June 10, 2024

5619 Views

Top 5 Summer Travel Destinations for Your Next Adventure

Posted on June 10, 2024June 10, 2024 by Uniti Med

Uniti Med provided this article.

Uniti Med recruiters have curated a list of top destinations to consider for your next summer assignment. From stunning natural landscapes to vibrant cultural hotspots, get ready to embrace the summer with these five summer travel destinations.

Top 5 Summer Travel Destinations for Your Next Adventure

1. Marquette, Michigan (Upper Peninsula)

Summer in Marquette is perfect for nature lovers. Nestled on Lake Superior, this charming town offers scenic beauty and outdoor adventures. Hike Presque Isle Park, kayak the coastline or explore the lush forests. Don’t miss Sugarloaf Mountain for panoramic views. Marquette is an ideal summer getaway with vibrant local culture and stunning landscapes. Explore jobs in Michigan.

2. Rapid City, South Dakota (Black Hills, Deadwood, Sturgis)

Experience summer in Rapid City, where the Black Hills meet Wild West history. Visit Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial, or drive through Custer State Park to spot wildlife. Explore Deadwood’s historic charm and enjoy the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Rapid City offers adventure, history, and natural beauty. Explore jobs in Rapid City.

3. Boise, Idaho

Boise, Idaho’s capital, is a summer paradise with warm weather and outdoor activities. Bike along the Boise River Greenbelt, hike the foothills, or paddleboard on the river. Boise’s cultural scene includes festivals, art galleries, and farm-to-table dining. Whether downtown or in nature, Boise offers urban charm and outdoor adventure. Explore jobs in Idaho.

4. Portland and Bangor, Maine

Maine, in summer, is a coastal wonderland. In Portland, stroll the historic Old Port, enjoy seafood at waterfront restaurants, and ferry to Casco Bay islands. Bangor, rich in history and culture, provides access to Acadia National Park. Hike Cadillac Mountain, explore fishing villages or kayak the rugged coastline. Portland and Bangor together offer a quintessential Maine summer experience. Explore jobs in Maine.

5. Louisville, Kentucky

Summer in Louisville is a celebration of culture, cuisine, and southern hospitality. Known for the Kentucky Derby, Louisville boasts a lively arts scene, beautiful parks, and a scenic riverfront. Explore historic neighborhoods with art galleries and boutiques. Visit the Louisville Slugger Museum or cruise the Ohio River. Louisville offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Explore jobs in Kentucky.

Each of these summer travel destinations offers unique charms and attractions for travelers seeking a memorable summer experience. Pack your bags, embrace adventure, and let Uniti Med help you find your next dream assignment.

Safe travels!

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

By Medical Solutions

September 16, 2023

16184 Views

How Long Do Travel Nurses Stay at One Assignment?

Posted on September 16, 2023September 25, 2023 by Medical Solutions

Medical Solutions provided this article.

By Sarah Wengert

If you’re a new or aspiring traveler, you’ve probably wondered about the length of travel nursing assignments. Are travel nurses constantly on the go, or can they unpack and stay awhile? What is “awhile” anyway?

Travel nursing jobs vary in length, and that variance depends on each facility’s staffing needs. When choosing the right assignment length, travelers should consider things like original contract length, the possibility of extending an assignment, and other factors that will be unique to them and their needs.
There are also important IRS tax compliance considerations that impact your ability to receive lodging, meals, and incidental per diems on a non-taxable basis. Your staffing agency will have its own internal policies that align with several important IRS rules that ensure you are eligible to receive non-taxable travel benefits.

How long can You remain in the same general location while on a Travel assignment?

If you wish to continue to receive non-taxable per diems (and nearly all traveling clinicians do!), the short answer is that you cannot remain in the same general assignment location for more than one year. While many IRS rules are unclear, this is one that’s fairly straightforward: Among other requirements, working in any particular assignment location must be “temporary” in order to receive non-taxable per diems. The IRS rules state that if your assignment lasts, or is expected to last, more than one year, then the assignment is not “temporary”. And as a result, you are not entitled to non-taxable per diems. The months at the assignment location do not have to occur consecutively to hit the 12-month limit.

What is the Average Length of a Travel Assignment?

Most travel nursing assignments last 13 weeks, but they can come in many other lengths. Other common travel nurse assignment lengths include 8, 4, or even 1-2 weeks on the shorter side. On the longer side, sometimes travel jobs last 20 or even 26 weeks.

That brings us to the next important thing to know about how long travel nurses stay in one location: Travel nursing assignment extensions!

Can You Extend Your Travel Nurse Assignment?

Yes, you can extend your travel nurse assignment if both you and the facility agree to an extension.

Many facilities like to extend a travel nursing assignment when they still have the staffing need and are happy and familiar with a traveler. Many travelers like to extend their assignment when they’re happy with the facility and location.

When it works for both a facility and a traveler, travel nurse assignment extensions provide a smooth transition into a longer-term arrangement for both parties!

Remember that you can always ask your recruiter for a specific length of assignment if that’s what you need. You might not be able to choose your exact travel nurse assignment length, but it never hurts to ask your recruiter so they’re looking out for you and your unique needs. A good recruiter will always do their best to get as close as possible to your request from the current pool of available travel nursing assignments — so make sure you openly communicate your needs to them.

Again, the duration of your travel nursing job depends on the facility’s staffing needs and their particular interest in you. So, some assignments may last for an irregular time span if that’s what’s needed. Ultimately, a travel nurse can safely stay in one place for as long as the facility needs them and agrees to rehire them for up to 12 months. And, of course, when a traveler agrees to stay in that facility and location!

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By trustaff

December 15, 2022

3527 Views

Cali Dreaming – Top Reasons to Take Your Next Assignment in California

Posted on December 15, 2022December 13, 2022 by trustaff

Trustaff provided this article.

California has so much to offer to any traveler, let alone healthcare travelers. It’s a highly sought location to travel to for many great reasons specific to healthcare travelers. We’ve come up with this very appealing list of reasons why you should think about taking your next assignment in the Golden State of California!

Top reasons to take your next travel assignment in California:

Cali Dreaming – Top Reasons to Take Your Next Assignment in California

With the size of the state and many different hospital systems and facilities throughout, there are always many travel jobs available. California’s market for travelers is always consistent, and the need for travelers is always steady. Not only do they have a wide variety of assignments, but they also offer fantastic pay. Many assignments in the state are higher than in most other states. If you ever think there isn’t an assignment in the Golden State matching your specialty or modality, think again! California is full of high-paying assignments for healthcare travelers of all kinds.

On the topic of the size of the state, California offers an endless amount of tourist attractions whether you’re looking for adventures on your off days or just some fresh relaxation. Are you a fan of amazing year-round weather? Southern California may be your cup of tea. South Cali offers many of the staples for tourists, such as Hollywood, Disneyland, and the San Diego Zoo, (check to see if your agency offers perks or discounts on tickets!) Palm Springs and various vineyards if you’re into the wine life. Southern California is always a fan favorite. If you’re more of an outdoorsy adventurer, travelers love Northern California. Locations like Redwood National Forest, take a walk and explore the Golden Gate Bridge, find your new favorite restaurant in the extravagant dining in Napa, and we hear NorCal also has a large vineyard and wine selection. The adventures are absolutely endless in California.

One of the best parts of working in California is the state’s mandated nurse-patient ratio laws. In 2004, the state of California enacted mandatory ratios for the safety of healthcare workers. California is the only state to have such laws. In most hospitals, the mandated ratio of a minimum of one nurse for every five patients (1:5). In an ICU unit, the ratio is one to two (1:2). Many healthcare travelers love traveling to CA to work in a state where they can practice safely.

Don’t have a CA license yet? No worries! California has emergency licenses (EMSA) available until 2/28/23, and your agency can help you with applying for an EMSA license. California’s new temporary license process is much faster than previously – travelers are applying for their temporary licenses and receiving them in 2-3 weeks. If you have already applied for an EMSA, you’ll be ahead of the game when it comes to processing a temporary or permanent license. As an added bonus, many companies help cover the costs of your new licenses. This means you apply for the license (with help from your agency if needed), and they’ll reimburse you for the fees. Some companies are adding extra perks or benefits for getting a new state license – Trustaff offers a free iPad or Apple Watch!

The opportunities, adventures, and career experiences are endless in the state of California. Many travelers extend multiple times as CA has much to offer. So what do we think – are you ready to travel to California?

We hope you found this article on the top reasons to take your next travel assignment in California helpful. Are there any other reasons you think California is a great place to take your next travel assignment? Comment below.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By Triage Healthcare Staffing

November 9, 2022

3685 Views

New Year Travel Assignments: Why You Shouldn’t Sleep on Finding One Now

Posted on November 9, 2022November 9, 2022 by Triage Healthcare Staffing

Triage Healthcare Staffing provided this article.

The new year seems so far away, but the reality is that it will be here before you know it. The time of year between Thanksgiving and New Year’s flies by for travel nurses, recruiters, and onboarding specialists, which means waiting to find a travel assignment that starts in January can leave you without a job come the first of the year. If you’re considering taking the holidays off and jumping back into the job market in January, here are a few reasons you should button up your new year positions now.

Why It Can Be Difficult to Find a New Year Travel Assignment

There’s one simple reason why finding a travel assignment in January can be difficult—many travel nurses plan to take time off during the holidays and then get back into the swing of things after the new year. Sounds like a great idea! And it is. Being able to completely customize when you work is one of the greatest perks of travel nursing.

However, because it’s something that a lot of travel nurses do, it can be harder to find a job right after the holidays. The market is flooded with travel nurses looking for new travel assignments, and recruiters are swamped trying to find their established travel nurses a job. So, if you’re thinking about switching to a new recruiter or agency, right after the new year is not the time to start. If you wait too long to start your January job search, you might be left out entirely and stay out of work longer than planned.

When To Look for a New Year Travel Assignment

It might seem too early, but the time to look for a January travel assignment is actually in October or November, before Halloween or Thanksgiving. If you’re planning on switching to a new agency or recruiter, you should start even earlier because you’ll need time to create your profile or make sure you find a recruiter that you vibe with. (Side note: this is where a Kamana profile is a huge benefit for travelers. The universal Kamana profile can be sent to any agency or recruiter, meaning you’re already ahead of the game.) When you start making these connections before the holiday season begins, you’ll have a better chance of finding a travel assignment where you want to go.

Having something lined up before the holidays allows you to still take time off, but without worrying about what you’re going to do when January rolls around. It also lets you go through the compliance process over a longer period of time, which is important. The folks at your agency, your facility, or even the labs where drug tests are processed like to spend time with their families during the holidays, which can sometimes slow things down. Remember, they’re people, not robots!

Tips for Finding a New Travel Assignment

Luckily for travel nurses who want to take time off during the holidays, a few things can help them find assignments.

Be flexible. Remember that everyone wants to go somewhere warm in cold, dreary January. So, if you’re willing to take assignments in northern states, you’ll probably have an easier time finding one.
Start early. Like we said before, getting your January assignment buttoned up ahead of time means you’ll have less competition for the available jobs.
Keep your skills current. If you’ve taken off more than a few months, finding a new assignment can be a challenge. It’s not a bad idea to pick up a PRN shift each week at a facility near your home. This keeps your skills current, which makes you a more attractive candidate to facilities.

Looking for a travel nurse agency that will treat you with honesty and candor? Triage Staffing listens to what you want and then shoots you straight. So you can make the decision that’s right for you. To connect with a Triage recruiter, apply for travel nurse jobs on the Triage website.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

September 20, 2022

2961 Views

Traveler Tips for Adjusting to New Environments on Assignment

Posted on September 20, 2022September 14, 2022 by TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

TNAA Healthcare provided this article.

The prospect of picking your life up and moving from place to place can be both exhilarating and overwhelming for a new travel nurse. Beyond your agency and recruiter, there are many things to consider, like, “How will I adapt to a new environment when I’m moving every few months?”

For the best tips on dealing with culture shock, adjusting to new environments, and finding community on assignments, we’ve reached out to some of our experienced TNAA ambassadors who were once in your shoes. Here’s the advice they have to share.

Work Your Way Up

Are you used to working at a small-town hospital? Do yourself a favor, and take it easy on your first assignment. Take a job at a hospital that’s similar in size to the hospital where you worked as staff.

“Make sure to work your way up to a larger city hospital. I would never recommend a nurse at a Level 3 small hospital go directly to a Level 1 trauma center. That first assignment is stressful enough. Go somewhere comfortable.”

Leah R.

“Don’t try to jump in and see everything at once. Get into a routine and get become familiar with the area, and then venture out from there!”

Matt L.

Be a Team Player

As a travel nurse, you are there to fill a gap in care for the hospital. That doesn’t mean you let yourself get run down with all the awful shifts and tasks, but you do offer to help and to learn.

“If my room is done, I look for the busier rooms and ask them if they need help. Keep your charge nurse aware of what you’re doing. Ask how you can help them. It helps to have a mindset that you were brought in to help.”

Joni C.

“Be nice, be quiet, and NEVER tell them, “That’s not how we did it at home.” Instead, say, “Can you show me your way of doing XYZ?” It won’t take long to find who is on your side. Never badmouth any of the staff you work with, make friends with the floor clerk (they will be the most helpful), and consider bringing in treat a time or two.”

Lynnette S.

Establish Your Community

As a traveler, you get the opportunity to make friends all across the country. From getting to know the hospital staff and meeting with other travelers to finding like-minded groups in the area, there are several ways to get conversations started and to create those bonds.

“I friend fellow nurses and ask them about the best places to eat or things to see in the city.”

Grace G.

“Know your other travelers, and create a text group so you can help each other out.”

Joni C.

“We are gamers, so I love stopping by local game stores. Most game stores have meet-up nights and open game days.”

Robb M.

“Continue a hobby while traveling, even if it takes a little extra work or packing, and find groups with a similar interest while on the road. It can be tricky, but the hobby will keep you grounded, and the connections will be easy to make… Find something that brings you joy, then link up with people who feel the same.”

ZD E.

“The MedVenture app is a great way to meet other travelers!”

Leah R.

In summary, take your time moving up to larger hospitals, have a helper’s mindset, and use resources both inside and outside the hospital to establish connections with people who will become lifelong friends.

We hope you found this article on tips for adjusting to new environments helpful. How do you adjust to new environments every 13 weeks? Comment below.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By Kevin Devoto

May 27, 2022

4760 Views

4 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Accept Every Travel Nursing Assignment

Posted on May 27, 2022June 26, 2022 by Kevin Devoto

Working as a travel nurse might sound like an exciting lifestyle, and generally, it is. You can work with doctors and nurses all over the country, helping people to heal and feel better, all while earning a tidy paycheck.

But despite the high pay and jet-setting lifestyle this seems to offer, travel nursing might not be a good choice all the time. There may be times when you get an offer and find it easier or better to reject rather than accept. Here are just some of the reasons why it might not be a good idea to accept, depending on your circumstances.

The Hospital Might Not Be a Good Fit

One reason you might consider rejecting an assignment is based on the hospital you will be going to. Although all hospitals operate in different ways, if you’ve already worked at a particular location and found you did not like it, that alone can make it a smart choice to reject it.

Or, perhaps you have heard reviews from friends or co-workers about going to the hospital you would be assigned to and finding out they did not enjoy the experience, and they had valid reasons. It pays to take these thoughts into consideration, since

2. You Are Starting To Feel Burnt Out

Are you at the point where you feel as though you are not getting enough rest, you are getting sick of your profession, and you hate getting up in the morning? This can best be described as job burnout. This might be a good time for you to take time away from work, if at all possible.

You don’t want to start feeling trapped, nor do you want to feel as though you have no way out and no options to do anything else. Getting away from your job and making time to take care of yourself and your needs is crucial, rather than taking every assignment that gets sent your way.

3. Your Family Urgently Needs You

You might be in a situation where a family member is dying, someone is sick, or your family is going through an incredibly difficult time and needs you by their side. One downfall of travel nursing is that you might be flying several states away in order to work and thus unable to get to your family when they truly need you.

If that is the case, it is better to take time off from your job and reject assignments, especially if you can financially afford it.

4. You Have Reservations About the Assignment

Perhaps you have reservations against a particular assignment. Maybe the timing feels off, or you simply do not like the idea of going to this particular location to work. Perhaps there is something you are expected to do for this particular assignment that you don’t think you can follow through on. If you feel unsure, you should listen to your instinct.

You might consider reaching out to your PEO Solution or whoever is in charge of offering you assignments and letting them know how you feel about working in certain areas. You should not put yourself in a situation that feels off or unsafe to you, no matter how much money you are looking at overall.

Conclusion

When it comes to working as a travel nurse, there are many reasons why you might choose to reject a particular assignment. Maybe your family needs you, or you feel the hospital is simply not a good fit for you. You should also consider your own feelings, such as getting burnt out or dealing with reservations about a particular location. Always listen to your own needs first.

We hope you found this article on four reasons why you shouldn’t accept every travel nursing assignment helpful. Are there any other reasons you have found not to accept the travel nurse assignment? Comment those reasons below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our travel nurse job board. Do you need housing for an upcoming travel nurse assignment? Click here to search our travel nurse housing page.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By RNnetwork

May 9, 2022

4149 Views

Tips to Get the Best Travel Nurse Assignments

Posted on May 9, 2022May 6, 2022 by RNnetwork

RNnetwork provided this article.

Quitting your full-time job and applying for travel nursing jobs can be a bit scary. You’re embarking on a brand-new position with brand-new people, and you’re not sure exactly what to expect. You’re also taking a temporary job and aren’t sure where you’ll be working in six months, much less a year.

Don’t let these concerns bring you down! Travel nursing is an exciting way to see the country and gain valuable clinical experience. Here are seven travel nursing success tips to help you attract the best assignments.

Build a strong relationship with your recruiter

It seems so easy — and it is. One of the easiest ways to get the best jobs and have a positive experience as a traveler is to build a positive relationship with your recruiter. Answer their calls or texts, be honest about what you want in a job, and tell them immediately when you have problems or need help. Your recruiter presents you to a potential employer and can talk you up and help you land the best jobs.

If you struggle to communicate with your recruiter or don’t tell them about red flags on your record, it can hurt your chances of getting travel nursing jobs.

Get and give lots of details.

Before you ask your recruiter to submit your name for a new job, find out as much as possible, including:

The pay package
The hours you’ll be working
The departments you could potentially float to
The patient load
The trauma level of the hospital
Orientation time

You should also have your college transcripts and other paperwork ready and give your recruiter the following information:

Dates when you need time off
Whether you have friends working there (this could help you get a job)
If you’ve applied for a permanent job there in the past or worked there before as a traveler
If you have other offers with other travel nurse agencies

Tell your recruiter who else you work with and what jobs you’ve applied for

Some travelers work with multiple agencies or even apply for permanent and travel jobs simultaneously. If you’re doing this or plan to do this, tell every recruiter you work with where you are working. By being open about how many jobs you’re applying for, you can avoid being submitted to the same job by multiple companies.

Since it’s common to work with several agencies that have contracts with different hospitals, recruiters will appreciate your honesty and work hard to get you the best package possible. If you do apply for several positions simultaneously, it’s crucial to respond quickly when your recruiter has an opportunity for you so you have a better chance of landing the job.

Give yourself time to fit in.

As a travel nurse, you’ll have a short orientation (sometimes only a day or so) and will be expected to jump right in and help. You’ll have to quickly speed on new electronic health systems, learn where the supply closet is, and even figure out what’s palatable from the hospital cafeteria.

It’s challenging to be the “new kid” every three months and get to know new doctors and nurses — but give yourself a break. Don’t expect the staff to be welcoming or invite you to company events instantly. And don’t expect to make connections with everyone quickly. If you do your job well and are willing to work hard, you’ll gain your coworkers’ respect and make lasting friendships.

Tell your recruiter why you have turned down job offers

Explain the situation to your recruiter if you’re offered a travel nursing job and decide to turn it down. They will want to know if you need a higher salary, more flexible hours, a different location, or more time off work. This helps your recruiter find you a better job in the future.

Be aware that turning down a job once it’s been offered can hurt your chances of working with that hospital again.

Be flexible wherever you can

If your sister is getting married next summer, you can’t budge on the dates you need time off. However, you can be more willing to work a different shift, try a rural hospital instead of an urban one, or work in a state you had never considered.

While it’s important to know what you want in a job and communicate that to your recruiter, it’ll be harder to find a job if your requirements are too specific. If your dream is to work in Alaska, you may have to be more flexible on pay or shifts. Likewise, you may need to work in Florida during the summer rather than the winter (at least for your first assignment).

Let your recruiter know if you’d like a permanent job.

Sometimes, you love a travel job so much that you decide you’d like to work there full-time. Or sometimes a hospital offers you a permanent position because they’ve been impressed with your work.

No matter how it happens, let your recruiter know as soon as possible if you’re considering taking a permanent job. They will need to cancel your benefits, help you transition out of agency housing, and evaluate your contract. While your recruiter will be sad to lose you to a permanent job, they may be able to help you find a place to live in the new city and give you tips on transitioning to full-time work again.

Travel nursing is an experience unlike any other, and it comes with a bit of a learning curve. If you communicate well with your recruiter, are honest about what you expect from a job, and are willing to be adaptable, you’ll be successful and have the time of your life.

Have you caught the travel nursing bug yet? Check out our open travel nursing jobs, or call us at 800.866.0407 to get started.

We hope you found this article on tips to get the best assignments helpful. Have you found any ways to find the best assignments that we didn’t list here? Comment them below.

Are you looking for your next travel nursing assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for an upcoming travel nurse assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By AMN Healthcare

May 6, 2022

3314 Views

Best States for Spring Travel Nurse Assignments

Posted on May 6, 2022May 6, 2022 by AMN Healthcare

AMN Healthcare provided this article.

We have some good news if you’ve been mulling over some potential spring destinations for travel nurse assignments! We’ve compiled a list of states with a wide variety of open positions that rank among the best states for travel nurses in the springtime. Each state has its unique attractions and festivities to keep you busy throughout your travel assignment.

So take a look, contact your recruiter, and start planning for a new springtime adventure. One of these states is sure to be just right for you.

The top states for travel nurses in the spring

Georgia

When you think “Georgia,” do you automatically think “peaches”? Georgia is famous for being a leading producer of peaches, but don’t forget some of the state’s other agricultural marvels. Several big food festivals celebrate strawberries, Vidalia onions, and even wine in the springtime. And yes, there are multiple peach festivals in Georgia in the springtime, just as you might expect, although these typically start in the late spring or early summer.

Or maybe you’re feeling the need for some sun and sand, some fishing, and some seafood. Head to one of Georgia’s beautiful beaches, like Tybee Island, or one of Brunswick’s barrier islands, like St. Simon’s Island or Jekyll Island. Don’t forget your sunscreen.

California

There’s so much to do in California in the springtime that it could fill an entire book! But a few highlights include:
• Seeing the wildflowers in Joshua Tree National Park or Anza Borrego Desert;
• Combining wine and wild animals (yaks and alpacas!) on the Malibu Wine Safari on a giant ranch/vineyard in Los Angeles County;
• Going whale watching in Northern California; just get ready to ooh and aah over some orcas and gray whales;
• Visiting Catalina Island off the coast of Los Angeles for a glass-bottomed boat tour on a breezy, sunny day and renting a golf cart for a scenic, self-guided tour around the island.

Washington

Washington is a great spring destination for travel nurses. And the month of April is an especially good time to visit Washington State because it’s the month of the famous Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. You’ll think you somehow wound up in the Netherlands by mistake. Be sure to check out the year-round garden known as RoozenGaarde while you’re there, too!

Another fun Washington destination in the springtime is the Bavarian mountain town of Leavenworth. You might enjoy booking a room at a bed and breakfast or going camping, so you’ll have more time to soak in all the charm (and take some great photos for your Instagram posts).

Texas

If you do nothing else, be sure to make time to see the bluebonnets. The bluebonnet is the official Texas state flower, and they begin blooming in March and hit their peak in April. You could even plan to attend the 39th annual Bluebonnet Festival, set for April 8-10 in Burnet, Texas. The festival celebrates the iconic Texas flower with live music, arts and crafts, and other fun activities.

Other fun springtime events in the state include the Annual Texas Steak Cookoff and the Lone Star Elvis Festival, held in May. And if you’re looking for something pretty unusual to do over Memorial Day weekend in Texas, how about going to the National Polka Festival? And yes, you’re likely to find some good barbeque joints throughout the state.

Florida

No matter where you plan to visit, there will be something exciting on the calendar in the Sunshine State. Seafood, music, and art festivals abound in Florida during the spring. And yes, there are even pirate festivals, like the Fort Lauderdale Rotary Club Pirate Festival and the Billy Bowlegs Festival in Fort Walton Beach.

One highlight to consider: if you’re planning to be in the Orlando area this spring, plan a trip to Walt Disney World to take in the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, which is ongoing through the beginning of July. The festival is famous for its whimsical topiaries and garden exhibits, but you can also partake of unique food and drink offerings while you’re there.

New York

New York City is chock full of opportunities for travel nurses to indulge their sense of adventure. But if you’re going to be in New York City this spring, make a point to visit the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx. The Azalea Garden in the heart of the campus is home to one of the largest azalea collections in the world! Plus, an Orchid Show is going on this spring. (And you can pop over to the nearby Bronx Zoo afterward.)

Elsewhere in the state, you might still be able to take in some late-season skiing or participate in a Maple Weekend, where you can celebrate New York’s maple syrup industry and eat pancakes with New York’s world-class maple syrup. And when it warms up a little more, consider a trip to the Lilac Festival in Rochester or the Tulip Festival in Albany. Or maybe consider the Buffalo Wine Festival in April.

Pennsylvania

Philadelphia is a fantastic city, rich with history and art, and you can’t go wrong with playing tourist there. One suggestion for this spring: visit the Franklin Institute and immerse yourself in the Harry Potter exhibition. And when you have a free weekend, take a short drive outside the city to visit beautiful Chanticleer Gardens, which is open from April through October.

Another Pennsylvania destination that might intrigue you is Lancaster County in Pennsylvania, Dutch country. Spas, museums, festivals (even a Rhubarb Festival at Kitchen Kettle Village), scenic covered bridges, other sightseeing opportunities, and hiking trails all await you when you can get a little time away from the hospital or clinic.

AMN Healthcare has thousands of travel assignments to advance your career while seeing the country.

We hope you found this article on the best states for travel nurse assignments this spring. What do you think of our list? Are there any you think should be added? Comment them below.

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Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By Dan Matthews

October 26, 2021

7208 Views

How to Get the Most Out of Your Travel Assignment

Posted on October 26, 2021October 15, 2021 by Dan Matthews

As a travel nurse, you are making a big difference in every community you visit. The care you provide is without comparison, and it always leaves a lasting impression. While helping people is the goal, you must enjoy the experience as much as your patients, so creating and recording great memories is a must.

To help you get the most out of your travel assignment, we have several tips for how you can improve the communities you visit, have a bit of fun, and remember it all for years to come.

How to get the most out of your travel assignment

Help The Community

As a travel nurse, you are not only providing medical assistance, but you are helping the world as a whole. As you may know, there is a great nursing shortage on the horizon as many healthcare professionals retire and our population grows older. This shortage will greatly impact patients living in rural areas who already have to travel great distances to see a physician. As a travel nurse, you are part of the solution, but the opportunities for assistance in the communities you visit doesn’t have to end there.

One way that you can create lasting memories in these communities is by volunteering when you are off the clock. One way to do so is to call a nonprofit organization and ask how you can help. While not every organization will need assistance, many will be thrilled to have you onboard while you are in town.

That is just one of many ways you can lend a helping hand. You can also visit a website like VolunteerMatch, which can connect you with organizations that need assistance, or you can ask colleagues who have visited the area in the past for ideas of places you can contact. By helping these communities, you will remember why you got into nursing in the first place, and you’ll remember the people you meet and the adventures you had for years to come.

Don’t Forget to Have Fun

While you are traveling, don’t forget to have a little fun. A great way to pass some time is by taking a jog around the new neighborhood or hiking in the local, national park. Not only will you see amazing sights that you can photograph and remember forever, but by being out in nature, you can also relax from the busy workday and melt some stress.

After a day of activity, take the time to enjoy some of the local cuisines. This is a chance to try some dishes that you have never had before. If you fall in love with a dish, ask for the recipe. By cooking it when you are back home, you will remember the great time you had in that specific location. If you are traveling with your spouse, don’t forget to take some time out for a date night that could involve dinner made with the recipe you brought back from your travels or a slideshow of photos from the trip.

If you are visiting a city far away, take some time to try some of the activities that you don’t have in your hometown. For instance, if you are near a beach, then try surfing or scuba diving. If you are visiting a town that happens to have a county fair that weekend, go and enjoy some rides, games and meet some new people. You’ll always remember that town for the fun you had there.

Document Your Adventures

While the experiences you have in the places you visit will be fun at the moment, if you visit many different locations during your travels, it can be difficult to remember all of the special times.

One way that you can remember the places you’ve been is by taking pictures, or better yet, buy t-shirts and mugs with memorable places pictured right on the front. You don’t have to use these items every day, but during those times that you go through your closet or cupboard, you will remember the fun you had back in the day.

Another great way to memorialize the places you have been is by documenting all of your fun experiences in a journal. Whenever you go somewhere new, write down what you saw and who you met, and most importantly, notate how you felt during those experiences. You can read those entries at a later time or regale your children with your awesome adventures.

There is no denying it. As a travel nurse, you are a true hero, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your travel experiences. Take the time to meet new people, help the communities you visit, and have a little fun. You deserve it!

We hope you found these tips for getting the most out of your travel assignment helpful. Are there any tips for getting the most out of your travel assignment we missed? Comment them below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for your next assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Top 5 Summer Travel Destinations for Your Next Adventure

1. Marquette, Michigan (Upper Peninsula)

2. Rapid City, South Dakota (Black Hills, Deadwood, Sturgis)

3. Boise, Idaho

4. Portland and Bangor, Maine

5. Louisville, Kentucky

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