June 9, 2024

194247 Views

International Travel Nurse: 7 Best European Countries

Posted on June 9, 2024June 9, 2024 by Theodora Evans

Leaving your country searching for better job opportunities is not uncommon these days. Regardless of their profession, many individuals seek employment in a foreign country. If they believe that the standard of living, quality of life, and salaries are superior to those of their homeland. The situation is no different for travel nurses. If you are a travel nurse looking for a job in a European country, look at the list below for the 7 best European countries for international travel nurses to work in or travel to. They are listed in no particular order.

Best European Countries for International Travel Nurses to Work in or Travel to:

*Please note pay rates are subject to change

1. The Netherlands

The first destination on our list of the best European countries for international travel nurses to work in or travel to, and one you definitely cannot overlook, is the Netherlands. The Netherlands has one of the most stable economies and potentially the best healthcare system in Europe. It’s easy to see why health professionals flock to this country.

Having a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) that is accepted internationally is vital. Then, register with the BIG register (for healthcare professionals) to be able to work in the Netherlands. Next, obtain a work permit and see whether you need an employer to sponsor you. Also, while most Dutch people are fluent in English, understanding the local language will be a huge advantage. So, get to grips with it. €55,000, or roughly $60,500, is the average salary you can expect.

2. Germany

According to research published by the Federal Employment Agency, there is a massive shortage of nurses in Germany. For every 100 vacancies, there are only 19 geriatric nurse candidates. In addition to reforming its nursing training, Germany recruits professionals from other countries.

If you’re considering this destination, you will need a license. And quite possibly an adaptation course to ensure your language and professional skills meet the requirements. Moreover, you might need a visa, depending on where you are from. For the visa to be issued, you must take out the relevant insurance. Regardless of how long you will be staying in the country. While the salary may differ due to skills, experience, and location, a monthly average is around 3,500 EUR or $3850, which can amount to over €40,000 or $44,000 per year.

3. Switzerland

Germany’s southern neighbor – Switzerland – is another place with a shortage of nurses. However, the Swiss are a little more strict in accepting foreign workers. One of the prerequisites is that you speak at least one of their national languages, German, Italian, and/or French. Knowing only English is not acceptable, and you will have to pass an exam for one of those languages, depending on where you seek employment.

The Swiss Red Cross is in charge of overseeing all applications and credentials for foreigners. As of 2015, the cost of having your credentials evaluated is around €550 or a little over $600; it can take several months before it is completed. The average salary for nurses in Switzerland is around €52,000 or $57,000.

4. Luxembourg

Luxembourg might be a tiny country. However, its economy is anything but. While known as a tax haven, this micro-state nestled between Germany, Belgium, and France is also an amazing location for healthcare workers. The biggest downside here is probably the fact that due to its size, getting a job there is very difficult, and people sometimes wait for years for an opening. You must petition the Ministry of Health and obtain a visa to be considered for a position in Luxembourg.

However, if you manage to get your foot in the door, you will experience plenty of benefits. Seeing as how this country has the highest nurse salaries in the world – ranging from €54,000 to €113,000 or $59,000 to $124,000.

5. Norway

This Scandinavian country, home to countless gorgeous fjords, cannot be skipped when it comes to finding employment in the healthcare sector. Thanks to their socially progressive attitude and standard of living, it is no wonder that their healthcare system is top-notch as well. Due to longer life expectancy nowadays. It is thought that Norway will require more than 100,000 healthcare workers in the next 20 years. Most of them will have to come from other countries.

However, in order to work in this Nordic country; you will have to obtain a visa, speak Norwegian well, and receive certification from The Norwegian Registration Authority for Health Personnel (SAK). Salaries are usually upwards of €47,000, but some experienced and specialized nurses can earn even over €90,000 or $99,000.

6. Denmark

Another Scandinavian country finds itself on this list, and it is to be expected considering the quality of life in these northern nations. Seeing how healthcare in Denmark is financed by taxpayers and allows residents to receive medical aid more easily. If you’re planning on moving to this country, in addition to mastering the language, you should keep in mind that the government will have to give you authorization in order to get a work permit. However, you’ll be glad to hear that qualified and experienced practitioners with a degree are always welcome. In terms of money, you can expect around €44,000 euros a year or $48,400.

7. Ireland

A good option for English-speaking nurses, Ireland is another destination that provides variety and plenty of opportunities. Registering with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) is obligatory in order to be a nurse on the Emerald Isle. It is stressed not to move to Ireland or apply for a job before your credentials have been checked. And you’ve received certification from the Board.

An English proficiency exam is necessary regardless of whether you are a native English speaker or not. Then, applicants have to provide some info and go through a background check and fingerprinting. And naturally, a visa is also required. International travel nurse salaries here vary and can range from €30,000 to €58,000 or $33,000 to 63,800.

These are the seven best European countries when it comes to finding a job as an international travel nurse.

They provide amazing conditions and salaries for international travel nurses; however, make sure you have all the right documents and certificates and properly prepare for all possible exams. Good luck!

We hope that this article on the best European countries for international travel nurses to work in or travel to has helped you on your travel nurse journey. Are you an international travel nurse? Would you like to share your experiences with others? Comment below.

If you want more information on being an international travel nurse or volunteering, the following articles are great resources:

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

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

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

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

By Marina Matsiukhova

April 8, 2024

254631 Views

Charting Made Easy: The SOAPI Note

Posted on April 8, 2024April 8, 2024 by Marina Matsiukhova

There are several different ways to write a nursing note, but this article will focus on one of the most popular and how it is written: the SOAPI note. This article will break the SOAPI note down so you can decide if it’s a format that will work for you. As always, check with your organization to determine how they want their notes written.

You may have heard the adage in nursing school or from a co-worker: As a travel nurse, “If you didn’t chart it, it didn’t happen!” Charting takes up a large portion of your shift, especially if you do it correctly. While time-consuming, good charting is essential to providing top-notch patient care. Not only does charting provide travel nurses and doctors caring for a patient on future shifts an accurate picture of what happened on previous shifts, but it also becomes a permanent part of the patient’s medical record. It can even be used for legal purposes.

Some organizations have certain requirements for how charting must occur. Most hospitals have gone to a computerized documentation system, but you may occasionally come across an institution that still does things with pen and paper. Regardless, writing a good note at the end of your shift is essential for every patient.

SOAPI Note

The term “SOAPI” is an abbreviation of the parts of the note. These are Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan, and Interventions.

Subjective

Subjective refers to things the patient can tell you, often including pain level and feelings or concerns. It can also refer to things a patient’s family members tell you.

Objective

Objective refers to the hard data you collect regarding the patient. This can include vital signs, laboratory results, observable signs and symptoms, and your physical assessment findings.

Assessment

Assessment refers to your overall interpretation of the subjective assessment. Is the patient improved since admission? Are there new issues that you are observing that need to be addressed? All of these things belong in the assessment.

Plan

The plan refers to the patient’s plan of care. How is the medical team addressing the patient’s health problems? Are there upcoming tests or blood draws? Is the patient on medications to treat a problem that you are monitoring response to? These are examples that fall under the plan.

Interventions

Interventions refer to the things we are doing for the patient. Examples of intervention can include treatments, medications, and education provided to the patient on your shift.

Below is an example of a SOAPI note:

“S –

Mr. Smith is an 88-year-old male with a diagnosis of congestive heart failure. The patient is alert and oriented x 1 but pleasantly confused. He complained of shortness of breath on this shift and stated the 2 liters of oxygen made him feel better. He verbally denied pain, and his nonverbal pain score was 0. His daughter visited today and advised that he was trying to climb out of bed to go to the bathroom because of his confusion. She stated he “forgot he was in the hospital.”

O –

Today, the patient’s vital signs were as follows: BP 162/82, Pulse 64 and regular, Respirations 20 per minute, and pulse ox 98% on 2L Oxygen via nasal cannula. His lungs are diminished with scattered crackles. Bowel sounds are active; the patient had a bowel movement x 2 today, both soft. Incontinent of urine and wearing a diaper. Skin intact at this time. Skin color is pale. 2+ non-pitting edema noted in bilateral calves and ankles. BNP was greater than 20,000 today.

A –

The patient’s status is improving, and he is less short of breath than in previous days. He continues with edema. Currently, the patient is at risk for falls due to confusion and will need fall precautions enforced.

P –

Initiate fall precautions with a bed alarm/body alarm. Continue with Lasix for diuresis. Awaiting a cardiology consult tomorrow. Pt had an echocardiogram today, and the results are pending.

I –

Assessed patient and reconciled medications. Spoke with daughter, pt’s power of attorney, to provide update and education on the patient’s condition. Laboratory obtained morning labs without a problem, and vascular therapy placed a new 18g peripheral IV as the previous one was due for a change. Pt took all morning meds without a problem. Reoriented patient and provided opportunities for toileting and for making needs known every 1-2 hours today to lessen the risk of fall.”

With a good quality nursing note, such as a SOAPI note, travel nurses can make it crystal clear exactly what is going on with a patient’s care. Nursing notes are a crucial part of the patient’s medical record and provide all the information future caregivers will need to provide continuous care for patients in the healthcare setting. They are also the perfect way to wrap up your shift with confidence and ease.

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

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

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

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

By The Gypsy Nurse

July 26, 2023

35882 Views

10 Things You Need to Know if You Date a Travel Nurse

Posted on July 26, 2023July 26, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

It’s a romantic notion to date a travel nurse.

You know, one of those free-spirited people who roam after the wind and return home with twigs in their hair and dust upon their cheeks. But it’s also really hard. And annoying. And painful.

10 Things You Need to Know if You Date a Travel Nurse:

Expect them to do their own thing
Don’t expect them to stay in one place
Have your own adventures
Let them go
Make time to meet up in their New City
Send snail mail
Expect them to change plans
Be open to trying new things
Give some space
Listen

Expect them to do their own thing

Travel nurses will do this often and without letting you know, at least at first. It’s not that you don’t matter; it’s just that they’ve learned to love doing what they want when they want and without asking permission or informing anyone.

Don’t expect them to stay in one place

When you date a travel nurse, you have to expect them to travel. One reader reports, “Just this week, I had to break off date nights with someone that I’ve known for years because he is not open to living elsewhere because of his job, and I am not interested in living where his quarters are. We were really starting to like each other’s company, so I broke it off now rather than later.”

Have your own adventures

You tell people you don’t mind that your boyfriend/girlfriend is traveling, that it’s all going so well, that you’re so happy they’re having the journey of a lifetime on the adventure they’ve always wanted to take. Deep down, you’re a bit jealous. Don’t be! Get out there and have your own adventure. The traveler you’re dating will love that you are independent and willing to think outside the box. The next time you’re together, they will want to hear all about your adventures.

Let them go

You’ve heard the saying, ‘If you love something, let them go…” In the case of a traveler, it couldn’t be MORE true. Let them run off to their next adventure. Use Skype often. Text and plan ‘virtual’ dates.

Make time to meet up in their New City

Plan a short weekend trip or vacation and visit them in their new location. They will likely be excited to have the company and enjoy sharing the sights/adventures of a new place with you.

Send snail mail

A small goody box with his or her favorite homemade treat or pair of fuzzy socks shows that you’re willing to do what it takes to keep your relationship strong despite distance, which is comforting for the traveler to know. And a handwritten letter is a touchable, holdable, kissable token of love that a text or voicemail will never be.

Expect them to change plans

As a traveler, plans can and do change quickly. Thought that they were going to Seattle? Well…that got canceled, and now they are heading to NYC!! When you date a travel nurse, it’s important to be able to go with the flow. Don’t let it create discord between you. Support the serendipity of the situation.

Be open to trying new things

As a traveler, he/she likely relishes the experiences available. Places, Culture, Food, Adventure. Please encourage them to try new things and be quick to join in. Someone who is just as adventurous as they are will excite them.

Give some space

The traveler is accustomed to being alone a lot of the time. Take things slow, and don’t smother them. Respect that they need and often thrive on being alone some or even most of the time. Adjusting to having someone around constantly can be difficult.

Listen

Even if you don’t understand the difficult day that they had, listen. Let them vent to you about the workplace, that crazy patient they had to deal with, or even the struggle to find the next position. Having someone who will listen can be comforting.

By trustaff

May 31, 2023

2975 Views

Top Travel Nurse Summer Assignment Locations

Posted on May 31, 2023June 5, 2023 by trustaff

Trustaff provided this article.

Summer is almost here! Whether you’re a healthcare professional or not, summer is all about traveling. The beauty of travel nursing is you get to travel while you work – making it the best of both worlds. If you haven’t decided where to head for your next travel nurse summer assignment, maybe consider Ohio or California. Whether you like hiking, national parks, hot attractions, the beach, or secluded wooded cabins, the perfect summer assignment is waiting.

Check out these hot spots that should be topping your travel nurse summer assignment to consider this year:

1. California

There’s nothing that yells summer assignments more than the great state of California. It’s got the best of almost everything – beaches galore, numerous national parks for exploring, amazing city views, tons of hiking destinations, and much more. And with a state this big, the weather is amazing! Craving sun-drenched beach days? Southern California beckons with its radiant warmth. Seeking a more temperate and gentle summer climate? The ethereal beauty of northern California awaits, ready to embrace you with its tranquil charm.

The biggest selling points to travel to California are its destinations and weather, but as a healthcare professional, it has so much more to offer. California has a legislature for state-mandated patient ratios. While not only does this protects your license, but it also provides a more comfortable workload. Knowing your ratios and breaks will be mandated can be a particularly appealing offer for travel nurses.

2. Ohio

There’s almost nothing better than a great state in the Midwest. We may be a little biased here as Ohio is the home of Trustaff, but we can tell you it’s got tons to offer for healthcare professionals. With so many facilities and hospital systems in the state, Ohio has an almost endless number of jobs available for nurses and healthcare professionals of all specialties and modalities. Oh — and don’t forget Ohio is now a compact state!

Discover a world of adventure and excitement during your days off in Ohio. This vibrant state offers a multitude of activities to satisfy your adventurous spirit. Immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere of our beloved sports culture, where baseball and soccer games abound in various cities across the state, providing endless opportunities for thrilling spectacles. Ohio is also home to several renowned state parks, including the breathtaking Hocking Hills and Hueston Woods, conveniently located near Columbus and Cincinnati. These natural wonders invite you to indulge in camping escapades, scenic hikes, invigorating bike rides, and immersive wildlife exploration.

California and Ohio are hot destinations for travelers to mark off their destination lists with raving reviews of both. With tons of jobs in both states (Trustaff has hundreds of openings for all specialties and modalities in both), we know you’d love your time there to both travel and elevate your healthcare experience in California or Ohio.

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

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

START HERE

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

By Miles Oliver

April 23, 2023

2888 Views

The Importance of Sharing Your Experience as a Travel Nurse

Posted on April 23, 2023April 23, 2023 by Miles Oliver

Travel nursing is a popular profession for many reasons. The pandemic led to a “travel nurse gold rush” as nurses were paid more to move from job to job where help was needed most. Higher pay for traveling is a big draw for many nurses, and the profession continues to be attractive for many.

Some nurses are understandably experiencing major burnout. Stress in the nursing profession is nothing new, but traveling on top of the job demands can leave these employees feeling overwhelmed and alone. Luckily, there are ways for travel nurses to connect with others and share their stories. This can aid you in your journey to becoming a travel nurse — or to continue the job you love so much in a healthier way.

Help Other Travel Nurses

Sharing your story and tips as a travel nurse can help others in the same profession. New travel nurses have much to learn that can only come from experience, but sharing what you wish you knew when starting out can help someone navigate the job more easily and successfully.

You can also share your experiences with certain locations. Acclimating to a new culture can be difficult for some travel nurses, so sharing your tips for this can be a big benefit to the travel nurse community as a whole.

Educate the Public

By sharing your experiences, you’re not only helping educate fellow travel nurses but also the public at large. While nursing is an extremely rewarding career, it can often be thankless. Sometimes, patients and their families don’t understand the struggles that their care providers are going through. Sharing your story can help foster compassion and make the travel nurse profession a little brighter, one understanding the patient at a time.

Care for Your Own Mental and Emotional Well-being

While you’re traveling and working long shifts, it’s easy to let your own well-being fall by the wayside. Recognizing your mental health needs is often the first step in getting help. Reading or listening to another travel nurse’s story, talking to other travel nurses with similar experiences, and sharing your own can highlight parts of your well-being that may be currently neglected. This way, you can work toward taking care of yourself and not feel ashamed for doing so.

Feel More Connected

Travel nursing can also become lonely at times. You’re often moving away from family and friends for extended or undetermined periods. Staying connected as a travel nurse can come in many forms. Shared experiences will help you feel closer to others in the same profession. It may also help you feel closer to other people that now get a glimpse into your daily life. People need connection, and putting your story out there can foster that for yourself and others.

There are many ways to share your experience as a travel nurse. Talk to other nurses in person or in online forums. Post a heartfelt story on social media via text post or video format. Write a guest post on a blog or start your own.

Starting a podcast about your travel nurse experiences is a great way to establish yourself as an expert within your industry. Podcasting can also be an effective way to connect with others in your profession and share your knowledge with those who may be interested in becoming travel nurses. Just be sure to fully develop your podcast angle and sketch out ideas for several episodes before you start recording.

You never know how you may help someone by sharing your story — and you’re already helping yourself. It’s not selfish to take care of yourself. In fact, it can make your job as a travel nurse more rewarding because you’re less burnt out and more able to make effective decisions. It helps the public, your patients, other travel nurses, and your well-being to share your story. Find the proper outlet, and let your stories and experiences flow.

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

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

START HERE

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

By The Gypsy Nurse

April 11, 2023

33007 Views

Travel Nurse Vacation: 13-Week Life Cycle of Travel Nurse

Posted on April 11, 2023May 14, 2024 by The Gypsy Nurse

Working as a Travel Nurse, most of our life is planned out in 13-week blocks. Whether we are planning for the “during a travel assignment” or the “between travel assignments,” we still schedule our lives around our contracts or our contracts around our lives. It doesn’t matter how you prefer to look at it. Whether it’s a horrible contract (because we all have had them) or a flawless one, we all start counting down the weeks, shifts, or even hours.

Many start counting down from day #1! If it’s a terrible contract, it just brings a reassurance, knowing it’s only temporary, and you have to endure X amount of days until you hit the road home or off to the next new (and hopefully better) adventure. If it ends up being a flawless contract, full of adventures with locals or fellow travel nurses, it could be a sad countdown- knowing that the fun has to end in 13 weeks, sadly.

I can survive anything! (Can’t I?)

One benefit of travel nursing is that we live and survive by the mentality, “I can do anything for 13 weeks”- good, bad, or horrible. You are never more than 13 weeks away from that sometimes much-needed break from nursing. Considering the high level of burnout in nurses, that break between contracts is an invaluable perk. Working staff, our threshold of ‘dealing’ with things had to be high.

We had to maintain a positive attitude and go to work every day, sometimes dreading dealing with a difficult co-worker. As a travel nurse, you can survive knowing that you only have to deal with that difficult staff member for 13 weeks, and you may never have to see them again. However, most likely, there could be a difficult staff member at the next travel assignment. You never know. Going in with a positive attitude and knowing that there could always be, and usually will be, some things that are not ideal, but you CAN survive anything!

Holidays- to Work or Not to Work

Holidays can be an exciting time, full of family and tradition. Many travel nurses choose not to travel during December because they want to be home for Christmas. That is the beauty of life as a gypsy nurse; you can decide if you want to work over the holidays or not. That holiday could be Christmas, July 4th, or even Mother’s Day. You can decide and create the perfect scenario that fits your life and your wishes.

We are lucky to pre-plan our lives 13 weeks at a time; no forms to fill out, requesting off, or dreading the schedule being posted to see if your request was granted. I know travel nurses who work out their contracts so that the contract ends before the holidays, and they do not accept a new one until after the holidays are over. Travel during the holiday season is a nightmare, as is attempting to see all of my family members, so I prefer to travel during the holidays. It’s just less stress for me that way. Those who live in one of the ‘serious’ winter states, such as Michigan or Indiana, prefer to be on a contract in Arizona or Hawaii during the winter.

Back-to-Back Contracts, Or Mini Vacations

By living life 13 weeks at a time, travel nurses can choose if they will work back-to-back contracts or if they will take time off between contracts, and if so, how much. That’s the beauty of travel nursing! You are not restricted by how much time off you have available in the time pool or what you might have earned from your employer. Travel nurses do not have to be limited. You can take as much time as you need/want off between contracts. Some people take 2 weeks to rebound and recoup from work. High school or college graduations? Family vacations? Maybe your first grandchild will be born, and you want to be there for the first 6-8 weeks to help out. Travel nursing affords you the flexibility to pre-plan around and in between contracts.

Avoiding Boredom

Some people get bored easily; if that is you, then travel nursing might be the right path for you. Thirteen weeks is the perfect amount of time on the job to avoid boredom. Most people dream of having the luxury of getting to pick and choose where you live for 13 weeks.

People not in the travel nurse profession often ask, “What is it like living life 13 weeks at a time?” Here is a brief synopsis of the feelings that most travel nurses and I have:

Week #1 Excitement/Fear/Introductions.

The first week will usually fly by as you attend orientation and try to find your way around the facility and back and forth to work. Locating amenities like a local grocery store, gym, post office, etc. Simple tasks like remembering everyone’s names are difficult for me for the first several weeks!

Week #2-4 Learning curve.

With every new job comes the angst of learning your routine and new policies and procedures. The amount of time varies from person to person. I’ve found that my average is 2-4 weeks.

Weeks # 4-6 Finding your rhythm

For me, weeks 4-6 are when I begin to fall into a good groove on the job. I can finally find most of the supplies and know how to contact the physicians and the pharmacy. I have found my confidence and can lose some of the ‘newbie’ jitters. This is also the time you can usually start to get to know the staff. During the weeks prior, I usually have no extra time to concentrate on getting into my own routine and learning where everything is. I finally have time to breathe, slow down, and say hello to co-workers. This is generally when you realize that your contract is already half over!

Weeks #6-10: Sightseeing mode kicks in!

Work has gotten easier, I am into my routine, and my level of mental exhaustion has tapered off. This is when I start to get antsy and have to get out and see things! I recommend that you take a weekend to explore nearby touristy stops and try to schedule walking tours of the city. Make plans with co-workers or other travel nurses to meet up for dinner or drinks. This is the best time to get out and enjoy being in a new city.

Weeks 10-13 Short-timers start to kick in.

This is why I have found that things can become monotonous for me. I’m feeling the pangs of boredom kicking in while I am at work. That certain co-worker is beginning to grate on your nerves. Your frustration level is starting to increase. You might even begin to become frustrated with the lack of __________ (fill in the blank) on the job. You know what I mean. It’s going to be all the little things you did not have time to focus on during the first nine weeks because you focused on finding that all-important rhythm.

But there is good news!

This is generally when you begin planning and searching for the next travel assignment so that you can start all over again for another 13 weeks! You will start chatting with your recruiter and seeking the next adventure (or planning for that much-needed time off). Either way, your thoughts will be focused on the ‘next 13 weeks.

If you’re like me (and most travel nurses) and get bored easily, thrive on change, adventure, and the unknown…maybe you should try living life 13 weeks at a time.

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

START HERE

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

By Titan Medical

March 12, 2023

2808 Views

Honesty is the Best Policy!

Posted on March 12, 2023March 12, 2023 by Titan Medical

Titan Medical Group provided this article.

Often times you’ll hear your Recruiter or your Account Manager say, “Honesty is the best policy.” Although it’s an age-old adage, it’s incredibly important to your success in the travel healthcare industry.

As we’ve talked about in the past, traveling away from home can be hard! So, you want everything to run smoothly and fit your needs.

We, as your recruiters and account managers, want that as well! It’s important to us to have you in a happy and healthy situation; it’s also important that we are giving the hospital the best candidate for the job. In order to make sure that you’re going to your dream placement and that the hospital is the best fit for you, here are some of the best tips we have for being honest with your recruiter:

1. Be honest about where you are willing to travel.

Of course, having a compact license or a specific state license is a big indicator of your travel capabilities. However, the more variety of licensure that you obtain, the broader your travel spectrum.

While it’s great to broaden your horizons and dream of traveling to all 50 states, it’s important to be a bit realistic as well. Be honest with yourself and your recruiter about where you are willing to travel. If you’re used to the hustle and bustle of a big city and love that lifestyle, North Dakota will probably not be the best fit for you—but you have to tell your recruiter that you’re not interested in that area! Project your wants and needs at an early stage in the process.

2. Be honest about your past experiences.

It’s important to be upfront with your recruiter about where you’ve worked—and, more importantly, what you liked and disliked about each position. If you worked at a hospital that only had 15 beds and you felt you were underutilized—your recruiter needs to know that you’re up for a bigger challenge. Your job should be anything but boring!

3. Be honest about your expectations.

There’s nothing worse than getting to an assignment and finding out it’s nothing like you thought it would be. We strongly encourage you to think about any time off you’d need during the assignment beforehand; ensure that the hours being offered are exactly what you’re looking for. Make sure this is the perfect spot for you!

We are here to help you find your dream travel assignment, but we can only work with the information that you give us! Be open with us, and we will be able to find the best fit for your needs!

If you’re ready for your next travel assignment, give Titan Medical a call today at 866.332.9600, and we’d love to assist in finding your next adventure!

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

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

START HERE

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

By Triage Healthcare Staffing

February 8, 2023

3884 Views

Decoding Scrub Style: What Nurses and CNAs Wear, Scrub Colors Explained

Posted on February 8, 2023December 19, 2023 by Triage Healthcare Staffing

Triage Healthcare Staffing provided this article.

As travelers, it’s not uncommon to have a selection of scrubs, all in a rainbow of colors. And while it’s easy to ask your recruiter what color is required, sometimes they have old or outdated information. For instance, some hospitals or units will tell recruiters that nurses need to wear a specific color, only to find out that the rules don’t apply to travelers.

That’s why we asked travelers to share their experiences. And boy, did they. Nearly 2000 healthcare travelers—most of them nurses—gave us valuable feedback on what color they wore during their assignments.

What We Asked In the Survey

To get the most out of the survey, we asked the following questions:

What kind of traveler are you?
Hospital/facility name?
City, state
Department
Scrub color
Was the department strict on color?
What year was this valid?

What Are Safe Scrub Colors to Buy?

Based on the responses, most travelers would do well to have a pair or two of navy blue scrubs—nearly a third of all nurses reported that they wore navy scrubs. Royal blue was the shade for 13% of nurses. Having a set or two of blue scrubs seems like a decent bet when you’re a traveler.

Other well-represented colors were light blue, Caribbean blue, black, gray, and galaxy blue. A few unlucky folks had to wear all-white scrubs—yikes. We’re glad we’re not doing that laundry.

How Strict Are the Units?

Sometimes your recruiter will get information from the facility that a certain color is required, only for the traveler to arrive and see that travelers are exempt. Recruiters can only go off the info they receive, which is why we asked how strict the unit was when it came down to scrub color. About 60% said their units were strict, but that means the other 40% were able to wear any color they already owned.

Let’s Get to the Good Stuff—How to Access the Scrub Color Survey?

What good is this info if you can’t access it? That’s why we’ve taken all the information and put it into an easily accessible database. Check out the what color scrubs nurses wear database and the search by the facility. The information is sorted by alphabetical order by the facility. And because some facilities might even vary scrub color by department or have more than one location, we’ve asked that too.

Using a Scrub Allowance—Yay or Nay?

Some travel companies will write a scrub allowance into your contract if you need a specific color. While there’s nothing wrong with that, here’s the real deal. Scrub and other allowances (and even lavish gifts) seem like a great perk, but the funds are actually taken out of your contract’s bill rate—and you never even realize it’s happening. In most cases, it’s better to forgo these allowances and let your recruiter know that you want that money added to your hourly rate throughout your contract.

Want to Submit Your Facility?

Have a facility or unit that’s not on our list? Fill out our short survey, and we’ll get your facility added.

Are you looking for a travel nurse agency that’s committed to treating you with respect and integrity? Check out our list of travel nurse jobs, and we’ll connect you with a Triage recruiter.

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

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

START HERE

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

By The Gypsy Nurse

January 6, 2023

76453 Views

Ensuring Stability: Guaranteed Hours for Travel Nurses Explained

Posted on January 6, 2023December 18, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

In travel nursing, one of the most misunderstood and undervalued benefits is the travel nurse guaranteed pay or hours. Agencies use the terms quite often. However, their definitions can vary drastically. What’s more, it’s up to you, the travel nurse, to decipher and ensure realistic expectations.

One of the greatest concerns when going on a travel nurse assignment is whether you will be working enough to support yourself and cover all the uncertainties with your new experience. You might wonder what happens if there is a low census. What if I don’t get scheduled as often as expected? The pay protection benefits many agencies claim to provide are supposed to be “insurance” so that you don’t find yourself in a tough financial spot. However, not all agency pay protections are equal. The Gypsy Nurse team has researched some common misconceptions. We explore your options and help you to navigate this important topic.

The Reality of Travel Nurse “Guaranteed” Pay

Of course, travel nurses want some type of “guarantee” arrangement to ensure that they can count on a steady income. But what may not be immediately obvious is that agencies also seek this protection from the facility. It costs them money to recruit, place, and pay travel nurses. Once a travel nurse is placed, both the agency and the nurse want assurance that the hospital will pay and fulfill a contract. No one makes money if hours are not worked.

Furthermore, census predictions are not always correct. Hospitals seek the maximum amount of flexibility. The hospital wants some allowance in variance in the number of hours they will contractually agree to guarantee the agency (which impacts hours worked by the traveler) in order to better manage their costs. A majority of agreements allow the hospitals to cancel some number of shifts — a typical allotment in today’s market is up to 3 shifts within a 13-week period. Some even allow the hospital to cancel one shift a week.

The bottom line

The bottom line is that agencies do not want to pay nurses for hours they cannot bill the hospital—neither the nurses, agencies, nor hospitals want to lose money.

Although the agency’s contract with the facility may say one thing, the benefit they provide you, the travel nurse, does not have to reflect word for word the terms of that agency-hospital contract. Agencies may repackage this “guarantee,” and in some cases, they actually provide the travel nurse a better benefit than the facility is giving them (which can result in a direct cost/loss to the agency). This is why paying attention to the details of your agreements is so important.

Top 10 Things to Ask Your Agency About Your Contract’s Pay Stipulations

To get the most protection possible around your pay, look for answers to these questions as you evaluate your agency and contract:

How is your guaranteed pay applied? Biweekly, monthly, length of the contract?
Are you assured a certain amount on your paycheck, even if your shift gets canceled?
Will you get paid regularly each check/pay period, or must you wait until your travel nursing assignment ends?
How do low census situations impact your pay?
What happens to your contracted hours if you call in sick?
How many shifts in what time period is the hospital permitted to cancel, and what is the allowed call-off policy?
What is your obligation regarding make-up shifts?
Is floating required to secure your guaranteed hours? How far must you travel?
If you are called off for low census or missing shifts for other reasons: How does this impact potential bonuses in your pay package?
How do hours of work affect your living expenses stipend?

Choosing Higher Rate vs. Guaranteed Hours – Some Example Scenarios

Two Agencies offer a travel nursing assignment with 36 hours per week for 13 weeks; for a total of 468 hours. The pay packages differ as follows:

Agency A offers an hourly equivalent of $38 per hour but no protection if low census occurs (true travel nurse guaranteed pay)
Agency B offers guaranteed pay when shifts are canceled due to low census but pays $2 an hour less, so $36 per hour.

Let’s do a few calculations to see how these offers really stack up.

Scenario 1: If no hours are canceled during the travel nurse assignment:

Agency A	Agency B
468 hours X $38 = $17,784*	468 hours X $36 = $16,848

* You would have been better off by $936 with Agency A ($17,784 – $16,848 = $936) since they had a higher hourly equivalent and low census protection never came into play.

Scenario 2: If 36 hours are canceled—a very common canceled shift policy of one shift per month:

Agency A	Agency B
(468 hours – 36 hours = 432 hours) x $38 = $16,416	468 hours X $36 = $16,848*

*You would have been better by $432 with Agency B since the hospital exercised its right to cancel 36 hours.

Scenario 3: If 72 hours are canceled—a very common canceled shift policy of one shift per two weeks:

Agency A	Agency B
(468 hours – 72 hours = 396 hours) x $38 = $15,048	468 hours X $36 = $16,848*

*You would have been better by $1,800 with Agency B since the hospital exercised its right to cancel within 72 hours.

The Gypsy Nurse Summary: Smarter Choices Add Up to More Money

Many agencies promote a travel nurse guaranteed pay, guaranteed minimum pay, or guaranteed hours in a contract. However, the terms of these promises can vary considerably—and whether intentional or not—mislead travel nurses with regard to pay.

Consider these key points with every contract:

Look for an agency that offers the travel nurse guaranteed pay. Even if the hospital cancels a shift due to “low census.”
Find a plan that provides dependable income and protects you from pay gaps. Accounting for situations where you are ready to work but the shift gets canceled.
True travel nurse guaranteed pay should guarantee you’ll make a certain amount of gross wages. This should reflect what is stated in the summary of your travel nurse assignment details. Additionally, this safeguards you against lost wages due to low census.
Timing matters. This means no matter what happens with your schedule at the facility, and the agency will pay you during the pay period you earned it.
Do the math—don’t assume a higher pay rate outweighs the benefits of guaranteed hours.
Think in terms of each paycheck. Know how situations will impact your finances on a weekly basis, not just the entire contract duration.

In Conclusion: Leverage every advantage when negotiating a pay structure

Do your homework
Understand all the details and fine print
Ask for protection against low census call-offs
Get it in writing

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

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

START HERE

Best European Countries for International Travel Nurses to Work in or Travel to:

1. The Netherlands

2. Germany

3. Switzerland

4. Luxembourg

5. Norway

6. Denmark

7. Ireland

These are the seven best European countries when it comes to finding a job as an international travel nurse.

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SOAPI Note

Subjective

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