are more your style, don’t worry—the state offers plenty in that realm, too.

From practical considerations, like licensing and housing accommodations, to the more leisurely aspects of living in Massachusetts, join us as we discuss everything you need to know about travel nursing, Massachusetts style.

Why Choose Massachusetts for Travel Nursing?

With fifty states to choose from, you might be wondering what makes Massachusetts so special? We’re so glad you asked. From a professional perspective, Massachusetts is home to several of the top-ranked hospitals in the country, including:

  • Massachusetts General Hospital
  • Brigham and Women’s Hospital
  • Boston Children’s Hospital

As a travel nurse, working in some of the country’s prominent hospitals can be extremely beneficial. Not only do these hospitals use cutting-edge technology and implement advanced medical practices, but having experience there can significantly enhance your resume for future travel nursing jobs.

Licensing and Requirements for Travel Nurses in Massachusetts

Before accepting a position in Massachusetts, travel nursing requires you to become familiar with the state licensing requirements. First and foremost, Massachusetts does not take part in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This means that to work there, you’ll need to obtain a separate license for the state of Massachusetts, even if you hold a multistate nursing license.

Fortunately, the process of getting a state license is straightforward. You just need to provide proof that you:

  • Graduated from a board-approved nursing program
  • Are of good moral character (as defined by Massachusetts state law)
  • Have passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)
  • Are licensed in another state or the District of Columbia
  • Have a Social Security Number

Plus, as a travel nursing agency, Host Healthcare has your back! We offer reimbursement for the expenses associated with obtaining your license, making it simpler for you to get started on your travel nursing journey with us.

Navigating Housing and Accommodation Options for Travel Nurses

When you’re moving to a new city for a travel nursing job, the idea of finding housing that suits your particular needs can be a little daunting. Not only do you want to be near some of the local attractions you hope to frequent and your place of work, but you’d also like to find a home that’s within your budget and allows for short-term leases.

With Host Healthcare, you can find your ultimate cozy casa in a few ways:

  • Housing Help – Our Housing Specialists will provide you with a list of housing options near your assigned location. This empowers you to efficiently narrow down your choices and take control, allowing you to book your housing independently. Additionally, this option includes a housing stipend to assist with the cost of your lodging.
  • Corporate Housing – If you prefer to leave the housing tasks to someone else, that’s okay, too! While corporate housing foregoes a housing stipend, our Housing Specialists will handle every aspect of booking for you, while also covering the first two weeks of housing—free of charge.

Networking and Building Connections in the Massachusetts Nursing Community

There are many perks to networking as a travel nurse. Massachusetts, in particular, offers several opportunities to build professional connections, including:

  • Professional organizations – Consider joining healthcare-oriented associations, like the Massachusetts Nurses Organization. Once you become a member, you can bust out your most professional, award-winning smile and connect with like-minded nurses and healthcare professionals at some of its upcoming events. Building relationships in such settings may open doors for introductions and positive recommendations, potentially benefiting you in future assignments.
  • Continuing education programs – With every new city comes fresh opportunities to attend workshops, seminars, and continuing education courses. This allows you to brush up on both old and new skills and provides the chance to network with the instructors and fellow nurses in attendance.

Advancing Your Career While Travel Nursing in Massachusetts

Just because you’re moving from city to city every few months doesn’t mean you can’t continually work toward a single career goal. If you’re between travel nursing locations, Boston, Cambridge, New Bedford, and several other cities in Massachusetts make it easy to check off a few boxes along the way to career advancement. Consider: 

  • Seeking a mentor – At work, be on the lookout for a potential mentor who can offer guidance during your time in Massachusetts. They can share experiences and insights, write recommendations, and give advice on how to navigate your career path effectively.
  • Expressing interest in leadership roles – If you envision yourself as a nurse manager or clinical nurse leader, it’s never too early to shout it from the rooftops—or at least, to let the appropriate individuals know. It demonstrates your desire and willingness to grow, so you may receive more leadership responsibilities as a result. (And these new responsibilities can give your resume an extra sparkle.)

Can’t Miss Attractions As a Travel Nurse in Massachusetts

Massachusetts boasts a plethora of cultural, recreational, and cuisine-related delights. Whether this is your first time traveling to this vibrant state or you’re coming back for round two or three, grab a pen and a notepad as we highlight some of the must-see—and must eat—Massachusetts marvels.

  • Visit Edgar Allen Poe Square – If you’re working in Boston, take a few minutes to fawn over this literature lover’s delight. Edgar Allan Poe Square is located near where this Gothic writer’s house used to stand. Now, you can appreciate several Poe-inspired landmarks, including a plaque and a bronze statue of Poe rushing down Boylston Street.
  • Stay at the Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast Museum – For those with an appetite for the disturbing, spend a night in this hotel/museum. During your stay, you’ll learn about the story of Lizzie Borden, a young woman who allegedly murdered her father and stepmother with an ax. When you’re not diving into violent crimes of the past, you can spend the rest of your time in Fall River enjoying the quaint historic downtown district.
  • Give Whale watching a go – From May to October, you can hit the water and keep an eye out for migrating whales. Spanning from Cape Ann to Cape Cod, there’s a federally protected marine sanctuary that provides the perfect setting for whale-watching.
  • Hike to your heart’s content – No matter where you are in Massachusetts, there are plenty of trails to explore. Ipswich River Wildlife is about 40 minutes outside of Boston and offers over 12 miles of trails to conquer. If you’re lucky, you might cross paths with a river otter, a wetland bird, or even a docile deer. Other worthwhile hikes to check out include Bish Bash Falls Trail, Harrington Trail, and Mount Greylock.
  • Indulge in the local cuisine – When it comes to food options in Massachusetts, you can’t go wrong. In addition to the fan-favorite lobster roll, don’t forget to branch out by indulging in some of the state’s other popular seafood dishes, like oysters, fried clams, and fresh scallops. If you have a hankering for something sweet, try Massachusetts’ famous apple cider donuts or Indian pudding, a melt-in-your-mouth corn custard with homemade vanilla ice cream on top.

Creating Work-Life Balance: Tips for Travel Nurses in Massachusetts

As a travel RN, it’s understandable that you want to do it all: give your patients your undivided attention at work and immerse yourself in as many awe-inspiring sites as possible during your free time. If you’re worried about striking the perfect balance, we’ve got you covered.

Below, we’re highlighting a few quick tips to help you create a healthy work-life balance during your travel nursing assignment:

  • Consider the length of your assignment – Create a bucket list of all your can’t-miss Massachusetts activities based on how long you’ll be there. For a shorter stay, try to check off at least three items on each of your days off. If you’re staying for a longer period of time, you can complete your list at a more leisurely pace.
  • Create boundaries – When your favorite nursing manager sweetly asks you to take an extra shift, sometimes, it’s hard to say no. However, it might be better for your physical and mental health to decline. Voicing the occasional “no” gives you the chance to recharge your work batteries, whether you decide to take it easy at home or put on your walking shoes and explore nearby attractions.

Find Your Next Assignment in Massachusetts with Host Healthcare

As you think about your preferred cities for work, consider adding Massachusetts to your list. With its rich history, distinct flair, and diverse culinary scene that will keep you coming back for seconds, thirds, and fourths, it’s an enticing destination. And what better way to kick off your next travel nursing job than by choosing a company that will have your back every step of the way?

At Host Healthcare, we prioritize your preferences to help you build the life and career you deserve. By attentively listening to your requirements and providing exclusive access to thousands of jobs in every state, we’re confident we can find a position that closely aligns with your skills, interests, and goals.

If you are finding yourself googling “travel nursing Massachusetts” or “best Massachusetts hospitals to work at,” look no further than Host Healthcare. 

When you’re ready to take the first step, apply to become a traveler—your dream assignment awaits!

 

Sources: 

“World’s Best Hospitals 2023 – United States.” Newsweek, 25 July 2023, www.newsweek.com/rankings/worlds-best-hospitals-2023/united-states. Accessed 11 Jan. 2024.

“Check Eligibility for a Nursing License by Reciprocity.” Mass.Gov, www.mass.gov/info-details/check-eligibility-for-a-nursing-license-by-reciprocity. Accessed 11 Jan. 2024.

“How to Find Housing as a Travel Nurse with Host.” Host Healthcare, 1 Apr. 2022, www.hosthealthcare.com/blog/how-to-find-housing-as-a-travel-nurse-with-host/. Accessed 11. Jan. 2024.

“Things to Know about Whale-Watching in Boston – City Experiences .” City Experiences, 30 Oct. 2023, www.cityexperiences.com/blog/boston-whale-watching-tour/. Accessed 11 Jan. 2024.