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Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park is often considered one of the best hiking spots in the world. Keep in mind – hiking the Grand Canyon isn’t for beginners.
There are a few hiking routes you can take at the Grand Canyon, all of which are as difficult, but rewarding, as the next. Hikes usually begin at Mather Point, and they take hikers down into the canyon. Getting into the canyon is perhaps one of the toughest downhill hikes, but there’s no experience quite like being inside the Grand Canyon.
Aside from Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona is home to tons of other hikes and should offer more than enough for the outdoor enthusiast.
The best city for Arizona hiking is easily Phoenix, the largest city in Arizona. Aside from hiking, Phoenix is home to NBA, NFL and MLB teams, as well as a number of excellent hospitals.
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As if you needed another excuse to apply for a travel nursing assignment in Hawaii! Along with the beautiful beaches, stunning ocean views and vivacious culture, Hawaii has some of the coolest hikes in America.
The island of Kauai offers some of the greatest natural sights. Hiking trails will take you through the same rain forests where films like Indiana Jones and Jurassic Park were filmed, and many of them end with a breath-taking waterfall.
Chances are you’ll be taking your travel nursing assignment in Honolulu on the island of Oahu. Fortunately, Oahu has a number of great hikes, such as the famous Haiku Stairs. The Stairs, also known as the stairway to heaven, take you along the ridge of a mountain offering a view of the island unlike any other.
If rainforest hikes and mountain walks weren’t enough, you can also hike to Diamond Head, an active volcano.
The Appalachian Trail in Maine stretches for 100 miles, all of which is completely unpaved and great for a weekend out. While it would be difficult to hike the full 100 miles, it is recommended to do smaller chunks of the hike, such as the first 30 miles.
If the 100-Mile Wilderness doesn’t sound like your thing, Mount Desert Island and Deer Isle also offer excellent hiking destinations. As a plus, both islands are also fishing destinations and have famous lighthouses to check out.
The biggest city in Maine is Portland, but a travel nursing assignment in Massachusetts’ Boston area would leave you a 4-5 hour drive to reach the trail – and even less for the islands.
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If you aren’t interested in hiking up the highest mountains or if you’d rather spend time by the river than atop a peak, the Jacks River Trail in Georgia is the spot to visit.
Unlike other hikes on this list, the Jacks River Trail will bring you across rivers a few times. This means that you will be getting a little wet. If you can get past having to get in the water, this is a gorgeous hiking location.
It’s located on the border of Georgia and Tennessee, so a travel nursing assignment in Atlanta, Georgia or in Chattanooga or Nashville, Tennessee would best. All three are pretty famous cities on their own, so there should be no shortage of things to do.
The Columbia River Gorge offers a number of hiking trails ranging from just 1 mile to 60 miles, so it caters to hikers of all skill levels. Thanks to the northwest rain, there are a number of waterfalls to admire as you hike near the second largest river in America.
There are dozens of hiking trails, but Dog Mountain and Angel’s Rest are some of the major highlights. Both offer some of the best views of the gorge, perfect for a sunny summer hike or a fun winter trek.
If the northwest is your thing, Portland is going to offer the best opportunities for nursing. The hip, quickly-growing city is just a few hours away making the gorge an easy weekend trip.
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It’s the middle of summer, which means it’s also the middle of beach season. There’s something at the beach for everyone and fortunately for travel nurses, one of the best beaches in the nation can be a quick drive away – or possibly right across the street! Finding the perfect city that also happens to be close to a beach is much easier than you might expect.
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When people think of Washington state, the first thing that comes to mind is usually rain and evergreen trees. While that’s not entirely untrue, there’s a lot more that this west coast state has to offer.
The beaches in Washington state come in all types of varieties. There are sandy beaches that draw big crowds whenever the sun comes out, and there are rockier beaches that are excellent for finding a secluded area for kayaking or jumping in the water.
There’s really no way to rank the best destinations for beaches without mentioning Hawaii. Hawaii is one of the most beautiful areas in the world, home to volcanoes, forests and, of course, beaches.
One reason Hawaiian beaches are to die for is the great weather that Hawaii is famous for. Sure, it’s not perfectly sunny year round. However, it will be easier than not to find a day to enjoy beaches that people travel across the world for.
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Alabama isn’t usually on people’s list for great beach destinations. That makes sense, considering Alabama only has a little over 50 miles of coastline, but the coastline Alabama does have is definitely worth getting excited about – especially since their weather is consistently warm.
Many of the beaches in Alabama are long and sandy making them perfect destinations for weekend retreats or day trips. Also take into account that you’ll be able to get some of the best seafood on the Alabama coast and it’s hard to think of reasons not to travel to Alabama.
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Fun fact: Florida has the second largest coastline of any state (after Alaska). Not only does Florida offer beaches in the Gulf and Atlantic coast, but Florida also shares the same waters as the Bahamas.
Travel nurses should be sure to check out Miami, Tampa and Jacksonville if they are looking to be right on the beach.
Who said the best beaches had to connect to the ocean? Michigan borders four of the five Great Lakes, and each of them is much more impressive than expected. Michigan beaches can get a little chilly to visit during the winter, but during the summer they are just as good as any ocean beach you’d find.
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New Jersey gets a bad rep because of certain people, but it can actually be an awesome place to take a travel nursing assignment in. Jersey beaches are severely underrated, and all it takes is one visit to realize it.
The best beaches in New Jersey are easily reachable from Atlantic City. Those willing to travel farther to get to the beach may even consider taking an assignment in Newark or Jersey City.
California and Nevada share one of the most appreciated lakes in the country: Lake Tahoe. Because it’s in the mountain, Tahoe beaches can get frigid in the winter, but waiting until the summer is totally worth it. Not only are the beaches beautiful and the weather great, but water visibility is usually around 70 ft – meaning you can see clearly 70 ft down into the water.
And such concludes our list of the top beach locations for nurses! Did we miss anywhere great that you visited on a previous travel nursing assignment?
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Born and raised in Rosebud, Texas with a population of approximately 1,300 people, Courtni Sladek, always had the urge to travel, but she never expected her travel nursing career could also be her way to explore the country.
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The desire to become a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) nurse came to Courtni when she was a high school senior band student performing at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, in Dallas. “In high school I was a band nerd and played the clarinet,” said Sladek, “Every year we’d have to do at least one performance at a children’s hospital, and in my senior year it hit me that I wanted to help these kids. Plus I’ve always said I have the food and movie taste of a five year old, so it just makes sense.”
Courtni attended the University of Mary Hardin Baylor and received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Afterwards she continued working in Texas until her third year of nursing when her husband, Ryan, gave her the push to pursue a career in travel nursing.
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“I had mentioned travel nursing before, but it was actually Ryan’s idea to pick up and move,” said Sladek, “It’s the most rewarding decision I’ve ever made for my life.” The Sladek couple’s original goal was to pursue a life in the Travel Nurse industry as a way to find a location suitable for them to settle down, but four years later they are still happy to be driving around the country every three to four months.
They’ve taken on a total of 14 assignments, and lived in destinations such as Chicago, Las Vegas, New York City, and Baltimore, but out of all of the places San Diego has been Courtni’s favorite. “I still say San Diego is my Soul City. We lived a quarter mile from the beach and definitely took advantage of the boardwalk and the great views,” said Sladek.
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Along with being near the beach and in exceptionally warm weather, the hospital that where Courtni worked made her feel like like she was had been working there for 30 years. “There was something about Rady Children’s Hospital –, the people I worked with were great, and the staffing were set well and made it feel like you were supported,” said Sladek.
Throughout each assignment Courtni has not only grown with in her knowledge of all the cultural differences that from state to state, but she has also grown her knowledge in the nursing field.
“One of main challenges that I’ve seen while working as a travel nurse is the different nurse mentalities,” said Sladek, “people do tasks in their own way and if one unit does it a specific way, then they may think your way is wrong.” Courtni said that even though this has been one of the hurdles she has had to deal with while being a travel nurse it has actually helped her personally, giving her more confidence in knowing that she is doing her job well, and letting go of her insecurities. “Coming into a new unit and potentially being judged by the way you do things definitely breaks you out of your comfort zone and allows you to be different,” said Sladek. Although there are minor challenges when it comes to being a travel nurse, the benefits can usually out way the hurdles.
“Definitely just do it. Bite the bullet and and do it,” said Sladek, “The most important thing is to do more than one assignment. Do it for a year with three of four assignments. You’ll learn a lot, I know I have. ”
RNs can make up to $2,300 per week as a travel nurse. Speak to a recruiter today!
Big things happen in Texas, and there’s a chance that you’re thinking about taking a big travel nursing assignment there. Texas has a lot to offer, both socially and professionally.
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Not only is it home to world famous entertainment, but it is also home to a number of renowned hospitals – one of which you may be working in!
There’s a lot to consider before taking an assignment in Texas. Along with your career, you would be moving your entire life to a new city. Find out a little more about the Lone Star state to see if it is right for you.
One of the best parts about Texas is that there is no shortage of things to do. Texas is home to some incredible art, world-renowned architecture, a busy night life, great music and, of course, excellent food – Texas BBQ anyone? In fact, Dallas cracked Zagat’s top 10 best cities in the United States for food in 2015.
While Texas definitely has it’s big cities, it is also has an abundance of wilderness to play in. If you’re a lover of hiking, camping or anything outdoors, Texas could be the right fit for you.
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As any travel nurse can attest, safety in a new place is of utmost importance. Check out this map of Dallas for instance, to help you avoid living in a number of unsafe areas. Aside from crime, there are other factors to consider. For example, the weather in Texas can get hot in summer which is something to consider for those not used to heat. Also, creepier factors, such as fire ants, might need to be considered.
As far as major metropolitan areas go, Texas is relatively inexpensive. According to information site Expatistan, the cost of living in Dallas is much lower than most other metropolitan areas. Rent ranges depending on what area of the city you’re in, but expect to be paying between $1,000-$1,400 a month for a single apartment in the city.
If you do choose to move to Texas, you won’t be spending too much on transportation. Gas prices are consistently below the US average.
The real reason you’re going to Texas isn’t going to be the hot weather or the Cowboys. Your nursing career is important, and you want to make sure that you’re going to a hospital that you will enjoy working at.
According to US News, Texas is home to nine nationally ranked hospitals and 35 others that meet national high performing standards . Also, nurses who reviewed Texas hospitals on Nurse.org gave the area fairly high marks across the board.
Texas is perfect for those who want to live in a big, lively state. There is always something to do and the hospitals are top-notch
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We’ve all experienced it—looking through Facebook or getting text messages from Mom and Barkley, the family dog—that dreaded homesickness. That longing for one’s home, those family and friends you left behind. It happens to the best of us, whether we’ve been gone for years or for a couple days.
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But adventure awaits, and there’s also no greater feeling than embracing something new and trying something different. It makes us who we are, it opens our minds. So that homesickness needs to be tackled, and here are some pretty simple ways to help fight that nostalgic mood you’re feeling:
1. Keep busy: Everyone gets the blues once in awhile, especially in a new city. Remember to stay positive and focus on how this experience can help YOU. Explore your new home! When you’re playing tourist, you don’t have time to think about what you’re missing at home. Stay active, hit a new trail or join a new gym. Say yes when someone invites you to join them on an adventure. Set up skype dates or FaceTime your family and friends. The more you do, the less likely you are to spend time dwelling on what you’re missing.
2. Make your home your home: Bring your favorite photos with you, as magnets or coasters, photo albums, digital frames. Bring your favorite pillow or blanket. Fill a shoebox with little knick-knacks or gifts from friends that you can place around your new home. Buy some candles, and treat yourself to a bouquet of flowers every week. When your home is your sanctuary, it’s hard to want to be somewhere else!
3. Make some plans: Invite your friends or family to visit during your days off to explore your new home with you. Camping on the coast, catching your favorite band at a brand new venue, wine tasting in Napa Valley…don’t limit yourself to just working and explore your new city. Explore what else the area has to offer. And don’t forget to make plans for your next assignment, where else do you want to go?
4. Embrace the new: New city, new friends, new things to try…new you. Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn how to surf, and how convenient is it that your new position is in Los Angeles? Or maybe you’ve always wanted to take cooking classes – how wonderful that Seattle has great cooking classes at Pike Place Market? It doesn’t hurt to try out something new, and imagine what you’ll learn about yourself along the way.
5. Practice the art of solitude: Let’s face it, sometimes doing something by yourself is better than doing it with someone else. I constantly treat myself to movie dates, going at off-peak hours without worrying about being late (sorry but I love the previews) or if the movie choice is good for everyone. Go do something that you want to do, and enjoy yourself while doing it. Spending time alone is a great way to grow, both creatively and personally.
Travel nursing does not have to be a lonely experience, where you yearn to be home at every moment. Your adventure becomes an adventure based on how you interpret it. Sure, there’s no place like home. But there’s also a world to explore.
Have you ever stayed in a nice hotel where you could sleep until 10 because of the amazing curtains? Give the night shift nurse in your life the gift of sleep – even when the sun’s a-blazin’.
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This is hilarious. According to WebMD, a side-effect of taking melatonin is sleepiness. That’s the whole point!
Melatonin can promote better sleep during the day, and help your loved one adjust when returning to night sleep. Get your honey a bottle of this supplement; just be sure to warn them about the “side effect.”
Whole Foods isn’t open at 1 AM. You know what kinds of places are? Taco Bell.
Pack your significant other a healthy dinner at least one or two nights a week. A healthier, happier person will come home to you after his or her shift.
Related: Survival Tips For Night Shift Nurses
Barking dogs suck. So do lawn mowers — or really anything else that goes on during the daytime — when you’re a night shift nurse.
Not everyone is into earplugs, so buy your sweetie an Itunes gift card with which they can buy some relaxing tracks of ocean waves. The ambient noise will drown out that yapping canine.
The problem with the night shift is that you might not see each other very much if you work days. So block out a day a week when you are both free, and don’t do anything except spend the day together.
Being a night shift nurse has its perks, but it can be hard on relationships. Block out a day just for each other. Do it now!
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