5 reasons to go travel nursing in Alaska

Any travel nurse who wants to experience new and unique destinations should have Alaska on their list. Of course, many if not most travel RNs decide to embark on this career because of their passion for travel, the chance to discover different cultures and ways of life that are different from their own. There may be no better way to fulfill that desire than with a travel nursing job in the Last Frontier through Health Carousel Travel Nursing.

There is a great need for travel nurses in Alaska, from Ketchikan and Juneau to Anchorage, Fairbanks and beyond, particularly for Emergency Room Travel RNs, MedSurg Travel RNs, and Operating Room Travel RNs. But no matter what your specialty, why should you consider travel nursing in America’s largest and most untouched state?

The High Demand

There are many travel nursing jobs in Alaska. If you don’t relish competing for one job with potentially hundreds of other nurses, if you have the skills you won’t have to worry about that here with RNs in such high demand. Plus, you’ll be filling a need at a facility that helps to maintain the safety and overall health of patients. Research has found a positive connection between nursing staff levels and measures of patient outcomes, making a travel nurse job in Alaska even more rewarding.  

As Alaska is such a big state with the population very widespread, many communities are isolated and in desperate need of healthcare. It’s challenging to keep full-time nurses in rural areas which is why having a travel nurse come in to fill those gaps is critical.  

Higher Salaries

Alaska ranks among the top states when it comes to RN pay with the demand for skilled nurses so high here. According to Teach.com, registered nurse salaries can vary but the average annual pay for registered nurses was $75,510, according to 2018 BLS data. Alaska’s average annual salary? $89,310. And it’s higher than other popular states such as New York: $85,610 or Colorado: $74,240 and Florida: $66,210.

While it tends to be the highest in bigger cities like Anchorage and Juneau, if you’re an experienced travel nurse you can expect to be well compensated at facilities throughout the state while enjoying a one-of-a-kind destination.  

13 Weeks to Discover the Wild

Alaska assignments, like most, are typically for a 13-week period which means you’ll have over three months to discover this wild frontier such as the famous Denali National Park. One of the most coveted travel destinations, especially among nature lovers and outdoor adventurers, you’ll be able to do everything from hike, fish and soak in hot springs to watching wildlife like whales and bears. If you want to try salmon fishing, in many places you can catch it right from the shore, enjoying five or six mouthwatering meals from just one.

You’ll Find City Delights Too

While the primary reason for many nurses to take an assignment in Alaska are the scenery and outdoor activities, that doesn’t mean you won’t find city delights. If you’re hoping to explore museums and art institutions, dine at world-class restaurants and indulge your shopping habit, you’ll find plenty of that in its cities, and many of the smaller towns, along with outdoor recreation and stunning scenery too.

Anchorage is home to the Anchorage Museum where you can learn about the city’s history and discover local art and Native cultures. It also hosts the Alaska Aviation Museum, the Alaska Native Heritage Center, lively food markets, and many top-notch restaurants. In the capital of Juneau, you can visit the Alaska State Museum and enjoy outstanding shopping and dining at the Historic Merchants Wharf. Even in smaller Ketchikan, Creek Street serves as a hub for locals and visitors alike with lots of shops, art galleries, and restaurants.  

The Northern Lights and the Midnight Sun

Many travel nurses choose assignments in Alaska for the chance to marvel at the northern lights. In Anchorage, the best time to witness the magnificent natural phenomenon is between September and April on a clear, moonlit night. The opportunity to gaze up at the swirling hues of greens, purples, yellows, reds, and blues is an experience of a lifetime.  

Those who take a travel nursing job here during the warmer months of the year can look forward to another natural phenomenon: The Midnight Sun. During this season the sun never seems to set, hovering low on the horizon. With all that daylight, you’ll have more time to get out in the great outdoors, perhaps hiking to a waterfall or a glacier at midnight. Fairbanks is known as the “Land of the Midnight Sun,” with the season running all the way from about April 22 to August 20.  

And so are you…

Ready to take a chance on something new? Does saving lives and living close to the wild frontier interest you? HCTN offers exciting and high-paying travel nursing opportunities in several areas in Alaska.