November 25, 2018

16700 Views

Ask A Travel Nurse: Drive or Fly?

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

Gypsy,

I’m speaking to a travel agency currently about a job that is nearly 8 states away from home. I originally thought I would be perfectly fine with a job that required flying, but there is no subsidy for a rental car, and the apartment is 20 minutes away. I am looking into the bus system in the contract city, but I have to ask – how do you generally travel? I noticed you mentioned mileage reimbursement in your treatment plan, so do you typically drive to your travel jobs?

Thank you, Kate, RN ASN

Thank you for reading The Gypsy Nurse. You have taken the first step on your journey to becoming A Gypsy Nurse.

Kate,

I generally choose to drive to my contracts. I lose out on the ‘pay’ because it always costs me more to drive than a company will reimburse me. I don’t like being without a vehicle though, so it’s worth it to me. If you keep records of your mileage and hotel and meal expenses during travel, these are deductible on your year-end taxes

Flying

If you choose to fly, there are several things to consider and it looks like you have already started checking into this. How far are you from conveniences ie grocery, banking, activities, etc. what is the public transit like? How far are you from work and it easily accessible via public transit?

In some cases, it’s just as easy to be without a vehicle. When I was working in San Francisco, I was housed in a very good location that was close enough to work and everything else to use public transit.

One other thing to consider if flying is the apartment amenities. Is the company providing a FULLY furnished apartment? By fully furnished, make certain that dishes, linens, shower curtains, window coverings, cookware, etc are all included. I drive and bring a lot of these items with me because most ‘furnished’ apartments only include basic furniture. Google has a great resource to search the local area for conveniences called ‘walk score’ if you do a search, you’ll find it. I frequently use a walk-score when checking my housing/hospital locations.

I hope this helped a little. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact me again.

I love hearing the opinions of my readers. Your opinion could be the perfect solution for someone. Please share your thoughts below in the comments…

(Disclaimer: Please note that this is the author’s opinion only. I do not provide career counseling, legal or medical consults. If you require any of these, please search out the appropriate resources)

By The Gypsy Nurse

October 5, 2018

21239 Views

Ask A Travel Nurse: Brand New RN, Ready for Travel Nursing?

Posted on October 5, 2018January 16, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

Gypsy,
HI Gypsy Nurse! I love your site. It’s so informative. I am currently working in the surgical trauma ICU at a Level! Facility. My one year is in Sept (brand new RN), but I am ready to start traveling, specifically in NYC! I have been talking with a travel company, started the app process, etc., but I wondered if you had any knowledge or info about being new RN and a travel nurse in NYC. Any info you might know would be SO wonderful as I start to work out all the details in the next few months…

Thank you, thank you!
Nurse K, RN BSN

Thank you for reading The Gypsy Nurse. You have taken the first step on your journey to becoming A Gypsy Nurse.

Kristen,
I have not personally worked in NYC, so I can’t give you any specific information on the location. Our Facebook group is a great place to ask questions about NYC. You could ask there specifically about NYC, and hopefully, someone with personal experience can help.

I would caution you on taking a travel contract as a new RN with only a year of nursing experience. As a traveler, you will be expected to ‘hit the floor running. You will be lucky to get a full shift of floor orientation. You will likely be given the worst patients. Staff could be helpful, or they could throw you under the bus and let you drown….either extreme is possible. As travel nurses, we are expected to adapt quickly to the new environment, rules, and patient loads. Not to mention new computer systems, new equipment, different drugs (what’s a common treatment in one part of the country may not be the same in another). I am not questioning your ability to care for patients. However, please understand that it’s best for the safety of the patients if you are experienced before traveling.

I would really encourage you to hold off on travel nursing until you have had a good two years of experience under your belt. In the meantime, I would suggest that you pick up a couple of ‘agency’ shifts in your local area and see how you adapt to the varied environments. This will give you a good feel for how you will adjust to travel nursing.

I realize that this is not the answer that you were looking for, and I’m sorry. I hope that you will consider my advice. If you decide to continue to pursue the travel nursing route, please feel free to contact me with any further questions.

I love hearing the opinions of my readers. Your opinion could be the perfect solution for someone. Please share your thoughts below in the comments.

By The Gypsy Nurse

July 3, 2018

13546 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 Focus Staff

May 22, 2018

10192 Views

Fear of Becoming a Travel Nurse? Here’s What You Should Know

Posted on May 22, 2018May 20, 2021 by Focus Staff

This article is provided by: Focus Staff.

By 2022, more than 1.1 million new nursing positions are expected to be created [1]. For travel nurses, this presents even more opportunities in a field that is already in high demand.

Have you considered working as a travel nurse, but have fears that are holding you back? It’s definitely the time to put them to rest. To help you, here is a quick look at the most common fears associated with travel nursing and what you should really know about them.

Adapting to a new work environment:

When you are working as a travel nurse, you are essentially starting a new job with each move. Fortunately, the basics of nursing care are the same all over the country. This means your biggest challenge will be learning where everything is and the protocols of each hospital. Go into each job with a plan to fit in by being friendly, working hard, and making it clear that you are there to help. When you do this, others are more likely to embrace your presence and help you adapt to your new environment.

Adapting to a new unit:

It’s not unusual for travel nurses to be floated to a variety of different floors while on assignment. Thus it is worth mentioning again that the basics of nursing care are universal. If you are considering becoming a travel nurse, it’s a good idea to join the float pool at your current facility. This will increase your comfort level in areas that you may be somewhat unfamiliar with, such as pediatrics, oncology, or postoperative care. When you are working, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Remember, you are there to help, and most other nurses will appreciate that and be glad to assist.

Feeling lonely:

Travel nursing does have the potential to be lonely, especially when you first arrive at a new assignment. Fortunately, once you start working, you’ll start to develop new friendships. Until then, keep busy by exploring the area, working out, reading, and doing other things that you may not have the time to do at home. Another way to beat potential loneliness is by traveling with a buddy nurse. You’d be surprised, there are many traveling groups and forums online specifically for traveling nurses to the network which helps tremendously in this area.

Missing family and friends:

There is no doubt that you’ll miss your friends and family while traveling. Thanks to technology, it is easy to stay in touch, whether via phone, text, email, Skype, or social media. You can also invite them to visit your new city. After all, you won’t be working every day, and you’ll have time to explore the city with them.

Finding a place to live:

In some cases, the agency you work with may already have a plan in place. In other cases, you may be given a housing allowance and the opportunity to choose your own home base. Plan ahead, making certain your home is close to your assignment, as well as in a safe neighborhood. Again, many traveling forums give insight into housing options at any given facility or area so you aren’t alone in finding a good place to rest!

The “what-ifs”:

Considering the possible what-ifs can make you crazy. What if you don’t like an assignment? What if you get sick? What if a family member gets sick and you need to go home? In many situations, your agency will have policies in place concerning most of your possible what-if situations. Reviewing those policies may put your mind at ease. In most cases, these potential fears never materialize. Don’t let something that will probably never happen to prevent you from a great opportunity.

[1] According to American Nurses Association.

By The Gypsy Nurse

February 11, 2018

9224 Views

Ask A Travel Nurse: Contract Cancellation?

Posted on February 11, 2018May 20, 2021 by The Gypsy Nurse

Contract Cancellation:

Gypsy,

One of my big concerns is the possibility of contract cancellation. From your experience, how often does this happen? How does the Travel Nurse respond to the event? I would appreciate your insights on this issue.

Jeff

Thank you for reading The Gypsy Nurse. You have taken the first step on your journey to becoming A Gypsy Nurse.

Jeff,
There is always the possibility of a canceled contract. I’ve had this happen on several occasions. Once before I even left and once during the contract. This is one reason why it’s important to have a good savings cushion in place before traveling. Another thing to keep in mind when it comes to cancellations is your company. If you work with a good/reputable agency, they should be able to find you another position quickly should a contract be canceled.

Here is some practical advice on how to handle a canceled contract and the possible implications: My Contract Was Cancelled…Now What?

I hope that this helps to answer your questions.

I love hearing the opinions of my readers. Your opinion could be the perfect solution for someone. Please share your thoughts below in the comments. Do you have a question for me?

Do you have any travel nurse questions you would like asked? Our Gypsy Nurse mentors have great insight into many topics. Click here to submit your questions here. Another great option is to reach out to our Facebook group. There are thousands of members, and many can answer your questions as well.

Have you had a contract cancelled as a travel nurse? How did you handle it, what did you do? Comment your tips below.

By The Gypsy Nurse

January 15, 2018

5013 Views

Ask A Travel Nurse: Roadside Assistance

Posted on January 15, 2018January 26, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

Roadside Assistance

Gypsy,

I’m preparing for my first travel nursing contract and am curious to know if you find roadside assistance programs such as Goog Sam or AAA helpful or necessary?

Thanks!
Marrietta, RN

Thank you for reading The Gypsy Nurse. You have taken the first step on your journey to becoming A Gypsy Nurse.

Marrietta,
As a travel nurse, if you choose to drive to your contracts (which many do) you will be spending a significant amount of time on the road away from home. Likely alone and without a local resource to ‘save’ you if you should happen to break down. We all take precautions (or should) prior to hitting the road, but there is still a chance of a breakdown or other issue.

I have always carried a roadside assistance plan and I can assure you that it has come in handy on more than one occasion.

Have you ever locked your keys in your car?

Left the lights on and woke to a dead battery?

Ran over something and resulted in a flat tire?

In addition to the ‘break-down assistance, there are other benefits to these organizations such as discounts.

Roadside assistance

Travel Discounts

Trip Interruption Insurance

Towing

Theft Protection (wish I’d had this a time or two)

Emergency Medical Referral

…..and many more!

Travel ON…..

I hope that this has addressed your question.

I love hearing the opinions of my readers. Your opinion could be the perfect solution for someone. Please share your thoughts below in the comments.

Do you have tips for travel nurses regarding roadside assistance and traveling to your next assignment? Comment them below if you would like to share them with your fellow travel nurses.

By The Gypsy Nurse

December 27, 2017

10755 Views

Ask A Travel Nurse: Verbal Contract?

Posted on December 27, 2017January 16, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

Gypsy,

I’m a new Travel nurse and have a verbal contract with Company A for a position that is to start in two weeks. I have not signed a contract as of yet. In the meantime, two great opportunities have come my way and both of these will also start at the same time as the first one. Since I haven’t signed the contract for Company A, am I still obligated to take it based on the verbal contract?

Thanks!
Anonymous, RN

Thank you for reading The Gypsy Nurse.

I am assuming that you have already given a verbal agreement and possibly even have the contract in hand pending your signature. If you are entertaining taking another assignment after already giving your recruiter a verbal acceptance, you should notify your recruiter immediately.

I have dealt with this problem myself, as it always seems like the ‘perfect’ contract or the contract you were holding out for comes through after giving verbal consent. I assure you that this will not be the last time this will happen in your Travel Nurse career.

I believe this is a question of integrity. As a professional, it’s important to maintain a certain level of integrity. If you expect others you deal with in the Travel Industry to have integrity in their dealings with you, it is your obligation to set the tone of that relationship.

Your verbal acceptance is no different than a written acceptance. When you verbally accept an obligation of any kind, you are communicating to the other party “intent.”

If getting a written contract or some other issue (variations between the verbal and the written) is what is causing you cognitive dissonance, tell your recruiter that you are not willing to accept until you have an acceptable contract in writing.

Travel ON…..

I hope that this has addressed your question.

I love hearing the opinions of my readers. Your opinion could be the perfect solution for someone. Please share your thoughts below in the comments.

By The Gypsy Nurse

December 11, 2017

20071 Views

Ask A Travel Nurse: Uniform Color Requirements

Posted on December 11, 2017January 26, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

Gypsy, I won’t be traveling for at least a year but I am making my plans now so that I can be as prepared as possible. I was wondering if any of you have to buy new uniforms at different locations? I know many hospitals are color-coded now and wondered if you end up with a closet full of different colored scrubs or if they allow you to wear your typical ones?

Kent

Thank you for reading The Gypsy Nurse. You have taken the first step on your journey to becoming A Gypsy Nurse.

Kent,
I’ve worked in two hospitals that had uniform color requirements: Teal, Blue, Purple are popular. Grey is becoming very popular in multiple places. If a hospital requires a specific color, I request that my company re-reimburse me for the cost (and have gotten it in the past). It is important to remember though, that if you ask for reimbursement for the uniforms it all comes out of the one Bill Rate.

I hope that this helps to answer your questions about uniform color requirements.

I love hearing the opinions of my readers. Your opinion could be the perfect solution for someone. Please share your thoughts below in the comments. Do you have a question for me? Fill out the Ask A Travel Nurse form and submit your questions. In addition, if you like what you’ve read here don’t forget to SHARE.

By The Gypsy Nurse

November 29, 2017

15907 Views

Ask A Travel Nurse: Working with Multiple Staffing Agencies

Posted on November 29, 2017January 16, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

Gypsy,

“Is it a bargaining tool when you tell your Travel Nurse Staffing Agency that you are working with multiple travel nurse staffing agencies?”

LaTonya

LaTonya,
Thank you for reading The Gypsy Nurse. You have taken the first step on your journey to becoming A Gypsy Nurse.

I personally believe that working with more than one agency can be a bargaining tool. If a company knows that you are working with other companies, they may be more likely to work a bit harder or offer you a better package than you can get with another company. Another advantage would be that you can compare pay/benefits between companies for a given area.

I would caution you not to divulge too much info about one company to another…I give ‘generalities’ not specifics. Also, it is VERY important when working with more than one company to make sure that they KNOW not to submit you without your specific Authorization!!

Here are a couple of articles I would recommend you read over:

Working with your recruiter.

Is My Travel Nurse Recruiter Looking Out for My Best Interest?

Step #7: Research Travel Nurse Staffing Agencies

If you are looking for an agency to work with, you can start here: Travel Nurse Staffing Agency Directory for your Agency research.

Gypsy

I love hearing the opinions of my readers. Your opinion could be the perfect solution for someone. Please share your thoughts below in the comments. If you like what you’ve read here, don’t forget to SHARE.

Flying

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Adapting to a new unit:

Feeling lonely:

Missing family and friends:

Finding a place to live:

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