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Try this top pick for your next travel assignment

If you haven’t heard of Puyallup (pronounced pew·a·luhp), Washington we encourage to take a few minutes to get acquainted with this exciting city of just under 45,000 residents. For perspective, it has slightly more people than Burlington, Vermont and about half of those living in Fort Myers, Florida. Puyallup is nestled at the foot of Mt. Rainier 10 miles east of Tacoma and approximately 35 miles south of Seattle.

Travel nurses are in high demand in Puyallup, due in some part to its “Age Friendly” designation awarded by AARP and WHO in 2016. The city is committed to providing the environment and services needed by all ages, but particularly older citizens. As an attractive option for seniors, the population is growing with those who typically need or want access to more frequent medical attention. In addition, the city, “promotes safe and walkable streets, easy access to health care and other services, an array of housing and transportation options, and ways for residents to become and stay involved in the community.”

Travelers can make a significant impact in Puyallup, we hope you will consider in assignment in this wonderful community. Check out the latest openings here.

You don’t want to miss these must see and do attractions while on assignment:

Pioneer Park– Sometimes called the “hub” of Puyallup, this park is adjacent to the library and also includes a newer pavilion for ongoing events. Visitors enjoy a water spray area, playground, picnic areas, gorgeous landscaping and rose garden, and plenty of walking paths, seating, and sculptures. The park also hosts the very popular Farmer’s Market.

Farmers Market– The Puyallup Farmers’ Market is one of the largest markets in the South Puget Sound region. It runs every Saturday from April 15 through October 14, 2023. Visit and you are sure to find local fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh-cut flower bouquets, garden and landscaping plants, artisan breads, farm fresh eggs and meats, as well as handcrafted items from local crafters and artists.

Daffodil Festival– 2023 will mark the 90^th year of celebration and the headlining parade has grown to to make its way through four Pierce County cities in a single day. Its origin dates back to 1934 as a way to honor the agriculture industry in the Puyallup and Sumner area. The celebration has expanded to include a Daffodil Queen and the 24 Princesses of the Royal Court selected by their schools and communities to serve as ambassadors of the Daffodil Festival and Pierce County.

Gig Harbor– Less than 30 minutes by car, Gig Harbor is a charming village located near Puget Sound with scenic views of nearby Mount Rainier. This picturesque community shares a peaceful feeling to all who visit as well as a stunning walkable waterfront and historical maritime history.

Washington State Fair– The event started in 1900 as the Puyallup Fair, and today is the largest single attraction held annually in the state of Washington. It ranks in the top ten largest fairs in the United States welcoming more than a million guests who enjoy top-name entertainment, animals and agriculture, feature exhibits, booths, the arts, food and rides. The venue is a campus-like 165-acre setting with a backdrop of Mt. Rainier.

Puyallup’s Antique District– You’ll want to set aside a few hours to thoroughly browse Puyallup’s antique row in with 400 dealers in 20 eclectic locations. These locally owned shops are literally bulging with unique finds and treasures.

Puyallup Fish Hatchery– This park-like property spans more than 80 acres and welcomes visitors year-round. There is also an onsite Educational Center staffed by volunteers from the Puyallup Historical Hatchery Foundation. The Hatchery opened in 1949 and today raises over 700,000 Chinook annually to help with salmon recovery, along with Coho and trout.

The Quilt Barn– This establishment boasts about 6,000 sq. feet of pure quilters joy. The space includes retail and classroom space and more than 13,000 bolts of cotton. The story started more than 20 years ago when the local owner took over the store where she took her very first quilt class. Now she has been avid quilter for 35 years and teaching for 23 years.

In addition to these can’t miss attractions in Puyallup, you’ll also find plenty of dining options downtown. From 4-star restaurants, to little bistros and coffee shops, the area is sure to please even the most finicky palette. There are also ample activities to enjoy, from paintball to mini golf, museums to parks, and of course shopping—there is something for everyone. Learn more about Puyallup here.

The team at Go Healthcare is ready to match you with your perfect assignment. Contact us at contact@gohealthcarestaffing.com today to learn about the openings in Puyallup, Washington with competitive pay packages. Your next travel assignment awaits, we hope you enjoy your stay!

This could be your most favorite travel assignment ever

Many people think of a short vacation in the 49^th state, but most don’t consider working and living there. There’s so much to see and do that you really need more than a week to appreciate everything Alaska has to offer. Go Healthcare Staffing has openings in Anchorage that offer competitive pay and a chance to experience a very unique community.

We’ve put together a fantastic TRAVEL GUIDE to help you consider Anchorage as your next assignment destination. Read on to learn why you won’t regret traveling to America’s last frontier.

What to know:

• With a 2022 population of 292,545, Anchorage is known as Alaska’s “big city,” it offers a good mix of urban living with all the amenities of a mid-sized metropolitan area.

• With its spectacular natural beauty, endless recreational opportunities and abundance of wildlife, you have access to plenty of adventure. Drive a little outside of the city and there’s camping, rafting, kayaking, hiking, biking, fishing and skiing in country that still feels wild and untouched.

• The city is a melting pot of people of diverse backgrounds offering a chance to experience a community of unique cultural opportunities. More than 100 languages (English and Spanish are at the top) are spoken in the Anchorage School District and overall, Anchorage sits in the top 15 percentile for diversity in the U.S.

• Anchorage, Alaska has no sales tax. You’ll see fewer add-on costs at the register and save some money.

• Anchorage is cold, but perhaps not as cold as you may expect. Winters are actually milder than those of noted cold-weather metro areas like Minneapolis and Chicago. See temperatures by month here.

• The Anchorage People Mover public buses are a reliable and inexpensive local transportation option featuring an up-to-the-minute bus tracker and ticketing app. Anchorage also has Uber and Lyft, as well as taxi companies.

• Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport has nonstop flights to several U.S. cities and also operates America’s largest and busiest floatplane base.

What to do:

Residents enjoy numerous festivals throughout the year as well as music, galleries and cultural events that are sure to entertain everyone.

Trolley Tours (https://anchoragetrolley.com) Hop on a historic and scenic 15-mile tour of Anchorage. Alaskan guides will share history, family stories, and explore Anchorage’s past and present.

The Writer’s Block Bookstore and Cafe (https://writersblockak.com) is a community gathering space for Anchorage’s art-loving residents. Poetry and live music are performed at the bookstore, which doubles as a beer and wine bar.

Anchorage Museum stocked with historical photographs, art, and cultural and historical heritage items. The museum also offers ongoing events and attractions.

The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is a one of the most beautiful coastal trails in the nation; the trail gently winds along the coast 11 miles from downtown to the chalet at Kincaid Park.

Anchorage Folk Festival is a toe-tapping good time featuring free public performances, workshops, jam sessions, and a banjo competition.

Alaska Beer Week this annual celebration of craft beer in Alaska involves a rotating schedule of samplings, pairings, tastings, and other hops-fueled fun.

Fur Rendezvous is an Anchorage tradition since 1935 includes a carnival, parade, snow sculpture competition, fireworks show, dog sled races, and more. Known locally as the Fur Rondy, these festivities lead up to the start of the Iditarod dog sled race.

Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race dovetails with the end of Fur Rendezvous and features some of the world’s best dog teams and mushers flock to the Mushing District in the heart of downtown Anchorage.

Summer Solstice Festival – On the longest day of the year, Anchorage gets 22 hours of functional daylight and everyone gathers for big celebrations, classic events, and a huge dose of outdoor fun. From hiking and biking to concerts and festivals there’s something to enjoy at every turn.

Downtown Days turns the downtown area into one big celebration in conjunction with Anchorage Downtown Partnership’s Summer Solstice festivities. Events offer artists, musicians, and other performers, transforming the entire city into a party.

Girdwood Forest Fair – Since 1975, the festival takes place in early July every year at the fairgrounds and features Alaskan artists, hand-crafted items, exotic foods and entertainers from all over Alaska.

Bear Paw Festival – The Chugiak-Eagle River Chamber of Commerce presents the annual Bear Paw Festival where the whole town turns out for a weekend filled with fun for all ages including the best-known Slippery Salmon Olympics. Other popular events include the Running of the Bears, Teddy Bear Picnic, a classic car show, parade, carnival rides, and the I-Did-A-Duck Race, a rubber duck regatta.

Alaska State Fair is Alaska’s largest event is a showcase of giant vegetables, concerts, contests, rides and food. The fair spans 14 days, across three weekends in picturesque Palmer, approximately one-hour north of Anchorage.

There’s even more here.

Where to dine:

Menus include everything from king crab, halibut, and wild salmon to other surprising Alaska food specialties, whether fished, farmed, or foraged. Great dine in and take-out selections await your stay!

The Fancy Moose – This local favorite on the shores of Lake Hood serves pub-style fare including fresh Alaska seafood and craft beers. Live music seven nights a week, with TVs for sporting events. Featuring award-winning seafood tacos, the famed bison burger and the only lakeside dining in town.

Carousel Lounge- Your friendly neighborhood dive bar since 1957! Pool, darts, music, karaoke, friends and fun.

The Broken Blender- Offers late lunch, dinner and late-night dining and drinking. Local/national acoustic music every Friday and Saturday with weekly burlesque, poker and trivia.

The options are endless in this city, we couldn’t possibly list them all. For an amazing list of eateries and dining in the Anchorage area, click here.

Best coffee and such:

Travelers keep a busy schedule, we know some great coffee always comes in handy.

Steam Dot Coffee & Espresso Lab- Food & Wine magazine selected Steam Dot to represent Alaska in their list of the best coffee shops by state. Their Espresso Lab is their ‘mothership’ where they sell and serve hand-crafted coffee. They sell a range of coffees from their shop, including berry, lemon zest, dark chocolate and caramel flavors.

Dark Horse Coffee Co- family-owned and run coffee shop has been in operation for more than ten years and is renowned for its much sought-after oatmeal. They have a certified barista on the staff and serve organic food with their heritage coffee.

Side Street Espresso- This espresso bar opened more than 25 years ago and is an eclectic montage of mementos, chronicling life in Anchorage over the past quarter of a century.

Find details on a dozen more caffeine choices here.

Where to workout:

Stay looking and feeling your best, with the energy travelers need for long shifts.

Figarelle’s Fitness– empowers you to get stronger and feel more confident. Precision Nutrition certified coaches also work diligently to help navigate the confusing world of fat loss with results.

Crossfit Alaska– provides a strength and conditioning program that consists of combinations of weightlifting, cardio and gymnastics. Aims to improve personal capacity in the ten general physical skills: cardio-respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance and accuracy.

Anytime Fitness– With 24/7 access to more than 4,700 locations worldwide, you’ll joining the most convenient gym on the planet.

Capital Fitness– This private personal training studio offers unique exercise programs written up exclusively for each client to meet their individual goals. Also offers nutrition counseling and kids’ classes.

Body Renew Alaska– Offers state-of-the-art equipment, daily fitness classes, and certified personal trainers. As well as a full locker room, sauna, showers and massage services.

Planet Fitness– Anchorage, Alaska features three Planet Fitness locations.

In addition to names you’ll recognize—Target, Cabela’s, Kohl’s, Walmart, Home Depot, and REI—you’ll also uncover plenty of local Anchorage businesses to patronize.

Where to shop:

Anchorage Market– Alaska’s largest open-air market is open from mid-May to mid-September, you’ll find 200+ vendors selling locally made crafts and art. Offers free and lively entertainment, great food, and a fun atmosphere.

Anchorage 5^th Avenue Mall– Find all your favorites in this Simon Mall enterprise. The five-level shopping center has more choices that anywhere in Alaska with over 110 stores ranging from jewelry to electronics to apparel.

Where to live:

Where to call home is a personal choice for travelers and the commute to your assignment is certainly a consideration. We’ve highlighted a few areas below and more information can be found here.

Rogers Park- Just a short commute to the heart of Anchorage’s business district, Rogers Park is close to several schools, restaurants, shops and entertainment options. A great pick for convenience and availability of amenities.

Downtown Anchorage- Perfect for those who crave city life with easy access to all that Anchorage has to offer. Downtown Anchorage offers waterfront views of the Knik Arm, as well as plenty of green space.

South Addition- Enjoy a more suburban feel, many walkable streets and easy access to several parks with sports fields, nature trails, and a lagoon that you can kayak in the summer or skate on in the winter.

Huffman-O’Malley- Residents cite the area’s neighborly feel, where everyone knows and looks out for each other while offering amenities like shops and restaurants. More suburban than urban, which can to those who want more green spaces in their lives.

Portage Valley- Perfect if you prefer more of a wild, untamed setting where the population is just over 200. However, Anchorage is just over an hour away by car.

Rabbit Creek- The homes in the quiet neighborhood of Rabbit Creek tend to be larger and sit on bigger parcels of land with stunning views.

Turnagain- This family-friendly neighborhood in west Anchorage features strong public schools and easy access to plenty of outdoor recreation activities, also sits close to the Ted Stevens International Airport.

Eagle River- About a 20-minute drive from downtown Anchorage this quiet choice away from busy city life. With nearby forest trails, lakes, and picturesque views, amenities are only a five-minute drive away.

Ready to go?

There’s so much to see and do in Anchorage, take a look at the official visitor’s guide here.

Then reach out to the team at Go Healthcare to explore your next assignment.

We’ll find the perfect match for you to enjoy all that Alaska has to offer, while working at a rewarding assignment at a local hospital. Need more reasons to apply? Hear what our travelers have to say and why Go Healthcare is a top-rated staffing firm for RNs.

List of “must see” while on travel assignment in Maine’s best-kept secret.

The first thing that might come to mind about Bangor, Maine is Stephen King.

“There was a time not long ago when the only association Bangor, Maine, had was with its famous hometown author,” Travel & Leisure magazine  says, referring to Stephen King. The magazine also touts Bangor’s appeal as a charming small city and Maine’s best-kept secret.

Today, several revitalization efforts are underway to encourage a sense of community by creating safe social spaces for people to meet, eat and drink in comfort.  Parking bay “parklets” are popping up along streets featuring canopies with tables and chairs seating up to 50 people.

(“Parklets” are a small seating area or green space created as a public amenity on or alongside a sidewalk, especially in a former roadside parking space.)

Let us take you beyond the legendary novelist where travelers will find plenty to write home about.

Cascade Park– Perhaps one of Bangor’s most popular parks, Cascade Park, is located on State Street, just past Eastern Maine Medical Center.  Equipped with a gazebo, walking trails, picnic tables, and a water fountain, it offers an excellent place for a sunny outing, relaxing walk, or picnic.  Don’t miss the spectacular waterfall more than 20 feet high.

State Fair– The Bangor State Fair is a recreational gathering of the population of the Greater Bangor Area and the entire state of Maine that lasts for 4 days at Bass Park – the land encompassing Cross Insurance Center. The Bangor State Fair typically draws between 40,000 and 50,000 people a year and dates back to 1849. The 2023 Bangor State Fair returns August 3rd – 6^th and will feature plenty of rides and games.

Hollywood Casino Bangor– A favorite attraction, this casino hosts nearly 800 Vegas-style slots, thrilling harness racing and 14 big-time table games, plus excellent dining options and great live entertainment. It also includes a luxurious hotel, featuring 148 deluxe rooms and four suites. It’s the perfect escape.

Racing– Experience the heart-pounding action of live harness racing. Hollywood Casino Hotel and Raceway features a full track schedule every April through October and offers simulcast horse racing from around the country, 365 days a year.

Paul Bunyan Statue – Bangor claims to be both the birthplace of the lumber industry and the Birthplace of Paul Bunyan. In fact, Bangor was once the lumber capital of the nation. Reputed to be the largest statue of Paul Bunyan in the world, it stands on a stone pedestal in front of the Bangor Civic Center in Bass Park. The statue is 31 feet high and weighs 3,700 pounds, not including its double-sided ax and lumberjack’s peavey. Paul Bunyan’s fiberglass-over-metal frame is hurricane-proofed to withstand 110 mph winds. The Paul Bunyan Statue was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009 and makes for the perfect backdrop for that Instagram shot. .

Maine Discovery Museum – Discover three floors of hands-on, interactive exhibits that invite you to explore the worlds of science, nature, geography, children’s literature, music, art, and anatomy, plus daily STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) programming.

Downtown Dining– From upscale dining to casual eats, your taste buds can travel the world in independent, locally owned restaurants. With over 40 restaurants, bars and nightlife venues you can always find something fabulous in downtown Bangor. Whether it’s locally-crafted beer and snacks on a patio, a quick sandwich during a lunch break, innovative fare for a special evening, a night out on the town, or just a place to linger over a coffee, downtown has it all.

Click here for a map and brochure.

Penobscot Theatre Company (PTC)– PTC operates year-round in the historic Bangor Opera House, producing theatre works both classic and new. For more than 40 years, PTC has produced Mainstage shows, musicals, limited engagement concerts and performances, and several productions produced by their education program: The Dramatic Academy.

Take a Hike– Maine has great trails for those days when you need to commune with nature. This huge, interconnected system provides miles of diverse, easy to moderate trails designated for non-motorized use. Highlights include abundant wildlife, a grassy overlook, and connections to the Orono Bog Boardwalk and other adjacent preserves. Plan your route today!

House of Stephen King– The king of horror Stephen King’s private home now houses the Stephen & Tabitha King Foundation a private non-profit organization that promotes strengthening and supporting communities and draws upon the values and spirituality of the founders. Take a 2.5 hour but tour learn about “Derry, Maine“, to visit all the locations in the city that has inspired the books of the author. Please note the actual house is not open to the public.

Let’s go to Bangor! Are you ready to take on your next assignment in Bangor, Maine? Ready to explore the amazing beauty of Maine and warmth of its communities? Great people and great pay are just a click away. Our Go Healthcare team is standing by for your application. Click here to get started. To see all available jobs in Bangor, see our job board!