Midwest Mythbusters: Secrets Travel Nurses Should Know
Too often, the Midwest gets a bad rap. We tend to think of Midwest states as vast expanses of corn fields buried under endless months of snow. But the Midwest has become a trendy place to live with great career opportunities for travel nurses. The people are friendly and the cost of living is amazing low.
For travel nurses, there has never been a better time to work in the Midwest--even as a local. Lots of travel nurses work in their own hometown where nursing jobs are abundant. But if you choose to cross state lines, we can help you can get a nursing license so the transition to your new assignment is effortless.
If you think you know everything the Midwest has to offer, think again. We’re going to bust those Midwest myths and show you all of the reasons why travel nurses love the Midwest experience.
4 Midwest Myths Travel Nurses Should Ignore
The four most common misconceptions about the Midwest? It’s boring in the winter, it’s a place you leave if you want to further your career, food is unhealthy and it’s hard to meet people.
Au contraire. Both the hospitals and small towns constantly top the quality of life and best healthcare indexes. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are sports to watch and sports to enjoy, from hiking to skiing. For culture buffs and foodies, there’s always a festival or fresh farm produce to explore at farmer’s markets. (Note to self: cheese curds and fresh ice cream rock in moderation.)
Take a look at what these three Midwestern states offer for travel nurses:
Fun Excursions
• Food: Stay healthy with fresh produce and local cheeses at fabulous farmers’ markets. Or eat your way through the Taste of Chicago, billed as the world’s largest outdoor food festival with free admission. The Chicago Beer experience and local microbreweries and pubs keep the weekends hopping.
• Outdoor adventures: Hike the majestic Garden of the Gods or Starved Rock State Park, hang out in treehouse cabins or go wild at an underwater petting zoo. Find serenity strolling the Chicago Botanic Gardens or Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford.
• Art & music: Enjoy renowned festivals such as Lollapalooza, Spring Awakening and Summer Camp as well as Chicago’s famed blues and jazz clubs. The Art Institute of Chicago, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library (Springfield) and the National Museum of Science and Industry can’t be missed.
Licensing: Travel nurses can obtain a temporary nursing license in Illinois in just 4-6 weeks, paid for by NursesRx.
Travel Nursing in Iowa
AMN Senior Recruitment Manager Dana Bluestone moved from Florida to Iowa and has never looked back. “Iowa has the best of all worlds,” she said. “Cities like Des Moines offer culture and big-city opportunities of other big cities with small-town values.”
• Summer fun: Iowans take to their bicycles in RAGBRAI, one of the oldest bicycle touring events in the world. Each year, 8,500 bikers from around the world participate. For fried treats and cool cows, check out the world-famous Iowa State Fair. Experience Amana Colonies German heritage celebrations or the big cats at the Blank Park Zoo.
• Winter wonderland: Yes, there is skiing and the lifts aren’t crowded. Ice skating and snowshoeing help outdoorsy travel nurses stay healthy and active.
• Cultural city hubs: Enjoy a thriving arts scene, iconic music, trendy restaurants, bars, breweries and wineries in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Iowa City. Explore the National Mississippi River Museum, Herbert Hoover Presidential Museum and Library and Figge Art Museum.
Quality of Life
• Des Moines was named by the “Today Show” in 2014 as one of the wealthiest cities in the country, with a cost of living 10% below the national average.
• Cedar Rapids: In 2015, Cedar Rapids was named by Livibility.com as one of the best and most affordable places to live.
• Iowa City is considered one of the best cities for the Affordable Care Act according to Livibility.com, which means there are lots of opportunities for nurses.
Licensing: Iowa is a compact state, which means travel nurses can use their license from another compact state where they’re permanent residents. Otherwise, travel nurses can obtain a nursing license in Iowa in 4-6 weeks, paid for by AMN Healthcare.
Travel Nursing in Wisconsin
Fun Excursions
• Outdoor adventures: Camp along the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway or splash down the largest waterslide in the country. Explore waterfalls, bike WinMan trails, fish the Great Lakes and discover mighty rivers. You can even night ski at Kewaskum.
• Romance abounds: The thriving singles scene is topped by Madison’s “romance and fun” leader on WalletHub. For art lovers, a date at the Woodson Art Museum or jazz at the Trout Museum of Art can’t be beat.
• Fromage friendly: Wisconsin is the Swiss cheese capital of the world, hosting “Cheese Days,” “Cows on the Concourse,” and dairy queen festivals. Discover nifty 50s diners, iconic supper clubs, the Hinterland Brewery and Door County fish boils.
Quality of Life
• Madison was ranked #1 by Livability.com as the Best City in America.
• Egg Harbor was called one of the coolest small towns in the U.S. by Budget Travel.
• Green Bay was named one of America’s happiest cities in a University of Vermont study.
Licensing: Travel nurses can obtain a temporary nursing license in Wisconsin in just one week, paid for by NursesRx.
Your adventures and career opportunities await! Getting settled in your new adventure couldn’t be easier. For more information about starting your Midwest travel nursing assignment, contact an AMN Healthcare recruiter. Ready to get started? Begin your Travel Nurse Journey today!
