May 6, 2022

1662 Views

Best States for Spring Travel Nurse Assignments

Posted on May 6, 2022May 6, 2022 by AMN Healthcare

AMN Healthcare provided this article.

We have some good news if you’ve been mulling over some potential spring destinations for travel nurse assignments! We’ve compiled a list of states with a wide variety of open positions that rank among the best states for travel nurses in the springtime. Each state has its unique attractions and festivities to keep you busy throughout your travel assignment.

So take a look, contact your recruiter, and start planning for a new springtime adventure. One of these states is sure to be just right for you.

The top states for travel nurses in the spring

Georgia

When you think “Georgia,” do you automatically think “peaches”? Georgia is famous for being a leading producer of peaches, but don’t forget some of the state’s other agricultural marvels. Several big food festivals celebrate strawberries, Vidalia onions, and even wine in the springtime. And yes, there are multiple peach festivals in Georgia in the springtime, just as you might expect, although these typically start in the late spring or early summer.

Or maybe you’re feeling the need for some sun and sand, some fishing, and some seafood. Head to one of Georgia’s beautiful beaches, like Tybee Island, or one of Brunswick’s barrier islands, like St. Simon’s Island or Jekyll Island. Don’t forget your sunscreen.

California

There’s so much to do in California in the springtime that it could fill an entire book! But a few highlights include:
• Seeing the wildflowers in Joshua Tree National Park or Anza Borrego Desert;
• Combining wine and wild animals (yaks and alpacas!) on the Malibu Wine Safari on a giant ranch/vineyard in Los Angeles County;
• Going whale watching in Northern California; just get ready to ooh and aah over some orcas and gray whales;
• Visiting Catalina Island off the coast of Los Angeles for a glass-bottomed boat tour on a breezy, sunny day and renting a golf cart for a scenic, self-guided tour around the island.

Washington

Washington is a great spring destination for travel nurses. And the month of April is an especially good time to visit Washington State because it’s the month of the famous Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. You’ll think you somehow wound up in the Netherlands by mistake. Be sure to check out the year-round garden known as RoozenGaarde while you’re there, too!

Another fun Washington destination in the springtime is the Bavarian mountain town of Leavenworth. You might enjoy booking a room at a bed and breakfast or going camping, so you’ll have more time to soak in all the charm (and take some great photos for your Instagram posts).

Texas

If you do nothing else, be sure to make time to see the bluebonnets. The bluebonnet is the official Texas state flower, and they begin blooming in March and hit their peak in April. You could even plan to attend the 39th annual Bluebonnet Festival, set for April 8-10 in Burnet, Texas. The festival celebrates the iconic Texas flower with live music, arts and crafts, and other fun activities.

Other fun springtime events in the state include the Annual Texas Steak Cookoff and the Lone Star Elvis Festival, held in May. And if you’re looking for something pretty unusual to do over Memorial Day weekend in Texas, how about going to the National Polka Festival? And yes, you’re likely to find some good barbeque joints throughout the state.

Florida

No matter where you plan to visit, there will be something exciting on the calendar in the Sunshine State. Seafood, music, and art festivals abound in Florida during the spring. And yes, there are even pirate festivals, like the Fort Lauderdale Rotary Club Pirate Festival and the Billy Bowlegs Festival in Fort Walton Beach.

One highlight to consider: if you’re planning to be in the Orlando area this spring, plan a trip to Walt Disney World to take in the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, which is ongoing through the beginning of July. The festival is famous for its whimsical topiaries and garden exhibits, but you can also partake of unique food and drink offerings while you’re there.

New York

New York City is chock full of opportunities for travel nurses to indulge their sense of adventure. But if you’re going to be in New York City this spring, make a point to visit the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx. The Azalea Garden in the heart of the campus is home to one of the largest azalea collections in the world! Plus, an Orchid Show is going on this spring. (And you can pop over to the nearby Bronx Zoo afterward.)

Elsewhere in the state, you might still be able to take in some late-season skiing or participate in a Maple Weekend, where you can celebrate New York’s maple syrup industry and eat pancakes with New York’s world-class maple syrup. And when it warms up a little more, consider a trip to the Lilac Festival in Rochester or the Tulip Festival in Albany. Or maybe consider the Buffalo Wine Festival in April.

Pennsylvania

Philadelphia is a fantastic city, rich with history and art, and you can’t go wrong with playing tourist there. One suggestion for this spring: visit the Franklin Institute and immerse yourself in the Harry Potter exhibition. And when you have a free weekend, take a short drive outside the city to visit beautiful Chanticleer Gardens, which is open from April through October.

Another Pennsylvania destination that might intrigue you is Lancaster County in Pennsylvania, Dutch country. Spas, museums, festivals (even a Rhubarb Festival at Kitchen Kettle Village), scenic covered bridges, other sightseeing opportunities, and hiking trails all await you when you can get a little time away from the hospital or clinic.

AMN Healthcare has thousands of travel assignments to advance your career while seeing the country.

We hope you found this article on the best states for travel nurse assignments this spring. What do you think of our list? Are there any you think should be added? 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 Amber Pickler

March 21, 2022

5605 Views

Tips for Working a 60 hours a Week Contract

Posted on March 21, 2022May 3, 2022 by Amber Pickler

Since the pandemic started, there has been an influx of crisis-type contracts with less conventional hours. One of those being contracts that have more hours required per week. How do you handle that many hours a week of work, though? Members of our Facebook group have asked for tips and advice for working a contract with so many hours. We have put together some tips to help get you through these 60 hours a week contracts.

Get rest- Stick to a sleep schedule

This tip may seem crazy, but working that many hours you need to make sure you get plenty of rest. It can be easy to come back to your housing and try to unwind and spend time awake, but you may regret not going to sleep and getting the rest your body needs. A sleep schedule is critical. According to The Mayo Clinic, sticking to a sleep schedule of no more than 8 hours and being consistent is important. The number of hours of sleep you can get based on the number of hours you are working may not be 8 hours. However, if you can go to sleep and get up consistently at the same time will help you feel rested.

Eat a healthy diet-Meal Prep

While junk food may seem like an easy route to take with working so many hours, the carbs and sugars that come with those types of food can make you feel sluggish. Meal prepping on your day off or when you have a little downtime will help keep the temptation of fast food or junk food down. There are many easy methods for meal prepping for travel nurses with not a lot of time. A crockpot or InstantPot can make cooking a lot easier. For these types of meal prep, you can easily combine all the needed ingredients into zip lock bags and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to make the meal. Then it will be as easy as dumping them into the crockpot or InstantPot.

Healthy Snacks

Healthy snacks will help you make it through your long shifts. There are many options for healthy snacks; it really will depend on your taste. Some healthy snacks that will help curb your cravings during your long work hours could include; trail mix, jerky, Greek yogurt, almonds, peanut butter and apples, string cheese, or fresh veggies and fruit.

Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated during your shift will help keep you going. According to Healthline, “If you don’t stay hydrated, your physical performance can suffer.” While you may not look at working your shift as “physical performance,” it very much is. You are on your feet and moving for 12+ hours each day. Staying hydrated will make your shift easier to complete, and you won’t feel as sluggish, as dehydration can affect your energy level and brain function. While you may not get the total 8-8oz servings of water recommended, it is important to drink water during your shift.

These are just a few tips to help you get through your 60 hours a week contract. Many of our Facebook group members said they work, eat, sleep and repeat. Knowing that, in the end, they were making very good money. So, if you keep that in mind, it may make the days and hours go a little easier. We hope you found these tips for working a 60 hour a week contract helpful. Have you worked a 60 hour a week contract? Do you have any tips to share with those considering a 60 hour a week contract? Comment them below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need to find 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 Krucial Staffing

January 27, 2022

1850 Views

5 Factors to Consider for Travel Assignments

Posted on January 27, 2022January 13, 2022 by Krucial Staffing

Krucial Staffing provided this article.

Written by: Maria Blong

We all want the best for ourselves. The best home, best shoes, best kitchenware – the list goes on and on. There are articles published everywhere stating thoughts and opinions in dedication to helping us find it. These are editorials providing the top reasons why this certain running shoe will reduce the likely hood of shin splints or why this brand’s stainless-steel cookware is better quality than other cookware, even if the second option is more affordable.

All this to say – we are a very research-oriented society. If we are going to travel, buy an item, or eat at a new restaurant, we like putting in the research to make an informed decision. When it comes to job hunting, it is not any different. We find a job opening we want and then spend hours learning as much valuable information as we can before applying.

The decision to embark on a medical travel assignment asks the same for any interested party – perhaps it requires even more research and contemplation than a staff job. With medical travel assignments, there are multiple variables included in the equation, ultimately leading you to choose one position over another. These are the top five factors we recommend one to consider before locking in on a travel assignment: wage, location, duration, schedule, and benefits.

Wage

The hourly wage is often the top priority for many, and most of the time, it is the deciding factor for their final choice. And we understand why – you want to accept a wage that reflects all the time, effort, and money you have invested in your career. However, there are many reasons why income in the travel nursing field varies from position to position, and it is important to analyze the reasons why it fluctuates.

First, what kind of travel assignment is it? The type of work assignment will determine the wage you will receive per hour. Many staffing agencies pay their medical staff higher for emergency response than contract positions due to the intensity of the working environment and client needs. With an emergency response, you are likely to work more hours per week, while contracts depend entirely on the facility.

Another question to ask yourself is this: Are you there for the increased pay that comes with travel assignments or the experience of traveling to new locations and helping communities? For many, it comes down to a ratio, or balance, on pay versus experience. However, if you are committing to the opportunity to live in a certain city/state and enjoy your days off – you may be okay with accepting less per hour.

Location

When it comes to your work location for medical travel assignments, you need to be cognizant of what options are available for a travel assignment and an emergency response. For most emergency responses, there’s little control around when or where clients will need your specialty to come in and support an understaffed unit. If you do have the opportunity to choose your location, there are a couple of things you should think about.

How far away do you want to travel? If you are hired for a contract position, there is more wiggle room for you to venture out on your days off. Staying close to home might give your family and friends the opportunity to come visit. However, the contract location might inspire you to travel farther away to a city you have never been before, granting you the chance to explore a different part of the United States.

Emergency response, on the other hand, does not provide you with as much freedom due to the demanding nature of the deployment, plus the health and safety protocols restricting travel. So, working close to home may be a bad idea for a couple of reasons. Say you commit to an emergency response 30 minutes from where you live, but you are in lockdown at a lodging facility. Now, imagine staying that close to loved ones, yet unable to enjoy their company and your usual past times. This situation may stir up a lot of negative emotions for you. It may be in your best interest to travel a little further from home and avoid conjuring up any feelings of exile.

Duration

The length of an assignment can also be a question mark for some people. While some assignments last as short as a few weeks, others can last multiple months. The duration of time you are willing to stay for a medical travel assignment greatly depends on your personality and goals. Some individuals find it difficult to stay away from friends and family that long, while others do not mind being gone. You just need to ask yourself what you are willing or not willing to miss back home. What do you want to gain from a longer or shorter assignment? Do you want to form stronger connections with patients and staff, or do you want to come work, make money, and go back “home”?

Another key factor to bear in mind regarding the duration of an assignment is the mental toll it will take on you. Take inventory of the type of situations you tend to thrive in. Do you like the unknown or working in a busy environment? Do you enjoy a consistent schedule where you can predict your day? How would either affect you mentally? Supporting yourself financially is important but taking care of your mental health is also essential. If you are not taking care of yourself in this way, it will impact the way you care for patients. So, ask yourself these questions and answer honestly about what you can handle.

Schedule

Schedule preferences are straightforward in terms of forethought for assignments. It is a simple set of questions: How many hours do you want to work each week? Do you want to work a regular 36–48-hour schedule? Perhaps you want to work closer to 60 hours a week? In some cases, you might even work 72 hours a week. The final decision also coincides with what kind of pay and deployment type you want as well. All three factors influence each other.

The number of days off you would like also needs to be taken into consideration. Emergency deployments typically only provide one or two days off, while others may give you three to four days. This is also impacted by whether you work 12 hours, four days a week, or eight hours, five days a week.

Benefits

The option for added benefits or insurance is also something to consider while researching medical deployments. Staffing agencies offer different benefits based on the type of assignment you are working on. Emergency deployment benefits can vary depending on the staffing agency you choose to work with.

For most contract assignments, clients typically decide which benefits they want to include. Fortunately, many of them provide housing for the medical staff coming in to assist their hospital or facility. The client may also cover the cost of staying in the area or supply a stipend for groceries.

Overall, travel assignments should be selected with careful attention to detail. Many horror stories regarding bad contracts or assignments stemmed from a lack of understanding of what the requirements or compensation were for the position. By slowing down the rush to get an assignment and diligently addressing all five of the listed factors, you can assure yourself a better, more thoughtful selection for your next travel position.

Interested in looking more about emergency response and/or contract travel options? Check out emergency response and healthcare staffing company, Krucial Staffing. Krucial Staffing specializes in high volume, rapid response staffing, driven by a mission to serve others at their greatest time of need. To learn more about what positions they currently have open, then check out their Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter page for more information.

We hope you found this article on 5 factors to consider for travel assignments helpful. Are there any other factors you consider before taking travel assignments? Comment them below.

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

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

START HERE

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

By Priya Moorhouse

January 15, 2022

8586 Views

12 Important Details for Travel Nursing on a Whim

Posted on January 15, 2022December 28, 2022 by Priya Moorhouse

I look back, as in one month ago, to realize I literally just finished my very first travel nursing assignment, during a global pandemic at that. I’m sure you’re thinking, what I was thinking?!

I was thinking that this would be an amazing opportunity personally and financially for myself and my family. Certain key adjectives came to mind: servitude, adventure, once in a lifetime, strength. Many colorful adjectives soon followed as my 8-week adventure in Brooklyn, New York unfolded.

So here are my recommendations prior to committing and embarking on your first travel assignment.

The two most important things

The two things that were most important for me was to know who my recruiter/agency was going to be as well as where I was planning to go to. If you have not noticed, you will, there are a plethora of companies with endless recruiters for travel nursing. This means you have some homework ahead of you.

Take the time and research the companies and how long they have been active for, read their reviews, check out their social media platforms – this is very much about finding the best representation for yourself! It can get tiresome talking with different people and navigating through the waters of who is truly dedicated to you and has your true best interest at heart versus who sees you as another notch on their belt. Other companies may try and bait you with a higher offer, just make sure you closely examine the proposal and contracts.

Companies who offer to pay for your travel and stay with a higher weekly gross rate may look good initially but then you realize the amount taxable is terribly high. I am fortunate to have a recruiter that truly has my back and works effortlessly at making sure I am not only supplied with contracts but the best ones suitable for me. Secondly, keep in mind that states pay differently, some more noticeable than others. For instance, I can tell you Florida is not at all a good-paying state for nurses in general let alone travel nurses. However, things can change when the terms crisis contract appears. Now take in mind this is NOT the norm.

Pick a state you are interested in

So, pick a state you have interest in, that you want to visit, or someplace where you might have family and friends in. What I am ultimately saying is do not pick a place that you have no interest in or that you feel may bring you down. Most contracts last anywhere from 8-13 weeks so you want to be in an environment that you will ultimately enjoy and look forward to being in.

10 Key Points When Starting a Career as a Travel Nurse

Experience

First and foremost, make sure you have enough experience for the assignment. More states prefer two years of experience as opposed to less unless during times of need/crisis. This is also something you should be honest about with your recruiter so neither party is wasting time.

Proper Licensing

You want to make sure you have proper licensing, especially if you do not have a compact license already in place. Check here to see if you need a compact license or not.

Up to date certifications

Make sure all your certifications are up to date – BLS, ACLS, PALS, NIHSS, etc.

Resume Package

Make things easy for yourself. I have a folder called “my resume package” which includes my up to date resume, cover letter, skills checklist, references, copies of licenses/titers to easily and readily send out.

Research your new area

Research the city, hospital, and surrounding amenities and areas you will need access to. I had already pinned in google which laundromat I would use and what restaurants I wanted to visit. There are even websites dedicated to helping travel health care workers find housing at discounted rates (like Outpost Club and Furnished Finder to name two – there are several more just search on google). Check and see if any discounts are provided for bookings in advance and car rentals. I received 30% off for booking in advance for 4 weeks on Airbnb. Do not be hesitate to negotiate!
“Knowledge is power.” Research travel nurse websites and articles, join some travel nursing groups (check Facebook, Instagram, and Holliblu for a start) because most of the questions you have someone already has had and has already graciously written about. Another favorite site of mine is, The Gypsy Nurse

Consider a travel buddy

Think about traveling with a buddy! Travel and lodging are cut in half and you also have someone you can vent to and share experiences with after a hard day.

Packing list

Make a list of things you need/want to pack. Most of us tend to overpack so creating a list will help consolidate things and keep you on track so you will not have to spend extra on baggage or transport extra unnecessarily.

Be flexible with everything

Contracts can be canceled, shortened, or extended. Make sure you have some cushion for those days or weeks you do not find an assignment that connects with you. After you get started you have a little more leverage monetarily speaking, but it is important to keep backups in mind for any kind of instances. The more you prepare yourself to have a more “go with the flow” mentality, the less difficult it will be. I will be honest, I have been fortunate this year, after 21 weeks of working two travel assignments, I will have made a little bit over my annual salary as a nurse in my home state. I know it sounds crazy, but it is possible!

Lastly enjoy the time you have on your assignment.

When things get tough remind yourself this is temporary. Interact with the locals and other travelers, explore your surroundings and things you have not seen before, do facetime, and zoom date nights for needed support and encouragement from family and friends.

Overall, just try not to be close-minded. Looking back and thinking of the could have and would have, I wish I started travel nursing earlier. The fear you have about meeting new people turns into excitement. Fear you have about others not being as cordial turns into bravery as you are the only one standing up for yourself. The fear of being alone and in unfamiliar environments turns into unabashed curiosity and wonderment.

By: Priya Moorhouse, RN, Travel Nurse

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

START HERE

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

By AB Staffing Solutions

December 9, 2021

4454 Views

Etiquette When Working at an IHS Facility

Posted on December 9, 2021December 7, 2021 by AB Staffing Solutions

This article was provided by AB Staffing.

If you’re thinking of working at an Indian Health Services (IHS) facility, it is likely you will experience a bit of a culture change. Unless you are from the area, you may notice that communication styles, language, and patient care to some extent, are different than in other places you have worked. In this article, we write about etiquette when working at an IHS facility to give you a better idea of what it is like and what behavior is acceptable.

Working at an IHS Facility

It is very important to learn about the culture and be open-minded. Avoid stereotyping based on appearance, language, or other outward characteristics. Instead, listen more than you speak and become more comfortable with long pauses or silence in conversation. Observing how others handle verbal and nonverbal cues will help you adjust and understand how to best communicate with patients and their families.

Learn how the community refers to itself as a group. This will help you adjust your language so that you’re better able to serve your patients and be part of the culture, even when away from work.
Explain what you’re writing when you’re making clinical documentation or charting while in the presence of the patient and/or their family. They want to understand what is being written about them.
Like in any culture, don’t assume that head nodding means they understand what you’re saying. Instead, choose language that is not medical jargon so the patient and their family are clear about what is happening and can support their family member.
Be open to allowing a situation to proceed according to the idea that events happen when they are supposed to happen. It is part of the culture to think in this way.

The goal is to connect with your patients and their family

The goal is to connect with your patients and their families in a meaningful way, just as it is anywhere, you accept a travel contract. Just as there are recommended ways to act, there are social and communication cues for what not to do when working at an IHS facility. Being respectful is the basic theme.

Be conscious of your nonverbal communication. This includes looking at your watch, pointing with your fingers, and standing too close as these may be taken as rude.
Ask before taking pictures as to respect tribal culture privacy.
Do not touch sacred items including medicine bags, other ceremonial items, hair, jewelry, and other personal cultural possessions.
Avoid stereotyping based on looks, dress and outward appearances.
Avoid intrusive questions early in the conversation.
Do not interrupt another person during conversation or interject during long pauses.

You may experience people expressing their mistrust, frustration, or disappointment from other situations that are outside of your control. Learn not to take it personally. Continue to learn and embrace the culture and be respectful of others.

As always, reach out to your recruiter regarding questions or concerns. Each tribe has different cultural norms. Ask your recruiter for advice and literature to better educate yourself before working at an IHS facility.

If you’re interested in taking a contract at an Indian Health Services facility, please reach out to AB Staffing Solutions, and we’ll connect you with a recruiter that can find the right position for you.

We hope you found etiquette tips for working in an IHS Facility helpful. Have you worked in an IHS Facility? Do you have any tips to share? Comment them below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Need housing for you next 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 Amber Pickler

October 8, 2021

3382 Views

Gypsy’s Guide to Adventures in Bradenton, Florida

Posted on October 8, 2021November 10, 2023 by Amber Pickler

When the weather changes and gets cooler, that is the perfect time to take an assignment in Florida. Bradenton, Florida, appears to be a popular assignment location for travel nurses. We searched our Facebook group and found some recommendations for travel nurses to do on their day off; you will find some of the top recommendations below.

Fun things to do on your day off in Bradenton, Florida

Anna Maria City Pier

While the pier is roughly a half-hour drive from Bradenton, it truly is worth the trip. According to their website, the pier was initially used to drop off-island “day-trippers” coming by steamboat from St. Petersburg and the Mainland. Visitors would stroll down Pine Avenue to what is now the Sandbar Restaurant. They state on their website that “Now the city pier stands as a reminder of the past as today’s visitors still take in the view while enjoying sunny weather.” There is no admission fee to enjoy the pier. At the end of the pier, there is a restaurant and gift shop. You can also fish from the pier as well.

The pier isn’t the only thing to see when you visit Anna Maria. They also offer beaches, parks, fishing, golfing, spas, restaurants & bars (Waterfront or Beach Bistro, to name a couple), and shopping.

Beer Can Island

Beer Can Island is an undeveloped white sand beach located about 26 miles from Bradenton. Many people visit the island via boat. However, you can walk to the island during low tide as well. Many people who have visited the island say it is “like a remote and magical island oasis.”

While Beer Can Island doesn’t have restaurants or bars to visit, the island itself is a great place to relax and spend time in the sun. You won’t have the hustle and bustle, and you can truly unwind from the work-life you left behind.

Siesta Keys

This trip will take you about 40 minutes, give or take each way. But there is a lot to do in Siesta Keys. According to VisitSiesta.com, Siesta Beach was “Ranked the #1 Beach in the U.S. in 2020 by TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards™,” They state that “you will quickly understand why when you feel the quartz-crystal powdery sand between your toes, and experience the soft waves and the abundance of sun & fun at gorgeous Siesta Beach.” If you download the Visit Sarasota App and unlock the Beach Pass, you can earn exclusive prizes. The beach isn’t the only thing to do in Siesta, though. You can also visit museums, galleries, parks, go golfing, shopping, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, and end the day with some entertainment and the nightlife that Siesta Keys has to offer. There truly is something for everyone to do in Siesta Keys.

Siesta Keys Oyster Bar

Speaking of something for everyone, one of the top-mentioned places was the Siesta Keys Oyster Bar. While their name would lead you to believe that they only offer oysters, this is not true. They have a full menu with something for everyone. The menu does include oysters, and according to their website, they do Happy Hour every day from 3 pm-6 pm, during which they offer 50% off of oysters. The menu also offers a large variety of other seafood options such as shrimp, grouper, and Mahi, to name a few. They offer appetizers, soups, salads, flatbreads, SKOBWhiches, All Natural Grass Fed Beef Burgers, and SKOB classics. The SKOB classics include such dishes as Chipotle Lobster Tacos, Big Boy Mac N’ Cheese, and Shrimp & Penne Pasta a la Vodka, to give you an idea. They also offer kid’s meals for those who are traveling with their family or children.

Another Broken Egg

Another Broken Egg is also located in Siesta Keys. According to their website, “Another Broken Egg Cafe isn’t your typical breakfast, brunch, and lunch place. Our menu is second-to-none, loaded with fresh ingredients and creative recipes across a wide variety of breakfast classics, memorable brunch dishes, and lunchtime favorites. Each location is designed to feel like a casual getaway, served up with a generous side of family, friends, and friendly service.”

They offer a wide variety of foods and drinks. They have a traditional menu, signature cocktails, gluten-friendly, seasonal selections, a kid’s menu, and a vegetarian menu. There truly is something for everyone. Their traditional menu includes pancakes, French toast, omelets as well as burgers. If you want to dine at Another Broken Egg, make sure to make it an early-day visit as they close at 2 pm daily.

Robinson Nature Preserve

The Robinson Nature Preserve is in Bradenton, and they offer many different options of things to do on your day off as a travel nurse. According to their website, “the preserve now consists of 682 acres that is a mix of preserved mangrove, tidal marsh, and former agricultural lands which have undergone an incredible transformation to coastal wetland habitat.” If you are an outdoorsy type of person, the preserve is a great place to visit. They have something for everyone. The site lists the following activities as things you can do while at the preserve:

Hiking and nature trails
Kayak/canoeing trails and launch
Outdoor education
Non-motorized bicycle trails
Rollerblading
Managed fishing
Picnic areas and pavilions
Wildlife viewing areas
Group camping
Observation tower
Dog walking

So, as you can see, the preserve truly has an activity for anyone.

We hope you found this list of 6 things to do in Bradenton, Florida, helpful. We will continue to bring you articles with things to do in different cities. Is there a city you would like to see an article on things to do? Comment the city below. If you would like to contribute an article about things to do in a city, please click here to email our Content Strategist.

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 LRS Healthcare

August 25, 2021

5300 Views

Reasons You Should Take a Rural Assignment

Posted on August 25, 2021July 20, 2021 by LRS Healthcare

This article was provided by LRS Healthcare.

Healthcare travelers land their next new adventure every day from coast to coast, but not every single one is in a major U.S city. Many take fantastic assignments in smaller cities surrounding major cities or even choose to take a more rural route. Traveling to the countryside can be fulfilling to any traveler if you look at the opportunities and doors it may open.

Explore the big city on the weekends

Most rural towns have a major city within a few hours of accessible by car or train. Connect with our travel experience team to hear more about what the city near you has to offer to plan a fun long weekend. You can experience city life from time to time while still enjoying the perks (and pay) of a rural assignment. Maybe you’re able to make it into the city for a concert one night or a farmer’s market on the weekend. The opportunities are endless when you can live the best of both worlds (city life and rural life)!

More broad clinical experience

Most rural travel assignments allow you to build your resume with a wide variety of experience versus sticking to one specialty area at a big city facility. There may not be a full staff of physicians, allowing nurses and staff to have more autonomy or more responsibility. This allows you to gain deeper knowledge in your career through hands-on experience. Expanding your area of knowledge will help you better handle situations you have not come across before. There’s also a wide variety of patients’ conditions that will come through a facility. You don’t see the same type of patient every day, and it can help you become a more well-rounded professional.

Slower paced and less stressful

Living outside of the city limits often allows for a lower number of the patient census. This means that hospitals are not at full capacity 100% of the time but may see spikes in patient numbers during peak seasons such as the winter for flu or respiratory issues. A rural assignment could be the answer for your next assignment if you’re coming from a level l trauma facility and need a change of pace or if you’re trying to avoid burnout from a high-volume facility.

Patients who truly appreciate your work

Facilities in smaller population areas gain a closer relationship with their patients. This allows a traveler to adapt to the facility faster by potentially seeing patients throughout their care more than once or twice. Community members appreciate someone coming to their “small town” and taking the leap of faith to provide care to a group that they may have never interacted with.

The facilities in the more rural areas need fantastic healthcare workers ready to provide care for their community and keep them safe and healthy, just like people in the city. You can gain more insight and experience in your career, enjoy the best of both worlds, and know that your work is truly appreciated when you’re doing your part with a smaller population. Ready to look for your first or next rural travel assignment? Give us a call or reach out to us to see what LRS Healthcare has to offer in your favorite state or region!

Are you a travel nurse looking for your next travel assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you have your next assignment lined up but need housing? Click here to view our housing page.

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

START HERE

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

By Triage Healthcare Staffing

July 28, 2021

9790 Views

10 Questions to Answer Before Taking an Assignment

Posted on July 28, 2021July 16, 2021 by Triage Healthcare Staffing

This article was provided by Triage Staffing.

Are you thinking about packing your suitcase and taking your skills on the road to pursue this adventure-filled career of travel nursing? You absolutely should.

Being able to see the country while collecting a paycheck sounds like a sweet gig, and it is! But not every day is a day at the beach, and a good recruiter would never lead you to believe it’s “a paid vacation.” Unless your idea of a vacation includes working, in which case, we have tons of “vacations” available.

We’re not trying to burst any wanderlust bubbles—we like to be real with you so you can be ready. Ready to make informed decisions on what type of travel nurse assignment suits you best so you can make the most out of your career.

That said, you need to be real with yourself, too. This means asking yourself some questions to find out what’s most important to you. What do you really want to get out of your career as a travel nurse or allied health professional? Having an idea of your priorities and communicating them with your recruiter will serve you both well. This is your life. Plan accordingly.

Here are 10 questions we think are important to consider before taking an assignment:

1) What’s your biggest motivator?

Are you itching to stand on top of that mountain? Want to put a specific hospital on your resume? Going for the highest possible number on your paycheck? Think about those things and be honest with yourself about your answers. Know that your motivator might change in the future, which is totally cool. You’re allowed to evolve as a human.

2) Are you okay with floating?

And we’re not talking about the trendy new spas around town. Are you willing to work on other units if you’re needed elsewhere? We recommend it.

As a traveler, you’re there because the facility is short-staffed. If you can work where you’re needed most, not only are you seen as a team player (maybe even MVP), but you could see that turn into monetary value as well. Float nurses often get a bump in their pay and generally don’t have to worry about an assignment being canceled.

The same goes for our allied travelers—if you’re flexible with shifts, you’ll have more assignments to choose from, which sounds like a plus to us.

This is definitely something to consider before taking an assignment.

3) What are the top three cities or states?

Have a general idea of some states you’d like to see so your recruiter isn’t throwing darts blindfolded—even if that’s what they do in their free time. Having an answer to question number one will help you out with question two.

Why have a why? Because you’re only there for 13 weeks, which may sound like a while, but it goes by fast. Especially if you’re having fun, know why you went there, so there are no regrets.

4) What type of facility would you consider to be ideal?

Do you want to gain experience in a large hospital? How about a teaching hospital where you could work with students? Maybe that’s what you’re trying to avoid—teaching students. Hey, no judgment; It’s just something you should think about ahead of time, so you get exactly (or close to) what you want out of the assignment.

5) What are your two most-desired shifts (in order of preference)?

Pretty self-explanatory.

6) Are there any clinical issues that may influence your decision on a specific facility?

Do you have a facility bed size range or patient ratios that you’re comfortable with? Are there software systems or approaches to care that you are uncomfortable with? These are questions to ask yourself, so you’re ready to discuss them with the hiring manager in an interview to ensure it’s a right fit.

7) What is your ideal weekly take-home pay after taxes?

Considering that pay rates vary throughout the US vary due to cost of living and other factors, what would you want to see on your weekly paycheck? Remember, many travelers also receive stipends for certain allowances to help with the doubled expenses you could incur traveling for work. You’ll want to factor that into your calculations of what seems like a reasonable amount to take home, based on your overall goals.

8) Housing Options

In a scenario where adequate housing is within a five-minute drive to the facility, but that cute rental near the lake is a 25-minute commute, which would you choose? Think about how important your temporary home’s location and aesthetics are. Will you be home on your days off relaxing? Maybe you want the upgrade. If you plan on only being there to sleep, finding a single room to rent might work just fine.

9) How important to you is the option of overtime or guaranteed hours?

If you’re here to get the money (dollar-dollar bills, y’all), it’ll probably be essential. If you’re in it for the day-off adventures…meh!

10) Do you like job hunting?

And interviewing and packing and all the things that go along with a new assignment? If not, you should ask your recruiter about possible extensions at the facility before you head out. Or, if you end up really liking a facility, why not see if you can take off your shoes and stay awhile? The sooner you ask your recruiter about an extension, the better. They’ll let you know how to handle it from there.

Whatever the answer, you can eliminate the multiple profile upkeep with multiple agencies (including Triage) using Kamana, an online universal profile that holds all the important info your recruiter needs to submit you to a job. With a tap of a finger, you can send several recruiters your profile and know that it’s up to date.

Setting goals and expectations from the get-go will help your recruiter work for you. Having these questions answered before taking an assignment will make it easier to get you to where you want to be now and in five years. Start thinking about your answers, and then contact a Triage recruiter today to get started.

Are you a travel nurse looking for your next or first assignment? Click here to view our job board. Already have an assignment but need housing? Click here to view our housing page.

We hope you found these tips to think about before taking an assignment helpful. Did we miss any? Comment them below.

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 The Gypsy Nurse

July 5, 2021

12768 Views

The Best Cities for Your Travel Nursing Career in 2021

Posted on July 5, 2021June 15, 2021 by The Gypsy Nurse

Life as a travel nurse is an adventure. Traveling from city to city, experiencing new cultures, gaining skills in your field while making a sustainable income to put toward nursing school debt—the perks are enticing. But, make no mistake, going from a stationary to a nomadic lifestyle can be a major adjustment for those who have lived and worked in one city for the majority of their professional lives. If you’re considering getting into travel nursing, it’s important to consider the best cities for travel nurses in 2021 and whether or not it’s wise to relocate.

If moving is on your horizon, it opens up a variety of questions—is it time to sell your home and buy a new one in a city fit for travel nursing? Or is renting more appropriate? Before you decide to relocate for your travel nursing career, think about some of these things:

Pros of keeping your home

You can rent out your home while you’re away and put extra passive income toward medical debt or other living expenses.
A house of your own can provide a source of stability in a dynamic lifestyle.

Pros of selling your home

With prices of homes on the higher end and interest rates low, you might get an impressive sum for your existing home.
You can use the money from your existing home to put toward a mortgage or rent payment in a more affordable area.

Pros of renting

Renting frees you from many financial obligations related to homeownership.
Lease agreements are less permanent, allowing for more flexibility to relocate and experience many different places and cultures.

Pros of buying a new home

Other cities may be much more affordable for homeowners. Compare an area’s cost of living to the prices of local homes for sale and your new salary to determine affordability.
Your home can be in a more central, practical location.

Know that many agencies offer temporary housing based on the job and location, which could play a major role in deciding the right travel nursing agency to choose and which cities are on your list of new potential homes. While you decide on where to live, think about the perks in some of these cities across the county:

San Jose, CA

With such a dense and diverse population, there is always someone to help and cure, making this city a hotspot for healthcare jobs. Keep in mind; this area is on the higher end of the cost of living scale; however, it also has the highest average base salary for nurses, making it affordable for some. Note that California is one of the fifty states expecting to see a shortage of nurses and the highest demand of travel nurses by 2025, so keep that in mind when considering a career.

Boston, MA

Did you know that Boston is home to the highest metropolitan salaries for RNs in the country? At $98,040 a year, this could be a great metropolitan area to relocate to for big-city lovers. It also has some of the highest numbers of nurses already employed. Boston is amongst the top places to raise a family, the best places for young professionals, and the best cities for outdoor activities in the US, deeming this a great place to consider planting roots.

Honolulu, HI

Shockingly enough, Honolulu tops the list of highest-paying salaries for registered nurses outside of California at just over $106,000 a year and is one of the most sought-after locations for travel nurses. Despite the high cost of living, Hawaii’s appealing geography, the potential for outdoor activities, and active lifestyle make it one of the most attractive places to take a travel nursing career.

Seattle, WA

Compared to cities in states with high costs of living like California, Seattle can be a more affordable place to live with similar lifestyle perks. Travel nurses who have lived and worked here also say that moving here has allowed them to bring home more money at the end of the day compared to other west coast cities and more time to spend with their families. This city is also on the list of best cities to invest in real estate in 2021.

Washington, D.C.

With some of the most esteemed medical facilities in the country, this can be a high-paying location for travel nurses with an average base hourly pay of approximately $40 per hour. D.C. also tops the list of best cities for young professionals, healthiest cities in America, and best cities for outdoor activities. Not to mention it has a plethora of sightseeing and learning opportunities at any museum or monument and plenty of other outdoor and indoor activities.

We hope you found these tips helpful. Are there any cities you think would be ideal for travel nurses this year? Comment them below.

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

START HERE

The top states for travel nurses in the spring

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

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

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