August 8, 2018

19403 Views

Step #16: Prepare Your Vehicle for Your Travel Nurse Road Trip

Posted on August 8, 2018July 24, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

Driving to your next contract? These tips will make your travel nurse road trip planning go smooth and easy.

Travel nursing with a car is a great way to have access to a wide array of places to explore on your days off. Driving your car across the country might seem daunting, but it is usually worth it to have your own vehicle available if you want it!

Travel Nurse Road Trip Planning

Pre-trip Inspection

Make an appointment with your local auto mechanic or garage and have your vehicle checked over, and complete any routine maintenance. Let them know that you are heading out for a long-distance trip and want to make certain that any potential maintenance issues are addressed. If you are close to an oil change, get it done. Have all of your belts, fluids, etc., checked out. Being stranded in the middle of nowhere in Texas isn’t a fun place to be when one of your belts breaks. Finding a place that you can trust to perform routine maintenance can be difficult as well as time-consuming once you reach your contract location. It’s much easier to have this done at home before you leave.

Roadside Emergency Kit

If you don’t already have one of these, you should consider putting one together before you leave. You can purchase these pre-made, or you can put together your own while you are planning your travel nursing road trip. If you already have one, check through it and make sure that everything you need is still in it and in working order.

Basic items for your Emergency Kit should include:

Water
Non-perishable food
Flashlight with batteries
Reflective poncho
First Aid Kit
Blanket, coat, hat, gloves
Tool kit
Road flares
Spare tire and a working jack
Jumper cables
Towels/Window cleaner
AAA Card with VIN number
Ice Scraper

If you don’t have some sort of roadside assistance or AAA, travel nursing with a car is much less stressful with these kinds of resources. Without friends or family nearby, it’s great to have a service like AAA that can help out in case something crazy happens, like an unexpected flat tire in the middle of nowhere.

Travel nurse road trip planning should also include any items you may need while in the car for a few days. If your travel nurse assignment is far away, you will want to have some daily necessities on hand so you aren’t constantly stopping.

Travel Nursing Road Trip Necessities:

Cell Phone with charger
Registration/License/Insurance
Credit cards
Eye Glasses/Sun Glasses
Moist Towelettes
Meds including Maalox or Imodium in case of upset stomach
Pen and paper
Comfortable/Loose Travel clothes
Grab and go bag for hotel stops
Recruiter phone number
Contact numbers for landlord
Camera to document your trip
Snacks
Cooler with drinks/perishable food items

Travel Nurse Road Trip Planning with Pets

If you are traveling with a cat or dog, check out these tips for driving long distances here. Pack your vehicle so that all of your pet’s items are accessible for those short stops to enjoy the view. Keep in mind that pets also need to stretch their legs, so plan accordingly for long drives!

Is there something we didn’t address that you always make certain to have with you for a road trip? What are your thoughts on the list/suggestions above?

By The Gypsy Nurse

August 8, 2018

26837 Views

Step #17: Keeping Track of Your Travel Nurse Paperwork

Posted on August 8, 2018July 24, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

Travel nurse paperwork organization is very simple in the age of technology and online storage. Stay organized as you go to help minimize frustration down the line!

Determine what travel nurse paperwork you need

We have covered most of the important items you will need access to, but now is a great time to review your checklist.

When organizing your travel nurse paperwork, make sure you have the following:

Travel Nurse Portfolio
Personal Documents
- Birth Certificate
- Social Security Card
- Insurance Cards (auto, life, home, etc.)
- Passport (if applicable)
- Work Visa (if applicable)
- Health Information/prescriptions

Tax Paperwork
- This post by Joseph Smith at Travel Tax answers many Frequently Asked Questions regarding travel nurse taxes and record keeping. For most travel nurses, itemizing tax deductions won’t be worth it, so talk to a tax professional about your unique situation before you drive yourself crazy keeping track of tons of paperwork.

Copies of Contract and Assignment Information

Organizing your travel nurse paperwork

Once you have determined what files you need access to, the next question is how do you organize travel nurse paperwork. There are many ways to organize your paperwork and many websites dedicated to organization that you can check out for recommendations. Perhaps you already have a system that works and need to make it mobile? Here are a few ideas on how to get organized:

Accordion Files
- Having an accordion file is a nice, compact way to keep all of your important documents organized and safe.
Binder with Tabs
- A three-ring binder with folders or tabs is another great way to store important documents. Keeping each tab organized by color can be helpful.
Google Drive
- You can easily make a Google Drive folder to keep digital copies of all of your travel nurse paperwork handy. There are tons of free scanner apps that even let you convert pictures of important documents to PDF format.

Backup

When you are constantly on the move, theft or loss of documents can be more likely. No matter what method you use for travel nurse paperwork organization, be sure to have both physical and digital backup copies. For digital copies, having a portable hard drive is a great way to keep your documents safe without internet access. Consider keeping a safety deposit box or fireproof safe at home to store backup copies of physical documents.

Do you have a great suggestion or tool for staying organized while mobile? I want to hear them. What are your thoughts on the list/suggestions above?

By The Gypsy Nurse

August 8, 2018

14081 Views

Step # 22 How to Make the Most of Your Travel Nurse Contract

Posted on August 8, 2018July 24, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

You have arrived at the contract location and have 13 weeks to explore your new area. Let’s look at things you can do to make this a great travel nurse contract.

How to Make This a Great Travel Nurse Contract.

You have 13 weeks! It sounds like a lot of time…beware, your travel nurse contract will go extremely quickly. Don’t put off exploring the new neighborhood.

Check out Local Events

The first thing to do is find out where the local events are posted or published. There are multiple places to look to find local events and activities. Most larger cities have a free entertainment magazine of some sort. These are generally found at convenience stores, grocery stores, local coffee shops, bars, or similar places. Look near the entrance or ask your co-workers. Another place to look for local events is the travel nurse community. A quick Facebook search for the visitors’ bureau or ‘city events’ should bring up several options of pages that you can ‘like’ and follow for up-to-date events. Having a great travel nurse contract can sometimes be simply because of some of the activities and experiences you took advantage of during the contract.

Connect with other Travel Nurses

If you’re looking for other travelers in the local area to hang out with, try connecting to other travelers via our Facebook group!

Plan Ahead

The travel contract will go by quicker than you think. Plan ahead (as the scheduling allows) for fun excursions, activities and events. Invite your co-workers to join you! Time will fly by, so don’t put it off and make this a great travel nurse contract.

Leave Town

Go outside the local area. Find out what’s around you. Perhaps there is a unique or interesting town within a day’s drive. A national park to explore or an opportunity for a weekend mini-vacation during your travel nurse contract. Ask your co-workers, the local coffee shop barista, or the hangout bar bartender. These people are full of information and are generally happy to share. Depending on your scheduling, you could potentially take several ‘weekend’ trips out of town. Schedule them.

13-Week Contract Flow

Figuring out how to fit some fun into your travel contract can be a little difficult at first. The first two weeks on a travel nurse contract are generally pretty chaotic and sometimes a little stressful as you begin to acclimate to the new facility and co-workers. Many travel nurses have found that their contracts generally break down as follows:

Week by Week

#1 Excitement/Fear/Introductions.
#2-4 Learning curve.
# 4-6 weeks 4-6 are when many travel nurses begin to fall into a good groove on the job.
#6-10 This is prime time to take in the sights.
#10-13 This is where things can become monotonous. The great thing is that this is also when you will probably be working with recruiters and seeking out your next adventure.

You will fall into your own 13-week flow and figure out where you’re most likely to be able to get out and enjoy the area that you’re in. One final word of caution….Don’t put it off for ‘tomorrow.’ 13 Weeks can pass by incredibly quickly. Make sure to make the most of your Travel Nurse Contract.

By The Gypsy Nurse

August 8, 2018

12659 Views

Step #25 Travel Nurse Contract – 2 Weeks to go…

Posted on August 8, 2018July 24, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

Travel Nurse Countdown Continues

What needs to be done when your travel nurse countdown is almost up? Whether it’s your first travel nurse contract or your 100th, it doesn’t matter. When you are down to the last few weeks, it becomes a time of chaos. What should you expect when you have 2 weeks to go?

If you have followed the travel nurse guide, you will be well on your way to a successful completion of your travel nurse contract. In Step #24, we discussed the things that you should be doing to prepare for the end of the contract.

Licensing for the new contract.
Obtaining References from the current contract.
Confirming the next contract.

With only 2 weeks left in your travel nurse contract countdown, it’s time to start packing!

Packing:

As the travel nurse countdown continues, I generally begin to pack up the items that I am not using. This (for me) would include photos and personal items, clothing that I am not using, souvenirs picked up along the way, and any other items that I think I can live without for the next few weeks. I utilize small Rubbermaid totes for my packing. I stick to just 6 of these and generally line them up along an ‘out of the way’ wall and just start putting things in them as I walk through the house.

Planning for the road:

Go back over Step #16 and make certain that your vehicle is ready for the upcoming trip. The last thing you want to have to happen is to be stranded on the side of the road at the end of a travel nurse contract. Send your vehicle to the local garage for a pre-trip inspection, oil change, etc. Check over your roadside emergency kit and see if anything needs to be replaced or added.

Keep Track of the Paperwork:

Make sure you have added your new/updated references to your Travel nurse portfolio. File any important contract paperwork. Pay any bills that will be upcoming. By paying bills in advance, you will (hopefully) have a worry-free trip.

The Best Part of a Travel Nurse Countdown

Research for the new contract location. What is there to do? Are there events that you want to attend during the contract? Jot down the dates so you can request them off when you speak to the scheduler. Do you have your housing confirmed? If not, get with the recruiter and finalize this. Don’t forget to research the housing location and distance from the hospital.

Prepare for the Trip. What route will you be taking? How long do you have to explore along the way? Will you go home for a visit at the

Reminders:

Obtain References: I recommend you obtain 2 written references from each contract.
Maintain your connections: Are there co-workers or people you’ve met that you want to keep in contact with at the end of your contract?
Keep copies of your contract: Always keep a hard copy of your contract.
Forward your mail: You may or may not need to do this depending on the type of Mail service you opt for.

Have you joined our Travel Nurse Community? Follow the link and join today for even more travel nurse tips and advice.

By The Gypsy Nurse

August 8, 2018

12768 Views

Step #26 Travel Nurse Contract – The Final Week

Posted on August 8, 2018July 24, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

The end of a travel nursing contract.

As your travel nurse contract ends, it’s time to wrap up everything and get ready to move on. Use these tips for a smooth transition to your next travel nurse contract.

Yeah…you made it through!

At the end of a travel nursing contract, there is always a myriad of feelings. You may feel relieved if the job was stressful, sad if you met great friends, or excited to get on to the next adventure. You will often feel a mixture of several things during the last week of a travel nurse contract.

No matter what the feelings, it’s now time to move on, and I want to help you make sure that you don’t forget any of the last-minute things that need to be addressed.

As you reach the end of a travel nurse contract, wrap up the following things:

For your current housing
- Arrange your move-out walk-through inspection.
- Return any leased items or equipment (cable box, etc.)
- Arrange for hold or forwarding of mail (if applicable).
- Pack and clean.
- Donate any unwanted items to Goodwill.
- Cancel any utilities in your name.

Hospital/Facility
- Return your badge and any other equipment.
- Get your final time sheet signed and emailed.
- Obtain a written evaluation (if not already done) and forward a copy to your company.
- Collect any contact information for those you would like to keep in contact with.

For your next location
- Print out a copy of your signed contract.
- Call your new housing and confirm the move-in date and arrangements.
- Check with your company for any last-minute paperwork or other requirements.
- Get your drug screen completed.

There may still be loose ends with your company that need to be completed. As your travel nurse contract ends, try to get these taken care of. These items (online testing, physicals, etc.) will be much easier to complete in a stable location rather than once you’re on the road.

EXPERT TIP:

Don’t forget to double-check your apartment’s ‘odd’ areas for additional items to pack. Places to check would include: under the bed, all the cabinets, the dishwasher, under sinks, the inside of the oven, behind the couch/other furniture, all drawers, and the washer and dryer.

Have you joined our Travel Nurse Community? Follow the link and join today for even more travel nurse tips and advice.

By The Gypsy Nurse

August 8, 2018

12518 Views

Step #27 Travel Nurse Contract Evaluation – Wash, Rinse, Repeat…

Posted on August 8, 2018July 24, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

Why should you do a travel nurse contract evaluation?

If you have been following the Travel Nurse Guide steps, you have already begun this process of contract evaluation. Evaluating your Travel Nurse contracting process is an important step to ensure that each contract will be better planned, more organized, and a better fit each time.

It may take several contracts before you feel like you have a good handle on what makes you happy as a travel nurse. Every contract will have a new set of ups and downs. Just make sure that the positives for you are still outweighing the negatives.

Travel Nurse Contract Evaluation- The Details

Three main parts affect your experience as a travel nurse:

The Hospital
The Agency
Personal

HOSPITAL

(Evaluating the facility will assist you in determining what types of facilities provide a good fit for you.)

Was the hospital/facility ‘comfortable’ for you?
If you were in a large teaching facility, did you enjoy the atmosphere?
Were you overwhelmed? Small community hospital; was it too small? Did you feel at home’?
Were you happy in this type of environment if you worked in a clinic or outpatient setting?
Did you work as a ‘float’? Did you like this? (Realize that as a travel nurse, you WILL float, but there is a difference between being “first float” and floating most of your shifts.)
What did you like and dislike about the hospital?
Don’t forget to add a hospital review to help other travelers!

When analyzing the hospital, we look at your comfort level with the type of hospital/facility you worked at, not the individual hospital issues, problems, policies, etc.

AGENCY

Was your recruiter easy to contact?
Did the agency respond to calls, emails when needed?
Were the benefits as discussed?
Was the contract correct? Did it include everything discussed?
Was pay correct and on time?
Did you wish that the recruiter had contacted you more? Less?
Was there anything that stood out about the agency that you loved? Hated?
Did the company stand behind you in a tough situation?
Were any issues handled professionally and expediently?
Did the company-provided benefits meet your needs?
Did the company provide adequate housing?
Were you allowed to make up missed shifts?
Would you recommend the company to another traveler?
Would you work for this company again?
Don’t forget to add an agency review to help other travelers!

PERSONAL

How would you rate your ‘happiness’ during the contract?
Did the contract meet your financial needs?
Did you make new friends?
Were you able to enjoy the ‘travel’ aspect of the contract?
Was the location too far away from family & friends?
Was the local environment a good fit? Too hot? Too Cold?
What issues did you have during the contract?
Did you experience loneliness?
Did you have difficulty transitioning to new processes? New Facility? New staff?
Are you able/willing to work through these issues?

Travel Nurse Contract Evaluation Part II

ANALYSIS

FACILITY – By answering the questions above, you should be able to determine if you enjoyed the type of facility. In time, you will be able to fine-tune your likes/dislikes.

AGENCY – We always suggest working with more than one company at a time. If you had a negative experience with the company or the company didn’t meet some of your needs, determine if this particular company will remain on your list of preferred companies or not. For example, if the company doesn’t provide affordable health insurance, and this is important, you may want to mark them off the list and look for a different company.

PERSONAL – Here is the most difficult part. Travel nursing is NOT for everyone. Don’t stress if you don’t feel that travel nursing is a good ‘fit’ for you. Find a staff job and be proud that you gave yourself a new experience and explored a new career option within nursing. Perhaps you enjoyed it, but it just isn’t a good financial choice for you right now. YOUR Happiness is the NUMBER 1 priority. By answering the questions above, hopefully, you will determine if Travel Nursing is right for you.

Travel Nurse Contract Evaluation- Next Steps

If, at the end of all of this reflection, you decide you want to continue your career as a travel nurse, now is the time to plan accordingly. If you didn’t feel like you had a good fit, don’t worry. It may take several contracts to find the right mix of company, location, type of hospital, and personal needs. Some travel nurses work in dozens of places and yet still know when they find “the one” in terms of location, money, people, and unit.

It’s important that you go through a travel nurse contract evaluation after every assignment. Preferences and need change as you grow and get more comfortable with the lifestyle of a traveler.

Now, Wash, Rinse, Repeat…. Some of these steps will go very quickly for you the second, third, fourth….time around, and some will take some additional, more serious consideration. Some of the steps you will be able to skip over entirely depending on your personal evaluation responses. Take a look at each of them and make changes where necessary.

Have you joined our Travel Nurse Community? Follow the link and join today for even more support and resources.

Travel Nurse Road Trip Planning

Pre-trip Inspection

Roadside Emergency Kit

Basic items for your Emergency Kit should include:

Travel Nursing Road Trip Necessities:

Travel Nurse Road Trip Planning with Pets

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Travel Nurse Countdown Continues

With only 2 weeks left in your travel nurse contract countdown, it’s time to start packing!

Planning for the road:

The Best Part of a Travel Nurse Countdown

Reminders:

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The end of a travel nursing contract.

Yeah…you made it through!

As you reach the end of a travel nurse contract, wrap up the following things:

EXPERT TIP:

Have you joined our Travel Nurse Community? Follow the link and join today for even more travel nurse tips and advice.

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HOSPITAL

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