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Medical-surgical travel nurses interested in a Texas assignment can find multiple new opportunities in the East Texas region, according to job market data shared with Healthcare Traveler Today.

At least 20 new medical-surgical needs with ASAP start dates for both day and night shift options were made available on Wednesday. Hospitals in the region are bulking up their staff to prepare for busy fall and winter months.

The East Texas region can offer a great experience for both first-time and experienced travelers. Nurses who have worked in the area will frequently request contract extensions and hospitals will often grant extensions to skilled travelers, staffing agency sources told Healthcare Traveler Today.

But what does East Texas offer? Here are some of the benefits of working in East Texas that travelers may not know.

Benefits To Working In East Texas As A Healthcare Traveler

1. Very affordable housing and cost-of-living

Texas is already known for having an affordable cost-of-living, but East Texas offers even lower prices compared to the rest of the state.

The average rental cost for a 1-bedroom apartment in Texas is $898 according to SmartAsset, which is $48 below the national average. In Tyler, one of the largest cities in East Texas, the average rent for a 1-bedroom is $764, or $134 cheaper than the state’s average.

Healthcare, utilities and groceries are also cheaper in East Texas compared to state and national averages. The region is great for travelers looking to save more than they spend.

2. Standard nurse/patient ratios

Most East Texas hospitals have nurse/patient ratios comparable to or less than states with mandated ratios like California. For medical-surgical specifically, that means an average ratio of 1:5.

This can be beneficial for first-time travelers looking to build up experience or veteran travelers who want to avoid high-stress, high ratio facilities.

3. Texas is a compact state

Texas is part of the enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact, which means nurses with a compact license can work in the state without having to purchase a single state license.

Click here for more Texas licensing information.

4. Tons of things to do and places to explore

East Texas is part of the Piney Woods ecoregion, which means it’s home to thousands of acres of beautiful forests and natural landmarks—great for fans of vibrant fall colors.

The region is also packed with rich Texas culture and unique entertainment venues. We’ve picked a handful of interesting places and events to check out:

• Caddo Lake: One of the largest flooded cypress forests in the U.S., Caddo Lake is a sight not to be missed for outdoor enthusiasts. Check the Texas Parks and Wildlife website for things to do.
• State Parks: Speaking of getting outdoors, East Texas is crammed with state parks, hiking trails and nature tours. Check out Houstonia’s fantastic guide on the best parks in East Texas.
• Enoch’s Stomp Vineyard and Winery: Who knew an international award-winning winery was hiding in East Texas? Tucked in the hills of Harleton, Texas, Enoch’s Stomp frequently hosts wine tours, tasting events and more. Visit their website for more info.
• Texas Rose Festival: A three-day event held during October in Tyler every year, the Texas Rose Festival features a huge parade, a royal “coronation” and gorgeous floral displays. Visit their website for the full schedule.
• Home of Texas Blues: Most people associate blues music with Mississippi or Louisiana, but some of the most influential blues artists actually have roots in East Texas. That music culture has carried over into the current East Texas music scene, and you can find plenty of great venues to enjoy authentic blues and country music. Click the links below to find music venues in:
  • Tyler
  • Longview
  • Texarkana
  • Huntsville