Travel Healthcare Jobs: Urban vs. Rural Contracts

In the world of healthcare, travel healthcare jobs have gained immense popularity. They offer an exciting blend of adventure and professional growth, allowing healthcare professionals to explore diverse locations while doing what they love. 

But, one of the pivotal decisions in this industry is choosing between urban and rural contracts. In this blog, we will dive into the pros and cons of each, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your career aspirations and personal preferences.

Pros and Cons of Urban Travel Healthcare Jobs

Urban healthcare assignments often offer a wide array of specialization options. You’ll find yourself in the heart of cutting-edge medical facilities, surrounded by top specialists in your field. This environment can be a dream come true for those looking to hone their skills in a particular area of healthcare.

Urban healthcare jobs are known for their fast-paced nature. Working in densely populated city hospitals can help you become highly adaptable and efficient. You’ll deal with a variety of cases, from routine to the most complex, which can significantly enhance your skillset. 

It is not uncommon to find yourself in esteemed academic medical centers or rather worldly renowned non-profit institutions. This means you’ll have access to the latest research and medical breakthroughs, making it an ideal choice for professionals who thrive on innovation and learning. Additionally, you will be able to work in 500 to 1000-bed hospitals that are home to Level 1 Trauma Centers. 

Seeking out a travel healthcare job in this type of environment can be a great way to kickstart your career. Not only that, but it can allow you to become proficient in a wide variety of skills and take advantage of important learning opportunities for your professional development.

Moreover, while the type of experience of an urban facility is important another core consideration to think about is housing. Housing is a primary differentiator between urban and suburban areas. In urban areas, finding housing is relatively straightforward, with various options available, from apartments to condos. Travelers often have the advantage of hospital-provided housing or stipends to help cover living expenses. 

However, while urban assignments offer numerous perks, it’s essential to consider higher living costs, particularly in tourist-heavy areas. Budgeting wisely and exploring various housing options can help mitigate this challenge. Not only that but urban areas also have higher expenses overall for things like food, transportation, extracurricular activities, and more. 

Regardless, living in the city truly offers unparalleled cultural experiences, dining options, and recreational activities. Exploring the local attractions and vibrant city life is a bonus for those who appreciate the urban lifestyle. So if this sounds like your go-to pathway, then urban travel assignments might be just right for you. 

Pros and Cons of Rural Travel Healthcare Jobs

Rural healthcare is an essential component of the healthcare landscape. Working in rural settings enables you to make a profound impact on underserved communities and address critical healthcare disparities.

Rural healthcare jobs often entail working in smaller facilities, where you may encounter a broader, but more uncommon spectrum of medical cases. This diversity can be a valuable learning experience, honing your skills in unexpected ways. 

Ideally, it may be beneficial for you to accumulate some experience in urban or suburban facilities first before tackling a rural travel contract. This is because rural medicine often relies on your experience to handle very tough cases with limited resources at your disposal. Nonetheless, it is not uncommon to see a highly personalized and patient-centric experience. With fewer patients to attend to, you’ll have the opportunity to establish meaningful connections and provide individualized care.

Furthermore, when it comes to housing, contrary to urban areas, rural areas are a great place to reside. While the housing options may be more limited and the availability of furnished apartments or temporary housing could be scarcer, the cost of a residence is often vastly cheaper. 

Rural cities are a unique and charming facet of the urban landscape. Unlike their bustling urban counterparts, rural cities are characterized by a quieter, more relaxed pace of life and a strong connection to nature. These cities are often surrounded by open spaces, fields, and natural beauty, making them an ideal choice for those who appreciate a simpler and more tranquil way of life.

In the end, rural cities are a great place if you are looking for a hometown feel. You will likely encounter family-owned shops, local diners, and other relaxing locations. Additionally, you will be able to enjoy the proximity to nature, which is something that many traveling healthcare professionals seek out. 

The closeness to the outdoors will allow you to engage in outdoor activities such as rock climbing, hiking, or whichever else suits your interests. This location is known for a slower, more contemplative way of life, which can be a refreshing experience when compared to urban settings.  

Alternative Options in the Suburbs 

For those healthcare professionals who find themselves torn between the urban and rural environments, the suburbs provide an appealing middle ground. Suburban healthcare assignments offer the best of both worlds, combining elements of urban and rural life. Here, you can experience a more relaxed atmosphere while still having access to metropolitan amenities when needed.

Suburban contracts typically offer a wider array of housing options, including single-family homes, apartments, and condominiums. This flexibility makes it easier to find comfortable and affordable accommodation that suits your preferences.

Additionally, suburban hospitals vary in size and specialization, offering diverse work environments. You might find smaller community hospitals, which offer a close-knit atmosphere, or larger suburban medical centers with a broader range of services. Suburban assignments can cater to your specific career interests and goals.

Quite like the opportunities to work in different facilities, you will also have a plethora of extracurricular opportunities to enjoy while away from the job. So, whether you want to be more in the outdoors, or are interested in exquisite dining and shopping experiences, you will get the best of both worlds within a 15-20 minute drive. 

Leverage Your Novo Connections Recruiter as a Resource

Your Novo Connections recruiter is a valuable resource in your travel healthcare journey. Reach out to your recruiter with your questions and concerns, as their expertise can be instrumental in finding the perfect assignment.

They can provide crucial information about the hospitals, clinics, or healthcare organizations you’re considering, including details about their reputation, work environment, and the community they serve. This information can help you make an educated choice aligned with your career aspirations.

Not only that, but they can also guide you in choosing the right location, setting, and assignment duration that suits your lifestyle and professional goals. With their expertise, you can navigate the complexities of travel healthcare with confidence.

The Decision is Ultimately Yours

When deciding between urban, rural, or suburban healthcare contracts, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons, reflecting on your career aspirations and personal preferences. Consider the level of specialization you seek, the pace of the environment, housing options, and the community you’d like to serve. 

But, if you still can’t arrive at a decision, remember that you can always try out both options. Contracts are typically 13 weeks in length and can be a great opportunity for you to explore an array of interests while seeing both sides. 

If you are interested in learning more, Novo Connections offers a wide range of healthcare travel jobs, ensuring that there’s a perfect fit for every healthcare professional. We encourage you to explore the opportunities available on our job board to find an assignment that aligns with your unique goals and desires.