By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

April 30, 2021

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Picking an Agency That Gets You on Assignment Quicker

This article was provided by Travel Nurse Across America.

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

Picking an Agency That Gets You on Assignment Quicker

Easy Onboarding

assignment

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

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

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

Recruiter

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

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

Support Offered by Agency

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

Number of Jobs

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

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

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

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

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

By Medical Staffing Options

March 26, 2021

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5 Top Destinations For Travel Nurses During Spring

This article was provided by Medical Staffing Options.

With warmer weather, sunshine, blooming flowers, and fresh-cut grass just around the corner, it’s time to start searching for that ideal spring Medical Staffing Options assignment. A favorite season for many, it’s all about renewal, and these top destinations are sure to fit the bill if you’re looking to get re-energized in an exciting new setting.

5 top destinations for travel nurses during spring

5 Top Destinations For Travel Nurses During Spring

Washington State

Springtime in Washington State is ideal for enjoying everything from outdoor adventures to cultural attractions. Discover unparalleled natural beauty in Olympic National Park, spectacular hikes in the Cascade Mountains, opportunities to paddle countless glistening waterways, and famous spots like Seattle’s Pike Place Market. The season also hosts some great events like the month-long Skagit Valley Tulip Festival and Ale Fest in the Bavarian town of Leavenworth and kicking off whale watching excursions. All that, and Washington is known for offering some of the higher salaries along with high levels of satisfaction on the job. Medical Staffing Option’s Job Search can help you find that next perfect step in your career.

Texas

Spring in Texas sees some of the most pleasant weather of the year, along with colorful wildflowers, scenic trails, and tranquil pools for swimming in Hill Country. It’s also a season that attracts music lovers from across the nation and beyond with a wealth of events like Hot Luck in Austin, a combination culinary/music feast over Memorial Day weekend, El Paso’s Neon Desert Music Festival, and the Texas Crawfish & Music Festival in Houston. Search #GowithMSO to find an assignment among the state’s renowned healthcare institutions, taking advantage of the opportunity for professional and personal growth.

Wisconsin

Jobs for travel nurses in Wisconsin tend to boast some of the highest pay rates versus the cost of living while bringing outdoor enthusiasts many opportunities to bike, hike, kayak, and more. The capital city of Madison often lands on lists as one of the best places to live in the country, with a reputation for fantastic food and a thriving music/arts scene. Door County, the “Cape Cod of the Midwest,” is home to charming towns along Lake Michigan, over 300 miles of shoreline, beaches, and lighthouses. With so many things to do in the spring, it is a great assignment destination.

Virginia

Virginia offers something for everyone, from a growing wine scene and beautiful beaches to rich history with sites like Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg, and Mount Vernon to explore. Making it the perfect spring assignment destination. Of course, it’s next door to Washington, D.C., renowned for its spectacular cherry blossoms in the spring, with a festival to celebrate the blooms. The Old Dominion State is also home to many outstanding hospitals – a Medical Staffing Options search is likely to turn up plenty of higher-paying assignments with perks like bonuses often included too.

Colorado

Spring in Colorado typically brings a mix of sunshine and occasional days with snow, which melts quickly but still provides opportunities for late-season skiing in the state’s renowned resorts. No matter what the weather, by searching #GowithMSO for assignments in the Denver metro area, you’ll typically find the pay higher while being just a short drive from the Rocky Mountains. Enjoy everything from whizzing down the slopes to waterfall hikes and abundant wildlife watching, including moose, elk, and bighorn sheep. Plus, there are endless opportunities for world-class dining and shopping along with a wealth of attractions in the city, from the Denver Aquarium to Colorado Rockies’ games, with the season kicking off in April.

We hope you found this list of top destinations for travel nurses this spring. Have you found a great spring destination you would like to share? Comment them below.

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!)

By Amber Pickler

January 10, 2021

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Great Warmer Winter Travel Nurse Assignment Locations

One of the perks of being a travel nurse is the ability to spend your winters in warmer weather!  Now is the time to start looking for that warmer winter travel nurse assignment.  Finding the perfect travel nurse assignment isn’t always easy so we have put together some great information on 5 states that are great for winter travel nurse assignments.   They are listed below in no order

Florida

Florida is a great option for a warm winter travel nurse assignment because during winter the average daily temperature is 70.7 °F.  It offers not only warm weather but also many beaches to go to on your off days!  Florida offers the second-longest coastline in the United States, 8,436 miles 663 of that is beaches!  What better way to spend your cold winter months than on the warm sunny beaches?  Florida also offers many amusement parks to visit.  So many so that they are the top tourism state because of their amusement parks.  There is a lot to do in Florida and since it is warm there all year you aren’t limited by the weather!  If you are thinking Florida would be a great choice for your next travel nurse assignment click here for openings in Florida!

Texas

Texas is another great option for winter travel nurse assignments!  It offers the 7th longest coastline in the United States with 3,359 miles.  It offers many beaches as well.  Texas offers mild winters with average daily temperatures ranging from 55 degrees to 72 degrees.  These temperatures can make for great days to walk or sit and enjoy the beaches.  Texas also offers many amusement parks as well.  Most known is probably Six Flags Over Texas, located in Arlington, Texas.  Six Flags Over Texas sits on 212 acres and offers 13 rollercoaster and 3 water rides.  Six Flags also offers a kid’s area with rides just for the kiddos, so if you have little ones with you, this is a great option; if Texas seems like the ideal place to take your next travel nurse assignment, click here for open Texas jobs.

Arizona

Arizona offers something different than the other states on this list, as it isn’t a beachy state.  It is known more for its desert climate.   Arizona is the only state that contains part of the four North American deserts. The Great Basin, the Chihuahuan, the Mojave and the Sonoran deserts each touch part of the state, making up its diverse landscape. 

Arizona’s elevation varies depending on where you are in the state; because of this, the winter temperatures vary.  Winter temperatures average anywhere from 40 degrees to 75 degrees from November through February.  Warm up starts in the middle of February. Arizona does see an occasional frost as well.    Arizona has 194 named mountain ranges.  If you enjoy hiking or want to try it, Arizona would be a great option for you.  If Arizona seems to be a good fit for your winter travel nurse assignment, click here for job openings in Arizona.

California

California is an excellent option for winter travel nurse assignments.  Because California’s size is so large, the climate ranges from polar to subtropical.  Because of this, the average state temperature during the winter months is 60.5 degrees.  California’s coastline is the 5th largest in the United States, with 3,427 miles of coastline.   Like most of the other states on this list, they offer many beaches to visit.  They also offer many tourist places to visit, including; The Golden Gate Bridge, Yosemite National Park, Disney Land, Big Sur, Universal Studios, and many others. California also offers mountain ranges, deserts, and forests to visit.  So, there truly is something for everyone in California.  If you think you would like to spend this winter in California for your next travel nurse assignment, click here for open jobs.

Hawaii

When you think of Hawaii, you instantly think of gorgeous beaches and great weather!  Making Hawaii an amazing option for a winter travel nurse assignment.  With 1,052 miles of coastline, Hawaii offers the 18th longest coastline in the United States.  This is amazing considering the size of the state itself.  Hawaii also offers less extreme temperatures and humidity because of the almost constant trade winds from the east.  Because of these trade winds, the average winter temperature is 83 degrees.   There are many things to do while in Hawaii.  You can visit the Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Memorial, Volcanoes National Park, Princeville Botanical Gardens, and the list goes on.  Hawaii offers things to see and explore like no other state on this list.  If you think Hawaii may be where you would like to go for your winter travel nurse assignment, click here for open jobs in Hawaii.

Have you spent your winter in one of these warm-weather states? Comment below and tell us what you enjoyed about spending the colder months in a warmer climate.

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!)

By Jessie Leasure

January 3, 2021

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The City That Opened The Doors To A Whole New World

New Orleans was my very first of 6 travel nurse assignments. Almost 4 years ago now.

At the age of 23, I had moved over 1,000 miles away from home, on my own– my car packed to the brim– to a place where I truly didn’t know a soul.  I had 2 years experience as a medical surgical nurse, and was headed to a hospital where they told me not to linger around outside..

I knew nothing about NOLA.

[Mind you, I grew up in the middle of nowhere with virtually no neighbors, surrounded by amber waves of grain, and had never really left] I was TERRIFIED.  I had cried for an entire week before my departure date. Dramatically saying goodbye to everyone and everything as if I were being shipped overseas against my will.

Constantly wavering back and forth over my decision to dive into the unknown.

I remember gripping the steering wheel down the driveway with the most exhilarating feeling I’ve ever had. I pretended to cry one last time, but I couldn’t.  It was just me, myself, and the open road– My fears suddenly shifted to pure adrenaline and excitement! I was going to be a travel nurse in New Orleans!

To say that New Orleans completely changed my life would be an understatement.

travel nurse in new orleans

I had never felt so free.  I got my first apartment on my own. I met many incredible people that became lifelong friends. I fell in love with jazz and the southern storms. I danced like nobody was watching. I learned the streets like THAT was my job. I immersed myself into the food and culture, and learned as much as I could.

New Orleans was also the first place I forced myself to go to a restaurant by myself; shaking with my heart beating out of my chest– I ordered a glass of red wine, drank it fast, and left. I learned so much as a travel nurse in New Orleans.

But I did it.

What I’m getting at is this:

I can’t imagine what kind of person I’d be today if I had never made that first move to be a travel nurse in New Orleans.  All it took was taking one easy step, saying “what’s the worst that could happen?” Picking up the phone.. and letting go.  Suddenly, a whole new world was opened up to me. One that I literally couldn’t even imagine before. I was hooked. There was no going back to my previous way of merely existing.

When I finally left for my next destination, after 6 months of learning, growing, expanding through the challenges (and a whole lot of memorable nights).. I cried all the way through Louisiana and Mississippi.  Being a travel nurse in New Orleans had been such a profound experience.. I couldn’t even describe it. I didn’t know whether to be happy or sad.

I even remember my Facebook post:

“Until next time New Orleans “

No picture. No real words. I was speechless.  Funny, it’s taken me 4 years to put this all into words, but sometimes you don’t even realize the impact something, or someone, or some moment has on you– until you’re able to look back with a new set of eyes.

Now here’s why I’m sharing today–

For the past few weeks, the thought of New Orleans has been popping up DAILY for me, (there’s a reason they say NOLA lives in you forever)..

And NOW I’ve figured out why.

It’s the feeling of absolute freedom.. of exhilaration.. of feeling SO alive in the moment I could cry.

My soul remembers.

It’s a personal guidance call to face my fears AGAIN. To level up. To just take one step into the unknown, to remind myself why I’m here, and what life is supposed to feel like.  It’s a challenge to get to a whole new world and way of life that I can’t even imagine right now.

The best part is– every time I’ve ripped the band-aid off and just done whatever it is.. It’s ALWAYS paid off.

And what I’ve come to find is this:

The fears are always going to be there. The reasons NOT to do something are going to outweigh the reasons to do it when you’re skeptical or scared or doubtful.

It’s important to remember that your brain WILL try and stop you. That’s it’s job.. to protect you from straying from your personal status quo and level of comfort.

Wavering back and forth over a big decision..? Totally normal. That’s your heart and brain arguing over what’s best for you.

But when and if you can push past those thoughts and have COURAGE.. THAT’S when YOU take control and when the REALLY GOOD stuff flows in. That’s when you learn more about yourself and grow.

That’s when LIFE happens.

You then teach yourself that it’s ok to follow desires, it’s ok to take risks, it’s ok to listen to the heart once in a while..

And you’ll wonder why you waited so long to live.

P.s I’m simply sharing in the hopes that someone who is on the fence of choosing between comfort and something big and scary… that they choose the scary one. Take the chance. Opportunities don’t remain the same forever.


Are you searching for a GREAT Paying Travel Nurse Position?

Check out these HOT Travel Nurse JOBS


By Go Healthcare Staffing

September 29, 2020

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What Are Travel RN’s Going to Look at this Fall/Winter?

This article was provided by Go Healthcare.

Usually, during fall, a large group of Travel RNs starts looking at their next assignment in warm climates such as Florida or Arizona.  BUT welcome to 2020 where nothing is the norm. 

Your fall assignment?

With the Virus not under control yet and a vaccine still unknown, picking your next assignment will leave you with many choices if you are part of the in-demand specialties.  Some but not all include ICU, TELE, and Med Surg to name a few.  Typically we have the mass migration of snowbirds, which is our oldest and most cared for a population when it comes to healthcare.  Now?  A lot are opting to stay put due to the Virus.

So what does this mean? 

If you add in the pending flu season with the Virus and states opening, this is a recipe for a large demand for healthcare professionals.  So travel nurses who usually go South may want to step back and look at their options.  Pay levels have increased across the states (minus Covid care which has subsided if you contracted the Virus on assignment).  The demand for certain specialties will reach an all-time high over the next few months even with a vaccine due to the rollout and people’s insecurity about taking a vaccine until proven 100% safe.  Travel RNs will have the opportunity of these options: to take an assignment where they could be near family for the holidays, receive better pay at a non-traditional winter location, or still choose to go to warmer climates.

This is a time when nothing is normal.  

Travel Nursing is no exception.  Be smart about your decision-making and do your homework.  More money does not always mean a great working environment.  Nor does warmer weather!

Have you started looking at your next assignment? Does it differ this year? Comment below.

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!)

By Jennifer Traub

February 3, 2020

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5 Things All Travel Nurses Should Consider Before Quitting a Difficult Assignment

Let’s face it. When hospitals are calling in travel nurses, it is usually because they are in dire need of extra help because they are so short staffed. This could put you in some not so favorable working conditions and make for a difficult assignment, that may make you want to pull your hair out. The motto I use when I get a job in facilities such as these is, “You could do anything for 13 weeks.”

If that internal reassurance is still not getting you through, you may want to consider a few things before you call it quits.

Check the hospital system rules

First, you need to see if quitting your current assignment will affect your potential for getting another job in the same hospital system. For instance, if you are working for an HCA hospital, it is possible you may not be able to get another job with another HCA hospital for an extended period of time. This limits your options in finding work as a traveler.

Reread your contract

Second, you need to reread the fine print in your contract. Some agreements with the hospital you are working for clearly state you will need to pay money upfront if you choose to end your contract early.

Search for Resources

Next, see if there are any resources that can help you get through the remaining weeks of your contract. You already went through orientation and the whole process of acclimating to a new facility and city. It’s a shame to throw away all of that time and energy if there are ways you could salvage your deteriorating mindset. Reach out to management and see if you could get patients that are more conducive to your skillset or if there are more team members who could

Buddy up with other travelers

These nurses have the same mindset as you, so therefore you are all in this together. Confide in another traveler you trust about how you’re feeling. I don’t know too many other travelers who wouldn’t help another nurse who was struggling.

Treat yourself and do fun things in the city you’re in

Finally, make sure you treat yourself and do fun things in the city you’re in. We have a very difficult job and self-care should always be a priority.  If you’re not taking care of yourself, you sure as heck can’t take care of anyone else.

I hope these tips have helped give you some insight and/or motivation to keep plowing through your difficult assignment. Sometimes a traveler needs to call it quits despite all of these recommendations because they don’t feel safe working on the unit they’re on or because of other various reasons. That is OK too. You’re a contract employee, and one of the benefits of that is having the freedom and flexibility to work when and where you choose to.

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

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

By Host Healthcare

October 3, 2019

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8 Tips To Memorialize Past Travel Nurse Assignments

This article provided by: Host Healthcare

One of the exciting benefits being a travel nurse is that you can work all over the country. It truly is something unique that most careers don’t offer. There are so many amazing places you can work and experiences you’re going to want to remember for years to come. But how? Check out our list of 8 ways to memorialize past travel nurse assignments.

8 Tips To Memorialize Past Travel Nurse Assignments

Create a Memory Box.

This is fun and simple idea to memorialize your past assignments. Find a box, something not too big or too small, and fill it with interesting items and mementos of your travel assignment. If you are a creative type, decorate the outside of the box with pictures or other renderings that tie directly to the location.

Send a Postcard To Yourself.

Postcards never go out of style. Choose a few of your favorite travel destinations and mail them to your permanent address. Then when you get home you will have a stack of postcards and be able to take a fun trip down memory road.

Capture The Event With Photos of Videos

Take Photos.

Photos are a great and easy way to capture your experiences while on your travel nurse assignment. They are also easy to share with your friends and family on social media, email, or text.

Use Video.

Since most people have smartphones these days, you are always walking around with a video recording device with you. Videos are fun ways to memorialize your assignments. If you want to be fancy, you can even add some fun videos or animations.

Get Creative

Create an Album.

With all those photos you took, put together a fun print or digital photo album. Photo albums are fun projects and allow you to customize all aspects of your fun adventures.

Keep A Journal.

No matter how much technology has changed our lives, many of us still prefer to memorialize adventures in analogue formats. Writing down your travel nursing adventures in a journal is a wonderfully personal way to capture those memories.

Create a Scrapbook. 

This is one of those fun things that takes most people back to their childhoods. While scrapbooks can be done digital, there’s nothing like busting out the paper, glue and scissors and create a scrapbook of all your fun adventures.

Bring Home Something Unique

Collect Something Unique From Each Location.

There will be no shortage of opportunities to buy or find something during your travel nurse assignments. But try to find something that is unique and special to each location. Could be a souvenir, a mug, rock, whatever. Just make it unique.

We hope you find these tips helpful while trying to memorialize your past travel nurse assignments. Do you have other ways you memorialize your assignments? Comment them below. Also, check out Top Items to Collect While Traveling That Don’t Take Up Space for items you can buy while on assignment!

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!)

By Saratoga Medical

April 11, 2019

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Tips on Getting a Travel Nurse Assignment with a Friend

This article provided by: Saratoga Medical

travel nurse friend
Photo by Clarisse Meyer on Unsplash

Many Travel Nurses want to work at the same facility as a friend or a spouse.  The recruiting team at Saratoga Medical Center, Inc. have some great tips on getting an assignment with a friend or spouse:

1. Find a Great Travel Nursing Staffing Company

Take your time to find a company you trust to work with. Established companies will have more Travel Nursing opportunities for you to apply for, and it is more likely they will have numerous positions at the same facility.

2. Be Flexible

You might have to consider applying for a position located in your 2nd or 3rd favorite location to find something that is a fit for both you and your travel nurse friend.  That’s okay! There is lots of awesome opportunities out there!

3.  Be Patient

It might take a bit longer than normal to find the right position in the right location for both you and your travel nurse friend.  Be patient and be assured that it will be worth the wait for an amazing experience!

4. Consider Different Facilities in the Same City

Finally, depending on how flexible and patient you can be, you might want to consider working at different facilities in the same city. Of course, you won’t be able to share the same professional experience as your travel nurse friend or spouse, you will certainly be able to share in some great personal experiences.

See our open Travel Nursing positions here:  https://careers-saratogamed.icims.com/jobs/search?ss=1&searchPositionType=2052

 


Are you searching for a GREAT Paying Travel Nurse Position?

Check out these HOT Travel Nurse JOBS


By ONESTAFF MEDICAL

February 12, 2019

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4 Hints You May Be Asked to Extend Your Assignment

This article provided by: Onestaff Medical4 Hints You May Be Asked to Extend Your Assignment

The average travel assignment spans 13 weeks. Throughout your career you’ll have instances where those 13 weeks go by in a flash. You’ll be sad to see certain assignments go and you may even wish you could stay on awhile longer. Here are some hints that you may be asked to extend your travel assignment.

Sometimes it’s possible.

A travel assignment extension can be requested for many reasons, and if you’re in a position or facility you love, being asked to stay on can be welcome news. But are there any hints such a request could be coming? There could be, especially if the following keep happening to you.

4 Hints You May Be Asked to Extend Your Travel Assignment

  1. Your co-workers are impressed with your abilities.
  2. Your facility employs many temps or travelers.
  3. Your facility inquires about where you’re headed after this assignment.
  4. You hear from your travel staffing agency.

Your co-workers are impressed with your abilities.

You want to stand out, to be more than just another cog in the machine, and boy is it satisfying when your co-workers see you in the same light. Hearing it from them is a pretty darn good spirit boost to boot. Standing out as being impressive in your role gets around the floor and beyond, and that word of mouth is always good for you.

The facility employs many temps or travelers.

For some facilities, this business model simply makes sense. Perhaps the area services a large seasonal population or it is having trouble making new direct hires. Whatever the reason, a company focused on hiring travelers is more apt to extend the role of one whose performance they appreciate.

Your facility inquires about where you’re headed after this assignment.

This one can depend sometimes on who asks, and your gut should tell you whether the question is simple idle chat or if there’s something behind it. If you are asked about your future plans, it could very well be because they’d like your calendar to be open, so you can stay with them. Be honest and watch their reaction. It could tell you all you need to know.

You hear from your travel staffing agency.

OK, we confess, by the time you hear from us, the jig is up. And you’ll know you have an opportunity to extend your stay. If your facility would like to offer you an extended stay, they will formally reach out to your staffing agency to discuss a new contract. Such an agreement is entirely up to you of course. So, if you’ve enjoyed your stay, feel free to sign along the dotted line. Your facility will be happy to have you once again.


Are you searching for a GREAT Paying Travel Nurse Position?

Check out these HOT Travel Nurse JOBS