Chasing the Peaks: Exploring Nursing Opportunities and Career Choices in Colorado
Colorado,
with its majestic mountains, vibrant cities, and thriving healthcare system,
beckons nurses seeking a fulfilling career change or a scenic escape. Cambay
Healthcare, a national travel nursing agency, can be a stepping stone to explore these opportunities. However, Colorado
offers a diverse nursing landscape, and exploring all avenues can lead to the
perfect fit.
Exploring: Nursing Jobs in Colorado
Registered Nurses (RNs) are in high demand
throughout Colorado. The state has a lot of hospitals and healthcare facilities
looking to fill staff shortages. This means there are plenty of opportunities
for both permanent and travel nurses.
Here's what you
can expect with a traditional RN jobs in Colorado:
·
Good pay: Colorado RNs earn competitive salaries,
with the average travel nurse making around $1,836 per week as of May 2024.
This can vary depending on your experience, specialty, and location.
· Variety of specialties: Hospitals offer opportunities in many areas, including emergency room (ER), intensive care unit (ICU), pediatrics, surgery, and more.
Popular places for RN jobs in Colorado include:
- ·
Denver
- ·
Colorado Springs
- ·
Fort Collins
- ·
Pueblo
- ·
Grand Junction
Travel Nursing in Colorado
Travel nurses are licensed RNs who take temporary
assignments at hospitals around the country. Colorado is a popular destination
for travel nurses due to its beautiful scenery and outdoor recreation
opportunities.
Here are some benefits of travel nursing in
Colorado:
·
High pay: Travel nurses typically earn more than
traditional staff nurses, with some making up to $3,573 per week.
·
Flexibility: You can choose the location, facility,
and length of your assignment (usually 8-13 weeks).
·
See new places: Travel nursing allows you to
explore Colorado while working.
If you're an RN considering a move to Colorado, or
are interested in travel nursing there, it's a great option! The state offers
good pay, beautiful scenery, and plenty of job opportunities.
Travel Nursing with Cambay Healthcare
Cambay
Healthcare specializes in connecting travel nurses with temporary positions
across the US, including Colorado.
These positions allow flexibility, competitive pay, and the chance to
experience different healthcare settings. Here's what Cambay offers:
·
Specialties: Cambay focuses on placing Registered Nurses (RNs) across various specialties, but current
openings in Colorado might be limited. You can search their job board [Cambay
Healthcare job board] specifying Colorado and your preferred specialty.
·
Benefits: Cambay offers competitive pay packages, often
including weekly pay, medical and dental benefits, and referral bonuses. They
streamline the application process and can assist with finding housing.
·
Beyond Travel Nursing: While
Cambay offers travel opportunities, Colorado presents a broader spectrum of
nursing careers. Here are some options to consider:
·
Hospitals: Major hospital systems like UCHealth, Centura
Health, and Kaiser Permanente operate throughout Colorado. These facilities
offer a variety of RN positions
across departments like emergency rooms, intensive care units, and surgical
units.
·
Clinics and Outpatient Care: Colorado
has numerous outpatient clinics, including primary care, paediatrics, and
specialty clinics. These offer a different pace from hospitals, often with
regular hours and a focus on preventative care.
·
Home Health and Hospice Care: Nurses
can provide in-home care for patients recovering from illness or managing
chronic conditions. Hospice care focuses on comfort and support for terminally
ill patients.
· School Nursing: School nurses play a vital role in student health and well-being. Positions are available in public and private schools across the state.
Landing Your Dream Nursing Job in Colorado
Now that
you understand the possibilities, let's explore how to secure that perfect
nursing position:
- Licensing:
Ensure you have a valid Colorado RN
license. You can obtain one by endorsement from another state or by
passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses
(NCLEX-RN).
- Network
and Research:
Attend job fairs, connect with nurses in Colorado through online forums or
professional organizations, and research healthcare facilities to
understand their culture and specialties.
- Polish
Your Resume and Cover Letter: Tailor your resume and
cover letter to each specific position, highlighting relevant skills and
experiences.
- Sharpen Your Interview Skills: Practice your interview responses to showcase your qualifications and enthusiasm. Research common nursing interview questions and prepare thoughtful answers.
Additional Tips for Travel Nurses
- Specialize:
Having a specialty in high demand, like critical care or emergency room
nursing, can enhance your travel nursing prospects.
- Flexibility: Be
open to different locations and shift lengths to maximize your
opportunities.
- Negotiation:
Don't be afraid to negotiate your travel nurse contract for competitive
pay and desired benefits.
Remember:
- Cost
of Living:
Colorado has a higher cost of living than the national average. Factor
this in when considering travel nurse salaries and housing options.
- Urban
vs. Rural Settings: Opportunities and lifestyles differ between
urban centers like Denver and rural communities. Choose a location that
aligns with your preferences.
Embrace the
Adventure
By
leveraging Colorado's diverse nursing landscape and your own unique skills, you
can embark on a fulfilling career journey with breathtaking scenery as your
backdrop. With careful planning and the resources provided, you'll be well on
your way to securing your dream RN job in Colorado.
Ready to summit your nursing goals amidst the stunning Colorado Rockies? Here, you can find exciting travel nursing and RN jobs and career paths.