September 21, 2023

1740 Views

6 Ways to Stand Out in the Competitive Travel Nurse Market

Posted on September 21, 2023September 21, 2023 by AB Staffing Solutions

AB Staffing Solutions provided this article.

Becoming a travel nurse can effectively build your resume and experience, but how do you stand out in a competitive market? We asked our recruiters to share what gets our clients noticed, how they continue to grow themselves and their careers, and why it is essential to stay connected.

The journey begins when you find a travel nurse agency and recruiter with whom you connect. If you’re unclear if they’re a good match, read the article Healthcare Red Flags and Green Flags. It is important to research an agency’s online reputation before jumping in to find a recruiter. We know there are a lot of places you can go, and finding the right agency is the start of standing out in a competitive market.

Ways to Stand Out as a Travel Nurse

1-2 years of shift nurse experience is required to become a travel nurse. If you’re ready for a different experience in life, it’s time to get organized and make a move!

Moving from shift nurse to traveler means moving multiple times a year, being away from loved ones, and constantly being the new person at work. While the lifestyle is challenging, it is also rewarding at the same time. How you organize and manage your life can have an influence in getting offered a contract you like versus one you love.

Polish the Resume –

As you complete a contract, update your resume with new skills, certifications, and accomplishments. That way, you’re ready for the next job opportunity. Include specialized training that sets you apart, such as previous travel nurse experience and experience in settings like those for which you are applying. Keep a digital copy handy so you can send it quickly. Remember to spellcheck and grammar check before sending and update contact information as needed.

Showcase your Flexibility –

In most cases, you have a higher chance of getting a travel contract if you’re flexible in your location, shift schedule, and pay. Be open to learning new systems and floating to other hospital areas to fill gaps. Remember that as a traveler, you will likely not be able to make changes, but offering feedback, if asked, to your on-site supervisor may be helpful.

Obtain Specialized Certifications –

Set yourself apart by pursuing specialized certifications related to your specialty. Popular or preferred certifications include Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). It shows you’ve taken the initiative and have the training to work in other (related) areas; it gives your recruiter more options to share your resume with our clients.

Highlight Cultural Competency –

Working as a travel nurse means you are likely working in diverse communities with varying patient demographics. If you have experience with this type of work, highlight it on your resume and in conversations. Managers want to know if you can provide patient care that respects and values cultural differences. Working for Indian Health Services (IHS) or Corrections Facilities are two areas that need experienced medical professionals.

Ace the Interview.

It (literally) pays to prepare for the interview. Your travel nurse recruiter can support you in this process. It helps to review your own experiences and research the facility and location beforehand. This will help you prepare thoughtful questions and emphasize your eagerness to contribute to the team.

Build Strong Relationships –

Connection is key to standing out in a competitive market as a travel nurse. Begin when you contact your recruiter. At AB Staffing, our recruiters are available to you before, during, and after your contracts; ask them anything related to your job. Connect with the travel nursing community to understand where there are job opportunities and needs in communities. Take advantage of agency bonuses when referring friends. Lastly, stay connected with friends you meet via social media and connect in person when working in their hometown.

You’ve made a smart decision to become a travel nurse. We know you will do well and are here to support you in your career and travel journey.

When you’re ready to start, check out the AB Staffing Travel Nurse Job Board and Contact Us.

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 Staffmax Healthcare Staffing & Recruiting

September 2, 2023

1700 Views

Snow in September? It’s 100 Degrees Outside!

Posted on September 2, 2023September 2, 2023 by Staffmax Healthcare Staffing & Recruiting

Staffmax Healthcare Staffing and Recruiting provided this article.

Article was written by: Julie Hesseltine, RN, CNO, and Sr. Recruiter for Staffmax.

It isn’t time for snowflakes for most of us. After all, we are still hitting triple digits in most of the USA, and the beaches still have visitors. However, this morning was a chilly reminder that at any point in the coming 13 weeks, we could have a blizzard here in the Northern States. Two weeks ago, a friend of ours in the high mountain country of Wyoming was scraping frost off the windshields. Many of us have seen the first blizzard of the year in September and occasionally in August. It is time to prepare for winter assignments ahead of time. For travelers who are preparing to head northbound, be sure to think about what you are going to need for the winter months.

Tips for Cold Winter Assignments:

“Be sure to check your oil.”

That is what my dad used to always preach to his kids before leaving on a trip. Car maintenance is of utmost importance. Dad didn’t always tell us to check the radiator fluid to make sure it would withstand certain temperatures. If you are putting your own windshield wiper fluids into the chamber, be certain it is the winterized kind or that you have some with you. Change your blades, too, if they are getting old. Visibility is important, just as is traction on the road surfaces. What about your tires? All tires are NOT the same. If you are contracted to work where there is usually a fair amount of snow, and you permanently reside in an area that never sees those gorgeous, white, cold, icy flakes, make sure the tire man knows you want all-weather tires if you are getting new ones. Trust me, it will make your life better.

Keep a warm blanket and snacks in the car.

Something else that you may have never thought about was keeping a nice warm blanket in your car and some snacks. It is a good thing to have a small survival kit if you are going to be in an area far between towns. Growing up in a very rural part of the Midwest, I always keep a survival kit in my car, and there are usually 2 or three blankets as well as a small shovel and an extra pair of gloves. Sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it? Why in the world would one need things like this? It does happen that I have been darn happy to have those things when I was stuck in a snow drift waiting on help. Here is a short list of items you may want to keep in the kit: 1-2 candles, matches, some energy bars, candy bars, puzzle books and pencils, an extra pair of gloves or mittens, a good book to read, beef jerky, a few bottles of water, and a small empty can. The can is simply for filling with snow you will melt over the top of the candles so you have something to drink in an emergency. Battery charging cord. The hope is to never have to use anything in your kit at any point in time. But occasionally, people do get stranded or stuck in the snow. Caught in a blizzard or bad roads, these can be life-saving for those who have this. Just as some get caught stranded in the heat of the deserts without water and suffer, this will help you stay safe too.

Finally, it comes down to clothing.

Oh, how I hate to see people traveling in the wintertime wearing shorts. They could freeze to death if they were in an accident! But, by traveling with the appropriate clothing in one’s car, I guess they should be okay. Just be sure to pack and carry an extra jacket, and on those cold, blustery days, take a coat with you!

For many, this may seem like mere common sense.

But here in Nebraska and elsewhere, we may wake up to the birds chirping and the sun shining, 90 degrees by noon, raining in the afternoon with a heavy snowfall at night. We can pack a punch of all 4 seasons in one 24-hour span. Most importantly, drive slowly and with care. Icy and snowy roads aren’t so bad once you become accustomed to them. My cousin once told me a story about how everyone from Nebraska, South Dakota, etc., would park their cars when the roads were icy and there was any snow where she attended school because “those people down there didn’t know how to drive in those road conditions.

Soon there will be frost on the pumpkins, and we will all be wishing for spring once again. Be careful and safe travels.

We hope you found this article on preparing for winter assignments helpful. Do you have any tips you would like to share on how you prepare for winter assignments? Comment them below.

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 LeaderStat

August 29, 2023

1788 Views

Best National Parks to Visit While on Assignment

Posted on August 29, 2023August 29, 2023 by LeaderStat

LeaderStat provided this article.

Of the 423 national parks in the United States, 63 incorporate the words “national park” into their official name. The other locations are identified as national historic sites, seashores, recreation areas, forests, or monuments. Wherever your travel assignment takes you, chances are that you will be close enough to visit one of these sites!

Here are some tips for planning your national park visit and suggestions on which parks to put on your bucket list. The National Park Service website is a great place to start.

Your Visit

Before you lace up your hiking boots and hit a trail at a national park, spend a few minutes researching the area. You’ll need to learn about the park and the environment to ensure you’ve brought the right gear. Don’t forget to inquire about the fees and permits you’ll need for your trip.

Once you arrive at the park, obey all posted signs and check in with the ranger station for up-to-date information on weather and other local conditions. Stay away from the wildlife, and don’t deviate from the marked trails and paths.

Best National Parks to Visit

Now that you’re ready to visit a park, which ones should you choose? Check out this list of national parks, which provides state-by-state information. There are parks for everyone, from beaches to mountains or historic sites to popular monuments. Here are nine suggestions.

Denali, Alaska

Denali, Alaska, has North America’s highest peak, plus six million acres of wilderness accessible by a single road. But plan your trip in the summer because all the snow arrives in the late fall through early spring.

Yosemite, California

Yosemite, California, boasts one of the most well-known rock-climbing formations, El Capitan. But you don’t have to be a rock climber to enjoy the Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite Falls, or Half-Dome.

Everglades, Florida

Everglades, Florida, offers mangrove waterways and wilderness home to crocodiles, Florida panthers, and manatees. You can also fish for snook, snapper, and tarpon in the park.

Craters of the Moon, Idaho

Craters of the Moon, Idaho, originated several thousand years ago due to eight major volcanic eruptions that created craters, deep cracks, and lava fields. The landscape changes frequently since the area’s sub-surface still experiences high levels of volcanic and tectonic activity.

Mammoth Cave, Kentucky

Mammoth Cave, Kentucky, has more than 400 miles in its cave system—the longest known US cave. You can explore the surface or descend into the earth for a closer look at the cave’s twists and turns.

Acadia, Maine

Acadia, Maine, offers granite cliffs along with a rugged seashore. Hiking trails include the exposed Precipice Trail—with its metal rungs and wooden bridges—and paths to the summit of Cadillac Mountain.

Assateague, Maryland

Assateague, Maryland, is a barrier island inhabited by wild horses. You can camp on the waterfront with the horses nearby.

Gila Cliff Dwellings, New Mexico

Gila Cliff Dwellings, New Mexico, offers caves used for thousands of years by nomadic dwellers. Come for the dwelling tours, bird watching, and nature walks.

New River Gorge, West Virginia

New River Gorge, West Virginia, is the newest National Park, designated in 2020. You’ll have more than 1,400 established rock-climbing routes to enjoy, plus miles of trails to pique your interest.

Find the perfect opportunity to explore our country’s national parks with LeaderStat. With these possibilities to choose from, how will you spend your free time this year?

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 AB Staffing Solutions

August 23, 2023

1788 Views

How to Launch Your Career as a Travel Imaging Technician

Posted on August 23, 2023August 23, 2023 by AB Staffing Solutions

AB Staffing Solutions provided this article.

If you’re looking for a way to build or enhance your skills as an Imaging Technician, consider becoming a traveler. Imaging technicians play a crucial role in patient care, capturing and processing visual data using advanced equipment and techniques. There are nationwide facilities looking for Allied Health Professionals to work in underserved areas needing your skills and experience. At AB Staffing, we specialize in matching professionals like yourself to jobs in places where you are needed most.

Whether at the beginning, middle, or end of your career, becoming a travel imaging technician can take you to places you’ve always wanted to visit and work. While we cannot guarantee placements, our recruiters do their best to match you to the best fit. On your days off, you can explore the great outdoors, visit museums, and experience a new culture and community.

What is it like being a travel Imaging Technician?

We asked our traveler, Melissa, about her experience going from a staff position for more than 12 years to becoming a traveler. As a single mom, she worked where needed so her son could enjoy his friends and school. When he completed his education, Melissa sent her resume to our recruiter, Jack, who was excited to share the opportunities available. While she admits it is tough to be away from loved ones, she enjoys her time away, helping people at work and making the most of outdoor adventures when she’s not working.

As with many of our travelers, they are having a great time living in a different part of the country, serving communities in need, and making the most of their unique work experiences.

What are the education requirements?

As with many of our travel positions, a college education and 1-2 years of experience are required. Becoming a travel imaging technician is no different. Two- and four-year programs are available depending on whether you are earning an associate’s or bachelor’s degree and certification requirements. As a program graduate, you are eligible to test for your tech certification (ARRT, ARDMS, RRT, CT, MRI, etc.). This certification qualifies you to work, and you are required to renew it once a year. As a travel imaging technician, certification renewal is your responsibility.

What are the licensing requirements?

To be eligible for travel opportunities, you are required to have 1-2 years of experience in the field. For commercial facilities, you are required to have active licensure in the state in which you are working. For federal facilities, you are required to be licensed in any state.

What are the next steps to becoming a travel imaging technician?

There are opportunities to become a traveler with the highest demand for travel imaging technicians with experience as CT Tech, X-Ray Tech, Rad Tech, MRI Tech, Mammo Tech, and Ultrasound Technician.

Find the right agency and recruiter. It is rare to have Melissa’s experience of connecting with the first agency and recruiter with whom you speak. It is much more likely that you will have to talk to a few and learn more about them before deciding.
Keep your resume, certifications, and licenses updated and available digitally. That way, when you find the right recruiter, you already have essential information handy and send it immediately upon request.
Let references know you’re looking to become a traveler. Confirm they are willing to be a reference, and if possible, send them a job description, letting them know they will be contacted soon. If there is anything specific you want them to mention, let them know so they aren’t surprised when asked.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. AB Staffing has housing coordinators to help you find a place to live and also provides benefits to qualified candidates. Our recruiters are available every step of the way. Ask about the facility and specific job where you will work so you understand what is required before your first day.
Be open. This is a new experience; being available to change is highly valued by your agency, recruiter, and on-site manager. The more you ask, the more you will understand, thus making a smooth transition to your new position.

This is an exciting opportunity for your career! Congratulations on taking the next step.

Check the AB Staffing Allied Health Job Board to see where your next job can take you.

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 Medely

August 21, 2023

1966 Views

Top Travel Gadgets for Travel Nurses

Posted on August 21, 2023August 21, 2023 by Medely

Medely provided this article.

As a travel nurse, you never know where the next contract will take you. However, you should ensure you arrive organized with a bit of style. We have the list of the top travel gadgets for you, whether you’re trying to keep things in order, focused on safety, or comfort on your next trip to your travel contract destination.

Packing cubes

Whether rolling, folding, or just throwing things together, packing cubes can save you time and headaches when packing for your next trip. We use these to organize our clothes and belongings into neat boxes that are easy to unpack into your destination’s chest or drawers. These might not be your style, but there are many patterns, colors, and sizes to choose from online. Whatever you choose, packing cubes are a must-have.

Compressor bags

Is space at a premium? Compressor bags help you make the most of the space in your suitcase or car. All you have to do is place your clothes flatly into the bags and roll them up. Many bags have special hookups for vacuums that remove all the air from the bags to make them easier to roll up.

Tech kit

No matter how much we try to keep our cables and chargers in one place, they’re rarely where they should be. A tech kit helps keep those pesky accessories organized in one place and removes the stress of tracking where your tech lives.

Jewelry case

Losing an earring or necklace, you love is a day-ruining event. A functional and great-looking jewelry case for when you’re on the go can help protect some of your most valuable and sentimental items. Hard or soft exteriors are a matter of preference. Whatever you choose, it’s important to keep your items safe and protected.

Portable car jumpers

When traveling alone or long distances in cars, it’s key that you prepare for anything that might go wrong. A car losing juice overnight or a dead battery can put a damper on your travel plans. A portable car jumper can help restart your car and get you somewhere to get your vehicle checked. Portable car jumpers often have ports for charging devices or even tire inflating.

Power charger

So many things we use throughout the day have a battery. Bringing along an excellent power charger with enough charge to supply several devices is crucial, especially for long flights or trips. There are even options for solar-powered chargers, just in case you don’t have a plug handy.

Snack containers

Stopping along a road trip for snacks and drinks can literally and figuratively eat into your arrival time. Snack containers are clutch during a road trip because they’re a great way to bring your favorite snacks while saving money and time. You can also pack healthier snacks that you might not find on your travels.

Trackers

Keep track of your items and avoid the lost and found with trackers. Trackers use Bluetooth technology to provide the approximate location of your items. Trackers paired with your mobile device can send you alerts when you’ve left something behind, or you can see where your items are in a matter of seconds.

We hope you found this article on the top travel gadgets for travel nurses helpful. Are there any travel gadgets you use as a travel nurse that we didn’t list? Comment them below.

Traveling with Medely

Wherever your next travel adventure may take you, Medely can get you there with one of the thousands of travel contracts available on our platform. Getting started with Medely is quick and easy. A real person walks you through credentialing, onboarding, and finding your next travel contract. Click here to sign up and get started!

Medely is going to TravCon! Visit Booth 221 to speak with Medely staff, play games, and enter to win prizes!

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

By Fusion Medical Staffing

August 8, 2023

1539 Views

6 Quick and Easy Exercises To Help You Wake Up

Posted on August 8, 2023September 1, 2023 by Fusion Medical Staffing

Fusion Medical Staffing provided this article.

Let’s face it: some of us are morning people, and some of us need a little jumpstart to get going. Long work hours and time spent adventuring can make us feel a little sluggish when the alarm buzzes, but as a travel nurse, you want to make sure you’ve got your best foot forward before your shift starts.

It can be hard to find any time to take care of your body at all when you’re a travel nurse – you’re in a new city, a new living space, and you might not have your regular gym equipment. These quick exercises are a perfect match for how to stay fit while traveling in addition to starting the day feeling fresh.

6 Quick and Easy Exercises To Help You Wake Up

Warrior Pose

You may recognize the warrior pose from any introductory yoga class. This is a great way to start off your morning travel nurse workout, feel powerful, and streeeeeetch out that spine, which is a little bit compressed after you’ve spent eight hours in bed (give or take).

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, and raise your arms above your head, parallel to your body. Step one foot forward slightly, moving the opposite foot backward to come into a lunge position. Press your torso downward and stretch your arms up to the sky. Repeat with the opposite leg.

Side Plank

Side planks help strengthen the core, hip, and shoulder muscles, so they’re a great way to start off targeting multiple muscle groups at the same time.

Put your forearm on the mat under your shoulder, perpendicular to your body. Stack your upper leg directly on top of your lower leg, extending the knees and hips. Raise your body toward the sky, straightening your waist. Hold position. When you’ve done an equal number on each side, feel free to reward yourself with a healthy snack.

Squats

Some people consider squats the royalty of exercises, although others would choose to avoid that particular kingdom. Squats work your buttocks, quads, hamstrings (front and back of your thighs), adductors, hip flexors, calves – all sorts of big important muscles to keep you stable and practice your balance. These will definitely wake you up.

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart or slightly wider if that’s more comfortable. Push your seat downward, keeping your back and hips straight, as if you’re sitting in an imaginary chair. Stand and repeat. Just be careful with your knees!

Bicycle Crunches

Technically, they’re not sit-ups. Crunches go way faster, it’s easier to work the core abdominal muscles you’re trying to target, and you can multitask when you get your legs involved!

Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Put your hands behind your head as if you’re preparing for a standard crunch position. Then, raise your shoulder blades off the ground and bend your knees to 90°. Pedal your legs back and forth in the air, alternating your elbows to opposite knees, like riding a bicycle.

Donkey Kicks

This exercise is a less common move, but works great. It targets your gluteus maximus as well as the gluteus minimus, which stabilizes your hip and pelvis. It also works your core muscles, so you get more bang for your buck!

Position yourself on all fours, with hands underneath your shoulders and knees under your hips. Keep one knee bent at 90° degrees and flex the foot as you slowly kick back your leg parallel to the ground. Lower the knee back to the other knee and repeat.

Add Bird-Dog Pose:

With this position, you can get more out of your workout by extending the arm opposite of your kicking leg and balancing on the mat.

Lunges

Almost done! Lunges are sort of like trust falls between you and your ankles. When you do lunges, make sure you’re going slow and steady to avoid losing your balance or injuring yourself.

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Step one foot forward slightly, moving the opposite foot backward. Push your hips forward to deepen the stretch in your thigh and hip muscles. Repeat with the opposite leg.

You know how important it is to take care of the human body and mind – start with yourself.

We hope you found these 6 quick and easy exercises to help you wake up helpful. Do you have any quick and easy exercises to share? Comment them below.

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 RTG Medical

August 4, 2023

3934 Views

What are Guaranteed Hours?

Posted on August 4, 2023August 4, 2023 by RTG Medical

RTG Medical provided this article.

The “guaranteed hours” clause is common in healthcare traveler contracts, but it’s often misunderstood. So, what exactly does it mean?

Some travelers believe they’ll be paid for the hours outlined in their contract regardless of whether they work them. Others assume it’s a form of financial support from the agency while they’re away from home base. Additionally, some view it as insurance to protect their salary if the census drops or they’re not scheduled as frequently as promised. However, the meaning of “guaranteed hours” can differ depending on how it’s covered in the contract, causing uncertainty for many.

Protects the Traveler and the Agency

Healthcare staffing agencies use contracts that include guaranteed hours to protect both the agency and the medical facility. This agreement ensures that revenue is generated by both parties to cover costs. The agency’s ability to cover expenses is directly impacted by the hours the traveler works at the medical facility. This policy benefits both the traveler and the agency by ensuring payment, even if a facility becomes overstaffed. Maintaining a proper patient-to-staff ratio in hospitals is a constant challenge due to fluctuating census, sick employee calls, vacations, and other variables.

So Who Guarantees Your Hours?

When a traveler signs a contract, the contracted agency is obligated to guarantee and pay for their hours. Nevertheless, the facility to which the traveler is assigned often commits to a minimum number of hours as well. This guarantee from the facility to the agency guarantees that the facility can meet its financial obligations while also fulfilling its agreement with the traveler. It’s important to note that the contracted agency bears the responsibility of fulfilling its obligations to the traveler.

Read and Understand Your Contract

The guaranteed hours policy can vary between hospitals and regions and sometimes even within different facilities. It’s crucial to thoroughly review the contract, including the fine print, to avoid any surprises during your assignment. While some hospitals may guarantee all promised hours, others may allow up to three shifts to be canceled within a 13-week period without compensation. Some contracts offer more flexibility, allowing one shift cancellation per week while still meeting guaranteed hours obligations.

It’s essential to keep in mind that contracts can change at different times of the year, and floating to other units within your scope of practice may be necessary to fulfill the guarantee. In a major metropolitan area, you may need to float between multiple hospitals to fulfill your guaranteed hours. Please note that asking for specific days off may result in not receiving guaranteed hours if it doesn’t fit within the hospital’s schedule.

While guaranteed hours may seem straightforward, the execution can sometimes be more complex. To avoid any misunderstandings, thoroughly read and understand your contract.

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 Leslie Catalano

July 3, 2023

1851 Views

Journaling with Purpose: Journaling Tips for Travel Nurses

Posted on July 3, 2023July 3, 2023 by Leslie Catalano

As everyone knows, healthcare can be a difficult environment to work in. Long hours, being short-staffed, and taking care of sick patients make nursing and other healthcare jobs hard. Many nurses find journaling a good way to de-stress in between shifts.

Benefits of Journaling.

Journaling has been shown to have several benefits, including:

Reduces symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression
Improves mood and overall mental health.
Improves sleep.
Enhances the immune system.
Decreases compassion fatigue and burnout among nurses.
Helps a person understand and manage their emotions.

If you are new to journaling, you may find it difficult to get started. You sit down with your notebook. Open it to the first page with the intent to write something great, but your mind goes blank. You have no idea what to write about. So, you start off just writing about your day but then find that journaling is not really helping you with your mental health and is just a log of all the things you have done throughout the week. It can even be hard for people who have journaled for years to figure out what to write about. This is when journal prompts can be helpful.

What is a Journal Prompt?

A journal prompt is a question, sentence, or quote that helps you jump-start your thoughts. For example, the question, “Was today a good day?” might be a prompt. From here, you would just write about whether you felt like you had a good day. These easy questions help you focus your thoughts, and depending on what you write, it can help you figure out your feelings about your day.

Journal prompts can also help give your journaling a purpose.

If you are turning to a journal to help you through a situation you are struggling with or to move forward from a difficult experience, it is important not to just write about your feelings but how to change your perspective about a situation.

In nursing, we are exposed to many traumatic experiences and challenging issues, but we don’t always give ourselves the time and space to process those emotions. Or we get stuck in a mental loop where we might feel sad or guilty about a situation and are not able to move past the experience.

It can be life-changing

I have personally experienced this several times in my nursing career. The first time, one of my patients died. An emergency gone wrong. A medication error. All these things can make us feel terrible about ourselves. Journaling about this situation can be beneficial, but if done correctly, journaling can be life-changing.

The difference between just journaling and changing your life all has to do with the way you journal. If you just focus on your negative feelings, you can exacerbate those feelings and feel worse. What you want to do is change your perspective about your experience. Change the way you think and feel about the event. This can be achieved by using the right type of prompts. Ones that will help you dive deeper into why you are feeling the way you do and help you find a different way to view your struggle or your issues.

Types of prompt books

There are several different types of journal prompt books you can use. For example, a gratitude journal will have prompts that help you look at the positive parts of your life. Wellness journals may have prompts to help you focus on your health.

As nurses, we are exposed to unique experiences that not everyone understands. The following journal prompt books were written by a nurse and designed to focus your journaling. The questions are designed to help you explore all your feelings, good and bad, while at the same time helping you build skills to improve your daily health and wellness.

Whatever type of journal prompts you choose to use, every nurse should start the habit of journaling. It does not have to be with just a pen and paper either.

There are several different types of journaling, such as:

Reflective- This is when you write about what has happened in your day and what you think about it.
Mindfulness- This is when you focus on what is going on in the moment and write about your surroundings.
Gratitude- This is when you focus and write about things you are grateful for.

So, whether you are new to journaling or have been journaling for a while, journal prompts can increase the benefits you get from writing. They can help you figure out what to write and change your perspective on things, which in turn, can change your life.

Do you journal as a travel nurse or travel healthcare worker? Do you find that it helps you? If you would like to share your story or any tips you may have, comment below.

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 RTG Medical

May 4, 2023

3227 Views

Skills Every Healthcare Traveler Should Have

Posted on May 4, 2023 by RTG Medical

RTG Medical provided this article.

Traveling healthcare professionals, whether nurses or other medical professionals, play a critical role in providing medical services to patients and filling staffing gaps around the country. To succeed in this field, healthcare travelers should possess unique skills and qualities that allow them to adapt quickly to new environments, work independently, and provide high-quality patient care. Here are the critical skills that every traveling healthcare professional should have to excel in their roles.

Adaptability

Traveling healthcare professionals often work in new and unfamiliar environments, adapting to new cities, facilities, staff, policies, and contracts. Having the ability to adjust to new situations is essential to success. In addition to adapting to new environments, several aspects of adaptability are necessary for traveling medical professionals:

Flexibility: Quickly adjusting to schedule changes, patient needs, and healthcare protocols is crucial.
Open-mindedness: Being open to new ideas and approaches can lead to better patient care and more effective teamwork with colleagues.
Resilience: Medical professionals often face difficult situations and high-stress environments. Having the ability to bounce back from setbacks is an integral part of adaptability.

By cultivating these skills, healthcare travelers can thrive in their work and provide the best patient care possible.

Clinical Expertise

Of course, having strong communication skills is essential for any medical professional. As a healthcare traveler, you should be confident in providing quality care in various clinical settings.

As a healthcare traveler, you’ll encounter diverse patients, each with a unique medical history, cultural background, and language barrier. Improving your clinical expertise can provide better care and build stronger patient relationships.

Taking continuing education courses, attending medical conferences, and learning about the latest medical advancements can improve your clinical expertise. Moreover, you can also seek mentorship from experienced healthcare professionals to improve your skills and knowledge. You can build stronger relationships with your patients and provide the best care possible by constantly improving your clinical expertise.

Communication

Effective communication is crucial in any healthcare setting. As a traveling medical professional, you must communicate with patients and other healthcare professionals. Strong communication skills are fundamental in the healthcare industry, where clear and concise communication can be a matter of life and death. As a traveling medical professional, you’ll encounter a diverse range of patients and healthcare providers, each with their own unique communication styles and needs.

Here are some tips for effective communication in a healthcare setting:

Listen Actively: Take the time to truly listen to patients and colleagues and ask clarifying questions when needed.
Be clear and concise: Use simple language and avoid complicated medical terminology when speaking with patients. In addition, be precise and use appropriate terminology when talking with other medical professionals.
Use nonverbal cues: Body language and tone of voice can convey just as much information as words. Make eye contact, use appropriate facial expressions, and pay attention to your tone and pitch.
Be respectful: Treat everyone with respect and empathy, regardless of their background or circumstances. This includes patients, their families, and your colleagues.
Use technology wisely: With the rise of telemedicine and remote work, it’s important to be comfortable using technology to communicate. Ensure you understand how to use any communication tools you’ll be using and be mindful of privacy and security concerns.

By practicing these communication skills, you’ll be better equipped to provide quality patient care and collaborate effectively with your colleagues, no matter where your travels take you.

Time Management

Being a traveling healthcare professional means working in different locations with varying schedules. Effective time management skills are crucial in keeping you organized and meeting deadlines. Here are some tips to help you manage your time more efficiently:

Use a planner or calendar to keep track of your schedule and deadlines, including travel time.
Prioritize your tasks based on their importance and urgency to avoid procrastination and stay focused on the essential tasks.
Minimize distractions while working by turning off your phone or finding a quiet workspace.
Take short breaks throughout the day to avoid burnout and increase productivity. Use this time to stretch or take a walk.
Stay flexible and adaptable because unexpected changes may occur that require you to adjust your schedule or priorities.

By implementing these time management strategies, you can stay organized, efficient, and productive while working as a traveling medical professional.

As a traveler, you may face additional challenges, such as jet lag or adjusting to different time zones. To help combat these challenges, consider the following tips:

Get a good night’s sleep before traveling to your next location
Try to adjust your sleep schedule gradually before arriving at your destination
Stay hydrated and eat healthy meals to keep your energy levels up
Take advantage of any downtime during travel, such as waiting at the airport, to catch up on work or rest
If possible, schedule your work tasks around your natural energy patterns. For example, if you are more alert in the morning, schedule your most important tasks for that time.

By incorporating these additional tips into your time management strategies, you can ensure that you are organized and productive and care for your physical and mental well-being while working in different locations.

Emotional Intelligence

As a traveling nurse, it’s essential to recognize that patient care extends beyond medical interventions. Cultural differences can significantly impact patient care, making it crucial to take the time to learn about a patient’s cultural background and beliefs. This helps to provide respectful and culturally appropriate care, which can make all the difference in a patient’s recovery.

Patients may experience feelings of vulnerability or anxiety, particularly if they are in an unfamiliar setting. Explaining procedures and treatments clearly and compassionately can help alleviate these feelings and put patients at ease.

Sometimes, you may encounter patients with complex medical histories or conditions requiring specialized care. Working closely with the patient’s healthcare team is essential to ensure the patient receives the best possible care.

Overall, empathy and openness to understanding each patient’s unique needs and circumstances are crucial for providing high-quality care. As a traveling nurse, approaching each patient with these qualities will improve their physical and emotional health.

To succeed as a healthcare traveler, one must possess various skills, including adaptability, clinical expertise, communication, time management, and emotional intelligence. Adaptability is crucial when working in new and unfamiliar environments, and clinical expertise can enhance patient care. Effective communication can convey information with clarity and empathy; time management skills can help you stay organized and efficient. Emotional intelligence is essential in recognizing cultural differences and providing respectful, culturally appropriate care. By mastering these skills, healthcare travelers can provide high-quality patient care and make the most out of each assignment.

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

Ways to Stand Out as a Travel Nurse

Polish the Resume –

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Ace the Interview.

Build Strong Relationships –

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

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