Tips for Travel Nursing in Alaska
Hiking Skilak Lake Overlook
I’ve yet to come across a travel nurse who didn’t fall in love with Alaska. No doubt going to Alaska will change you. I have always been drawn to the mountains and the wild outdoors so going to Alaska was so important to me. Getting there is one of the most difficult steps but once you get past that part, things will fall into place. Here are some tips for making your transition to Alaska smooth
1. Apply for you license ASAP- If you plan on going within the next 6 months - 1 year I highly advise you to apply for your license. If you want to go earlier, my next blog post is a loophole on how to get your license quicker.
2. Be open to working Night Shift or starting your contract in the off season- Going to Alaska during the summer time is a very competitive contract to obtain. If you are open to working Night Shift or starting before the busy summer season you’ll have a higher chance of working there.
3. Consider options for getting there/transportation- some choose to leave their car behind and rent a car while others will either ship their car or drive the ALCAN through Canada to get there. It’s important to take these into consideration when planning your trek there because this part can be stressful and harder to do last minute. If you want it to be stress free, your best option would be to either keep your car in storage.
When I went to Alaska I sold my car and bought a used car in Anchorage (at the BMW dealership). The only reason I regret this is because I should have had a mechanic check out the car or have chosen a car with less mileage. I spent around $5,000 in repairs throughout the summer and would have been better off renting or choosing a newer car! Most people had encouraged me to do this with the hope of reselling the car for what I bought it, but with repairs it made for more of a hassle.
4. Consider the time of year- summer is notoriously the time to be in Alaska. I do think every season has something to offer and that being said, it can be much easier to get a job if you get to Alaska before the summer season begins!
5. Housing can be limited and pricey but don’t let that deter you! Alaska housing is unique in that you might have to branch out and use Facebook groups and people to connect you with housing options. If you are able to get in touch with your manager for your job, they can connect you with residents in the area that rent rooms or housing out to travel nurses.
6. I highly suggest adding yourself to Alaska travel nursing Facebook groups such as this one to help connect you with housing, car rentals, driving the ALCAN, job opportunities or any other question you may have!
Ice climbing Matanuska Glacier
