Summer 2018: Top 5 Locations For Travel Nurses
By Julia Kuhn, M.S. CCC-SLP
Founder/Blogger at: https://thetravelingtraveler.com
Calling all traveling nurses! Travel nursing is one of the best ways to see the country. Now is the time to pick your summer location! Moving with the seasons is an exclusive benefit to travel nursing! Do you want the history of the East Coast? Or an adventure into the vast mountains of the west? Here are the top 5 locations for travel nurses to consider this summer...
Related: Benefit and Opportunities as a Traveling Nursing
1. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is a must-see for all traveling nurses. Summer is the perfect time to explore this medical hub, whether on foot, by bike, or boat.
The charming cobblestone streets of Boston are filled with endless boutique shops and historical landmarks. Outdoor festivals, music shows, and sailing boats on the Charles River fill the city. From Boston, visit the beaches of Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.
Boston is home to some of the best, world-class hospitals in the country, including Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Working at one of these hospitals is a powerful addition to any nurse’s resume!
2. Seattle, Washington
Seattle is a fantastic summer destination for foodies. The city is nestled in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Trek to the mountains or nearby lakes on your time off or grab a fresh brew in the birthplace of Starbucks. Perfect for the coffee lovers out there!
Pike Place Market and the Space Needle are all Seattle bucket list items. Exploring nearby Puget Sound and Mount Rainier are good full day activities.
Seattle is a year-round favorite of traveling nurses. Top medical centers include Swedish Memorial, Virginia Mason, and University of Washington. Travelers report these hospitals as very traveler-friendly and accommodating.
3. San Francisco, California
If you want to avoid the intense heat of the summertime, try San Francisco. Located in the Bay Area of California, it is a must stop for anybody that holds a California nursing license.
Average temperatures in July range from 54-67 degrees. Perfect for the nurse who wants to avoid the heat. In addition, UCSF Medical Center is raved about by nurses and is nationally ranked as a top hospital.
On days off, walk around Chinatown and sample some delicious fresh food! Practice your camera skills by taking iconic pictures with the Golden Gate Bridge or Fisherman’s Wharf. Indulge in chocolate heaven at Ghirardelli Square, or take a drive to Muir Woods, Napa Valley, or Point Reyes.
4. Anchorage, Alaska
Alaska is a bucket list destination for many nurses! Summertime means there is ample daylight and you don’t have to worry about darkness during the day. Sunrise happens around 4:30 am and sunset around 11:00 pm.
On your days off, you can walk on glaciers, explore nature, and take a picture of a moose! Denali National Park is a couple of hours away and could be a good side trip. Denali is home to Mount McKinley, which is the tallest peak in North America.
As a more southern town in Alaska, Anchorage has milder climates. The city also boasts some of the top-ranked hospitals in the state. Alaska Native Medical Center is a favorite among travel nurses.
5. Denver, Colorado
This mile-high city is full of sports and outdoor recreations. It is urban, yet close to the mountains. Passion for the outdoors fills this city; it’s a great fit for both city and mountain buffs alike!
Take a hike in the Rockies, learn to rock climb, or go white water rafting. Denver is known for its many craft breweries, and there’s no better way to rehydrate after a strenuous hike than with an ice-cold local brew.
Denver has a growing need for travelers. University of Colorado Health System, and Denver Health all rank as top hospitals for travel nurses.
Travel nursing gives you the opportunity to explore this vast and amazing country! Summer is a wonderful time of year to experience the beauty of many cities. What is going to be the next place you check off your bucket list?
