December 4, 2024

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9 Reasons to Take a Winter Travel Assignment

Posted on December 4, 2024December 6, 2024 by trustaff

Trustaff provided this article.

Travel nursing offers a unique blend of professional growth and personal adventure, and taking an assignment during the winter months can be particularly beneficial. While winter travel nursing comes with its own set of challenges, the advantages often outweigh the difficulties. Here’s why you should consider a winter travel assignment.

9 Reasons to Take a Winter Travel Assignment

1. High Demand for Nurses

Winter is a peak season for healthcare facilities due to the increase in illnesses such as the flu, respiratory infections, and other seasonal ailments. This heightened demand means more job opportunities for travel nurses. Hospitals and clinics often face staffing shortages during this time, making it easier for travel nurses to find assignments that match their skills and preferences.

2. Competitive Pay and Benefits

Due to the high demand for healthcare professionals in the winter, many facilities offer competitive pay rates and attractive benefits to attract travel nurses. This can include higher hourly wages, completion bonuses, and comprehensive benefits packages. Additionally, some assignments may offer housing stipends or free accommodation, which can significantly reduce your living expenses.

3. Professional Growth

Winter travel assignments often come with a fast-paced and dynamic work environment. This can be an excellent opportunity for professional growth, as you’ll be exposed to a wide variety of challenges. The experience gained during a winter assignment can enhance your skills, boost your resume and make you a more versatile and adaptable nurse.

4. Exploring New Destinations

Winter travel assignments allow you to explore new destinations during a unique and beautiful time of year. Whether you’re assigned to a snowy mountain town, a bustling city with holiday festivities or a warmer climate that offers a break from the cold, winter assignments provide a chance to experience different cultures and environments. This can be a refreshing change of pace and a great way to see parts of the country you might not visit otherwise.

5. Holiday Spirit and Community Engagement

Working during the holiday season can be incredibly rewarding. Many healthcare facilities and communities have special events and activities during this time, creating a festive and supportive atmosphere. As a travel nurse, you can participate in these events, engage with the local community and spread holiday cheer to patients and colleagues. This sense of community and connection can make your assignment more fulfilling and enjoyable.

6. Building Resilience and Adaptability

Winter travel nursing assignments can be challenging due to weather conditions and increased patient loads. However, these challenges can help you build resilience and adaptability. Learning to navigate icy roads, manage a busy schedule, and provide high-quality care under pressure will make you a stronger and more capable nurse. These skills are invaluable and will serve you well in future assignments and throughout your career.

7. Networking Opportunities

Travel nursing provides ample opportunities to network with other healthcare professionals. Winter assignments, in particular, can help you build connections with colleagues who are also working through the busy season. These connections can lead to future job opportunities, professional collaborations, and lifelong friendships. Networking is a crucial aspect of career development, and travel nursing offers a unique platform to expand your professional circle.

8. Personal Growth and Adventure

Taking a travel nursing assignment in the winter is not just about professional benefits; it’s also about personal growth and adventure. Embracing the challenges and joys of winter travel can lead to memorable experiences and personal development. Whether it’s learning to ski, exploring a new city’s winter attractions, or simply enjoying the beauty of a snowy landscape, winter assignments offer plenty of opportunities for adventure and self-discovery.

9. Making a Difference

Finally, taking a winter travel assignment allows you to make a significant impact on the lives of patients and communities. The winter months can be tough for many people, and your presence as a dedicated healthcare professional can provide much-needed support and care. Knowing that you’re making a difference during a critical time can be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.

Your Winter Travel Assignment Awaits

Travel nursing in the winter offers a unique blend of professional and personal advantages. From high demand and competitive pay to the opportunity for adventure and personal growth, winter assignments can be a rewarding and enriching experience. By embracing the challenges and seizing the opportunities that come with winter travel nursing, you can enhance your career, explore new destinations, and make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. So, bundle up, prepare for the journey, and enjoy the many benefits of winter travel nursing.

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.

By Staffmax Healthcare Staffing & Recruiting

September 2, 2023

2036 Views

Snow in September? It’s 100 Degrees Outside!

Posted on September 2, 2023September 2, 2023 by Staffmax Healthcare Staffing & Recruiting

Staffmax Healthcare Staffing and Recruiting provided this article.

Article was written by: Julie Hesseltine, RN, CNO, and Sr. Recruiter for Staffmax.

It isn’t time for snowflakes for most of us. After all, we are still hitting triple digits in most of the USA, and the beaches still have visitors. However, this morning was a chilly reminder that at any point in the coming 13 weeks, we could have a blizzard here in the Northern States. Two weeks ago, a friend of ours in the high mountain country of Wyoming was scraping frost off the windshields. Many of us have seen the first blizzard of the year in September and occasionally in August. It is time to prepare for winter assignments ahead of time. For travelers who are preparing to head northbound, be sure to think about what you are going to need for the winter months.

Tips for Cold Winter Assignments:

“Be sure to check your oil.”

That is what my dad used to always preach to his kids before leaving on a trip. Car maintenance is of utmost importance. Dad didn’t always tell us to check the radiator fluid to make sure it would withstand certain temperatures. If you are putting your own windshield wiper fluids into the chamber, be certain it is the winterized kind or that you have some with you. Change your blades, too, if they are getting old. Visibility is important, just as is traction on the road surfaces. What about your tires? All tires are NOT the same. If you are contracted to work where there is usually a fair amount of snow, and you permanently reside in an area that never sees those gorgeous, white, cold, icy flakes, make sure the tire man knows you want all-weather tires if you are getting new ones. Trust me, it will make your life better.

Keep a warm blanket and snacks in the car.

Something else that you may have never thought about was keeping a nice warm blanket in your car and some snacks. It is a good thing to have a small survival kit if you are going to be in an area far between towns. Growing up in a very rural part of the Midwest, I always keep a survival kit in my car, and there are usually 2 or three blankets as well as a small shovel and an extra pair of gloves. Sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it? Why in the world would one need things like this? It does happen that I have been darn happy to have those things when I was stuck in a snow drift waiting on help. Here is a short list of items you may want to keep in the kit: 1-2 candles, matches, some energy bars, candy bars, puzzle books and pencils, an extra pair of gloves or mittens, a good book to read, beef jerky, a few bottles of water, and a small empty can. The can is simply for filling with snow you will melt over the top of the candles so you have something to drink in an emergency. Battery charging cord. The hope is to never have to use anything in your kit at any point in time. But occasionally, people do get stranded or stuck in the snow. Caught in a blizzard or bad roads, these can be life-saving for those who have this. Just as some get caught stranded in the heat of the deserts without water and suffer, this will help you stay safe too.

Finally, it comes down to clothing.

Oh, how I hate to see people traveling in the wintertime wearing shorts. They could freeze to death if they were in an accident! But, by traveling with the appropriate clothing in one’s car, I guess they should be okay. Just be sure to pack and carry an extra jacket, and on those cold, blustery days, take a coat with you!

For many, this may seem like mere common sense.

But here in Nebraska and elsewhere, we may wake up to the birds chirping and the sun shining, 90 degrees by noon, raining in the afternoon with a heavy snowfall at night. We can pack a punch of all 4 seasons in one 24-hour span. Most importantly, drive slowly and with care. Icy and snowy roads aren’t so bad once you become accustomed to them. My cousin once told me a story about how everyone from Nebraska, South Dakota, etc., would park their cars when the roads were icy and there was any snow where she attended school because “those people down there didn’t know how to drive in those road conditions.

Soon there will be frost on the pumpkins, and we will all be wishing for spring once again. Be careful and safe travels.

We hope you found this article on preparing for winter assignments helpful. Do you have any tips you would like to share on how you prepare for winter assignments? Comment them below.

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

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

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

By Katlyn Eriksen

November 20, 2022

2439 Views

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

Posted on November 20, 2022November 16, 2022 by Katlyn Eriksen

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

Smells, sounds, and Socrates

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

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

Out of the cold

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

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

Lapping up the history

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

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

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

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

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

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

By Advantage Medical Professionals

November 7, 2022

3392 Views

The Unexpected Perks of Travel Nursing During the Holidays

Posted on November 7, 2022February 7, 2023 by Advantage Medical Professionals

Advantage Medical Professionals provided this article.

It’s no secret that work/life balance and flexibility are two of the major benefits of travel nursing, and it’s a perk most travel nurses aren’t shy about taking advantage of. One of the most popular tactics for leveraging this benefit is taking extended breaks between travel nursing contracts during the summer or winter holidays rather than anxiously hoping and praying their current supervisor grants their multiple requests for time off.

However, this trend can work both ways – nurses who are willing and able to work during peak holiday times can also use this trend to their advantage when it comes to landing their travel nursing assignment of choice – and the winter holiday season is no exception.

Location, Location, Location

With the influx of PTO requests coming in from their staff nurses, healthcare facilities tend to lean on nurse staffing agencies to fill those gaps, creating more open travel nursing needs overall. You can leverage this opportunity to cross items off your travel bucket list, visit long-distance family members and friends, or even “migrate” to an area more aligned with your climate preferences.

Who Says You Can’t Control the Weather?

Okay, we still have no control over the weather, but you CAN choose where you end up working based on your climate preferences. Here are a few of our favorite places to work and play for the holidays

If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas

Pennsylvania – Race snowmobiles through Allegheny National Forest, saddle up for a winter horseback ride through the Pocono Mountains, or head to the Bethlehem Christmas Market for a one-of-a-kind holiday shopping experience.
Utah – Surround yourself with snow, mountains, and skiing in Park City and Arches National Park, or check out the majestic Ice Castle Display in Heber Valley.
Colorado – In addition to the ice skating and skiing in Evergreen Lake, Vail, or Crested Butte, Colorado also boasts over 25 hot springs throughout the state. If shopping and dining are more appealing than hitting the slopes, Fort Collins is worth visiting as well.
West Virginia – Go hiking and sledding in Blackwater Falls State Park; if hitting the slopes is more your thing, you can go skiing or snowboarding at Snowshoe Mountain or Canaan Valley.

For those who like it hot (or at least warm)

Texas – Plenty of nature trails for hiking & biking throughout the state (Big Bend State Park); the Dallas/Fort Worth metro area or the Riverwalk in San Antonio both have an abundance of museums, shopping and pedestrian areas great for exploring solo or meeting new people.
Louisiana – Lots of shopping, dining, and sight-seeing in New Orleans’ French Quarter, the Annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival in north Louisiana, and home to some of the best fresh Gulf Coast seafood you can find
Florida – Its status as a tourist state makes this one of the more traveler-friendly locales with coveted attractions like Disney World, Augustine’s historic district, or one of their many beaches (check out the Cocoa Beach Surfing Santas on Christmas Eve!)
South Carolina – Charleston, Myrtle Beach, or Hilton Head Island have less severe winters. Coupled with state parks and historical sites throughout the area, there’s something there for everyone.

Increased Earning Potential

In some cases, pay packages for travel assignments during the winter holidays can trend slightly higher.

Of course, this does vary by facility based on their needs and supplemental staffing budget. A few levers facilities/agencies can pull to make pay packages more appealing to secure nursing staff throughout the holidays:

Higher bill rates due to higher demand – e.g., flu/COVID season, planned staff nurse PTO needs for winter vacations, visiting relatives
OT/Guaranteed hours – Due to increased frequency of unplanned staffing gaps due to emergencies, illness, vacations, etc.
Holiday bonuses/increased holiday hourly rate – Some facilities employ one or both tactics for incentivizing nurses to voluntarily cover holiday shifts (varies per facility).

Gaining a New “Home Away from Home”

Reconnect with family/friends – If you have family members or long-distance friends living nearby, use these few months to reconnect and spend more time with them!

Make new connections (professional & personal) – Most healthcare facilities find ways to take part in holiday traditions like decorating, exchanging Secret Santa gifts, or organizing a potluck. Just because you’re there as a traveler doesn’t mean you shouldn’t join in on the fun! Even if you feel like an outsider at first, engaging in these festivities with the staff nurses (and other travelers) is a great way to build camaraderie and form lasting friendships.

Looking to meet new people outside the facility? Even the smallest of communities have an uptick in holiday-centric events, allowing you plenty of opportunities to meet and mingle with the locals and fellow travelers.

Spiritual opportunities & volunteerism – Travel nursing assignments create the perfect opportunity to discover new places to worship or volunteer. There are many valid and important reasons for sticking with the same church or volunteer organization in your hometown, but exploring new avenues to do this during your travel nursing assignment can be a refreshing experience, especially during the holidays.

We hope you found these perks of winter travel nursing during the holidays helpful and that your holidays are great wherever you are celebrating this year!

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

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

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

By Advantis Medical Staffing

October 12, 2022

2746 Views

The Best Places to Travel Nurse in Winter

Posted on October 12, 2022October 5, 2022 by Advantis Medical Staffing

Advantis Medical Staffing provided this article.

Travel nurses are planners. On top of your game and generally ahead of the pack, planning your assignments well in advance is common. Location is often cited as the most important factor in job selection. So as the weather is changing and the air is getting cooler, what does your winter look like? Here are some of the best travel nurse locations for winter. We’ve included destinations for those of you who love the cold. Some locations are best for travel nurses with family or friends. Still, other states suit travelers who can’t wait for summer. Whichever you are, we hope you find inspiration!

Cold Weather Destinations for Travel Nurses

You know who you are – you start eyeing wool sweaters in August, and you celebrate Christmas in July. Why? Because you love EVERYTHING winter! The crisp air, the warm clothes, winter sports, and hot cocoa. These cold-weather destinations are not for the faint of heart or the boring of spirit.

Illinois – Travel nurses are a special kind of brave, and that’s necessary to endure an Illinois winter. If your answer to sub-zero temps is, “Bring it on,” we’d recommend Chicago. Ice skating under the Bean at Millennium Park. Stroll along the Magnificent Mile and Lakefront Trail to take in the sights. In the evening, you can enjoy cocktails and curling on the rooftop rink at The Gwen Hotel. Whether you crave sports, culture, or a culinary adventure, you can thrive in the Windy City.

New York – Travel nurses, can live the dream. You can spend 13 weeks in New York City without the cost of long-term residency. View the skyline from a heated boat tour, skate under the famous Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center, and take in a Broadway or off-Broadway show! Make sure to pack your best shoes when you head to NYC. If you prefer a slower pace, Upstate New York has peaceful charm while still offering city access on days off.

Alaska – If laying eyes on the Northern Lights is on your bucket list; this is the assignment for you. In coastal locations, which average around 25 degrees Fahrenheit, you can enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle. Coastal cities include population centers like Juneau and Anchorage. Enjoy ice skating, snowshoeing, or playing hockey. Remember to bring serious gear for this sub-arctic adventure. Also, pack sunlight-supplementing full spectrum lights to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Winter Locations for Travel Nurses with Friends or Family

Winter is a magical season during which many of us celebrate holidays. Togetherness with friends or family is often a priority around now. Accept assignments in these places for adventures best enjoyed by more than one.

Washington – Washington State is great for travelers with families. Leavenworth is a storybook Bavarian town tucked away in the Cascade Mountains, where you can visit an actual reindeer farm! Fit friends and family can hike for miles through the ancient Hoh Rainforest. And the most fearless travelers can venture into the spooky Seattle Underground with their crew.

New Mexico – The Land of Enchantment offers breathtaking winter escapes and cultural experiences. Witness massive formations in Carlsbad Caverns, sled down ivory hills in White Sands National Park, or hit the slopes in Taos. Decompress on off-days in Santa Fe, where you can visit the Plaza Area museums for cultural experiences. You’ll find souvenirs in the many local galleries.

Utah – Nothing showcases the Utah landscape quite like a blanket of snow. Winter sports include skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and even snow tubing. Explore breathtaking destinations such as Park City and Arches National Park. For those who like seeing more than doing, don’t miss the stunning annual Ice Castle display in Heber Valley.

South Carolina – From Charleston’s charm to Myrtle Beach’s sandy shores, South Carolina truly has something for everyone. The many state parks and dedicated outdoor spaces are great places for observing wildlife and admiring the region’s flora and fauna. History buffs can make a stop in Gaffney to visit the site of a Revolutionary War battle.

Travel Nurses Who Can’t Wait for Summer

Texas – The Lone Star State offers a wide variety of winter escapes. You can spend a weekend fishing on the Gulf Coast or head west to Big Bend State Park. Texas’ temperate winter weather is also perfect for those who want to visit Waco’s famed Magnolia Farms, the Fort Worth Stockyards, or Dallas’ happening Arts District. Everything’s bigger in Texas – including the fun.

California –Nature lovers, head west. Yosemite’s breathtaking Horsetail Falls turn golden at sunset in February. Head to Joshua Tree National Park to check out its odd-looking namesake plants. Or delight in a mass migration of monarch butterflies at Pacific Grove. Of course, the famed California beaches make for the perfect unwinding destinations. And wine country is a can’t–miss on your days off.

Louisiana – Head down to Louisiana for amazing music, historic architecture, and incredible food! Plus, if your winter assignment falls around February, you can go to New Orleans to experience all the festivities of Mardis Gras. You can catch and cook your dinner on the same boat at the coast. Or head to the scenic Atchafalaya swamps in the heart of the state on your weekend.

What to Pack for a Winter Travel Assignment

Congrats! You’ve accepted a winter travel nurse assignment. Start knowing you’ll need to pack more strategically for cold weather assignments than for warm ones. You’ll need more layers along with bulky items like coats, boots, and possibly heavy blankets, depending on your living arrangements. Here’s a winter checklist to get you started:

Layers (plan strategically for different environments)
Coats, jackets, scarves, hats, and gloves
Boots / waterproof shoes
Heavy blankets and throws
Moisturizer for dry skin
Skis or other winter sports supplies suitable for your destination
Cold medicine for the inevitable sniffles
Humidifier

Travel Nursing Adventure that Gives You the Chills

Whatever your favorite season or weather, travel nurses can fully experience a new destination four or more times a year. As you crisscross the country taking care of others, make sure you take time for fun and self-care. Each travel job can be a new chapter in your travel career. You can enjoy each day more fully; plus, the memories you make will last a lifetime.

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

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

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

By Medely

December 13, 2021

6267 Views

5 Great Cities For Your Winter Travel Assignment

Posted on December 13, 2021December 7, 2021 by Medely

This article was provided by Medely.

When temperatures drop, do your thoughts turn to the beach, the slopes, or somewhere in between? Now that the colder months are here, many Travel Nurses and Allied Healthcare Professionals are thinking about their next destination—and the possibilities are wide open.

Demand for Travel Nurses continues to reach all-time highs, with some estimates that as many as 100,000 positions were available this fall. How can you narrow the list to find a location that will work well for you?

If you’re looking for your first travel nursing assignment, the options can be overwhelming. While there are often very personal reasons behind our choices—such as working with friends, being close to family, chasing childhood dreams—here are a few things to consider:

What are your short and long-term priorities and how can your location help you reach those goals?
What kind of environment do you prefer to work in?
Are you comfortable spending money on your assignment or is saving on expenses a priority?
How do you plan to spend your time when you’re not working?

Once you know the type of experience you want to have, it’s easier to narrow your options—and find the one that’s right for the coming season. Here’s a look at five great cities to consider for a winter travel assignment.

San Diego, CA

Highlights: Warm weather, surfing, relaxed vibe

Average winter temperature (Dec-Mar): 58 degrees

Home to 17 miles of California coastline, San Diego is the place to go if you want city life with a more relaxed vibe. During the winter season, it’s the warm San Diego weather that draws people in—but it’s the friendly people, incredible food, and beautiful outdoors that will really make your time here memorable.

San Diego is a place where life is best lived outside, whether you want to hike, bike, take in a concert, or simply dine al fresco with friends—and it gives you easy access to some of the most popular surfing spots in the state! This means you’ll have a lot of great options for your downtime. And while the cost of living may be higher than other areas to live in, it’s one of the top cities in the U.S. when it comes to quality of life.

Phoenix, AZ

Highlights: Sunny days, budget-friendly, outdoor activities

Average winter temperature (Dec-Mar): 58.5 degrees

Located on the edge of the Sonoran Desert, Phoenix enjoys a mild winter with plenty of bright days—it’s the second sunniest city in the U.S., and even in December still averages 244 hours of sunshine. One notable benefit of being here during the winter: None of the dust storms (aka haboobs) that mark Arizona summers!

During your downtime, you can take advantage of the fine winter months to explore the Phoenix mountain range, located right in the city, or take a tour of the city’s many golf courses. You can also venture into nearby national parks, visit cities like Sedona and Tuscon, or head a few hours north to the iconic Grand Canyon.

Phoenix has also found a good balance between quality of life and affordability. The city is divided into 15 urban villages, each with its own character and style; if Phoenix is the right location for you, be sure to ask around to find the right village for you.

Salt Lake City, UT

Highlights: Skiing and outdoor activities, affordable cost of living

Average winter temperature (Dec-Mar): 22.25 degrees

If you love being outside in the snow and brisk winter weather, Salt Lake City can be an ideal home base. Not only is it close to some of the best ski resorts in the world—including Deer Valley, the number one ski resort in the U.S.—Utah is also home to beautiful mountains and stunning national parks, including Zion, Arches, Bryce, and Canyonlands.

If watching your budget is a top priority, this city is also a solid choice: You’ll have more purchasing power in Salt Lake City than many other cities, including the others on this list. But that affordability doesn’t require a big trade-off: Salt Lake City is a beautiful city that has great restaurants, fun nightlife, plenty of action for sports fans—especially basketball—and Travel + Leisure named it one of the friendliest cities in the country.

Atlanta, GA

Highlights: History, mild winter weather, diversity

Average winter temperature (Dec-Mar): 47 degrees

Many people know Atlanta for its history—from Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement to the Civil War that left just 400 buildings standing, and even as home to Coca-Cola, one of the biggest brands in the world. But it’s also a vibrant and modern city that’s growing quickly:

It’s young: Millennials make up 25 percent of the city’s population
It’s diverse: Atlanta is particularly known for its strong Black and LGBTQ+ communities
It has a solid economic base: Atlanta has the third-largest concentration of Fortune 500 companies, just behind New York and Houston

What does this mean for Travel Nurses and allied professionals like you? Great restaurants, unique small businesses, a rich culture that’s constantly evolving, and a friendly welcome with genuine southern hospitality.

Atlanta is more for the history buff than the outdoor enthusiast, but the BeltLine—a network of multiuse trails that circumnavigates the city—has quickly become integrated into the community with green spaces, art installations, and lots of different events.

Miami, FL

Highlights: Warm weather, beaches, nightlife

Average winter temperature (Dec-Mar): 70.25 degrees

On the opposite side of the country is Miami, a city where you’ll have too much to do to spend much time catching up on sleep! And winter is the perfect time to visit: Warm weather and gorgeous beaches without the stress of hurricane season. The cost of living in Miami isn’t cheap, but if you’re drawn to the beach, it’s significantly less expensive here than in southern California.

Miami is a melting pot of cultures, with more than 40 percent of the population born internationally—many in Latin America. That vibrancy permeates everything in the city, from its music to its food, to its art scene. A good place to start is in Wynwood, a neighborhood that’s considered Miami’s art and cultural hub—home to 70 art galleries and an evolving collection of street art.

Conclusion

Travel nursing gives you the chance to experience many different shades of winter—avoid it altogether, embrace it fully, or land somewhere that gives you access to a bit of both. Ready to look for the right opportunity to carry you through the cold winter months? Check out the travel nursing jobs available to you on Medely.

Are you looking for housing for your assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

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

By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

August 23, 2019

5356 Views

Why You Should Start Looking for a Winter Assignment Now

Posted on August 23, 2019May 20, 2021 by TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

This article provided by: Travel Nurse Across America

As summer winds down, it’s time to start looking ahead for that next travel nurse assignment. While it’s hard to imagine where to spend the colder months of late fall during the heat of summer, you know that travel nurses have to plan. Travel nurse jobs open and close around the country for a variety of reasons, yet there is still a certain amount of predictability to several areas.

Winter Travel Assignment Needs Are Here

Many areas are very seasonal, like snowbirds, for example. Areas like Arizona and Florida become the destination for a large population, meaning there is a need for nurses. Meanwhile, the colder regions of the country — like Washington state, Oregon, Maine, Massachusetts, etc. — tend to have the most needs. Flu season is also a significant factor in winter needs. Using data from previous years, facilities estimate their needs for the upcoming flu season. Due to these estimates, recruiters will start to see jobs opening up that will take travel nurses through the end of the year.

Recruiter Advice

When considering winter assignments, your schedule is likely the big question looming: will I have to work the holiday? It’s pretty standard to expect to work two or three major holidays, and that time off may not be granted. Think about your holiday preference before interviewing. Remember, you’re there to fill a need, so think about what you would be willing to work. Be sure to discuss holiday expectations with the manager when you interview. It’s also essential to discuss holiday pay, so there are no surprises on your paycheck.

Licensure and Certifications

Another piece of recruiter advice? Work with an agency that will help you with your licensures. While the eNLC opens up several states to travel nurses, there are still some states that don’t participate. Some agencies will not only assist you with the paperwork to receive temporary and permanent licensure, but they will also cover the costs. Look for an agency that will expedite the process. Think of those states with longer wait times, like Washington state. Ask your agency if they have a program to help you work in states with high winter travel assignment needs.

Beating the January Rush

Many travel nurses take off during the holidays, after all, being away from family throughout the year can be challenging enough. This means there is typically a massive influx of nurses looking to start in January. Want an inside tip? Extend your winter travel assignment to beat the January rush! After around three to four weeks on assignment, begin to evaluate whether or not you would like to extend. This will give you the opportunity to get acclimated to the weather, your facility, and your unit before welcoming new travelers. For more on extending assignments, read this article.

9 Reasons to Take a Winter Travel Assignment

1. High Demand for Nurses

2. Competitive Pay and Benefits

3. Professional Growth

4. Exploring New Destinations

5. Holiday Spirit and Community Engagement

6. Building Resilience and Adaptability

7. Networking Opportunities

8. Personal Growth and Adventure

9. Making a Difference

Your Winter Travel Assignment Awaits

Find Your Next Travel Healthcare Assignment with Our Job Board!

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Tips for Cold Winter Assignments:

“Be sure to check your oil.”

Keep a warm blanket and snacks in the car.

Finally, it comes down to clothing.

For many, this may seem like mere common sense.

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Smells, sounds, and Socrates

Out of the cold

Lapping up the history

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Location, Location, Location

Who Says You Can’t Control the Weather?

If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas

For those who like it hot (or at least warm)

Increased Earning Potential

Gaining a New “Home Away from Home”

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Cold Weather Destinations for Travel Nurses

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Conclusion

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