By AB Staffing Solutions

May 30, 2024

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From Arizona to Alaska: The Ultimate Travel Nurse Bucket List Landmarks Edition

AB Staffing Solutions provided this article.

We love our travel nurses and know you work and play hard. One of the benefits of being a traveler is that you can pick the part of the country where you’d like to work. When you’re not working, you can explore. Our travelers love telling their recruiters about where they explore and their favorite places to visit. In our article Bucket List Assignments, we covered favorites. We’ve switched it up this time and added landmarks to this ultimate travel nurse bucket list.

The Ultimate Travel Nurse Bucket List Landmarks Edition

Let’s start with the Southwest Bucket List Landmarks.

travel nurse bucket list

AB Staffing is based in Gilbert, Arizona, the fifth largest city in Arizona, boasting a population of just over 250,000 as of July 2020. Gilbert is known as a safe place to raise a family. It’s a relatively young city with a median age of 33.9. It is within driving distance of Phoenix for theatre, sports, or a night on the town. Gilbert also has a vibrant restaurant scene downtown and nearby shopping areas.

Of course, you can drive to the Grand Canyon National Park in northern Arizona or stop in Williams, Arizona, and take the Grand Canyon Railway to see the sites along the way. If you love trains, head to Cottonwood and catch the Verde Canyon Railway, wine tasting at local wineries, or hiking. Arizona has a lot to offer, along with other Southwest states.

  • Havasupai Falls—Located in northern Arizona on the Supai Reservation, Havasupai Falls is worth the 10-mile hike into the campsite to see its hidden beauty. Make a reservation and check the weather before heading there for your next adventure.
  • Chelsea, Oklahoma – Visit Totem Pole Park, a Route 66 classic. In 1999, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • San Antonio, Texas – Besides the San Antonio River Walk, The Alamo offers visitors a chance to walk through history.

We’re sure you will find more Southwest travel nurse bucket list landmarks to share with us!

Let’s discover West Coast Landmarks.

When we think of California, we often think about beaches, surfing, and tacos, which are all great, but there is more to the West Coast than that!

travel nurse bucket list
  • San Francisco, California – Visit the bucket list landmark Golden Gate Bridge, which connects San Francisco to Marin County. Check out the Visiting the Bridge for more information.
  • Seattle, Washington – Our article Getting to Know Seattle highlights fun and food places to eat. What we failed to mention is the Space Needle! Marketed as an Elevated Experience (I love the play on words!), the Needle’s The Loupe is the world’s first and only revolving glass floor where you can see the city from a new perspective.
  • Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Wyoming is not only one of the highest-paid states for travel nursing, but it is also home to Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park. The unique thermal features of the geyser established the area as the world’s first national park in 1872. The park hosts more than 500 geysers, wildlife, and spectacular views.
  • Denali National Park, AlaskaTravel Nurse Jessica told us about her experience as a traveler in Sitka, Alaska. We wonder if she has made her way to Denali National Park. This park is six million acres of wild land, low-elevation taiga forest, high alpine tundra, and snowy mountains, including Denali, America’s tallest peak at 20,310 feet.

Moving to Midwest Landmarks

travel nurse bucket list

When you think of the Midwest, you might think there are few landmarks, but we’re here to tell you there is beauty and history for those willing to venture there.

  • Keystone, SD – What is this town known for? It started as a logging town and was revived in 1924 when the carving of Mount Rushmore began, continuing until 1941. Known as the Home of the Carvers, Keystone is a starting point for visitors.
  • Badlands, North Dakota – Part of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, The Painted Canyon, is visible from the park’s southern edge. Check out the Visitors Center for information on hiking trails, where you can get a different perspective of the canyon.
  • Chicago, IL – If you’re from the Northeast, you may be pro-New York-style pizza, but you won’t find it much in Chicago! Known for its hearty deep-dish pizza, Chicago is also home to the landmark Bean. Located in Millennium Park, The Bean is a visitor favorite.
  • St. Louis, Missouri – Just as The Bean is a Chicago landmark, The Gateway Arch is a site to see in St. Louis. Take a tram ride to the top, visit the museum, and get your picture taken in front of this iconic landmark.

Let’s talk about the East Coast Travel Nurse Bucket List.

Now that you’ve gotten deep-dish pizza out of the way, let’s discuss New York-style pizza and a few landmarks in the area.

travel nurse bucket list
  • New York City, New York—Home to many sights and the best pizza on the planet, New York City is also where you can visit the Statue of Liberty. A gift from France in 1886, this historic national monument is worth the ferry ride. You can also see Ellis Island, where thousands of immigrants have entered the country.
  • Niagara Falls, New York – While you’re in New York, head upstate to the US/Canada border to see Niagara Falls, a force of nature and beauty.
  • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Grab a Philly Cheesesteak and head to the historic Liberty Bell, where you can take a self-guided tour.
  • Cape Elizabeth, Maine—This seaside park is the perfect spot for a walk in the summer. Check out the Portland Head Light and quaint downtown. Maine is a destination vacation spot for those who live farther south in New England and elsewhere, but it tends to be quite cold in the winter.

Head to the Southeast for the final landmarks.

travel nurse bucket list

We’re almost done with our tour, but we couldn’t forget the beauty and history of the Southeast.

  • New Orleans, Louisiana—Visit the historic French Quarter to experience the city. Schedule a walking tour to learn more about French and Spanish history. If you love parties, Mardi Gras parades are a fun way to experience local culture.
  • Gatlinburg, TennesseeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park offers spectacular views, car touring options (be sure to get a parking pass if you plan to park for more than 15 minutes), underground railroad history, camping, and maybe even a black bear sighting. 
  • Washington, DC – Visit the National Mall, where you can see the US Capitol building, Lincoln Memorial, and more of America’s history. Central to the must-see venues like the Smithsonian Museums, National Gallery of Art, and Holocaust Memorial Museum, we encourage you to plan your trip in advance.
  • Merritt Island, Florida—If you’re heading to Florida to see Mickey Mouse, you need to take a side trip to the Kennedy Space Center. Filled with the history of the space program, including actual spacecraft, this is a must-see for anyone who loves to dream about space.

What a tour we’ve taken to see landmarks on the travel nurse bucket list! If you’re looking for an adventure, and we’d love to hear from you and help you find your next contract!

We hope you enjoyed this landmark travel nurse bucket list. Did any of the locations make it to your travel nurse bucket list? What other locations are on your travel nurse bucket list? Comment them below.

Find Your Next Travel Healthcare Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel healthcare gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities. We have opportunities for all travel healthcare professionals.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel healthcare assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

By AB Staffing Solutions

November 15, 2022

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Which Allied Health Professionals Can Take Travel Contracts?

AB Staffing Solutions provided this article.

The answer to whether you can take a travel contract as an Allied Health Professional is YES. In fact, there are open positions available across the country.

Allied Health Professionals are the backbone of the healthcare system. You’re in the trenches with frontline workers such as pharmacists, Certified Nursing Assistants, diagnostic technicians, rehabilitation professionals, and more.

If you’re looking for a new career, Allied Health Professionals are in demand. While some specialties require 2 years of education, others may require more or less education and training. These are the people who provide assistance to doctors and nurses, and they are the educators of healthy living and nutrition.

Which Allied Health Professionals Can Take Travel Contracts?

Categories of Allied Health Professionals

Allied health positions are those that are distinct from medicine and nursing. It is estimated that as many as 60% of the healthcare workforce in the United States are in this field. While there are many types of professionals in this field, we can categorize them as these:

  1. Primary Care Provider. These are the people who see patients, such as dental hygienists, pharmacists, health care technicians, and Certified Nursing Assistants.
  2. Diagnostic Professionals. Allied health professionals who work with diagnostic machines like X-ray and MRI technicians, radiologists, ultrasound technicians, and cardiovascular technicians.
  3. Rehabilitative Professionals. These are the allied health professionals who help patients with mind, body, and soul. This includes physical therapists, operational therapists, prosthetists, physiotherapists, and speech pathologists.
  4. Health Promotion. These are professionals who educate patients about having a healthy lifestyle, such as community centers or nonprofit organizations. They may work for government organizations or be hired by businesses to share healthy habits with employees. They include health educators, dieticians or nutritionists, and health coordinators.

As far as travel positions go, we have many opportunities. The benefits of taking an Allied Health travel contract include higher pay, experiencing new areas and cultures, a flexible schedule, and building your resume. The specialties listed below are the most in-demand travel positions for Allied Health Providers.

Most in-demand Allied Health travel positions

  1. Medical Technologist or Med Tech (MT). As a Travel Med Tech, you have the opportunity to take your 4-year degree, live in a new place, and learn new skills. We see a lot of travel positions for this specialty. MLTs are required to have an Associate of Science degree, whereas MTs earn a Bachelor of Science degree. Clinical Laboratory Scientists (CLS) requires a Bachelor of Science degree plus a one-year internship.
  2. Pharmacist. As a pharmacist, you are responsible for dispensing medication prescribed by doctors. You also educate patients about their medications and are responsible for storing and handling medicine in the pharmacy. You earn a four-year degree to become a pharmacist, plus pharmacy school. You can begin as a pharmacy tech while completing undergraduate work.
  3. Ultrasound technicians. You are responsible for taking ultrasounds of patients as prescribed by their doctors to diagnose or rule out specific conditions.
  4. Imaging Professionals – X-Ray Techs, CT Techs, MRI Techs, and Rad Techs. These positions are responsible for getting the right imaging for the doctors to diagnose conditions.
  5. Surgical Technologist. You are responsible for preparing the operating room for nurses and surgeons.
  6. Respiratory Therapist. This specialty is in demand due to COVID-19 and cold and flu season, as you are the ones who assist patients in getting their lung function back to normal.
  7. Sterile Processing Technicians. You play a critical role in preventing infection by sterilizing, cleaning, processing, assembling, storing, and distributing medical supplies.

As you can see, Allied Health Professionals are an integral part of the healthcare system and are in high demand. If you’re interested in open positions or learning more about becoming a traveler, we’d love to talk to you!  Check the AB Staffing Job Boards for your specialty.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By AB Staffing Solutions

August 8, 2022

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How to Thrive in a New City

AB Staffing Solutions provided this article.

Moving to a new city can be exciting as much as it can be intimidating. When you arrive, get settled into housing. Get your bed ready. Unpack your favorite items. Take a shower. Grab basic groceries. Find your way to your new assignment, so you know where to go on your first day. That will get you started traveling and thriving in your new city. Once you have done the basics, start exploring to find your favorite places.

Step outside. Explore the parks. Find local coffee shops, walking or hiking trails, restaurants, music, and more. Ask local folks what they like to spend their time doing. Servers and bartenders make valuable resources for recommendations, especially if you’re looking for a specific type of event or venue. Check social media, including Facebook groups for travel nurses, to see what’s popular in your new city.

Always be careful and mindful of your surroundings. Going out late at night in any city is risky, especially if you’re alone. Please be careful as you get to know the people and places. If you have a bad encounter, please let your recruiter know. They also love to know when and where you’re adventuring and welcome lots of pictures!

job board

Tips to Thrive in a New City

This is an opportunity to embrace what you love and explore new interests. One person told us she bought a camera and started a hobby taking photographs of her new city. Another decided to try a new fitness class. And others have found a love for the outdoors in hiking and camping.

  • Ask your recruiter if they have information about the area and if there are other travelers from their agency in your city. They may have recommendations of places to visit, or to avoid, both of which are important.
  • Walk around at various times of the day to get a feel for where people gather. On the weekends, there may be activity in the arts district, but the music scene is hopping during the week. Who knows, you may meet new people along the way!
  • Do something different. If you’ve always wanted to garden, take a class or visit the botanical garden. If you’ve always wanted to climb the steps of a famous building, go for it! Explore your interests as much as you’re exploring your city.
  • Visit the local farmers’ market. Meet the people who grow your food. Taste the local fruits and vegetables. Grab a bouquet of locally grown flowers to spruce up your new home.
  • Volunteer at a local soup kitchen, school, or nonprofit. It’s a wonderful way to meet people and learn about the city’s needs.
  • Search social media groups and hashtags like #yourcityevents or #yourcityart to find events of interest.
  • Grab a cup of coffee and read a book at a local coffee shop. They may also have live music to enjoy, or groups that meet that are of interest to you.
  • Eat local fare. Ask what the city is known for. If you’re in Philadelphia, grab a cheesesteak. If you’re in New York, try the pizza. If you’re on an Indian reservation in Arizona, try their local cuisine. Ask neighbors and coworkers where they like to eat and what they like to order and try something new.
  • Search for tours of your city. Often there are self-guided and guided bus and walking tours available. In Charlotte, NC, there are ghost tours offered at night. In New York City, you can join a Big Apple Tour to get a feel for the city. It’s a fun way to get to know your new city.
  • Local publications are a terrific way to learn what’s happening. Neighborhoods may offer special events like music and other entertainment as well as larger venues. Sporting events or environmental walks may also be available.
  • Pet-friendly events are another way to meet people. Dog parks and pet-specific celebrations are popular. It will get you and your pup out of the house for exercise and to socialize.

It might seem strange, but we recommend settling. Truly get to know the people and culture wherever you are, for however long you’re there. Lean into the unknown and do things you don’t normally do. Expand your interests and meet new people. Think of thriving in a new city as an adventure!

Yes, it will be a bit overwhelming at first, but you will find your way. Take it at a pace that suits you and your lifestyle. Whether walking the parks of a city or hiking, we encourage you to embrace your home and take advantage of all it offers.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By AB Staffing Solutions

January 13, 2022

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New Year, New Travel Nurse Agency: When is it Time to Change Travel Nursing Agencies?

AB Staffing Solutions provided this article.

New Year, new travel nurse agency?

It’s a new year—time to keep what is working in your life and an opportunity to change what isn’t working. If your travel nursing agency isn’t working the way you had hoped, it’s a great time to consider other options. Talking to your recruiter, exploring other agencies, and thinking about what is good or bad about your current agency will help you make the best decision.

When is it time to change travel nursing agencies?

Before jumping agencies, make a list of what you like and dislike about your current agency.

  • What was the onboarding process like?
  • What type of assistance do they offer for housing?
  • What do you need for yourself and your family and/or pets?
  • Is the agency meeting your needs in terms of career goals?
  • Are there options for different placements?

As you answer these questions, it will become clear whether it is time to change travel nursing agencies. Here are some ideas to help you decide when it’s time to change or even just add a new travel nurse agency to your mix of options.

Problems with your recruiter.

How responsive is your recruiter? Are you being ghosted, or are they available to help you? If they’re stringing you along or, worse, not responding to you, it is time to ask for another recruiter. Most recruiters pride themselves on not only attracting new travelers but on retaining their existing travelers too. This means being available whenever you need them. Whether it’s a question about housing, a new contract, or listening to your concerns, our recruiters find answers and solutions for you.

Communication issues.

Is the agency disorganized or unclear when they communicate with you? This could be a sign of a larger organizational problem. You deserve a certain level of service, and if you’re not getting it, it might be time to look elsewhere. Some agencies have all departments under one roof, so you can easily work with your recruiter, credentialer, and even the payroll department to get questions answered quickly. Agencies that offer this tend to have an advantage when it comes to communication with their travelers.

Job Opportunities.

Many travelers have specific career goals in mind. Some want to expand their area of expertise, while others want to gain experience in a new area. Still, there are others who want to work in different geographic locations as they slow their career. If the agency doesn’t have the job opportunities that align with your goals, talk to them. If you’re still not satisfied, it might be time to explore other options.

Referral or Recommendation.

Changing travel nursing agencies may be as simple as being referred to another agency, like AB Staffing, by a relative or colleague. Make sure to do research to ensure that the recommended agency has what you desire, including job opportunities. There might not be anything particularly negative about your current agency. However, you might have a friend or family member who works for another agency that they highly recommend.

It’s okay to work with more than one agency.

Many of our travelers are in communication with two or three agencies at a time. This gives them, and you, more options in location, positions, and even pay. Recruiters are aware of this and don’t ever take it personally. They understand that if you can find your desired location, shift, or pay elsewhere, then you should take the contract that’s best for you.

General unhappiness with your current agency.

As when you work at a medical facility, working with an agency requires you to be professional and levelheaded, even when frustrated. Express your concerns, and let them try to change, but if that doesn’t happen, it’s time to find a new travel nurse agency.

Changing travel nursing agencies shouldn’t be a decision to make likely. Take time to communicate with your current agency. Think about your career goals and family needs. Talk to other travelers and see what their experiences have been with different agencies to make the decision that is best for you.

We hope you found this article helpful. Are you a travel nurse who has changed travel nursing agencies? Do you have any advice for your fellow travel nurses for changing travel nurse agencies? Comment any advice below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Need housing for an upcoming travel nurse assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By AB Staffing Solutions

December 9, 2021

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Etiquette When Working at an IHS Facility

This article was provided by AB Staffing.

If you’re thinking of working at an Indian Health Services (IHS) facility, it is likely you will experience a bit of a culture change. Unless you are from the area, you may notice that communication styles, language, and patient care to some extent, are different than in other places you have worked. In this article, we write about etiquette when working at an IHS facility to give you a better idea of what it is like and what behavior is acceptable.

Working at an IHS Facility

It is very important to learn about the culture and be open-minded. Avoid stereotyping based on appearance, language, or other outward characteristics. Instead, listen more than you speak and become more comfortable with long pauses or silence in conversation. Observing how others handle verbal and nonverbal cues will help you adjust and understand how to best communicate with patients and their families.

  • Learn how the community refers to itself as a group. This will help you adjust your language so that you’re better able to serve your patients and be part of the culture, even when away from work.
  • Explain what you’re writing when you’re making clinical documentation or charting while in the presence of the patient and/or their family. They want to understand what is being written about them.
  • Like in any culture, don’t assume that head nodding means they understand what you’re saying. Instead, choose language that is not medical jargon so the patient and their family are clear about what is happening and can support their family member.
  • Be open to allowing a situation to proceed according to the idea that events happen when they are supposed to happen. It is part of the culture to think in this way.

The goal is to connect with your patients and their family

The goal is to connect with your patients and their families in a meaningful way, just as it is anywhere, you accept a travel contract. Just as there are recommended ways to act, there are social and communication cues for what not to do when working at an IHS facility. Being respectful is the basic theme.

  • Be conscious of your nonverbal communication. This includes looking at your watch, pointing with your fingers, and standing too close as these may be taken as rude.
  • Ask before taking pictures as to respect tribal culture privacy.
  • Do not touch sacred items including medicine bags, other ceremonial items, hair, jewelry, and other personal cultural possessions.
  • Avoid stereotyping based on looks, dress and outward appearances.
  • Avoid intrusive questions early in the conversation.
  • Do not interrupt another person during conversation or interject during long pauses.

You may experience people expressing their mistrust, frustration, or disappointment from other situations that are outside of your control. Learn not to take it personally. Continue to learn and embrace the culture and be respectful of others.

As always, reach out to your recruiter regarding questions or concerns. Each tribe has different cultural norms. Ask your recruiter for advice and literature to better educate yourself before working at an IHS facility.

If you’re interested in taking a contract at an Indian Health Services facility, please reach out to  AB Staffing Solutions, and we’ll connect you with a recruiter that can find the right position for you.

We hope you found etiquette tips for working in an IHS Facility helpful. Have you worked in an IHS Facility? Do you have any tips to share? Comment them below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Need housing for you next assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By AB Staffing Solutions

August 16, 2021

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Changing Travel Nurse Specialties

This article was provided by AB Staffing.

Have you ever considered changing travel nurse specialties? If you have, you are not alone. COVID has made us all adapt in ways we never dreamed of. From how we travel or communicate with loved ones to thinking about our careers. Many nurses have been inspired to continue giving back. We’ve had staff nurses move to travel so they can serve in hard-hit areas of the country like New York City at the height of the pandemic or move to a new specialty to serve where they are most needed. Before you make the change, consider the following:

What are your strengths? As a travel nurse, there are different skills that are needed, and some required, that may be different from what you experience as a staff nurse or even a traveler. If you like to stay busy and are fast on your feet as a Med/Surg or Tele nurse, then maybe the emergency room would be great for you. If you enjoy working with the older population, you may also have the patience to work with younger patients in the NICU or PICU. When it comes to changing your nursing specialty, it is important to think about your strengths and where they can be translated into a different area.

What specialties are you considering? Research areas in which you are interested to see how your skills, experience, and certifications would transfer. While you may want to move to a particular area, it may require additional credentialing that could take more time than you desire, while another may require minimal re-education and training. The Johnson & Johnson Discover Nursing site is a great resource to learn about more than 100 different nursing specialties. Reviewing job postings and job descriptions will also help you decide where – or if – you will want to move to a new specialty.

What experience is needed to switch? Most positions require that you have experience in an area before becoming a traveler in that specialty. That may mean remaining a staff nurse in order to gain that experience. If you’re looking to become a traveler sooner rather than later, you may need to stick to where you already have the experience.

Have you talked to your Recruiter? Before changing travel nurse specialties, talk to your Recruiter and ask questions about hours, day-to-day tasks, type of patients, and skill requirements. It is rare, but you may find you can build your resume with skills that translate to the desired position while in your current contract.

Who do you know? The four words you need in a job search are – who do you know? What we really mean is to network with travel nurses who are working in the specialty you desire. Asking questions and learning more about their experience is a great way to learn whether or not it is right for you. You may learn that working with geriatric patients can be rewarding because they offer their stories and experiences or that your original excitement for ICU goes away when you think about dealing with trauma patients and death. It’s worth a few conversations to figure it out.

Have you told your Agency? In the process of exploring options with your Recruiter, be sure to update your information and let them know you’re open to opportunities in the top nursing specialties. That way, they can be researching a new contract for you while you’re completing your current one.

As a travel nurse, you will likely find the opportunity to move within your contracted facility challenging. This is because they’ve hired you for a certain job to fulfill a need they had at the time they hired you. While talking to your manager may be a good idea if you have a good relationship with them, it may be better to talk to your Recruiter. They will know more about upcoming contracts at the facility and/or needs in area hospitals that would fit your desire to change specialties.

If you’re meant to be a travel nurse, AB Staffing can help you find or change travel specialties to meet your needs and goals. Contact us today to learn more!

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Are you looking for housing for your next assignment? Click here to view our housing page.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By AB Staffing Solutions

March 29, 2021

8051 Views

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Floating During a Travel Assignment

This article was provided by AB Staffing.

If you’re thinking about becoming a travel nurse, it is important to consider the good and the bad. You will have many perks, including higher pay, great experience, and traveling to new areas, but you may also be asked to float during your assignment. This is especially true in areas impacted by winter weather and the pandemic.

When you float, you’re asked to move from one department to another for coverage. A common one is from ICU to a stepdown unit, but it’s not always like that. You may be working in other areas of the hospital, making it important to stay in touch with your on-site manager and your AB Staffing recruiter. You will need to keep them in the loop so they understand what is happening and can address any concerns.

As a floater during a travel assignment, you may be sent to another unit to cover shifts, breaks, and shortages in other areas of the facility. The reason is that hospitals are required by federal and state requirements to have a certain number of nurses per patient. While it can be challenging, the work can also be rewarding, especially if you like a new experience regularly. For others, it can be a struggle. In this article, we offer tips for success when you have to float.

Floating During a Travel Assignment

As a travel nurse, it is common to be asked to be a floater. This will likely happen more if you are in a private or commercial hospital compared to a federal facility. Every hospital has a different policy, so make sure to ask your recruiter before taking the contract. They should be able to give you an idea of how often it will happen at that specific facility. If you accept a contract and are asked to float and don’t want to, there may be little we can do except move you to another facility at the end of your contract.

Will there be an orientation for your new unit?

Likely, there will not be an orientation, and you will be learning on the job. While some travel nurses love the challenge, others may find it frustrating. Either way, it will be important to ask questions, pay attention, and stay calm. Follow the lead of the other nurses and take advantage of the learning experience.

When will you be asked to float?

It’s likely you will be asked to float at the beginning of your shift to cover an area in need of help, whether due to a patient-to-nurse ratio or a nurse shortage. It is probable you will stay in that unit for your entire shift.

How does a hospital choose where to send a floater?

They will, or should, send you to a unit that is similar to your skills and experience. They are unlikely to send a labor and delivery nurse to ICU as those are opposite ends of the spectrum, but if you’re an ICU nurse, you may be sent to Med Surg or similar.

You should never be asked to work on a unit where you do not understand the basics. Once you arrive, observe all that you can. Our nurses tell us they often learn something they can bring to their unit or improve a process as they observe others. If you’re not comfortable where you are moved, speak to your supervisor and recruiter. Your patients and your license should never be at risk.

Is the pay different when you float?

In general, travel nurse pay is higher than staff nurses. When you are asked to float during your shift, your payment will be the same as your department. There are separate opportunities to be a float pool nurse, and they generally are paid higher rates receive an average of 15% more than their permanent counterparts. Work with your recruiter to negotiate a contract that makes sense for you, your family, and your skills and experience.

What to do if you feel floating is getting excessive?

Your recruiter is your advocate, so we always encourage you to speak to them. If something seems unfair about what you are doing on any travel assignment, communicate it so that we can offer guidance to resolve the issue. We never want you or your license to be at risk.

When you’re floating during a travel assignment, communication with your on-site team and AB Staffing recruiter is key to your success. The experience of floating can prove to be educational, expanding your skills and experience.

If you’re ready for your next travel assignment, contact AB Staffing today at 888.515.3900.