This article was provided by Cross Country Nurses.
When you picture yourself traveling, what is the first image that comes to mind? If you’re visualizing yourself on a toasty beach…for just a moment, imagine instead what it would be like to take a travel nurse assignment in a cooler region. Can you see yourself: Taking in expansive views of snow-capped mountains as you ride up a ski lift in Utah? Sipping a cup of hot chocolate as you warm your toes by the fire in Vermont? Taking a dip in the hot springs near Yellowstone in Montana? We can! Here’s why cold-weather assignments appeal to many travel nurses.
Benefits of Cold-Weather Assignments for Travel Nurses
If you choose to embark on an adventure in a colder climate, you can enjoy:
More opportunities with better pay:
Competition is high, and travel assignments fill quickly in warm areas like California, Arizona, Texas, and Florida. You’ll have more choices if you’re open to working in cooler regions! You may also find that assignments in harder-to-fill locations pay more than those in high-demand warmer areas.
Less traffic and fewer crowds:
Compared to warmer weather locations where populations are rapidly growing, cold-weather locales often have less traffic, and towns can feel much less busy. You can enjoy wide expanses and open roads.
Fewer allergens and biting insects:
In colder regions, you won’t have to contend with mosquitos, gnats, and other pesky insects that are more common in warmer climates. Plus, mold and pollen counts are often lower, so people who struggle with allergies tend to love cold regions since they usually have fewer allergens.
Pristine landscapes:
Since many cold-weather regions are less developed, there are more untouched natural areas to explore there. Think Mount Ranier National Park in Washington, Denali National Park in Alaska, or Acadia National Park in Maine.
Surprising health benefits:
Living in cold areas can be good for your health – who knew?! Colder temperatures can help you burn calories, boost brain power, reduce inflammation, fight infections, strengthen your heart, and even sleep better (Business Insider).
Sweater weather:
Cold climates are great for snuggling up in cozy sweaters, warm scarves, adorable hats, cute boots, fuzzy gloves, and stylish coats! It can be so much fun to sport a winter wardrobe, especially if you grew up wearing tank tops and shorts in a hot climate.
Awesome adventures:
Colder regions offer an array of activities: hiking, camping, glamping, snow skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice skating, and sledding. And don’t forget, on snowy days, you can always walk right out your front door and build a snowman, make snow angels, or have a snowball fight (to break the ice) with your new neighbors!
Summers are a dream:
Rather than roasting in a hot clime, you can enjoy the beautifully mild summers of a colder region. Summers in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, for example, hover around the 70s – perfect for hiking, kayaking, and sunbathing. And North Dakota summers can average in the 80s – ideal for enjoying the beautiful lakeside swim beaches around the state.
Four seasons:
If you have always lived in warmer climates where it feels like summer year-round, you may not know just how invigorating and fulfilling it can be to enjoy the four seasons. In addition to the frosty winters and mild summers, you’ll see incredible leaf displays in the fall and enjoy the excitement and rebirth of spring.
The best part is…travel assignments are temporary! You can discover what it’s like to live in a cooler place without having to make a permanent commitment. This means you’ve got nothing to lose. So, when you choose your next travel nurse assignment, go snow! Find your next travel nurse adventure today.
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.
