March 12, 2024

1898 Views

When to Start Preparing for Your Next Travel Nursing Assignment

Posted on March 12, 2024March 5, 2024 by Emma Joyce

Starting a travel nursing assignment is an exciting adventure that offers the chance to experience different cultures and locations in addition to professional development. It’s a chance for nurses to grow as professionals, experience new things, and improve healthcare systems all around the world. Nevertheless, careful planning and preparation for your next travel nursing assignments are necessary to maximize this experience.

Every facet of preparation is essential to guaranteeing a seamless transfer and a rewarding experience, from understanding licensing requirements to making travel and housing arrangements and handling funds. With the aim of empowering nurses to take on their next travel nursing assignment with confidence and readiness, we’ll explore the important dates and actions to take into account in this extensive guide.

When to Start Preparing for Your Next Travel Nursing Assignment:

Getting Certifications and Licenses

Obtaining certificates and licenses for a travel nursing assignment can be a complex and time-consuming process. In addition to making sure all of their licenses and certifications are current, nurses should also consider the particular requirements of each jurisdiction in which they intend to operate. This could entail submitting applications for further state certifications or licenses, each of which has requirements and processing dates. For example, to practice effortlessly across state lines, nurses in the United States may need to apply for a multistate license or traverse the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).

Furthermore, it’s imperative to stay up to date on any modifications or adjustments to licensing laws in order to prevent delays and other issues that can affect how your next travel nursing assignment gets started.

Researching Your Potential Next Travel Nursing Assignments

An essential part of the preparation process is researching possible assignments, which enables nurses to choose placements that fit their interests, lifestyle preferences, and professional objectives. Nurses should do extensive studies about the standing of healthcare institutions, the patient population they serve, and the general work environment, in addition to merely noting opportunities that are accessible. This could entail utilizing the resources offered by travel nursing firms, speaking with other travel nurses, and researching online forums and communities. Nurses can make well-informed decisions about which assignments to pursue and guarantee a more meaningful and rewarding experience by obtaining personal experiences and insights from others.

Arranging Housing for your next travel nursing assignment

In addition to being a practical requirement, finding appropriate lodging is essential to guarantee the comfort and well-being of nurses while they are on assignment. The location, length, and particular requirements of the assignment may affect the housing options and availability. That is why looking into luxury apartments in Baltimore is a good option for you because you want to be close to work and also other amenities.

Among the lodging alternatives available to nurses are short-term rentals, long-term hotels, and residences offered by travel nursing firms. When choosing a place to live, it’s important to take the neighborhood’s safety, accessibility to the workplace, amenities, and affordability into account. Nurses should also take the initiative to learn about local rental markets, comprehend leases, and look into housing stipends or allowances offered by their organizations or companies.

Organizing Finances

In order to guarantee stability and peace of mind for the duration of their placement, nurses preparing for a travel nursing assignment must engage in effective financial planning. It is important for nurses to consider a range of charges, such as emergency savings, living expenses, travel expenses, housing prices, and license fees. Nurses can better manage their finances and prevent needless stress or overspending by creating a precise budget and keeping track of their spending. Additionally, nurses may optimize their financial condition and maximize their earnings by being aware of the reimbursement rules provided by travel nursing companies as well as the tax benefits given to healthcare professionals working on temporary assignments.

Packing and Logistics

It takes considerable thought and preparation to pack for a travel nursing assignment so that nurses have all they need to carry out their responsibilities and be healthy while away from home. When packing clothing and accessories, nurses should take into account the destination’s environment, cultural norms, and special requirements in addition to necessities like medical equipment, uniforms, and personal things. It’s critical to pack light and give priority to the things that will be most helpful for the task.

In addition, nurses should become acquainted with the mechanics of getting to and from work, as well as any immunizations or health tests that may be required for the assignment site. By taking proactive steps to prepare and organize their belongings, nurses can alleviate stress and focus on making the most of their travel nursing experience.

Taking on a travel nursing assignment is a thrilling chance to advance both personally and professionally. A seamless transition into their new roles can be ensured by nurses by carefully planning and following deadlines. Every stage is essential to the assignment’s success, from obtaining a license to making travel and housing arrangements to managing funds. Travel nurses can make the most of their travels and contribute significantly to healthcare communities all around the world by being proactive and knowledgeable.

We hope you found this article on when to start preparing for your next travel nursing assignment helpful. Do you have any tips for preparing for your next travel nursing 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 AMN Healthcare

September 19, 2023

1793 Views

The Ultimate Guide to Job Search Tips for Travel Nursing

Posted on September 19, 2023September 19, 2023 by AMN Healthcare

AMN Healthcare provided this article.

Are you ready to embark on a travel nursing adventure? Here’s what you need to know to find the right job for you. In this practical guide, we’ll share valuable job search tips for travel nurses, including strategies for both new and experienced travelers to land their ideal assignments.

Researching Travel Nursing Opportunities

Travel nursing offers freedom and flexibility that are unparalleled in the healthcare industry. As you research your ideal travel nursing job, consider your priorities to help narrow down your search. Some nurses may prioritize certain destinations or a particular type of healthcare facility, while others are looking for opportunities to build their professional skills and gain more experience.

Once you have decided which factors are most important to you, it’s time to get started on your search. Take some time to peruse websites and platforms that specialize in travel nursing job postings to see what kinds of assignments are available. One to check out: Onward Healthcare’s job search page. You can search by location, nursing specialty, assignment duration, type of shift, or your desired start date.

Perfecting Your Travel Nursing Resume

As you prepare to apply for travel nursing jobs that match your requirements, be sure to polish your travel nursing resume. A top-notch resume should be concise yet detailed enough to highlight your relevant experience, your specific clinical skills, and certifications. In order to stand out to recruiters and hiring managers, you’ll also want to highlight your ability to work in diverse healthcare settings and adapt quickly to new environments. Your recruiter should be able to help you perfect your resume before it is forwarded to a potential hiring facility.

Some employers may also require a cover letter to signal your interest in working for them. This is a great opportunity to not only demonstrate your professional expertise and your passion for travel nursing but also to explain why you are the perfect fit for a particular assignment.

Building a Strong Online Presence

Before you get too far along in your travel nurse job search, take a close look at your online presence. Have you vetted your social media profiles and postings recently to make sure everything reflects positively on you? Connecting with travel nursing communities on Facebook and Twitter, among others, is a great way to learn about potential employers and job opportunities. Just remember that everything you post online, even in a private community, could become public at some point. Post accordingly.

Additionally, this is a perfect time to optimize your LinkedIn profile to highlight yourself and what you have to offer to a potential employer. A few tips:

Pick the right photograph for your profile. A recent professional photo will set the right tone.
Use your summary to sell yourself. Write a captivating narrative that demonstrates your professional excellence and will impress prospective employers.
List all your relevant skills, certifications, and honors. This is not the time to be modest.
Ask colleagues or managers to write endorsements for you.

Partnering with a Travel Nursing Agency

While you can embark upon a job search on your own, working with a travel nurse staffing agency will give you the best chance of securing the kind of job you really want. Established agencies like Onward Healthcare can really streamline the process for you and help you avoid a number of hiccups. They already have relationships with top-notch healthcare facilities and know how to connect you with the right opportunities.

You’ll be working with recruiters and their colleagues who can help you:

Find travel nursing assignments that meet your requirements and qualifications;
Prepare for interviews and compare contracts;
Handle all the onboarding details and logistics, including licensing;
Provide free housing or a housing stipend plus travel reimbursements;
Give you guidance and encouragement along the way.

As a bonus, all of these services are offered free of charge! And, if you work for Onward Healthcare, you can also use the AMN Passport app to easily find, book, and manage your travel nursing assignments.

Networking as a Travel Nurse

Your professional network is another great resource to tap when you’re looking for a new job, including a travel nursing job. Reach out to them and ask if they know about any job openings—or who to contact to find out.

Plus, when you become a travel nurse, you will meet even more people who can become part of your professional network. As you take on travel nursing jobs, you’ll establish relationships with people who will share their knowledge with you and encourage you to develop your own skills. Those people may be able to help you in the future, too, when you’re looking for a mentor, a professional reference, or information about career opportunities.

The Recipe for a Successful Job Search

Travel nursing offers a myriad of opportunities for professional development and personal adventure. Approach your job search strategically to give yourself a good shot at the best travel nursing jobs. As noted, it is important to focus on your priorities, take time for some research, optimize your online presence, polish your resume, nurture your professional connections, and work with a reputable travel nursing agency.

Finding the ideal travel nursing assignment will require some time and effort. And your job search needs to be personalized to you and your goals. So follow these job search tips, be persistent, and stay positive. Before you know it, you’ll be packing for your next big travel nursing adventure.

Do you have any job search tips for travel nurses? Comment them below.

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

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

START HERE

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

By 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 AMN Healthcare

May 1, 2023

3107 Views

Finding the Best Assignments in Travel Nursing

Posted on May 1, 2023May 1, 2023 by AMN Healthcare

AMN Healthcare provided this article.

A career as a travel nurse can provide you with adventure, professional development, and personal growth. With literally thousands of travel nurse jobs available across the United States, you can also choose when and where you work.

However, with so many options, such as various locations, clinical settings, organizational cultures, and compensation packages, how can you select the most suitable assignments?

The key components are focusing on your personal and professional priorities, conducting some research, and forming a partnership with a travel nurse agency that will position you for success. These means will require some work front and center, yet they can significantly affect the long haul.

Here are a few critical variables to remember as you start your journey to find prime travel nurture tasks and score your best agreement yet!

How to Find a Travel Nursing Assignment

Selecting a reputable staffing agency, such as American Mobile, and beginning work with a recruiter are the first steps in finding a travel nursing assignment. This step should include online research, requesting referrals from nursing colleagues, and conducting due diligence when contacting an agency. Before deciding if this is the right company for you, learn about the available jobs, reputation, and benefits.

From that point, the fun starts! You can make a list of your preferred travel locations and facilities—teaching hospitals, trauma centers, smaller rural facilities, etc.—before your first meeting with your recruiter. After that, browse the AMN Passport to get a sense of the available opportunities and submit an application within the app. You can likewise set your inclinations in the application to get robotized warnings.

Your travel nurse agency’s database may allow you to search assignments by contract length, location, specialty, and more. Preparing a list of assignments that have piqued your interest will help you when it comes to the next step.

Clarify your personal priorities:

You and your recruiter will be able to choose the best travel nursing assignment for your situation if you evaluate job opportunities based on your priorities. Your recruiter ought to take the time to inquire about your “must-have” and “nice-to-have” lists for potential assignments from the very beginning.

When selecting travel nursing assignments, consider the following:

Assessing job opportunities based on your priorities will help you and your recruiter identify the best travel nursing assignment for your situation. Right from the start, your recruiter should take the time to ask you several questions to help discover your “must-have” list vs. your “nice-to-have” list for potential assignments.

Some of the factors to consider in selecting travel nurse assignments may include:

Geographical location, including whether it is close to people or places you want to visit
Community profile, such as city size, climate, and type of activities available nearby
Type and reputation of healthcare facility and unit (i.e., a Magnet-designated hospital)
Clinical experience and support that may be available
The compensation package, including your travel nursing salary and benefits
Length of assignment and type of shifts available

Network with fellow travel nurses

Developing a network of travel nurses can also assist you in your search for the most You never know when a highly sought-after position might become available, and a colleague in travel nursing might recommend you for it. Making associations is not difficult to do through web-based entertainment, AMN Passport, online gatherings and gatherings, and different methods for computerized relationship building.

Be that as it may, remember eye-to-eye contact, as well. Inquire with the nurses you currently work with to see if they know any travelers who might be interested in learning more about the area and offering advice.

Update your resume

Your resume may have been overlooked if you haven’t looked for a job in a while. If that is the case, you should update it as soon as possible before submitting your complete travel nursing application. Make sure that all of your experience, certifications, special skills, and other accomplishments are up to date because your recruiter will use this information to create your candidate packet, which will be presented to client facilities. Additionally, see “Expert Advice for Writing a Nursing Resume.”)

Notwithstanding, on the off chance that you really want the additional opportunity to guarantee that your resume precisely mirrors your nursing vocation and features the things that make you stick out, don’t let that keep you away from conversing with a spotter. You can let your recruiter know that your resume still needs some work by filling out American Mobile’s quick online application as a starting point. In point of fact, your recruiter might be able to offer you some guidance with regard to making those updates.

Build a relationship with your recruiter.

As you start working with your movement nurture scout, you’ll before long find the significance of laying out a trust-based relationship. You not only want to have faith that they are thinking of your best interests, but they also need to know that you are truly qualified for the position and that you will effectively represent their business when you arrive at the facility.

Correspondence is of the most extreme significance. Staying in touch via phone, email, and text is part of this, as is being open and honest about your needs and wants. A prompt response time can help ensure that you don’t miss any chosen assignments and is always appreciated.

American Portable travel medical caretakers can likewise utilize the AMN Visa Application to rapidly find occupations of interest and speak with their spotter. The app makes submitting applications and documentation on time from your smartphone simple!

Heed expert advice and know when to be flexible.

Keeping an open mind and being agreeable to unexpected opportunities is one of the easiest ways to ensure you have a great experience as a travel nurse. Being too rigid about location or any other factor may exclude you from some amazing travel nurse assignments.

Honestly, it can be difficult to find an assignment that matches everything on your wish list. That’s why it’s important to be clear about any “nonnegotiable” items yet willing to listen and take your recruiter’s advice based on what they know about you and the hiring facility. If they recommend a certain assignment, there is a good reason they are doing so! And as you continue to build that relationship, you will learn to rely on their wisdom and experience even more.

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

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

START HERE

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

By Triage Healthcare Staffing

November 9, 2022

1772 Views

New Year Travel Assignments: Why You Shouldn’t Sleep on Finding One Now

Posted on November 9, 2022November 9, 2022 by Triage Healthcare Staffing

Triage Healthcare Staffing provided this article.

The new year seems so far away, but the reality is that it will be here before you know it. The time of year between Thanksgiving and New Year’s flies by for travel nurses, recruiters, and onboarding specialists, which means waiting to find a travel assignment that starts in January can leave you without a job come the first of the year. If you’re considering taking the holidays off and jumping back into the job market in January, here are a few reasons you should button up your new year positions now.

Why It Can Be Difficult to Find a New Year Travel Assignment

There’s one simple reason why finding a travel assignment in January can be difficult—many travel nurses plan to take time off during the holidays and then get back into the swing of things after the new year. Sounds like a great idea! And it is. Being able to completely customize when you work is one of the greatest perks of travel nursing.

However, because it’s something that a lot of travel nurses do, it can be harder to find a job right after the holidays. The market is flooded with travel nurses looking for new travel assignments, and recruiters are swamped trying to find their established travel nurses a job. So, if you’re thinking about switching to a new recruiter or agency, right after the new year is not the time to start. If you wait too long to start your January job search, you might be left out entirely and stay out of work longer than planned.

When To Look for a New Year Travel Assignment

It might seem too early, but the time to look for a January travel assignment is actually in October or November, before Halloween or Thanksgiving. If you’re planning on switching to a new agency or recruiter, you should start even earlier because you’ll need time to create your profile or make sure you find a recruiter that you vibe with. (Side note: this is where a Kamana profile is a huge benefit for travelers. The universal Kamana profile can be sent to any agency or recruiter, meaning you’re already ahead of the game.) When you start making these connections before the holiday season begins, you’ll have a better chance of finding a travel assignment where you want to go.

Having something lined up before the holidays allows you to still take time off, but without worrying about what you’re going to do when January rolls around. It also lets you go through the compliance process over a longer period of time, which is important. The folks at your agency, your facility, or even the labs where drug tests are processed like to spend time with their families during the holidays, which can sometimes slow things down. Remember, they’re people, not robots!

Tips for Finding a New Travel Assignment

Luckily for travel nurses who want to take time off during the holidays, a few things can help them find assignments.

Be flexible. Remember that everyone wants to go somewhere warm in cold, dreary January. So, if you’re willing to take assignments in northern states, you’ll probably have an easier time finding one.
Start early. Like we said before, getting your January assignment buttoned up ahead of time means you’ll have less competition for the available jobs.
Keep your skills current. If you’ve taken off more than a few months, finding a new assignment can be a challenge. It’s not a bad idea to pick up a PRN shift each week at a facility near your home. This keeps your skills current, which makes you a more attractive candidate to facilities.

Looking for a travel nurse agency that will treat you with honesty and candor? Triage Staffing listens to what you want and then shoots you straight. So you can make the decision that’s right for you. To connect with a Triage recruiter, apply for travel nurse jobs on the Triage website.

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 Amber Pickler

October 9, 2022

5341 Views

Cold-Weather Travel Assignment Location Tips

Posted on October 9, 2022November 1, 2022 by Amber Pickler

This article was sponsored by Furnished Finder.

As a travel nurse, you can take assignments around the country. Which can sometimes mean going to a location where the weather conditions are new to you. The most significant adjustment seems to be going from warmer to colder states. Especially in winter. We have put together some tips to help you make it through your cold-weather assignment.

Long warm coat

Winters can be brutal. You have not only snow and ice but the wind. You will need a nice warm coat. Many people go for longer coats because they cover more. Down coats are great for cold-weather assignment locations as they provide more warmth than other fillers. Northface, Nautica, Columbia, and many other name brands offer great options. You could even purchase a skiing or snowboarding jacket as they are made to wear outdoors while doing either activity and will provide great warmth.

Warm Winter Hat or Earmuffs

Along with your warm winter coat, you may want to consider a nice warm hat. With the cold winds, your ears can and most likely will get cold. If you aren’t a fan of hats, you can consider some earmuffs. They won’t cover your hair, but they will protect your ears from the harsh winter wind.

Snow boots

Snow boots are a must in cold-weather assignment locations. Insulated winter boots are best. Ugg boots are cute in theory, but your feet will not be protected when the slush gets them wet. There are many great options as far as brands. LL Bean, Columbia, Sorel, and North Face are all great options. I would suggest getting boots that go higher than your ankle, the snow is most likely going to be higher than your ankle, and you don’t want the snow going into your boots, trust me!

Warm Gloves

Gloves are also a must. Your hands will be freezing by the time you get from the facility to your car; then, you may have to clean your car off. Make sure you get good warm gloves, not the one-dollar ones at Walmart or Target. I would suggest getting thick Wool gloves or insulated ones. They will keep the melted snow from getting to your hands longer.

Jumper Cables and Ice Scraper for your Car

Winter weather is brutal on your car’s battery, so you can find yourself stranded with a dead battery at any point. Having a pair of jumper cables in your car is a must in colder weather locations, especially in the winter. This way, you aren’t relying on others to have a pair.

An ice scraper in your car is also a must. You may go into your shift, and your car is completely free of snow or ice, and finish your shift with a car covered in either of both. Depending on the size of your car, a long handle may be beneficial to scrape the snow off the top of your vehicle as well.

Emergency Kit for the car

Getting stranded in your car in the snow and/or ice can happen. It is important to have an emergency kit if the situation happens. While you may tweak the list to include things you may need like daily medication or if you travel with pets, extra food for them, here is a list of things to include for emergency situations.

A blanket or two
Granola bars, trail mix, beef jerky, or any non-perishable easy-to-eat foods
kitty litter, to put under your tires for traction
a small or foldable shovel
first aid kit
gallon of water
change of warm clothes

Great Cold Weather Assignment Locations

These are just a few great options for colder weather locations to think about.

New York:

New York is a busy and beautiful city to visit, especially around Christmas. They have so much going on and it just makes for a great travel nurse assignment location.

Alaska:

Alaska is beautiful, any time of the year, and will make for a cold assignment location year-round. It is dark from November 18th to January 24th as the sun does not rise during that time. Just something to be aware of.

Massachusetts:

If you plan your assignment right you can be in Massachusetts for Halloween and Thanksgiving. For Halloween, you can visit the historic Salem area and then spend time at Pilgrim Rock around Thanksgiving.

We hope you found these tips for cold-weather assignment locations helpful. Did we miss any tips you think others should know? Comment them below.

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

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

START HERE

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

By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

September 20, 2022

1608 Views

Traveler Tips for Adjusting to New Environments on Assignment

Posted on September 20, 2022September 14, 2022 by TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

TNAA Healthcare provided this article.

The prospect of picking your life up and moving from place to place can be both exhilarating and overwhelming for a new travel nurse. Beyond your agency and recruiter, there are many things to consider, like, “How will I adapt to a new environment when I’m moving every few months?”

For the best tips on dealing with culture shock, adjusting to new environments, and finding community on assignments, we’ve reached out to some of our experienced TNAA ambassadors who were once in your shoes. Here’s the advice they have to share.

Work Your Way Up

Are you used to working at a small-town hospital? Do yourself a favor, and take it easy on your first assignment. Take a job at a hospital that’s similar in size to the hospital where you worked as staff.

“Make sure to work your way up to a larger city hospital. I would never recommend a nurse at a Level 3 small hospital go directly to a Level 1 trauma center. That first assignment is stressful enough. Go somewhere comfortable.”

Leah R.

“Don’t try to jump in and see everything at once. Get into a routine and get become familiar with the area, and then venture out from there!”

Matt L.

Be a Team Player

As a travel nurse, you are there to fill a gap in care for the hospital. That doesn’t mean you let yourself get run down with all the awful shifts and tasks, but you do offer to help and to learn.

“If my room is done, I look for the busier rooms and ask them if they need help. Keep your charge nurse aware of what you’re doing. Ask how you can help them. It helps to have a mindset that you were brought in to help.”

Joni C.

“Be nice, be quiet, and NEVER tell them, “That’s not how we did it at home.” Instead, say, “Can you show me your way of doing XYZ?” It won’t take long to find who is on your side. Never badmouth any of the staff you work with, make friends with the floor clerk (they will be the most helpful), and consider bringing in treat a time or two.”

Lynnette S.

Establish Your Community

As a traveler, you get the opportunity to make friends all across the country. From getting to know the hospital staff and meeting with other travelers to finding like-minded groups in the area, there are several ways to get conversations started and to create those bonds.

“I friend fellow nurses and ask them about the best places to eat or things to see in the city.”

Grace G.

“Know your other travelers, and create a text group so you can help each other out.”

Joni C.

“We are gamers, so I love stopping by local game stores. Most game stores have meet-up nights and open game days.”

Robb M.

“Continue a hobby while traveling, even if it takes a little extra work or packing, and find groups with a similar interest while on the road. It can be tricky, but the hobby will keep you grounded, and the connections will be easy to make… Find something that brings you joy, then link up with people who feel the same.”

ZD E.

“The MedVenture app is a great way to meet other travelers!”

Leah R.

In summary, take your time moving up to larger hospitals, have a helper’s mindset, and use resources both inside and outside the hospital to establish connections with people who will become lifelong friends.

We hope you found this article on tips for adjusting to new environments helpful. How do you adjust to new environments every 13 weeks? Comment below.

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

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

START HERE

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

By trustaff

August 18, 2022

2056 Views

What To Do If You Get Sick On Assignment

Posted on August 18, 2022August 17, 2022 by trustaff

Trustaff provided this article.

Getting sick is never on someone’s “to-do” list, but it is especially inconvenient while on assignment as a traveler. Being sick and bedridden means missing shifts and trying to take care of yourself in a new and unfamiliar location. If you find yourself in a situation where you’re sick or feeling under the weather while on assignment, here are a couple of tips on what your plan of action should be.

1. Have a plan in place

Most travelers go out on assignment alone, so first, knowing how to care for yourself is the most important step. Aside from that, familiarizing yourself with the area you’re in should you need professional help or medicine, you’re in tune with where the local pharmacies and urgent cares are. Creating a list of emergency contacts once you arrive for your assignment can be very beneficial. Keep the phone numbers and emails of your floor manager, recruiter, or recruiter admin handy in case you need to reach out. Make sure to check with those contacts to see what the preferred method of contact should be. (Call, email, or text)

2. Ask your recruiter for assistance

Missing a shift could impact your paycheck if, for example, you’re paid for the hours you work or receive a per-diem for the days you’re scheduled. Additionally, if you call out too many times throughout your assignment, you could even get your contract terminated. Regardless, getting sick happens, so be sure you know and follow your call-off process. If you’re unsure about your options or what steps to take to ensure you’re responsibly taking time off, ask your recruiter for help. Pay close attention to your contract, as it likely contains all the info you may need for call-offs, sick time, and missed shifts. Keep your contract on the agency traveler handbook on you with your emergency contacts.

The most important thing when you’re sick is making sure you’re okay. You’re health and wellbeing should always come first.

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 Kevin Devoto

May 27, 2022

2960 Views

4 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Accept Every Travel Nursing Assignment

Posted on May 27, 2022June 26, 2022 by Kevin Devoto

Working as a travel nurse might sound like an exciting lifestyle, and generally, it is. You can work with doctors and nurses all over the country, helping people to heal and feel better, all while earning a tidy paycheck.

But despite the high pay and jet-setting lifestyle this seems to offer, travel nursing might not be a good choice all the time. There may be times when you get an offer and find it easier or better to reject rather than accept. Here are just some of the reasons why it might not be a good idea to accept, depending on your circumstances.

The Hospital Might Not Be a Good Fit

One reason you might consider rejecting an assignment is based on the hospital you will be going to. Although all hospitals operate in different ways, if you’ve already worked at a particular location and found you did not like it, that alone can make it a smart choice to reject it.

Or, perhaps you have heard reviews from friends or co-workers about going to the hospital you would be assigned to and finding out they did not enjoy the experience, and they had valid reasons. It pays to take these thoughts into consideration, since

2. You Are Starting To Feel Burnt Out

Are you at the point where you feel as though you are not getting enough rest, you are getting sick of your profession, and you hate getting up in the morning? This can best be described as job burnout. This might be a good time for you to take time away from work, if at all possible.

You don’t want to start feeling trapped, nor do you want to feel as though you have no way out and no options to do anything else. Getting away from your job and making time to take care of yourself and your needs is crucial, rather than taking every assignment that gets sent your way.

3. Your Family Urgently Needs You

You might be in a situation where a family member is dying, someone is sick, or your family is going through an incredibly difficult time and needs you by their side. One downfall of travel nursing is that you might be flying several states away in order to work and thus unable to get to your family when they truly need you.

If that is the case, it is better to take time off from your job and reject assignments, especially if you can financially afford it.

4. You Have Reservations About the Assignment

Perhaps you have reservations against a particular assignment. Maybe the timing feels off, or you simply do not like the idea of going to this particular location to work. Perhaps there is something you are expected to do for this particular assignment that you don’t think you can follow through on. If you feel unsure, you should listen to your instinct.

You might consider reaching out to your PEO Solution or whoever is in charge of offering you assignments and letting them know how you feel about working in certain areas. You should not put yourself in a situation that feels off or unsafe to you, no matter how much money you are looking at overall.

Conclusion

When it comes to working as a travel nurse, there are many reasons why you might choose to reject a particular assignment. Maybe your family needs you, or you feel the hospital is simply not a good fit for you. You should also consider your own feelings, such as getting burnt out or dealing with reservations about a particular location. Always listen to your own needs first.

We hope you found this article on four reasons why you shouldn’t accept every travel nursing assignment helpful. Are there any other reasons you have found not to accept the travel nurse assignment? Comment those reasons below.

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

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

START HERE

When to Start Preparing for Your Next Travel Nursing Assignment:

Getting Certifications and Licenses

Researching Your Potential Next Travel Nursing Assignments

Arranging Housing for your next travel nursing assignment

Organizing Finances

Packing and Logistics

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

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Clarify your personal priorities:

Network with fellow travel nurses

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Heed expert advice and know when to be flexible.

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Long warm coat

Warm Winter Hat or Earmuffs

Snow boots

Warm Gloves

Jumper Cables and Ice Scraper for your Car

Emergency Kit for the car

Great Cold Weather Assignment Locations

New York:

Alaska:

Massachusetts:

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