Nashville, TN, isn’t just the country music capital of the world. It’s also a popular destination and a hot travel healthcare market. This is your chance to explore the history, southern culture, outdoor adventures, and culinary hub of Music City while you advance in a career you love. 

Why Nashville Is A Hotspot For Travel Nursing?

Nashville isn’t all cafes, bars, and nightlife. It’s also one of the nation’s fastest-growing and most influential cities in the healthcare industry. More than 900 healthcare companies operate in a market worth over $97 billion in annual revenue.[1] 

The rate of growth and constant state of innovation create unlimited opportunities in the travel healthcare industry. Additionally, Nashville consistently falls below the national market in terms of cost of living. While the city is pricey for the state compared to the rest of the nation, it still represents lower expenses. 

This combination of opportunity and lower cost of living is the perfect recipe for making the most out of your travel nursing career. IDR Healthcare has hundreds of listings for this location alone, ranging from Physical Therapy and Medical/Surgical RN to PCU RN and echo Technician and everything in between. Search current openings here.

What To Do and See While You’re In Nashville

One of the best components of the travel nurse life is the opportunity to explore and experience new places, faces, and fun. Here’s what we recommend doing while you’re in Nashville:

Top 5 Places To Explore On A Day Off

• The Country Music Hall of Fame: This is where all the country greats, past and present, hold a place of honor. Come see the exhibits and the history, and immerse yourself in the world of country music. 
• The Nashville Parthenon: Modeled after the Parthenon in Athens, Greece, this historical wonder is a full-scale replica you simply must see to believe. 
• Explore The Great Smoky Mountains: This particular piece of the great outdoors is home to thousands of different species of critters and plant life you may not see anywhere else. Soak in the breathtaking overlooks, hiking trails, and the old-growth woodlands. 
• Take A Trolly Tour: Get an insider’s look at the city but through an old-world style. This tour hits all the classic landmarks but makes frequent stops for a leisurely, yet robust tour of Music City.
• Cruise on the General Jackson Showboat: Traverse the Cumberland River on one of the largest paddle-wheel boats in the country. You can also book lunch or dinner while you’re on board for an unforgettable dining experience. 

Top 5 Places to Eat

• Hattie B’s Hot Chicken: Your new favorite fried chicken hotspot for fast-casual dining with or without a spicy twist. 
• Biscuit Love: Southern biscuits are the star of the show and are served in three different locations. 
• The Palm: A high-end chain famous for steaks and seafood and frequented by the Nashville elite. 
• The Pancake Pantry: Specializing in breakfast and lunch, this is the go-to spot for pancakes, crepes, and a delectable brunch date. 
• Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint: You can’t be in Tennessee without trying the BBQ. Martin’s is famous for their whole-hog roast, succulent smoked meats, and tantalizing sides. 

Top 5 Places to Lounge

• Tootsies Orchid Lounge: You can’t miss the bold, lilac building that is home to this iconic hotspot in Downtown Nashville with good eats, great drinks, and rooftop seating. 
• Honky Tonk Central: This locale is a downtown cornerstone at 4th and Broadway with live music, wings, drinks, and of course, honky tonk. 
• Ole Red: The musical bar has taken over what was formerly Broadway National Bank and is a must-see spot in Nashville. Try the infamous Ole Red Whiskey and delicious pub food that draws big names for live music inside or out on the mainstage or The Lookout rooftop.
• L27 Rooftop Lounge:  The Westin Nashville’s own lounge sits atop the popular 4-star hotel and offers a sleek, modern experience with an innovative and luscious drink menu you’ll love.
• The Bridge Bar: Enjoy the view from the 3rd-floor glass atrium of the Renaissance Nashville Hotel while you soak up live music and sip any of the specialty cocktails crafted with fresh juice and syrups. 

Top 5 Places to Hear The Best Music

• The Blue Bird Cafe: An iconic music hotspot, Blue Bird has launched many music careers and hosts visiting artists, special presentations, resident musicians, and other exciting musical events. 
• The Station Inn: Reportedly the nation’s best bluegrass club, The Station Inn offers a callback to simpler times with a no-frills, roots-only musical experience. 
• The Ryman: This music venue is legendary and used to be a religious tabernacle. Today, it’s one of the hottest venues for big-name performers and up-and-coming artists.
• Brooklyn Bowl: Catch a concert and go bowling at this modern and fun multi-level venue with multiple bowling lanes and bars.
• The Listening Room: Offering both free and low-ticket shows, TLR specializes in original music and singer-songwriter musicians. Hit a daytime show at the front cafe or the main stage in the evening. 

If you’re thinking about picking up new travel nursing contracts, be sure to put Nashville on the list! Reach out to our recruiters and get step-by-step help to start your next adventure.