The phrase refers to temporary nursing positions in Alaska catering to the travel industry, combining the duties of a registered nurse with the opportunity for travel. These roles typically involve short-term contracts, often ranging from a few weeks to several months, providing healthcare services to tourists, seasonal workers, and sometimes residents in remote or underserved areas of Alaska. For instance, a registered nurse may be employed to provide medical care on a cruise ship traversing the Inside Passage or at a wilderness lodge catering to adventure travelers.
These opportunities offer several advantages. They provide registered nurses with the chance to experience the unique environment and culture of Alaska while advancing their careers. The compensation is often competitive, with potential for overtime and benefits packages. From a historical perspective, the demand for traveling healthcare professionals in Alaska has grown alongside the state’s tourism sector and the challenges of providing consistent medical care across vast, sparsely populated regions.