Travel nurse jobs in Des Moines offer opportunities in a variety of healthcare settings throughout the city and surrounding metro. At Favorite Healthcare Staffing, our recruiters help you find assignments that match your specialty, experience, and preferences. We’ll guide you through onboarding and stay available to answer questions throughout your assignment.

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Our featured travel nursing jobs in Des Moines

Labor/Delivery Contract

L&D Registered Nurse

Des Moines, IA
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Intensive Care Unit Contract

ICU Registered Nurse

Des Moines, IA
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Oncology Contract

Oncology Registered Nurse

Des Moines, IA
Learn More

Why search for travel nurse jobs in Des Moines?

Travel nurse jobs in Des Moines give you the chance to build your skills and explore central Iowa. Opportunities across Des Moines, West Des Moines, and nearby communities can introduce you to different patient populations and care settings. Outside of work, you can get to know the city while keeping a manageable commute and making time for yourself.

Favorite Healthcare Staffing helps you find assignments that fit your specialty, experience, and goals. Our recruiters guide you through onboarding and stay available to answer questions throughout your assignment.

What Des Moines has to offer travel nurses

Working as a travel nurse in Des Moines offers more than just a new assignment. It’s a chance to deliver meaningful care while experiencing the local culture and community outside of work.

Downtown and the East Village

The East Village is a walkable neighborhood of local boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants, set beside the Iowa State Capitol and its gold dome. It’s a natural place to spend a day off.

Saturday farmers market

From May through October, the Downtown Farmers’ Market fills the Court District on Saturday mornings with local produce, baked goods, and crafts.

Art in public spaces

Pappajohn Sculpture Park sits downtown and is free to visit, and the Des Moines Art Center brings modern and contemporary work to the city’s west side.

Trails and state fair season

Gray’s Lake Park and the Raccoon River Valley Trail are great for walking, running, and biking. Each August, the Iowa State Fair brings food, music, and events to Des Moines.

Find your registered nurse specialty

Emergency Room

View ER Jobs

Oncology

View Oncology Jobs

Labor & Delivery

View L&D Jobs

Intensive Care Unit

View ICU Jobs

Telemetry

View tele Jobs

Medical/Surgical

View Med/surg Jobs

New travel nursing assignments open all the time. Search for jobs to discover more opportunities or reach out directly to one of our recruiters by call/text at 515-619-5402 or email iowa@favoritestaffing.com. We’re here to help you find your perfect match.

Benefits of working in Des Moines with Favorite

Favorite is here to help you make the most of your travel nurse assignment in Des Moines. With strong partnerships across top hospitals, deep local insight, and contracts to suit your schedule, we take care of the details so you can focus on delivering care.

From onboarding to housing assistance, we’re with you at every step of the way so that you can settle in smoothly. 

Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans

Housing assistance

Licensure/certification support

24/7/365 support

Flexible assignments

Diverse work settings

What to expect when travel nursing with us

With a mix of urban hospitals, specialty centers, and regional facilities, Des Moines offers diverse travel nurse jobs across central Iowa.

Assignment options

  • Standard contract length is 13 weeks
  • Extension opportunities may be offered
  • Start dates are flexible and offered year-round

In-demand specialties

  • Oncology
  • Labor & Delivery
  • Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
  • Telemetry
  • Emergency room
  • Medical/Surgical

Recruitment and onboarding support

  • One-on-one recruiter support
  • Guidance on Iowa-specific licensing requirements
  • Credentialing and compliance assistance to fast-track onboarding
  • Help with housing options and relocation logistics
  • Ongoing check-ins throughout assignments

Applying has never been easier

Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Applying with Favorite Healthcare Staffing is as easy as 1-2-3. Through our simple process, we’ll help you find the job of your dreams. Let’s begin your journey today!

1

Submit your application

Apply directly to the job you’re interested in. Whether you’re exploring your options or know your next career move, we’ll help you take the next step forward.

2

Connect with a recruiter

You’ll be matched with one of Favorite’s expert recruiters. They’ll take the time to understand what you want to achieve and provide you with support during the hiring process.

3

Step into your next role

Once you’ve found the perfect job, we’ll work with you to finalize the details. Our team will guide you through your onboarding, answer any questions, and ensure you’re prepared for your first day.

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Des Moines travel nurse jobs FAQs

What are the licensing requirements for Iowa?

To work as a nurse in Iowa, you need a valid RN or LPN license issued by the Iowa Board of Nursing, or a multistate license through the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Iowa is a compact state, so nurses whose primary state of residence is also in the compact can generally practice in Des Moines without applying for a separate Iowa license.

In which nearby states do you also hire travel nurses?

While we hire travel nurses in all 50 states, top locations near Iowa include Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, and Minnesota. These states offer a wide range of assignments across hospitals and healthcare systems, and our recruiters are ready to help you explore options that align with your skills and preferences.

Is housing support available?

Yes, once you reach out to us, we’ll walk you through a tailored questionnaire to understand your preferences and needs. From there, we’ll identify accommodation options that align with what you’re looking for.

What types of assignments are available in Des Moines?

Des Moines offers a wide variety of travel nurse assignments. Most contracts run approximately 13 weeks, providing ample time to settle into your role and explore the local community. For nurses seeking added flexibility, short-term assignments, sometimes as brief as 3 to 6 weeks, are also available at select facilities.

What specialties are currently in demand?

Demand shifts by facility and season. Specialties such as ICU, labor and delivery, telemetry, and emergency room are commonly requested on travel contracts. Availability changes frequently, so we recommend checking our jobs board or contacting a recruiter directly.

What kind of support can I expect from you during placement?

We provide end-to-end support, from onboarding and credentialing to travel logistics and ongoing check-ins during your assignment. Our recruiters are available throughout your contract to answer questions, offer guidance, and help ensure a smooth experience from start to finish.