When people think about moving to New York, their minds often jump straight to New York City — skyscrapers, busy streets and the fast-paced lifestyle.
But there's another side to New York that deserves just as much attention.
Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting Cooperstown and Oneonta in Upstate New York, two beautiful communities where Scanscope has been helping Canadian registered nurses begin exciting new chapters in their careers with Bassett Healthcare Network.
I wanted to experience these places for myself, visit the hospitals where our nurses are working, meet the people supporting them and get a real feel for what life in this part of America has to offer.
And I came away feeling incredibly positive about the opportunities available here.
First Impressions: The Natural Beauty of Upstate New York
One of the first things that struck me was just how beautiful this part of New York is.
Driving through the region, you're surrounded by rolling hills, forests, charming small towns and beautiful countryside. Visiting in October made the experience particularly special, with the autumn colours transforming the landscape into shades of red, orange and gold.
It's a completely different side of New York from the one most people imagine.
There's a sense of space, calm and community here that's increasingly difficult to find in larger cities.
Even on a rainy October day, standing beside the beautiful Otsego Lake in Cooperstown, I could appreciate just how special the surroundings are.
For nurses considering relocating from Canada, I can genuinely see the appeal. Many will recognise elements of the Canadian lifestyle they already enjoy, beautiful scenery, quieter neighbourhoods, outdoor activities and a strong sense of community.
And importantly, you don't have to sacrifice your career ambitions to enjoy it.
Cooperstown: So Much More Than Baseball
Cooperstown is perhaps best known as the home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, but there's so much more to this picturesque village.
Set alongside the stunning Otsego Lake, Cooperstown has a wonderful small-town atmosphere, with historic buildings, independent shops, cafés and beautiful surroundings.
It's the sort of place where you can imagine enjoying a coffee on a weekend morning, taking a walk by the lake or simply appreciating a slower pace of life after a busy week at work.
For nurses relocating with their families, the appeal of a community like this is easy to understand.
What impressed me was the balance between a peaceful lifestyle and access to a significant healthcare employer.
At the heart of the community is Bassett Medical Center, part of Bassett Healthcare Network.
Visiting Bassett Medical Center: A Hospital That Makes You Feel Welcome
One of the highlights of my trip was having the opportunity to tour Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown.
At Scanscope, we spend a tremendous amount of time helping international nurses navigate the journey to working in America, from licensing and immigration to interviews, job offers and relocation.
But the journey doesn't end when a nurse arrives in the United States.
In many ways, that's when the most important part begins.
That's why visiting our partner hospitals and understanding the environment our nurses are entering is so important to me.
During my visit, what stood out was the welcoming atmosphere and the people behind the organisation.
Relocating to a new country can be daunting, even for highly experienced nurses. You're not simply changing employers; you're adapting to a new healthcare system, a different workplace culture and, often, a completely new way of life.
Having a hospital that understands these challenges and is committed to supporting international nurses makes an enormous difference.
My visit reinforced why we've been so enthusiastic about our partnership with Bassett Healthcare Network.
It's not just about filling nursing vacancies. It's about helping people build successful, sustainable careers and feel genuinely settled in their new communities.
Oneonta: A Vibrant Small City with Plenty to Offer
A short drive from Cooperstown is Oneonta, another community that I really enjoyed discovering.
Oneonta has a slightly different feel. As a college town, it offers a lively atmosphere, with restaurants, cafés, shops and a welcoming downtown area.
It's a great combination of small-city convenience and easy access to the surrounding countryside.
For nurses who want a little more activity on their doorstep while still enjoying the benefits of Upstate New York, Oneonta is certainly worth considering.
What I particularly liked about the area was how manageable everything felt.
Life here offers an appealing alternative to the traffic, congestion and intensity of major metropolitan areas.
For someone starting a new life in America, that can be a real advantage.
Touring A.O. Fox Hospital: The Importance of a Supportive Team
Another important part of my visit was touring A.O. Fox Hospital in Oneonta, also part of Bassett Healthcare Network.
Just as in Cooperstown, I wanted to understand what our nurses could expect when joining the hospital and the wider healthcare team.
One thing I always emphasise to nurses considering international opportunities is that the people you work with matter just as much as the salary or location.
You want colleagues who welcome you, managers who understand the challenges of transitioning into a new healthcare system and an employer that recognises the value of the experience you bring.
My impressions from visiting Fox Hospital were extremely positive.
The atmosphere was friendly, and it was encouraging to see the environment in which our nurses are beginning their American nursing careers.
International recruitment works best when hospitals see overseas-trained nurses not simply as a solution to staffing shortages, but as talented professionals who have an enormous amount to contribute.
That sense of partnership is something we value greatly at Scanscope.
More Than a Job: Building a Life in America
One of the biggest messages I took away from this trip is that choosing where to work in America is about so much more than the hospital itself.
It's about the life you can build outside work.
For nurses considering Cooperstown or Oneonta, there are some compelling lifestyle advantages:
Beautiful natural surroundings: Lakes, mountains, forests and spectacular seasonal scenery.
A welcoming community atmosphere: Smaller communities where it's easier to feel connected to your surroundings.
A more relaxed pace of life: An appealing alternative to the intensity of major cities.
Outdoor activities: Hiking, cycling, boating, fishing and skiing opportunities throughout the region.
Career opportunities: The chance to develop professionally within an established American healthcare network.
A fresh start for families: Communities worth exploring for nurses relocating with partners and children.
Of course, moving to a smaller community won't be the right choice for everyone. Some people will always prefer the excitement of a major city.
But for nurses who value nature, community and a more peaceful lifestyle, this part of New York deserves serious consideration.
Catching Up With Our Nurses: The Most Rewarding Part of the Visit
One of the most rewarding parts of my trip was having the opportunity to spend time with some of the nurses Scanscope has helped relocate to the area.
After spending so much time working with nurses throughout their recruitment journey, it's incredibly special to finally sit down together in person.
Behind every successful placement is an individual who has made a significant life decision often leaving behind family, friends and everything familiar to pursue a new opportunity.
Being able to catch up over dinner, hear about their experiences and spend time together outside the hospital environment was a real highlight.
It's also an important reminder of why we do what we do.
At Scanscope, we don't want our relationship with nurses to end the moment they start their new job. We want to remain part of their journey, celebrate their successes and help them feel supported as they settle into their new lives.
Seeing our nurses together in their new community made the trip particularly meaningful.
Why Visiting Our Partner Hospitals Matters to Scanscope
At Scanscope, we've helped hundreds of Canadian nurses pursue opportunities in the United States.
Every nurse has their own motivations for making the move.
For some, it's about career development and professional opportunities. For others, it's about financial goals, family life or simply experiencing something new.
But whatever the motivation, our responsibility is to help make that transition as smooth as possible.
That's why I believe it's so important that we visit the hospitals we work with and the communities where our nurses will be living.
We want to understand the reality of these opportunities, not simply what's written in a job description.
We want to see the facilities, meet the teams and understand what everyday life looks like.
And most importantly, we want our nurses to feel confident that they're making the right decision for themselves and their families.
Our growing relationship with Bassett Healthcare Network is a great example of what can be achieved when a healthcare organisation and an international recruitment partner share that commitment.
A Special Thank You to the Bassett Recruitment Team
I also want to extend a sincere thank you to the recruitment teams at Bassett Medical Center and A.O. Fox Hospital for taking time out of their busy schedules to welcome me and show me around their facilities.
It was a real pleasure meeting everyone in person and seeing firsthand the dedication and care that goes into welcoming new nurses to the organisation.
The warmth, friendliness and genuine enthusiasm I experienced throughout my visit reinforced just how important the people behind a hospital are in making international recruitment a success.
We're incredibly grateful for the partnership we've built with Bassett Healthcare Network and look forward to helping many more nurses begin their American journey here.
My Final Thoughts: Don't Overlook Upstate New York
I left Cooperstown and Oneonta with a real appreciation for this beautiful part of America.
The scenery was stunning, the communities were charming, and my visits to Bassett Medical Center and Fox Hospital left me feeling encouraged about the opportunities we're creating for international nurses.
It's easy to get caught up in the idea that moving to America means heading to New York City, Los Angeles, Miami or another major metropolitan area.
But sometimes the best opportunities are found in places you might never have considered.
Cooperstown and Oneonta are two places I would encourage Canadian and international nurses to take a serious look at.
You might just discover that your American dream looks a little different from what you originally imagined.
And that could be a wonderful thing.
Interested in Nursing Opportunities in Upstate New York?
Scanscope works with American healthcare organisations to help Canadian and international registered nurses navigate licensing, employment, immigration and relocation.
If you're considering taking the next step in your nursing career, we'd love to hear from you.
Email: hello@scanscope.org
