August 19, 2021

6229 Views

Picking an Agency that Supports You on Your Nationwide Travels

Posted on August 19, 2021January 16, 2023 by TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

This article was provided by TNAA.

Every travel nurse has a preference on where and how far they want to travel. Some nurses prefer to travel locally, some prefer to stay in the same U.S. region, and others fill a tiny SUV with all their belongings and drive thousands of miles to their next assignment. No matter which traveler you see yourself as you’ll always want to be backed by agency support when you take your life on the road. Here are a few benefits to look for when picking an agency.

Travel Reimbursement

A multi-state trek can be costly. It doesn’t matter if you choose to fly and have your belongings picked up by a professional moving service or you decide to haul your belongings by yourself; the price for traveling adds up quickly. Ask your travel nurse agency if they offer to cover part or all of the bill. Some travel nurse agencies will pay a hefty sum of the moving costs, but others might not reimburse you at all. For those agencies that do cover your travel expenses, ask when you can expect your reimbursement. Some agencies might put it on your first check, but others may wait.

Just be sure to keep your receipts, and if you’re driving, document your mileage at the start and the end of your cross-country trek. This documentation will likely be needed before your agency can send your travel reimbursement.

Traveler Perks

Say you’re trucking along to your next assignment, you’ve put miles on your tires, and suddenly, one goes flat. A vehicle issue is the last thing you have time for before starting your new healthcare job. It would be great if you could fall back on agency support when life’s roadblocks get in the way. See if your agency offers traveler perks, like discounts for rental cars or roadside assistance, so that you know help is available even when you’re in the middle of nowhere.

Housing Assistance

The housing market is tight right now, and last-minute scrambling for housing isn’t going to cut it. When you have everything lined up for your assignment except for a place to stay, you’ll want to see how your agency can help take the guesswork out of travel nurse housing.

You might opt for agency-provided housing or see if your agency has other resources for traveler-friendly housing. If you want to find a place to stay on your own, connect with your agency to see if they offer a housing stipend. Some travel nurse agencies even have a Payment Assistance Program to help with up-front costs, like a security deposit or the first month’s rent.

As a travel nurse, you have a helper’s heart. You’ve signed up to travel miles from home to aid others who need your care. Make sure you choose a travel nurse agency that simplifies the process and makes your job as a healthcare traveler as easy as possible.

We hope you found these tips for picking an agency that supports you on your nationwide travels helpful. Are there any tips you would share with fellow travel nurses when it comes to picking an agency? Comment them below.

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

August 10, 2021

8638 Views

Tips for Surviving the Travel Nursing Housing Crunch

Posted on August 10, 2021January 3, 2024 by Furnished Finder

There is currently a housing crunch for travel nurses. Lack of available housing inventory and high prices have made finding housing difficult for many travel RNs across the US. The problem is expected to continue for the next several months. In this Gypsy Nurse Live session, we interview two travel nurse housing experts, Ashley Graham, Director of Housing for Travel Nurse Across America, and Brian Payne, CEO of Furnished Finder, to not only find out what is causing the crunch but, more importantly how to survive it in your next travel nursing assignment. In addition, this short video will provide tips that travel nurses can use when working with their agencies to find housing or seeking housing on their own.

Tips for Surviving the Travel Nursing Housing Crunch

About TNAA:

Travel Nurse Across America Setting the Standard in Service! At Travel Nurse Across America, we take pride in doing things differently. We place our nurses on high-paying jobs in exciting locations across the country, but it’s our service before, during, and after your assignment that sets us apart. Our dedicated, supportive staff understands how stressful preparing for a travel nursing job can be, and that’s why we put our experience to work for you to remove the headaches and send you smoothly on your way. Across our recruiting, clinical, quality assurance, payroll, and housing teams, we promise to go out of our way to offer you an exceptional customer service experience. Let Us Show You the Difference Our Service Can Make!

About Furnished Finder:

Furnished Finder is a short-term housing provider for travel nurses and other business travelers who need furnished housing. We boast a 92-day average stay and are major data providers for corporate housing coordinators and medical staffing companies across the US. Additionally, property owners list their available short-term apartments on Furnished Finder, as healthcare travelers command a consistent appetite for traditional corporate housing and alternative housing types alike.

By The Gypsy Nurse

July 11, 2021

13626 Views

The Perks and Possibilities with Pets on the Move

Posted on July 11, 2021July 11, 2021 by The Gypsy Nurse

This article is provided by Travel Nurse Across America®.

5 Considerations for Travel Nurses

No doubt when you are a travel nurse, it can sometimes feel like a vacation. It’s not all sun, sand, and fun, but it does offer the opportunity to see new places and explore. For most people though, even that sense of adventure can have its share of peaks and valleys. New areas are exciting, the people, the sites, the climate, even the food can bring significant joy. But what about when you first arrive and feel a bit like a fish out of water? Or have been in town a while and newness wears off? For travel nurses, loneliness can sneak up and the desire for some stability often creeps in. Pets can easily fill that void for many travel nurses. The friendship, companionship, and affection of animals have been proven to calm anxiety and boost spirits. In fact, the CDC cites the benefits of pets include decreased blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and even triglyceride levels. So where should you start when it comes to Fido, Rover, Whiskers, or Midnight?

It may seem fairly simple at first, adopt a dog or cat and it’s a win-win for everyone. To help ensure a positive experience all around it’s worth thinking carefully about the big picture. Here are five areas worth investigating before bringing home a furry friend.

1. Housing

Consider where you will live and what the pet policy is regarding the type of animal you desire. Some places have size as well as breed restrictions; you may have to pay a pet deposit as well as monthly pet rent. If there is any damage or wear and tear that can be attributed to the pet, then you will likely forfeit all or some of your pet deposit. Pet rent is a flat fee that basically increases your rental expense.

2. Care

As a travel nurse, you are committed to the well being of your patients. That same philosophy is true as a pet owner. Animals need daily care and some animals have special needs that require more maintenance. Think of the following in terms of your schedule and availability: feeding times, regular walking, temperature, potty breaks, and even the type of animal such that it is not lonely if isolated for a long period of time. What’s more, you will need a backup plan in case you are called away at work unexpectedly.

3. Expenses

Don’t forget the cost of owning and caring for an animal. There are numerous things that add up, be sure you can afford such expenses in your budget. For example, food, wellness veterinary care, periodic sick care, town licenses, litter, cages, and the possible cost of a daily pet sitter or daycare if you are away for extended times.

4. Selection

There are hundreds of choices out there when it comes to pets. Take some time to research the common traits of different breeds of cats and dogs if they are under consideration. Certain dogs are very high energy and will require a lot of exercises to stay healthy and happy. Certain cats shed a lot and will require extra housekeeping. Puppies require a great deal of attention, in the beginning, to train and nurture into a good companion. Older dogs may suffer from ailments.

5. Commitment

Pets rely on their humans for everything to survive. They typically thrive on interaction. Think about your willingness to stick by the animal through thick and thin, to be fair and compassionate to the animal. It is often stressful for animals to change owners, and sometimes to move a lot from place to place. Try to take into consideration as much as possible from those who can’t speak for themselves

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 TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

June 22, 2021

6807 Views

What Healthcare Travelers Should Do in a Post-Pandemic Job Market

Posted on June 22, 2021June 22, 2021 by TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

This article was provided by Travel Nurse Across America.

The healthcare job market has seen unexpected fluctuations over the past 1.5 years. A few months ago, we heard that the demand for travel nurses was greater than the supply due to COVID-19. That number significantly decreased in March 2021 with the COVID-19 vaccination rollout. It then skyrocketed again in June 2021 as a result of life returning to (somewhat) normal. Although it’s not the industry’s typical busy season, hospital schedules are again filling up with elective surgeries and other healthcare needs.

Within this fluctuating market, many healthcare travelers are also seeing a drop in the weekly pay rates offered. While pay has decreased from crisis rates, which hospitals cannot sustain without assistance, many travel nurse agencies are still reporting an average wage higher than pre-pandemic rates. To find the right jobs with the right pay for you, be sure to tap into your agency’s resources.

What to do in a post-pandemic job market

Know Where to Look for In-Demand Specialties

You might not have time to research industry trends, but your recruiter and agency have a real-time pulse on the market. While the number of COVID-19 jobs is dropping, the demand for other specialties is growing exponentially. You have to know where to look.

Elective surgeries and other non-emergency needs on the back burner during the height of COVID-19 are again coming to the forefront. The demand is high for MedSurg, TELE, ER, and ICU specialties, and increased demand for OR nurses is expected later this year. Ask your agency contacts what trends they are seeing in regions you are interested in visiting and find the place where you will be most helpful next.

Make Yourself as Marketable as Possible

Several factors go into your marketability as a travel nurse, the most obvious factor being the information you include on your resume. Your agency’s clinical department should work with you to create a standout travel nurse profile. Ask your clinical director how they can help you secure the right licenses and certifications to be eligible for higher-paying jobs. Consider being a member of national nursing associations and add your COVID-19 experience to make your resume even more impressive.

Your marketability also goes beyond your travel nurse profile. Hiring managers will look for important soft skills, such as flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to resolve conflict. Be sure to mention these soft skills and any examples that you can provide in your job interviews.

Use Your Agency’s Financial Resources to Save Money

Your agency’s financial resources may help you save money and offset some of your costs. See if your agency has travel reimbursement programs, deals, and discount programs, 401k matching, or access to financial advisors through an Employee Assistance Program. All of these can help you save an extra buck.

Keep in mind. There will always be some assignments that pay more and some that pay less. Weigh your options, use your agency’s resources – from getting assistance on your resume to using programs to save money, and make the best decision in your current situation. Just make sure you pick an agency that has your back through it all.

If you are looking for your next travel nurse assignment in the post-pandemic job market? Click here to visit our job board.

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 TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

May 24, 2021

8067 Views

Taking the Guesswork out of Travel Nurse Housing Options

Posted on May 24, 2021March 23, 2023 by TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

This article was provided by TNAA.

Housing can be one of the more stressful to-dos on a travel nurse’s checklist. As many traveling healthcare professionals will tell you, the housing you choose can make or break an assignment. But, by choosing the right agency, travel nurse housing doesn’t have to be a pain point for you.

Ideally, you want to work with an agency that has plenty of travel nurse housing options so you can find what works best for you from one assignment to the next.

Keep reading for helpful tips on what to go over with your agency to avoid any housing disasters.

Taking Travel Nurse Agency Housing or a Housing Stipend

Whether you decide to stay at agency-provided housing (if it is available) or take a housing stipend, you want to choose an agency that will assist you every step of the way.

The goal of your agency’s housing department should be to find you a safe and clean location that is in close proximity to your hospital and that meets your individual needs, like living in a place that is already furnished or staying within a certain budget. The bright side of choosing agency-provided housing is that your options are vetted for you based on these requirements. You also might be able to skip out on a lot of paperwork as some agencies will set up utilities, housing contracts, and more for you.

If there aren’t agency-provided options that fit your requirements, you can choose to take a housing stipend instead. This gives you the ability to find a more unique stay and perhaps pocket some of the leftover stipends. Connect with your agency to see what resources they can provide to steer you toward traveler-friendly options when choosing your own housing. Some might have access to discount codes to popular lodging sites like Airbnb, leads for traveler-friendly private homes, a list of RV parks, and other perks.

Whether you plan on taking the stipend or utilizing company-provided options, don’t be afraid to use your agency’s housing resources if they are offered.

Traveling with Family and Pets

Being on the road is exciting, but we know it can also get lonely. Find out what your travel nurse housing options are when you want to travel with your family and pets. You want to choose a travel nurse agency that will work with you to secure housing for your particular situation.

Some agencies will offer more than a one-bedroom housing option, but others might have limits on what they can provide. This information can come in handy when deciding if you want to bring someone on your assignment.

It is also important to keep in mind that several housing providers typically have restrictions on the number of animals you can bring, animal type, and breed. Many times, these regulations are set by the housing provider and not the agency itself. However, some agencies provide the added perk of finding nearby housing for your pet if they can’t camp out at your place (we’ve worked to find stables for horses many times). Ask your housing department if any animal restrictions apply and if you have other options before picking a place that isn’t pet-friendly.

Using a Payment Assistance Program

Finding a place to stay can come with many initial fees, like a security deposit, pet fees, the first month’s rent, and more. That can be a large sum of money to take out of your account at one time.

See if your agency offers a Payment Assistance Program because you might be able to get assistance with these costs. A Payment Assistance Program can help pay for some of the initial moving costs and then automatically deduct a portion of the cost from a period of paychecks once your assignment has started. Your housing department would show you what this would look like coming out of your paycheck, and you wouldn’t have to pay all the moving fees in one lump.

No matter your circumstances or if you choose to pick a housing option on your own, you want your agency to still be a useful resource for you from assignment beginning to assignment end. Ask them what your options are for housing and how they can help get you in a comfortable stay.

By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

April 30, 2021

6769 Views

Picking an Agency That Gets You on Assignment Quicker

Posted on April 30, 2021January 16, 2023 by TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

This article was provided by Travel Nurse Across America.

The travel nursing industry is fast-moving, especially in the job market era of COVID-19. Many jobs are filling as quickly as they post online. If you are coming to the end of our current assignment, this can add unwanted stress. That is why finding an agency that can get you on assignment as quickly as you need to be is important. Keep reading to see if the agency you are working with offers these helpful tips.

Picking an Agency That Gets You on Assignment Quicker

Easy Onboarding

Onboarding can seem like a daunting task, especially if you are working with more than one agency or if you are just starting. Even if you apply with your resume through a job board, it is likely that the agency still needs to create a profile for you. Additionally, most agencies will require a skills checklist to be completed.

Look for an agency that helps you with the onboarding process. Many will have someone available to assist you in filling out that information for your assignment. Believe it or not, it helps to have a dedicated person take the time to enter information with you because it ensures accuracy and speeds up the process.

It is easy to wonder why it is not as simple as emailing your resume and being done. When an agency submits your profile to a facility, they have had one or more people working behind the scenes to make your profile shine. This is why having an updated profile is a crucial step in finding your dream travel nurse assignment.

Recruiter

Beyond having a recruiter that you click with, finding a job quickly relies on having a knowledgeable recruiter. We have all heard the nightmare stories of being blind submitted to a job you did not know about, but imagine trusting your recruiter so much that you permitted them to submit you the second a job posted because you trust they have your best interests in mind.

A knowledgeable recruiter may have years of experience, or they may just be extra attentive. They will know traveler-friendly hospitals, as well as which facilities offer the fastest interviews. Just make sure you communicate with them what your goals are in finding an assignment.

Support Offered by Agency

There is nothing wrong with only having one contact at an agency if that is your preference. Like having a recruiter who knows facility facts, it benefits you as a traveler to support resources who know the areas. Your recruiter is only one person. If they have a team helping ensure your licenses are applied for and up-to-date, and credentials and references are verified, you can be on the road with confidence. They may even have specialists to help you find housing in the area, including vetting the locations before you pay deposits.

Number of Jobs

Job numbers can easily make you feel tricked. Hopefully, by now, you’ve read enough reviews to know if an agency lists accurate assignments on their site or not. Whether you use the agency’s website directly or the job search function on thegypsynurse.com, most jobs are updated in real-time.

Does that mean the risk of calling in only to find out the position you had been looking at has been filled is obsolete? No. Jobs are moving quickly, and agencies are working with facilities to interview faster than ever.

Nevertheless, a higher number of jobs increases your chances of finding an assignment.

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 TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

March 16, 2021

6515 Views

5 Ways to Focus on Mental Health While Traveling

Posted on March 16, 2021May 19, 2021 by TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

This article was provided by Travel Nurse Across America.

Your mental health is important. As a healthcare professional working through a global pandemic, it can feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. Knowing how to take care of yourself and when or if it is time to ask for help is vital. Whether you de-stress with a bubble bath and music or a night out dancing with friends.

Here are five ways to focus on your mental health while traveling.

Set Regular Times to Connect with Friends & Family Back Home

As if traveling to a foreign place without your family and friends is not hard enough, the added stress of social distancing guidelines and COVID-19 concerns make being a traveling healthcare professional even more difficult. Feeling disconnected from home can create added stress to a new assignment. Zoom and FaceTime make it easier than ever to experience a face-to-face conversation with loved ones miles away. As soon as you know your schedule, schedule a call with loved ones. You can even create themes for the calls!

Use Your Benefits

Depending on the benefits that your agency offers, you may have access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Chaplain Program, or health insurance that covers wellness visits. Some health plans will also give the option for telehealth or teletherapy sessions.

An EAP offers a wide variety of services that can help reduce stress while you are on the road. Even if you just need help tracking down a pharmacy to refill your prescriptions in your new assignment location. Your EAP may also include resources such as telehealth sessions free of charge, with assistance finding follow-up care in-person. A Chaplain Program provides access to a non-denominational Chaplain who has a listening ear available 24/7. Typically, one Chaplain is available for the entire agency, so they are accustomed to healthcare-related conversations.

Another great option is reaching out to your agency’s Clinical department for those times when you need someone who truly relates to nursing. Your agency is here to support you, whether it is the Clinical Department, your recruiter, etc. Lean on your team!

Take Care of Your Physical Health

Exercising and eating healthy can seem nearly impossible when you are constantly on the go. Our physical wellbeing plays a big part in our mental wellbeing, though. Meal prepping is a great way to reduce the stress of searching for lunch while ensuring access to healthier options. If you are taking an assignment in Washington, Maine, or Florida, there may be plenty of outdoor activities for you to earn daily compliments from your Apple Watch or Fitbit activity levels. Another option is to join a local gym or yoga studio. Your agency may even offer a perks program with gym discounts available, depending on assignment location.

Set Obtainable Goals for Yourself (and Your Travel Nursing Career)

Do you write down your goals when you set them? This physical activity has been shown to benefit how your brain responds to intended objectives. Setting examples of what you want to accomplish gives you something to look forward to, so it is crucial to ensure set goals are obtainable. Reaching each milestone can create a positive response that improves mental health overall. Are you traveling to build your resume? Discuss your wish list of facilities to work at with your recruiter, so they can help you along the way to crushing your travel nursing goals.

Get to Know the Area & People

It might seem obvious, but getting to know a new area and new coworkers can be harder than you think. Start with getting to know the other travelers at your facility. Invite them out for drinks, or maybe to explore the area on a shared day off. Even without festivals and other regularly scheduled in-person events, state parks and historical landmarks are a great way to get to know a new area. If National Parks are your thing, consider taking an assignment in the Pacific Northwest. Plus, nothing tells you more about an area than its local cuisine!

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 TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

February 16, 2021

11960 Views

7 Useful Things Nurses Need to Bring on a Shift

Posted on February 16, 2021April 29, 2024 by TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

This article was provided by Travel Nurse Across America.

As a travel nurse, you’re used to being busy during your shifts. This is why working with an agency that supports you and prioritizes your well-being is important, as it will help you deal with the stress that can create. However, you might also get stressed when you can’t find something when you need it. That’s why it’s a good idea to be as prepared as possible. Keeping these nursing essentials on hand will help you keep going throughout your travel nurse shift, even when things get a little hectic.

Extra Pens/Permanent Markers

Most travel nurses agree that you can never have enough extra pens and permanent markers. These are always important to have but can be easy to misplace or lose in the craziness of a shift. Bringing extras with you will ensure you always have one when you need it. Try to find pens and markers that you can easily attach to things like your badge, scrubs, or clipboards, as this will help you keep track of them. Frixion pens can be good to use since they’re erasable and let you easily color-code your patients.

Bandage Scissors

Keeping bandage scissors on hand is great because of how versatile they are, as they’ll be able to cut through just about anything. Keeping a pair with you will mean that you won’t have to try and find some scissors to use should you need to cut something. Instead, you can take care of the issue and keep things running smoothly.

Extra Scrubs/Clothes

Unfortunately, being a travel nurse can be a bit of a messy job. Since you won’t want to go through your shift with dirty scrubs, having a backup pair in your locker is great, so you can quickly change on the fly. The same goes for bringing a backup pair of socks and shoes- wearing ones that are messy or uncomfortable not only feels bad but can be dangerous as well. If you have longer hair, extra hair ties will also be useful.

Lotion & Chapstick

All the hand washing you do as a nurse will dry your hands out very quickly. With how annoying this can be, having lotion with you will help keep your hands moisturized and healthy. Since hospitals also tend to be rather cold and dry, try to keep some Chapstick with you, too, when your lips get chapped.

Snacks & Water

Keeping your energy levels up is crucial when you’re on the job. However, finding the time to sit down and eat isn’t always easy. Keeping something small to snack on, like a granola bar, is perfect for those times when you need a pick-me-up. Bringing a water bottle with you will also help keep you hydrated, even as you’re moving back and forth across the hospital. You might want to keep some gum in your pockets, too, so you can keep your breath nice and clean.

Phone Chargers

After a long shift, coming back to a dead phone is always a bummer, so bringing a phone charger with you will make sure that won’t happen. Having a charged phone is always useful, especially when you’re in a new area and are still getting the lay of the land.

Spare Toiletries/OTC Medicine

It helps to have a way to freshen up during or after an especially tough shift. That is why travel nurses will bring things like deodorant, toothpaste, and a toothbrush to their shifts. This gives them a chance to feel nice and refreshed and is particularly helpful if you’ve got a long shift. As for dealing with the aches and pains that come with the job, bringing some ibuprofen is a great solution.

When it comes to travel nursing, it’s key to prepare ahead of time. Bringing useful items like these with you will help you power through the day, even when things get hectic. Do you have any useful items you bring to your travel nurse shifts that didn’t make our list? Comment them below.

Finished the travel nursing guide and are ready to look for an assignment?

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

June 24, 2020

9005 Views

3 Mental Health Resources for Travel Nurses

Posted on June 24, 2020May 19, 2021 by TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

This article was provided by TNAA.

It’s only been a little over three months since COVID-19 started its sweep of the United States of America and just two weeks of protesting for racial justice. And while coping mentally and emotionally with the combination of current events is difficult for most, there’s a palpable, tangible layer of trauma added for nurses. Nurses expose themselves to trauma daily that often hides behind dark humor and a packed schedule of adventure.

But this is different.

In just a few short months, nurses and frontline workers shouldered the burden of caring for an unknown. Bringing on an onslaught of fear, stress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. This stress can be particularly isolating for travel nurses who answered the call that took them away from their support systems.

3 Mental Health Resources for Travel Nurses

Whether it’s a fear of infecting loved ones with the coronavirus or the trauma of racial injustice. It’s clear a crucial part of nursing the country back to health lies in promoting mental health resources. Below we’ll share options for travel nurses. While availability may vary, we believe it’s essential to find an option that works for you.

1. Mental Health Apps for On-The-Go Therapy

Picture this, you’ve finished a long shift and feel drawn to talk to a mental health professional, but you’re in a city you don’t know. So, you’ll search for a therapist, and potentially wear another mask to be in a physical office. Thankfully, it’s 2020, and we can do almost everything from our phones.

Talkspace: From a dedicated COVID-19 Instagram channel to therapist-led Facebook groups, the industry-leading app has an option for just about everyone. More than that, they have a special offer for nurses and frontline workers. Learn more here.
Headspace: This mindfulness app promotes tools and meditations to relieve stress and help you feel more resilient. And now, they’re offering free services to those affected by unemployment. Learn more here.
Youper: This AI platform uses anonymous data to discover trends and short conversations to engage users in healthier moods. It incorporates techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and meditation. Learn more here.

2. Support Groups & Webinars

Storytelling and sharing can generate empathy. For nurses, talking about the hard stuff to non-nurses can sometimes turn into comforting listeners, rather than releasing trauma. Many nurses find comfort in sharing with people who understand the emotional toll your job can expose you to daily.

The Compassion Caravan: The American Holistic Nurses Association started this project as 2020 is their 40th anniversary and Florence Nightingale’s 200th birthday. Their website states this is a “national project led by holistic nurses for all of nursing to offer compassion through heart-centered presence, holistic communication, networking and focused experiences in self-reflection and healing.” They will hold virtual workshops and listening circles through October 2020. Learn more here and scroll down to see event dates.
Frontline Nurses WikiWisdom: This collaboration between John Hopkins School of Nursing and the American Journal of Nursing provides a space where nurses fighting the Covid-19 pandemic can share their experiences. It allows the sharing of your knowledge, experience, and challenges about working on a pandemic front line. And they’re committed to keeping this space available 24/7 until this pandemic exits. Learn more and register here.

3. Resources From Your Agency

Many travel nurse agencies have expanded their benefits programs to better fit the needs of their nurses — including mental health and emotional well-being resources. Whether you’re currently on assignment or considering a new assignment, now is a great time to ask your recruiter what programs are available to you. While you may also see additional programs, like webinars and meet-ups surrounding the clinical aspects of nursing during a pandemic, look at what your agency offers regardless of a crisis. Below are a few offerings your agency may provide.

Employee Assistance Programs: EAPs provide a range of different services and/or resources to address personal issues that may interfere with an employee’s well-being. These programs offer assessment and resources that may help employees with emotional issues, interpersonal relationships, legal problems, and financial difficulties. Some top agencies are adding EAPs as a benefit so their nurses can show up for their patients. Oh, and they’re typically at no additional cost.
Chaplain Programs: It’s easier for staff nurses to feel comfortable with their hospital Chaplain. Many travel nurses might not even meet the Chaplain at their facility before moving to a new assignment. That’s why select agencies have their own non-denominational Chaplain. With travelers, a Chaplain primarily communicates over the phone, but having someone you can quickly contact in times of spiritual or emotional support can be a relief.
Benefits Specialists: Does your insurance cover mental health counseling? How do you find out? A great travel nurse agency should have someone who can speak with you to explain your benefits and how they work with your current situation. Your benefits specialist can answer questions about your insurance, guide you through selecting the right coverage for you, and send you important info regarding your mental health options.

While it’s easy to say that 2020 has proven tumultuous thus far. There will be a time when we’re on the other side. To prepare for what’s next, it’s paramount for you to prioritize investing in your emotional well-being as a travel nurse. Because elective surgeries will return, assignments will open, and bucket-list adventures will be back on.

Finished the travel nursing guide and are ready to look for an assignment?

Travel Reimbursement

Traveler Perks

Housing Assistance

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!)

Related Posts

Evolving the Travel Healthcare Staffing Industry

9 Questions to Ask Before Accepting a Travel Nurse Assignment

Ambulatory Nursing: Why Travel Nurses Should Consider Outpatient Centers

Categories

Hot Jobs

Recent Articles

About TNAA:

About Furnished Finder:

Related Posts

Best Camera Equipment for Capturing Memories

Dealing with Homesickness as a Travel Nurse

17 Things You Need to Know About Being a Travel Nurse

Categories

Hot Jobs

Recent Articles

5 Considerations for Travel Nurses

1. Housing

2. Care

3. Expenses

4. Selection

5. Commitment

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!)

Related Posts

10 Resume Tips For A Travel Nurse

Maximize Your Travel Nurse Housing Per Diem

How to Step into Leadership Roles with a Travel Nursing Background

Categories

Hot Jobs

Recent Articles

What to do in a post-pandemic job market

Know Where to Look for In-Demand Specialties

Make Yourself as Marketable as Possible

Use Your Agency’s Financial Resources to Save Money

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!)

Related Posts

Becoming a Travel Nurse: 5 Steps to a New Exciting Career

Voting as a Travel Nurse: How to Legally Cast Your Ballot

6 Ways to Show Your Appreciation to Travel Healthcare Workers

Categories

Hot Jobs

Recent Articles

Taking Travel Nurse Agency Housing or a Housing Stipend

Traveling with Family and Pets

Using a Payment Assistance Program

Related Posts

Ask A Travel Nurse: RV Living RoundTable (TravCon14)

6 Travel Nurse Tips For Packing Lightly

Etiquette When Working at an IHS Facility

Categories

Hot Jobs

Recent Articles

Picking an Agency That Gets You on Assignment Quicker

Easy Onboarding

Recruiter

Support Offered by Agency

Number of Jobs

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!)

Related Posts

How to Ace Your Travel Nurse Interview

What Makes Traveling to North Carolina Worth It?

Travel Nurse Banking

Categories

Hot Jobs

Recent Articles

Here are five ways to focus on your mental health while traveling.

Set Regular Times to Connect with Friends & Family Back Home

Use Your Benefits

Take Care of Your Physical Health

Set Obtainable Goals for Yourself (and Your Travel Nursing Career)

Get to Know the Area & People

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