According to Ventura MedStaff’s Director of Nursing and Allied Health Client Management
Spring is a time of renewal, and for travel nurses and allied health professionals, it’s also a season full of opportunities in the form of spring travel assignments. While every state has its own pros, there are some states that stand out and shine this time of year. Sarah, our Director of Nursing and Allied Health Client Management, shares her insights into the best locations, emerging trends, and why this season is a great time to take on a new assignment.
Top Spring Travel Destinations
According to Sarah, if you’re looking for an assignment this spring, these states are seeing high demand:
- West Virginia: West Virginia is a beautiful state with stunning mountain scenery that offers exciting opportunities for travel nurses and allied health professionals alike. When you’re off the clock, explore the New River Gorge for world-class hiking and rock climbing or visit the charming town of Harpers Ferry.
- Wisconsin: “With the snow melting away, Wisconsin becomes a great place to work and explore, and we’re seeing a steady need for healthcare travelers,” Sarah says. Take a weekend trip to Door County for a picturesque lake view or enjoy Milwaukee’s brewery scene and cultural attractions. There is plenty to do in Wisconsin this time of year!
- California: California remains a top destination year-round, but spring makes it even more appealing with its mild weather and variety of settings. Visit Yosemite National Park, soak up the sun on the beaches of San Diego, or explore wine country in Napa Valley. There are tons of adventure opportunities in this great state!
- Texas: Spring in Texas is perfect: warm but not too hot yet. It’s a great time to take an assignment here. Enjoy wildflower season in Hill Country, experience live music in Austin, or take in the sights of San Antonio’s River Walk. It’s another large state that has a lot of opportunities available for all different settings and specialties.
- Arizona: “If you’re considering Arizona, spring is the sweet spot before the summer heat kicks in,” Sarah advises. There is no shortage of things to do in Arizona either. Cross the Grand Canyon off your bucket list or visit Sedona’s red rock formations. There is plenty of shopping, museums, and nightlife activities available for those not so nature-inclined.
- New York: “From major hospitals in NYC to more rural settings upstate, New York offers fantastic opportunities this time of year,” Sarah mentions. Spend your free time exploring Central Park in bloom, taking a day trip to the Finger Lakes, or catching a Broadway show.
- New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine: “Spring arrives later in these states, but if you take an assignment now, you might catch the cherry blossoms!” Enjoy coastal seafood in Maine, explore historic Boston, or take in the White Mountains’ stunning views. While New England can be a bit of a mixed bag for weather, the beautiful scenery more than makes up for it.
- Tennessee: Tennessee is another state that is seeing increased demand for spring. Between checking out the Great Smoky Mountains or experiencing the vibrant music scene in Nashville, travelers really enjoy their time in Tennessee! Especially for travelers who bring their whole crew with them during assignments, there are a lot of family-friendly activities to experience!
Spring Travel Trends
Sarah has noticed several key trends emerging in the travel healthcare market this season. She shares, “Over the last 6–8 weeks, we’ve seen a noticeable rise in available travel assignments across multiple specialties,” creating more opportunities for healthcare professionals. Certain specialties are in particularly high demand, with MedSurg, ICU, and ER positions experiencing significant demand, and respiratory therapy roles also on the rise. “If you specialize in these areas, spring presents an excellent opportunity to secure a rewarding assignment with competitive pay,” Sarah summarizes.
Another shift is that many travelers are choosing assignments closer to home, prioritizing flexibility and ease of travel. “Many healthcare professionals are opting for assignments within driving distance instead of cross-country placements,” Sarah explains. While staying closer to home has its benefits, travelers shouldn’t overlook the incredible opportunities that come with exploring new places. Taking an assignment in a different region allows healthcare professionals to experience diverse healthcare settings, build adaptability, and discover parts of the country they might not otherwise visit – it truly is the experience of a lifetime.
The Benefits of Spring Travel
Spring is an ideal time to take on a travel assignment, and Sarah highlights several reasons why. “With winter behind us, travelers can avoid harsh weather conditions, making road trips and flights safer and more reliable since there is less risk of a winter storm getting in the way.” Additionally, seasonal shifts in patient needs create more assignment flexibility, offering a wider range of opportunities in diverse locations across the country.
Spring is also a season of renewal, making it the perfect time for a fresh start—whether that means embracing a new professional challenge, exploring a different city, or expanding your skill set. Plus, the pleasant weather makes it easy to get outdoors and enjoy your surroundings! “It’s not too hot or too cold, everything is turning green and becoming beautiful,” Sarah says. “Even if you have a southern destination in mind, now is the perfect time to visit and live there before it becomes too hot and humid.”
Travel with Ventura MedStaff
Now is the perfect time to find your next spring travel assignment, and Ventura MedStaff is here to help you find the right fit. Whether you’re looking for flexibility, new career opportunities, or the chance to explore a new destination, we have assignments that match your goals. Let us help you make the most of this opportunity by connecting you with a recruiter today!
