Are you an experienced nurse looking to jump into the travel nursing industry, but unsure of where to go? There are many factors that go into choosing the perfect travel destination for your first nursing assignment, or your next! Here are some helpful things to consider.
Personal Preferences
There are a handful of personal preferences to consider when looking for your next travel nursing assignment. Weather, location, activities, and family are 4 factors to consider. Think about if you would prefer to be in a warm or cold environment. Do you like to be in cities or rural areas? What are some activities you like to do on the weekends or time off? If you like skiing, hiking, or going to the beach, think about these factors when picking a location. Another important thing to consider is how far you will be from family and friends – how close in proximity would you like to be to your loved ones?
Professional Factors
Some professional factors to think about before starting a new job are high demand specialties, hospital reputation, pay rate, shift availability, and benefits. It is a great idea to research which positions are in high demand in the area you like. Additionally, research the hospitals you are considering working with. At Voca, we work with highly reputable companies, but it is always a good idea to ensure the quality of patient care for your own ease of mind. Compare salaries at different positions in different locations. If you want to go somewhere with a higher cost of living, make sure your salary will match your financial goals. Consider the type of shift you would like – days, nights, or rotating. At Voca, we also offer a full benefits package to ensure you are covered. We offer health, dental, vision, life, and accident insurance, along with 401(k) options and stipends for assignments.
Research and Planning
Look into factors like housing and the local cost of living. Housing options can be tricky to decide on, especially when you are on 13-week assignments. It is a good idea to look into apartments, AirBnB, or subleases. If you are having trouble finding potential housing, reach out to your recruiter at Voca, who would be happy to help! Joining Facebook groups is also a great way to find housing for options when you are traveling. Also consider the cost of living for the area you are considering moving to. This is important in budgeting for living expenses and picking somewhere to stay.
Flexibility
Travel nursing is an area of expertise that is important to be flexible working in. Sometimes, you will not get your top choice for a job, and that is ok! Our recruiters are here to help you find the best job you are suited for. If a position you really wanted in a city fills up, check cities nearby – this way, you can still enjoy that city on your days off. Lastly, it is important to adjust your expectations. Prepare to adapt to change not only within the new workplace you are going to start in, but also the new city you are moving to.
Hot Cities for Travel Nurses
California: high demand, potential high pay, warm environment with beaches and mountains
Texas: Various options within large healthcare market
Florida: warm, attractive areas, unique jobs
Washington: good job market, scenic areas
New York: diverse healthcare settings
Ready to find tour dream travel nursing location? Now that you have all the tips and tricks to find the best location, reach out to Voca today to find your dream position!
About Voca: The Spirit of Work
Voca is a relationship organization focused on uniting talented healthcare professionals across nursing and allied, as well as travel and local with exceptional companies. Headquartered in Blue Ash, OH, Voca works coast-to-coast supporting national, regional, and local healthcare companies. Voca is proud to be certified by The Joint Commission, which evaluates and accredits healthcare staffing agency organizations and programs in the United States. We are committed to creating and maintaining a workplace in which all employees have an opportunity to participate and contribute to our mutual successes and are valued for their skills, experience, and unique perspective. For more information, visit https://myvoca.com/