This article was provided by CareerStaff Unlimited.
Summer is upon us again! And even though we’re not quite back to normal given the health risks still posed by COVID-19, widespread vaccinations are helping to open up travel across the United States.
Of course, for many nurses, traveling never really stopped, with travel nursing demands and compensation reaching new highs as a result of the pandemic. This summer, more nurses will be able to safely travel again, not just because they’re urgently needed to deliver care, but for the personal fulfillment and professional development that travel nursing offers.
There is a large variety of travel nursing jobs available to meet pretty much any type of interest. Love hiking and the outdoors? Choose an assignment on the West Coast and get access to its amazing forests and national parks. If you prefer a city break, you may want to take an assignment in an urban area like Dallas, Boston, Chicago, or Orlando — they’re always in need of qualified nurses!
As one of the nation’s leading travel nurse recruitment companies, the team at CareerStaff understands better than most, where nurses are needed more than ever. With that in mind, let’s take a peek at the hottest travel destinations for nurses for summer 2021 — and some lesser-known cities that have a lot to offer.
Destination #1: Maine.
Maine’s appeal to summer travelers is no secret! The coast and historic towns are often overrun with vacationers from Boston and New York during July and August. Yet, for those willing to go off the beaten path, the Pine Tree State offers a huge amount of wilderness to explore. There’s also some amazing seafood to be found, and the coast is chock full of historic lighthouses that look great on Instagram!
> Underrated Summer Spot: Westbrook, Maine.
As with most states, the bigger cities in Maine have many opportunities in hospitals and medical centers. But for nurses looking to build career experience at skilled nursing facilities, smaller cities like Westbrook offer another enticing option. Close enough to Portland and the coast to offer easy access to shopping and nature, communities like Westbrook offer a great way to enjoy the Pine Tree State away from the summer crowds of tourists.
Destination #2: Florida.
If you’re dreaming of spending the summer at the beach, it’s hard to go wrong in the Sunshine State. From almost anywhere in the state, you’ll be within a short drive to the coast. You’ll also have easy access to world-famous attractions like the Florida Keys, Everglades National Park, and the recently re-opened Disney World. And as one of the most populous states, there is no shortage of available travel nursing jobs in Florida!
> Underrated Summer Spot: Hialeah.
You don’t have to live in Tampa or Miami to have easy access to the beach from pretty much anywhere. But if you still want to be close to the city, consider choosing a suburb like Hialeah. You’ll enjoy a wider variety of job opportunities, as well as easy access to the rich variety of dining, shopping, and picture-perfect beaches in and around Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
Destination #3: California.
Like Florida, California is already a popular summer destination, luring travelers to its famous beaches, resorts, theme parks, golf courses, islands, forests, and parks. There’s also exceptional dining for those who choose to live near an urban area and lots of family-friendly activities for those traveling with (or to be close to) loved ones.
> Underrated Summer Spot: Lancaster.
Located about an hour north of Los Angeles, Lancaster is big enough to offer all the amenities of urban living while also offering easy access to the beaches of Southern California. It’s also a relatively short drive to all the state’s major national parks (like Yosemite, Joshua Tree, Sierra, and Death Valley) and even Las Vegas.
Destination #4: Kentucky.
With lots of green spaces, historic architecture, and a home-grown arts scene in many communities, Kentucky is an underrated gem with much to offer summer travelers. You can spend your free time exploring the state’s wineries, camping at Lake Cumberland, or visiting Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park and its amazing white-sand lakeshore, which wouldn’t be out of place in the Caribbean.
> Underrated Summer Spot: Louisville.
There’s almost always a lineup of great travel nursing opportunities in Kentucky’s largest city. Louisville is home to a number of major health employers and hospital systems. Skilled nursing and long-term care facility assignments are usually available, and the affordable cost of living means you’ll have some lucrative options for spending your housing stipend.
Destination #5: New Mexico.
If you love hiking or camping, it’s hard to beat the Land of Enchantment, where picture-perfect vistas can be found all around. It’s also great for those who prefer their summers to be a little less scorching; the elevation in the high desert means many campsites are subject to cool breezes and brisk showers, even in the heart of summer.
> Underrated Summer Spot: Albuquerque.
New Mexico’s biggest city has the most to offer in terms of urban amenities. It’s also a short drive to the iconic scenery of Taos and the historic charm of Santa Fe — two great road trip ideas for adventurous travel nurses. If you’re seeking new travel nursing opportunities, CareerStaff Unlimited has jobs across the United States! Visit CareerStaff.com to learn more or see what assignments we’re offering right now.
