Autumn is a much loved season for many reasons. With the summer over and the transition to cooler weather, many find themselves enjoying the comforts that autumn brings. For travel nurses, the fall season also brings an increase in opportunities to help people in a new location. If you are thinking of taking advantage of the fall weather, explore these top locations and valuable tips to make the most out of your fall travel nursing assignment.
4 reasons to take a travel nurse assignment in the fall
If you are thinking of taking a travel nursing assignment during the autumn season, there are several compelling advantages worth considering. From the excitement of discovering a new city to the potential increase in pay, there are tons of perks and benefits to taking a travel nursing assignment in the fall.
1. Possibility of better pay due to high demand
Fall is often a busy time for the healthcare industry thanks to seasonal weather changes. As a result, many medical facilities experience a significant uptick in patient numbers, creating a higher demand for skilled nurses. In order to remain competitive, fall nursing assignments may offer increased compensation packages to attract more qualified or specialized staff.
2. Opportunity to enjoy the fall season and weather
One of the best perks of travel nursing is getting to explore the beauty of another city and the fall season is the perfect time to do this. Autumn brings pleasant weather to enjoy in various locations with vibrant foliage, comfortable temperatures and great opportunities for outdoor activities.
3. Higher potential to extend your nursing assignment
As previously mentioned, healthcare facilities often experience increased patient demand at the beginning of fall. As a result, they are often more open to contract extensions in order to keep their staff during this peak season. This offers travel nurses an excellent opportunity to take advantage of autumn travel nursing while securing job stability.
4. Increase in seasonal festivities
Choosing to take on a travel nursing assignment during the fall comes with the added bonus of seasonal activities. From pumpkin patches, fairs, and Halloween events, this time of year provides a variety of chances to experience the local community in a new location.
Preparing for your fall travel nursing assignment
Preparing for a new assignment as a travel nurse can be exciting but intimidating. To get the most out of your experience, consider the following fall travel nursing tips:
- Pack weather-appropriate clothes and gear. Fall can bring unpredictable weather, so it’s essential you pack appropriately for these conditions. Include plenty of layers, rain gear, medicine, and boots on your packing list.
- Research your assignment location. There are many local fall events and festivals that will help you enjoy the fall season while getting to know your new home better.
- Explore your new facility. Take time to walk through your new healthcare facility and meet any colleagues before your official start date. This can help ease any anxiety about your first day and begin to foster a positive relationship with your new team.
- Build a routine. Maintaining a solid routine and a healthy work-life balance is essential to your fall travel nursing assignment. Create a routine that allows you to get the most of your assignment by scheduling times for self care and enjoyment.
8 great travel nurse destinations for the fall season
1. Massachusetts
Best places to visit:
- Salem
- Boston
- Cape Cod
- Acadia National Park
- Quabbin Reservoir
- Mohawk Trail
- Cranberry Bogs
Massachusetts offers a long list of destinations and activities to explore during your fall nurse assignment. The vibrant fall colors and foliage makes this location ideal for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With multiple hiking trails and festive activities such as Mohawk Trail and the cranberry harvest at Cranberry Bog, Massachusetts provides a picturesque landscape to explore.
Massachusetts is also a state rich in history and culture with charming towns such as Salem and the bustling city of Boston. The state is also close to well known New England cities like Cape Cod and parks like Acadia National Park in Maine, which makes for the perfect day or long weekend trip.
2. New York
Best places to visit:
- New York City
- The Catskills
- Hudson Valley
- Niagara Falls
- The Hamptons
- Finger Lakes
- Adirondack Mountains
If you enjoy cooler temperatures, beautiful fall colors, and a never ending list of activities, New York has to be on your autumn travel nursing list. Explore the natural beauty of locations like The Catskills, Adirondack Mountains, and Finger Lakes.
Of course, New York City is also home to a rich cultural, music and art scene which is a must see during the festive holiday season. New York state also offers the chance to work in some world-class medical facilities which can be a rewarding experience in a travel nurse’s career.
3. North Carolina
Best places to visit:
- Asheville
- Blue Ridge Parkway
- Great Smoky Mountains
- Boone
- Durham
- Winston-Salem
- Chimney Rock
Choosing a travel nurse assignment in North Carolina during the fall season offers a variety of opportunities. Firstly, North Carolina is renowned for its breathtaking views, with the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This provides travel nurses with unparalleled opportunities for outdoor fun, with plenty of scenic hiking trails.
North Carolina’s charming towns and cities, such as Asheville and Durham, are also must-sees with fall festivals, cultural events, and diverse restaurants, offering a variety of experiences to do with your free time.
4. Tennessee
Best places to visit:
- Great Smoky Mountains
- Gatlinburg
- Nashville
- Chattanooga
- Pigeon Forge
- Memphis
- Falls Creek
Tennessee should be on the top of your fall nursing assignment list if you love national parks, live music, and mountain towns. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Falls Creek State Park offer great views of the fall foliage with multiple hiking trails and waterfalls to explore.
Get into all the fall festivities when you visit cities like Pigeon Forge and Jonesborough, known for their historic charm and entertainment for all ages. Tennessee also presents an opportunity to experience the legendary music and barbecue scenes of Memphis and Nashville during your downtime on your fall nursing assignment.
5. California
Best places to visit:
- Napa Valley
- Yosemite National Park
- Lake Tahoe
- San Francisco
- Joshua Tree Park
- Santa Barbara
- Mammoth Lakes
If you are looking to prolong the summer weather, California is a great option for a fall nursing assignment. Notorious for their great weather no matter the time of year, California also has a diverse landscape with forests, deserts, and beautiful coastlines to explore. Whether it’s hiking in Yosemite’s colorful forests or relaxing on the beaches of Santa Barbara, this state has a lot to offer with mild fall weather.
California’s cultural scene also comes alive with a myriad of events and festivals during this time of year. Fall is harvest season in Napa Valley, making it the ideal time for wine tasting and vineyard tours. The autumn season also brings an extra touch of beauty to the scenery at Mammoth Lakes and Lake Tahoe.
6. Arizona
Best places to visit:
- Grand Canyon
- Sedona
- Tucson
- Antelope Canyon
- Jerome
- Havasu Falls
- Phoenix
Arizona’s remarkable landscapes like the iconic Grand Canyon, Sedona’s red rock formations, and Antelope Canyon, make this state a top destination for a fall nursing assignment. Travel nurses can embark on unforgettable outdoor adventures with the added bonus of milder temperatures and fewer crowds during this time.
Arizona’s cultural scene remains vibrant as well, with cities like Tucson and Phoenix offering a rich blend of cultural attractions, art, and dining experiences.
7. Florida
Best places to visit:
- Orlando
- Miami
- Key West
- Everglades National Park
- Naples
- Crystal River
- Fort Lauderdale
There are many ways to take advantage of the pleasant weather and attractions that Florida has to offer during the fall. The milder temperature of the autumn months provides the ideal time to experience the beaches in Miami and Fort Lauderdale along with the theme parks in Orlando without the sweltering summer crowds.
Additionally, the fall season brings forth a variety of local festivals and events, offering travel nurses the chance to immerse themselves in the state’s vibrant cultural scene. Whether it’s enjoying art festivals in Miami, exploring historic sites in St. Augustine, or taking part in the unique experience of swimming with manatees in Crystal River.
8. Texas
Best places to visit:
- Austin
- San Antonio
- Big Bend National Park
- Houston
- Palo Duro Canyon
- Dallas
- Marfa
Enjoy all that Texas has to offer without the high temperatures when you opt for a nursing assignment in the fall. This is the ideal season to enjoy outdoor activities, from hiking in Big Bend National Park to strolling along the River Walk in San Antonio. Autumn is also a great time to explore Marfa’s unique art installations including the mysterious Marfa Lights without having to worry about the scorching heat.
The fall season in Texas equals local festivals and cultural events, allowing travel nurses to immerse themselves in the state’s vibrant arts, music, and culinary scenes. Whether it’s savoring Tex-Mex cuisine in San Antonio, exploring art galleries in Houston, or attending the Texas State Fair in Dallas.
Plan your next fall travel nursing assignment
The perfect nursing destination will vary depending on your preferences, but with the autumn season, there is no shortage of locations to choose from. Whether you are looking to embrace the fall or prolong the summer weather, enjoy unique experiences a new city has to offer while pursuing your healthcare career with your upcoming fall nursing assignment.
Looking for a new assignment? Search available travel nurse jobs.