Georgia, as a destination for travel nurses, is, well, just peachy. The people are warm and welcoming, the weather is typically mild, and Georgia is home to some of the most notable medical centers in the country. Atlanta can lay claim to two of the most recognized names in medical schools, Emory University School of Medicine in Decatur and Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta proper. Even the CDC makes its home in Georgia.
With all of the medical affiliations in the state, it stands to reason that Georgia is a coveted spot for travel nurses to learn new skills, hone their knowledge, and add a star to their resume. But, with so many wonderful areas in the state to choose from, how do you determine where you want to be?
Among the most popular locales for travel nurses in the Peach State are Atlanta and Athens. Each of these areas has unique qualities, and, depending on your personal preferences, either one may be the right one for you. Here we offer our perspective on what it’s like to be a travel nurse in Athens vs Atlanta.
Atlanta
Georgia’s capital has much to offer a travel nurse who seeks a bit of southern charm in a big city way. There are around 70 hospitals and clinics in the Atlanta metro area, with a large number of them right inside the city itself.
Many of the hospitals and clinics in the city of Atlanta specialize in different areas of healthcare. Among them is the Shepherd Center, known for its advanced treatment of brain and spinal cord injuries, the Piedmont Heart Institute, the AFLAC Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University.
A travel nurse in Atlanta can expect higher pay than they would receive in Athens; however, the cost of living is much higher there than in the town of Athens. Atlanta offers all that you would expect from a large metropolis., There are excellent award-winning restaurants, exciting nightlife, theaters, the award-winning Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the High Museum of Art, world-class shopping, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors along the famous Atlanta BeltLine or in any of the city’s parks and green spaces.
Athens
Just a mere 73 miles from the hustle and bustle of the ATL is the college town of Athens. Home to the University of Georgia, Athens has a lot of history and beauty, along with a slower pace than Atlanta. Athens boasts two major hospital systems and several community health and clinic facilities.
Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center is a large facility and serves as a referral hospital for the 17 counties surrounding Georgia’s Classic City. Piedmont Athens has earned a strong reputation as a leader in neurosurgery, oncology, and maternity services. The hospital is a key partner with the University of Georgia Athletic Association.
Saint Mary’s Healthcare System is recognized for its high performance ratings in Healthgrades as well as US News & World Report. This faith-based medical system is also known for its fine work in orthopedics, joint replacement, cardiac care, and stroke care.
The community-based healthcare in Athens, Georgia, is part of the small-town, relaxed environment. The cost of living is much lower as a travel nurse in Athens vs Atlanta; however, so is the pay.
There’s plenty to do in Athens, as you may expect from a college town. There are several excellent restaurants, unique shopping, especially downtown near the University, excellent breweries, seasonal farmers markets, community involvement, and nightlife that isn’t necessarily overrun by students.
Parks, trails, and green spaces abound in the Classic City, and residents enjoy time outdoors. One of the major perks of living in Athens? You can catch the SEC Champion Georgia Bulldogs at home in Sanford Stadium during football season, or simply enjoy all the benefits of local tailgating, one of Athens’ favorite pastimes. Go Dawgs!
Both Atlanta and Athens Have So Much to Offer A Travel Nurse
The wonderful thing about the state of Georgia is that there is so much diversity in geography as well as lifestyle. From the colorful mountains of North Georgia, just a stone’s throw from Athens, to the beaches along the coast just a few hours south of Atlanta, to the parks and trails that edge the Chattahoochee River, and beautiful Lake Hartwell just north of Athens, you can spend time exploring it all and never leave the state.
If being a travel nurse in Atlanta or Athens sounds peachy to you, we are here to help. Get in touch with BOS Medical Staffing today and see how peachy a travel nurse gig in Athens or Atlanta can be.
