Many Providence caregivers have moved to Alaska from places like Texas, Florida and Arizona—and they’re loving the cooler weather, outdoor adventure, community and jaw-dropping landscapes. If you’re thinking of applying for one of our Alaska roles and will be relocating from a warm climate, here are some real-life tips from caregivers who’ve already made the leap.

Get ready for a big— and “awesome” —change

Many caregivers flock to Alaska from the southern U.S. to get away from super-high temperatures or embrace a vastly different lifestyle. Lori, our Chief Nursing Officer in Kodiak, laughs as she says, “The weather here is much more suitable for me than the 115-degree heat in Dallas all summer. So, quite a change—but an awesome change.” Since moving, Lori and her husband bought a boat and use it as often as possible. She says, “I love getting out and seeing all the different types of birds, the puffins, the whales. It’s been a different adventure every time we go.”

Charge Nurse Vicky, who relocated to Kodiak from Florida and is originally from South Carolina, loves the proximity to the ocean, as well. “The water is so blue,” she says. “I’m used to brown water in South Carolina, but the water here is really gorgeous.” Beyond the draw of the wild, Vicky says the people are what keeps her in Alaska. “The community here is unlike anything I’ve ever seen,” she shares. “Moving here is a very welcoming experience.”

Five tips for moving to Alaska from a warm climate

If you’re ready to follow in Lori’s and Vicky’s footsteps, here are some tips from Providence caregivers before relocating to work with us in Anchorage, Seward, Valdez, or on Kodiak Island:

1. Invest in quality winterwear to enjoy outdoor activities year-round. Many of our caregivers like to say, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear.” Quality coats, boots, gloves and thermal layers are a must. Pharmacy Director Andre commutes to work in Anchorage year-round on his bike, riding through sometimes a foot or more of snow in the winter. His gear keeps him warm and upright, and the fresh air puts him in the right frame of mind to start the day, then helps him wind down on the way home.
2. Factor in some new additions to your car, such as snow tires, a block heater for your car’s engine, and a tire repair kit just in case. While the infrastructure of Alaska is purpose-built for cold weather—with foam board insulation on roads to keep them functioning in the coldest winter months, for example—being prepared is key to getting around safely.
3. Prepare for wildlife. People from warm climates in the lower 48 are used to dealing with mosquitoes, spiders and even the occasional alligator. But in Alaska, big wildlife is part of everyday life. Financial Counselor Kayla, who’s originally from Mississippi, says, “One of my favorite parts of living here is the wildlife—being able to see a moose walking down the side of the road, or a bear coming out of the woods. There are mountains and animals everywhere. Back home we don’t have that. It’s just a great place to be.” Relocating caregivers who are ready to embrace the bears—not literally, we hope—can visit the remote Admiralty Island, where the bear population outnumbers the human population.
4. Be ready to embrace community. Whether you move to a larger city like Anchorage or a small town like Valdez, Alaska communities are tight-knit in a way you don’t see in many other places. Says Vicky, “We’re excited to have new people who bring different skill sets or different ideas. And the hospital, I mean, these people became my family in no time. I never felt like an outsider or somebody who didn’t belong here.” This welcoming environment, where everyone is willing to help each other, extends to life off the clock.
5. Jump in and try new activities. Alaska offers opportunities for anyone who wants to give them a try—hunting, snowshoeing, watersports, even learning to fly a plane. There’s truly something for everyone. In Lori’s case, she was surprised to find a new passion on the water. “I fell in love with fishing pretty quickly,” she says, adding with a laugh, “I might be a little addicted.”

If Alaska sounds appealing for the next phase in your healthcare career, check out open jobs in nursing, behavioral health, therapy or diagnostic imaging—or view all roles. Many roles offer relocation assistance.