January 31, 2022

1960 Views

5 Mistakes Travel Nurses Are Making During this Pandemic

Posted on January 31, 2022February 9, 2022 by Go Healthcare Staffing

Go Healthcare Staffing provided this article.

More than 2 years into the first “crisis” travel contracts that began in Washington State and then the COVID crisis contracts in the Northeast, RNs who have chosen to work as travel nurses are still in high demand throughout the country. Hospitals are understaffed, and some are at their breaking points. Healthcare workers throughout all disciplines and specialties are burned out. As a Travel Nurse during this pandemic, you will not have a shortage of job opportunities presented to you. Be aware of these 5 mistakes travel nurses are making that are hurting their career prospects past the current shortage and crisis staffing.

Canceling a Travel Assignment Contract without proper notice.

As a Travel Healthcare Professional, this may be the most detrimental decision you can make. We understand that some contracts are not the right match for you. As an RN Traveler, you have the flexibility to find the right travel job for you. Every contract you sign has a clause outlining what type of notice (usually a 14-day notice) is required to avoid financial or professional penalties. This notice allows the Agency and the Hospital a chance to find a replacement for you. If you cancel a contract without notice or simply “no call/no show” on your assignment, your reputation and status as a traveler who cancels a contract will follow you from one travel opportunity to another. Most health systems are managed by larger Staffing Agencies called MSP (Managed Service Providers) that manage multiple health systems in the area. If you walk” from a travel contract and are deemed a “Do Not Return”/DNR with a particular agency, you may inadvertently find yourself “blacklisted” from multiple hospitals within a certain area and throughout the country.

Not Keeping Up with Credentialing Requirements.

Most experienced travelers know being ready and organized all of your “docs” can make or break your travel nursing experience. Currently, most travel contracts are looking for ASAP/immediate start dates. Taking the time to organize the necessary documents/certifications properly will not only make for a smooth experience but can get you the contract that you truly want or looking for.

Not Accepting the “Extension Offer” immediately.

Holding out on taking a travel extension “just in case” something better comes along has been a mistake a lot of travel nurses are currently doing. If you are currently on a decent travel contract offering “crisis pay,” take the extension if it’s offered to you. An extension will often guarantee that your current pay will remain. Waiting for higher pay somewhere else is a risk that has not worked out for the majority of travel nurses we have worked with.

Disappearing.

Have the courtesy of when you get an offer not to ghost. You are hurting your future chances of working with agencies that are working hard for you to get you an offer. It is okay to decline. But to ghost? You are hurting the agency and the hospital that offered. They are focused on getting staff for care.

Working with expired licenses or certifications.

So many opportunities are missed if we are unable to present you without the proper certifications or licenses. Be prepared, and ways take inventory of when renewals are coming up.

These are the 5 Common Mistakes that we are seeing/experiencing with travel nurses. What else should be on this list? Please feel free t share.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for an upcoming assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

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 Kevin Devoto

January 10, 2022

5564 Views

7 Tips to Succeed as a Travel Nurse

Posted on January 10, 2022December 20, 2021 by Kevin Devoto

Taking an assignment as a travel nurse can be exciting and rarely dull. You will probably always feel on the move. If your passion is for helping people, but you’re the kind of person who doesn’t want to stay in one environment for long, being a travel nurse could be the career for you. If you have nursing experience but decided to try life as a travel nurse, here are several tips to get you going and help you succeed as a travel nurse.

Decide Where You Want to Live

Once you know where you’re going, do some research and decide in what part of town you would prefer to live. You may enjoy living downtown or opt for a place within walking distance of work. Maybe you would like to be in a more private residential area.

Be Flexible

If you are new to a travel nurse company, you may or may not have much freedom or flexibility to choose the area for the assignment. These companies are often good about working with their nurses when they can assist as part of revenue operations. However, the longer you are with a company, the more flexible it will usually become. Then, you can choose not only the location of your assignment but also the type of facility or a specific facility. However, it can be exciting to go places you wouldn’t normally consider.

Organize Your Life

As soon as you find out you have an assignment, you should begin preparing for your move. Ensure you have all the essential paperwork you’ll need, including health records, license information, etc.

Pack Efficiently

Most travel nurses work on 13-week assignments. Time goes by fast, so it’s probably not necessary to take everything you own with you only to have to move it again. There are some things it would likely be more cost-effective to buy when you get there rather than to carry with you.

Arrive Early

Take some extra time on your first day to get to work. You will probably be nervous, and if you’re feeling anxious from feeling rushed, it could set the mood for the whole day, especially if you end up being late. Try to arrive a bit early to make a good impression on your co-workers and have time to prepare for your workday.

Perform a Test Run

It can be helpful to perform a test run of your commute before your first day on the job. Do just as you would on a typical day of work, getting up and out the door when you predict you’ll need to to get to work in time. You may find that traffic is worse than you expected, and you need to head out 10 minutes earlier. You may find that there is a better route to take to avoid some of the heavier traffic. It helps to be as prepared as possible before your first day; because first days are already stressful without combining a totally new location to the mix. You may also want to check out the parking situation at the facility if you think there could be a problem finding an open spot.

Also, if you’re working in a larger facility, walk to your work area to figure how long it will take to walk to that destination. For example, if you’ll be working on the fifth floor of a hospital and you discover the hospital has slow elevators, you may need to take that into consideration when deciding what time to begin your commute.

Explore and Enjoy

One of the most fun things about being a travel nurse is exploring new places and meeting new people. Cultivate friendships with your co-workers and ask about recommendations on places to go in and around your town. You are likely to experience many new adventures during your time as a travel nurse. Take these tips into consideration today and begin planning for your next exciting assignment.

We hope you found this article on 7 tips to succeed as a travel nurse helpful. Do you have any tips for your fellow travel nurses on how to succeed? Comment your tips to succeed as a travel nurse below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for an upcoming assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

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 trustaff

December 17, 2021

4530 Views

California Adventures! Why California Should Be Your Next Assignment

Posted on December 17, 2021January 16, 2023 by trustaff

This article was provided by trustaff.

Have you locked in where you’ll be spending your first assignment of 2022? Here’s a shortlist of the top 3 reasons you should be thinking west coast and especially California for your New Years’ assignment.

First and foremost, many set their sights on California at this time of year for the weather. Want balmy and breezy? Head to southern CA. Or maybe you prefer more diverse weather where you experience a few chilly days? Northern CA is where you need to be. The climate is one of the biggest all-around perks for working in the state and opens a ton of options for recreation. Southern California is notorious for year-round average highs in the 70s–sounds pretty glorious to us! Even Northern California is still fairly mild, with the added benefit of easy access to wintery activities like skiing, snowboarding, or a snowy hike through one of their many state or national parks!

While the weather might not swing everyone, a big selling point for nurses and healthcare providers are their state-mandated patient ratios. In 2003, California enacted legislation where RNs have specific nurse-to-patient ratios mandated per shift that are protected by law. The ratio varies by specialty where the numbers were established based on needs, severity, and care needed, but the ratio for many specialties will never go above 1:6. This not only protects your license but also provides a more comfortable workload. Knowing your ratios and breaks will be mandated can be a particularly appealing offer, especially for travel nurses.

California is unfortunately not a part of the Nurse Licensure Compact yet, (awaiting legislation!) though they are allowing many nurses to practice in the state under a temporary license while your official CA RN license is pending. The California licensing process can be a tedious and sometimes long process, but many travel nursing agencies offer their travelers licensing assistance, such as help with the application process, reimbursements for your filing costs, or even an extra perk just for getting licensed in such a high-needs state.

Finally, California is one of the largest states in the US, and their need for travel nurses is equally as large. This means you’ll have lots of options when it comes to finding a job that appeals to you. Whether you want to be jet-setting in Los Angeles or nestled in the quiet vineyards, there are many assignments available for specialties of all kinds at a huge variety of facilities. Think of all the possibilities you could explore in the great state of California on your days off!

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Need housing for your next assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

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 Krucial Staffing

December 7, 2021

5332 Views

Mental Health Resources: Combatting Stress Brought on by the Pandemic

Posted on December 7, 2021November 18, 2021 by Krucial Staffing

This article was provided by Krucial Staffing.

This article was written by: Courtney Holmes.

The strain and stress this pandemic has put on healthcare workers is indescribable. COVID-19 created challenges healthcare workers had never faced before. At the same time, simultaneously overwhelming hospitals with patients who needed isolation at a speed many were not ready for. According to a poll done by the Washington Post in April 2021, six in 10 healthcare workers say the stress from the pandemic has harmed their mental health. If you feel like your mental health has been affected over the past two years, you are not alone.

“Healthcare is, at its core, about improving the odds of life in its struggle against death. Of extending that game which we will all lose, each one of us unto eternity, extending it another year, month or second,” said Keith Olbermann, author, and commentator, during a special broadcast on MSNBC. 

Dealing with death has always been part of being a healthcare worker. All healthcare workers train on how to handle the post-modem process, but COVID-19 has redefined the death process. Healthcare workers have had to navigate the challenges that came with the pandemic, but the amount of death seen in such a short amount of time has greatly affected those who have been in the medical field for years, especially those who recently joined the field.

As this pandemic has continued, images of patients in distress, dreams of perpetual alarms, goodbyes through an iPad, and repeated trauma have come home with many in the healthcare community.

While the pandemic is not over, we wanted to build a list of resources to help with the stress many are facing and remind everyone; you are not alone.

If you need to talk to someone immediately:

Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
Available 24/7 
Online Lifeline Crisis Chat
Chat 24/7

If you are struggling with Seasonal Affective Depression: 

The Cleveland Clinic, known for its world-renowned research, has resources for working through the winter months: “Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is depression that gets triggered by a change in seasons, usually when fall starts. This seasonal depression gets worse in the winter before ending in the spring.

Some people may get a mild version of SAD known as the ‘winter blues.’ It’s normal to feel a little down during colder months. You may be stuck inside, and it gets dark early.”

An organization called Better Help also offers counseling at a low cost, no matter your location. Better Help was started in 2013 to offer counseling over the phone anywhere at any time in any part of the country. According to Better Help, it has more than 24,000 licensed therapists with over 20,000 reviews. We recommend checking them out, no matter what type of mental health issue you are facing.

If you are struggling with depression/burnout:

The American Medical Association offers many resources to help healthcare workers, specifically with burnout and recovery from injuries while practicing physical and psychological medicine. AMA is directed towards healthcare professionals and examples they may experience working on the floor with patients.  

The American Psychiatry Association also breaks down how to handle stress and anxiety. They have produced information on how to combat depression on a day-to-day basis. Additionally, there is a page with commonly asked questions about depression if you are unsure where to begin your healing journey.

If you are struggling with PTSD: 

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has excellent resources for working through PTSD. 

According to the NIMH, “Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary or dangerous event.

It is natural to feel afraid during and after a traumatic situation. Fear triggers many split-second changes in the body to help defend against danger or to avoid it. This fight-or-flight response is a typical reaction meant to protect a person from harm. Nearly everyone will experience a range of reactions after trauma, yet most people recover from initial symptoms naturally. Those who continue to experience problems may be diagnosed with PTSD. People who have PTSD may feel stressed or frightened, even when they are not in danger.” 

Additionally, Healthline has fantastic resources for working through PTSD, including resources such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. EMDR is an interactive psychotherapy technique used to relieve psychological stress. 

There is not just one way to begin processing the effects of this pandemic. It is recommended to find what works for you and your situation. We at Krucial feel it is essential to encourage everyone who has worked tirelessly in this pandemic to take a moment to evaluate their mental health and reach out if needed. 

We recognize all the sacrifices that everyone in healthcare has made to help patients during this pandemic. It has taken an unimaginable toll on mental health for many healthcare workers. People left their families and lives to serve others and came home with battle scars. Your pain is noticed, your heroism is honored, and we encourage you to reach out for support.

Interested in looking more about an emergency response or contract travel options? Check out emergency response and healthcare staffing company, Krucial Staffing.  Krucial Staffing specializes in high volume, rapid response staffing, driven by a mission to serve others at their greatest time of need. To learn more about what positions they currently have open, check out their Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter page.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Need housing for your assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

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 Favorite Healthcare Staffing

November 24, 2021

5620 Views

Travel Nursing Must-Haves: 10 Items to Bring on Your Next Assignment

Posted on November 24, 2021November 18, 2021 by Favorite Healthcare Staffing

This article was provided by Favorite Healthcare.

You just landed your dream travel nurse assignment and are eager to hit the road. You have a full list of excursions to experience at your destination and are excited to check each adventure off your bucket list. Before the sightseeing can begin, you have one important task to complete: packing your bags.

Though it may seem like a simple undertaking, knowing what to bring, what to leave behind, and what to source upon arrival in your temporary hometown can raise a lot of questions. This handy list of travel nursing must-haves will ensure you never leave for an assignment without the essentials.

What to Pack on Your Travel Nursing Assignment

Appropriate Documents

Important documents are not easily replaced, so take the time and effort to gather these documents before you embark on your next assignment. Some essential documents include your driver’s license, car insurance, and a backup form of ID such as a passport or copy of your birth certificate. Your staffing agency will have your nursing license and certifications on file, but it’s beneficial to keep digital copies on your phone or laptop in case you need them for any reason. Don’t forget about your most helpful resource – your recruiter! They can answer any questions and give you a full list of documents you might have, which can vary by facility.

Journal

Having a journal to document your adventures is the perfect way to keep the memories you make alive. You will be able to look back on these special moments for years to come and share them with your family and friends back home. Journaling is also an excellent way to pause, reflect, and stay in tune with your mental health.

French Press or Tea Strainer

Are you a caffeine fanatic? No need to break the bank on-to-go lattes! A French press or tea strainer is convenient to travel with and easy to pack away. Don’t forget to bring your favorite travel mug to keep your drinks warm while you’re on the go! Staying caffeinated will help push you through those long shifts.

Bluetooth Speaker

Bring a Bluetooth speaker to make sure you always have your favorite jams or podcasts playing! There’s nothing like your favorite song to get you through your travels. Whether you’re cooking at home, hitting the beach, or enjoying time in the park, having a speaker on hand helps things feel a little more like home.

Camera

Wherever your travels take you, make sure to always have a camera ready to capture the important moments. There’s no need to be an avid photographer with professional equipment. Most smartphones today double as a high-quality camera, making it quick and convenient to capture all the sights of your explorations.

First Aid Kit

While on the go, it can be helpful to keep a first aid kit with you on assignments. You never know when you might need medicine to cure a common cold or a band-aid for a cut when you’re not at work. Some items that are good to have on hand include bandages, vitamins, aspirin, ibuprofen, sunscreen, and of course, any prescription medications you take.

Proper Clothing and Accessories

Do your research on the location you are traveling to. You will need to make sure to have clothes that fit the climate and seasons of your destination. No need to travel with your entire wardrobe! Pack the essentials with plenty of layering options to ensure you have apparel for every occasion. A few other must-haves include comfortable shoes, an umbrella, a travel steamer, and a lint roller.

Electronics and Extra Chargers

Laptops, tablets, e-readers, smartphones, Bluetooth headphones… these days, there are endless forms of electronics at our fingertips. Whether you use these devices for entertainment or work, they have become necessary on any travel nursing assignment. Just don’t forget to pack up each item’s respective charging device and make sure they are fully charged before you journey to your next destination.

Hobbies and Pastimes

Besides visiting all the amazing attractions during your travels, don’t forget to bring something to do during your downtime. Whether that’s reading your favorite book, playing an instrument, or drawing, your hobbies can always travel with you.

Comforts from Home

Being away from home can be a tough adjustment for some people. To avoid feeling homesick, make sure to bring items that connect you to your life back home, such as pictures of your family and friends or a favorite item someone special gave you. Surrounding yourself with meaningful keepsakes can help carry you through difficult times and make you feel comfortable in your “home away from home.”

With all these must-haves for travel nurses, here are a few bonus tips to also keep in mind:

Bonus Tip #1:

Go thrifting to find cheap household items (think pots, pans, utensils, hangers), and at the end of your assignment, donate the items back to a local charity.

Bonus Tip #2:

Find a travel nurse buddy to team up with and decide on which items each of you can bring to get you through your assignment.

This must-haves packing list is just a starting point to make sure the time spent in your new destination runs smoothly and efficiently. What are your travel nursing must-haves? Share with us in the comments below!

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Have an assignment but need housing? Click here to search our housing group.

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

November 13, 2021

14272 Views

Contract Issues Surrounding the Holidays

Posted on November 13, 2021January 26, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

There are a lot of discussions currently going on about holiday work. I thought I would put together a quick list of some of the major issues surrounding the holidays

Q: I am scheduled for ALL of the holidays during my travel nurse contract.

A: As a traveler, we are generally scheduled when the facility has it’s highest needs. This includes the holidays. It’s important to discuss this with both the agency as well as the facility in the facility interview. If you do not want to work holidays, this should be clearly discussed and written out clearly in your contract with the facility. Some hospitals will want you to work all, some will not let you work (too expensive) and even others will schedule you just like the staff and allow you to work every other or to pick one. Clear communications are KEY!

Unfortunately, if you didn’t request days off over the holidays; you will be expected to work whatever the facility schedules you for. Always make sure to request time off for any important dates!

Working the Holiday? find out how to make it a great shift!

Q: I’m looking to start my {first} or {next} contract right after the holidays. Will this be difficult?

A: There are two parts to this question. For the experienced traveler that is seeking a start date during the first week of January, this will be a bit easier for you than it will be for the inexperienced traveler. I will warn you however that this is never recommended. Many travelers intentionally schedule their contracts to end before the holidays and are seeking new contracts right after the first of the year. Due to this, there is generally an influx of post-holiday travelers available. What this means is that the supply is greater at this time and you may have more difficulty securing a position. What I recommend is that you hold off and plan to start mid-late January. You will leverage your negotiating power by choosing a start-date after the post-holiday rush.

For the new or in-experienced traveler, I do NOT recommend attempting to find your first contract immediately following the holidays. When a hospital has an influx of available travelers, they are going to generally choose an experienced traveler over one that is inexperienced. Wait until late January or even early February to increase your options and optimize your negotiating power.

Q: My recruiter just told me they can’t bill differently for the holidays so I will not get overtime/holiday pay.

A: Any overtime or holiday pay should be detailed in your contract. Along this same line, it’s important to know what your agency has approved as an official ‘holiday’ date for this particular hospital. Make sure to ask in your preliminary negotiations. The actual date/hours that are considered a ‘holiday’ will vary from agency to agency and facility to facility.

Q: I’m scheduled to work the day before and the day after the holiday. Now I’ll be sitting alone during the actual holiday. What can I do to not feel so lonely?

A: Why not organize a carry-in for your co-workers? Bring a great dessert or treat into work and share the holiday with them. Better yet, find out if you can bring something in for the patients! There are also a lot of places that you can volunteer with homeless meals and such. If there are other travelers in your area, have a ‘Gypsy Thanksgiving’ and invite them over or out to dinner. Buy a box of cookies or cupcakes and go out and hand them out to all of the hospital units. There are so many things that you can do to give someone else a simple smile on Thanksgiving. Whatever you do…do not sit home alone!! Another thought is to set up skype, Facebook Live, or Facetime and join your family via video for the holiday! With today’s technology, this is pretty simple to do.

By Medical Edge Recruitment

November 8, 2021

3716 Views

Make Your Next Assignment Feel More Like an Adventure!

Posted on November 8, 2021February 7, 2022 by Medical Edge Recruitment

This article was provided by Medical Edge Recruitment.

Written By: Amy Stephens, Marketing Manager, Medical Edge Recruitment

Welcome to Travel Nursing, where you get to choose your own adventure with every new assignment! There are many challenges to being a travel nurse, but there are also many benefits. Travel nursing is a great way to experience our country’s diversity and find fun new activities that are unique to each assignment area. Try implementing these five things on your next assignment to make the most of your travel nurse adventure!

1. Try a new restaurant every week.

Locals often know the best places to eat and drink, so ask your co-workers for recommendations of their favorites in the area. Try new cuisines you can’t find back home or a place featured in a magazine or your favorite Food Network show. Expand your horizons with a farmer’s market, food truck, a local diner, or a street festival!

2. Visit a state park or a national landmark.

Connecting with nature is a great way to relax, especially after a challenging shift. You can search the U.S. National Park Service’s website for state and national parks or visit their National Historic Landmarks page for a list of national landmarks by state. Plot all your visits on a map of the United States to track your adventures!

3. Find out what your town/city is known for.

Everyone is known for something! Find out what your assignment city is famous for. Visit the local library, city hall, or visitor’s center to learn about the history and events that have happened there. You will likely meet locals who are passionate to share their history with you as well!

4. Explore the towns/areas around you.

You may never get another chance to explore the state you are assigned to. Do some research and explore nearby towns or attractions that you don’t want to miss. Most states have “official visitor’s center” websites that list things to do, events and festivals, and even trip ideas all around the state. Use your downtime to find a new adventure every week!

5. Keep a journal.

Journaling not only helps you capture memories but also holds you accountable and grateful. We often get too caught up in the daily grind to appreciate all the wonders around us. As a travel nurse, take the time to capture your thoughts about each assignment and the special adventures you create around you.

Not sure where your next adventure is?

Medical Edge Recruitment is the premier travel nursing recruitment agency specializing in providing top talent to clients in the healthcare industry. We connect clinical and allied providers to their ideal opportunities, focusing on building long-lasting relationships through honesty and transparency. In travel nursing, bigger does not always mean better. While we have an extensive network of job opportunities, our experienced team is dedicated to making a personalized provider experience a priority. There are a lot of moving parts in getting set up for a new assignment, but we take care of all the details along the way. Adventure awaits; let Medical Edge Recruitment show you where to go next!

Are you looking for your next travel nurse adventure? Click here to view our job board. Do you have your assignment secured but need housing? Click here to search our housing page.

By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

October 25, 2021

5432 Views

Taking Your First Travel Nurse Assignment During the Pandemic

Posted on October 25, 2021January 16, 2023 by TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

This article was provided by TNAA Healthcare.

You feel like you were called to work in healthcare, but maybe you need a change of scenery to combat pandemic fatigue. Or, maybe traveling is something you always wanted to do, and the pay makes travel nursing even more enticing. For those eager to travel, here is what you should know and what you can do during your time as a staff nurse to have the best start when you become a traveler.

Why Experience is Important

Travel nurses are there to fill an immediate need, so hospitals count on them to be qualified, confident, and flexible – especially when facing the intensity of the pandemic. Travel nurses are expected to hit the hospital floor with their heads held high. They don’t need to be walked through weeks of orientation. Instead, they’ll likely only have a few shifts to adjust to their new hospital and unit before they are put to work.

The last thing you want to worry about as a travel nurse is your skillset. While you’re working as a staff nurse, get as much experience as you can by expanding your skillset to make yourself more marketable, learning where to find supplies on your own, or being courageous enough to ask questions. This should help ensure a successful start as a travel nurse.

How to Prepare Yourself Mentally

The pandemic has intensified stress for healthcare workers. This strain is why some staff nurses turn to travel, but there are other potentially stressful situations you have to prepare for as a travel nurse. While you get to meet new people and experience new places, you’re likely also traveling without your immediate support system of close family and friends. For this reason, you’ll need to work on your coping mechanisms and truly understand what helps you destress.

Do your research

Knowledge is power. Research the hospital, unit, community, COVID-19 trends, and housing options before deciding to take an assignment. Knowing what to expect ahead of time can make you feel more comfortable when everything around you is new.

Build your community of support

Build a community of support near and far. With each travel nurse assignment, find your partner on the unit who you check in with day-in and day-out. Connect with other travelers to explore your new town. Have calls with friends and family back home as often as possible. Keeping and establishing these connections can keep you from feeling alone.

Take time for yourself

Don’t forget to take care of yourself in the middle of caring for your patients. This might mean you say ‘no’ to an extra shift (which means you’re saying ‘yes’ to extra sleep or more time for adventure).

Remember your ‘why’

Having a solid reason for becoming a healthcare traveler can keep you focused when you’re having a bad week. Your ‘why’ might be supporting your family, taking a major vacation, or meeting a savings goal. Whatever it is, let it help you keep your eye on the prize.

How Your Travel Nurse Agency Can Set You Up For Success

You’ll want your travel nurse agency to be there to walk you through every step of your new life as a healthcare traveler. There’s a lot of change and adjustment in the beginning!

Your recruiter

Work with your recruiter to get an appropriate first-time assignment. You might want your first assignment to be at a similar type of hospital or unit as your staff job to ease into your life as a traveler. But, don’t worry – your recruiter should be able to help you meet career goals step-by-step with each assignment.

Agency resources

When you have a question or feel stressed, your agency should be there for you. See if your agency has a clinical services team, so you can talk to someone who understands the difficulties of the job. Ask if your agency has mental wellness resources available through an Employee Assistance Program, Chaplain Program, or insurance, so you know that you have benefits you can fall back on when you need them most.

Becoming a traveler is exciting and also a huge adjustment. To have the best start, develop your skills, do your research, and see how a travel nurse agency can be an anchor for you as you embark on a new journey.

We hope you found these tips for taking your first travel nurse assignment during the pandemic helpful.

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 Jennifer Traub

October 22, 2021

5104 Views

Finding the Right Travel Nurse Recruiter for You

Posted on October 22, 2021October 8, 2021 by Jennifer Traub

There is a lot of buzz around picking the right recruiter for a travel assignment. As a nurse who has been a traveler for more than 5 years, here are some tips I have picked up on how to choose the perfect one.

Their approach shouldn’t be “salesy”

You are not buying a car, so a recruiter’s approach shouldn’t be “salesy.” They do not need to “pitch” you. The assignment and the criteria you need speak for themselves. I find it ingenuine if you are being approached with sales tactics, and I wouldn’t want to work with that person.

Choose a reputable company

I would find a recruiter working for a reputable company. Onward Healthcare, Prolink, and Host Healthcare are some of my personal favorites. I have worked with these companies for multiple contracts and have always had good experiences.

Maximize your pay package

A recruiter should look to maximize your pay package. You are traveling away from home and uprooting your life. I think it is important for a company to consider and accommodate you with travel expenses and potential interim travel expenses if possible.

You should be able to have a good rapport with your recruiter

You should be able to have a good rapport with your recruiter. They should be a partner and a friend. Chances are, you will need some guidance when on assignment at some point. Whether it being you decide you need health insurance or you didn’t receive your paycheck. A good recruiter should be receptive and accommodating. They should be able to resolve your issue or point you in the right direction to someone who can. A recruiter who neglects to answer your texts or calls means they are only out for the money and do not have your best interest at heart.

We hope you found these tips for finding the right travel nurse recruiter for your helpful. Do you have any tips for finding a travel nurse recruiter? Comment them below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you have the assignment but need housing? Click here to search our housing page.

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

START HERE

Canceling a Travel Assignment Contract without proper notice.

Not Keeping Up with Credentialing Requirements.

Not Accepting the “Extension Offer” immediately.

Disappearing.

Working with expired licenses or certifications.

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

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

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Decide Where You Want to Live

Be Flexible

Organize Your Life

Pack Efficiently

Arrive Early

Perform a Test Run

Explore and Enjoy

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

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If you need to talk to someone immediately:

If you are struggling with Seasonal Affective Depression:

If you are struggling with depression/burnout:

If you are struggling with PTSD:

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

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

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What to Pack on Your Travel Nursing Assignment

Appropriate Documents

Journal

French Press or Tea Strainer

Camera

First Aid Kit

Proper Clothing and Accessories

Electronics and Extra Chargers

Hobbies and Pastimes

Comforts from Home

Bonus Tip #1:

Bonus Tip #2:

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

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Q: I am scheduled for ALL of the holidays during my travel nurse contract.

Q: I’m looking to start my {first} or {next} contract right after the holidays. Will this be difficult?

Q: My recruiter just told me they can’t bill differently for the holidays so I will not get overtime/holiday pay.

Q: I’m scheduled to work the day before and the day after the holiday. Now I’ll be sitting alone during the actual holiday. What can I do to not feel so lonely?

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If you are struggling with Seasonal Affective Depression: 

If you are struggling with PTSD: 