One travel nurse advice you will always get when joining the travel nursing field is to make the right decisions when selecting a place for your assignment. No doubt, becoming a travel nurse opens up a world of discovery and adventure. If you enjoy learning about new locations, cultures, and experiences, you’ve probably found the perfect fit in this field. The beauty of working as a professional in this field is the opportunity to immerse yourself in various unique locations, each with charm and appeal. A common difficulty arises amid the excitement: How do you choose your next travel nurse assignment?
It would be best to examine your financial and personal interests as you begin this decision-making process. To make things easier, we’ve developed a list of top tips to help you choose your travel location as best as possible. By keeping your budget and hobbies in mind, you may make a decision that not only meets your career goals but also satisfies your desire for adventure. So, let’s dive into these suggestions to provide the information you need to find the ideal assignment explicitly suited for you.
Considering Budget & Finances
It’s crucial to note that living costs vary substantially depending on where you live, especially during the holidays when prices tend to spike. While you should always seek the best pay, you may be tempted to go to places with lower living costs. Choosing a less expensive area might have various advantages.
An excellent travel nurse advice we would like to give you is that by choosing a low-cost location, you not only maximize the value of your assignments but also ensure greater financial freedom. This increased freedom allows you to visit new cities, pursue your interests, and participate in various activities while remaining financially responsible.
While planning your career, think about how you may make sensible financial decisions. This may entail selecting regions with reduced living expenditures, saving you more money. This financial discipline does not mean compromising your fun and enjoyment; rather, it enables you to have a rewarding travel nursing experience without breaking the bank.
Plan To Drive
Do you intend to drive while on your travel nursing adventure? If you have such plans, there are two primary considerations to make:
To begin, assess whether you can get around without a car. In major cities such as Chicago and New York, public transportation is excellent, and many people do not drive to work. In cities like New York, nearly half of workers over the age of 16 do not own a car, partially because traffic is a significant issue in these types of areas. Consider whether you’re all right with a lot of walking or can afford ride-sharing services like taxis or Uber. If not, you might favor cities with less traffic because driving is more straightforward.
Second, would you like to rent a car? Renting a car gives you additional options. It is entirely up to you how far you are willing to drive. You might like a cross-country road trip, or you might choose to limit your driving time to six hours or no more than 500 miles. Whatever you pick, remember to consider transport when making your arrangements.
Things You Want To Do In Your Free Time
Thinking about what you want to do in your spare time will help you decide if a place is suited for you. When you’re not working, what activities or hobbies do you enjoy? If you enjoy snorkeling, fishing, and relaxing by the water, Miami might be the place for you. If you enjoy hiking, visiting parks, and seeing mountains, Denver could be a good fit.
Even if you’re a travel nurse licensed in different states, research potential places and what they offer. It is not only about the job; it is also about what you can do and enjoy when you are not on duty. Finding and researching the locations you’re interested in and their attractions can help you make a decision that corresponds with your interests and allows you to make the most of your free time.
Traveling With Others
Let us now discuss traveling with others, which is the final point of this blog post. Are you going to travel by yourself or with individuals who have their things to do? Some nurses prefer to work with other nurses on assignments, while others bring family members with them. If you’re traveling with others, it’s a good idea to arrange what you’ll do in your spare time together. Look for activities that everyone can enjoy, and have a backup plan in place in case someone wants to relax and stay home.
Traveling with someone else, whether a friend, colleague, or family member, may add a lot of enjoyment to your experience. You can ensure that everyone has a good time and gets to do things they enjoy. All of this is possible if you properly organize your plans. As a result, your travel experience will be even more fun and unforgettable.
Best Places To Consider
Here are some of the places that you might want to consider after carefully researching about them:
Anchorage
Anchorage, with its distinct location, culture, and magnificent natural beauty, provides intriguing travel nursing assignments in Alaska. Anchorage, the state’s central city, offers wild and urban experiences. In the woods, you can hike trails, see wildlife such as moose, bears, and whales, see glaciers, and much more. Discover indigenous culture at the Alaska Native Heritage Centre, and shop for native items, fresh seafood, and more in the city – all tax-free! Despite the cold, you may see the northern lights, go dog sledding, kayaking, and the list goes on.
Falls Church
With a population of roughly 15,000 people, this lovely town provides a variety of attractions. It’s small, but it’s only a 25-minute drive from Washington, D.C., where you can visit famous attractions and museums. Nonetheless, the town is appealing, with historic architecture, arts, parks, restaurants, hiking, shopping, Potomac River, and Great Falls. Enjoy both city access and the peace & quiet of this fantastic enclave.
Jacksonville
This bustling city in northern Florida is the largest in the Sunshine State and a fantastic location for your next healthcare travel job. JAX (the nickname of this city) provides something for everyone. With its combination of downtown skyscrapers and the nation’s most extensive urban park system, this city has a lot to offer. While giving a travel nurse advice, we would always recommend choosing this city for your next assignment, but after carefully researching it. In addition, The St. Johns River and the Atlantic Ocean make JAX a fantastic place for water enthusiasts. There’s sun, sand, fishing, boating, and other activities. You also get arts, exquisite restaurants, nightlife, and river walks. The cost of living is also reasonable.
Final Thoughts
These essential things can help you decide on your next assignment and location. Consider every travel nurse advice given and the factors mentioned in this blog post carefully, and then make a great decision. Above, you can also find some top places to consider.
