North Georgia

To Gainesville, Georgia we go!
This foothill mountain town is nestled next to the shores of Lake Lanier and alludes a "small town" feeling despite its Level II trauma hospital.

You always remember your first; your first love, your first kiss, your first travel assignment.
Gainesville is a town that holds many of my firsts; this was my first home away from home, not only a new city, but a new state. This was my first travel nurse contract; my first job away from home, something totally out of my comfort zone. I feel like this was also my first real risky move; quitting my job, packing up my Toyota Camry up to the brim with essential items and leaving the place I had lived for over twenty-four years.
I traveled with a friend who I met while working at my home hospital where she was taking her first travel contract. We were able to find a fully furnished short-term rental thanks to fellow travel nurses and social media!
During our time here, I have heard some complaints from people regarding the town. Maybe we just haven't been here long enough to gain a dislike for the town, or maybe these complainers just don't have company with whom to go on adventures.
Despite the nay-sayers, #elizabethsquared has enjoyed their adventures in the North Georgia area. Gainesville itself gives off a 'small town' feeling; one minute you can be in the middle of downtown, and five minutes down the road, you get a glimpse at the beautiful mountains North Georgia has to offer. During our time here, we hiked many a mountain and put our footprints on the southern portion of the Appalachian Trail.
I have to say, there is nothing like moving yourself away from your home town to explore what the world has to offer. Travel nursing in Georgia has been an amazing experience, and as I leave here, a piece of my heart will always stay. Georgia has taught me much during this complicated and challenging year, and although this place isn't what I call 'home,' there will always be a state of peaches in my heart.

Destination Details

surrounding area

Gainesville, Georgia is only a short drive from a multitude of adventures. North Georgia is the home of the southern portion of the Appalachian Trail; the southern terminus residing in Elijay, Georgia, approximately 50 miles from Gainesville.
Downtown Gainesville is the home of many boutiques, restaurants, and a wine bar. During our stay here, we have thoroughly enjoyed supporting small and locally-owned businesses.

hospital

As a Level II Trauma system, this hospital is home to many Critical Care units.
Important information for travel nurses: despite what contract you sign, you will be a critical care float nurse.
With the arrival of COVID, the healthcare system in general has adopted a more toxic work environment. With this in mind, as a traveler, I would not recommend traveling to this hospital. However, if you are choosing to travel here, I advise you to only accept a higher paying contract.

housing

There was much anxiety involved in our housing hunt. I traveled with a good friend and fellow nurse, and we wanted a fully furnished two bedroom place to live. Hotels and extended stays were out of the question.
Furnished Finder and Airbnb monthly stays were little to no help.
We were lucky to be able to find a fellow travel nurse who referred us to a condo owner who rents her place out fully furnished. Talk about an answered prayer!