Hey Gypsies – we all know that several different factors can make a huge difference in a travel nursing assignment’s success. One of the major ones is how you approach housing and housing options. Travel Nurse Housing Costs can be a major financial factor. Most agencies will provide you with a few housing options, and you will need to figure out what’s best for your and your unique situation. Cost is always a factor in the travel nursing housing equation, so we’ve pulled together these 4 tips for reducing housing costs on your next travel nursing assignment.
Opt for a housing stipend
Unless you’re completely new to travel nursing, you may want to consider taking the housing stipend over agency-provided housing strongly. Agencies may choose pricier accommodations for nurses to uphold a quality reputation. But with the flexibility of a housing stipend, you can choose your price point and pocket the difference. This also allows you to set the duration of your stay. Many agencies will match your move-in and move-out dates to the dates of your assignment. With a stipend, you can move-in early or extend your stay if you want to stay longer.
Beyond savings, picking your own housing lets you select which part of town you want to experience and which housing amenities matter most to your lifestyle. You may be able to lower your travel nurse Housing Costs by cutting out conveniences you don’t care about.
Save yourself from the hassle of coordinating a U-Haul rental and moving your needed belongings to each new city. The average travel nurse assignment is 13 weeks, but it can be as short as 4 or 5 weeks. The easiest solution is to rent furnishings and housewares — or find housing with these included.
The price of renting might initially dissuade you, but the potential long-term savings pay off. This option allows you to avoid the risk of damaging any of your valuable furniture or personal possessions. You won’t have to spend time and effort on renting a van and scheduling movers. You also don’t have to worry about your existing items fitting into every space you rent. Every apartment or house you rent has its own available space and room dimensions. Leave that coordination to the professionals and cut your travel nurse housing costs.
Plan to cook your meals at home.
It seems like a small choice to make, but this can have a huge impact over the course of your assignment. Eating out is both expensive and unhealthy in comparison to preparing your meals at home. When dining out, the average meal costs $12.75 in the U.S. That’s more than $1,000 a month!
Plus, cooking food in your own kitchen can make you feel more at home while you’re living in a new place. When you’re choosing housing for your next assignment, make sure it comes with a full-sized kitchen, or at least a kitchenette, with the necessary kitchenware to be your own chef.
Especially with rapid response and crisis assignments, sometimes you need to find housing fast. But travel nurses always need to be aware of sketchy rental situations as, unfortunately, there are some housing scams out there. Stay diligent in vetting every agreement before you sign a lease. Some common red flags to watch out for include:
Any price that seems too good to be true.
A property manager who communicates with you only via email.
A landlord who doesn’t ask for any background info.
A landlord or property manager who says they’re in another country and wants money wired to them.
The easiest way to avoid these scams is to rely on a trusted temporary housing provider or your agency to find and secure your housing. Work with housing experts who have access to an inventory of trusted, vetted properties. You won’t have to stress or do any of the work to find quality housing that you can trust.
If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel 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.
Would you like to share your experience traveling with a Family? We want to hear from you!
If you have, congratulations! Maybe you’ve finished your 6th, 7th, or 8th assignment. It’s been a few days, perhaps maybe a few weeks, but the question remains. Where am I going next? You’ve reached out to your recruiter, and they say they’re still diligently being proactive in locking you into a place. Some places perhaps haven’t even responded yet to your submission. It happens, and I know how frustrating and nerve-wracking it can be. You’ve entered what I call “job limbo.” So in the meantime, what do you do?
PRN work?
Do you still have any connections from any previous jobs? Do you know a nurse friend who works in a great environment? Are they looking for PRN employees? Why not pick up a few extra shifts if you are able? I still work PRN, where I was previously employed, and it definitely helps keep everything sharp. Just be sure to check with the manager/supervisor regarding the PRN requirements, as they vary from place to place.
Relax.
No, seriously, relax! Enjoy the time off! The plan that get-together with your friends you’ve meant to arrange. Start that book (or Netflix) series you’ve heard everyone ranting and raving about. We, nurses, are busy in the throes of our job. Enjoy some much-needed and deserved “you” time.
Don’t panic.
It’s all good! Something will come up! Some facilities respond to submissions in as little as a day. Others may take up to a few weeks. With both of my assignments, it took about 2 weeks before I got a phone interview. It’s a process that can’t be rushed, and trust me, freaking out and panicking isn’t going to help anyone.
Don’t settle.
So you nailed a phone interview! Your mind is thinking, “ok, I’m ready for this! I’m going to take it!” My advice would be to proceed with caution. My recruiter sent me a crisis rate offer, which means they’re basically looking to hire nurses ASAP. The package and the job looked excellent on paper, but when I listened to what the job really entailed, I realized it would not have been a good fit. I know how tempting it is to jump on the first interview you get after going through a spell without a nibble, but I believe it’s better to wait perhaps a little longer than to sink your teeth into something without really knowing all the details.
Job limbo can be highly frustrating because I know firsthand that nurses don’t like to sit idly. We have to be busy, busy, busy because downtime causes us to become antsy. Stay positive, stay in touch with your recruiter, stay positive, and remember that the best is yet to come!
Traveling. The word itself has so many stereotypes and misconceptions, especially when it comes to healthcare traveling. I want to bring light to a few of those misconceptions so more people fall in love with traveling. Read on for the top six traveling myths that I believe are most common in the traveling industry.
Traveling Myths
“But I can’t travel with my family.”
This is actually not true. You can travel with your partner, children, and even pets! Instead of making your family your excuse, how about making them your “why.”
“I’m going to have to find my own housing.”
False. We have a team of 25 individuals who work hard to find safe housing for our travelers.
“I’m going to have terrible shifts.”
This is something that many travelers think of, but before any traveler is sent to a job, they can request a certain shift. And even though a lot of the shifts that we see are night shifts, we do have plenty of day shifts.
“I’ll have to find my own benefits.”
Do not fret – travelers receive benefits! Every agency has different benefits, so discuss those with your recruiter.
“I don’t think I want to move every 3 months.”
Good thing you don’t have to! Many travelers end up extending their assignments, or you can talk with your recruiter about positions with a longer time frame.
“I’m too old to travel; they are all youngsters!”
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a newbie, you will get to experience all these amazing places and check some spots off your bucket list! Client facilities don’t care how old you are, as long as you are passionate, professional, and can get the job done!
Those are just a few of the most common questions or traveling myths that individuals have about healthcare traveling. I hope discussing them more in detail helped answer any questions you might have had! I’m sure there are still other questions that I can answer for you, though. What other questions do you have about traveling?
Everyone in Health Care is familiar with traveling Nurses, Doctors, Occupational Therapists, among others, but a Traveling CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant)?
I know! Doesn’t that sound crazy?!
I mean, really, I thought the same thing. But, it’s true- though we are not in as hot demand as the other medical specialties, we are not only valuable but needed. I have a vagabond gene that screams, “GO SOMEWHERE! Travel, see the country- experience great things!” But most important, my vagabond gene tells me, “Go forth and share your compassion and skills with others.”
I started my quest for information and assignments specifically for traveling CNA’s when I first graduated. I knew I could not travel right away; I had to get the right amount of experience, become great at what I do, and hone my skills, just like a brand new LPN or RN. That’s exactly what I did.
I want to share my ‘Top 10 Most Important List”. I hope the information is helpful, and you can utilize the resources and lessen the initial stress of breaking into your new travel journey!
1. Resume
Your resume is going to be your only chance at a first impression. You have to make it great, and you have to make it complete.
Highlight your exceptional skills and experience and sell yourself through your cover letter.
Your resume needs to be clean, concise, and in a professional format for not only recruiters but also the person who will decide to call you for an interview.
Include your license information, including the state in which you are licensed.
Include any other certifications or memberships you have—for example, BLS or membership with the American Association of Long Term Care Nursing. (Memberships show that you take your profession seriously).
2. References
Most importantly, above all else – you need great references! If you do not provide references, which can actually speak with a recruiter, it will be useless! Your DON sounds perfect. Eh- unfortunately, not so much. Many hospitals/facilities have a policy that all references must be deferred to HR. While that is great to verify your employment dates, etc., it does nothing for a reference as to the level of your competency in your skills or how you conduct yourself with your patients and coworkers. References must be from someone who has directly supervised you; such as:
Charge Nurse (LPN or RN)
Unit Supervisors
Clinical Coordinators
Nurse Mentors, etc.
Once you have built a friendship and rapport with a supervisory nurse, ask them if they would mind if you use them as a contact reference in the future. First name, last name, telephone number, and email! You can download a blank reference form for free through the internet or Microsoft Word. Ask them if they would mind filling one out for you for use in the future.
3. Traveling CNA Medical Documentation
In order to be a traveling CNA (just like nurses), you will need to have your medical documentation in order.
Titer paperwork- (verifies immunities)
MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
Varicella (chickenpox zoster)
HBV (hepatitis B)
PPD Test result
This is required once a year.
Flu shot
Ask your recruiter if this is required before you leave for an assignment.
Physical
Sometimes- this will be required to be within 30 days of the travel date, or it could be within the previous 12 months. (Your recruiter will best answer this- we will get to that).
4. Your voicemail!
You are probably asking, “what in the world does my voicemail have to do with travel nursing?” A lot! Make sure that your voicemail is professional. A person contacting you for a potential travel position is not going to like to hear: Yo, this is Michelle, yea, ya missed me- I ain’t able to get to da phone…. Beeeep, leave me a message with yo digits!” (LOL, ok, so I am not that creative, but I have heard some BAD voicemail greetings- you get my meaning.)
“Hello, you have reached Michelle Lane; I am sorry I am unable to get to the phone at this time. Please leave me a detailed message with your name and telephone number, and I will return your call as soon as possible. Thank you, and have a great day.” (Yes, that is what my voicemail says.)
5. Research, Research, Research!
Deciding to become a traveling CNA is a big step- it would be a horrible experience if you do not make a sound decision on the company you decide to travel with, the recruiter you use, and your pay package.
Agency: There are many of them out there, some good, some that you need to avoid like the plague! Google the name of the potential agency, for example, XYZ Medical Staffing complaints. Also, there are some great Travel nurse groups on Facebook, LinkedIn, and DelphiForums. Just do some homework.
Your recruiter should be your cheerleader, your go-to person, and most of all, they should communicate with you! I cannot stress this enough. A good recruiter returns phone calls, answers questions, and looks out for you in all aspects. They should be willing to hold your hand for the entire duration of your time with them. Nothing would be worse than to get to your assignment and have a problem, and you can reach the—cell phone, email, Facebook, etc. If you do not have a warm fuzzy feeling with them, get a new one!
Traveling CNA Pay Package
Traveling CNA’s are not paid AS much as RN’s or other medical specialties; however, there are some really great rates out there for us! How do you know that you are getting a good quote for an assignment? Well, let’s look at an example:
Powell, Wyoming -$18 taxed hourly rate (WOW! That is awesome, right?) -$500 tax-free per week per diem for housing (sometimes called a stipend)
-$300 travel reimbursement to get to your assignment reimbursed by your agency.
You now know that you have a $2000 per month budget to work with. In your research, you will want to look at what housing will cost, a car (if you are not driving there- for this example, we will say we are flying there.
The cheapest all-inclusive housing you can find is $2,600, and it is 50 minutes away. As you can see, this assignment will already eat up all your housing per diem, which means that you will have to pay out of pocket $600 per month, and you have not even researched car rental rates yet. YIKES! Not a good idea unless you really, really want to see Powell, Wyoming. There will be assignments that you really want, and paying out of pocket is something that you want to do; I get that.
6. Get a notebook
Make sure to keep good records of agencies, recruiters, and proposed assignments that you have been submitted for! While looking for assignments, you will not believe how easy it is to get confused. At the top of the page, I write the name of the agency, the recruiter’s name, and contact information, along with the city and state of the assignment. Write down the details from what the recruiter tells you about an assignment, ask for an email recapping all the details discussed, and then compare your notes to what the recruiter sent to you. Yes, it is important. It’s best to catch an error immediately and contact your recruiter to let them know the variances.
**You will want to really read your contract once you receive it, and make sure that all information in your contract is the same as you discussed with the interviewer and your recruiter. Don’t forget to get the full name of the person interviewing you and a contact number.
7.Questions to ask during the interview
(You can use these answers to compare to what the recruiter told you, and then let them know what the interviewer told you). You would be surprised how information can be different. I know I wouldn’t be happy if my recruiter told me that I would be working five 8 hour shifts, with a guaranteed 40 hours, only to find out when I get there that I will be working three 12 hour shift and a cancellation policy of up to 12 hours unpaid. It can add up over the course of a 13-week assignment.
On The Fly® – This is only accessible through the On The Fly Mobile App (you can search by a period in the calendar or specific days.)
Kayak®
Hipmunk ®
Transportation These are alternative ways to find cars/transportation
RelayRides®
Lyft®
U-CarShare®
Misc. Apps/Websites
CamScanner® is an awesome app where you can take a picture of your documents using your smartphone. I used this app to send all my paperwork to my recruiter.
PAN Travelers – Useful calculator, so you can see the big picture with contract money. This website is an all-around great resource for traveling nurses.
Travel Tax- Joe Smith at Travel Tax is a great resource for travelers regarding
taxes.
Travel Nurse Network – The Gypsy Nurse – This the ultimate go-to group for me. If I have a question, no matter what time of the day or night, I know that I will get honest answers for any question that I might have. Not to mention I have met some really great seasoned travel nurses.
CNA Travelers – obviously, I am going to plug my group on Facebook. We are building a CNA specific group just for us! This is a great springboard, so to speak, where you are free to ask questions and meet others with the vagabond gene!
9. Finances
You are getting ready to embark on a travel journey, and you must consider your banking options. Banks are everywhere, but is your bank? If you lost your bank debit card while on assignment, how would you get a replacement? Due to possible fraud, many banks will only send a replacement card to your home address on your account or to a branch in the city that you are in. What if your bank does not have a branch within 200 miles of your assignment city? That would create a big problem. Personally, I got sick of all the bank fees eating away at my abysmal bank balance anyway. (It’s ok to giggle- I did) I decided six years ago to go with non-traditional banking by using an online bank. There are several out there, and a Google search can help you find others, but of course, I have my pick:
NetSpend
I have 24/7 access to my money, a free direct deposit, a Visa® debit card, and free overdraft protection (with direct deposit). I have the convenience of an app on my phone and text message alerts for every transaction that includes your current balance. Your account comes with a free Savings account. If you lose your card, you can go online immediately and deactivate your card yourself, and set up a “Virtual Debit Card” so you never lose access to your money. NetSpend also has cashback rewards.
10. Flexibility
As a Traveling CNA that wants to break into traveling, it is essential that you are flexible and willing to go ANYWHERE. The assignments for Traveling CNA’s are not as plentiful as they are for RN’s, so you really have to be open to new places that you may not have thought of.
I hope that my Top 10 List helps you step out into the gypsy world and share your skills and experience new places and adventures. You never know; maybe we will meet in person along the way!
About The Author:
Michelle is a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), having three years of overall healthcare experience. She recently found her vagabond gene and is a newly anointed Gypsy who loves to travel, meet new people, and help others live their dream of traveling as a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant).
On your first day, the last thing you want to worry about is where to get your lunch from. Chances are that you have just arrived in your new city and are still finding your way around. In my experience, the cafeteria is best left as back up. Though many hospitals are improving their options, I like to bring my own food. The cafeteria is for those moments when I have forgotten my lunch. A little planning ahead can make all the difference. The following are some suggestions for success on your first day and the days to follow.
Breakfast
Start your first day right. Get up early enough that you can fit breakfast in. It is so important. Don’t skip breakfast!! A nurse’s brain is tasked with critical thinking, multitasking, and long hours. A travel nurse’s brain is tasked with all of this as well as learning the unit is essentially one day. A great, easy, and quick breakfast is oatmeal with fresh fruit. Oatmeal is high in fiber, stabilizes blood sugar, and is heart-healthy.
Lunch
If you (like most of us) are working three shifts in a row, prepare something ahead of time so that all you have to do is grab a container from the fridge on your way out the door. A perfect option that will give you lunch for several days is soup. Click here for one of my favorite soup recipes that is super easy to make. I give both vegetarian and meat options.
Snacks
Fruit and nuts are the best and healthiest options to sustain your brain for that long, information-packed first day. Bananas are an easy snack that will continue to sustain your blood sugar. Nuts such as walnuts or almonds are a great hunger fix.
Water
I can not emphasize enough the importance of drinking water. Try to drink as much as possible. I keep a bottle of water with me at all times. Dehydration is a headache trigger for me so I have learned the hard way.
Tea/Coffee
This is my daily treat. Every day I wake up, the first thing I think of is my first cup of tea, then the second. I bring my tea with me to work. I like to use honey as a sweetener instead of sugar. Honey sweetens with the added benefit of vitamins/minerals and more.
I hope this inspires you on your first day. Wellness and well being are at the center of our profession. Eating right makes a huge difference in our well being. Take the time every day to take care of you. What are your eating routines at work?
I began my travel nurse journey as a first-time traveler in September 2016 and am currently 6 weeks away from completing my first assignment! It has been a whirlwind of emotions, experiences, and memories that will stick with me throughout my life. I have learned so much along the way, and as nurses, we are required to share our knowledge with others; I mean, let’s face it, it’s what we do, right?
Prepare your space:
If able, get in touch with your landlord or hotel staff (if you’re staying at an extended stay hotel) and ask what is allowed, not allowed, or already at your place you’ll be living at. I could get in touch with my landlord before I moved into my apartment and come to find out it was already furnished! When I arrived, there was so much already in the kitchen, such as silverware, cookware, and a Keurig, that I had to send so many things back with my sister (who traveled with me to help me move). It definitely helps to know ahead of time!
Learn your area:
The day before I started my job, I drove around the city I lived in and explored. I made a list in my head of specifics I was looking for: where I was working, where I needed to get food, and where I could go for fun. So I found the job, the mall, a Kroger, and a local coffee shop!
Learn your rules:
A few weeks before I moved, I interviewed my nurse manager and had the opportunity to learn about the unit I was going to be working on. My nurse recruiter emailed me a list of questions to ask for the interview, and one of them was uniform colors. Some units/facilities are switching over to color-coded, so how much of a disaster would it be to walk in on day one of your new job in your funky scrub prints when everyone else is wearing black? Definitely not a good first impression!
Ask for feedback:
When you’re a travel nurse (especially a first-time traveler), you’re basically expected to take off and hit the ground running when you work. I only had 2 days of orientation with a preceptor and after that, I was on my own. There was NO WAY I could learn all I needed to in those 2 days. When I got my first admission, I grabbed a nurse and asked “Hey, can you sit with me and make sure I’m doing all this documentation correctly?” It was super helpful and they were willing to help me out! If you feel like you need more time on orientation though, talk to your manager and supervisor and see if they’d be willing to work with you.
Meal prep ahead of time:
I think this is my biggest time saver/stress reliever I am going to share! Ever come home after working a long day and wonder “Oh crap, what am I going to fix for dinner?!” Doesn’t the thought just add additional stress to you? I mostly work 3 days in a row, so the day before usually I spend it cooking and preparing meals for the next 3 days; that way when I get home, all I have to do is pop something in the microwave or oven and voila! Dinner is done!
Be flexible:
You may not have a say in what your schedule looks like, or you may. It just depends on who makes your schedule and that sort of thing. Some of your days may be all in a row, or you may have a day or two breaks in between. One time I worked 2, was off one, worked one more day, then was off for 3 days. It may seem like a headache, but be flexible and keep in mind you’re only there for a short time.
Know your audience:
Anyone who knows me knows I have a LOT of energy, even at 6 in the morning when my shift starts. Some people…don’t. And that’s ok. Something I’ve had to remind myself continuously is to be aware of who is around you. I’m not saying entirely change yourself for the duration of your assignment, but keep in mind your personality may not mesh with everyone else’s, and you have to learn to adapt to those around you, so everyone is on the same page.
Jump in:
Be approachable. Don’t give off the impression that you’re too good to help out just because you’re only there temporarily. Help your techs out on the floor if they’re busy, even if that means helping hand out coffee to the patients. If your other nurse is swamped with patients, offer to help them pass their meds or pick up their admission or discharge. If you’re willing to lend a hand, your team will be willing to help you out so much more when you need it.
Speak up:
Just because you’re a first-time traveler doesn’t mean you’ll get the glamorous assignments. There will be days where quite honestly, you’ll be put where you are just needed, and it may not be fun or ideal. It won’t do any good to whine and complain, but don’t be a pushover. If you need a break from the not fun, ask your charge nurse or supervisor if maybe the next day you can switch to a different assignment. If you voice your questions and concerns, chances are you’ll get listened to.
My best work buddy friends are one of the techs and social workers/therapists on the unit I work at. Get to know your staff and your team; they’re going to be right there alongside you for the next 13 weeks.
That’s all I’ve got for now. Most importantly, make the best of your assignment, have fun, and take care of yourself too! 13 weeks will fly by if you make the most of being a first-time traveler!
Author: Kelly is a BSN graduate of Berea College who has spent her entire career working in psychiatric/mental health nursing. She spent the last 3 years working in a private facility working with all age groups and transitioned into travel nursing in September of 2016. She is currently on assignment in Ashland Kentucky and is working with her recruiter to find the next adventure! When not working, she enjoys reading and visiting her twin sister and two cats.
I’m currently a few weeks into my 3rdtravel assignment and it is by far my favorite so far, in terms of access to virtually anything I’m in the mood for. Downtown is about 15 minutes away, two malls are less than 30 minutes away, and I’m steps (yes, you heard me correctly) steps away from a nearby Starbucks! Navigating a new area can be a bit daunting, but here’s what I’ve discovered to be very helpful.
Do your research:
Ahead of time, I mean. Before I move to a new place, I Google map my address and search for things nearby and how long they’ll take me to get there. I really like shopping, so I always try to see if a mall is nearby. (I also map the hospital I’m working at!) Search for restaurants, hiking trails; whatever you’re in the mood for!
Ask around:
Your new co-workers are a great resource for getting to know what’s around. Chances are, they have a few good recommendations to explore and for a great place to catch a good bite to eat. Know ahead of time what your interests are, and ask around. Everywhere I’ve been so far, my co-workers are very willing to share their #1 picks.
Just drive:
Yep, you heard me. Pick a day and just explore. No GPS, no maps, nothing! I’ve done this every time I’ve traveled so far, and I have discovered some great finds just by getting lost. Just recently actually, I ended up going in the completely wrong direction, but the views were absolutely gorgeous that I really didn’t mind! Just be wary of sudden stops, one-way signs, that sort of thing.
So there you have it. Happy exploring! ?
Finished the travel nursing guide and are ready to look for an assignment?
You’ve moved into your new apartment in your new city for your next big travel nurse adventure. You’ve unpacked and gotten comfortable, and you’ve found your way to the office and back. You’ve made it, and you’re ready for your new assignment!
But … now what?
Now that you’ve gotten settled, it’s time to really branch out and explore your new temporary home. Half the excitement of being a travel nurse sees a brand new part of the world, so why not explore when you have the time? Here are five tips on how to properly explore and experience your new city:
1.) Be A Tourist
When it comes to exploring your new city, don’t shy away from the idea of becoming a tourist for a day. Particularly if you’re staying in one of the bigger metropolitan areas of the United States, there are plenty of sites and attractions that can fill up your days. If you’re staying in a smaller town, there are more than likely still some lovely tourist spots to check out.
Mostly, take advantage of whatever free tourist attractions there may be in your area. For example, if you’re in the San Diego area, there are plenty of free activities that draw in tourists from all over, including brewery tours, scenic beaches, beautiful historic parks, and nationally renowned forests just outside of town. Embrace your inner explorer, and take advantage of the local fare while you can. It might even help you find your new favorite restaurant or hangout spot!
If you’re willing to spend a little money, you can check to see if your town offers tourist passes. The passes vary depending on the city, but many of them combine public transportation, admission to popular museums, and discounts at shops all onto one card for a select amount of days (typically one to five days). This way, you can save money on the price of admission and get all your tourist travels out of the way in a single weekend.
2.) Create a Mission
When you arrive in your new town, you might feel a bit intimidated. Especially if it’s a big city, where are you supposed to start exploring?
One of the best ways to overcome this obstacle is to sit down and draw out a mission. Do you want to find the cheapest grocery store? Do you want to figure out the public transportation system? Maybe you want to try to find the rainbow bagels everyone is talking about in Brooklyn.
Whatever your mission is, sit down, plan it out, and then execute it. Use local transportation if it’s available to you to learn the ins and outs of the system. This will also come in handy if your car ever breaks down or wants to go out for drinks and not spend money on a cab. Also, make sure you have a way to find yourself in case you get lost. The last thing you need is to find yourself in an alleyway with no cellphone coverage and no idea which way is up.
However, creating a mission and setting out to do little tasks at a time can really help you fully explore the new city. You’ll be able to ground yourself, know your surroundings a little better, and find your way through tough situations if they ever arise in the future.
3.) Learn the History
Each town has its own story, and you won’t fully appreciate the town until you know its history. You might be able to find some of that history in the local parks and museums, but the real hidden gem of every city is its library.
That’s right: books! Whether you’re traveling with your family or just by yourself, take advantage of the free local library and read up on the town’s history. Most libraries will have sections devoted just to local legends and significant people, and librarians are more than happy to help you dive into the legacy of your new town. They also can suggest popular places to explore if you want to get more hands-on experience.
Although not every town will have an in-depth history like Boston or New York City, your new city will undoubtedly offer up some unique surprises. Diving into history will help you discover its hidden gems.
4.) Live Like the Locals
Once you get your tourism bug out of the way, you’ll want to get fully settled into your new town. Although you might only be there for a few months at a time, sometimes playing a tourist can be exhausting. Instead, start to make the transition to “local.” One of the best ways to do this is to chat with other locals in the area.
Ask your coworkers where their favorite spots to eat out are located, and chat with the people you meet around town for further suggestions. Find out what food is considered the “local fare” and explore the various restaurants that specialize in that food.
Visit the farmers market (almost every town has one in the summer), explore the outdoors around the town, and volunteer with local groups to really get comfortable with your new environment. Volunteering is not only rewarding but opens up plenty of opportunities to meet new people and help those in need. Additionally, it will help you become more familiar with the communities you’re serving and how they live their day-to-day lives as a nurse. It can help you improve your own cultural awareness. Join an interfaith group or volunteer for a “rake the town” event, and contribute to the community like a local.
5.) Be Spontaneous
In the end, don’t make plans, because one of the best ways to explore your new city is to go on spontaneous outings. Getting invited out to after-shift drinks with a work colleague? Have an opportunity to visit a museum for free? Or maybe you want to go on a walk and happen to find the perfect little coffee shop just around the corner from you? Embracing spontaneous outings might be the ticket to truly exploring your new city.
Wherever you are stationed for the next few months, every new town has its own host of hidden gems. Sometimes taking the time to explore those areas can be the best way to unwind after a long shift. Take care of yourself, become an explorer, and embrace your new temporary town!
Watch for part 2 of this series of the best ways to explore your new city.
If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:
We are building a CNA specific group just for us! This is a great springboard, so to speak, where you are free to ask questions and meet others with the vagabond gene!
