As we explore California and all of its travel nursing allure, we bring you to San Diego, the state’s second-largest city. San Diego has so many of the trappings that travel nurses love: cultural diversity, sunshine, and those California salaries. Here are five reasons to sign a contract in San Diego.
Make the salary you want
When you’re a travel nurse in California, it’s a different experience. The state has mandates that control staffing ratios and require nurses to take breaks. This may be a welcome work change for those who’ve practiced nursing elsewhere. California also has some of the most competitive salaries in the country. Here’s a sample of recent positions in San Diego:
- PCU – $1,687 gross weekly
- OR – $1,669 gross weekly
- Home Health – $1,669 gross weekly
Make the arts and culture part of your life
When you get to San Diego, you must put Balboa Park at the top of your list of places to explore. Beautiful architecture houses multiple museums, gardens, and even a Shakespearean theatre. You may need thirteen weeks just to see all there is at Balboa Park!
For museum enthusiasts, San Diego does not disappoint. The San Diego Museum of Modern Art is for those who want a deep dive into the art world. Climb aboard an aircraft carrier and view military history at the USS Midway Museum.
Make your way around town
Just north of Balboa Park is a neighborhood called — what else? — North Park where you can shop, hit up the farmers market, and wander the art galleries. The Gaslamp Quarter is the hot spot for nightclubs and live entertainment. Old Town was the first settlement in California, and today you can watch living history programs to find out what life was like in the early Mexican-American period.
Make nature your escape
San Diego is a place that is meant to be lived outside. You’ll want to be out as often as you can. Check out Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve for scenic overlooks and trails. Pacific Beach is the place for kayaking, surfing, and paddleboarding. Enjoy the tide pools and watch the sunset at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. At Silver Strand State Beach, you can camp, swim, and play beach volleyball. You’ll feel like you’re on vacation when you’re really on assignment.
Make Taco Tuesday a daily experience
Eating your way around San Diego will be time well spent when you’re not working hard on your unit. Mexico is right there, so you know the Mexican food is going to be spectacular. The very popular Las Cuatro Milpas is open for breakfast and lunch. La Puerta is your place for tacos, tunes, and tequila. Cafe Coyote serves up tortillas and tamales that are made fresh daily. You’ll have no excuse to be hungry in this city.
