If traveling more was one of your New Year’s resolutions, then you’re in luck! This month’s State Spotlight takes us to notable New Mexico. The Land of Enchantment is known for its scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage. Read on to learn why New Mexico should be on your list for your next travel assignment!
Travel Nursing in New Mexico
Travel nurses have lots of opportunities to work and play in this beautiful Southwestern state. New Mexico is home to about 54 hospitals, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2019/2020 Best Hospitals list. That includes the Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which is rated “High Performing” in four adult procedures/conditions. Other top hospitals in New Mexico include Acoma-Canoncito-Laguna Hospital in Acoma and Advanced Care Hospital of Southern New Mexico Medical Center in Las Cruces. Plus, the best places to live in New Mexico are Santa Fe, Los Alamos, and Las Cruces, according to Livability.com.
As for licensures, New Mexico is not a walk-through state; however, it is a compact and NURSYS state.
New Mexico Fast Facts
State Nickname: “Land of Enchantment”
Capital: Santa Fe
Largest City: Albuquerque
National Parks: 3
National Forests: 7
State Parks: 32
State Motto: Crescit eundo (It grows as it goes)
State Flower: Yucca
State Tree: Piñon
State Animal: Black Bear
State Song: “O Fair New Mexico”
In 1912, New Mexico became the 47th state to join the Union.
At 7,199 feet above sea level, Santa Fe is the highest state capital in the nation.
New Mexico has more PhDs per capita than any other state.
More than one-third of the land in New Mexico is protected by the federal government.
On July 16, 1945, the first atomic bomb exploded in the Jornada del Muerto desert in south-central New Mexico.
Roswell, New Mexico is famous as the site of an alleged 1947 UFO crash.
It is illegal in New Mexico to dance while wearing a sombrero.
New Mexico is home to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which is the largest hot air balloon festival in the world.
Famous people from New Mexico include Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Hilton hotel owner Conrad Hilton, actress Demi Moore, actor Val Kilmer, actor Neil Patrick Harris, singer/actress Demi Lovato, singer/songwriter John Denver, animator William Hanna, and artist Georgia O’Keeffe.
To Do & See in New Mexico
With plenty of picturesque views, it’s no wonder New Mexico is called “The Land of Enchantment.” Plus, the state is known for its comfortable weather and minimal rainfall, which means instant success for any outdoorsy excursions. Spend a day exploring the famous Glia Cliff Dwellings, once the home of the Tularosa Mogollon families. Other must-see spots include visiting the impressive Carlsbad Caverns and admiring the gorgeous views at White Sands National Park.
For big-city adventures, look no further than Santa Fe. As the country’s third-largest art market, this gem of a city has been a favorite among art lovers for years. It’s also recently been recognized as one of the top travel destinations for 2020 by Conde Nast Traveler, and it’s easy to see why. You can relax and unwind in one of Santa Fe’s many celebrated spas, ski or hike around the nearby Sangre de Cristo Mountains, browse among the shops in the Santa Fe Plaza, or enjoy the sights and sounds at the world-renowned Santa Fe Opera House.
Plus, don’t forget to sample some of the state’s authentic Southwestern cuisine. The chile pepper is king here, so if you want to eat like a local, try the famous green chile cheeseburger, a bowl of posole, or a plate of red chile pork tamales.
Ready for your adventure to novel New Mexico?! Search jobs now to find your dream Travel Nurse job in New Mexico! Or, search all jobs here.