The English Romantic poet Percy Shelley once wrote: “There is a harmony in autumn, and a luster in the sky.” As a travel nurse, you have the opportunity to choose which location will be in harmony with your needs.  Do you want to bask in Florida’s warm ocean breezes, soak in California’s sunshine, or revel in the vibrant palette of the Northeast’s falling leaves?

Go with the flow

Demand for travel nurses tends to follow population shifts. When snowbirds head south to warmer climates for the winter months, for example, nursing opportunities in those areas increase. In the fall, the Northeast’s brilliant, colorful foliage, and crisp, clear weather, drive tourists and part-time residents to New England. As a result, the healthcare facilities of Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Vermont are eager to bring on additional travel nurses for the early fall.

Many hospitals in Florida, a very desirable winter location, have already begun hiring.  They need to prepare their nests for the influx of snowbirds.  As a result, they’re interested in booking nurses who can stay throughout the entire season, which ends in April.  This way, they can guarantee coverage when it’s needed most.  Several California facilities are also pre-booking for November, December and even January.

Think one step ahead

One of the most important things that you can do now is plan ahead for the winter season. Population swings can be more pronounced this time of year, which opens up opportunities for hospitals in warmer climates. If you want to head to sunny shores in December, January, and February, you must plan early.  California, Florida, Arizona and Texas tend to be popular winter destinations for nurses.  Ski resort states like Colorado and Vermont have a healthy demand, too. The jobs are out there, but they fill up quickly.

Ultimately, when you get the assignment you want, you’ll be glad you planned ahead—even if it means that you’ll be Christmas caroling with your patients.

Tips for landing one of these desirable gigs:

• Be flexible. In the fall and winter months, there are three major holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. To get the assignment you want, be ready and willing to work two out of these three holidays. Flexibility goes a long way in the selection process; all else being equal, you’ll be chosen over someone else if you’re willing to be there when other nurses insist on turkey feasts, Christmas dinners, and college football bowl games.   
• Be open with your recruiter. Talk to your recruiter about which factors are most important to you. It might be the money, climate, or region. Matching you up with your preferences is the key to your happiness on the job.

Top travel nursing assignments for autumn:

• CA (Northern & Southern) - Summer is over, the tourists are gone and the weather is cooler.  What better time to plan a California assignment and experience all the state has to offer. Enjoy picnics, camping, biking, hiking or any activity in which you can enjoy the clean, crisp air and take in the tidbits of autumn that Cali has to offer!
  Immediate needs for: Peds, NICU, PICU, L&D
• New York City, NY – Fall in NYC is the perfect time to enjoy the city.  The mild weather is ideal to walk around the city and discover all it has to offer.  Enjoy the buzz as the big stores begin to stock for the holidays and the city prepares for the Thanksgiving Day Parade.
  Immediate needs for: ICU, OR, Tele
• Tulsa, OK - The breathtaking foliage of fall does not occur solely in the Northeast.  Fall is a great time to visit middle American states, such as Oklahoma.  As the weather begins to cool, it is the perfect time to explore the emerald hills of Oklahoma, an outdoor lover's paradise home to more than half of Oklahoma's state parks.
  Immediate needs for: ER, ICU, Tele
• Seattle, WA – While you may not find the foliage you will in the Northeast, fall is still an exquisite time to visit Washington and explore the beauty of its numerous parks and mountains.  Enjoy numerous outdoor festivals and wine tastings, in addition to all that downtown Seattle has to offer.
  Immediate needs for: ER, L&D, ICU, OR, Tele
• Anhorage, AK – While Alaska may not seem like the ideal fall destination, many true travelers will tell you other wise.  The crowds are gone, the animals are still out, the viewing of the Northern lights is the best it is all year!  In addition, the cost of living drastically cut, even though the hospitals are still paying top dollar.
  Immediate needs for: ICU, Med/Surg, Tele