By Alex McCoy

March 1, 2025

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Summer Contracts Will Be Here Soon–What You Need to Know

Here is your official reminder that summer contracts will be coming up soon! Winter rates will be winding down before we know it, and it’s always good to have a plan to get through summertime as a travel nurse. Less flu and respiratory patients mean the census will drop, and job postings will inevitably decrease, but that does not mean you will be unemployed this summer. You can find the perfect summer contract with a little planning and preparation. Here are some tips to do just that. 

Summer contracts: what you need to know:

summer contract

1. Strategize Your Extensions

How are you feeling about your current contract? Is it doable for a little while longer? Even if it isn’t your favorite unit or location, if the pay is right and you have decent housing, it might be worth considering an extension. A lot of the time, units may keep current travelers even if they are not actively hiring additional travelers. Use that to your advantage!

2. Have Profiles on File With Multiple Agencies

Now is the time to make sure you have relationships with more than one agency. The more options you have for jobs, the better! Each agency will have different relationships with facilities, so you never know what one recruiter might have that’s different from your current recruiter. Not sure how to find a new company to work with? Check out our list of Top Travel Nurse Agencies for 2023

3. Save Money Now

While you are still making money on winter rates, make sure to save a little extra. As travel nurses, it’s always good to have an emergency fund, but it is especially important going into summer. Sometimes, if you can’t find a summer contract you’re interested in for the summer months, you might be able to take some time off instead. 

summer contract

4. Consider PRN Work

If you are having trouble finding a summer contract to work, you might see if you can sign on PRN for a hospital at your current location OR back home. Working PRN usually gets you a higher hourly rate but requires less commitment than a full-time job. Some agencies even do PRN staffing, so look into that as well. 

5. Work a Less Desirable Specialty

Have LTAC experience but prefer to work ICU? During the summer slow down, it might be time to bust out your other skills. Try broadening your search by looking into summer contracts in areas that you have experience with but don’t “love.” Of course, you can’t work as a traveler in an area you have zero experience in, so if you have only ever done one specialty, this isn’t a great option. And remember–you can do anything for 13 weeks!

6. Don’t. Panic. 

Every single year around springtime, the travel nursing pages are full of travelers complaining that the market is crashing, there are no more jobs, and the rates are plummeting. If you are an experienced traveler, you understand that this, too, shall pass. Stay calm, and remember that the travel nurse industry is one of supply and demand. Once fall rolls back around, respiratory admissions will go up, and the market will stabilize. It happens every year like clockwork! 

If your desire is to work full-time, year-round, as a travel nurse, it is completely doable. Summer might be a slower time, but if you plan ahead and communicate with your recruiters, you should be able to stay employed. Also, remember that flexibility is key in this industry. You might not get your perfect summer placement, but if your goal is to keep working, you might have to make some concessions in one area or another.

We hope you found this article on summer contracts and what you should know now to prepare for them. Do you have any tips for preparing for summer contracts? Comment them below.

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

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Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

By ONESTAFF MEDICAL

May 16, 2024

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Top Summer Destinations for Travel Nurses: Where Adventure Meets Career

Onestaff Medical provided this article.

As the temperatures rise and the days grow longer, summer calls with promises of adventure and exploration. For travel nurses, it’s not just a season of sunshine and relaxation but also an opportunity to combine work with pleasure like no other industry can do. Whether you’re seeking sandy beaches, vibrant cityscapes, or serene mountain retreats with adventurous hikes, the summer months offer a plethora of enticing destinations for your next nursing assignment. Let’s dive into our 2024 Top Ten best summer locations for travel nurses to take assignments.

2024 top ten best locations for travel nurses to take summer assignments.

summer assignments

San Diego, California

Known for its idyllic weather year-round, San Diego shines even brighter in the summer…so a spot we couldn’t leave off a top ten list like this. With miles of pristine beaches, cultural attractions like Balboa Park and SeaWorld, and a thriving culinary scene, this coastal gem offers a perfect blend of work and leisure for travel nurses. From historic Gaslamp Quarter, once an infamous area now turned into a lively neighborhood with plenty to do, to whale watching cruises that run almost daily.

Not to mention being known for one of the best Major League Baseball parks in the country, Petco Park. There’s no lack of activities in this town, regardless of your interests. Browse all of the top California summer assignments here.

Denver, Colorado

Escape the heat and head to the Mile High City for a summer adventure in the great outdoors. From hiking in the Rocky Mountains to exploring vibrant neighborhoods like LoDo and RiNo, Denver boasts endless opportunities for exploration and recreation. Then of course, the pinnacle of all outdoor concert venues, Red Rocks Amphitheater. Located just west of Denver in Morrison, CO, if you are a music lover, this venue is a must. There is nothing more perfect than a calm summer night, with the Red Rocks view and your favorite band playing live.

It’s also a great place for scenic hikes or mountain biking trails at any time of day. Then, there are all of the quaint mountain cities, within proximity of Denver proper, too, that offer something for everyone: Breckinridge, Aspen, etc. Browse all of the top Colorado summer assignments here.

Seattle, Washington

summer assignments

Experience the Emerald City’s charm during the summer months when the skies clear up and the city comes alive. Take in panoramic views from the Space Needle, indulge in fresh seafood at Pike Place Market, and immerse yourself in Seattle’s rich cultural scene. Check out the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit, or take a Harbor Cruise. Take an afternoon and go hike Mt. Rainier to top your trip off. Feeling daring and enjoy history? Check out the “Beneath the Streets” History Tour and explore underground pathways below Seattle. From an eclectic foodie scene to amazing live music performances any night of the week, Seattle will quickly become a favorite. Browse all of the top Washington summer assignments here.

Portland, Oregon

Embrace the Pacific Northwest’s laid-back vibe with a summer assignment in Portland. From lush greenery in Forest Park to eclectic food carts and breweries, Portland offers a unique blend of urban amenities and outdoor adventures. Known for their vibrant food truck culture, grab some amazing food while you stroll the city. Have a green thumb? Check out the Portland Japanese Garden and soak in one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan, with an unsurpassed view of nearby Mount Hood. Explore the Pearl District, full of quirky boutiques, micro-breweries and coffee shops. Browse all of our top Oregon summer assignments here.

Charleston, South Carolina

Step back in time and explore the historic charm of Charleston during the summer. Take in the historical tours all over the city in any mode you would prefer boat, walking, carriage, or bus tour options. This city is full of history and tours to learn all about that history. If you are a thrill seeker, don’t forget the ghost tours in such a historically-rush city!” Wander through cobblestone streets lined with pastel-colored houses, savor Lowcountry cuisine, and soak up the sun on nearby beaches like Folly Beach and Sullivan’s Island. Browse all of our top South Carolina summer assignments here.

Anchorage, Alaska

For travel nurses seeking a truly unforgettable experience, consider a summer assignment in Anchorage. With endless daylight hours, you’ll have ample time to explore Alaska’s stunning landscapes, from glaciers and fjords to national parks teeming with wildlife. From daytime Matanuska Glacier hikes, to wildlife tours, there is plenty of scenic outdoor activity in Anchorage during the summer. Obviously, don’t forget the Northern Lights…you can’t visit Anchorage without witnessing that phenomenon. Browse all of our top Alaska summer assignments here.

Honolulu, Hawaii

summer assignments

I mean, do we really need to sell you on why an assignment here would be a dream? It’s paradise, folks. Transport yourself to paradise with a nursing assignment in Honolulu. Spend your days lounging on world-renowned beaches like Waikiki, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters with giant see turtles. Immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture and hospitality, in ways you’ll never forget.

Take a sunset Cocktail Sail along Oahu’s Waikiki Coast or a glass-bottom boat cruise through the harbor. Swim with dolphins. Attend a traditional Luau. Or just see it all with an open-door helicopter tour (for those without a fear of heights). You can’t really ever go wrong with an assignment in paradise. Browse all of our top Hawaii summer assignments here.

Asheville, North Carolina

Nestled in the heart of the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville offers a tranquil escape for travel nurses seeking a respite from the summer heat. Explore scenic hiking trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway, sample craft brews at local breweries, and discover the city’s thriving arts scene. Take one of many available ghost tours; the South loves its ghost history! Asheville even has its own app with a historic smartphone guided walking tour. Micro-brewery fan? They also have that covered with a guided brewery tour. Browse all of our top North Carolina summer assignments here.

New York City, New York

You haven’t lived until you visit and experience NYC at least once in your life. Embrace the energy and excitement of the Big Apple during the summer months. The city that never sleeps. Art, history, food…the city is famous for a variety of reasons. From Broadway shows and world-class museums to outdoor concerts, rooftop bars, and some of the top restaurants in the country, New York City offers endless opportunities for adventure. Visit their famous Little Italy or Chinatown, and immerse yourself in some true cultural experiences, not to mention appease the foodie in yourself. Browse all of our top New York State summer assignments here.

Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Soak in the rich cultural heritage of Santa Fe with a summer assignment in this charming Southwestern city. Explore historic adobe architecture, indulge in authentic New Mexican cuisine, and discover the vibrant arts scene that makes Santa Fe truly unique. From a variety of walking tours of anything you can imagine to the perfect location to fulfill the photographer in you, Santa Fe’s picturesque landscapes are something to be witnessed. Visit the Railyard Arts District for a uniquely Southwestern scene and an amazing food experience. Browse all of our top New Mexico summer assignments here.

No matter where your summer travels take you, a nursing assignment in one of these top ten destinations promises a memorable experience filled with adventure, growth, and new connections. All because you’re in the industry that pays you to travel anywhere you want, doing what you love.  We think that’s pretty dang cool! So, pack your bags, hit the road, and let the summer of exploration begin! Let’s see those adventure selfies, folks! Don’t forget, it didn’t happen if you don’t share them on your socials 😉

If you need any help finding the ideal summer assignment in any location, you know where to look (here)!

Find Your Next Travel Healthcare Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel healthcare gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities. We have opportunities for all travel healthcare professionals.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel healthcare assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.