Top 10 Reasons to Travel Nurse this Fall

Fall is a wonderful time to explore Canada! The summer holiday rush is over, the temperatures are cool but not too cold, and there are lots of fun events happening all across the country.

For nurses, fall is a time of reflection and renewal. It’s a great season to take stock of your career goals and start thinking about what you want to accomplish in the year ahead. For travel nurses looking for an exciting change of scenery, now is the time to start planning your fall contract. 

Here are our top 10 reasons to say ‘yes!’ to travel nursing this fall:

1. Colours Pop Across Canada

September and October pop with colour like no other season in this country.  It’s the perfect time to explore some of Canada’s most beautiful landscapes! From the prairies to the northern forests, there are plenty of places to appreciate the changing colours of the leaves. In Nova Scotia, the Cabot Trail boasts almost 300 kilometres of epic mountain and sea views with autumn foliage. So why not get out and explore Canada this autumn? You’ll be sure to appreciate the beauty of this country like never before.

2. High Demand Means Even Better Pay

With hospitals overrun and staff stretched thin, Canada is experiencing a nursing shortage like never before. One outcome of the current shortage presents a unique pay opportunity for contract nurses. While travel nurses have always enjoyed higher-than-average pay rates, some Canadian Health authorities are responding to staffing challenges by offering higher-than-ever pay rates this fall. If you have ever thought about a career in contract nursing, now is the time to act. With demand and pay rates rising, there has never been a better financial incentive to enter this essential and rewarding field.

3. Fall = Best Tourist Season

One of the best things about travelling in Canada in the fall is that it’s a fantastic time to be a tourist. Even though the weather remains spectacular, the bugs are gone, families are back on their school routine, and crowds are down. This means you’ll have all the opportunity and more space to enjoy popular attractions and sights. It also means you can take advantage of reduced prices on activities and accommodations for your day-off adventures.

4. Canadian Communities are Calling

Nurses play a vital role in keeping all Canadian communities healthy. The current labour shortage is putting immense pressure on the healthcare system, and it’s having a ripple effect across the country. Urban hospitals are struggling to keep up with the demand for care, and rural communities are especially feeling the effects. Smaller, more remote communities in Canada don’t have the benefit of a large pool of nurses to draw from, so peer support in those locations is essential. As a travel nurse, giving back by helping out in small communities can make a big difference. Not only is this a great way to experience more remote locations in Canada, but it also provides a valuable career opportunity to build your skills. Remember, giving back feels good and it can add a strong sense of well-being that can really contribute to your self-care.

5. Try Friendsgiving!

Canadian Thanksgiving is coming up on October 9, 2023. And what better way to celebrate your new friends than by having a Friendsgiving this year? Friendsgiving is a relatively new tradition where you get together with your friends instead of your family for Thanksgiving. It’s the perfect way to enjoy all the best parts of the holiday – the food, the drink, the company – without any stress that can come with spending time with relatives. So if you’re feeling adventurous this year, consider travel nursing and having a Friendsgiving. You may just find it’s the best Thanksgiving you’ve ever had.

6. Fall Packing – No Winter Boots, Yet!

Fall is a great time to travel in Canada because you can still pack light. With sweater weather in full effect, no snow boots or winter parkas are required, and the carry-on luggage goal can still be achieved… This makes packing for your fall contracts more convenient than most seasons and, more importantly: less hassle.

7. Fall Festival Fun

Summer doesn’t have all the festival fun…there are tons of fall festivals and events to discover across Canada! From the Jasper Dark Sky Festival to the Celtic Colours International Festival, there is something for everyone. Experience the best of the warm weather before winter sets in! With so many festivals to choose from, you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for you. So get out there and start exploring all the exciting festivals around your next contract location.

8. Harvest Season

Fall is an exciting time for foodies in Canada. Farms across the country are harvesting their crops, and local markets are full of fresh, delicious produce. This is the time of year to discover all the best that Canadian agriculture has to offer. From apples and pumpkins to squash and potatoes, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So if you’re looking for a taste of the season, you can look forward to a fantastic foodie experience on your next travel nursing contract. Bon appetit!

9. Perfect Hiking Weather

Fall is the perfect season to get outdoors and explore Canada’s spectacular hiking trails. Our nurses love to take advantage of beautiful weather and an opportunity for self-care. September-October weather across Canada consistently delivers dry, cool, and sunny days…perfect for hiking. The fresh air and exercise are good for physical and mental health, and the popular pastime helps nurses recharge from their stressful job. In a fast-paced and demanding profession, it is essential to prioritize healthy habits that avoid burnout. Fall is full of great weather for getting outside and enjoying nature. So if you’re looking for a new way to find balance with your career, fall may be the perfect season to try something new.

10.  All the Year-Round Benefits Still Apply

There are tons of personal and professional benefits to travel nursing, regardless of the season. When nurses choose to step outside of their comfort zone with contract nursing, they commit to life-changing adventures and take their career into their own hands. The end of summer is always bittersweet. We reluctantly say goodbye to long days at the beach and evenings spent outdoors, but there is also a sense of excitement in the air as we start to think about the possibilities of fall. Forget New Year’s Resolutions!

Now is the perfect time to start planning for your future and making your dreams come true. If you’ve been considering a travel nursing contract, you should seize the opportunity this fall and make this your best year yet!

Interested in a new adventure? When you fill out our short online inquiry form, one of our Career Consultants will be in touch to help you design your dream life. Itching to talk to someone right away? Contact us by phone, toll free at 1-877-525-3870  Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. PST, or by email us anytime at info@selectmedconnections.com