By Lauren Festa

July 15, 2021

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5 Things To Do In Asheville, NC

So, you took a travel nurse assignment in Asheville, North Carolina? What are some things to do and what places should you visit on your days off? Asheville, North Carolina, is one of the state’s most loved and enjoyable cities. The adventures packed within Asheville are endless, ranging from the stunning history to outdoor life!     

5 Things to do in Asheville

Biltmore Estate

            The history that runs throughout Asheville is exquisite and on display for those who want to explore. One of the popular locations to sightsee is the Biltmore Estate, an eight-thousand-acre mansion packed with activities the entire family can enjoy. The history behind the house starts around 1895 with George Vanderbilt opening the home to friends and family and later using the castle to explore his love for art and literature. Nowadays, the estate is one of the largest private residences in the United States. Those who visit Asheville have the opportunity to purchase tickets for daytime admission. These tickets allow visitors to see all that the landmark holds, such as hiking to wine tasting; this extravagant mansion has something for everyone!

The Blue Ridge Mountains

            Asheville is perfect for those who love to explore the outdoors! Asheville sits in North Carolina’s the Blue Ridge Mountains, allowing for the ideal city to nature ratio. One of the many outdoor activities that are popular in this city is the North Carolina Arboretum. This location gives its visitors some of the most breathtaking views. Although the sight is referred to as an arboretum (a garden of trees solely), it is also a botanical garden covered in engaging flowers and plants. Not only is this Arboretum stunning, but admission is also free of charge, besides a parking fee. Those familiar with the area commented on the many trails used for hiking and appreciated how well maintained the site was.

Pisgah National Forest

            North Carolina is also known for the Pisgah National Forest. This national forest is located in the Appalachian Mountains and is solely in North Carolina,  with its headquarters in Asheville. Its national forest offers many outdoor activities for those who visit. If you enjoy hiking and biking, the trails are incredibly well-maintained and easy to find your way through. This national forest is told to have spectacular hiking trails for those who enjoy backpacking and huge rocks used for climbing. Not only is the forest used for hiking and outdoor movement, but it is also available for camping throughout the forest. As this open land is beautifully maintained, the adventure within this National Park is endless.

Western North Carolina Nature Center

            Asheville is home to the Western North Carolina Nature Center. This nature center is essentially a logical park owned by the Asheville Parks and Recreation Department. Although this park may look like a zoo-based on its activities and species, it was renamed The Children’s Zoo and Nature Center. The park switched from a zoo to a nature center when it became a nonprofit charity. This nature center is filled with guests who want to explore the wildlife native to North Carolina and animals from around the country. The Western North Carolina Nature Center is beautifully family-oriented in which all ages can learn from and enjoy the many exhibits and wildlife.

Southern Highland Craft Guild, Folk Art Center

            Another attraction that Asheville has is the Southern Highland Craft Guild Folk Art Center. This center is essentially a museum that carries Appalachian arts and crafts. Not only is the museum home to some of the most beautiful paintings and artwork, but it also has a library and auditorium. The museum mainly covers the history behind the national parks and Appalachian territory. This center sees many people each year coming in to inform themselves and grasp the beauty behind each art and craft in the museum halls. The museum is also free of charge and open to the public. The art within the center dates back hundreds of years ago. These exhibits are the perfect mix of exquisite and informational.

Asheville, North Carolina, is the perfect place to stay whether you’re exploring on your own or you want to bring the whole family along. This town is bursting with new opportunities and ventures for those who are ready to grasp it.

Now that you know a little more about what to do in Asheville, why not look for your next travel nurse assignment there? Click here to view jobs in Asheville!

We will be doing a series of articles on things to do in different cities, so check back often. If you have a city you would like information

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

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

By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

June 22, 2021

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What Healthcare Travelers Should Do in a Post-Pandemic Job Market

This article was provided by Travel Nurse Across America.

The healthcare job market has seen unexpected fluctuations over the past 1.5 years. A few months ago, we heard that the demand for travel nurses was greater than the supply due to COVID-19. That number significantly decreased in March 2021 with the COVID-19 vaccination rollout. It then skyrocketed again in June 2021 as a result of life returning to (somewhat) normal. Although it’s not the industry’s typical busy season, hospital schedules are again filling up with elective surgeries and other healthcare needs.

Within this fluctuating market, many healthcare travelers are also seeing a drop in the weekly pay rates offered. While pay has decreased from crisis rates, which hospitals cannot sustain without assistance, many travel nurse agencies are still reporting an average wage higher than pre-pandemic rates. To find the right jobs with the right pay for you, be sure to tap into your agency’s resources.

What to do in a post-pandemic job market

Know Where to Look for In-Demand Specialties

You might not have time to research industry trends, but your recruiter and agency have a real-time pulse on the market. While the number of COVID-19 jobs is dropping, the demand for other specialties is growing exponentially. You have to know where to look.

Elective surgeries and other non-emergency needs on the back burner during the height of COVID-19 are again coming to the forefront. The demand is high for MedSurg, TELE, ER, and ICU specialties, and increased demand for OR nurses is expected later this year. Ask your agency contacts what trends they are seeing in regions you are interested in visiting and find the place where you will be most helpful next.

Make Yourself as Marketable as Possible

Several factors go into your marketability as a travel nurse, the most obvious factor being the information you include on your resume. Your agency’s clinical department should work with you to create a standout travel nurse profile. Ask your clinical director how they can help you secure the right licenses and certifications to be eligible for higher-paying jobs. Consider being a member of national nursing associations and add your COVID-19 experience to make your resume even more impressive.

Your marketability also goes beyond your travel nurse profile. Hiring managers will look for important soft skills, such as flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to resolve conflict. Be sure to mention these soft skills and any examples that you can provide in your job interviews.

Use Your Agency’s Financial Resources to Save Money

Your agency’s financial resources may help you save money and offset some of your costs. See if your agency has travel reimbursement programs, deals, and discount programs, 401k matching, or access to financial advisors through an Employee Assistance Program. All of these can help you save an extra buck.

Keep in mind. There will always be some assignments that pay more and some that pay less. Weigh your options, use your agency’s resources – from getting assistance on your resume to using programs to save money, and make the best decision in your current situation. Just make sure you pick an agency that has your back through it all.

If you are looking for your next travel nurse assignment in the post-pandemic job market? Click here to visit our job board.

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

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

By Katie Fitts

March 3, 2021

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Northeast Georgia Why You Should Add it to Your Travel List

I am currently on assignment in a town called Gainesville, Georgia. No, no, not Gainesville, Florida, Gainesville, GEORGIA! Most people assume I am working in Florida when I tell them about Gainesville. No gators here in this Gainesville! I have to be honest; I had never heard of this town before this assignment. It turns out it’s a wonderful place for an assignment! Situated in an area deemed Northeast Georgia, adjacent to the Appalachian Mountains (the most beautiful mountains in the U.S. in my opinion) and right next to beautiful Lake Lanier, it’s a nature lover’s paradise and a relatively short drive to the city life of Atlanta and other lovely towns.

The Hospital

Northeast Georgia Hospital is based in Gainesville but has a few different smaller locations, including Braselton and Barrow, and plans for a Dahlonega facility. At 557 beds in Gainesville, it is quite large and is a level II trauma center, has labor and delivery services, cardiovascular services, and dialysis capabilities, as well as 23 operating rooms. Outside of Atlanta, it offers some of the most comprehensive services and state-of-the-art technology.

I have been quite impressed with NGHS. I would recommend this hospital based on my experience in the peri-operative area. They use EPIC for their EMR (electronic medical records), which is the best charting system I have seen.

What to See and Do in Northeast Georgia

Hiking

If you are anything like me and love nature and WINE, 🍷 you are in for a treat!

Hiking abounds! The Appalachian Mountains provide an incredible backdrop for all kinds of amazing hikes dotted with incredible scenic mountain views, waterfalls, and lush forests. I found a super great site that lays out all the hikes around the Atlanta and Northeast Georgia area, atlantatrails.com. It is very detailed in the trail terrain, distance, difficulty to be expected, and directions.

The infamous Appalachian Trail (AT) starts in Northeast Georgia at Springer Mountain and ends at Mount Katahdin in Maine. I have now inadvertently been to the beginning and the end of the Appalachian Trail! Maybe a sign I need to do this hike one day?! In the summer of 2019, I had the good fortune to spend my time in beautiful Maine as a camp nurse, and that is another wonderful area to visit.

Whether it is the AT or other trails, Northeast Georgia provides for some spectacular hiking! Some of the trails I was able to explore and enjoyed included Amicalola FallsRaven Cliffs FallsBlood Mountain, and Preacher’s Rock. It would take months of consistent hiking, though, to really see all Northeast Georgia has to offer. Happy hiking!

Northeast Georgia Wine Country 🍷

Now to my close second favorite part (ok, probably my top favorite) about Northeast Georgia…. the wine! Did you know there were wineries in Northeast Georgia? Me neither! I was pleasantly surprised!

Despite being in the well-known hot and humid south of the U.S., the Georgia foothills provide moderately cooler temperatures and rich soil for grape growing and winemaking. From muscadine to sweet wines to more heavy-bodied wines, Northeast Georgia has it all!

Some of the wineries also have full-sized restaurants and also do superbly done brunch. Who doesn’t love brunch? There are also tasting rooms in the quaint little town of Dahlonega, GA, which is just 30 minutes outside of Gainesville and where I happen to reside for this assignment.

Some of the wineries near Dahlonega include Wolf MountainMontaluceThree Sisters, Kaya, Cavender Creek, and Frogtown Cellars. A little further out near Helen and Cleveland, Georgia, you can find one of Georgia’s oldest wineries Habersham Winery, Yonah Mountain, The Cottage Vineyard and Winery, and CeNita, to name a few.

Charming Towns in Northeast Georgia

Dahlonega

I live in Dahlonega, Georgia; pronounced Duh-lawn-egah for my non-Georgia resident friends. It took weeks of purposeful practiced pronunciation as I read it as dall-o-nega (akin to Talladega) as any typical part unabashed southern redneck may do. 😂 It is derived from a Cherokee Native American word meaning yellow, as it was found as a gold mining hub in the 1800s.

At any rate, Dahlonega is about 35 minutes outside of Gainesville and is a quaint town locally revered as a Hallmark movie inspiration with its picturesque small town square surrounded by the Smoky Mountains, particularly during Christmas. A local Dahlonega bar also debuted in a country music song by Ashley McBryde, A Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega. Who knew?! The square has many cute little restaurants and shops, and wine tasting rooms. If you like Greek food, you MUST visit Capers on the Square. I probably ate there 5 to 6 times during my stay, don’t miss the goat cheese and fig flatbread… to die for. They also have delicious baba ganouj, gyros, and moussaka.

Charming Dahlonega at Christmastime

Helen

A Bavarian-inspired town nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, Helen is full of charm. You will think you have just teleported to the Bavarian region of Germany! The architecture is stunning, and downtown has plenty of shops and German-inspired restaurants. It was revamped in the 1960s and modeled after Germany’s Bavarian region to increase tourism and bring life back to the town after an economic downturn.

Other Charming Towns

More towns to see within a relatively short distance include Clayton, Blue Ridge, Ellijay, and Cave Spring, to name a few.

Additional Things To Do in Northeast Georgia

Gainesville is pretty neat in itself! It has a quaint square downtown area with shops and restaurants. Gainesville boasts lakeside views of Lake Lenier, popular for kayaking, paddle boarding, and boating. A special little treat for my garden lover friends, the Atlanta Botanical Gardens has a branch in Gainesville and is a lovely respite area! Moreover, they have special events like “Wine in the Woodlands” nights with food trucks and wine, so be sure to check their events page.

In the mood for big city life? Atlanta and the metro area are only about 70 miles outside of Gainesville. Plenty to see and do there as well!

Pro Tips for Northeast Georgia

  • Ideal times to visit and or do an assignment – Spring to Fall (Winters are dreary and cold and gray and not a whole lot of snow to make it a great winter destination)
  • Travel Nurse Housing is surprisingly expensive in Gainesville! This is likely because it is a lakeside community as caters to people making mountain/lake getaways. I opted to live in Dahlonega for much more reasonable pricing, although a hike from the hospital.

I hope you enjoy Northeast Georgia as much as I did and put it on your list to visit! With wineries and nature, you can’t go wrong. Happy travels!

Gypsy love,

Katie

By White Glove Placement

December 31, 2020

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The Best Places to Travel for Each Month of the Year

This article was provided by White Glove Placement.

After contending with the coronavirus for almost a year, travel nurses both need—and deserve—some R&R. Although international travel may not be safe yet, there are plenty of destinations within the United States that would make a perfect getaway. Treat yourself to beautiful vistas, spectacular weather, and sensational events.

January

In the month of January, escape the freezing temps by visiting idyllic Jekyll Island, Georgia, for a coastal getaway. The high temperature in January is in the low-60s, which means fairly uninterrupted beach time without the usual summer. As an added bonus, the island hosts an event called Island Treasures, which is a sort of hide-and-seek game where locals and visitors search for hidden glass globes similar to those fishermen once used to mark their nets.

February

Art lovers can rejoice in a vacation to Seattle, Washington, in February during the city’s Museum Month. Over 40 museums and cultural institutions participate in the event where admission is half-price. Visit exhibits like MoPop, the Seattle Aquarium, or the Seattle Art Museum, which have surely been on your bucket list for years.

March

If you’re looking for a quaint and cozy vacation during the month of March, then visit Newfield, Maine, during the maple season. Check out the famous sugarhouses and walk-through tiny cabins scattered in the woods as the scent of sugar wafts in the air. Try visiting on Maine Maple Sunday for free tastings.

April

Although the annual Jazz and Heritage Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana, was canceled this year due to the pandemic, it plans to reopen in April 2021. The event includes live music from both local and nationally known artists. Enjoy local foods like crawfish beignets and alligator sausage po’boys to get an authentic taste of the bayou.

May

Looking to vacation somewhere a little more mainstream? Consider Louisville, Kentucky, in May for the annual Kentucky Derby. While the weather can sometimes be finicky, the event is a great excuse to put on your most elaborate hat and sip a mint julep while watching the horse races. Tickets are reasonably priced and give you access to vendors to buy cigars, drinks, foods, and to place a wager on your favorite horses.

June

In June, travel to Temecula Valley, California, to experience the Balloon and Wine Festival. Start your day with a sunrise hot air balloon launch, and then enjoy wine tastings, craft fair art exhibits, or wine barrel racing. The warm weather is inviting but not overbearing, making it the perfect time to sit outside while sipping on wine or local craft beer.

July

A hidden gem to visit during the month of July is Mackinac Island, Michigan. The relatively small island can only be reached by ferry, and upon arrival, you’ll find that there are no cars or chain hotels. It is the perfect destination for quality time outdoors if you want to hike, horseback ride, or relax on the beach by the Great Lakes.

August

Visit the nation’s largest state fair in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during the month of August. Go on your favorite carnival rides or indulge in an assortment of foods served on sticks (like pickles or macaroni). It’s a fun time for kids of all ages.

September

Visiting San Francisco, California, in September is a great option because the city experiences one of its warmest and driest months. Take a stroll—without a large number of tourists—on the Golden Gate Bridge or go on a whale watching tour to see the migrating blue and humpback whales.

October

For something a little spookier, visit Salem, Massachusetts, in October for the annual Haunted Happenings Festival. There are parades, costume balls, ghost tours, haunted houses, and movie nights, all at the very location of the original Salem Witch Trials. If you are a bit of a history buff, make sure to check out the Salem Witch Museum or the Salem Witch Trials Memorial to learn more about the infamous witch trials.

November

If you want to escape the cold, November is a great month to visit Key West, Florida. Temperatures are in the high 70’s and low 80’s. There are plenty of aquatic activities to take part in besides enjoying the beach—you can rent a kayak, snorkel, or rent a boat and sail around the open waters. At the end of the day, enjoy a drink at Sloppy Joe’s, one of Ernest Hemingway’s favorite spots.

December

Enjoy the snow and ski season with a trip to Sun Valley, Idaho, in December. With picturesque and pristine mountains for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling, Sun Valley is an ideal winter getaway. And when it is time to warm up, the area boasts incredible naturally occurring hot springs. Rent a cozy cabin and snuggle up by the fireplace after a long day embracing the outdoors.

Fun in New York all year

If you are a thrill seeker and are looking for adventure and excitement, New York is a great assignment location any time of the year!  There is so much to do and see in New York that it makes a great location for an assignment.  If you are looking for excitement, there are many options.  New York City is full of exciting things to do.  You could try indoor skydiving at iFLY Westchester, go on a ghost hunt at the Ghostbuster’s firehouse, take in a game at one of the many sports stadiums in the city.  You can also enjoy the hustle and bustle of Time Square.  If relaxing is more your style you could spend some time in Central Park.  If you are looking for more outdoor adventures, while in NYC, you can watch & listen to the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, admire street art in Bushwick, and of course, you could always take in a show on Broadway.  New York really is a great place to consider for your next assignment for any adventure.

By Go Healthcare Staffing

September 29, 2020

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What Are Travel RN’s Going to Look at this Fall/Winter?

This article was provided by Go Healthcare.

Usually, during fall, a large group of Travel RNs starts looking at their next assignment in warm climates such as Florida or Arizona.  BUT welcome to 2020 where nothing is the norm. 

Your fall assignment?

With the Virus not under control yet and a vaccine still unknown, picking your next assignment will leave you with many choices if you are part of the in-demand specialties.  Some but not all include ICU, TELE, and Med Surg to name a few.  Typically we have the mass migration of snowbirds, which is our oldest and most cared for a population when it comes to healthcare.  Now?  A lot are opting to stay put due to the Virus.

So what does this mean? 

If you add in the pending flu season with the Virus and states opening, this is a recipe for a large demand for healthcare professionals.  So travel nurses who usually go South may want to step back and look at their options.  Pay levels have increased across the states (minus Covid care which has subsided if you contracted the Virus on assignment).  The demand for certain specialties will reach an all-time high over the next few months even with a vaccine due to the rollout and people’s insecurity about taking a vaccine until proven 100% safe.  Travel RNs will have the opportunity of these options: to take an assignment where they could be near family for the holidays, receive better pay at a non-traditional winter location, or still choose to go to warmer climates.

This is a time when nothing is normal.  

Travel Nursing is no exception.  Be smart about your decision-making and do your homework.  More money does not always mean a great working environment.  Nor does warmer weather!

Have you started looking at your next assignment? Does it differ this year? Comment below.

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

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

By Gifted Healthcare

September 14, 2020

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4 Great States for Travel Nursing in Fall 2020

This article provided by: Gifted Healthcare.

Summertime is ending, and the cool breezes and beautiful shades of autumn are on their way. There are many different ways to experience the fall across the United States, which makes the season a perfect time for your next travel nursing assignment!

We’ve created a list of the best states for fall travel, all of which have plenty of travel nursing assignments to choose from.

Read on for our list of the best states for travel nursing this fall!

Tennessee

Tennessee is a state that offers jaw-dropping fall landscapes. It’s also chock-full of cities essential to American music, art, and history.

Take a scenic autumn drive along the Cherohala Skyway, a 43-mile National Scenic Byway from Tellico Plains to Robbinsville. Or enjoy changing fall leaves while learning music history along the Americana Music Triangle, a partnership of attractions across the South that includes which includes Brownsville, Franklin, Memphis, and Nashville.

Immerse yourself in critically important U.S. history by taking a trip on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail in Memphis, Nashville, and Clinton – the state offers 10 stops where visitors can learn the stories of those who changed the course of civil rights history with protests and legal victories.

Can’t get enough music? You’re in luck! Nashville is known as “Music City,” and offers a huge range of delicious food options, entertainment, and gorgeous autumn views.

Colorado

No matter what time of year it is, Colorado is always a great choice for a travel destination, but it truly shines in the fall. Colorado’s aspen forests begin to display their unique autumn hues from mid-September to mid-October, turning the state’s stunning landscape a mixture of yellow and gold.

Colorado’s four national parks – Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison. The parks offer hiking, camping, biking, and other outdoor activities within some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

Colorado’s major cities are bustling centers of arts and culture; the Denver Art Museum, Denver Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center are world-class museums. Colorado also offers delicious dining options, with must-visit establishments serving top-notch dishes across the state.

California

Fall isn’t always about the leaves. California, the Golden State, offers beautiful scenery and weather nearly all year long. Plus, if you love exploring the outdoors, California is hard to beat. From its world-famous Pacific coast to the Mojave Desert to the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Golden State’s surfing, skiing, biking, hiking, and other activities will never disappoint.

Northern California offers the towering redwood forests of the Muir Woods National Monument and the incredible scenery of Lake Tahoe. California’s breathtaking and rugged coastline can be seen all along Pacific Highway 1. The state also has over 300 national and state parks, including the iconic Yosemite National Park.

In Southern California, explore San Diego’s Balboa Park, featuring the renowned San Diego Zoo(voted #1 Zoo in the World), 15 museums, and opulent gardens. Or take a trip to the vast and humbling Joshua Tree National Park, which lies at the intersection of the Mojave and Colorado deserts.

Whether you’re marveling at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco or surfing in Orange County, there are endless options for exploration in California.

Louisiana

Even in the “new normal,” Louisiana is an incredibly fun and festive place to travel. The months of September, October, and November are cool, breezy, and sunny. There is no need to worry about unusually cold, snowy days here!

New Orleans is Louisiana’s most famous city, offering some of the most vibrant arts, culture, and cuisine in the world. A near-endless list of top-notch restaurants will keep you satisfied. Along with unique attractions like the French Quarter, City Park, and the New Orleans Museum of Art. Don’t forget the delicious beignets of Café du Monde!

A different but equally enjoyable slice of Louisiana culture can be found in Lafayette, the state’s fourth-largest city. It is located in the heart of Acadiana (near the stunning Atchafalaya Basin). The name given to the area settled by the Cajuns and Creoles in the 18th century. It has also been named “the Happiest City in America.”

Begin Your Fall Travel Nursing Adventure with GIFTED Healthcare

From travel to per diem assignments, GIFTED Healthcare provides nurses with exceptional, high-paying career opportunities.

Visit our official website to learn more about the GIFTED Family today!

Travel nursing this fall

We hope you found this article on 4 great places for travel nursing this fall helpful. Are there any locations you feel are great places for travel nursing in the fall?

By Jackson Nurse Professionals

June 12, 2020

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Get Some Fresh Air in the Rocky Mountains

This article provided by Jackson Nurse Professionals.

The Rocky Mountains: You’ve seen them on nature specials and heard about them in country songs, but have you actually ever been? The massive mountain range stretches from Canada through the U.S., snaking its way through Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and then finishing in New Mexico.

They may not be the tallest mountains on the planet, but if you’ve ever wanted to live on the ragged edge, the Rocky Mountains are a good place to be, and no state embodies them like Colorado. You can see the impact of the mountainous lifestyle across the state, from the “mile-high” city of Denver to the MLB team, the Colorado Rockies.

As a traveling nurse, one of your biggest perks is the ability to sample a wide variety of lifestyles. Why not head to Colorado and immerse yourself in a mountain culture that’s open to outsiders and has endless activities? Here are a few helpful tips before you go:

Winter is the best time of year

Colorado has long been famous for its skiing and snowboarding scene. If you’re going to live there on assignment, you might as well attempt to learn one of them. But, maybe hold off on buying skis and a matching suit just yet.

The Adventure Junkies recommended renting equipment to start. You should expect to fall a lot your first time out, regardless if you’re skiing or snowboarding. At the end of the day, you may discover that winter sports aren’t your favorite. Renting equipment ensures that you’re not needlessly wasting money on a hobby that may not be for you.

If you are serious about trying, you should also get a lesson. Whether you’ve got family in the area or not – opt for a professional instructor. The Adventure Sports Network warns that too much dependency on a partner or friend can lead to frustration. Instructors are professionals who frequently help newcomers cross the headaches and hurdles required to have fun. 

Less pressure, more adventure

There’s more to living in Colorado than just snow sports. Despite the state’s reputation, its winters are far from brutal. According to Grand Park, Colorado actually has fairly tolerable, warm winters – at least when compared to a region like New England. The constant snow on the mountainside comes more from the altitude than the temperature.

This is also a perfect place for relaxation. If you’re used to working in bustling environments like New York City or San Francisco then you may find Colorado to be a wonderful step down in terms of pressure. People in this state, and indeed anywhere along the Rocky Mountains, are more content to go at their own pace. But, with all the amenities of a big city. From shopping to spas to beautiful hiking trails and cozy Bed and Breakfasts, the Rocky Mountains are the perfect fit for the gypsy lifestyle of a travel nurse.

Finished the travel nursing guide and are ready to look for an assignment?

Check out our travel nurse jobs!