By Katlyn Eriksen

November 20, 2022

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Enjoying New York City’s Lesser Known Magic During A Winter Assignment

As one of the biggest cities anywhere on the planet, New York City has a chronic shortage of good-quality medical workers. Indeed, according to Spectrum News NY1, that’s been the case since the 80s, when nurse shortages were described as an ‘emerging public protection issue.’ As such, there are few better places for good work, both in terms of As such, there are few better places for good-paying work, both in terms of consistency and volume. New York City is, of course, a huge place with countless sights to see. However, underneath the bubbling surface of the metropolis are a number of exciting sights that can be experienced while still enjoying the necessary downtime that nursing requires.

Smells, sounds, and Socrates

Just over the East River from Manhattan in Queens, and within that, a lesser-known gem of a natural attraction. The Socrates Sculpture Park is listed by Time Out as one of the top fourteen lesser-known New York City attractions, and for good reason. An example of fantastic urban regeneration, the site actually sits atop a disused landfill. It offers amazing local artwork and sculptures, plus views over Manhattan that aren’t to be sniffed at.

There is also a huge range of plants and flowers to get acquainted with in what is something of a wild landscape. Don’t underestimate the power of nature and natural sensations in the relaxation process – individual floral scents and herbal compounds can delicately impact the mood. It’s why a bath at a luxury hotel is also one of the best ways to unwind after a tiring day working in the medical field. At Socrates Sculpture Park, those scents will be even easier to pick out of the crisp air in winter.

Out of the cold

New York City gets bitterly cold in winter. The snow is something to behold, but, at times, the freezing rain and wind can put a real damper on the trip. It’s important to get out of the cold, then, and to experience the city’s more cozy side.

According to City Signal, one of the best places to do that is The Back Room. An authentic speakeasy from the prohibition era, it has retained the charm and bohemian culture of the era. With a brick fireplace and old-fashioned vintage furniture and music, it’s a real way to experience the joy of New York City life with a serious sense of older era class.

Lapping up the history

New York City has an iconic theater scene that many flock to the city just to see. What about the other side of the curtain, though? It has been the dream of countless thespians to get a taste of what Broadway is all about – and, increasingly, that’s something becoming available to the average person.

According to a roundup of hidden gems in NYC, North Jersey online highlights the increasing number of fully behind-the-scenes tours popping up. They do, of course, cost money, but there are increasing studios and production companies that will give full access to their production areas and the real sense of what it takes to make a show. This gives you a chance to enjoy some of the histories of New York City that made it more than just a center of business, but an international cultural capital, too.

For a traveling nurse, New York City has a lot to offer. In the vastness of the city and its cultural landscape are embedded hidden gems that can give an incredible sense of time and place – marrying relaxation with intrigue.

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 Nurse First Travel Agency

September 17, 2022

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The Top 3 Picturesque and Highest Paying States for Travel Nurses

Nurse First Travel Agency provided this article.

Travel nursing is an exciting career path for those wanting to get out of their comfort zone. Not only does it provide flexibility, but it allows you to see the country while you’re at it. Travel nurses are often paid more than regular nurses and are given a stipend for lodging as well. Many companies even provide bonuses and allow nurses to choose their own schedules. The average time for a travel nurse assignment is 13 weeks, and before venturing out on that journey, it’s time to decide where to go. Some nurses already have a place or a list of places in mind. It all comes down to narrowing down the pros and cons of each place to find that ideal location. Other nurses choose travel nurse locations by finding where they can best apply their skill set to the maximum value, and this might fall into states all over the country. To find that sweet spot, look at the top 3 highest paying states for travel nurses!

The Top 3 Picturesque and Highest Paying States for Travel Nurses

1. California

California holds three major hospitals that are likely to be hiring. These include Kaiser Permanente, which owns 38 hospitals throughout the state; Dignity Health which operates 32 hospitals; and Sutter Medical Foundation, which runs 19 hospitals.

The Golden State is a top destination for nurses thanks to its booming economy and picturesque landscape. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurses in California make an annual wage of $106,905 and an hourly wage of $51.41. Pay rates tend to be higher in Northern California as the cost of living is one of the highest in the United States. However, the opportunities for nurses are endless in California, from big urban centers like Los Angeles and San Francisco to the rural areas in the north and south. Whatever your nursing needs, California has something to offer.

2. Hawaii

If you’re looking for an exciting and exotic location to work as a travel nurse, Hawaii should be at the top of your list! The mean annual wage for travel nurses in Hawaii is $98,080, and the hourly wage is $47.16. It is important to note that the cost of living in Hawaii is quite high, and one nurse suggested taking a housing stipend to save money. Luckily, with the size of Hawaii, it is likely better to go to less tourist-heavy locations such as the Big Island over Maui or Oahu instead of Kauai.

The hospitals in Hawaii are top-notch and offer a unique experience for nurses. Whether you’re looking to work in a tourist-heavy environment or a more rural area, Hawaii has something to offer everyone. With its diverse landscape, culture, and climate, Hawaii is the perfect place to travel nurse!

3. Oregon

Oregon has something for everyone. Whether it be the theater culture in Ashland, foodie-friendly portland, the natural beauty such as the Oregon Coast, or hiking Mt Hood, with its vast beauty and artistic cities, Oregon draws in a lot of travel nurses. The state holds a mean annual wage of $91,080 and an hourly wage of $43.79.

In order to be a travel nurse in Oregon, you must have an RN or LPN degree. If you’re coming from outside the state and don’t hold an Oregon nursing license, you may apply for one by examination or endorsement, depending on the stage of your career. It is possible to handle your license verification needs online, but as the nurse, you will still need verification from the original state of licensure. If you take the endorsement route, you will pay $195 plus $52 for fingerprint processing. Nurses who have been out of practice for a while may need to take a reentry course.

Ready For Your Next Adventure

If you’re ready to choose your next assignment, consider one of these states.

Hawaii is a great destination for those who want to step out of their comfort zone and explore new cultures. If you’re looking for a more relaxed vacation spot, consider spending some time in California. If you’re more of a nature person, Oregon has you covered with a heap of hikes and waterfalls.

No matter what your interests are, there is a great U.S. state waiting for you to explore. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next vacation 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.

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 HealthTrust Workforce Solutions

July 7, 2022

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4 Magnificent Nurse Travel Locations for Fall

This article is sponsored by Healthtrust Workforce Solutions.

Tennessee for the leaves. Virginia for the history. Florida for the weather. Texas for the culture.

Looking for an amazing fall experience? Set your destination for one of these four locations.

Tennessee for the Leaves

              Starting in early October, the lustrous green leaves of the Great Smoky Mountains transform into a spectacular view of yellow, orange, and red. The Great Smoky Mountains are in east Tennessee but the foliage throughout the entire state bursts with fall colors. You can experience the beautiful fall colors even from the big cities of Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga.

              Come to Tennessee in September and be there for the Nashville Pumpkin Festival. This festival is packed full of fall activities such as corn mazes, apple cider, pumpkins, and more. Pumpkin festivals like this are scattered throughout Tennessee during this time of year.

              If your favorite time of year involves comfy sweatshirts and jeans, pumpkin spice, or apple cider, then you will want to put Tennessee on your destination list for this fall.

Other fall activities in Tennessee:

  • Music: Tennessee is home to several genres of music: blues, bluegrass, rock ‘n’ roll, rockabilly, country, gospel, and soul. Listen to the next great music at any of the music cafes scattered throughout the state, like Listening Room Café in Pigeon Forge, The Bluebird Café in Nashville, Rum Boogie Café in Memphis, or Open Chord Stage in Knoxville.
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Virginia for the History

              Virginia is a state filled with history dating back to the 1600s. The soil witnessed battles not only in the American Revolution but in the Civil War as well. Along with the incredible history, there are haunting ghost stories. According to the National Register of Haunted Locations, Virginia has almost 170 sites with paranormal activity. From the mountains of Virginia down to Virginia Beach, there are ghost sightings to discover.

One such tale is in Alexandria, Virginia, at the Gadsby’s Tavern Museum. It is said two young travelers, husband and wife, stopped at this tavern in 1816 to rest for the night. While staying there, the woman’s health deteriorated and she died. Her last departing wish was that no one should reveal her true identity. To this day no one knows who she was, and her grave site is marked “Female Stranger.”  Room 8, the room they stayed in is supposedly haunted by this young spirit.  

If fall screams spooky tales and haunting sites for you, Virginia is the perfect place to go.

Other fall activities in Virginia:

  • Leaves: Virginia also has an impressive display of fall foliage in late October and early November. Mabry Mill is a historical town, known for its beautiful fall leaves, located off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Floyd County, Virginia. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic drive that takes you through the Virginia Mountains. During the fall, this parkway will be blanketed in reds, yellows, and oranges.

Florida for the Weather

              It is well known that Florida is the Sunshine State with warm sunny weather all year long. The great part about traveling to Florida in the fall is capturing the sunny skies without the 100-degree heat. The average temperature for Florida in the fall is 70 to 91 degrees.

Looking for milder weather? Travel to these northern beach locations: Panama Beach, Daytona Beach, or Jacksonville, FL. At Cocoa Beach on the east coast and Clearwater on the west coast, Central Florida heats up a little more. Further south, Miami down to the Florida Keys have the hottest locations.

              If you are a beach bum that loves to spend days off next to the ocean with a cocktail in your hand, then Florida is the place to be.

Other fall activities in Florida:

  • Camping: As the weather starts to cool down, Florida has some amazing camping sites to explore. St. Augustine, a historical town south of Jacksonville, has several beachside campsites that provide a fun night of camping under the stars with a great beach experience during the day. There are also several other activities such as canoeing, hiking, and biking to experience.

Texas for the Culture

               In the fall, Texas is filled with festivals celebrating the great Texas culture. Starting Labor Day weekend, West, Texas celebrates Westfest which pays tribute to the area’s Czech heritage. In late September, head to Plano, Texas for their Balloon Festival. In early October, Fredericksburg, Texas raises a beer to salute the German heritage with Oktoberfest. Cuero, Texas (between San Antonio and Houston) celebrates Turkeyfest, which is a festival dedicated to their favorite bird, the turkey. Then conclude your fall with the Dia De Los Muertos festival in Port Isabel, Texas. This Day of the Dead celebration will meet all your Halloween needs with skeletons, a costume contest, and more.

Other fall activities in Texas:

  • Leaves, sun, and more: Due to the vastness of the Texas landscape, you can experience the fall foliage in the north, the sunny beaches on the Gulf Coast, and everything in between.

No matter what your favorite fall activities are, one of these four states has what you are looking for.

We hope you found this article on hot travel locations for fall helpful. Discover more about HWS Specialty Travel Program here.

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

About the author: Leslie Catalano

Leslie earned her nursing degree from Illinois State University in 2005. She was raised in the Midwest, and after 10 years of traveling, she is now back in her hometown of Springfield, IL. She is married to a wonderful guy and is the mother of 3 boys. She is an avid reader, loves the outdoors, and uses writing to distress and regain her spirit. Leslie had more articles on self-care for nurses on her website ThePositiveNurse.com

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 Favorite Healthcare Staffing

February 19, 2020

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Top 20 Travel Nursing Destinations for 2020

This article provided by: Favorite Healthcare Staffing

2020 is finally here! With the new decade comes brand new Travel Nursing jobs. If you’re looking for a new adventure this year, Favorite Healthcare Staffing has chosen our Top 20 Travel Nursing Destinations for 2020. See what cities and their surrounding areas made our list and start exploring the country today!

1. Atlanta, GA

Atlanta


Located in the heart of the South, Atlanta has quickly become a popular city destination. From its thriving restaurant scene to the bustling nightlife, tourists flock to this cultural hub. Popular attractions include the World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium and the College Football Hall of Fame.

2. Baltimore, MD

travel nursing destinations


History buffs and foodies alike will love this East Coast city. Take a stroll along the Inner Harbor and try freshly caught blue crabs, a local favorite. Sports fans can catch the Orioles play at Camden Yards and book lovers can stop by the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum. Baltimore has something to offer for every traveler!

3. Boston, MA

travel nursing destinations


A bustling city with many of the nation’s top hospitals, why wouldn’t you want to travel to Boston? This Northeastern city has history and charm on every corner. Step back in time and stroll the cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill or visit the financial district for some fantastic seafood.

4. Chicago, IL

Chicago


Shopping districts, nightlife and an Instagram-worthy food scene are just a few things the Windy City has to offer. Don’t forget to stop by quintessential tourist attractions like the Navy Pier, “The Bean” and Wrigley Field. Chicago deep dish pizza anyone?

5. Denver, CO

Denver CO


Denver is the perfect location for those wanting to experience the hustle and bustle of city life and for those who want to escape in nature. Hiking, skiing and exploring the city – Denver has it all!

6. Hays, KS

Hays KS


Located in Western Kansas, Hays offers a unique look at history. Visit museums and learn about the Wild West, Fort Hays or the German heritage of the town. For foodies, be sure to visit Downtown Hays and try the local coffee shops, craft beer and cuisine.

7. Harrisburg, PA

Harrisburg


Fascinated with American history? Check out the interactive exhibits and historical re-enactments at the National Civil War Museum, or learn more about the city’s cultural and industrial heritage at the State Museum of Pennsylvania.

8. Houston, TX

Houston


This sprawling city is home to some of the greatest shopping areas including the Galleria. Houston is also home to an up and coming art scene, delicious Tex-Mex cuisine and grassy parks. Don’t overlook this Texas city.

9. Kansas City, MO

Kansas City


Located in the heart of the country, Kansas City is quickly becoming a must-see travel nursing destination. The city is perfect for sports lovers and is home to a variety of professional sports teams including football, baseball and soccer. Let’s not forget about the barbecue – lots and lots of barbecue.

10. Lebanon, NH

travel nursing destinations


Make sure to bring your appetite as this small town offers an eclectic food scene ranging from Thai to French cuisine. Check out the Lebanon Opera House or spend time in the great outdoors because this quaint town experiences all four seasons – a nature lover’s paradise!

11. New York, NY

Top 20 Travel Nursing Destinations for 2020


The Big Apple has something for everyone – art, history, nightlife, eclectic food scenes, shopping…the list goes on. It’s true that you’ll never be bored in New York City. Snag tickets at a Broadway show, spend time at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or stroll through Central Park. Just be sure to add this energetic city to your list!

12. Oklahoma City, OK

Oklahoma City


As the largest city in the state, Oklahoma has a lot to offer. Learn about its western heritage in one of the many museums or snag a pair of new cowboy boots and you’ll fit right in. Don’t forget to add this eclectic, laid back city to your list!

13. Portland, OR

travel nursing destinations


Portland is easily a must-see destination of the Pacific Northwest. The City of Roses boasts a top-notch craft beer scene with over 100 breweries located in the metro area and has diverse and affordable street food lining its pedestrian-friendly streets. Adventurers will also be satisfied and can find miles of trails for hiking and biking.

14. Providence, RI

travel nursing destination


Providence, RI is a true college town home to schools like Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design. This vibrant city’s thriving restaurant and art scene is a huge draw for visitors. Be sure to visit popular attractions like the RISD Museum or admire the architecture of historic Colonial houses along Benefit Street.

15. Seattle, WA

travel nursing destination


Nestled in the stunning Pacific Northwest, Seattle is the perfect travel nursing destination for those who love the great outdoors. Don’t let the rain scare you off, Seattle has some of the most lush and breathtaking landscapes, thanks to the average annual rainfall of 35 inches.

16. St. Louis, MO

travel nursing destination


As the birthplace of iced tea and ice cream cones, there’s plenty to eat and see in St. Louis. The city is filled with free attractions so you can find things to do without putting a major dent in your wallet. Make sure to check out the City Museum, Busch Stadium and the Gateway Arch.

17. St. Paul, MN

travel nursing destinations

Is St. Paul the hidden gem of the Twin Cities? We think so. Foodies go crazy for the city’s eclectic food and craft beer scene. Don’t forget about the spectacular views of the Mississippi River!

18. Trenton, NJ

travel nursing destination

As the capital of New Jersey, Trenton has a long list of things to do and the Trenton Farmers Market is a great place to start. Visit the market five days a week and find fresh food and produce. On a nice day visit the Grounds for Sculpture, a museum full of incredible well-known sculptures.

19. Tucson, AZ

travel nursing destination


Escape cold weather and visit this sunny Arizona city. You’ll find influences of the Hispanic heritage on every corner. Sample the Mexican cuisine and stroll through neighborhoods to see the colorful adobe buildings and charming shops. Explore Saguaro National Park for a true taste of the Arizona desert.

20. Waterford, CT

travel nursing destinations


A shoreline town full of parks and outdoor space makes for a great travel nursing destination. Stroll through the lush landscapes of Harkness Memorial State Park or make a trip to Waterford Beach to take in the breathtaking sights and sounds of the open Atlantic.

Interested in Travel Nursing contracts in any of the locations above? Or is there somewhere else on your list? Call 800-755-1411 and a Favorite Recruiter will help you find your next adventure!

We hope that this travel nursing destination list will help you pick your next assignment! Do you have a favorite assignment? Comment it below.

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

Check out our travel nurse jobs!