There are a lot of great places to relocate to as a traveling nurse. You can see parts of the country you’ve never seen before, and there’s always something new to discover before you settle down for good. When it comes to the top destinations, however, Hawaii is probably one of the highest on the list.
What to Expect as a Traveling Nurse in Hawaii
It’s no wonder so many traveling nurses long to fly off to these Polynesian islands. They’re a tropical paradise all year round, and who doesn’t want to spend their days off soaking up the sun on the perfect beach? Hawaii is known for its waterfalls, lush rainforests, and breathtaking beaches, but there are still things you need to know before you jet off to this paradise. Here’s what to expect as a traveling nurse living in Hawaii.
Plan to Save Money
The life of a traveling nurse in Hawaii is a happy and fulfilling one, but don’t expect your paycheck to match what you get back home. The average salary of a traveling nurse in Hawaii is notoriously lower than other hospitals outside of the islands. Why’s that? There’s a saying in Hawaii that the destination pays for itself with its gorgeous sights and sunshine.
Becuase you can’t pay your bills with sunshine alone, plan to save as much money as you can before your trip. Not only will it be helpful to have an emergency fund, but you’ll also want money put aside for the typical tourist activities. Unlike other parts of the USA, tourist activities in Hawaii come at a premium.
Plane Tickets
The most expensive part about moving to Hawaii for your traveling nurse assignment is getting there. Unlike other parts of the country, you can’t just hop in your car and go. You’ll need to purchase plane tickets, and these can be pricey. Shop around for the best price, and check into one-way tickets vs. round-trip tickets to find the best value. You might love it so much you can’t imagine living anywhere else.
Island Transportation
One of the biggest questions for new locals to the islands is the best way to get around. Since you can’t bring your own car unless you have it shipped, you’ll need to look into other options. Of course, there’s always public transportation. If you’re living near your work assignment, you might not need any additional transportation.
For those who expect to explore the island during their stay, consider buying an island car. This is the most popular choice for locals, and you can get a used ride for around $1000 if you look in the right places. This won’t be a luxury car, by any means, but it’ll get you to the beach, and that’s all that matters.
Landing the Job
As you can imagine, there’s a lot of competition for these limited positions as a travel nurse in Hawaii. That means you’ll need to really work on your resume to make sure you stand out against the rest. Not only should you have glowing recommendations, but you should look for other ways to appeal to hospitals.
Hospitals always want to see nurses who can accommodate any scheduling needs. That means having completely open availability is a must, and it will show you’re serious about landing this job. While it’s okay to request a little bit of time off, as needed, keep yourself as open to scheduling as possible.
Learn the Local Language
While English is spoken just about everywhere, it’s great to know the basics of Hawaiian native language prior to landing at your destination. Not only will this help you in your interactions with long-term locals, but it’s also a great way to learn about a new culture. Everyone knows Aloha, but take the time to learn a few other basics.
- ‘A’ole pilikia - You’re welcome
- Hele - Travel, go
- Haole - Person not from Hawaii
- Mahalo - Thank you
- Makai - Towards the ocean
Live the Island Way
There’s no better place to explore than Hawaii. See for yourself how gorgeous the sand and sun can be when you get to experience it all the time. As a travel nurse, you have the opportunity to step outside your own backyard and see more of the world all while doing what you love. Make the most of it.
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