Welcome, healthcare professionals! If you’re a nurse planning to travel to Urbana, IL for work at local hospitals and facilities, you’re in for a treat. From top-notch nursing programs to affordable cost of living and fun attractions, Urbana has much to offer. As a travel nurse, you’re probably looking for ways to make the most of your stay. In this blog post, we will provide you with an ultimate travel guide that covers everything you need to know about Urbana, from nursing programs to local attractions and restaurants.
Urbana has a wide range of nursing programs for anyone looking to enter the field. One of the top nursing programs in the area is the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. This program is known for its rigorous coursework, top-notch faculty, and the numerous clinical opportunities they offer to their students. Other top nursing programs in the area include Parkland College, Danville Area Community College, and Heartland Community College.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for registered nurses in Illinois is $75,510 per year, which is slightly higher than the national average. However, the nursing field is highly competitive, and nurses in Urbana may have to complete further education or obtain certifications to stand out in the job market.
Urbana, IL has a relatively low cost of living compared to other big cities in the United States. As a traveling healthcare professional, every penny counts, and we understand the importance of saving money while on the go. A one-bedroom apartment can cost you anywhere between $550 to $800 per month, depending on the location. As a travel nurse, you can save on your expenses by booking accommodation through sites like Furnished Finder or sharing living costs with other travel nurses.
Getting around the city is easy and affordable thanks to the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (CUMTD). The system has over 100 buses running on over 60 routes, making it easy to access any part of the city. A single ride costs only $1. The buses run from 5 am to 12 am, Monday to Saturday, and from 7 am to 12 am on Sundays. So, you won’t have to worry about getting stranded anywhere in the city.
When you have some free time, there are plenty of fun activities to engage in. You can visit the William M. Staerkel Planetarium to learn about the cosmos and check out some amazing telescopes or go for a hike at Busey Woods. Other popular activities include visiting the Krannert Art Museum, attending a show at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, and catching a game at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Memorial Stadium.
Urbana is approximately 137 miles south of Chicago, which makes it a perfect location for a weekend getaway. Some of the fun things to do in Chicago include visiting the Art Institute of Chicago or the Shedd Aquarium, taking a boat tour along Lake Michigan, or watching a Cubs game at Wrigley Field.
When it comes to dining in Urbana, you won’t be disappointed. Urbana has a thriving food scene with plenty of restaurants to choose from. For a taste of local cuisine, try the Black Dog Smoke and Ale House, which has been consistently ranked as one of the best BBQ joints in the state. Other popular restaurants include Courier Cafe, Silvercreek Restaurant, and Sakura Japanese Cuisine.
When the workday is over, there are plenty of great happy hour locations to unwind. Some of our favorites include Watson’s Shack & Rail, The Blind Pig, and Seven Saints. These bars offer good food, great drinks, and a lively atmosphere perfect for socializing.
Did you know that Urbana is the birthplace of the world’s first web browser, Mosaic? Illinois is also known as the “Prairie State,” and Urbana is home to one of the few remaining Native American mounds in Illinois.
Urbana, IL, is an amazing city with so much to offer both tourists and healthcare professionals. From top nursing programs, affordable living costs, and fun activities to local attractions, top restaurants, and best happy hour locations, there is something for everyone in the city. Whether you are relocating for a short-term assignment or looking to establish a long-term career in Urbana, you can be sure that this city will offer a memorable experience.
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