Being a healthcare traveler is an exciting adventure – both professionally and on a personal level.
While certainly the pay, perks and other benefits factor into why a travel gig can be a great fit, part of the fun is figuring out where you want the next assignment to be.
When choosing a location, remember what you like to do in your free time. Ask yourself if you like snow or the sun? Do you want a major city or a small town? Do you want to be near the mountains or the ocean? These questions are important when looking at job opportunities.
So with plans for fall not too far off, here are 5 great destinations travelers should consider for their next assignment.
San Jose, CA
This can be a great place due to its proximity to the nice weather, wine country, ocean beaches, and nightlife of the Bay Area. In addition, San Jose offers substantial salaries – with an average 2021 hourly wage of $57.86 and an annual salary of $120,339. Of course, this varies from hospital to hospital and depends on the job description, but the pay will be much better than in most other locations. Top area hospitals include:
- UCSF Medical Center
- California Pacific Medical Center
- SequoiaHospital
- Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Medical Center
- Stanford Health Care-Valley Care
The Greater Boston Metropolitan Area
If you’re okay with some snow, the Boston area is one of the best cities for healthcare professionals to live in. It’s known for world-famous medical schools and research institutes, including Harvard Medical School, Tufts Medical School, and Connell School of Nursing at Boston College. Plus the area is loaded with things to see and do on your off-hours. Some of the nation’s leading hospitals include:
- Massachusetts General Hospital
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Boston Children’s Hospital
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute
Miami
For an entirely different kind of city experience, consider Miami, a unique blend of business and culture. Its many neighborhoods are definitely worth spending time exploring. And shopping opportunities, nightlife activities, and beaches are all in and around the city as well. Here’s a partial list of the best area hospitals:
University of Miami Hospital and Clinics
- Cleveland Clinic Weston
- Memorial Regional Hospital
Los Angeles
LA is known for its entertainment but the region’s hospitals are among the world’s most advanced in a wide range of areas. Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center is ranked as one of the most technologically advanced in the world, with virtual robotic telemedicine, robotically assisted surgery, and more cutting-edge techniques available. And did we mention the weather? Or the beaches? Here are some top medical facilities:
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Keck Medical Center of USC
- Huntington Memorial Hospital
Austin, Texas
Austin is often ranked among the most popular locations for travel healthcare workers. In addition to being a fast-growing city in recent years, it has a high density of highly regarded healthcare facilities. Austin is also a hub for music and entertainment, so those interested in live music and local food scenes might find Austin a great fit. Some of the area’s best healthcare facilities are:
- David’s Medical Center
- Ascension Seton Medical Center
- Ascension Seton Hays Hospital
At Focus Staff, we understand the ins and outs of traveling healthcare professionals during these challenging times and have access to a wide variety of excellent professional opportunities. To learn more, contact us today.
