I'm thinking it would be neat to spend 13 weeks in Alaska (in the summer!) Obviously I would fly up there, but then I'd be without a car. I'm guessing renting a car would be very expensive. Has anyone done a rotation in Alaska? Any info would be appreciated.
Yes, it was great, do it!
I went Sept, Oct, Nov, barely squeeked in to the last opportunities to see major tourist stuff, but off season cost of living was much lower so I got to keep a bigger paycheck. Found housing easily, could have stayed at hosital housing but wanted a bigger place for my visitors! I flew in, rented a car, it was not more than other places but of course it was off season. I was on the Kenai Penninsula, Soldatna, Homer, Seward. Visited Denali, Anchorage, Kenaie Fjords national Park, Prince Edward's Sound , walked to a glacier.
Difficulty was getting internet at home, you dont. I didnt have a hot spot phone so dont know if it would have worked, I used hospital or cafe or library. It snowed in Vermont before Alaska, but it was very gloomy most of the time by November. and when it snowed, they didnt plow!! Not kidding, good thing I learned to drive in the northeast.
Wildife in the backyard. Your new friends will give you fish and game. Great coffee everywhere!
I plan to go back someday. Dont pass up an opportunity to go.
Diane
I was in Alaska for 10 months and it was a great experience. Of course I was in Kotzebue, 33 miles above the Arctic Circle and was in the largest Native Village in Alaska. It was nice to get back to nature and slow down from the fast pace of larger cities/towns. No need for a car there, everyone walked or the ATV/Snow Machine is your main vehicle of choice up there. Alaska is soo vase and beautiful in itself. I got to spend a week in Anchorage after the Iditarod and renting a car was a slight higher than the lower 48’s but the views are worth it. I plan of going back to other Cities or Villages in the future. I would say try it out and see if the agency can get a car worked into your contract. There’s soo much to see in the summer you’ll need one.
It is a life long dream to spend time in Alaska. My partner and I are SO excited about this prospect and it is nice to hear that people have enjoyed traveling assignments in Alaska!
Hello! I have an RN working for me in Anchorage, AK now and prior to going there she was in Fairbanks for almost 2 years! It was not something she ever thought of but when the opportunity came up she took it and has loved all of her time there. I definitely recommend going if you have the chance!
Hi!! I've staffed at a few facilities in Alaska. Some of the facilities offer their own room and board and have snow-mobile services and mass transit so you don't have to worry about renting a car (Such as Bethel and Nome, AK). Most of the Providence Hospitals do not have these incentives, unfortuately. From the nurses I've staffed I hear that Alaska is gorgeous. The positions usually expect the nurse to float to other parts of the hospital where they are compitent, so keep that in mind if floating is something you aren't keen on. If you have any questions that I can help with please let me know! My email is bhughes@strategicnurse.com and my phone number at the office is 866-531-7648 x728.
.jpg)
