April 8, 2019

7503 Views

Spectacular Spring Locations for Travel Nurses

Posted on April 8, 2019May 20, 2021 by Medical Solutions

This article provided by: Medical Solutions

Spring is finally here! That means it’s time to shake off winter, embrace the sunny weather, and check out these fresh Travel Nurse Spring job opportunities. For your reading pleasure, we’ve put together the following 7 Spectacular Travel Nurse Spring Locations.

Georgia

Georgia’s on our mind year-round, but especially in the spring! With blooming flowers everywhere and delightful daily temperatures, it’s easy to imagine the Peach State invented spring. The season here is full of festivals, like the annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival and the famous International Cherry Festival. Even better, spring is prime berry-picking time in Georgia. Across the state, there are several farms where you can pick your own bushel of fresh strawberries or blueberries. As for job opportunities, Georgia is home to more than 175 hospitals, so Travel Nurses are sure to find an assignment they love! Georgia is a compact and a NURSYS state. Check out our Georgia State Spotlight to learn more about The Peach State.

California

California really is the state that has it all. With its amazing beaches, impressive mountains, and famous cities, it’s no secret that Cali is a favorite assignment location among Travel Nurses. Plus, thanks to strict staffing laws here, the Golden State also has plenty of Travel Nurse job opportunities. From surfing, hiking, and skiing, to sightseeing, shopping, and wine-tasting, there’s so much to see and do here that your only problem will be deciding what to do first! Check out our California State Spotlight to learn more about The Golden State.

New York

Who doesn’t love New York in the spring? In particular, New York City just blossoms this time of year with flower festivals, film festivals, and even Shakespeare festivals. However, if outdoor festivals aren’t your thing, New York offers a wide range of famously diverse experiences. Plus, the Empire State is a great place to gain tons of clinical experience in your Travel Nursing career! New York is not a walk-through state, nor is it a compact state, but it is a NURSYS state! Learn more about this great state in our New York State Spotlight.

Arizona

If you’re ever going to travel to Arizona, spring is the time to do it! Why? Well, it’s Spring Training for starters, which means you can follow your favorite baseball team as they gear up for the season. Not a huge sports fan? No problem! Arizona also offers serene desert views (hello, Grand Canyon), hiking trails, and glamping experiences galore in the spring. It’s also the perfect time to relax by the poolside and enjoy the amazing local food here! Even better, Travel Nurse jobs are plentiful in Arizona due to a high elderly population. Just an FYI — Arizona is a walk-through state, a NURSYS state, and a compact state under the new Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact! Learn more about The Grand Canyon State with our Arizona State Spotlight. All of this making Arizona one of the top spring locations.

Massachusetts

The Bay State is also an awesome spring location. That’s because spring is the perfect time of year to go whale-watching and Massachusetts is one of the top 10 whale-watching spots in the world. For rock-climbing and trail-hiking enthusiasts, there are also plenty of beautiful state parks to explore here. The city of Boston is also full of historical tours and world-class dining experiences. Learn more about The Bay State in our Massachusetts State Spotlight.

Virginia

Spectacular Spring Locations for Travel Nurses

Virginia may be for lovers, but it’s also the state for Travel Nurses! As America’s birthplace, Virginia is full of fun, historic sites like Mount Vernon, the Jamestown Settlement, and the colonial village of Williamsburg. Other must-see spring attractions include theme parks like Busch Gardens and Kings Dominion near Richmond. Nature lovers can also embrace the spring season here by visiting several of Virginia’s state parks, which have been consistently voted “America’s Best.” Virginia is a compact state and a NURSYS state. It is not a walk-through state. Check out our Virginia State Spotlight to learn more about this great state.

Missouri

This spring location guide wouldn’t be complete without the Show-Me State. Missouri is a sight to behold in the spring and there’s always something going on here. Popular spring attractions include the Lake of the Ozarks, the Hermann Wine Trails, Missouri Botanical Gardens, and Dogwood Canyon Nature Park. Plus, there’s always something to see and do in Kansas City, Missouri or St. Louis! As for licensing, Missouri is a walk-through state, a compact state, and a NURSYS state! Learn more about The Show-Me State in our Missouri State Spotlight.

We hope you found these great spring locations for travel nurse assignments helpful. Did we miss any locations you think should be included? Comment them below.

Are you searching for a GREAT Paying Travel Nurse Position?

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By The Gypsy Nurse

March 2, 2019

5443 Views

Laissez les Bon Temps Roulez: Part I

Posted on March 2, 2019November 10, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

Laissez les Bon Temps Roulez “Let the Good Times Roll”

For the travel nurse in New Orleans, finding the ‘local’ haunts can make an otherwise good spot…an amazing experience.

New Orleans is one of my favorite places in the US. I’ve traveled there multiple times as a tourist and worked a travel nurse contract there. I’ve discovered a few favorites that I tend to go back to time and time again. When anyone mentions that they are going to be visiting my favorite city; I’m quick to offer a few tidbits of info.

There is more to New Orleans than Bourbon Street. To get the most out of NOLA, I recommend that you explore not only Bourbon Street but the surrounding area and even the outskirts of the city.

Magazine Street

One of my favorite neighborhoods is Magazine Street. Magazine Street runs parallel to the river and depending on where you’re staying I would recommend simply taking a cab. It’s a bit far to walk from Bourbon Street. There are numerous shops, restaurants, cafés and coffee shops to keep you busy for an afternoon or two. In addition, the nightlife is laid back and mellow with multiple ‘locals’ bars to keep you entertained. Check out The Bulldog if you’re traveling with Fido. Dogs are allowed and encouraged on the outdoor patio. It’s a great place to go for a great variety of brews; there are generally about 50 different beers on tap.

Baru Bistro is a great little restaurant with a cozy, upscale atmosphere. Baru has a tapas’ menu and I would encourage you to bring some friends so you can try multiple menu items. They have a constantly changing menu so you’re always guaranteed to find something new if you’re a frequent flyer. I recommend the fish taco’s if they happen to be on the menu during your visit.

If you haven’t tried it yet, Community Coffee is a sure choice for a good cup of coffee. The chicory coffee is a local specialty. I especially like the fact that they support our troops by frequently offering a Military Match program. You can buy one for you and send one free to a soldier. The location on Magazine Street has a quaint courtyard with free Wi-Fi. During my time working with the wounded soldiers at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center I used this program and the soldiers on the floor were always thankful to have a great cup of coffee.

A One-Day Tour of The Garden District

The Food Choices

To get there, hop on the St Charles Streetcar line getting off at Jackson. Start in the morning so you can stop by St Charles Tavern for the BEST Bloody Mary that I’ve ever tasted (I like mine spicy but be careful with this; taste first). They also serve a decent breakfast buffet (or at least it was good after a horrendous 12 hour shift) paired with the world’s BEST Bloody Mary.

If you need laundry done, why not stop into Igor’s Lounge where you can do your laundry while enjoying a game of pool and some pub grub? It’s just down the road from St Charles Tavern.

There are multiple places to eat but I recommend you stop by Mike Serio’s Po Boys and Deli before you go and pick up a poor boy to take along with you for lunch. My favorite is the shrimp. Mike, the owner is a huge Tulane University fan and the place is decorated with all sorts of memorabilia. Serio’s is also a great place to visit before or after a game (if you’re a Tulane fan).

St Charles Ave

Take your time and walk down St Charles Ave (after your Bloody Mary). The homes along here are beautiful. There is a printable walking tour that I recommend printing for a great route and additional information on the homes. The above walking tour will also lead you right to Lafayette Cemetery #2. The walk is mostly shaded and pretty comfortable most of the time. Make sure that you watch your step as your gazing at the homes; the sidewalks could use a little tender loving care.

After your walking tour, hop back on the street-car and head down the road to Tulane University Campus. Right across from the campus is Audubon Park and Zoo where you can stop and enjoy that poor boy that you picked up earlier.

After you have savored every last bite of your poor boy, relax and enjoy some time people watching, reading or bring a Frisbee along for some mid-afternoon exercise. If your feet haven’t given in on you yet, take a walk around Tulane University campus. It’s full of Southern charm.

When you have had enough walking and exploring; hop back on the St Charles Streetcar and head back toward Bourbon Street. There are multiple high-end restaurants you can choose from on St Charles Ave if you’re in the mood for something a bit more extravagant. One of Emeril’s restaurants is here, the Delmonico. If you’re lucky; maybe you’ll catch him in house.

Miscellaneous Tips

Check out Tipitina’s for some local music. I was once seated at the bar just a few stools down from Fat’s Domino
Preservation Jazz on Bourbon is a NOLA classic.
Oyster House will fill you up on some of the freshest oysters ever (if you’re into that…I’m not).
Try the crawfish!! Pinch the tail and suck the head.
Wander down Bourbon after dark. It really is safe as long as you’re not being cocky or a jerk to people.

If you haven’t had enough of New Orleans yet, head over and read PART II.

Have you been to New Orleans? Worked there? Do you have a ‘hidden gem’ that you would like to share? What do you love or hate about the city? Share your thoughts below in the comments. I’m looking forward to your recommendations for my next trip there.

Looking for a Travel Nurse Contract in New Orleans?
New Orleans Travel Nurse Jobs

By The Gypsy Nurse

January 5, 2019

18577 Views

20 Pet-Friendly Cities for Gypsy Dogs

Posted on January 5, 2019December 20, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

The top 20 pet-friendly cities

Travel nurses often find great companionship in the four-legged members of their family. Dogs can be great friends and help nurses deal with job stress, change and occasional loneliness. Since travel nurses often get to choose the destination of their next assignment, here are some things to consider if you have a dog in tow.

In WalletHub’s 2016 study, it compared the 100 most populated cities across three key dimensions: 1) Pet Budget, 2) Pet Health & Wellness and 3) Outdoor Pet Friendliness. Several metrics were evaluated, ranked, and weighted.

Results concluded that these cities have the most pet-friendly restaurants per capita: New Orleans, LA; San Francisco, CA; Austin, TX; Atlanta, GA and Orlando, FL. And, living in these cities could yield lower veterinary costs: Stockton, CA; Columbus, OH; Corpus Christi, TX; Milwaukee, WI; and Omaha, NE.

And the winners are…the research revealed these top 20 cities for overall pet-friendliness:

pet friendly cities — Photo provided by Liz Greenwalt

Based on these stats, here are some areas you may want to avoid:

Fewest dog parks per capita: Newark, NJ; Santa Ana, CA; Corpus Christi, TX
Fewest pet-friendly restaurants per Capita: Newark, NJ; Detroit; MI; Boston, MA
Highest veterinary-care costs: New York, NY; Washington, DC; Newark, NJ; Philadelphia, PA

Wherever you end up, remember that dogs require commitment. Be sure you have the time and money to provide ongoing quality care. What’s more, housing restrictions vary everywhere so be sure your lease or rental agreement allows pets.

Take-Away

What are the best pet friendly cities for travel nurses to bring along their furry friend?

The TOP 5 pet-friendly cities are: Orlando, FLBirmingham, ALTampa, FLLexington-Fayette, KYScottsdale, AZ

What are the worst pet friendly cities for travel nurses?

Newark, NJ Santa Ana, CA Corpus Christi, TXDetroit; MIBoston, MANew York, NYWashington, DCPhiladelphia, PA

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

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

By The Gypsy Nurse

December 31, 2018

9265 Views

Day Tripping in San Diego

Posted on December 31, 2018November 28, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

Get out and enjoy your San Diego travel nurse assignment!

If you are a San Diego travel nurse, you’re in for a treat!

San Diego is California’s second largest city and offers more than 70 miles of white sand and sparkling blue waters.

San Diego boasts beautiful weather year round with an average daily temperature of 70.5° F. With over 4,200 square miles to explore, you’re sure to find something that strikes your fancy. Downtown you will find public transportation is readily available and you can choose from bus, trolley and train.

Day Tripping for the San Diego Travel Nurse

Here are just a few suggestions you might enjoy as a travel nurse working in the San Diego area.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Seaport Village
Balboa Park
Kendall Frost Marsh and Northern Wildlife Preserve
Beaches

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Just 30 miles north of downtown the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a 1,800-acre reserve that is 365 days a year. With miles of trails and paths that meander through natural habitats, you’re sure to catch beautiful animals at rest and play.

Use the Park’s online feature to plan your itinerary with the specific animals you don’t want to miss. Check out behind the scene safaris and daily showcases for an up close and personal experience.

Seaport Village

This unique experience offers more than 50 shops, 17 eateries and outdoor entertainment. Browse through shops for clothing, souvenirs, art, and toys—get gifts for others and yourself. In addition, this is a great place to invite other San Diego travel nurse’s to join you for a day or evening out.

Enjoy the lagoon, a 1895 Loof Carousel with over 30 hand carved animals, marina and many sights to stimulate your senses. The Seaport Village offers a resident caricature artist, face painter, balloon artist, free concerts, and a breathtaking view of the Coronado Bridge.

Balboa Park

Visit the 1,200 beautifully landscaped and planted acres ranked as one of the Best Parks in the World. It features 16 unique gardens including the Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden that features more than 2,400 rose bushes.

The Botanical Building offers a Koi and Lily Pond outside and over 2,100 plants including collections of cycads, ferns, orchids and palms inside. Balboa Park also houses 15 museums and theaters.

As a travel nurse, sometimes you just need to get away from the craziness of the city and get back to nature. This is a great place for the travel nurse to unwind. www.balboapark.org

Kendall Frost Marsh and Northern Wildlife Preserve

Bird watching is a popular attraction in the San Diego area. Birders can take in four distinct bird habitats all in a single day. In fact, more than 480 species of birds have been observed in San Diego County, more than any other county in the United States. Kendall Frost Marsh and Northern Wildlife Preserve features about 20 acres of salt marsh and open waters is home to two endangered species of birds.

Sightings from the observation platform include the Light-Footed Clapper Rail and Belding’s Savannah Sparrow, as well as swallows, grebe, pelicans, and herons.

Beaches

With 70 miles of beaches to choose from, some of the most notable waterfront attractions are Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, Sunset Cliffs, Ocean Beach, and La Jolla. The vibe at the beaches varies and it can change seasonally as well. Factors such as tourism fluctuation and school schedules can influence crowds.

Be sure to research before you go and investigate the aspects most important to you. Some of the variables include lifeguard staffing, open fire rules, dogs and off leash dog regulations, adjacent parking, retail options, eateries within walking distance, family friendly features, and surfing activity.

San Diego travel nurse’s have described the beaches here as some of their favorites! You’re bound to find one that’s perfect for you.

Are you looking for your San Diego travel nurse contract?

Check out these travel nurse jobs in San Diego

By Health Providers Choice

December 18, 2018

8878 Views

Keep Cost of Living in Mind as You Travel to New Locations

Posted on December 18, 2018May 20, 2021 by Health Providers Choice

This article was provided by Health Providers Choice

How does the cost of living affect travel nurses?

How you spend your money depends on where you live. A dozen eggs in Denver might be more expensive than the same dozen eggs in Dover. For travel nurses, the cost of living changes is an important factor to consider when taking on new assignments in different parts of the country.

What is the “cost of living”?

It refers to the amount of money it takes to maintain a standard of living and cover basic needs, including food, housing, health care, and taxes in a particular location. Supply and demand of products, the minimum or average wage, and tax laws in different states affect these costs.

The cost of living will change further based on where you live within a particular state. A more crowded, popular city such as Los Angeles will likely cost more to live in than a rural town in northern California.

The amount of money you make will be directly tied to your cost of living. While a salary might be considered great in a place where it is low, it might not be enough to make ends meet in another location.

You can easily see how the cost of living affects travel nurses’ decisions regarding financially beneficial locations.

The relationship between the cost of living and your stipend

One of the main components of the cost of living in the rent in a given area. As a travel nurse, you will be given options for housing that can help alleviate the different costs of living you may encounter.

If you meet the stipend requirements, your pay package will include a tax-free housing stipend intended to cover housing costs while you are working. Your stipend will be based on the General Services Admission (GSA) per diem rates — the maximum travel expense reimbursement allowance for federal employees — for that area. Places with a higher cost of living generally have higher per diem rates.

Since the stipend rates are based on the GSA rates, which are based on location, your stipend will help cover the cost of living for that area. Alternatively, travel nurses can opt for provided housing from the agency, selected and paid for by the traveler.

Be prepared — It might take you by surprise.

The cost of living in your temporary location may shock you positively or negatively. The cost of groceries, restaurants, entertainment, gas, and even basic items such as toothpaste can vary greatly. To prepare yourself before a new assignment, use an online calculator that can provide the cost of living estimates between your current and new location. Knowing in advance how the cost of living affects travel nurses can help you make an informed decision. To return to our earlier example regarding eggs in Dover, Delaware, and Denver, Colorado. The average cost of a dozen eggs in Denver is 12 cents higher. But the cost of eggs isn’t as big of a difference as rent. The average rent in Denver is over $400 more expensive per month!

Shocking? You’re in for an even bigger surprise if you’re heading to the Big Apple from a smaller town. The average monthly rent in the Manhattan area costs $3,984.33, compared to just $696.33 in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. You can expect to pay at least $1 or $2 more for most grocery items in New York, as well.

Staying prepared is an essential part of being a travel nurse. Fortunately, with the right staffing agency behind you, you’ll be able to navigate the changes more easily.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse contract? Check out these jobs from Health Providers Choice.

By The Gypsy Nurse

November 29, 2018

17412 Views

Travel Nursing: Experiences of Nurses Around the World

Posted on November 29, 2018May 20, 2021 by The Gypsy Nurse

Travel nursing is a career that offers both flexibility and adventure. The job requires nurses to experience working around the world, and after a few weeks or months, they move to another place. The main reason this concept was initiated was due to the lack of ample nurses in different regions.

It looks exciting, for sure. However, there are both advantages and disadvantages to choosing this career.

The advantages:

Travel Nursing: Experiences of Nurses Around the World

High income: Travel nurses are among the highest paid healthcare personnel. They also receive tax-free stipends, healthcare and retirement benefits, bonuses and generous reimbursements.
Career growth: Through encountering different facilities, travel nurses learn to be more flexible.
Adventure: Since travel nursing involves a lot of travelling, you will find yourself in new and unusual places with each posting.
Exposure to new cultures: The world is a hub for different cultures. A career in travel nursing exposes you to some of these cultures.
Freedom and flexibility: As a travel nurse you get to choose where you want to work and when. Therefore, you choose the time you spend with friends and family.

The disadvantages:

Temporary employment: In most cases, travel nursing employment is contract-based. You end up jobless when a deal comes to an end.
No paid time off Most companies doesn’t offer time off to travel nurses.
Low or no insurance benefits: They get low insurance benefits because they are based on taxable wages, which are also low.
Difficult to maintain personal relationships: Time spent traveling often means long-distance relationships.

I moved to New Zealand in 2001 because I wanted to visit a new place and explore a different culture. I started working at Wellington Hospital in the intensive care department.

Later I got married to Andrew, and we now have two beautiful children, Conor and Aidan. In 2017 I received a PhD in nursing, and I’m a full-time academic at Victoria University of Wellington researching on nursing values. At the moment here in New Zealand, nurses are complaining about the low pay, lousy working conditions and low staffing.

Sharon Steeves

I work at DeSalaberry District Health Center in southern Manitoba, Canada. I love my nursing career because this is what I have always wanted to do, since I was four years old.

The theme of International Nurses Day for this year motivated me to join a group of other protesters to agitate about the ongoing cuts to our health services. I like how as nurses we come together to ask for justice and human rights.

Laura Byrne

I’m currently working as a volunteer in a community clinic in Cape Town, South Africa. The clinic mostly deals with refugees from DRC, Zimbabwe and Central African Republic.

The nursing experience for me has been very challenging here because it is different from what I’m used to in Ireland. The patients here are vulnerable, and diseases like HIV, malnutrition and TB are prevalent compared to Ireland.

The Irish nursing degree has helped me work in different environments. For instance, I had the opportunity to work in Australia as an agency nurse for a year. I have also worked for Princess Cruises for a year, and I loved it there.

Michelle Roche

I left Ireland five years ago, and since then I have been working in Victoria, Australia. Emigrating is the best decision I have ever made; working full time in Ireland I was never able to pay my bills.

Here in Australia, I have a good life; I am well compensated for the hard work. I am now a unit manager and there are numerous opportunities available to me.

Kerr Janer

I am a paediatric nurse from Limerick, Dublin where I used to work earlier in a children’s hospital. Currently, I work at King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Riyadh City. Emigrating has grown my career and also led to personal development. I now work in a big specialist hospital with people from different cultures. There is better pay here with free accommodation and 54 days paid annual leave.

Without a doubt, travel nursing is one of the best things that happened to the nursing community. From the experiences shared above by several nurses, it’s clear that emigrating has been very beneficial. Most of them now work with flexible schedules and receive high incomes. By working in different environments, they have gained personal and professional growth.

Though it comes with some disadvantages like being away from family and difficulties in adapting to a new environment, it is still one of the best careers. It is important that nurses are opting to move away from low-paid jobs and lousy working conditions. Nurses do great work so they should be respected and paid well. There are various organisations around the world that have come up to help nurses fight for their rights and also help them get better job deals around the world.

Sandy Getzky is the executive coordinating editor at The Global Nail Fungus Organization, a group committed to helping the 100+ million people suffering from finger and toenail fungus. Sandy is also a registered Herbalist and member of the American Herbalist’s Guild.

Email:

sandygetzky@gmail.com
sandy@nationalnailfungus.org
sandy@provemymeds.com (with Gravatar account)

By Bianca Festa

October 1, 2018

9298 Views

What To Do While On Assignment In The Sunshine State

Posted on October 1, 2018May 20, 2021 by Bianca Festa

Being a travel nurse, you’re always on the move. It can be exciting and refreshing to pick up your stuff and stay in a place that maybe you’ve always wanted to go to or go somewhere that you didn’t really expect to go to, but you thought, “Hey, why not?”. While you’re living in your new home, you’re going to learn a lot about the new place you’re staying at and doing a job that’s making a difference in people’s lives!

For some Travel RN’s, the thought of what to do or see when you’re in a new location may cross their mind. If you’re a Travel Nurse who’s on assignment in Florida, the sunshine state, here are some fun things to do and places that are worth a visit:

Duval Street, Key West

Duval Street is located in downtown Key West Florida and by day, it’s a fun place to shop with something for everyone and offers boat tours. Also, only a few minutes away, is the Southernmost Point Buoy where people come to take a few pictures (and some selfies) at the Southernmost Point of the continental U.S. As the evening approaches, Duval street comes to life, and the variety of restaurants and famous bars are full of people who come to eat delicious meals, listen to live music and enjoy themselves.

Walt Disney World, Orlando

For those RN’s who want to let their inner kid out, welcome to the magical world of Disney, aka the happiest place on Earth. It’s composed of four different parks, so there is something for everyone. Magic Kingdom is the heart of Disney and has almost all the characters shown in Disney movies and has multiple rides. Epcot is where you’re able to experience a bit of the world in a day. 11 different nations are featured in this park so that visitors can learn and experience the culture of each place. Animal Kingdom features nature, animals, and pre-historic life with attractions and simulations. Hollywood Studios is that last park, and when you walk in, it feels as if you are on the set of different movies depending on where you are. In addition, every night, each park has its own firework show! A great option for a sunshine state city to take an assignment.

Wynwood, Miami

Wynwood is one of those places that someone has to visit while being in Miami. It’s known as the art or fashion district, so art covers most of the walls and is also scattered on the sidewalks. Street artists worldwide come down and create their masterpiece, which is influenced by all different types of cultures. There are art galleries, bars, unique restaurants, and one-of-a-kind boutiques seated in the area.

City Place, West Palm Beach

City Place is a hangout area where individuals and families eat at various restaurants and shops. For those who don’t want to have a whole dining experience, City Place has some places where you can grab a snack and relax. Also, there’s a large movie theater located in City Place. If you’re not really in the mood for a movie, there’s a not-for-profit art center that’s walking distance from City Place. There is a schedule on the Kravis Center website that shows what will be going on, on certain days. Some of the showings include ballets, concerts, plays, and orchestras.

Flea Masters Fleamarket, Fort Myers

For those who want to spend some time finding unique treasures, the Flea Masters Fleamarket is open Friday to Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM. It’s an indoor and outdoor market where you’re able to buy almost anything, eat, and drink. Also, on certain days there’s some live music.

Riverside Arts Market, Jacksonville

The Riverside Arts Market is open every Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PM with a selection of fresh produce and one-of-a-kind pieces. Each purchase allows you to support local small businesses and individuals! In certain months you’re able to participate in morning yoga or take a bike ride.

Busch Gardens, Tampa

For the adventurous ones out there, Busch Gardens is a must. Visitors can see different animals, go on a safari tour and ride some thrilling roller coasters. There are different dining options and shows available for those who still want to experience an amusement park without the adrenaline-filled rides. It’s a place for all ages to enjoy!

These are a few things that you should check out and do while you’re in the sunshine state! Hopefully, you can visit a place or two and even make your own discoveries. For more information on Travel Nurse jobs in the sunshine state (Florida), check out the job page on The Gypsy Nurse.

By The Gypsy Nurse

September 23, 2018

9605 Views

Where Will You Go? Locations That are Great for Travel Nurses

Posted on September 23, 2018December 27, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

The research is in!

Recent research from WalletHub took a close look at the nursing industry across the United States. Some of these parameters are exactly what we look for when searching for locations that are great for travel nurses. The research information sheds light on the current employment environment. This information could be useful for your journey as a travel nurse.

Two key dimensions were examined using 14 relevant metrics.

— Opportunity & Competition

— Work Environment

The Top 5 in several categories are:

Most Nursing Job Openings per Capita

More nursing jobs means locations that are great for travel nurses to start looking.

District of Columbia
New Mexico
New Hampshire
Massachusetts
Alaska

Highest Annual Nursing Salary (Adjusted for Cost of Living)

It’s important to note that just because a location has a high annual salary, it’s not necessarily translated to locations that are great for travel nurses. Sometimes the travel pay isn’t commiserate with the staff pay.

Nevada
Wyoming
Idaho
Michigan
Texas

Most Healthcare Facilities per Capita

Wherever there are a lot of healthcare facilities, there are bound to be nursing shortages and thus, locations that are great for travel nurses.

Oregon
Maine
Minnesota
South Dakota
Iowa

Top 5 Nurse-Friendly Hospitals

More research from Top RN to BSN, lists the most nurse-friendly hospitals in the United States. Who wouldn’t rate a location with one of these top 5 nurse-friendly hospitals as a great location for travel nurses!

Winners of the top 5 spots are:

Schneck Medical Center – Seymour, Indiana
Johns Hopkins Hospital – Baltimore, Maryland
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital Of Chicago – Chicago, Illinois
Baptist Medical Center – Jacksonville, Florida
West Virginia University Hospitals – Morgantown, West Virginia

Other Considerations

Reports also note that travel nurses frequently request assignments in places where many people want to vacation. Hawaii, New York City, California, Florida, Alaska, and Las Vegas are popular picks. Therefore, it’s the opportunities for time spent outside of work that makes these areas especially attractive.

Above all, when you contact your agency, talk honestly about what you are looking for in an assignment. Therefore, let your recruiter know what activities you enjoy. Clarity in your needs will only help the travel nurse agency find you the right contract. Be upfront about the types of places you would like to go.

Most importantly, it’s essential to understand the licensing requirements of different states. What are the costs to obtain necessary licensing and who will cover those expenses? The lead-time to start an assignment is also important. You will need adequate time to give notice to any current position. As you evaluate options, be careful not to assess only the salary. While some areas offer an above average salary, the cost of living can be very high and quickly offset any gains in your paycheck.

Are you looking for a travel nurse job at one of these locations? Did you know that you can search our Job Listings for specific hospitals, cities, and by specialty?

Check it out and find your perfect travel nurse contract today!

By The Gypsy Nurse

July 7, 2018

8468 Views

Top 5 Can’t-Miss Sites in Boston

Posted on July 7, 2018May 20, 2021 by The Gypsy Nurse

Your travel nurse stint in Beantown

Boston has a curious beginning to the affectionate nickname “Beantown.” Stories date back to the early Pilgrims and Puritans of Massachusetts also strictly observed the Sabbath and did not work or even cook hot meals on Sundays. They would bake beans on Saturdays in a bean pot and leave them in the hot brick ovens overnight. The recipe evolved to include molasses and pork into the modern Boston Baked Bean dish. And while not all locals have been fans of the label over the years, it is undeniably part of Bostonian culture.

There are many things to see and do in this history-rich New England City; here are the top 5 can’t miss sites that you can enjoy while a travel nurse in Massachusetts:

The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum:

Don’t miss this multi-sensory experience where actors take you back in time. Meet the colonists, explore the ships, and dump tea overboard just as the Sons of Liberty did on that fateful night of December 16, 1773. Tours are designed for all ages, to learn about the people and events that led up to the American Revolution.

Faneuil Hall Marketplace:

Located in downtown Boston, steps away from the waterfront, you can enjoy 100+ stores, artisan pushcarts, restaurants, and pubs right on Boston’s famed Freedom Trail. Faneuil Hall Marketplace is actually comprised of three long buildings called North Market, South Market, and Quincy Market. Built in 1742, the grasshopper weathervane placed atop the building that same year is the only totally unmodified part of the structure. On the third floor, you’ll find the museum and armory of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts.

Boston Duck Tours:

This is a uniquely exciting way to see many of the sites throughout Boston. Climb aboard an authentic, renovated World War II amphibious landing vehicle. This guided tour includes many notable spots and many neighborhoods then you’ll splash into the Charles River for a remarkable view of the Boston and Cambridge skylines.

The Freedom Trail:

Take a walk through history on this 2.5-mile, red-lined route that leads you to 16 historically significant sites. You’ll explore museums, meetinghouses, churches, burying grounds parks, a ship, and historic markers that tell the story of the American Revolution.

Whale Watch:

All aboard Boston’s custom whale watch catamarans that are among the largest and fastest in the country. Each trip carries up to 400 passengers with incredible stability and feature three outside viewing decks. There’s also a climate-controlled interior cabin with seating and a snack bar. The cruise goes to Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary, a rich feeding ground for local whales. Viewers can enjoy several different species of large whales, including humpbacks, finbacks, minkes, pilot whales, and the critically endangered right whales.

All of these attractions have something special to offer visitors. Be sure your travel nurse assignment includes some downtime and take in the city of Boston. Special events, hours, and fees vary so please check websites or call to ensure your trip goes as planned.

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