5 Great Jobs for Snowbirds

5. Travel Nurse

The nitty-gritty: Registered nurses and licensed practical nurses are in high demand at hospitals and doctors' offices in Florida and Arizona during the winter months. The majority of travel nursing assignments run for 13 weeks — often with the option of extending the term to six months. You must have a travel-nursing license to practice in each state. These temporary licenses can cost $25 to $250 and are valid from one month to six months. Plan ahead. Obtaining a temporary Florida RN license, for instance, takes an average of 30 days. Specific work responsibilities vary widely depending on specialty and facility.
The hours: Flexible and partial shifts during the winter/spring season.
Median pay range: From $21 to $45 or more per hour, plus housing stipends and health insurance benefits are often part of the package.
Qualifications: A bachelor's of science degree in nursing is a standard requirement, but an associate degree in nursing can open doors, too. You must pass a national licensing examination, known as the National Council Licensure Examination, in order to obtain a nursing license. Other eligibility requirements vary by state. Contact the state's board of nursing for details. Background check is standard. Compassion and care count.

Kerry Hannon is the author of What's Next? Follow Your Passion and Find Your Dream Job.