Illinois Has Much to Offer Travel Healthcare Professionals

Situated in the middle of the America’s Heartland, Illinois sees all four seasons and embodies the hospitality that is the appeal of the Midwest. Residents wave at their neighbors, talk to strangers in line at the bank or grocery, and play Euchre with their friends. Like the rest of the U.S., Illinois needs healthcare providers. It has 231 primary care Health Professional Shortage Area designations, the sixth highest in the country, so whether you prefer an urban or rural setting, you’re sure to find something for you in this state. Read on to learn what else will bring you to the Land of Lincoln.

BULLS, CUBS, BANDITS AND BEARS

Chicago puts Illinois on the map with its abundant attractions, natural wonders, food, theater, and music. If you’re into professional sports, this city really does have it all. No matter what time of year, one or more teams will be in season. Of course, you have the big four – Bears football, Bulls basketball, Cubs and White Sox baseball, and Blackhawks hockey – but you also get both Fire and Red Stars (men’s and women’s) soccer, Sky WNBA, and Bandits fastpitch softball teams. That’s pretty impressive for one city! There are plenty of minor league and recreational teams throughout the state as well, so wherever you reside, you can find a team to cheer.

FALL AND OTHER SEASONS

In Illinois folks can experience the varying weather associated with all four seasons. As we approach the most vivid time of year, we start thinking corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and Thanksgiving. Who knew Illinois is the pumpkin capital of the world? Believe it or not, the town of Morton produces 85% of the world’s canned pumpkin. We can’t do Thanksgiving without them!

The winter months usually brings snowfall exceeding 38 inches in the northern portion of the state, and allows for plenty of skiing, sledding, ice skating, and snowmobiling opportunities. Moving into spring, residents are eager to shed their heavy outerwear to take in views of blooming flowers, check out dyed-green Chicago River on St. Patrick’s Day, and take advantage of the miles of bike paths. Summer presents the Ravinia Festival, a summer-long program of multiple outdoor concerts every week, and beach visits on Lake Michigan.

DON’T FLY OVER, DRIVE THROUGH

Some call the Midwest states “flyover states” as if they aren’t worth seeing. Anyone who lives in Illinois will reject this fervently. We recommend you get your kicks on (the first leg of) Route 66 that starts in Chicago and travels through the entire state. Although it’s no longer a part of the national highway system, it is officially labeled Historic and its infamy has led to many attractions sprouting up along the route. Illinois 66 Scenic Byway provides maps and brochures to help those planning a trip down this memory lane. Before you reach the southwestern edge of the state, split off from the Route 66 drive for more unique sights. If you read our post about South Carolina, you’ll remember the Peachoid water tower. Down SR 159 in Collinsville, you can see a water tower masked as the largest catsup bottle. Nearby is Monks Mound, the largest earthwork in North America, and Cahokia Mounds, where you can see Native American artifacts and ruins.

Superman has our permission to fly over the state as long as he comes home to Metropolis. Zig zag your way to the southern tip of the state to visit Superman’s hometown, officially named so by Illinois State Representatives in 1972. You’ll get your fill of Superman references, events, and memorabilia. And, if you’re lucky, a Superman sighting.

AND SO MUCH MORE

The quality of life in Illinois is enhanced by the relatively low cost of living. Grocery, healthcare, and housing costs are lower than the national average and retirees don’t pay income tax on Social Security, pensions, or retirement savings accounts. Illinois has the most primary interstates passing through it, making it easy to get places. It’s also a Medicare Expansion state, likely exacerbating the shortage of healthcare professionals by enabling more individuals to seek services.

Come to the great state of Illinois and help fill the gap. Check out the healthcare positions available on the LeaderStat job board.