June 24, 2024

1414 Views

Top 7 Tips for Travel Nurses Starting a New Assignment

Posted on June 24, 2024June 11, 2024 by Nadine Westwood

For those who are traveling nurses, it allows them to explore new places. At the same time, they will get diverse experiences and the chance to advance their careers.

This guide will look at the top seven tips you can follow when starting a new assignment as a traveling nurse. Although it may be a challenge, you can quickly adapt to your new healthcare facilities wherever you may be, get to know your new team members, and manage your well-being as you move from one place to another.

Top 7 Tips for Travel Nurses Starting a New Assignment:

Make Plans To Pursue Continuing Education

As part of your career, it is vital to make sure that you focus on continuing education. Your nursing skills and the chances of advancing your career depend on this, especially when looking to develop yourself professionally through accredited healthcare training programs like The Praxis Institute. You’ll be able to learn courses that will help you stay updated regarding the latest medical advancements and techniques. Investing in your continuing education will allow you to advance your career at your own pace.

What is the goal for you when it comes to achieving a successful nursing career? In addition, what continuing education program will be best suited for you? That’s up to you whether you are spending your next summer assignment in Washington State or elsewhere.

Perform Research On Your New Facility

Before starting a new assignment, it’s essential to research the new healthcare facility that you will be working in. It will allow you to familiarize yourself with the policies, procedures, and the electronic medical records or EMR system.

You should also know the key departments, the general workflow, and even the layout of your new facility so the transition is a lot easier. Finally, the facility’s patient population should also help you plan for the cases you may encounter during your tenure there.

Embrace Flexibility and Adaptability

If you want to be a travel nurse, it’s essential to make sure that you can be flexible and adaptable. This is because each assignment will come with unique challenges of practice. From there, you want to ensure that you are always learning new techniques and methods. You will also notice the differences in management styles and workflow, so expect to embrace those whenever they differ. These are excellent opportunities to expand and sharpen your skills and knowledge.

Quick adaptability will benefit your patients and your reputation as a reliable and resourceful nurse. This can be a huge advantage if you are looking to take on new assignments and want former co-workers or supervisors to say positive things about you.

Prioritize Your Self-Care and Well-Being

One of the challenges of being a travel nurse is the frequent relocation. Yes, it can be stressful and overwhelming. For this reason, you want to prioritize your self-care and well-being regularly, including maintaining good physical and mental health. That’s where you can establish your routine, including regular exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep.

You also want to find times when you can do activities that will help you relax and recharge regularly. These include your favorite hobbies, exploring new surroundings, or meditating in a quiet space.

It also helps to build a support network of fellow travelers. Not only will they provide you with camaraderie, but they will also provide you with plenty of emotional support and other self-care strategies that you can implement yourself.

Stay Organized

Organization will be a priority when navigating the challenges of being a travel nurse. This includes keeping track of your assignments, contracts, and other essential documents so that you’re systematically tracking it all. Be sure to use apps and tools that will allow you to manage your schedule, track expenses, and store any critical information. Be sure to stay organized and maintain your regular responsibilities while reducing the stress linked to frequent relocations.

Plan Your Finances

Planning your finances will be necessary, especially when frequent relocations are typical in your travel nurse career. You want to regularly create a budget for your expenses, such as housing, transportation, and daily living costs.

Take the opportunity of stipends for reimbursements offered by the travel nurse agency you are a part of. You must set aside money in an emergency fund in case future assignments pop up so you can have the financial security and peace of mind that you need so you can stress less financially.

Build Strong Professional Relationships

Finally, if you want to further your travel nurse career to new heights, it is crucial to make sure that you build strong professional relationships. They will be great for a supportive work environment and make every transition smoother from one assignment to the next.

Feel free to introduce yourself to the staff, attend regular team meetings, and participate in social activities. Being proactive in communication will also give you a chance to build a reputation as a hard worker who works well with others and is enjoyable to be around.

Final Thoughts

These top seven tips for travel nurses when starting a new assignment will be crucial, so you need to bookmark this guide to use it as a reference every single time. We are happy to provide these tips and wish you all the best in a fruitful and prosperous travel nurse career. Feel free to share this with aspiring travel nurses as they begin their careers.

We hope you found this article on 7 tips for travel nurses starting a new assignment helpful. Do you have any tips for fellow travel nurses starting a new assignment? 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 Ariel and Oscar - That Travel Nurse Couple

June 4, 2024

4394 Views

Washington State for the Summer

Posted on June 4, 2024June 4, 2024 by Ariel and Oscar - That Travel Nurse Couple

Oscar and I have been lucky enough to call Washington State “home” for the last several months and cannot express enough how much we love this state. Our first assignment in Washington last summer took us to the Eastern side of the state, a part of Washington we didn’t even know existed until we arrived. Much like the deserts of Texas, where we are from, Eastern Washington provides a stark contrast to the evergreen, rainy Washington stereotype we all seem to know. With hundreds of vineyards, wineries, farmlands, and rivers (namely the giant Columbia River), Eastern Washington provided just a glimpse of what this state offers, and it was there where our love affair with the Evergreen State began.

We spent all last summer deep-diving into all that Washington State had to offer. No matter how many road trips, hikes, and adventures we took, though, we knew we were barely scratching the surface and have chosen to extend several times since then in different regions of the state to explore as much as possible. We have worked in this state every season, but the summer is truly the most incredible. If you are fortunate enough to get a job opportunity in this part of the country during the summer months, do yourself a favor and take it! I promise you will not be sorry.

For any outdoor enthusiast, this state is an absolute dream. Three national parks, endless mountain ranges, hundreds of alpine lakes and rivers, forests that sit on and off beaches, curious wildlife, and infinite possibilities for camping, fishing, kayaking, hiking…you name it, Washington’s probably got it! Sometimes, while driving through some mountain passes, it feels like you are in a different country. It can even sometimes feel prehistoric when you spot 1 of the five active volcanoes in the region. Not to worry, though, scientists keep a close eye on the activity of them all!

On the flip side, for any city or town lovers, this state also has tons to offer in places like Seattle, Olympia, and more. With breweries, concerts, professional sports teams, and cute-themed towns like Leavenworth and Winthrop, you truly get the best of both worlds when it comes to being surrounded by nature but also being out and about amongst the people. Not to mention, Washington borders some of our friendliest neighbors to the North, making weekend trips into British Columbia incredibly easy.

The summers in the Pacific Northwest are truly one of a kind. Most days are long and sunny, with an average sunrise time of 0500 and sunset time of 2100. Rain, although, of course, still a possibility, is seldom, and warm days take over. With so many things to do, it’s hard to make a list of the must-do’s, but here is our attempt. In this list, you will find a combination of outdoor and city activities in no particular order!

Washington State in The Summer: Cities to Visit

#5: San Juan Islands:

A group of several islands located a few hours’ drive northwest (and a ferry ride!) from Seattle, WA. The ferry ride alone is enough to convince someone to visit here, but these islands have so much to offer. Whale watching, gorgeous sunsets, amazing food, and lots of opportunities to disconnect.

#4: Leavenworth:

Over the last several months, we have been able to visit this German-themed town three times and have loved every visit. Nestled into the mountains towards the east, this little town has made a name for itself with its cute shops, fun food/drinks, and easy access to beautiful hikes (Lake Colchuck is still one of our favorites we have done!)

#3: Olympic National Park:

The diversity of this national park is not something easily described but something that everyone must see for themselves. Beautiful beaches (Ruby, Kalaloch, and La Push, to name a few) are surrounded by endless forests and mountain ranges. Lake Crescent is also a must-see in this park, and one could easily spend hours exploring the Hoh Rainforest as well.

#2: Mount Rainier National Park:

There’s something quite unique about hiking around an active volcano, especially one as magnificent as Mt. Rainier. Summer days make viewing this beauty a breeze – I swear, every time we see her, we gasp! Paradise and Sunrise are popular places to visit here, but you can’t go wrong with any trail or region.

#1: Seattle:

This list wouldn’t be complete without including this lively city. The Space Needle, The Chihuly Glass Museum, the Seattle Great Wheel, and Pike Place Market are just a few of the must-see tourist spots here. Once you become more of a local, you can check out the dozens of breweries in the area (our favorite is Great Notion!) or spend some time hanging out at Lake Union in a hot tub boat (yes, really!). Seattle is also a really fantastic place to begin your adventures as most of the places mentioned earlier are within a 1-2.5 hour drive!

Honorable Mentions

North Cascades National Park: The third national park mentioned in this list, but still one of our all-time favorites. Surprisingly, this national park is one of the least visited in the country, and we aren’t sure why. Perhaps because many of the trails are not as easy to access as the trails in the other mentioned places, but that might also add to the beauty of this park as well. We’ve spent countless hours on Diablo Lake (the color of the water alone is enough to make you want to visit), driving through scenic roads, and hiking (our favorite was Maple Pass, but really, this hike should be reserved for the Fall months!).

Columbia River Gorge:

We didn’t include this area in the main list because it is technically partly in Oregon (but also partly in Washington, too!). It is, however, extremely easy to get to (only about a 3-hour drive south from Seattle), and the scenery here still takes our breaths away. Great hiking to waterfalls (the most famous being Multnomah Falls), scenic vistas (we just recently hiked Dog Mountain, and the views were out of this world), and right along the massive Columbia River, where a host of activities take place (boating, windsurfing to name a few). This is a place we know we will continue to come back to as our time in Washington continues through this summer.

As we begin working our second summer in Washington State, I look back at all the things we have gotten to do and can’t wait to add more amazing things to the seemingly never-ending list of Washington State.

We hope you found this article on Washington State and places to visit during the summer months while on assignment. Do you have any other places in Washington State that you think should be included on this list? 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.

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 Gifted Healthcare

March 21, 2024

3602 Views

Everything You Need to Know When Considering a Government Contract

Posted on March 21, 2024March 19, 2024 by Gifted Healthcare

Gifted Healthcare provided this article.

Government contracts are special contracts that travel nurses should consider when trying to find an assignment that will fit their needs. Most government contracts are with the Indian Health Service, VA Hospitals, or Federal Prison Clinics, and they come with unique benefits, adventurous destinations, and a variety of facility environments.

Read on to learn about government contracts and see if they appeal to you.

What you need to know when considering government contracts:

Unique Benefits

Government contract nurses receive various benefits that most nurse contracts do not. For starters, as a government contract nurse, you receive compensation for every government holiday even if you do not work that day. This is a nice little bonus on top of your regularly scheduled hours for the week.

One really big benefit of government contracts is that you can hold any state license to qualify for the position. You do not need to get any special licensing for each location, so you can go from state to state on government contracts while under your original state’s license. This will save you both time and paperwork.

Government contracts also offer paid time off and sick leave, which makes your work-life balance easier to manage. This allows you to keep your income flow steady while maintaining the time off you need to recharge and reset. These contracts also offer two full weeks of paid vacation once you work there for a year. Plan a two-week dream vacation and celebrate your year of work!

Your contract will provide you with day-one health benefits, but if you do not need healthcare through your job, you can cash this in for a healthcare stipend. No matter what you need, you decide how to utilize these benefit options.

Adventurous Destinations

Looking to head West? Government contracts are ample in the Southwest, Midwest, the Rocky Mountains, and the Great Plains. The West offers some of the best skiing mountains, open land to explore, and hikes that lead to incredible views.

If your government contract is with the Indian Health Service, you will be placed near a Native American reservation, which is near National Monuments like Mount Rushmore, The Grand Canyon, Glacier Mountain Park, and more.

These contracts are a great chance to cross off some of your bucket list visits while you work out West!

Patient Care

Nursing has its stressors, which is no surprise. There are shifts when you are overwhelmed with patients and can’t seem to keep up. With government contracts, though, the patient ratio is manageable, allowing you to dedicate your time to all of your patients’ needs.

Your work on a government contract would make an impactful difference to a rural community that faces development barriers and oftentimes, generational addiction. Your work will help the community strive for healthier lifestyles, provide tools for those facing addiction, and advance the overall health of the community.

Contract Stability

Government contracts are typically longer than a travel nurse assignment and offer a 26-week contract to begin that you can extend for up to three years. The long-term opportunities allow you to develop a relationship with the community and patients and gain more time to explore the surrounding towns and monuments.

If you are looking to travel to a new city but enjoy feeling settled at home, this is a great way to experience a town for a couple of years rather than a few short months.

Is a Government Contract for You?

Mission-minded nurses and adventure-seekers will thrive on a government contract. With miles and miles of nature to explore and the opportunity to help a small community, you will feel fulfilled while on assignment.

These contracts are not just for nurses either. There are a myriad of opportunities for dental assistants, pharm techs, med lab techs, and more in government contracts, so reach out to Gifted Healthcare and connect with a recruiter to learn more about how you can land a government contract!

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 Go Healthcare Staffing

January 26, 2024

1723 Views

New Year, New Travel Assignments: How to Choose the Right One for You

Posted on January 26, 2024January 19, 2024 by Go Healthcare Staffing

Go Healthcare Staffing provided this article.

As the calendar turns to a new year, travel nurses find themselves at the crossroads of fresh opportunities and exciting possibilities. The prospect of embarking on a new travel assignment is not just a chance to explore a different corner of the country but also an opportunity to align your career goals with meaningful experiences. As you consider your next travel adventure, keep in mind these 7 strategies that can help you evaluate and select travel assignments that resonate with your professional aspirations.

Define Your Career Goals:

Before diving into the plethora of available travel assignments, take a moment to reflect on your career goals. Consider the skills you want to develop, the types of healthcare settings that interest you, and the patient populations you are passionate about. By having a clear understanding of your objectives, you can narrow down your search and focus on travel assignments that contribute to your long-term professional growth.

Research Potential Locations:

Each travel nursing assignment comes with its unique location, and the setting can greatly influence your experience. Research potential locations, taking into account factors such as cost of living, climate, and local amenities. Consider whether you prefer the hustle and bustle of a city or the tranquility of a rural setting. The more aligned the location is with your lifestyle preferences, the more fulfilling your travel assignment is likely to be.

Evaluate Facility Reputation:

The healthcare facility’s reputation plays a pivotal role in the overall satisfaction of your travel assignment. Look for reviews or testimonials from fellow travel nurses who have worked at the facility. Consider factors like nurse-to-patient ratios, staff support, and the overall work environment. A positive and supportive workplace enhances your experience and contributes to a successful travel assignment.

Understand Travel Assignment Requirements:

Carefully review the travel assignment requirements and expectations. Take note of shift schedules, patient demographics, and any specific skills or certifications required. Ensure that the travel assignment aligns with your clinical expertise and allows you to contribute effectively. Understanding these details beforehand helps in avoiding surprises and ensures a smooth transition into the new role.

Consider Benefits and Compensation:

Beyond the clinical aspects, it’s crucial to evaluate the benefits and compensation package offered. Look into aspects such as housing stipends, travel allowances, and health insurance. Compare the overall compensation packages of different travel assignments to ensure that they align with your financial goals.

Seek Guidance from Experienced Travel Nurses:

Leverage the collective wisdom of experienced travel nurses. Engage with online forums, social media groups, or professional networks where travel nurses share their experiences and advice. Learning from the insights of those who have been on similar journeys can provide valuable perspectives and help you make informed decisions.

Flexibility and Adaptability:

The ability to adapt is a hallmark of successful travel nurses. Assess your own flexibility and willingness to adapt to different work environments, team dynamics, and patient populations. Embracing diversity and change can lead to a more enriching and rewarding travel nursing experience.

Choosing the right travel assignment for the new year involves a thoughtful blend of self-reflection, research, and practical considerations. By defining your career goals, researching locations and facilities, understanding assignment requirements, considering benefits, seeking guidance, and embracing flexibility, you can embark on a journey that aligns seamlessly with your professional aspirations. We hope that 2024 brings you not only new assignments but also a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment in your travel nursing career!

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.

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 RNnetwork

November 15, 2023

2973 Views

9 Questions to Ask Before Accepting a Travel Nurse Assignment

Posted on November 15, 2023November 8, 2023 by RNnetwork

RNNetwork provided this article.

Before you jump into your next travel nurse assignment, check out this checklist of questions you’ll want to ask your recruiter before you accept.

1. What’s the nurse-to-patient ratio?

Knowing the nurse-to-patient ratio is one of the best ways to gauge what to expect while on a shift and whether the environment is a good fit for you.

ER, travel nurse Synthia Kimble also suggests asking for how long the hospital will allow you to spend with each patient. She likes to be able to listen and advocate for the patient. “I like the smaller hospitals because usually, the smaller hospitals are not so time-constrictive,” she says.

2. What types of illnesses and conditions can I expect to see?

You want to feel comfortable and experienced in the type of care you’ll provide, so be frank and forthcoming with your recruiter about your qualifications, comfort level with various units and types of conditions, and what kind of hospital environment you’re looking for in your assignment.

Learning as much as possible about the unit is something pediatric nurse Mary Hopkins recommends. In her current assignment, her role was on a pediatric floor, but she says there are more adult patients than children. “They said it was a pediatric unit with occasional adults,” she says. The assignment involved providing care for much more challenging conditions than she expected, she says, and the assignment wasn’t the best fit.

3. Is working overtime possible? Is it expected?

Even though your hourly rate as a travel nurse may be higher than for a staff nurse, it’s nice to be able to earn additional cash if you want to. So, check in ahead of time if this matters to you.

4. What’s the typical schedule for nurses?

What are the shifts? Three 12-hour shifts per week? Or five eight-hour days? And do you typically get off on time? Be sure to get clarification ahead of time.

5. As a travel nurse, can I take a specific day off?

If you need a specific day off for another commitment, can you request it off? Or do you have to arrange for someone to cover for you and switch shifts with them?

6. Do travelers float floors/units?

Will you remain on your unit and floor? Or do travel nurses or their staff nurses cover other areas, too? Typically, travel nurses float at the same rate as permanent nurses, but sometimes, the facility prefers staff nurses to float since they’re more acquainted with the hospital.

7. What’s the charting system? And will paid training be offered on the system and hospital procedures?

“When I first started traveling, I was nervous about kind of jumping into a routine in a hospital that I was unfamiliar with,” says nurse Sara Cox, who has worked in ICU, PCU, and rehab. “It’s hard not to know what systems you’re going to be documenting with and what computer systems you’re going to be pulling your meds with, but having almost six years of nursing experience onboard before I started doing all this, I think, made it a little bit easier,” she says.

She also advises travel nurses to ask if there will be some paid training and at least attempt to make that request.

8. How’s the local housing market for short-term rentals?

In some towns, especially tourist-driven towns, it can be difficult to find affordable short-term housing, so check into this ahead of time. A major benefit of working with a good travel nurse recruitment company is that they can help line up your housing.

9. Can I negotiate that?

If you hear an answer that you didn’t expect, don’t be afraid to speak up. “Don’t think anything is impossible and that you can’t get it or that it’s a crazy request,” says critical care nurse Peter Gallinelli.

And when you’re working on finding an assignment, “Make sure you tell your representative what your needs are and what your hopes are,” Gallinelli adds. “When you’re in the interview with the manager, tell them what you need, what you require and see if they can do that. If they agree to those things in the interview, make sure you tell your representative, and it gets put in the contract.”

We hope you found these 9 questions to ask before accepting a travel nurse assignment helpful. Are there any questions you ask before you accept a travel nurse assignment? Comment them below.

RNnetwork can help you find your next travel nursing job. Call us at 800.866.0407 or view today’s travel nurse job openings.

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 Medical Solutions

September 16, 2023

9733 Views

How Long Do Travel Nurses Stay at One Assignment?

Posted on September 16, 2023September 25, 2023 by Medical Solutions

Medical Solutions provided this article.

By Sarah Wengert

If you’re a new or aspiring traveler, you’ve probably wondered about the length of travel nursing assignments. Are travel nurses constantly on the go, or can they unpack and stay awhile? What is “awhile” anyway?

Travel nursing jobs vary in length, and that variance depends on each facility’s staffing needs. When choosing the right assignment length, travelers should consider things like original contract length, the possibility of extending an assignment, and other factors that will be unique to them and their needs.
There are also important IRS tax compliance considerations that impact your ability to receive lodging, meals, and incidental per diems on a non-taxable basis. Your staffing agency will have its own internal policies that align with several important IRS rules that ensure you are eligible to receive non-taxable travel benefits.

How long can You remain in the same general location while on a Travel assignment?

If you wish to continue to receive non-taxable per diems (and nearly all traveling clinicians do!), the short answer is that you cannot remain in the same general assignment location for more than one year. While many IRS rules are unclear, this is one that’s fairly straightforward: Among other requirements, working in any particular assignment location must be “temporary” in order to receive non-taxable per diems. The IRS rules state that if your assignment lasts, or is expected to last, more than one year, then the assignment is not “temporary”. And as a result, you are not entitled to non-taxable per diems. The months at the assignment location do not have to occur consecutively to hit the 12-month limit.

What is the Average Length of a Travel Assignment?

Most travel nursing assignments last 13 weeks, but they can come in many other lengths. Other common travel nurse assignment lengths include 8, 4, or even 1-2 weeks on the shorter side. On the longer side, sometimes travel jobs last 20 or even 26 weeks.

That brings us to the next important thing to know about how long travel nurses stay in one location: Travel nursing assignment extensions!

Can You Extend Your Travel Nurse Assignment?

Yes, you can extend your travel nurse assignment if both you and the facility agree to an extension.

Many facilities like to extend a travel nursing assignment when they still have the staffing need and are happy and familiar with a traveler. Many travelers like to extend their assignment when they’re happy with the facility and location.

When it works for both a facility and a traveler, travel nurse assignment extensions provide a smooth transition into a longer-term arrangement for both parties!

Remember that you can always ask your recruiter for a specific length of assignment if that’s what you need. You might not be able to choose your exact travel nurse assignment length, but it never hurts to ask your recruiter so they’re looking out for you and your unique needs. A good recruiter will always do their best to get as close as possible to your request from the current pool of available travel nursing assignments — so make sure you openly communicate your needs to them.

Again, the duration of your travel nursing job depends on the facility’s staffing needs and their particular interest in you. So, some assignments may last for an irregular time span if that’s what’s needed. Ultimately, a travel nurse can safely stay in one place for as long as the facility needs them and agrees to rehire them for up to 12 months. And, of course, when a traveler agrees to stay in that facility and location!

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

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

START HERE

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

By Medely

September 14, 2023

1680 Views

6 Things to Do Between Travel Nursing Assignments

Posted on September 14, 2023September 14, 2023 by Medely

Medely provided this article.

When you’re a travel nurse, it can be challenging to hone in on what you must focus on to recharge your batteries, prepare for the next contract, and nurture the important relationships in your life. We’ve prepared a list of things you can do or focus on between contracts to make the most of your time.

Prioritize things that bring you joy.

In the busy, exhausting world of travel nursing, you often don’t have time to pursue the hobbies and interests that you would like to. Take the time between contracts to pursue new or existing hobbies like picking up an instrument, reading a book or a book series, or finally finishing that art project you’ve meant to complete.

Harvard University has a handy guide to finding joy or, at the very least, peace during difficult times.

Spend time with friends and family.

FaceTime and texting just isn’t the same. Meeting with friends and family over meals or going to events can help nurture the important relationships in your life. Making time for concerts, sporting events, or just quiet time at home at a small gathering can help you re-energize and re-invigorate the friendships and family connections you missed while on a travel nursing assignment.

Travel for leisure

Maybe your wanderlust isn’t satiated just yet. Time between contracts is a great opportunity to take a trip for pleasure. Whether it’s a quick road trip to another city or state or something a little more exotic, taking advantage of the time between travel nursing assignments to see the rest of the world is an option.

Here are some of the best travel apps, according to PC Mag. Use them to find the best deals for flights, lodging, and rentals for your next fun trip.

Plan for the year ahead.

The lull between contracts is a wonderful opportunity to plan for the year or even 18 months ahead as much as possible. Start with your financial and personal goals and see what you can brainstorm. Once you have your list of goals, how can you use travel nursing to your advantage? Is the goal to make more money? Is the goal to be closer to home? Is that goal to see more of the world? Whatever you decide, ensure your goals are attainable, and consider making a budget to add more security to your plans.

The Gypsy Nurse has a guide to the best budgeting apps to help you meet your goals.

Pick up extra shifts.

Although some nurses use the time between contracts to slow down and re-energize, there is still an opportunity to work and make extra cash through extra shifts – namely, per diem shifts. Most travel nurses know what per diem shifts are, but for the uninitiated, per diem shifts through a service like Medely are single shifts at participating facilities that need help from accomplished, credentialed healthcare professionals like you. Per diem shifts can be picked up at hospitals and other healthcare facilities needing help to cover patient demand fluctuations or absences.

Use Medely for travel contracts and per diem shifts.

Medely has helped thousands of nurses nationwide connect directly with hospitals and surgical centers for travel nursing assignments and per diem shifts. With facilities in over 30 states and shifts and assignments for over 40 roles and specialties, Medely is the premier provider of travel and per diem opportunities for travelers. Travelers love Medely because we provide travel and per diem opportunities in one location. No more bouncing between agencies and other services.

Click here to create a free Medely account to see opportunities that fit your lifestyle the best.

See you at TravCon 2023

We would love to meet with you if you’re going to TravCon 2023! Our team of Medelyans will be at Booth #221. We’ll have games, giveaways, and raffles and are sponsoring lunch on Tuesday. To keep up with what we have planned for TravCo, like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram. We

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nursing assignment. If housing is an issue, we have you covered with our housing page. 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 Galaxy Healthcare

May 22, 2023

2626 Views

How to Land Travel Nurse and Allied Health Assignments in 2023

Posted on May 22, 2023May 22, 2023 by Galaxy Healthcare

Galaxy Healthcare provided this article.

While the demand for travel nurses and allied health professionals positions has decreased since the pandemic, there is still a healthy demand with more job openings and higher rates than there were pre-pandemic.

There are plenty of benefits to working local and travel assignments with agencies, including flexibility, traveling to new places, higher pay, and shorter contract commitments. Do you want to land the perfect local or travel assignments in 2023? Here are some tips to help you have the most success.

Look for the Right Recruiter Relationship

Good recruiters should be your biggest advocate and a guide for landing you great travel assignments. From the submittal process to the potential contract extension process, your recruiter will be the person who is there for you throughout your travel career. They will work with you to ensure you are getting the assignments you are looking for, along with any other topics you may need guidance on during your assignment. That is why finding a recruiter or a handful of recruiters that prioritize you is so important.

Not all agencies have the same opportunities or consistency, so it can be beneficial to find a couple of recruiters you trust at different agencies to increase your odds of finding the best assignments for you. Once you have found a recruiter or handful of recruiters, make sure you are building a strong relationship with them, as it can lead to great benefits. If you have a strong relationship with your recruiters, then it will be easy for you to be honest with them for the best outcomes.

Choose the recruiter that is willing to have the hard conversations with you and is extremely transparent. The recruiters that keep you at the front of their minds are the ones who are continuously communicating with you, guiding you through the process, and looking out for potential assignments for you at all times.

Communication & Preparation are Key!

After choosing the right recruiter, be as communicative with them as possible. Provide them with everything they need to match you with the right assignments and have you ready to go so you can be one of the first candidates submitted. Ensure all your credentials are up-to-date and shared with them. Come up with a game plan for what they should do when the role you are looking for opens. Do they have your permission to submit it when it opens? Do they need to text or call you to confirm? Make sure you can respond timely so they can give you the best shot.

If you are working with multiple recruiters and agencies, make sure you keep them up to speed on anywhere you are submitted or change in your status. This ensures you are not double-submitted to the same facility, which is frowned upon in our industry and can hinder your ability to land the assignment you want. It also prevents anyone from wasting time and maintains a good relationship for the future if you want to work with them.

We all know that healthcare professionals have very busy schedules, but if you are searching for a new assignment, then communicating with your travel agency and being available for them is a key part in landing great assignments. If you stand out as an uncommunicative candidate, then you might miss out on additional opportunities. Recruiters are willing to work with your schedule. Just let them know if something has changed!

Flexibility.

We know that flexibility is not always possible due to various life circumstances. But if you can be flexible in certain areas and are able to keep an open mind, it opens the door to more opportunities for you. Especially during the summer months when there are fewer orders, you may want to consider what items to be flexible on to maintain consistent work. This can ensure you are qualified and ready to go when the industry picks up again seasonally in the fall and winter months. Even if that means doing PRN work or working shorter contracts, just communicate with your recruiter and see what options they have.

When you are able to be flexible, you can learn about locations that you may not have known or thought about or specific positions that you are qualified for but have not considered. Ask about what locations have the best cost of living or what local contracts may be available in your area. You may be surprised at what opportunities exist that you haven’t heard about because of your stricter preferences.

Still, Looking for Competitive Pay Packages?

While some rates are continuing to decrease as the market shifts, ask your agencies if there are any additional programs going on that can incentivize you to work with them. Some of these could be hire-on bonuses, completion bonuses, scrub reimbursements, etc. Consider the full offering, and don’t assume there isn’t more to offer than the pay package itself.

If you are looking for a higher pay rate than what you are seeing reflected on a job listing, you could potentially be making more than what you see upfront, depending on what incentives the company offers. Make sure you are looking out for these opportunities and asking questions!

In Summary

The healthcare staffing industry is one of the largest and fastest-growing industries across the country. It can be hard to see with some of the extremes the pandemic brought to the industry that there is still a strong opportunity today in comparison. As with everything in life, evolving and recognizing how to have success in the current market is very important. If you know you want to continue your travel healthcare career, consider the above advice. There are plenty of options as a healthcare professional, and you have to decide what is best for you and your career. It’s okay if you decide you are hanging up your traveling hat. Just be sure to do the research, be open-minded, and find the experts who can guide you along the way.

3…2…1….blast off!

The Gypsy Nurse 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 Navigation Healthcare

December 29, 2022

1506 Views

Navigating the Start of Your Travel Nursing Career

Posted on December 29, 2022January 5, 2023 by Navigation Healthcare

Navigation Healthcare provided this article.

Whether you are searching for personal career growth, itching to explore new places, or looking to experience different organizational cultures and practices, travel nursing is full of possibilities. If you’re wondering how to begin, here’s a guide on navigating the start of your travel nursing career.

The Basics

To be considered for a travel assignment, you must fulfill the basic requirements of being a nurse and gaining clinical experience in the area you want to work as a travel nurse.

You must have a valid license in the state you want to travel to. Most nurses first obtain a single-state license. From there, you can upgrade your single-state license to a multistate license, allowing you to practice in all states within the nursing compact. This route will enable you to expand your potential job opportunities, but not every state is part of the compact, so be sure to double-check. If you’re applying for a license in a new state, check local state websites for processing times and costs. It’s essential to be proactive, as some can take up to three months for approval.
For most travel nursing jobs, you’ll need a minimum of one year of experience within a specialty. The preferred amount is two years or more. Experience will help smooth transitions as Travel Nurses are expected to hit the ground running with minimal orientation. For example, some assignments provide only a three-day orientation before expecting you to take on a full load.

Preparation

Once you have fulfilled the basic requirements of travel nursing, you can start planning and preparing for the fun stuff. Here are a few considerations while dreaming up your perfect assignment.

Make sure your certifications are up-to-date. Certifications like ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) strengthen your position to compete for jobs in specialty areas.
Prepare and organize your personal documents. Have an updated resume, a list of two to three references, and proof of licensure and certifications.
Have a sense of your basic financial situation. Knowing how much income you will need to cover home and travel expenses will help you focus on finding those contracts that will meet your needs.
Explore the possibilities. A good way to know what’s out there is to leverage healthcare job marketplaces like LiquidCompass, where you can search for jobs by city, state, specialty, etc. Click on any posted job and read the different job descriptions and skills requirements. This can help you plan, be aware of certifications you may need, and get familiar with the travel job landscape. You may even see an opening in a place you never considered but are drawn to.

Casting Your Net

Once you have an idea of where you want to go and what type of job you’re looking for, there is a wealth of resources to help you find a job.

You can search through the many jobs website; you’ll save a lot of time by using healthcare-specific sites, which include permanent jobs as well as travel jobs or travel-specific sites. Some will even alert you when a new travel job is posted that fits your interests.
Get a professional to help you. Nurse Navigators, Nurse Advocates, and Recruiters are all examples of specialists that help travel nurses find the jobs that best fit them. In many cases, that will work closely with you every step of the way. You can build relationships with them over time, and they can be invaluable in helping you in your ongoing travel career.
There are many social media sites where you can read about tips, experiences, and recommendations from other travel nurses.
Have your numbers ready. Travel nursing contracts typically include an hourly rate and a daily “per diem” rate. Here’s a quick breakdown of what these terms mean.
- The hourly rate is the dollar rate per hour you work. This rate is taxable. For example, the base hourly rate could be $39 per hour.
- The daily “per diem” rate is a stipend allowed by the federal government for a specific region to help cover the cost of living in different locations. For example, in Santa Monica, California, the maximum per diem rate for 2022 is $239 per day for lodging and $79 per day for meals and incidentals. Weekly, this stipend comes out to approximately $2236. This amount is non-taxable. You can check out current rates here.
- Sometimes a contract will offer a “blended rate”. This term simply means they have combined the value of the taxable hourly rate with the value of the daily per diem rate. You can ask your recruiter to clarify the exact values of each.
Expect to be vetted. Like any other job, you will have an interview. The STAR method is one resource to help you formulate a concise response for those clinical-based questions.
Negotiate before you sign the contract. Ensure the numbers look correct and that you understand the terms. Contracts may have specific terms for cancellations in the fine print. Some agencies will provide a stipend for airfare or miles traveled.

Know Your Resources

Navigating the beginning of your travel nursing journey doesn’t have to be painful or confusing. It can seem overwhelming to learn the ropes with any new endeavor, but knowing your resources is key to feeling confident. If you have questions or concerns, contact other seasoned nurses, your recruiter, and your agency for support. Most of all, be excited for the opportunity to see new places and challenge yourself as a nurse!

We hope you found this article on navigating travel nursing and navigating the start of your career helpful. Do you have any tips or advice to share? Comment them below.

Nurse (Author) Bio:

Midge Lee

Midge Lee is a registered nurse with six years of experience in the burn, trauma, emergency medicine, and intensive care. She has also dabbled in travel nursing and home health. Midge enjoys writing about a range of topics—from self-care and wellness to hospital haikus.

References

https://nurse.org/articles/enhanced-compact-multi-state-license-eNLC/

https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates

https://www.uc.edu/campus-life/careereducation/career-studio/job-search/interviews/star-method.html

Top 7 Tips for Travel Nurses Starting a New Assignment:

Make Plans To Pursue Continuing Education

Perform Research On Your New Facility

Embrace Flexibility and Adaptability

Prioritize Your Self-Care and Well-Being

Stay Organized

Plan Your Finances

Build Strong Professional Relationships

Final Thoughts

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Define Your Career Goals:

Research Potential Locations:

Evaluate Facility Reputation:

Understand Travel Assignment Requirements:

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Seek Guidance from Experienced Travel Nurses:

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1. What’s the nurse-to-patient ratio?

2. What types of illnesses and conditions can I expect to see?

3. Is working overtime possible? Is it expected?

4. What’s the typical schedule for nurses?

5. As a travel nurse, can I take a specific day off?

6. Do travelers float floors/units?

7. What’s the charting system? And will paid training be offered on the system and hospital procedures?

8. How’s the local housing market for short-term rentals?

9. Can I negotiate that?

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

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