By The Gypsy Nurse

November 3, 2024

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A Midwesterner’s Guide to Travel Nursing in Cold Assignment Locations

The weather in the Midwest is very unpredictable. In the past winters, Indiana has experienced polar vortexes, and temperatures have been as low as -20 degrees, and that doesn’t even take into consideration the wind chill. We have put together some tips for travel nurses while on assignment in cold locations. Here is A Midwesterner’s Guide to Travel Nursing in Cold Locations.

cold locations

Staying Warm- Tips on Dressing for the Weather in Cold Locations

  1. Double up, maybe even triple up the socks.
  2. Get insulated, waterproof boots. No rubber boots because they will lock in the cold!
  3. Get a Longer coat, slightly bigger so you can add layers upon layers under it. If you’re worried about lugging it around all year, try finding a “packable” one that you can roll up in the spring. I highly suggest longer coats because it covers most of your body. Need some coat suggestions? Here are what some of are travel nurse network users wear.
  4. Invest in warm insulated gloves, not the $ 1-section cotton gloves.
  5. Scarves are necessary for keeping snow drifts out of your face
  6. Stock up on hand warmers and feet warmers.
  7. Hot coffee, Hot coffee, Hot Coffee.

Driving- Preparing your car for travel in cold locations

  1. First, heat up your car 10 minutes before you leave. This will give it enough time to defrost a bit. Otherwise, invest in a window scraper. Basically, every gas station in the Midwest sells them all year long. If you don’t have a scraper, beware of what you use to brush off a car. We do not recommend a shovel…
  2. Also, if you’re not parking in a garage and don’t fully wipe all the snow off your car, all that snow will land in your front seat. Not fun to sit on!
  3. NOAA recommends having the following in your Car Survival Kit;
cold locations
  • Jumper Cables- flares and reflective triangles are great as well
  • Flashlight- put new batteries in before winter and also have extras in the car as well
  • First Aid Kit- also, have essential medications in your purse as well
  • Food- make sure to stock non-perishable food items such as canned food and a can opener.  Dry cereal and protein bars are great options as well.
  • Water- NOAA suggests having a supply of 1 gallon per person for up to 3 days
  • Basic tool kit- Pliers, wrench, and a screwdriver
  • Radio- battery operated or hand crank
  • Cat litter or sand- for better tire traction
  • Snow shovel- to dig your car out if needed
  • Ice Scraper- even if you park in a garage, have one in your car
  • Clothes- make sure you are dressed for the weather.  Furthermore, keep a change of clothes in your car as well.
  • Warmers- pack extra for body, hands and feet
  • Blankets and/or sleeping blankets- if you get stranded due to traffic or on a lonely road, you will be glad to have them
  • Charged Cell Phone- be sure to have a spare charger in your car as well
  • Pet Supplies- if you have your pet with you, make sure you have food and water for them as well
  • Baby or Special Needs Gear- If you have a baby or family member with special needs, be sure you have diapers and formula or special foods.

Pets- how to keep your pets safe during the cold

  1. BRING OUTDOOR ANIMALS INDOORS-  they are not made for these extreme temperatures.
  2. Limit their time outdoors.
  3. Keep them dry and hydrated. Their coats will only protect them from this cold if they are dry, so make sure they stay dry.
  4. Layer them- Yes, even pets need clothes layered in this weather.  Add a coat or two to help keep them warmer.

As travel nurses from warmer climates, you may have never experienced winter like this.   There will be days that it is 50 degrees and the next 5 degrees.  Keeping up to date on the forecast will help you prepare.  Being prepared is the biggest key to winter in the Midwest.

We hope you found these tips for the cold helpful. Are there any other tips you think should be included? Please comment them below.

Safe travels!!

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By LeaderStat

November 7, 2023

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Embrace the Chill: The Benefits of Taking a Travel Nurse Assignment in Cold-Weather Locations

LeaderStat provided this article.

As the temperature drops and snowflakes start to fall, many people dream of escaping to warmer climates, leaving behind the icy grasp of winter. However, for adventurous nurses, there’s a unique and rewarding opportunity to lean into the chill by taking on winter travel nurse assignments in cold-weather locations across the United States. While it might seem counterintuitive, there are numerous benefits to this decision, from professional growth to personal enrichment. Explore the advantages of embracing the cold and some of the best cold-weather destinations for your next travel nurse assignment.

cold weather locations

Professional Growth

High Demand: Cold-weather locations often experience a surge in patients during the winter due to cold-related illnesses, accidents, and flu outbreaks. This increased demand for medical professionals makes it an ideal time for travel nurses to find assignments.

Skill Diversification: Working in cold-weather locations may expose you to cases and medical conditions that are less common in warmer climates. This diversification of your skillset can enhance your career and make you a more versatile healthcare professional.

Develop Resilience and Adaptability: Winter assignments can help you grow both personally and professionally. Working in colder climates, you’ll develop resilience and adaptability, honing your skills in handling adverse conditions. It’s a great way to challenge yourself and prove that you can thrive outside your comfort zone.

Build a Diverse Resume: Winter assignments can add diversity to your resume. Working in different healthcare settings, in various regions, and during different seasons can make you a more well-rounded and adaptable nurse. Employers often value candidates with a broader range of experiences.

Personal Enrichment

cold-weather locations

Winter Wonderland Activities: Cold-weather destinations offer a plethora of activities to enjoy during your time off. Think snowshoeing, ice skating, snowmobiling, and skiing. These experiences can be a welcome change of pace from your regular routine and create lifelong memories.

Natural Beauty: Winter landscapes can be breathtakingly beautiful, with snow-covered mountains, frozen lakes, and charming, snow-dusted villages. These sights offer opportunities for stunning photographs and a chance to reconnect with nature.

Festive Spirit: Cold-weather locations tend to go all out when it comes to holiday celebrations. You can immerse yourself in the festive spirit by attending local holiday markets, tree-lighting ceremonies, and parades.

Best Cold-Weather Destinations for Travel Nurses

Alaska: Known for its stunning natural beauty, Alaska offers outdoor activities like dog sledding, ice fishing, and watching the Northern Lights. Cities like Anchorage and Seward have thriving medical communities which ensure plenty of job opportunities.

Vermont: With its abundance of mountains and snow, Vermont provides ample opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and hiking. The state’s rich cultural scene and welcoming atmosphere make it an attractive option for travel nurses.

North Dakota: Here, you can explore the beauty of winter with cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Don’t forget to experience the charming holiday events. Cities like Fargo are bustling healthcare hubs with friendly communities.

cold-weather locations
cold weather locations

Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada: If you’re a fan of winter sports, Lake Tahoe is a paradise for skiing and snowboarding. With its stunning alpine scenery and numerous healthcare facilities, it’s an excellent destination for winter travel nursing.

Maine: Maine combines coastal charm with winter activities like ice skating and snowmobiling. The state’s excellent healthcare institutions offer a variety of job opportunities.

Duluth, Minnesota: This port city on Lake Superior is a winter wonderland with opportunities for ice climbing, snowshoeing, and winter festivals. It’s also home to numerous medical facilities.

Upstate New York: Known for its heavy snowfall, Upstate New York offers unique winter experiences, including snowshoeing in the nearby Adirondack Mountains and exploring its vibrant cities.

While the idea of spending the winter in a cold-weather location may not be everyone’s cup of tea, travel nurses have much to gain from embracing this experience. Not only will you witness unparalleled natural beauty and be able to participate in exciting winter activities, but you’ll also boost your professional growth and enhance your personal enrichment. So, next time you consider a travel nurse assignment, don’t be too quick to dismiss the chill of winter – it might just be the adventure you’ve been waiting for.

Find the perfect opportunity to travel this winter with LeaderStat. With these great destinations to choose from, where will you spend the winter?

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:

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

By Amber Pickler

October 9, 2022

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Cold-Weather Travel Assignment Location Tips

This article was sponsored by Furnished Finder.

As a travel nurse, you can take assignments around the country.  Which can sometimes mean going to a location where the weather conditions are new to you. The most significant adjustment seems to be going from warmer to colder states. Especially in winter. We have put together some tips to help you make it through your cold-weather assignment.

Long warm coat

Winters can be brutal. You have not only snow and ice but the wind. You will need a nice warm coat. Many people go for longer coats because they cover more. Down coats are great for cold-weather assignment locations as they provide more warmth than other fillers. Northface, Nautica, Columbia, and many other name brands offer great options. You could even purchase a skiing or snowboarding jacket as they are made to wear outdoors while doing either activity and will provide great warmth.

Warm Winter Hat or Earmuffs

Along with your warm winter coat, you may want to consider a nice warm hat. With the cold winds, your ears can and most likely will get cold. If you aren’t a fan of hats, you can consider some earmuffs.  They won’t cover your hair, but they will protect your ears from the harsh winter wind.

Snow boots

Snow boots are a must in cold-weather assignment locations. Insulated winter boots are best. Ugg boots are cute in theory, but your feet will not be protected when the slush gets them wet. There are many great options as far as brands.  LL Bean, Columbia, Sorel, and North Face are all great options. I would suggest getting boots that go higher than your ankle, the snow is most likely going to be higher than your ankle, and you don’t want the snow going into your boots, trust me!

Warm Gloves

Gloves are also a must. Your hands will be freezing by the time you get from the facility to your car; then, you may have to clean your car off. Make sure you get good warm gloves, not the one-dollar ones at Walmart or Target. I would suggest getting thick Wool gloves or insulated ones. They will keep the melted snow from getting to your hands longer.

Jumper Cables and Ice Scraper for your Car

Winter weather is brutal on your car’s battery, so you can find yourself stranded with a dead battery at any point. Having a pair of jumper cables in your car is a must in colder weather locations, especially in the winter. This way, you aren’t relying on others to have a pair.

An ice scraper in your car is also a must. You may go into your shift, and your car is completely free of snow or ice, and finish your shift with a car covered in either of both. Depending on the size of your car, a long handle may be beneficial to scrape the snow off the top of your vehicle as well. 

Emergency Kit for the car

Getting stranded in your car in the snow and/or ice can happen. It is important to have an emergency kit if the situation happens. While you may tweak the list to include things you may need like daily medication or if you travel with pets, extra food for them, here is a list of things to include for emergency situations.

  • A blanket or two
  • Granola bars, trail mix, beef jerky, or any non-perishable easy-to-eat foods
  • kitty litter, to put under your tires for traction
  • a small or foldable shovel
  • first aid kit
  • gallon of water
  • change of warm clothes

Great Cold Weather Assignment Locations

These are just a few great options for colder weather locations to think about.

New York:

New York is a busy and beautiful city to visit, especially around Christmas. They have so much going on and it just makes for a great travel nurse assignment location.

Alaska:

Alaska is beautiful, any time of the year, and will make for a cold assignment location year-round. It is dark from November 18th to January 24th as the sun does not rise during that time. Just something to be aware of.

Massachusetts:

If you plan your assignment right you can be in Massachusetts for Halloween and Thanksgiving. For Halloween, you can visit the historic Salem area and then spend time at Pilgrim Rock around Thanksgiving.

We hope you found these tips for cold-weather assignment locations helpful. Did we miss any tips you think others should know? Comment them below.

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

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!)