By RNnetwork

May 9, 2022

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Tips to Get the Best Travel Nurse Assignments

RNnetwork provided this article.

Quitting your full-time job and applying for travel nursing jobs can be a bit scary. You’re embarking on a brand-new position with brand-new people, and you’re not sure exactly what to expect. You’re also taking a temporary job and aren’t sure where you’ll be working in six months, much less a year.

Don’t let these concerns bring you down! Travel nursing is an exciting way to see the country and gain valuable clinical experience. Here are seven travel nursing success tips to help you attract the best assignments.

Build a strong relationship with your recruiter


It seems so easy — and it is. One of the easiest ways to get the best jobs and have a positive experience as a traveler is to build a positive relationship with your recruiter. Answer their calls or texts, be honest about what you want in a job, and tell them immediately when you have problems or need help. Your recruiter presents you to a potential employer and can talk you up and help you land the best jobs.

If you struggle to communicate with your recruiter or don’t tell them about red flags on your record, it can hurt your chances of getting travel nursing jobs.

Get and give lots of details.

Before you ask your recruiter to submit your name for a new job, find out as much as possible, including:

  • The pay package
  • The hours you’ll be working
  • The departments you could potentially float to
  • The patient load
  • The trauma level of the hospital
  • Orientation time


You should also have your college transcripts and other paperwork ready and give your recruiter the following information:

  • Dates when you need time off
  • Whether you have friends working there (this could help you get a job)
  • If you’ve applied for a permanent job there in the past or worked there before as a traveler
  • If you have other offers with other travel nurse agencies

Tell your recruiter who else you work with and what jobs you’ve applied for


Some travelers work with multiple agencies or even apply for permanent and travel jobs simultaneously. If you’re doing this or plan to do this, tell every recruiter you work with where you are working. By being open about how many jobs you’re applying for, you can avoid being submitted to the same job by multiple companies.

Since it’s common to work with several agencies that have contracts with different hospitals, recruiters will appreciate your honesty and work hard to get you the best package possible. If you do apply for several positions simultaneously, it’s crucial to respond quickly when your recruiter has an opportunity for you so you have a better chance of landing the job.

Give yourself time to fit in.


As a travel nurse, you’ll have a short orientation (sometimes only a day or so) and will be expected to jump right in and help. You’ll have to quickly speed on new electronic health systems, learn where the supply closet is, and even figure out what’s palatable from the hospital cafeteria.

It’s challenging to be the “new kid” every three months and get to know new doctors and nurses — but give yourself a break. Don’t expect the staff to be welcoming or invite you to company events instantly. And don’t expect to make connections with everyone quickly. If you do your job well and are willing to work hard, you’ll gain your coworkers’ respect and make lasting friendships.

Tell your recruiter why you have turned down job offers

Explain the situation to your recruiter if you’re offered a travel nursing job and decide to turn it down. They will want to know if you need a higher salary, more flexible hours, a different location, or more time off work. This helps your recruiter find you a better job in the future.

Be aware that turning down a job once it’s been offered can hurt your chances of working with that hospital again.

Be flexible wherever you can


If your sister is getting married next summer, you can’t budge on the dates you need time off. However, you can be more willing to work a different shift, try a rural hospital instead of an urban one, or work in a state you had never considered.

While it’s important to know what you want in a job and communicate that to your recruiter, it’ll be harder to find a job if your requirements are too specific. If your dream is to work in Alaska, you may have to be more flexible on pay or shifts. Likewise, you may need to work in Florida during the summer rather than the winter (at least for your first assignment).

Let your recruiter know if you’d like a permanent job.


Sometimes, you love a travel job so much that you decide you’d like to work there full-time. Or sometimes a hospital offers you a permanent position because they’ve been impressed with your work.

No matter how it happens, let your recruiter know as soon as possible if you’re considering taking a permanent job. They will need to cancel your benefits, help you transition out of agency housing, and evaluate your contract. While your recruiter will be sad to lose you to a permanent job, they may be able to help you find a place to live in the new city and give you tips on transitioning to full-time work again.

Travel nursing is an experience unlike any other, and it comes with a bit of a learning curve. If you communicate well with your recruiter, are honest about what you expect from a job, and are willing to be adaptable, you’ll be successful and have the time of your life.

Have you caught the travel nursing bug yet? Check out our open travel nursing jobs, or call us at 800.866.0407 to get started.

We hope you found this article on tips to get the best assignments helpful. Have you found any ways to find the best assignments that we didn’t list here? Comment them below.

Are you looking for your next travel nursing assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for an upcoming travel nurse 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!)

By AMN Healthcare

May 6, 2022

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Best States for Spring Travel Nurse Assignments

AMN Healthcare provided this article.

We have some good news if you’ve been mulling over some potential spring destinations for travel nurse assignments! We’ve compiled a list of states with a wide variety of open positions that rank among the best states for travel nurses in the springtime. Each state has its unique attractions and festivities to keep you busy throughout your travel assignment.

So take a look, contact your recruiter, and start planning for a new springtime adventure. One of these states is sure to be just right for you.

The top states for travel nurses in the spring

Georgia

When you think “Georgia,” do you automatically think “peaches”? Georgia is famous for being a leading producer of peaches, but don’t forget some of the state’s other agricultural marvels. Several big food festivals celebrate strawberriesVidalia onions, and even wine in the springtime. And yes, there are multiple peach festivals in Georgia in the springtime, just as you might expect, although these typically start in the late spring or early summer.

Or maybe you’re feeling the need for some sun and sand, some fishing, and some seafood. Head to one of Georgia’s beautiful beaches, like Tybee Island, or one of Brunswick’s barrier islands, like St. Simon’s Island or Jekyll Island. Don’t forget your sunscreen.

California

There’s so much to do in California in the springtime that it could fill an entire book! But a few highlights include:
• Seeing the wildflowers in Joshua Tree National Park or Anza Borrego Desert;
• Combining wine and wild animals (yaks and alpacas!) on the Malibu Wine Safari on a giant ranch/vineyard in Los Angeles County;
• Going whale watching in Northern California; just get ready to ooh and aah over some orcas and gray whales;
• Visiting Catalina Island off the coast of Los Angeles for a glass-bottomed boat tour on a breezy, sunny day and renting a golf cart for a scenic, self-guided tour around the island.

Washington

Washington is a great spring destination for travel nurses. And the month of April is an especially good time to visit Washington State because it’s the month of the famous Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. You’ll think you somehow wound up in the Netherlands by mistake. Be sure to check out the year-round garden known as RoozenGaarde while you’re there, too!

Another fun Washington destination in the springtime is the Bavarian mountain town of Leavenworth. You might enjoy booking a room at a bed and breakfast or going camping, so you’ll have more time to soak in all the charm (and take some great photos for your Instagram posts).

Texas

If you do nothing else, be sure to make time to see the bluebonnets. The bluebonnet is the official Texas state flower, and they begin blooming in March and hit their peak in April. You could even plan to attend the 39th annual Bluebonnet Festival, set for April 8-10 in Burnet, Texas. The festival celebrates the iconic Texas flower with live music, arts and crafts, and other fun activities.

Other fun springtime events in the state include the Annual Texas Steak Cookoff and the Lone Star Elvis Festival, held in May. And if you’re looking for something pretty unusual to do over Memorial Day weekend in Texas, how about going to the National Polka Festival? And yes, you’re likely to find some good barbeque joints throughout the state.

Florida

No matter where you plan to visit, there will be something exciting on the calendar in the Sunshine State. Seafood, music, and art festivals abound in Florida during the spring. And yes, there are even pirate festivals, like the Fort Lauderdale Rotary Club Pirate Festival and the Billy Bowlegs Festival in Fort Walton Beach.

One highlight to consider: if you’re planning to be in the Orlando area this spring, plan a trip to Walt Disney World to take in the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, which is ongoing through the beginning of July. The festival is famous for its whimsical topiaries and garden exhibits, but you can also partake of unique food and drink offerings while you’re there.

New York

New York City is chock full of opportunities for travel nurses to indulge their sense of adventure. But if you’re going to be in New York City this spring, make a point to visit the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx. The Azalea Garden in the heart of the campus is home to one of the largest azalea collections in the world! Plus, an Orchid Show is going on this spring. (And you can pop over to the nearby Bronx Zoo afterward.)

Elsewhere in the state, you might still be able to take in some late-season skiing or participate in a Maple Weekend, where you can celebrate New York’s maple syrup industry and eat pancakes with New York’s world-class maple syrup. And when it warms up a little more, consider a trip to the Lilac Festival in Rochester or the Tulip Festival in Albany. Or maybe consider the Buffalo Wine Festival in April.

Pennsylvania

Philadelphia is a fantastic city, rich with history and art, and you can’t go wrong with playing tourist there. One suggestion for this spring: visit the Franklin Institute and immerse yourself in the Harry Potter exhibition. And when you have a free weekend, take a short drive outside the city to visit beautiful Chanticleer Gardens, which is open from April through October.

Another Pennsylvania destination that might intrigue you is Lancaster County in Pennsylvania, Dutch country. Spas, museums, festivals (even a Rhubarb Festival at Kitchen Kettle Village), scenic covered bridges, other sightseeing opportunities, and hiking trails all await you when you can get a little time away from the hospital or clinic.

AMN Healthcare has thousands of travel assignments to advance your career while seeing the country.

We hope you found this article on the best states for travel nurse assignments this spring. What do you think of our list? Are there any you think should be added? Comment them below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for an 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!)

By Dan Matthews

October 26, 2021

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How to Get the Most Out of Your Travel Assignment

As a travel nurse, you are making a big difference in every community you visit. The care you provide is without comparison, and it always leaves a lasting impression. While helping people is the goal, you must enjoy the experience as much as your patients, so creating and recording great memories is a must.

To help you get the most out of your travel assignment, we have several tips for how you can improve the communities you visit, have a bit of fun, and remember it all for years to come.

How to get the most out of your travel assignment

Help The Community

As a travel nurse, you are not only providing medical assistance, but you are helping the world as a whole. As you may know, there is a great nursing shortage on the horizon as many healthcare professionals retire and our population grows older. This shortage will greatly impact patients living in rural areas who already have to travel great distances to see a physician. As a travel nurse, you are part of the solution, but the opportunities for assistance in the communities you visit doesn’t have to end there.

One way that you can create lasting memories in these communities is by volunteering when you are off the clock. One way to do so is to call a nonprofit organization and ask how you can help. While not every organization will need assistance, many will be thrilled to have you onboard while you are in town.

That is just one of many ways you can lend a helping hand. You can also visit a website like VolunteerMatch, which can connect you with organizations that need assistance, or you can ask colleagues who have visited the area in the past for ideas of places you can contact. By helping these communities, you will remember why you got into nursing in the first place, and you’ll remember the people you meet and the adventures you had for years to come.

Don’t Forget to Have Fun

While you are traveling, don’t forget to have a little fun. A great way to pass some time is by taking a jog around the new neighborhood or hiking in the local, national park. Not only will you see amazing sights that you can photograph and remember forever, but by being out in nature, you can also relax from the busy workday and melt some stress.

After a day of activity, take the time to enjoy some of the local cuisines. This is a chance to try some dishes that you have never had before. If you fall in love with a dish, ask for the recipe. By cooking it when you are back home, you will remember the great time you had in that specific location. If you are traveling with your spouse, don’t forget to take some time out for a date night that could involve dinner made with the recipe you brought back from your travels or a slideshow of photos from the trip.

If you are visiting a city far away, take some time to try some of the activities that you don’t have in your hometown. For instance, if you are near a beach, then try surfing or scuba diving. If you are visiting a town that happens to have a county fair that weekend, go and enjoy some rides, games and meet some new people. You’ll always remember that town for the fun you had there.

Document Your Adventures

While the experiences you have in the places you visit will be fun at the moment, if you visit many different locations during your travels, it can be difficult to remember all of the special times.

One way that you can remember the places you’ve been is by taking pictures, or better yet, buy t-shirts and mugs with memorable places pictured right on the front. You don’t have to use these items every day, but during those times that you go through your closet or cupboard, you will remember the fun you had back in the day.

Another great way to memorialize the places you have been is by documenting all of your fun experiences in a journal. Whenever you go somewhere new, write down what you saw and who you met, and most importantly, notate how you felt during those experiences. You can read those entries at a later time or regale your children with your awesome adventures.

There is no denying it. As a travel nurse, you are a true hero, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your travel experiences. Take the time to meet new people, help the communities you visit, and have a little fun. You deserve it!

We hope you found these tips for getting the most out of your travel assignment helpful. Are there any tips for getting the most out of your travel assignment we missed? Comment them below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for your next 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!)

By Lauren Festa

July 15, 2021

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5 Things To Do In Asheville, NC

So, you took a travel nurse assignment in Asheville, North Carolina? What are some things to do and what places should you visit on your days off? Asheville, North Carolina, is one of the state’s most loved and enjoyable cities. The adventures packed within Asheville are endless, ranging from the stunning history to outdoor life!     

5 Things to do in Asheville

Biltmore Estate

            The history that runs throughout Asheville is exquisite and on display for those who want to explore. One of the popular locations to sightsee is the Biltmore Estate, an eight-thousand-acre mansion packed with activities the entire family can enjoy. The history behind the house starts around 1895 with George Vanderbilt opening the home to friends and family and later using the castle to explore his love for art and literature. Nowadays, the estate is one of the largest private residences in the United States. Those who visit Asheville have the opportunity to purchase tickets for daytime admission. These tickets allow visitors to see all that the landmark holds, such as hiking to wine tasting; this extravagant mansion has something for everyone!

The Blue Ridge Mountains

            Asheville is perfect for those who love to explore the outdoors! Asheville sits in North Carolina’s the Blue Ridge Mountains, allowing for the ideal city to nature ratio. One of the many outdoor activities that are popular in this city is the North Carolina Arboretum. This location gives its visitors some of the most breathtaking views. Although the sight is referred to as an arboretum (a garden of trees solely), it is also a botanical garden covered in engaging flowers and plants. Not only is this Arboretum stunning, but admission is also free of charge, besides a parking fee. Those familiar with the area commented on the many trails used for hiking and appreciated how well maintained the site was.

Pisgah National Forest

            North Carolina is also known for the Pisgah National Forest. This national forest is located in the Appalachian Mountains and is solely in North Carolina,  with its headquarters in Asheville. Its national forest offers many outdoor activities for those who visit. If you enjoy hiking and biking, the trails are incredibly well-maintained and easy to find your way through. This national forest is told to have spectacular hiking trails for those who enjoy backpacking and huge rocks used for climbing. Not only is the forest used for hiking and outdoor movement, but it is also available for camping throughout the forest. As this open land is beautifully maintained, the adventure within this National Park is endless.

Western North Carolina Nature Center

            Asheville is home to the Western North Carolina Nature Center. This nature center is essentially a logical park owned by the Asheville Parks and Recreation Department. Although this park may look like a zoo-based on its activities and species, it was renamed The Children’s Zoo and Nature Center. The park switched from a zoo to a nature center when it became a nonprofit charity. This nature center is filled with guests who want to explore the wildlife native to North Carolina and animals from around the country. The Western North Carolina Nature Center is beautifully family-oriented in which all ages can learn from and enjoy the many exhibits and wildlife.

Southern Highland Craft Guild, Folk Art Center

            Another attraction that Asheville has is the Southern Highland Craft Guild Folk Art Center. This center is essentially a museum that carries Appalachian arts and crafts. Not only is the museum home to some of the most beautiful paintings and artwork, but it also has a library and auditorium. The museum mainly covers the history behind the national parks and Appalachian territory. This center sees many people each year coming in to inform themselves and grasp the beauty behind each art and craft in the museum halls. The museum is also free of charge and open to the public. The art within the center dates back hundreds of years ago. These exhibits are the perfect mix of exquisite and informational.

Asheville, North Carolina, is the perfect place to stay whether you’re exploring on your own or you want to bring the whole family along. This town is bursting with new opportunities and ventures for those who are ready to grasp it.

Now that you know a little more about what to do in Asheville, why not look for your next travel nurse assignment there? Click here to view jobs in Asheville!

We will be doing a series of articles on things to do in different cities, so check back often. If you have a city you would like information

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 TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

June 22, 2021

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What Healthcare Travelers Should Do in a Post-Pandemic Job Market

This article was provided by Travel Nurse Across America.

The healthcare job market has seen unexpected fluctuations over the past 1.5 years. A few months ago, we heard that the demand for travel nurses was greater than the supply due to COVID-19. That number significantly decreased in March 2021 with the COVID-19 vaccination rollout. It then skyrocketed again in June 2021 as a result of life returning to (somewhat) normal. Although it’s not the industry’s typical busy season, hospital schedules are again filling up with elective surgeries and other healthcare needs.

Within this fluctuating market, many healthcare travelers are also seeing a drop in the weekly pay rates offered. While pay has decreased from crisis rates, which hospitals cannot sustain without assistance, many travel nurse agencies are still reporting an average wage higher than pre-pandemic rates. To find the right jobs with the right pay for you, be sure to tap into your agency’s resources.

What to do in a post-pandemic job market

Know Where to Look for In-Demand Specialties

You might not have time to research industry trends, but your recruiter and agency have a real-time pulse on the market. While the number of COVID-19 jobs is dropping, the demand for other specialties is growing exponentially. You have to know where to look.

Elective surgeries and other non-emergency needs on the back burner during the height of COVID-19 are again coming to the forefront. The demand is high for MedSurg, TELE, ER, and ICU specialties, and increased demand for OR nurses is expected later this year. Ask your agency contacts what trends they are seeing in regions you are interested in visiting and find the place where you will be most helpful next.

Make Yourself as Marketable as Possible

Several factors go into your marketability as a travel nurse, the most obvious factor being the information you include on your resume. Your agency’s clinical department should work with you to create a standout travel nurse profile. Ask your clinical director how they can help you secure the right licenses and certifications to be eligible for higher-paying jobs. Consider being a member of national nursing associations and add your COVID-19 experience to make your resume even more impressive.

Your marketability also goes beyond your travel nurse profile. Hiring managers will look for important soft skills, such as flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to resolve conflict. Be sure to mention these soft skills and any examples that you can provide in your job interviews.

Use Your Agency’s Financial Resources to Save Money

Your agency’s financial resources may help you save money and offset some of your costs. See if your agency has travel reimbursement programs, deals, and discount programs, 401k matching, or access to financial advisors through an Employee Assistance Program. All of these can help you save an extra buck.

Keep in mind. There will always be some assignments that pay more and some that pay less. Weigh your options, use your agency’s resources – from getting assistance on your resume to using programs to save money, and make the best decision in your current situation. Just make sure you pick an agency that has your back through it all.

If you are looking for your next travel nurse assignment in the post-pandemic job market? Click here to visit our job board.

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 Katie Fitts

March 3, 2021

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Northeast Georgia Why You Should Add it to Your Travel List

I am currently on assignment in a town called Gainesville, Georgia. No, no, not Gainesville, Florida, Gainesville, GEORGIA! Most people assume I am working in Florida when I tell them about Gainesville. No gators here in this Gainesville! I have to be honest; I had never heard of this town before this assignment. It turns out it’s a wonderful place for an assignment! Situated in an area deemed Northeast Georgia, adjacent to the Appalachian Mountains (the most beautiful mountains in the U.S. in my opinion) and right next to beautiful Lake Lanier, it’s a nature lover’s paradise and a relatively short drive to the city life of Atlanta and other lovely towns.

The Hospital

Northeast Georgia Hospital is based in Gainesville but has a few different smaller locations, including Braselton and Barrow, and plans for a Dahlonega facility. At 557 beds in Gainesville, it is quite large and is a level II trauma center, has labor and delivery services, cardiovascular services, and dialysis capabilities, as well as 23 operating rooms. Outside of Atlanta, it offers some of the most comprehensive services and state-of-the-art technology.

I have been quite impressed with NGHS. I would recommend this hospital based on my experience in the peri-operative area. They use EPIC for their EMR (electronic medical records), which is the best charting system I have seen.

What to See and Do in Northeast Georgia

Hiking

If you are anything like me and love nature and WINE, 🍷 you are in for a treat!

Hiking abounds! The Appalachian Mountains provide an incredible backdrop for all kinds of amazing hikes dotted with incredible scenic mountain views, waterfalls, and lush forests. I found a super great site that lays out all the hikes around the Atlanta and Northeast Georgia area, atlantatrails.com. It is very detailed in the trail terrain, distance, difficulty to be expected, and directions.

The infamous Appalachian Trail (AT) starts in Northeast Georgia at Springer Mountain and ends at Mount Katahdin in Maine. I have now inadvertently been to the beginning and the end of the Appalachian Trail! Maybe a sign I need to do this hike one day?! In the summer of 2019, I had the good fortune to spend my time in beautiful Maine as a camp nurse, and that is another wonderful area to visit.

Whether it is the AT or other trails, Northeast Georgia provides for some spectacular hiking! Some of the trails I was able to explore and enjoyed included Amicalola FallsRaven Cliffs FallsBlood Mountain, and Preacher’s Rock. It would take months of consistent hiking, though, to really see all Northeast Georgia has to offer. Happy hiking!

Northeast Georgia Wine Country 🍷

Now to my close second favorite part (ok, probably my top favorite) about Northeast Georgia…. the wine! Did you know there were wineries in Northeast Georgia? Me neither! I was pleasantly surprised!

Despite being in the well-known hot and humid south of the U.S., the Georgia foothills provide moderately cooler temperatures and rich soil for grape growing and winemaking. From muscadine to sweet wines to more heavy-bodied wines, Northeast Georgia has it all!

Some of the wineries also have full-sized restaurants and also do superbly done brunch. Who doesn’t love brunch? There are also tasting rooms in the quaint little town of Dahlonega, GA, which is just 30 minutes outside of Gainesville and where I happen to reside for this assignment.

Some of the wineries near Dahlonega include Wolf MountainMontaluceThree Sisters, Kaya, Cavender Creek, and Frogtown Cellars. A little further out near Helen and Cleveland, Georgia, you can find one of Georgia’s oldest wineries Habersham Winery, Yonah Mountain, The Cottage Vineyard and Winery, and CeNita, to name a few.

Charming Towns in Northeast Georgia

Dahlonega

I live in Dahlonega, Georgia; pronounced Duh-lawn-egah for my non-Georgia resident friends. It took weeks of purposeful practiced pronunciation as I read it as dall-o-nega (akin to Talladega) as any typical part unabashed southern redneck may do. 😂 It is derived from a Cherokee Native American word meaning yellow, as it was found as a gold mining hub in the 1800s.

At any rate, Dahlonega is about 35 minutes outside of Gainesville and is a quaint town locally revered as a Hallmark movie inspiration with its picturesque small town square surrounded by the Smoky Mountains, particularly during Christmas. A local Dahlonega bar also debuted in a country music song by Ashley McBryde, A Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega. Who knew?! The square has many cute little restaurants and shops, and wine tasting rooms. If you like Greek food, you MUST visit Capers on the Square. I probably ate there 5 to 6 times during my stay, don’t miss the goat cheese and fig flatbread… to die for. They also have delicious baba ganouj, gyros, and moussaka.

Charming Dahlonega at Christmastime

Helen

A Bavarian-inspired town nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, Helen is full of charm. You will think you have just teleported to the Bavarian region of Germany! The architecture is stunning, and downtown has plenty of shops and German-inspired restaurants. It was revamped in the 1960s and modeled after Germany’s Bavarian region to increase tourism and bring life back to the town after an economic downturn.

Other Charming Towns

More towns to see within a relatively short distance include Clayton, Blue Ridge, Ellijay, and Cave Spring, to name a few.

Additional Things To Do in Northeast Georgia

Gainesville is pretty neat in itself! It has a quaint square downtown area with shops and restaurants. Gainesville boasts lakeside views of Lake Lenier, popular for kayaking, paddle boarding, and boating. A special little treat for my garden lover friends, the Atlanta Botanical Gardens has a branch in Gainesville and is a lovely respite area! Moreover, they have special events like “Wine in the Woodlands” nights with food trucks and wine, so be sure to check their events page.

In the mood for big city life? Atlanta and the metro area are only about 70 miles outside of Gainesville. Plenty to see and do there as well!

Pro Tips for Northeast Georgia

  • Ideal times to visit and or do an assignment – Spring to Fall (Winters are dreary and cold and gray and not a whole lot of snow to make it a great winter destination)
  • Travel Nurse Housing is surprisingly expensive in Gainesville! This is likely because it is a lakeside community as caters to people making mountain/lake getaways. I opted to live in Dahlonega for much more reasonable pricing, although a hike from the hospital.

I hope you enjoy Northeast Georgia as much as I did and put it on your list to visit! With wineries and nature, you can’t go wrong. Happy travels!

Gypsy love,

Katie

By White Glove Placement

December 31, 2020

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The Best Places to Travel for Each Month of the Year

This article was provided by White Glove Placement.

After contending with the coronavirus for almost a year, travel nurses both need—and deserve—some R&R. Although international travel may not be safe yet, there are plenty of destinations within the United States that would make a perfect getaway. Treat yourself to beautiful vistas, spectacular weather, and sensational events.

January

In the month of January, escape the freezing temps by visiting idyllic Jekyll Island, Georgia, for a coastal getaway. The high temperature in January is in the low-60s, which means fairly uninterrupted beach time without the usual summer. As an added bonus, the island hosts an event called Island Treasures, which is a sort of hide-and-seek game where locals and visitors search for hidden glass globes similar to those fishermen once used to mark their nets.

February

Art lovers can rejoice in a vacation to Seattle, Washington, in February during the city’s Museum Month. Over 40 museums and cultural institutions participate in the event where admission is half-price. Visit exhibits like MoPop, the Seattle Aquarium, or the Seattle Art Museum, which have surely been on your bucket list for years.

March

If you’re looking for a quaint and cozy vacation during the month of March, then visit Newfield, Maine, during the maple season. Check out the famous sugarhouses and walk-through tiny cabins scattered in the woods as the scent of sugar wafts in the air. Try visiting on Maine Maple Sunday for free tastings.

April

Although the annual Jazz and Heritage Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana, was canceled this year due to the pandemic, it plans to reopen in April 2021. The event includes live music from both local and nationally known artists. Enjoy local foods like crawfish beignets and alligator sausage po’boys to get an authentic taste of the bayou.

May

Looking to vacation somewhere a little more mainstream? Consider Louisville, Kentucky, in May for the annual Kentucky Derby. While the weather can sometimes be finicky, the event is a great excuse to put on your most elaborate hat and sip a mint julep while watching the horse races. Tickets are reasonably priced and give you access to vendors to buy cigars, drinks, foods, and to place a wager on your favorite horses.

June

In June, travel to Temecula Valley, California, to experience the Balloon and Wine Festival. Start your day with a sunrise hot air balloon launch, and then enjoy wine tastings, craft fair art exhibits, or wine barrel racing. The warm weather is inviting but not overbearing, making it the perfect time to sit outside while sipping on wine or local craft beer.

July

A hidden gem to visit during the month of July is Mackinac Island, Michigan. The relatively small island can only be reached by ferry, and upon arrival, you’ll find that there are no cars or chain hotels. It is the perfect destination for quality time outdoors if you want to hike, horseback ride, or relax on the beach by the Great Lakes.

August

Visit the nation’s largest state fair in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during the month of August. Go on your favorite carnival rides or indulge in an assortment of foods served on sticks (like pickles or macaroni). It’s a fun time for kids of all ages.

September

Visiting San Francisco, California, in September is a great option because the city experiences one of its warmest and driest months. Take a stroll—without a large number of tourists—on the Golden Gate Bridge or go on a whale watching tour to see the migrating blue and humpback whales.

October

For something a little spookier, visit Salem, Massachusetts, in October for the annual Haunted Happenings Festival. There are parades, costume balls, ghost tours, haunted houses, and movie nights, all at the very location of the original Salem Witch Trials. If you are a bit of a history buff, make sure to check out the Salem Witch Museum or the Salem Witch Trials Memorial to learn more about the infamous witch trials.

November

If you want to escape the cold, November is a great month to visit Key West, Florida. Temperatures are in the high 70’s and low 80’s. There are plenty of aquatic activities to take part in besides enjoying the beach—you can rent a kayak, snorkel, or rent a boat and sail around the open waters. At the end of the day, enjoy a drink at Sloppy Joe’s, one of Ernest Hemingway’s favorite spots.

December

Enjoy the snow and ski season with a trip to Sun Valley, Idaho, in December. With picturesque and pristine mountains for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling, Sun Valley is an ideal winter getaway. And when it is time to warm up, the area boasts incredible naturally occurring hot springs. Rent a cozy cabin and snuggle up by the fireplace after a long day embracing the outdoors.

Fun in New York all year

If you are a thrill seeker and are looking for adventure and excitement, New York is a great assignment location any time of the year!  There is so much to do and see in New York that it makes a great location for an assignment.  If you are looking for excitement, there are many options.  New York City is full of exciting things to do.  You could try indoor skydiving at iFLY Westchester, go on a ghost hunt at the Ghostbuster’s firehouse, take in a game at one of the many sports stadiums in the city.  You can also enjoy the hustle and bustle of Time Square.  If relaxing is more your style you could spend some time in Central Park.  If you are looking for more outdoor adventures, while in NYC, you can watch & listen to the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, admire street art in Bushwick, and of course, you could always take in a show on Broadway.  New York really is a great place to consider for your next assignment for any adventure.

By Go Healthcare Staffing

September 29, 2020

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What Are Travel RN’s Going to Look at this Fall/Winter?

This article was provided by Go Healthcare.

Usually, during fall, a large group of Travel RNs starts looking at their next assignment in warm climates such as Florida or Arizona.  BUT welcome to 2020 where nothing is the norm. 

Your fall assignment?

With the Virus not under control yet and a vaccine still unknown, picking your next assignment will leave you with many choices if you are part of the in-demand specialties.  Some but not all include ICU, TELE, and Med Surg to name a few.  Typically we have the mass migration of snowbirds, which is our oldest and most cared for a population when it comes to healthcare.  Now?  A lot are opting to stay put due to the Virus.

So what does this mean? 

If you add in the pending flu season with the Virus and states opening, this is a recipe for a large demand for healthcare professionals.  So travel nurses who usually go South may want to step back and look at their options.  Pay levels have increased across the states (minus Covid care which has subsided if you contracted the Virus on assignment).  The demand for certain specialties will reach an all-time high over the next few months even with a vaccine due to the rollout and people’s insecurity about taking a vaccine until proven 100% safe.  Travel RNs will have the opportunity of these options: to take an assignment where they could be near family for the holidays, receive better pay at a non-traditional winter location, or still choose to go to warmer climates.

This is a time when nothing is normal.  

Travel Nursing is no exception.  Be smart about your decision-making and do your homework.  More money does not always mean a great working environment.  Nor does warmer weather!

Have you started looking at your next assignment? Does it differ this year? Comment below.

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 Gifted Healthcare

September 14, 2020

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4 Great States for Travel Nursing in Fall 2020

This article provided by: Gifted Healthcare.

Summertime is ending, and the cool breezes and beautiful shades of autumn are on their way. There are many different ways to experience the fall across the United States, which makes the season a perfect time for your next travel nursing assignment!

We’ve created a list of the best states for fall travel, all of which have plenty of travel nursing assignments to choose from.

Read on for our list of the best states for travel nursing this fall!

Tennessee

Tennessee is a state that offers jaw-dropping fall landscapes. It’s also chock-full of cities essential to American music, art, and history.

Take a scenic autumn drive along the Cherohala Skyway, a 43-mile National Scenic Byway from Tellico Plains to Robbinsville. Or enjoy changing fall leaves while learning music history along the Americana Music Triangle, a partnership of attractions across the South that includes which includes Brownsville, Franklin, Memphis, and Nashville.

Immerse yourself in critically important U.S. history by taking a trip on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail in Memphis, Nashville, and Clinton – the state offers 10 stops where visitors can learn the stories of those who changed the course of civil rights history with protests and legal victories.

Can’t get enough music? You’re in luck! Nashville is known as “Music City,” and offers a huge range of delicious food options, entertainment, and gorgeous autumn views.

Colorado

No matter what time of year it is, Colorado is always a great choice for a travel destination, but it truly shines in the fall. Colorado’s aspen forests begin to display their unique autumn hues from mid-September to mid-October, turning the state’s stunning landscape a mixture of yellow and gold.

Colorado’s four national parks – Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison. The parks offer hiking, camping, biking, and other outdoor activities within some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

Colorado’s major cities are bustling centers of arts and culture; the Denver Art Museum, Denver Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center are world-class museums. Colorado also offers delicious dining options, with must-visit establishments serving top-notch dishes across the state.

California

Fall isn’t always about the leaves. California, the Golden State, offers beautiful scenery and weather nearly all year long. Plus, if you love exploring the outdoors, California is hard to beat. From its world-famous Pacific coast to the Mojave Desert to the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Golden State’s surfing, skiing, biking, hiking, and other activities will never disappoint.

Northern California offers the towering redwood forests of the Muir Woods National Monument and the incredible scenery of Lake Tahoe. California’s breathtaking and rugged coastline can be seen all along Pacific Highway 1. The state also has over 300 national and state parks, including the iconic Yosemite National Park.

In Southern California, explore San Diego’s Balboa Park, featuring the renowned San Diego Zoo(voted #1 Zoo in the World), 15 museums, and opulent gardens. Or take a trip to the vast and humbling Joshua Tree National Park, which lies at the intersection of the Mojave and Colorado deserts.

Whether you’re marveling at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco or surfing in Orange County, there are endless options for exploration in California.

Louisiana

Even in the “new normal,” Louisiana is an incredibly fun and festive place to travel. The months of September, October, and November are cool, breezy, and sunny. There is no need to worry about unusually cold, snowy days here!

New Orleans is Louisiana’s most famous city, offering some of the most vibrant arts, culture, and cuisine in the world. A near-endless list of top-notch restaurants will keep you satisfied. Along with unique attractions like the French Quarter, City Park, and the New Orleans Museum of Art. Don’t forget the delicious beignets of Café du Monde!

A different but equally enjoyable slice of Louisiana culture can be found in Lafayette, the state’s fourth-largest city. It is located in the heart of Acadiana (near the stunning Atchafalaya Basin). The name given to the area settled by the Cajuns and Creoles in the 18th century. It has also been named “the Happiest City in America.”

Begin Your Fall Travel Nursing Adventure with GIFTED Healthcare

From travel to per diem assignments, GIFTED Healthcare provides nurses with exceptional, high-paying career opportunities.

Visit our official website to learn more about the GIFTED Family today!

Travel nursing this fall

We hope you found this article on 4 great places for travel nursing this fall helpful. Are there any locations you feel are great places for travel nursing in the fall?