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Travel Nursing in Delaware
Delaware may be the second-smallest state by area, but its healthcare market punches above its weight thanks to the ChristianaCare system, which operates the largest hospital in the state and one of the busiest on the East Coast. Christiana Hospital in Newark is a Level I trauma center with over 900 beds that regularly employs travel nurses across ICU, ER, OR, and med surg. Bayhealth and Beebe Healthcare round out the state's hospital landscape, serving the central and southern regions respectively.
Delaware's compact license membership, proximity to Philadelphia, and lack of state sales tax make it an attractive option for travel nurses working the Mid-Atlantic corridor. Many nurses accept Delaware assignments while living just across the border in Pennsylvania or Maryland, giving them access to a broader housing market. The state's small size means you are never far from beaches in Rehoboth and Dewey, the cultural offerings of Wilmington, or a short drive to Philadelphia, Baltimore, or Washington, D.C.
Quick Stats
Agencies
25+
Avg Weekly Pay
$2,400-$3,400/wk
Compact License
Yes
Delaware is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Nurses with a multistate compact license can practice in Delaware immediately.
Top Cities
WilmingtonNewarkDoverMiddletownLewes
Top Agencies for Delaware
These agencies are known for strong Delaware assignment inventories, competitive pay, and solid recruiter support.
Licensing Information
Delaware participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Travel nurses with a multistate compact license from another compact state can practice in Delaware without additional licensing. If your home state is not a compact member, you must apply for a Delaware RN license through the Delaware Board of Nursing. The endorsement application is submitted online and requires license verification, proof of education, and a criminal background check.
Processing Time: Endorsement applications typically take 3 to 6 weeks. Compact license verification is instant through Nursys.
Tips for a Smooth Application
- Delaware's compact license acceptance makes it easy for nurses already licensed in other compact states.
- Non-compact nurses should apply at least 6 weeks before their desired start date.
- Delaware has no state sales tax, which is a minor but appreciated perk for everyday spending.
- The Delaware Board of Nursing website provides clear application instructions and status tracking.
Popular Cities in Delaware
Wilmington
Wilmington is Delaware's largest city and home to ChristianaCare's Wilmington Hospital. The city offers cultural attractions along the Brandywine Valley and easy access to Philadelphia via I-95. Housing costs are moderate compared to nearby Philadelphia and New Jersey suburbs.
Newark
Newark is home to Christiana Hospital, ChristianaCare's flagship facility and a Level I trauma center. The University of Delaware campus creates a college-town atmosphere with restaurants and entertainment options. This is where the highest volume of Delaware travel nursing assignments originate.
Dover
Delaware's capital city is served by Bayhealth Kent General Hospital. Dover offers significantly lower housing costs than northern Delaware and a quieter pace of life. Dover Air Force Base also generates some healthcare employment in the area.
Middletown
Middletown is one of Delaware's fastest-growing communities, and the expansion of healthcare services in the area has created new travel nursing opportunities. The town sits between Wilmington and Dover, offering affordable housing with access to both markets.
Lewes
Beebe Healthcare in Lewes serves Delaware's beach communities along the Atlantic coast. Summer assignments come with the perk of beach access, though housing can be harder to find during peak tourist season. Winter assignments are quieter with more affordable housing options.
Popular Specialties in Delaware
ICU
Christiana Hospital's busy ICU and cardiac critical care units are the primary drivers of ICU travel nurse demand in Delaware.
ER
As a Level I trauma center, Christiana Hospital's emergency department maintains high volumes that frequently require travel nurse support.
Med Surg
Medical-surgical assignments are available across ChristianaCare, Bayhealth, and Beebe Healthcare facilities throughout the state.
OR
Christiana Hospital's high surgical volumes, particularly in orthopedics and cardiac surgery, create consistent OR travel nurse demand.
Housing Notes
Delaware housing is moderate by Mid-Atlantic standards. Wilmington and Newark one-bedroom apartments average $1,200 to $1,600 per month. Dover is more affordable at $900 to $1,200. Beach communities like Lewes and Rehoboth can be expensive in summer but affordable off-season. Agency housing stipends of $1,600 to $2,200 per week typically cover costs with savings potential. Many travel nurses choose to live just across the Pennsylvania or Maryland border for additional housing options.
Nursing Schools in Delaware
Top nursing programs for those looking to build or advance their career.
Average Pay by Specialty
Weekly gross pay ranges for travel nurses in Delaware, based on current market data.
| Specialty | Weekly Pay Range |
|---|---|
| ICU | $2,800-$3,600/wk |
| ER | $2,600-$3,400/wk |
| OR | $2,700-$3,500/wk |
| Med Surg | $2,200-$2,800/wk |
| Telemetry | $2,400-$3,000/wk |
| L&D | $2,500-$3,200/wk |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Delaware is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. If your primary state of residence is another compact state, your multistate license is valid in Delaware.
Yes. Wilmington is 30 minutes from Philadelphia, 90 minutes from Baltimore, and 2 hours from Washington, D.C. and New York City. Many travel nurses enjoy the Mid-Atlantic access Delaware provides.
Christiana Hospital in Newark, operated by ChristianaCare, is by far the largest employer of travel nurses in Delaware. It is a Level I trauma center with over 900 beds and consistent openings across most specialties.
Yes. Delaware has a graduated state income tax with a top rate of 6.6%. However, the state has no sales tax, which helps offset everyday costs for residents and travel nurses.
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