How to Choose the Perfect Travel Assignment in the Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest offers a little something for everyone, from the ultimate cafes for coffee lovers in Seattle to the last bastion of individualism, Portland. With so many enticing destinations, it can be hard to decide where you want to settle for a few months. When you’re evaluating locations, here are tips for choosing your next stop.

Consider Licensing Requirements

For most travel nurse assignments, hospitals want candidates who are available to work as soon as possible, usually within a few weeks of the job posting. It is smart to plan ahead so you can give your current employer sufficient notice. Many facilities only consider candidates who can verify their state board license verification along with their submission for consideration.

Oregon doesn’t issue walk-through licenses and is not a compact state. It takes between four and six weeks to obtain a permanent nursing license. In Washington State, it takes around three weeks to obtain a permanent license.

Evaluate Your Interests

Make a bucket list of places you would like to visit, but also spend time evaluating what you do on an everyday basis. If your hobbies include diving or boogie boarding, you might not enjoy wintering somewhere that stays frozen much of the winter. If you love being surrounded by rugged scenery and exploring national parks, some of the Pacific Northwest will feel like heaven.

Research Locations

The Pacific Northwest includes Oregon and Washington, along with some of Canada and British Columbia. It’s known for its rocky shores, quirky personalities and unique cultural offerings.

Here are a few key attractions:

Seattle – The Emerald City offers Pike Place Market, The Space Needle, a wide range of museums, symphonies and art venues, all in the shadow of Mount Rainier. The snow-capped peak stands at 14,411 feet and beckons outdoor enthusiasts with alpine meadows, year-round glaciers and cascading waterfalls.

Olympia – Washington’s capital has graceful government buildings, public parks and artesian springs. It is a regional fine arts center with major venues and more intimate performances at local coffee houses.

Portland – This Oregon metropolis has all the perks of a major city along with plenty of greenspaces and national parks. Visit the Oregon Zoo, take in a concert at the Portland Expo Center or enjoy a wide range of professional and semi-professional sports.

Let Emerald City Medical Staffing help you find the perfect travel nurse assignment. Interested in finding a nursing job in the Pacific Northwest? View our open jobs in Washington and Oregon now!