California consistently pays the highest travel nurse wages, followed by New York, Massachusetts, Washington, and Hawaii. These states combine high cost of living, chronic nursing shortages, and — in California's case — state-mandated staffing ratios that drive sustained high demand for travelers.
Most facilities require current BLS and ACLS plus 1–2 years of ER experience. Many also require TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course) or ENPC for pediatric trauma, and some prefer CEN certification. Your Trusted advocate will clarify the exact requirements for each facility before you apply.