Job info

Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) Travel Assignment

Overview

Location: Santa Cruz, California (hospital)
Contract Length: 13 weeks
Shift: Days, 8-hour shifts (40 hours per week)
Shift Hours: Varied, starting at 6:30 AM and staggered until 6:30 PM, with a 30-minute lunch break. The staffing captain creates the schedule.

Required Qualifications

3+ years of experience as an SLP
At least 2 years of acute care and/or inpatient rehab experience
Experience with ortho, neuro, and cardiac patients
Ability to perform bedside swallow evaluations
Ability to assess cognition
Active BLS certification
California license

Preferred Qualifications

3-5 years of experience
ICU experience
Experience with modified barium swallow studies
Outpatient or home health experience
Experience with physical disabilities
Spanish-speaking candidates
Pediatric experience is not required for travelers. Pediatric patients may have lymphedema, vestibular, or wound care needs.
Open to first-time travelers

Assignment Details

Unit: Rehab Therapies and Cardiac Rehab, with both inpatient (IP) and outpatient (OP) work. Travelers work IP for OT, PT, and Speech.
Floating: Between hospital units and to acute rehab
Orientation: 1 day of hospital orientation, followed by 2-3 days of unit orientation
Common Diagnoses: Spinal cord injuries, TBI, stroke, cardiac rehab, ortho, and others
Support:
- Hospitalist or intensivist in house
- Respiratory therapy and pharmacy available 24/7
- No IV team
- Charge nurse manager available 7 days a week, mostly Monday through Friday with alternating weekends
- One rehab aide on the inpatient unit
Scrubs: Black or dark pants with burgundy dress shirts or polos

Weekends and Holidays

Every other weekend (Saturday or Sunday), with 2 weekend days in a 4-week schedule. Travelers get a weekday off during weeks they work a weekend shift. The facility would prefer someone available for all weekends.
Holidays are covered through a sign-up sheet, and the facility fills any remaining holiday gaps.

Facility

Dominican Hospital

3.9rating(17 reviews)

3 nurses recommend working with Dominican Hospital

Anonymous

Med Surg (RN)

Contract Position

5.0rating

Pros

Traveler friendly for sure. I was on the TCU and they have a strong sense of teamwork. Break nurses every shift who are super helpful.

Cons

What management can’t provide, I would say the floor staff makes up for. Cost of living is higher only for lodging, I’m from Alaska and everything else was about the same. If you have a place to stay it’s a perfect gig!!

Review of Dominican Hospital on Sep 21, 2026

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DetailsVerification data is contributed by healthcare professionals like you, who leave reviews on Vivian.

Short Term Acute Care
211 beds

ADDRESS1555 Soquel DriveSanta Cruz, CA 95065

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About Santa Cruz, CA

As a Travel Speech Language Pathologist in Santa Cruz, CA here's what you should know:

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Santa Cruz is higher than the national average due to the desirable beach town location.
Wages may not fully match up with the higher cost of living.

Weather

Average summer highs are around 70-80°F, while winter lows can range from 40-50°F.

Furnished Housing

Short term rentals can be found, but they may be more limited and slightly more expensive due to the popular tourist destination.

Transportation

Santa Cruz is car-friendly, but public transportation options are also available, including buses and shuttles.

Demographics

Santa Cruz has a diverse population with a wide age range.
Common health issues may include allergies due to the coastal environment.
It is a popular location for travel nurses due to its healthcare facilities and proximity to natural beauty.

Things to Do

Santa Cruz offers a variety of activities including a range of restaurants, art galleries, live music venues, and outdoor sports such as surfing, hiking, biking, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

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