July 4, 2021

5093 Views

Top Fourth of July Spots

Posted on July 4, 2021July 4, 2021 by The Gypsy Nurse

I don’t know about you, but coming together with family or taking a trip in the summer around the Fourth of July is something I wait for all year. It could be the cool summer breeze off your favorite lake while boating with friends and family or the sights, sounds, and new memories you’re creating in this chapter of your nursing career. We asked you, adventurous souls, where your top Fourth of July spots to celebrate the week and/or weekend of the 4th are and here are our top choices:

Lake Tahoe, California

People come from all around to take in the experience that is Lake Tahoe. Rated nationally as one of the “top 5 Fourth of July” vacation spots. There is no lack of activities for you and yours to enjoy. Take your pick from a plethora of community activities. Relaxing on the beach, cruising around the lake, enjoying the local food and drink specials, and so much more. No matter what you choose to do during the day, the real magic is the choreographed fireworks and music at night. With upwards of 100,000 onlookers, it’s not to be missed.

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston hits the top of the list for being the largest gathering for the Independence Day celebration. It brings in around 3 million people. The cities Revolutionary War history alone draws in guests. The war reenactments, speeches, live bands, and historic heritage keep the visitors coming for more. Most importantly, most events around are free. It’s a great way to indulge in the exciting atmosphere without breaking the bank. Find some great tips for what to do here.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Of course, we would not forget where the Declaration of Independence itself was signed. Philadelphia has an array of fun things to do, and again most of these are free. Between concerts, museums, kids’ activities, an obstacle course, and even a zip line, there is definitely something for everyone to enjoy at this celebration of our country. Even your beloved pets are allowed to join in on the fun.

Everything comes together after the concert (which is said to be one of the largest free concerts in America with guests Mary J. Blige and Boyz II Men) at around 9:30 pm to start the grande finale firework at Ben Franklin Parkway. I could honestly go on for days with the number of amazing activities this city has to offer. Don’t believe me? Check it out for yourself!

New Orleans, Louisiana

It’s hard to talk about celebrating America without mentioning the culture-rich city of New Orleans. Aside from being one of the best places in the US to eat, it’s one of the best at throwing a good party. With unique performances like dueling river barges, synchronized to lights and music, and the amazing Essence Music Fest paying tribute to African-American music and culture. This is sure to celebration you don’t want to miss. Fireworks kick off at 9 pm after the sounds of celebrities like John Legend and Diana Ross.

Chicago, Illinois

It’s hard not to fall in love with a city like Chicago. Seeing the skyline lit up behind the river is truly a sight everyone should see at least once. The Windy City has wonderful spots for every kind of attraction. One of their most captivating would definitely have to be Navy Pier. Whether it be from atop the Centennial Wheel, or rooftop at a beautifully lit building, it’s a must for your Fourth of July bucket list.

Lisle Park District will be hosting the “Eyes to the Skies” event. Food, music, a carnival, and even hot air balloons. During this same time, there will also be a great way to fill your bellies. Head uptown to enjoy the Windy City Rib Fest June 30th-July 2nd. At Wrigley Field, all you need to cheer on the World Series-winning Chicago Cubs is a great hotdog.

Whatever you choose to do during this holiday, we hope you stay safe, and most of all enjoy yourself and your family!! Let us know where you like to celebrate and why you think we need to add it to our list!

Want to see more suggestions? Click here to see what our Travel Nurse Network members said are the best places to be for the 4th of July!

Finished the travel nursing guide and are ready to look for an assignment?

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

By The Gypsy Nurse

May 29, 2021

8531 Views

5 Ways Travel Nurses can make Traveling with Family a more Beautiful, less Hectic Experience

Posted on May 29, 2021May 18, 2022 by The Gypsy Nurse

Being a travel nurse can make very difficult decisions in many ways. Some travel nurses are brave enough to add their families to the mix. Travel nursing with the family has its unique challenges.

Tips for Travel Nursing with Family

Between figuring out a school schedule, finding a doctor, to simply making sure that everyone stays as comfortable as possible throughout your assignment, here are several ways to make your decision a positive impact on your near and dear.

Location, location, location.

One of the main reasons we become travel nurses is for the adventure. The best part is that you can choose your next adventure with every assignment. With that being said, your family can usually pick a location that will keep *most* everyone in the family happy (as if they are all ever happy at once.)

Maybe it’s an ocean view you crave, or you’d all be happy to live near a beautiful park that keeps everyone busy. Searching for housing with short-term leasing options can make heading out on to your next adventure a lot more manageable and stress-free. You can also make life a little easier by narrowing down your search to things as specific as the agency you’d like to stick with, per our new job search tool found here.

Be productive, not busy.

In between saving lives and kissing boo-boos, you can make the best of your free time by prepping for your future endeavors. Whether it’s meal prepping in advance for the family that helps melts your stress away after a long day or knowing that the tablets are charged and snacks are packed for a long car ride, it’s almost essential to have all your ducks in a row when travel nursing with family.

Some tips to stay ahead of the game:

searching for top-rated family physicians in the area
making sure your housing has laundry services on-site or a laundromat nearby
searching for reasonably priced furniture to sell at the end of your assignment

Think of the children.

So what if Mom and Dad both have to work in this whirlwind fairy tale journey? With the help of the internet, word of mouth, or maybe family in the area, you may be in luck. If you are doing this on your own or are entirely new to the area, There are childcare services like Care.com. You can specify what you’re looking for, whether they need to watch one or multiple children, if they need to be CPR/First Aid certified, non-smoking, have their own car, etc.

It is also nice that you can use this site to find help with tutoring. For older children in the household, having someone to come by that has great reviews and is able to do lessons and/or tutoring for specific subjects can be a lifesaver and can make a significant impact on your child’s education.

Technology is ever-changing nowadays and is also very helpful in these situations too. Some travel parents find it worthwhile to travel with a nanny-cam. This makes checking-in effortless in a pinch. Stay-at-home parents can be a beneficial influence. Parents that actively participate in a child’s learning experience and home experience combined to offer a smooth transition.

Explore your mind; and your own backyard.

You can use your child’s homeschooling to your advantage quite a bit when you are traveling. Most cities have an array of amazing museums, art exhibits, nature trails, and even hands-on historic sites. Examples include:

the Aztec ruins in New Mexico
the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.
Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

These experiences can really help children explore and better understand what they are studying. No matter what your child is interested in, there is usually some way to travel and keep those interests close to “home.”

Another great idea if you have an animal lover at home? Make a list of the best zoos in the country and check out their favorite animals. You can research how they live, where they are from, and how they can help to make the future bright for them too. (There are quite a few free zoos across the US, too, if you’re in a pinch for funds!) To find the best housing in your ideal location, you can explore: http://bit.ly/2FQrYbe

A lesson lived is a lesson learned.

A lot of life’s hardest lessons are perhaps those that don’t necessarily get taught in school. Finding or making new friends, keeping in touch with others long-distance, adapting and appreciating new cultures, locations, and even religions are a big plus to travel nursing with family. There is never a bad time to learn a new language either. Being fluent in another language is very rewarding while traveling and meeting new people and very helpful for your child later in life when applying for jobs themselves.

Life on the road sometimes seems like a problematic choice for travel nurses to make. When you know you are making great choices educationally, and with true life experience at hand, it often leads to the best experiences. Here’s to your family’s best adventure.

Contact us at content@thegypsynurse.com

By Health Providers Choice

April 20, 2019

10140 Views

The Fight Over Nurse-to-Patient Staffing Ratios Continues

Posted on April 20, 2019January 16, 2023 by Health Providers Choice

Sponsored post by: Health Providers Choice

“People over profits” has become a rallying cry for nurses who feel current hospital staffing practices are damaging to patient health and safety. This is especially true for #NursesTakeDC, a grassroots organization whose members led a march on Washington, D.C. this past April. While nurses continue fighting for federally mandated nurse-to-patient staffing ratios, progress is slow around the country.

Understaffing Dangers

A busy shift might not seem dangerous, but for some patients it could be the difference between a full recovery and a patient’s death. Each additional patient on a nurse’s roster can increase medical complications by 17%. Once a nurse is caring for four patients, each additional patient added to her or his care roster can increase mortality rates by 7%.

Research continues to link patient outcomes to nurse staffing levels. Many nurses know this, live this, and deal with the stress of having too many patients and not enough time.

Outside of negative patient outcomes, understaffing can also take a huge toll on nurses. About one in five nurses burns out within the first year of getting her or his license. This is mostly due to stressful work conditions. At two years, the ratio of nurses who opt to walk away from the profession rises to one in three.

The Pitfalls of Mandated Nurse to Patient Staffing Ratios

Of course, not everyone is on board. Some hospital leaders are concerned about the added cost of new staff. Additional concerns are accidentally conflicting with mandated minimums in the event of an emergency. In an interview with The Washington Post, the nursing director of Washington Hospital Center, Sue Eckert, expressed concerns in cases where nurses are late to work or call in sick.

With mandatory nurse to patient staffing ratios, nursing directors might have to choose to violate the law when moving nurses between units to deal with short-term shortages. The Illinois Hospital Association suggests ratios may be too broad for different hospitals and worries about the availability of nurses for new positions.

While short-term emergencies and broad ratios may be legitimate concerns, we know many nurses are available and ready to answer the call.

Nurse to Patient Staffing Ratios: Laws Nationwide

Federal regulation requires hospitals participating in Medicare to have an “adequate number” of nurses. They don’t actually specify what that number is, so the regulation’s actual effect is negligible.

While a national standard for nurse-to-patient staffing ratios does not currently exist, Congress has received several bills to change that. In February 2018, a bipartisan pair of congressmen introduced an amendment to the Social Security Act to the Senate and the House, but has stalled out in committee. While it does specify staff ratios, it focuses mainly on “certain Medicare providers” and not the entire country.

Nurse staffing laws vary by state. Currently only 14 states have any kind of law relating to staffing ratios.

California is the only state requiring a minimum nurse-to-patient ratio by any unit.
Massachusetts has ICU-specific ratios depending on the patient’s stability.
Minnesota requires a single chief nursing officer to develop core staffing plans with “input from others.”
Connecticut, Illinois, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, and Washington require staffing committees for hospitals.
Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont require hospitals to publicly report or disclose staff ratios.

Whether it comes in the form of state or federal regulations, making sure there is an accommodating nurse-to-patient staffing ratio is a key to the health and well-being of patients and their nurses.

Do you Want to Become A

Travel Nurse?

By The Gypsy Nurse

January 10, 2019

11846 Views

Travel Nurses with Unsupportive Friends and Family: How to Deal with It

Posted on January 10, 2019January 16, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

When I first started to travel for a living, people asked me what I was running away from, wondered why I didn’t get a real job, and would mostly tell me I was crazy or weird. As a travel nurse, it seems there are a lot of unsupportive friends and family.

Suffice it to say, I didn’t get a lot of encouragement and support in the beginning.

Sometimes your friends and family, the people you want most to be supportive of your new career, aren’t as enthusiastic as you’d like them to be, they are actually unsupportive. They don’t understand and try to talk you out of going. It can be deflating and saddening. You’re so excited about this adventure and here they are, raining on your parade.

Readers reach out to me about this topic frequently. I can feel the angst in their emails and the confusion at not knowing to how deal with the situation.

“How do I not let them get me down? What did you do? What do I say?” These are the questions I hear from Travel Nurses that I meet. It’s apparent that I’m not the only who has faced such negativity, and, luckily, I’m also not the only who ignored it.

So what do you do or say when your support system is so unsupportive. Below are some common criticisms future travelers hear and examples of how I’ve turned similar criticism around when I’ve been faced with it myself:

“It’s so unsafe there! You shouldn’t go.”

I hear this one a lot, not only from people via email, but also from people in my own life. News organizations paint the world to be a scary, scary place with criminals lurking around every corner. News shows love to highlight the dangers of life. Crime happens everywhere. It occurs in NYC, Chicago, San Francisco, and every small town and medium city in between. You can walk out of your house and be mugged or hit by a bus. Just like you can travel the world and never have anything happen to you. There is no place in the world that is 100% safe. Once you put it into this perspective for people, it usually ends the subject.

“You are just running away.”

People seem to assume that if you are traveling long-term, you must be running away from something. When people say this to me, I tell them that yes, I am running away. I’m running away from their version of life and to my version of life. Remind people that what they do in their life may make them happy, but that you have different goals. This experience is what makes you happy right now. Most people will admit you have a point and drop the subject because, at the end of the day, we all want our friends to realize their dreams and be happy. True friends will let you go after yours and be supportive along the way.

“Why don’t you get a real job?”

When people tell me that I should get a ‘real’ job, I respond that if I’m going to be working well into my old age, I’d rather spend my healthy years exploring the world instead of stuck in one place. Life as a travel nurse is a working vacation.

“I wish I could do that. You’re so lucky. It must be nice to not have any responsibility.”

This statement is one that nearly angers me. This is jealousy, pure and simple. I tell people, “You can travel too.” There’s nothing special about me and my decision. I’m not ‘lucky’, I’ve worked very hard to be able to live a life as a Travel Nurse and there is a lot that I give up to be able to do so. While there are always circumstances that really keep people from traveling, for the most part the only things holding anyone back are the restrictions they put on themselves. People of all ages and circumstances can find a way to turn travel into a reality.

“It’s unsafe to travel alone.”

I typically respond to anyone who offers this argument by asking them why they believe this, and they will usually begin to spout stories they “learned” from the news about people who traveled alone and ended up in a bad situation. They might rattle off worst-case scenarios: “you could get sick, injured, robbed, or worse, and no one would be around to help.” That may be true, but if I went hiking in the woods by myself, the same thing could happen. Hell, I could fall in my apartment and no one might notice for days. As a solo traveler, you have to be a little more vigilant. Besides, I’m really rarely alone for long due to the variety of people I meet and friends I make along the way.

“Don’t you care about settling down and finding someone?”

The undertone of this question is that you won’t be happy if you don’t have someone. My response is typically that I will settle down when I find the right person to settle down with, and that person could be found anywhere in the world. I do want to find someone I’m crazy about, but I won’t settle for just anyone. Besides, perhaps my ‘someone’ will be found while traveling.

“Why would you want to go there?”

People ask this question with the undertone that by wanting to go to some remote small town in Nebraska, you’re weird, as if certain places in the world are inconsequential and not worthy of exploration. My answer to this question is “because it exists.” I’ve found that some of the least desirable places have some of my best memories. There is something good about everywhere that I’ve been. Why should I limit myself? Why should you, either?

There will always be haters. And while we can always tell ourselves “I don’t care what people think,” the truth is we do care what our friends and family have to say because we value their opinions.

If a stranger tells me I am running away, I don’t care. But when all my friends do, I become discouraged that they don’t support my decision. And I get enough emails from readers to know that all that negativity does make would-be travelers question their decision to travel and wonder if they are making a mistake.

(You’re not!)

Use these responses to deflect their criticism and help them understand why you want to travel. And if they still remain unsupportive, there is a wonderful network of travelers all over the web who can act as your support system and source of encouragement.

Use us to lean on.

Keep dreaming. Don’t let people get you down. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to take the alternative path and travel for a living. Let them try to dissuade you. Let them call you crazy.

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.” -Mark Twain

We hope you found this article on how to deal with unsupportive family and friends helpful. We hope these tips help you. Did you encounter unsupportive family and/or friends? How did you handle those that were unsupportive? Did you find ways other than those mentioned in this article? If you would like to share those tips comment them below.

By The Gypsy Nurse

December 29, 2018

9688 Views

7 Ways to Prevent Dry Eyes While Traveling By Plane

Posted on December 29, 2018December 19, 2022 by The Gypsy Nurse

Guest Post By Aaron Barriga:

7 Ways to Prevent Dry Eyes While Traveling By Plane

Do you travel often and experience dry eyes? Have you been ignoring it but wondered why this happens? Due to the control in air pressure and dry environment, it can take a toll on your eyes. Dry eyes, if not treated, can prevent your eyes from producing enough tears, which will make you feel irritated, and your eyes feel itchy. However, the good news is that you can ease the discomfort while on a plane by keeping these tips in mind. These 7 tips will also be vital if you are traveling with kids that may experience the same.

1. Keep Yourself Hydrated

Keeping yourself hydrated is very important. If you enjoy coffee, tea, or alcohol on flights, make sure you ask the air hostess for a bottle of water instead of a cup each time. That will ensure adequate hydration.

2. Carry a Bottle of Eye Drops

Try to carry a bottle of eye drops along with you whenever you travel, but make sure only to use eye drops that a doctor has prescribed. If you’re traveling with a child, you may want to consult your doctor if he suffers from the same.

3. Use an Eye Mask

Use an eye mask to protect your eyes. Although it may not be a great fashion statement, an eye mask may induce sleep, blocking out sources of light and protect the skin around your eyes. If you have checked in at a hotel room, an eye mask will be equally helpful in preventing the light from messing with your sleep.

4. Switch to Glasses

Switch to glasses while flying, as contact lenses may increase the chances of dry eyes and hurt your eye health. Moreover, glasses are much easier to nap with than contact lenses if you’re watching many media.

5. Switch Off Air Conditioning

Switch off the air conditioning vent above your seat if you’re flying to prevent dry air from blowing directly onto your face. Since the cabin climate is fairly low, doing away with the extra air conditioning can give you some relief from dry eyes.

6. Give Those Eyes Some Rest

Give your eyes some rest, and try to avoid spending too much time on digital screens. Get up, move around, meditate for a few minutes, close your eyes for a while, and think of what you will do when you land.

7. Blinking Exercises

Blinking exercises not only relieve you of dry eyes but also alleviate headaches and blurry vision.

With all the precautions that you can take, some airlines aim for a more comfortable cabin climate since passengers travel frequently and for long hours. Moreover, check with your airlines about regulations on carrying liquids such as eye drops in your handbag. Keeping one with you would assure a pleasant travel experience.

Who Can Get Dry Eyes?

People above the age of 50 are generally more prone to suffer from dry eyes.
If you’re taking some medication, check with your doctor if one of its symptoms is dry eyes.
Pregnant women or women undergoing menopause can experience dry eyes
Wearing contact lenses

Ignoring dry eyes can lead to dry eye syndrome. In severe symptoms, address the issue promptly and contact an Ophthalmologist to get early treatment.

Author Bio:

Aaron Barriga is the writer at Studyclerk and online marketing manager for Insight Vision Center, an Ophthalmology Center in California. Aaron loves to share what he knows and what he learns with a knack for understanding medical procedures and an interest in eye and vision health. He blogs to inform readers about the latest eye care technology and other topics related to eye care, especially LASIK. Aaron loves collecting coasters from the different bars and restaurants he visits during his travels.

By The Gypsy Nurse

December 25, 2018

6326 Views

Happy Holidays from The Gypsy Nurse

Posted on December 25, 2018May 20, 2021 by The Gypsy Nurse

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays Gypsies! All of us at The Gypsy Nurse would like to take a moment to wish you all a Happy Holiday and a Happy New Year! Wherever you maybe we hope you are spending the holidays with the people you care about and enjoy being with. Whether you’re home with family, working with your nurse family, or spending it with your traveling family we at The Gypsy Nurse hope it’s wonderful and full of cheer. If you are alone this holiday season, reach out to someone in our travel nurse network group. There is always someone online who is ready to chat or possibly meet up!

Thank you!

This year we have so much to be grateful for, we’ve had many accomplishments and it’s all thanks to YOU! Yes, you! Without our Gypsy following, we would not be here today. Thanks to you we have the strongest travel nurse community, the largest support team for travelers all over the United States and we get to hear about the best adventures!

Another gratitude goes out to our sponsors, this community and website would not be complete and possible without our sponsors. Recruiters and Travel Nurses go hand in hand and we thank you for taking care of our Gypsies and being sponsors of The Gypsy Nurse!

We’re extremely grateful for our content contributors. Thank you so much to all our guest authors who put in the time to share your experiences and expertise with our community.

New members

This year we have gained nearly 20,000 new Travel Nurse Network members! Thank you all who who make this more than just a group but a community for travel nurses. With this growth, you’ve helped thousands of travel nurses, you’ve become someone’s friend who really needed one, you’ve laughed together, you’ve cried together, you’ve shared your story and help build another’s. With Community, Collaboration and Camaraderie you have created the largest online community for travel nurses and we thank you for that.

More features coming in 2019!

We are extremely grateful for the development of TheGypsyNurse.com with even more features coming in 2019!

We are even more grateful for the things to come for The Gypsy Nurse in 2019. At The Gypsy Nurse, we are continually searching for new ways to make the Travel RN life easier and we plan to release new and exciting tools this next year. We hope that you all have a wonderful and joyful holiday season and thank you for being a Gypsy!

-The Gypsy Nurse Staff

By Health Providers Choice

July 19, 2018

25601 Views

Sick Pay Laws For Travel Nurses: When it Affects You

Posted on July 19, 2018April 29, 2024 by Health Providers Choice

This is a sponsored post by Health Providers Choice.

Many people in the United States face a tough choice when they get sick on a workday. For people in hourly positions, this can be especially painful since many hourly positions don’t offer paid sick or emergency leave.

You may have heard the United States is a no-vacation nation, but the lack of paid sick days is a major issue, especially in the health and hospitality industries. As a travel nurse, working while sick can potentially compromise patient health even further. So why do travel nurses feel they must choose between taking care of themselves or their bank accounts? Some paid sick leave laws are changing, positively impacting travel nurses.

Benefits of Paid Sick Leave

Even if they don’t affect travel nurses directly, paid sick days can make a huge difference in a community’s health. According to a 2016 study, areas requiring paid sick leave decreased the general flu rate by 5.5%. Allowing paid sick leave may help reduce turnover — and the associated costs — by workers leaving to seek positions with better benefits or by workers being fired after a serious illness.

Healthcare professionals come in anyway.

Paid and unpaid days aside, a survey found 83% of healthcare workers came to work sick at least once in the past year, even though 95% believed working while sick risked patient health. The main reason? They didn’t want to let their teams down or leave their units understaffed.

While admirable, we need to reassess how we view sick days in health care. Supporting sick leave within your own workplace and in your state can do just that.

The state of sick leave in the United States

Thirteen states and Washington D.C. have enacted laws to require paid sick leave, upon meeting the requirements, applies to travel nurses. These states include Arizona, California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. However, state-specific requirements and employee eligibility vary.

Arizona requires at least one hour of paid sick leave per every 30 hours worked unless you already have at least 40 hours of paid time off.
California, Maryland, and Massachusetts require one hour for every 30 hours worked, but the ability to use accumulated sick days doesn’t start until 90 days after employment.
Connecticut requires one hour for every 40 hours worked for a maximum of 40 paid hours off a year. Employees can use these days after the first 30 days of employment.
New Jersey paid sick leave takes effect on Oct. 29, 2018. Per diem, healthcare employees are exempt from the mandate.
Oregon requires business owners with more than 10 employees to give employees 40 hours of sick leave at the start of each year.
Vermont states that people who are employed for less than 20 weeks are exempt from the paid leave mandate.
Like Connecticut employers, Washington employers must offer one hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours of work, but employees can’t use it until after 90 days of employment.

While some states may not have statewide policies, certain cities within those states could have their own sick leave mandates. For a more detailed list, click here.

By The Gypsy Nurse

July 3, 2018

12846 Views

Violence in the Workplace: A nurses perspective

Posted on July 3, 2018May 11, 2021 by The Gypsy Nurse

Violence in the workplace is not tolerated. Most professions will protect their workers from workplace violence. Nursing, however, is very different. How can you be protected from the violence that confused, drugged-out, neuro-damaged patients will ultimately give you? You can’t. It’s a simple fact that nurses will be assaulted at one time or another during your career.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) defines workplace violence as any physical assault, threatening behavior or verbal abuse occurring in the workplace. Violence includes overt and covert behaviors ranging in aggressiveness from verbal harassment to murder. (NIOSH 1996)

Violence in healthcare

Violence in healthcare is such a formidable issue that OSHA has put together a complete policy to address it.

Head Nurse, a fellow nursing blogger posted about an incident that occurred to her in the workplace. “Well That’s Never Happened Before” She puts a funny spin on the experience but the reality can be scary and potentially dangerous.

I’ve been assaulted on many occasions as a nurse. Once a young confused patient grabbed my stethoscope (that was around my neck) and proceeded to nearly choking me to unconsciousness with it. Needless to say, I never wear my stethoscope around my neck anymore.

I’ve been punched, kicked, spit on, pinched so many times that I can’t even count them. This is just the physical violence that I’ve encountered. I haven’t even mentioned the verbal assaults that I’ve received not only from patients and family members but doctors and co-workers as well.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the healthcare sector leads all other industries, with 45% of all nonfatal assaults against workers resulting in lost workdays in the US. (BLS, 2006).

Why aren’t nurses and healthcare professionals protected better? We aren’t allowed to utilize restraints except for extreme circumstances and at that, it takes a ridiculous amount of steps to obtain. It’s unethical to simply ‘drug’ a combative patient. What is being done to protect us as nurses from violence?

As a healthcare worker, have you been assaulted by a patient or family member? What are your thoughts on what can be done to protect nurses in the workplace? Do you feel that violence is just ‘part of the job’ and accept it?

By Gifted Healthcare

June 12, 2018

9274 Views

Hidden Gems Across America

Posted on June 12, 2018November 10, 2023 by Gifted Healthcare

Gifted Healthcare provided this article.

Why not try a travel nurse contract in one of these travel nurse hidden gem locations across America? Summer is the best time to be a travel nurse. With a sense of adventure in the air, visiting new places is a top priority. You’ve heard all about opportunities in major big cities, but if you want a unique experience, check out these hidden gems across America.

Travel Nurse ‘Hidden Gem’ Locations

Gulf Shores, Alabama

If you’re looking for white sands and sea turtles, Gulf Shores has what you need. This beach community boasts the most beautiful, picturesque sights for your Alabama travel assignment. Opportunities to see bottlenose dolphins are closer than ever with wildlife kayak tours setting out daily or hop on board a boat tour to get the full sun and surf experience.

On land, there are hundreds of restaurant options that let you keep your toes in the sand. From specialty seafood to gluten-free options, beachside cafes will keep you satisfied. For the adventurous palate, try some oysters fresh from the Gulf of Mexico.

For the most unconventional beach fun, take a class at Sand Castle University, where you can learn to make extraordinary sand sculptures. If you’re starting a new assignment and want to bond with your co-workers, this can be your first group trip you’re sure to remember.

Taos, New Mexico

For travel nurses who don’t leave home without their animal companion, Taos, New Mexico, is regarded as one of the most pet-friendly cities in America. This city has a comprehensive guide of trails, restaurants, and hotels where dogs are welcomed as guests.

Whether you walk on two feet or four, Taos has a stunning variety of outdoor experiences for you to discover. You can float down the Rio Chama ending the day at the Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa. This would be a great spot to visit if you’re traveling with your spouse. If you’re looking for more excitement, on your next day off, check out a white-water rafting trip down the Taos Box in the Rio Grande Gorge.

If the spirit of travel nursing inspires you, check out the native American nomadic culture of the southwest. Nomads bring a sense of community wherever they roam, much like travel nurses provide their patients in any new setting. For a more modern take on culture, head down to the Taos Plaza. Here you’ll find coffee shops, boutiques, and a farmer’s market complete with flowers, pastries, organic produce, herbs, and music. This is a perfect spot to recharge and find a souvenir from your assignment.

Oklahoma City, OK

Oklahoma City is full of hidden gems. If you want to bring out your wild west travel nurse side, check out the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Nurses traveling with younger kids will love the rodeo artifacts and Children’s Cowboy Corral. For more family fun, visit the OKC Zoo and go “behind the scenes” to get up close and personal with the wildlife (as if nursing wasn’t wild enough!).

If you’re traveling with your spouse, Oklahoma City has a whole host of couple’s night-out activities. If you are on the day shift, spend your evening in The Paseo, OKC’s arts district, full of dozens of galleries for you to explore. On the first Saturday of the month, you can check out the free gallery walk events featuring art receptions, discounts at restaurants and shops, and a fun street scene.

Manteca, CA

Manteca is the crossroads of California, located just over an hour east of San Francisco and Sacramento. Discover endless attractions, events, and entertainment – from golf courses to street fairs. Travel nurses with a creative side can enjoy a walking tour of beautiful city murals. If you’re missing your hometown team while on assignment, play like the pros at Big League Dreams.

Climb aboard historic railroads. Take a day trip that winds through the scenic valley and coast, through vineyards, mountains, lakes, and rivers. If you want to explore more out of town, drive to San Francisco. See the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in person. Snap a quick photo to post in the Gypsy Nurse Facebook group, and you’ll be the envy of all our travel friends with the click of a button.

No matter where your summer travels take you, there is always something unique to see/do. Additionally, if you’re looking for someone to explore with, join our Gypsy Nurse Network and schedule a group event!

Where are you heading this summer? Do you have tips for a specific location? We’re always seeking content contributors. Just get in touch!

Lake Tahoe, California

Boston, Massachusetts

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

New Orleans, Louisiana

Chicago, Illinois

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Tips for Travel Nursing with Family

Location, location, location.

Be productive, not busy.

Think of the children.

Explore your mind; and your own backyard.

A lesson lived is a lesson learned.

Would you like to share your experience traveling with a Family? We want to hear from you!

Contact us at content@thegypsynurse.com

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“It’s so unsafe there! You shouldn’t go.”

“You are just running away.”

“Why don’t you get a real job?”

“I wish I could do that. You’re so lucky. It must be nice to not have any responsibility.”

“It’s unsafe to travel alone.”

“Don’t you care about settling down and finding someone?”

“Why would you want to go there?”

(You’re not!)

Use us to lean on.

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1. Keep Yourself Hydrated

2. Carry a Bottle of Eye Drops

3. Use an Eye Mask

4. Switch to Glasses

5. Switch Off Air Conditioning

6. Give Those Eyes Some Rest

7. Blinking Exercises

Who Can Get Dry Eyes?

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Happy Holidays!

Thank you!

New members

More features coming in 2019!

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