March 1, 2025

2766 Views

Summer Contracts Will Be Here Soon–What You Need to Know

Posted on March 1, 2025March 1, 2025 by Alex McCoy

Here is your official reminder that summer contracts will be coming up soon! Winter rates will be winding down before we know it, and it’s always good to have a plan to get through summertime as a travel nurse. Less flu and respiratory patients mean the census will drop, and job postings will inevitably decrease, but that does not mean you will be unemployed this summer. You can find the perfect summer contract with a little planning and preparation. Here are some tips to do just that.

Summer contracts: what you need to know:

1. Strategize Your Extensions

How are you feeling about your current contract? Is it doable for a little while longer? Even if it isn’t your favorite unit or location, if the pay is right and you have decent housing, it might be worth considering an extension. A lot of the time, units may keep current travelers even if they are not actively hiring additional travelers. Use that to your advantage!

2. Have Profiles on File With Multiple Agencies

Now is the time to make sure you have relationships with more than one agency. The more options you have for jobs, the better! Each agency will have different relationships with facilities, so you never know what one recruiter might have that’s different from your current recruiter. Not sure how to find a new company to work with? Check out our list of Top Travel Nurse Agencies for 2023.

3. Save Money Now

While you are still making money on winter rates, make sure to save a little extra. As travel nurses, it’s always good to have an emergency fund, but it is especially important going into summer. Sometimes, if you can’t find a summer contract you’re interested in for the summer months, you might be able to take some time off instead.

4. Consider PRN Work

If you are having trouble finding a summer contract to work, you might see if you can sign on PRN for a hospital at your current location OR back home. Working PRN usually gets you a higher hourly rate but requires less commitment than a full-time job. Some agencies even do PRN staffing, so look into that as well.

5. Work a Less Desirable Specialty

Have LTAC experience but prefer to work ICU? During the summer slow down, it might be time to bust out your other skills. Try broadening your search by looking into summer contracts in areas that you have experience with but don’t “love.” Of course, you can’t work as a traveler in an area you have zero experience in, so if you have only ever done one specialty, this isn’t a great option. And remember–you can do anything for 13 weeks!

6. Don’t. Panic.

Every single year around springtime, the travel nursing pages are full of travelers complaining that the market is crashing, there are no more jobs, and the rates are plummeting. If you are an experienced traveler, you understand that this, too, shall pass. Stay calm, and remember that the travel nurse industry is one of supply and demand. Once fall rolls back around, respiratory admissions will go up, and the market will stabilize. It happens every year like clockwork!

If your desire is to work full-time, year-round, as a travel nurse, it is completely doable. Summer might be a slower time, but if you plan ahead and communicate with your recruiters, you should be able to stay employed. Also, remember that flexibility is key in this industry. You might not get your perfect summer placement, but if your goal is to keep working, you might have to make some concessions in one area or another.

We hope you found this article on summer contracts and what you should know now to prepare for them. Do you have any tips for preparing for summer contracts? Comment them below.

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 Alex McCoy

February 21, 2025

1064 Views

The Best Places for Travel Nurses to Find Housing in 2025

Posted on February 21, 2025February 19, 2025 by Alex McCoy

Finding a place to stay as a travel nurse can often seem like the hardest part of the job. From horror stories to exorbitant prices, short-term or mid-term furnished housing definitely has its ups and downs. But just like anything else–the longer you do this, the easier it gets. Here are some tried and true ways to find housing as a travel nurse in 2025.

Facebook Groups

Did you know The Gypsy Nurse has a group dedicated solely to travel nurse housing? This page is an open forum where landlords who specifically cater to travelers can post their properties. You can also use this page to vet landlords by asking for feedback from the community.

Be aware: as with anything on social media, do your due diligence before sending money or signing a contract with someone online. Not sure if the place is legit? Try booking a hotel for the first week of your assignment so you can see a place in person before you actually rent it.

AirBnB/VRBO

Short-term rental sites can be nice because the landlords are verified, and there is a middleman in case you have any issues with your rental. Most landlords also offer discounts for stays over 30 days, and you can narrow down your search with filters if needed.

This is also a great option if you’re looking to save money by staying in a furnished room rather than a private house.

The only downside is these rentals may cost a bit more due to the fees associated with the platforms, and you aren’t allowed to communicate or negotiate outside of the platform.

Furnished Finder

An oldie but a goodie–Furnished Finder coins themselves as a “midterm rental” company–meaning stays over 30 days. All of their units are (you guessed it) furnished. Furnished Finder is great because the landlords like to cater to business professionals and healthcare workers. In addition, the cost to list on Furnished Finder is less than other platforms, so rent for these units is usually more affordable.

Extended Stay Hotels

A lot of travel nurses will skip over this option because they assume it will be too costly, but a lot of the time that isn’t the case! The key to getting the best deal on an extended-stay hotel is to call and speak with someone directly. Certain fees may be waived for long-term stays, and a lot of the rates online won’t be quite accurate.

Plus, living in an extended-stay hotel may offer you other perks that save you money, such as free breakfast, free paper goods, on-site gyms, etc. Don’t rule this option out if you haven’t looked into it thoroughly!

Travel Company Contacts

While most travel nurse agencies don’t have specific housing specialists anymore, they may have contacts in certain places that could help you with housing. For example, if a current traveler at the company rents a room in their tax home, your recruiter may be able to connect you.

Or, if they have several travel nurses in one area, they could reach out and ask them for housing leads in the area. You never know if you don’t ask!

Your Hiring Manager

Since travel nursing has become more common, some staff nurses have actually realized the potential of renting out rooms or secondary properties to travelers on their units. If you are really struggling to find housing in a certain area, you might reach out to the hiring manager to see if anyone on the unit has a space for rent.

The other thing that will happen occasionally is a travel nurse will book a spot for a month or two, and then once they make connections on the unit they will be able to move in with a coworker.

The key to successfully obtaining travel nurse housing is to stay flexible and be creative at times. There is not a one-size-fits-all answer to travel nurse housing, and most nurses will all have their own preferred platform or method for securing housing. Keep an open mind, don’t be afraid to talk to people, and never be afraid to ask around. The worst that can happen is you get told no!

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 Annie Rueb

February 9, 2025

5646 Views

Learning by Default: Homeschooling on the Road

Posted on February 9, 2025February 9, 2025 by Annie Rueb

We are huge believers that kids enhance your life and travel dreams instead of hindering you or holding you back.

Learning by Default: Homeschooling on the Road

When I was pregnant, we backpacked in Europe and hiked mountains in Arizona. When our girls were infants, we took them tent camping, hiking, and exploring every chance we got. They grew up going on adventures anytime we had a day off.

When we decided to do travel nursing, we knew they would adapt well to the continuation of their current lifestyle. That wasn’t the scary part. What intimidated us was the immense responsibility of educating them along the way.

We are both nurses but decided that I would homeschool the girls while their Dad took nursing contracts. This would bring an element of consistency to our lives that we could all rely on. I’m a nurse, I love kids, but I am not a teacher. I have incredible respect for teachers and all that they do, and that respect continues to grow on a daily basis.

Learning by default

As we continue to navigate this part of our lives, we have begun to understand that as we travel, our kids are learning by default.

They are learning to be kind and to have the confidence to make a friend and try new things.

They are learning to love the Earth and growing a deep drive to protect it.

They are learning about geography and weather as we travel from state to state, from coast to coast, and from deserts to rain forests.

They are learning about different cultures, people, and foods in various parts of the United States.

They are National Park experts and thrive in natural environments. They are great at spotting animals and learning about each one as we go.

They are learning so much about history.

They hike in indigenous lands and on trails where battles once took place. They see the changes made by civil rights activists and have witnessed current fights for equality and conservation. They’ve walked where Benjamin Franklin has walked. They’ve been inside the Statue of Liberty and seen the immigration process on Ellis Island. They’ve seen the lava path that Mt. St Helens created when it erupted. The list goes on.

School is all around us. So, by default, they are learning.

I know these experiences are more important than anything I teach them. But I still want to teach them. I want them to be confident readers and writers, understand math and push for more answers in science.

So, we homeschool. After doing this for almost two years, I finally feel a tiny bit more comfortable. We are in a rhythm and have found a 2nd and 4th-grade curriculum that is challenging, interactive, and fun for all of us. I teach them while their Dad is on shift. We typically have school days 3-4 days a week for 4-6 hours per day, depending on the week. We follow a secular-based structured curriculum, and I have the ability to speed things up and slow things down based on their needs. We do a lot of reading and listen to audiobooks throughout the day. And luckily, we live in campgrounds, so going outside to play between subjects is super easy.

They socialize all the time.

They interact with kids that we meet everywhere we go. They have learned to seize the moment and make a friend when they have the chance. They stay in touch with their friends from home and new friends they have found along the way. They write letters and make phone calls and hang on to the hope that our paths will cross again. These friends are all of different ages and backgrounds and might have completely different interests. But that’s the beauty of it. They find common ground and enjoy the time they have together.

Despite all of this, I doubt myself constantly. Teaching them is not easy. I can’t even pretend that it is. I hold the weight of the world on my shoulders when it comes to their education. I’m always worried that they will be behind in writing or that I’m not teaching them division correctly. I worry they are missing out on something. Maybe it is impossible to avoid this kind of doubt.

I am their mother, their teacher, their playmate, their activity planner… I am so many roles to them that sometimes it’s hard for me to switch back and forth. And wow, do I need a break sometimes!! But let me tell you how hard it is to snag some alone time in a motorhome…

That is when I cling to the fact that I know they are also learning by default. I remind myself that they are growing all the time and absorbing so much of the world around them.

They are learning to be the globally minded, kind, and adventurous humans that we only hoped and dreamed for them to be.

So for anyone out there considering travel nursing with kids, do it! Even if the homeschool part is scary. Remember that they learn so much by default, and you can have fun with some basic homeschool as you go.

And as a bonus, they will teach you more than you could ever imagine.

We hope you found this article from Annie and her family on homeschooling on the road helpful. Are you a travel nurse family that homeschools? How do you make it work? Do you have any tips to share? Comment them below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Have the assignment but need to find housing? 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 Michele Maxey

February 3, 2025

2582 Views

How I Sort Out a Good Fit for Traveling

Posted on February 3, 2025February 3, 2025 by Michele Maxey

How do you know a good fit for traveling? What makes us traveler nurses “travel” depends on so many different pain points. Some states don’t pay enough; I know of two RNs from Alabama who frequently pair up, leave their spouse and kids behind, and set out for financially greener pastures. Some of us, like me, are tired of the mundane of our hometown and want to see something new and exciting. I found the cultures of metro Phoenix and Anchorage to be a great contrast to southern Ohio. Others are avid outdoor adventure enthusiasts and seek out great skiing or rock-climbing areas. Or perhaps you still love nursing, but you just can’t stand to be asked to take on committees anymore (corporate commitments that yield no money and rare change), and you need to start anew. Whichever of these apply to you, I find that landing that perfect assignment takes a little personal work outside of what your recruiter provides. Below are steps I take to sort out a good fit for a travel assignment.

Steps for sorting out a good fit for a travel assignment:

1. Read up on the company

Before I get the interview, I try to learn about the hospital or healthcare system that I am applying to. General search engine sleuthing usually yields a decent amount of information, especially with sites like Glassdoor, where one can read up on employee complaints/concerns. Also, I personally go in and review their mission statement to see if it aligns with my personal values or see how vague it is, and measure if publicized behaviors contradict what they proclaim. For instance, if they say “ they are committed to the improvement of human life” but then have also shut down critical access health sites during a takeover, this lends information to the question of what the corporate atmosphere is—not an absolute deal breaker for a short term assignment but will be highly relative to things like social services and continuity of care into the community.

Insider resources are also important. This includes asking my recruiter to talk with other travelers who have worked with that facility. Sometimes, the recruiter will tell you this is their first time working with the facility. Other times, they may be hesitant to discuss things as a “tough assignment, but the pay is good.” Insider resources also include online chat boards—I never completely discount gossip. These things allow me to weigh out whether certain company behaviors are tolerable to achieve my goals and if it will be a good fit for me as a travel assignment.

2. To Thine Own Self Be True

After my longevity in the nursing field, I am aware of my skill set, what it was, and what I can brush up on to be sufficient. For instance, I used to be a high-risk Labor and Delivery nurse with a lactation certification; that was fifteen years ago, and I no longer possess that acumen in relation to the liability of that arena of nursing. I currently am a CVICU nurse, and my skillset is managing complicated heart failure, among other things, but I communicate what machinery and therapies I am familiar with and what is different from the facility that I am applying to. Sometimes, when jumping between two levels of acuity( sometimes you have a mismatch of ideal place and exact area of expertise), I need to refresh my mind on certain steps for procedures. Luckily, we all live in the Age of Information, and there are literally thousands of professionally backed and collegiate-affiliated YouTube videos out there on every medical and nursing topic for free. They also have teaching videos available for every flavor of electronic health record if the assignment seems golden. However, managing the software platform to chart on seems like a herculean task.

3. Things to ask During the Telephone Interview

In times past, I felt awkward asking specifics about the unit’s operations. I don’t know why; maybe I thought it was a corporate secret, or I was violating the boundaries of good hospitality. Whichever it was, I woke up and realized that this is a business relationship, and I needed to know what kind of environment I was doing business in.

I usually start with general questions like how many beds are in the unit and then how many nurses are staffed each shift. I then ask about support staff, such as unit clerks, monitor techs, and nurses’ aides; this gives me a better idea of my full responsibilities, as I might not have been expecting that I would field phone calls from outside the hospital, etc.

This is usually followed by things like what is the staff mix and staff support. If the nurse educator has just been let go and the staff are mainly new grads, the hospital may be looking at me to be a support structure and knowledge base for those staff. This can end up being difficult if staff are resistant to the presence of travelers—so I weigh this into my equation of acceptance. I also like knowing how many other travelers are currently employed with that particular unit. From personal experience, I know that a unit staffed almost exclusively with travelers can be chaotic and sometimes adversarial, as each person has their way of doing things. Still, no one is immersed in the company’s way of doing things.

4. Shift Requirements and Scheduling Policies

If I start an assignment for the adventure potential that the location promised, I am going to be sad if block scheduling isn’t an option. I find it wise to talk out needed time off with my recruiter ahead of time. Usually, I know when a family vacation is coming up or a major milestone like my parent’s wedding anniversary (mom has been planning for months, so missing it is an act of heresy); then I have put it into the written contract so that there aren’t questions later.

When it comes to the question-and-answer portion of the telephone interview, I tend to discuss the required weekends and holidays. Some places are staunch on “every other” policies; other’s pain points are Mondays and Fridays, and they could care less about weekends. Still, others refuse to pay for travelers on holidays, so you can have that all to yourself. Clarity in this area lends itself to greater satisfaction on both sides. Making a potential good fit for a travel assignment.

5. Asking about the Primary Care Providers

This is an interesting area of conversation. Knowing what type of primary providers I am working with, plus the legal and political hierarchy, and how I can easily contact them is very important to how my patient will receive care. I feel this is even more necessary when I take night shift assignments, as there are fewer providers to contact when issues surface. Firstly, I ask if this is a teaching facility and if are there resident physicians who will be practicing in my unit. The presence of first- and second-year residents requires a certain level of personal confidence, negotiation tactics, and strong skills by the nurse. If things ever sound questionable, I run things up the chain to the chief resident because the purpose of doctors’ residency is learning.

Additionally, what is provider overnight coverage in the hospital, as I sometimes work the night shift? I have encountered tough situations in which patients were intubated. Still, the

In summary, taking these steps to sort out a good fit for a travel assignment and addressing these topics has led me to better satisfaction going into a contract. I feel more at peace knowing the potential of the interdependence of staff going into the contract.

We hope you found these steps I take to sort out a good fit for a travel assignment helpful. Are there any steps you take to make sure a travel assignment will be a good fit for you? Are there tell-tale signs that an assignment may not be a good fit that you have found? Tell us about them in the comments below.

And knowing when I can schedule time off to have adventures and see the landscape makes me even happier.

Interested in a travel nursing job? Our job board is a great place to search for assignments, and if housing is an issue, our housing page can help. It’s time to make a difference!

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 Brandy Pinkerton

February 1, 2025

4692 Views

I Hate My Assignment, Now What?

Posted on February 1, 2025February 1, 2025 by Brandy Pinkerton

If you have been a travel nurse for a while, you have undoubtedly experienced an assignment you didn’t love. Hate is a strong word, but if I’m being 100% honest, I have had an assignment along the way that, in my mind, I hated. There is nothing worse than getting your hopes up about a new travel assignment than getting the “rug pulled out from you” when it doesn’t quite meet your expectations. If you have read any of my blogs or listened to any of my live events, then you know I am one of those people who speak from the heart.

So, I’m going to help you get to the root of the problem, and unfortunately, it may require you to ask yourself some tough questions. If this is your first assignment, I encourage you to give yourself some grace and not give up because not all assignments will be this way, trust me!!

Why do you not like it?

#1 Is the assignment Unsafe?

Know the difference between unsafe practices and simply not agreeing with how something is done or not liking how something is done. I have been a nurse for nearly 20 years and have learned there is more than one “right” way to do things. As long as you are providing safe patient care and achieving the same goal, do things how that facility wants you to do it.

They, unfortunately, don’t want to hear how you did it at your last job! Every facility likely does things just a little differently than you are used to. Know how to use your resources and how to access their policy and procedures on day 1 of orientation. Now, if patient safety or safe staffing ratios is a concern, that is a whole other issue that I could write an entire blog post about, so for time purposes will briefly go over what to do if you are put into an undesirable situation. What exactly is making you feel unsafe?

Do you have poor patient ratios? Do you feel like you’re not well prepared to handle your assignment? If it’s something small, I encourage you to go to the charge nurse or management and discuss it with them. Talking with management may not change anything, but if you approach the subject positively, then maybe you’ll get some great feedback out of it and have an immediate plan of action. If not, know your chain of command and how to use it. Call and speak to your recruiter and a member of your company clinical team asap for guidance.

Mentor PRO Tip: Choosing a company that offers 24/7 Clinical coverage is important in the early stages of preparing to become a travel nurse. You never know when you will need them, and although I highly encourage you to keep your recruiter in the loop at all times, at the end of the day, they are not usually a clinician, so you want to have as many resources to help you if the need arises. Travel Nurse Company: Basics to Choosing the Right One (thegypsynurse.com)

#2 Is the Staff Unwelcoming?

I’ve had my fair share of catty and click-ish nurses over the years, and unfortunately, I wish I had a magic answer for this. Poor leadership can also fall into this category. Understand, their behavior is a reflection of themselves, and their unhappiness really likely has nothing to do with you. Misery loves company, so just let them be. My philosophy is just to kill them with kindness and take the higher road. Easier said than done, I know!! I try to just find common ground with them and be my happy, helpful self and usually win them over!!

#3 Is it just not What you Expected?

The expectation is the root of all heartache when it comes to life lessons, and this also applies to travel nursing. I don’t know about you, but this has been something I have struggled with personally and professionally. The Children’s Hospital that grew me as a nurse really set the bar high when it comes to being a stellar facility. So much so that I spent 15 years there before traveling. It was just a great place to work, and I will always be partial to them. Other facilities I have traveled to came with their own uniqueness and helped me grow in my career.

The great thing about traveling is you get to “try on” other facilities, so to speak, to see if they are a good fit for you; if they aren’t, then you are only committed to 13 weeks. If so, maybe you will consider extending or coming back one day! It’s all about your perspective, so I encourage you to stay optimistic; there will be good takeaways no matter what!!

#4 Is it you? (Don’t hate me here)

Have you had this issue more than one time? Did you leave your home hospital because you weren’t getting along with anyone and needed to start over? This is a tough one to consider-gulp! But sometimes, as I have gotten older and wiser (LOL) and able to self-reflect more, I will admit that sometimes the problem has been me.

For example, I struggled with an assignment right after I left flight nursing. As a flight nurse, you have A LOT of autonomy, and I earned respect and trust at the hospital I worked out with the staff and especially the physicians from the type of relationship I had with them. Then, when I went back to a bedside travel job at a brand new facility, they gave me an ego check very quickly. It was a hard transition back to being a bedside nurse; I am not going to lie. It was a facility where the physicians did not, unfortunately, seem to trust their core staff nor gave them much autonomy.

Several physicians were known to “talk down” to staff, and later the nurses told me that it was a losing battle, that managers knew, and unfortunately, they just learned to keep their mouth quiet and take the disrespect, which makes me so sad!

So, it took a couple of shifts of me being on my own to run into the experience where the physician treated me like, well, quite frankly, I was stupid. I really enjoyed my co-workers and the facility, so I had to learn to just bite my tongue to make it through the assignment. Unless patient safety was a concern, then, of course, I would speak up. Plus, I really only ran into that doctor every couple of weeks.

Despite all of that, if asked, I would go back to the facility in a heartbeat. So, is it you?? Take time to reflect on yourself and ask yourself the hard questions. If it is you, I’d recommend sticking it out, making the most of it, and then doing some work on yourself so that you don’t have these same issues in the future. Please know that I say this all with love and your best interest at heart.

What to do if you hate your assignment:

– Keep the line of communication open with your recruiter at all times so they can intervene early if necessary.

-Seek advice from a clinical team member with your agency

-Speak with the charge nurse and unit manager. Try to follow the proper chain of command (make sure you ask what that is during your first week of orientation)

-Always CYA!! Keep a paper/email trail of all conversations. Make sure to save emails and texts and also take a pic with your phone. To avoid forgetting details, physically write down specific events, convos, names, dates, and times to have so you remember exactly what happened.

***At the end of the day, I will ALWAYS tell you that your mental health comes first!!

Unless it is unsafe, I encourage you to Stick it Out.

You can do anything for 13 weeks. Remember your goals and your “why” (Preparing for a Career as a Travel Nurse – TRAVEL NURSE 101) and that you’re there for a reason. Your patients count on you to show up, be present, and do your best. I don’t encourage you to be taken advantage of, so know your boundaries but also take responsibility for your commitments. You will grow both professionally and personally, too!

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.

By Ariel and Oscar - That Travel Nurse Couple

January 30, 2025

3235 Views

Travel Nursing With a Partner: 3 Tips to Make it Work

Posted on January 30, 2025January 31, 2025 by Ariel and Oscar - That Travel Nurse Couple

This year marks our 2nd year of travel nursing together, and we have learned so much about ourselves and each other on this wild journey. We have been asked a lot of questions about travel nursing with a partner while we have been on the road, but no question has been asked more than, “How can you guys spend so much time together?” The answer is simple: it’s easy when it’s with the right person.

To be honest, I never thought that I would be the type of person who COULD spend so much time with my significant other, but I can wholeheartedly say that it has been the best way to travel nurse. Plus, it really is great getting to spend so much time with the person you love.

Jumping from city to city and hospital to hospital is daunting, to say the least. I applaud any and everyone who travel nurses alone because it is truly no small feat. However, if you decide you want to take on the world of travel nursing with a buddy or a significant other, here are a few tips to make the transition much easier!

Communication.

We know this is the key to any long-lasting friendship or relationship, but I think we all could use a reminder every now and then. Before you set off on your assignment together, lay out what your expectations are. Expectations for the assignment, what your goals are (this is especially important if you are traveling as a couple), and what your expectations of each other are. This is important for friendships especially – what chores will you each do? How will you split the bills?

Communication throughout the assignment will be just as important as it was in the beginning as well. When you are in a new environment, it’s totally normal to cling to familiarity (each other, for example), but everyone deals with these changes differently. Make sure you are discussing these things with your travel partner to avoid any negative or hurt feelings.

Set up dates.

Or, if you are traveling with a friend, set up a time to hang out away from work if you want to, especially if you are working in the same unit. As a couple, it can be so easy to fall into a coworker/roommate sort of mentality when you not only live with your travel partner but work alongside them as well. You have to remember to prioritize your relationship aside from those things and make a conscious effort to set aside quality time for the two of you. This can happen in all relationships, but even more so when you spend so much time together.

The great news is, being in new places all the time, there is never a shortage of things to do or see. This means that you can always have great dates and you don’t even need to spend a lot of money! Check out local events and parks, and get creative when planning these dates. You can even take turns each week, so it doesn’t always fall on the same person.

Alone is not lonely.

As wonderful as it is traveling with your partner, sometimes you just want some time to yourself, and that’s okay! We all need different amounts of alone time, but that’s why communicating how much you need is so important. Needing alone time does not mean you are tired of your partner or need space. It just means you might want to read a book or watch a TV show for an hour or two. These are all very normal things and incredibly healthy for relationships in the long run. If you are the type of person who doesn’t necessarily care about alone time, make sure you are understanding of your partner who might need that alone time.

Some additional tips: Ensure that the person you choose to travel with is honest, trustworthy, levelheaded, and easy to communicate with, at the very least! Also, if you do happen to work on the same unit together, always keep it professional (especially if you are a couple!) and offer help to everyone on the unit (not just your partner).

These are just a few basic tips to help make your transition into travel nursing as a couple or as friends a little bit easier! Know that not every day will be perfect, and just like everything else, there will be good days and bad days. Make sure that when you are deciding who you would like to travel nurse with, you are taking these tips into account. Unfortunately, choosing the wrong travel partner can really turn what could be a great experience into a not-so-great one. Best of luck on your future travels!

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 Mia Logan

January 27, 2025

4113 Views

How to Have a Successful Nursing Career in a Foreign Country

Posted on January 27, 2025January 27, 2025 by Mia Logan

The noble and fulfilling field of nursing is international. The prospect of fresh chances and experiences inspires many nurses to pursue their careers abroad. Whether you are thinking about relocating abroad to practice nursing or have already made the move, this guide will offer you insightful information and practical advice to help you have a prosperous nursing career abroad.

Research and Understand the Nursing Landscape

It’s essential to do extensive study and obtain a thorough understanding of the nursing environment in your selected location before starting your nursing career abroad. Learn about the country’s healthcare system, nursing license requirements, and rules governing the profession of nursing before you do anything else. Making educated selections regarding your professional path requires having a thorough understanding of the facilities that are available in that area, such as public hospitals, private clinics, and specialized care centers.

The process of comprehending the healthcare system has many facets. It entails exploring the system’s architecture, the financing of healthcare, the function of governmental organizations, and the unique difficulties it encounters.

Knowing that every country has a different approach to healthcare can not only assist you in navigating it but also give your nursing practice some context. Researching the accessibility of healthcare resources, such as pharmaceuticals and medical devices, is important because it can affect the kind of care you can deliver.

Credential Evaluation and Licensure

You normally need to have your qualifications reviewed and receive the required licensure in order to practice nursing abroad. Start early because the process can be complicated and time-consuming. The licensure procedure is governed by nursing regulating authorities in several nations. Be ready to present proof of your education, training, and professional experience. In order to prove your competency in the language of the host nation, you might also need to pass language proficiency tests like the IELTS or TOEFL.

For nurses working abroad, obtaining the required certifications and licensure is frequently a big obstacle. It’s crucial to carefully acquire all necessary paperwork and follow all deadlines set forth by regulations. Depending on your area of specialization, some nations may demand additional qualifications or tests. Always check with the appropriate regulatory body and follow their guidelines precisely to ensure a smooth transition into your new nursing role.

Continuing Education and Professional Development

With the development of medical research and technology, nursing is a dynamic subject that is always changing. Make a commitment to continued professional development if you want your nursing career in a foreign nation to succeed. Keep up with the most recent clinical procedures, medical developments, and rules. Look for chances to complete extra training or receive certification in nursing specialties that are in demand in the country where you will be working. Continuous learning improves both your abilities and your value as a resource for your healthcare organization.

Professional growth encompasses management and leadership abilities in addition to clinical expertise. Consider pursuing advanced degrees in nursing or healthcare administration to enhance your career prospects and impact on patient care. This is particularly true if you’re interested in making the most of your time abroad and learning as much as you can about nursing and working with different kinds of patients. The only way to make that happen is by finding a professional facility like the amazing John Sagar Renal Centre, where you can learn everything you need and stay with patients who are getting healthier and healthier before your eyes!

Cultural Competency and Adaptability

Nursing entails dealing with individuals from various cultural backgrounds in addition to providing medical treatment. Building trust with patients and providing high-quality treatment both depend on developing cultural competency. Spend some time getting to know the locals’ traditions, faiths, and values. Accept the chance to fully immerse oneself in the culture and be receptive to new ideas and methods of operation. For a successful nursing career overseas, cultural awareness and the capacity to function well in a multicultural context are essential abilities.

Understanding cultural variations is only one aspect of cultural competency; respect for various viewpoints and behaviors is another. Recognizing that each patient may have particular healthcare ideas and preferences is important. Empathy, attentive listening, and a readiness to cater to specific needs are all necessary for establishing trust with patients. Your nursing practice will be enriched by accepting cultural variety, and you’ll be better prepared to give patients individualized treatment that takes into account their cultural environment.

Networking and Building Relationships

Success in any field, including nursing, depends on developing a strong professional network. To network with peers, mentors, and possible employers, attend nursing conferences, seminars, and workshops in your host nation. Become a member of nursing associations or organizations that are pertinent to your profession. Networking can help you find employment, get support and direction, and learn the intricacies of your region’s healthcare system.

In addition to helping your career, networking allows you to share your knowledge and learn from others’ experiences. Engage with local nurses and medical experts to learn more about the special possibilities and difficulties faced by your host nation. Creating connections with people at work and in the larger nursing community can help you grow as a professional and as a person.

Adherence to Ethical and Legal Standards

Legal requirements and nursing ethics are global principles that direct the industry. Even in a foreign nation with distinct cultural norms and medical practices, it is crucial to uphold these standards. In your nursing practice, uphold the highest standards of integrity by respecting patient privacy, informed consent, and personal and professional boundaries. Make sure you are completely compliant by being familiar with the legislative framework governing nursing practice in your host nation. Following the law and ethical guidelines safeguards both your career and the profession of nursing as a whole.

Nursing practice involves fundamental ethical considerations that cut across cultural boundaries. You must put the needs of your patients first, respect their privacy and confidentiality, and act in their best interests. Learn about the nursing code of ethics in the nation where you are staying because it can have different rules or cultural quirks than what you are used to. Building confidence with patients, coworkers, and employers by consistently upholding ethical and legal standards enhances the standard of treatment.

It can be tremendously rewarding, both professionally and personally, to have a prosperous nursing career abroad. However, it necessitates thorough preparation, devotion, and ongoing learning. As you begin your nursing career abroad, keep in mind that there may be difficulties along the way, but with perseverance and the correct attitude, you can get through them and succeed in your chosen field. Following these recommendations will help you realize your career goals and have a good impact on healthcare systems all around the world. Nursing is a profession that is practiced all over the world. Your experience working as a nurse abroad will broaden your perspectives, aid in the well-being of many communities, and advance your professional development.

Interested in a travel nursing job? Our job board is a great place to search for assignments, and if housing is an issue, our housing page can help. It’s time to make a difference!

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 Megan

January 25, 2025

3745 Views

10 Things I Learned From My First Travel Assignment

Posted on January 25, 2025January 25, 2025 by Megan

“Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts. It even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.”

-Anthony Bourdain

What I learned from my first travel assignment:

1. Taxes are a real BIOTCH.

Get a tax professional’s help like www.travelnursetax.com to help you through the headache and loopholes. Don’t plan on getting any money back on taxes; you will likely have to pay, so plan for that.

2. I understand what it feels like to truly be an outsider.

The unit I was on was very “clicky,” and many were unwelcoming. It took a solid month before people would warm up, even in the slightest. I ultimately had to grow thicker skin. Traveling is not for the faint of heart! Not everyone you meet will like you, which is okay. Just keep plugging away and taking good care of your patients. It is only 13 weeks, right?

3. I learned so much as a nurse and about myself.

Also realized I have SO much to learn, and it will be endless learning. At times I will feel really stupid and make mistakes, but ultimately it will provide growth. Growth requires a bit of discomfort. That is partly why I chose this route. If you are looking to coast by, this is not the job for you.

4. I learned valuable skills but also picked up on what works and what doesn’t.

With many methods to do the same job, some are less than ideal. Know when to speak up if your “Spidey-Senses” are saying something is wrong. Ultimately it is your license on the line, a patient’s life. Trust your instincts above all.

5. I found strength and courage I did not think I had.

Against all odds and shadows of doubt, I showed up every day and gave my best. Amongst rude people who want to see you fail, a chaotic assignment most days and with very little gas left in my physical and mental tank. I showed up.

6. I valued the kind people who offered me nonjudgmental assistance.

I learned the magnitude of JUST BEING KIND to others and the difference it makes. Before travel, I always tried to include travelers in everything because I could only imagine how difficult the new transition was. Never forget how much a small gesture of kindness can help somebody!

7. I realized nurses are IMMENSELY underpaid, unappreciated, and undervalued.

Looking at my paychecks now, I feel like I am willing to work through hard days and go the extra mile because I am being paid well. You want the people caring for you to feel valued and compensated. It makes a difference. As a traveler, you have to deal with immense bullshit in unfamiliar environments, so there is a reason you are paid so well!

8. I had to learn to be extremely flexible and adaptable.

I offer a very chill exterior, but my inner self is a typical Type A, eldest child, control freak. You know, the typical nurse personality. I’ve appreciated a deep level of flexibility I did not even realize I had. I developed a more “well shit, here we go, we’ll just have to figure it out” attitude.

9. You will be expected to do more by some staff

you will sometimes get shittier assignments, but you know what? The day will go by fast; I can wipe the tears with hundred-dollar bills for 13 weeks. You’ll have good days and bad days, like any job!

10. For the love of god, trust your instincts and gut.

Even if they seem confident in their answer, permanent staff may be flying by the seat of their pants. This will help keep you from avoidable chaos. From here on, I will trust my instincts and ask the doctors or charge directly. Trust your instincts and do right for the patient.

I am thankful for taking the leap of faith into uncertainty and immense self and career growth. I think it will come with some troubling, stressful times, but it will also come with a vast amount of learning and experience. I think this path will take me in new directions, and I will just have to trust the timing of life.

The gypsy life is not for the faint heart, but it is worthwhile for new experiences. If you are thinking of traveling, you totally should jump on in!

Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk,

The Jet Set RN

How was your first travel assignment? What did you learn from it? Do you have any advice or tips for fellow travel nurses about to embark on their first travel assignment? 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 Geraldine Mills

January 23, 2025

3761 Views

9 Effective Workout Routines For Jobs With Long Work Duties

Posted on January 23, 2025January 23, 2025 by Geraldine Mills

Working long hours can be physically and mentally exhausting, taking a toll on your overall health. However, with the right preparation, you can improve your stamina and reduce the risk of injury.

One of the best ways to prepare your body for long work hours is to exercise regularly. But with so many different workout routines out there, it can be challenging to figure out what works best for you.

Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. In this article, we will highlight some of the best exercises to help you strengthen your body and mind for the work ahead.

1. Upper Body Strength

If you have demanding work duties, such as those in the medical field or in blue-collar jobs, it may be beneficial to focus on improving your upper body strength.

Working on your muscular strength in some way also enhances your muscular endurance. You won’t feel as drained after prolonged physical activity when you have better muscular endurance. You can then handle the demands of your job without feeling miserable after each duty.

If your work often involves lifting heavy objects (even people!) or carrying equipment, having well-conditioned muscles in your arms, shoulders, and back can also help reduce the risk of injury and discomfort.

When working out your upper body, you want to do six things:

Vertical pushing and pulling exercises.
Horizontal pushing and pulling.
Exercises that work on your ability to flex and extend your elbows safely.

The exercises to incorporate with this kind of workout include bench presses or push-ups for your horizontal pushing exercises. Some seated cable rows or bent-over row exercises are examples of horizontal pulling.

For vertical pulling exercises, pull-ups and chin-ups are a go-to. An overhead shoulder press or a seated dumbbell shoulder press is excellent for vertical pushing exercises.

Having a barbell set at home can also save you from expensive gym memberships that you never use due to long work hours on duty.

2. Aerobic Exercise

One type of exercise you would want to get into would be aerobic exercises, which will help with your overall endurance since it increases your heart rate and breathing for an extended period. It involves the continuous movement of large muscle groups as well.

When it comes to individuals whose jobs involve long work duties, aerobic exercise can be a game-changer.

Regular aerobic exercise can boost your energy levels and enhance your overall fitness. When you do it regularly, you’ll find that you don’t feel as out of breath as usual in some activities in your line of work.

Some of the most straightforward aerobic exercises you can do today, even without equipment, are running, jogging, walking, or hiking. Even climbing the stairs can count as an aerobic exercise. Doing some dancing, zumba, or even jumping rope is also a great choice of aerobic exercise.

3. Circuit Training

Circuit training, if you don’t know what it is, would be a kind of workout routine where you continuously do specific exercises before resting for a set amount of time.

It’s a simple way of creating an exercise routine for yourself, and you can personalize it based on your capabilities. It’s also a great choice because you can time precisely how long your workouts take.

For example, you can do this exercise routine:

Push-ups for 30 seconds.
30-second rest
Sit-ups for 30 seconds.
30-second rest
Hold a squat for 30 seconds.
30-second rest.
Plank for 30 seconds.
30-second rest.
Alternate lunges for 30 seconds.
30-second rest

This routine is going to give you a six-minute workout routine already. You now know that it won’t take you that long to finish this exercise routine as it won’t take much out of your day.

Plus, you can personalize it in any way you want. You can reduce the time for each exercise, especially if you’re not as physically fit, or increase it to be more challenging.

4. Running

Running is A simple exercise you can incorporate into your daily life. All you need would be comfortable running shoes and some breathable clothes. Also, you can do it from anywhere, like just around your neighborhood or even in the gym.

It’s a great form of aerobic exercise, and even social aspects can make you turn it into a hobby. If you get deep into running, you can go to marathons and join a local community of runners as well.

As for how it can improve your work life, you can enjoy having stronger leg muscles by getting into running. That way, if you need to run around all over the place during your work duties, then you can rely on your legs without feeling the fatigue take over again and again.

5. Yoga

Whatever your job, yoga is a great way to stay healthy as a travel nurse, an office worker, a blue-collar worker, or anything else. It will exercise you both mentally and physically since yoga also involves meditation.

Jobs that involve long work duties can be quite taxing, and you can end up with stiff muscles than you’d like. With yoga, you can stretch these more rigid muscles so that you don’t accidentally over-extend specific muscles, causing a cramp.

Plenty of yoga routines online are available for free, so you don’t necessarily have to go to a yoga class near you. There are also routines available on YouTube so that you can watch them anytime. You can even install an app for yoga routines that is available for free, but if you want more premium content, you may need to pay a fee at some point.

6. Kickboxing

If you’re looking for a more active kind of activity that you can also take in as a hobby, kickboxing is particularly popular for many people. You’d need to have a gym and other equipment since it’s the kind of activity you can’t do at home.

Nonetheless, this kind of activity can also foster community and social activity, so you have a lovely hobby that can also be part of your identity.

7. Bodyweight training

Bodyweight training is a great workout routine if you don’t have the time to go to gyms or classes, nor will you need the equipment to do them. However, if you want to add some challenges to bodyweight training, you can get yourself a barbell set in conjunction with these workout routines.

There are plenty of bodyweight exercises that you can incorporate into your workout routine. Push-ups, tricep dips, bird-dog, planks, reverse lunges, and burpees are all great bodyweight exercises.

8. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

Incorporating some HIIT exercises into your workout routine is excellent for your heart as these exercises can train your heart, which is great if your work does a lot of cardio. Please don’t be too scared with HIIT; you can always modify it based on your abilities and state. You’ll find that your breathing is more manageable after doing tiring activities once you do HIIT often.

9. Squats

If there’s one exercise you should want to do to help with not only your legs and thighs but also your glutes and hamstrings, then squats are the exercise to rely on. Since you depend on these parts of your body to bear weight often, doing squats as part of your workout routine will be helpful for your endurance and abilities during an exhausting work shift.

Conclusion

These exercises and workout routines are all great to add to your workouts in some way. They will all train you to be more sturdy and to have more strength and flexibility where you need them. Therefore, if you want to be more physically prepared for your shifts, these are great choices to add to your routine whenever.

Interested in a travel nursing job? Our job board is a great place to search for assignments, and if housing is an issue, our housing page can help. It’s time to make a difference!

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

START HERE

Summer contracts: what you need to know:

1. Strategize Your Extensions

2. Have Profiles on File With Multiple Agencies

3. Save Money Now

4. Consider PRN Work

5. Work a Less Desirable Specialty

6. Don’t. Panic.

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

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Learning by default

They are learning so much about history.

School is all around us. So, by default, they are learning.

They socialize all the time.

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

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Steps for sorting out a good fit for a travel assignment:

1. Read up on the company

2. To Thine Own Self Be True

3. Things to ask During the Telephone Interview

4. Shift Requirements and Scheduling Policies

5. Asking about the Primary Care Providers

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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Why do you not like it?

#1 Is the assignment Unsafe?

#2 Is the Staff Unwelcoming?

#3 Is it just not What you Expected?

#4 Is it you? (Don’t hate me here)

What to do if you hate your assignment:

Unless it is unsafe, I encourage you to Stick it Out.

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Communication.

Set up dates.

Alone is not lonely.

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

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