Travel Nursing Jobs in
Louisiana
Travel nursing in Louisiana offers you the chance to serve diverse communities, grow your skills in community-focused hospitals, and immerse yourself in an area full of culture, resilience, and heart.
Whether you’re drawn to Louisiana’s energetic cities or its quieter rural areas, our team at Gifted Healthcare is here to connect you with assignments that fit your lifestyle and skillset, offer competitive pay packages, and allow you to make a meaningful impact wherever you go.
Featured Jobs in Louisiana
Benefits of Travel Nursing in Louisiana
Working as a travel nurse in Louisiana gives you the opportunity to expand your clinical skills and experience a unique and culturally rich lifestyle.
Here are some of the top benefits of travel nursing in this state:
Access to renowned hospitals
Louisiana is home to renowned medical centers like Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans and Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, where travel nurses across many different specialties are often in high demand.
Competitive pay and lower cost of living
Louisiana travel nurse contracts often include competitive weekly rates, tax-advantaged stipends, and housing allowances that stretch further thanks to the state’s lower cost of living.
Opportunities for exploration
From kayaking in the bayous to exploring French Quarter architecture and Gulf Coast beaches, Louisiana offers easy access to both natural beauty and historic landmarks.
Exciting cultural experiences
Louisiana provides an immersive cultural experience that few other states in the U.S. can match. As a travel nurse, you can enjoy year-round festivals, live jazz music, Creole and Cajun cuisine, and deep-rooted traditions like Mardis Gras.
Flexible contracts and work schedules
Most Louisiana hospitals offer 13-week travel nursing contracts with the option to extend or take time off between assignments. This gives you more control over your schedule, allowing you to explore all of what Louisiana has to offer on your days off!
What Impacts Travel Nurse Pay in Louisiana?
Travel nursing pay in Louisiana can vary widely depending on factors like where you’re working, specialty, hospital needs, what’s included in your pay package, and timing/demand.
While Louisiana may offers slightly lower base rates, travel nurses often benefit from generous housing stipends and tax-free reimbursements. And remember, the cost of living is lower in Louisiana compared to other states, so your paycheck can stretch further.
Here’s what influences how much you’ll make as a travel nurse in Louisiana:
Where You Work
In Louisiana, where you work as a travel nurse plays a role in how much you’ll earn. For example, working in larger cities and regional hubs often means higher wages due to demand, cost of living, and complexity of care. Here’s how pay varies across cities:
- New Orleans: As Louisiana’s largest and most medically advanced city, New Orleans offers some of the highest travel nurse pay rates in the state. The city sees high patient volumes, complex cases, and ongoing demand for specialized nursing care. The vibrant culture and competitive pay make it a top choice, though housing costs can be slightly higher than in other parts of the state.
- Baton Rouge: Baton Rouge, the state capital, is another strong market for travel nurses. It combines the benefits of urban pay rates with a slightly lower cost of living than New Orleans. Travel nurses here often find steady contracts, especially in med-surg, telemetry, and critical care units, along with opportunities during high-demand seasons.
- Lafayette: Lafayette offers a balanced opportunity for travel nurses, with moderate pay rates and a lower cost of living compared to larger cities like New Orleans and Baton Rouge. High demand specialties in this region are med-surg, ICU, and ER. The city provides a more relaxed pace and strong community culture, making it appealing for travelers looking for both professional stability and quality of life.
What's Included in Your Pay Package
How much you get paid as a travel nurse in Louisiana isn’t just dependent on hourly rates. Total compensation also includes:
- Tax-free housing stipends, which are often higher in cities like New Orleans.
- Travel reimbursements for mileage and airfare.
- Bonuses, including sign-on and completion bonuses, depending on the hospital, demand, and specialty.
At Gifted Healthcare, we’ll walk you through every detail, so you feel informed and confident before accepting a travel nursing assignment in Louisiana!
Timing and Demand
Travel nursing pay in Louisiana can also fluctuate based on the time of year:
- January-March: You may earn more as a travel nurse during this time, as it’s peak flu season. Post-holiday staffing shortages can also increase demand.
- July-September: Some hospitals may need urgent help during hurricane season, which can come with higher rates.
- October-December: Demand for travel nurses can spike during holiday stretches, potentially increasing pay (including bonuses).
Specialty and Experience
Registered nurse pay can vary significantly based on a nurse’s specialty and level of experience. Nurses working in high-acuity specialties typically earn higher wages due to the advanced clinical skills, critical thinking, and rapid decision-making these roles require.
Experience also plays a major role; seasoned nurses with years of bedside experience, specialized certifications, or leadership backgrounds often command higher pay than newer graduates.
Living and Working in Louisiana as a Travel Nurse
If you’re thinking about taking a contract in Louisiana, here are some cities to consider that are often in high-demand for travel RNs:
New Orleans
Known for its vibrant culture, deep history, and Southern charm, New Orleans is a dream location for travel nurses looking for diverse and fulfilling assignments. The city is home to several major hospitals, including University Medical Center New Orleans and Ochsner Medical Center, where travel RNs are often in demand.
Living and working in New Orleans as a travel nurse allows you to become part of a community that values its cultural heritage. Take part in local traditions like Mardi Gras and the Jazz & Heritage Festival and explore the city’s numerous museums and galleries. The local cuisine is also a must try, including dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets.
Average cost of living: The average cost of living in New Orleans is slightly above the state average, but still lower than many major U.S. cities. You can expect to pay around $1,500–$4,500/month on short-term housing.
Housing tips: Look for furnished rentals in Mid-City, Uptown, or the Garden District. If you have a car, check the rules and regulations and if your temporary home includes a parking spot.
Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge is the capital of Louisiana known for its relaxed urban feel and unique southern traditions, making it an appealing destination for travel nurses. Hospitals like Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center and Baton Rouge General Medical Center are regularly looking for skilled travel RNs to join their teams.
On your days off, explore the trails at Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center, enjoy relaxing walks along the Mississippi River, and treat yourself to local favorites like crawfish étouffée and po’boys. Also, if you take an assignment in Baton Rouge in April, you can attend the annual Baton Rouge Blues Festival.
Average cost of living: The cost of living in Baton Rouge is lower than the national average. Short-term housing typically costs between $1,200–$3,000/month, depending on location and amenities.
Housing tips: Look for furnished short-term rentals near Mid City, Southdowns, or close to medical centers for easy commutes and access to local attractions and restaurants.
Lafayette
Lafayette is known for its diverse culture, friendly community, and slower pace of life. Hospitals like Lafayette General Medical Center and Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center frequently look for skilled travel RNs, especially in med-surg, telemetry, and ER.
When you’re not on the clock, immerse yourself in local heritage at Vermilionville Historic Village, enjoy the lively sounds of Zydeco music, and try authentic Cajun dishes. If you’re there in October, don’t miss the Festival International de Louisiane, a 5-day cultural celebration with music and food from around the world.
Average cost of living: Lafayette’s cost of living is generally lower than the national average. Short-term housing typically ranges from $900–$2,500/month, depending on location and amenities.
Housing tips: Look for furnished rentals in Broussard or Scott for a quiet local feel, or downtown Lafayette for easy access to hospitals, dining options, and local attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Jobs in Louisiana
What are the minimum requirements for becoming a travel nurse in Louisiana?
To become a travel nurse in Louisiana, most agencies (including Gifted Healthcare) require at least two years of experience in your specialty. You also need an active RN license and up-to-date certifications like Basic Life Support (BLS) and others, depending on your unit.
How much does a travel RN make an hour in Louisiana?
As a travel RN in Louisiana, how much you get paid as a travel nurse depends on specialty, years of experience, location, demand, and other factors. Our team at Gifted Healthcare can help you find the perfect fit, based on your preferences, skills, and experience.
What are the most in-demand specialties for travel nurses in Louisiana?
Louisiana is often in-demand for travel nurses in several key specialties, including critical care (ICU and CVICU), emergency medicine, and telemetry. These roles are vital to patient care and are among the most requested by healthcare facilities across the state.
Are there seasonal pay differences for travel nurses in Louisiana?
Yes! More demand often means more pay. Hospitals in Louisiana typically experience staffing gaps during flu season (December-February), in the summer (June-August), and during spring events like Mardi Gras, which can lead to an increased need for ER, ICU, and telemetry nurses.
At Gifted Healthcare, we stay ahead of these shifts to help you find aligned opportunities where your skills are needed most.
What should I know about Louisiana nurse licensure before accepting a contract?
Before accepting a contract in Louisiana, it’s important to know that the state requires all nurses, including travel RNs, to hold an active, valid Louisiana nursing license. The licensing process involves submitting an application to the Louisiana State Board of Nursing, completing a background check, and paying applicable fees. Processing times can vary, so you should start early to avoid delays.
Does Louisiana participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)?
Yes! Louisiana is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which means if you have a multistate license from an NLC state, you can work in Louisiana without applying for a separate license. However, if your primary license is from a non-compact state, you’ll need to get a single-state Louisiana license before starting your travel nursing assignment.
Start Your Travel Nursing Career with Gifted Healthcare
At Gifted Healthcare, we understand that travel nursing is about more than a change in scenery. It’s also about finding meaningful work that aligns with your purpose and making a difference in the lives of those you serve.
That’s why our passionate recruiters are here to support you every step of the way. They take the time to understand what matters most to you, matching you with travel nurse jobs in Louisiana that support your career goals and lifestyle.
The results speak for themselves. We’ve earned recognition as a Best Travel Nurse Agency by The Gypsy Nurse, the world’s largest online community for travel nurses, and as a Top 20 Travel Nursing Company by BluePipes, the leading professional networking platform in healthcare.
