By Titan Medical

October 30, 2024

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Leveling Up: How Strategic Travel Assignments Build Your Nursing Expertise

Titan Medical Group provided this article.

One of the greatest advantages of travel nursing is the opportunity to develop specialized skills by working at top-tier facilities across the country. Each hospital, clinic, or specialty unit offers unique learning experiences that allow travel nurses to deepen their expertise and expand their knowledge in ways that a single permanent position might not provide. By choosing travel assignments strategically, every stop along the way can serve as a stepping stone toward advancing your career.

4 strategic travel assignments to build your nursing expertise:

travel assignments

Neuro-Heavy ICU Travel Assignments

For instance, working in a neuro-heavy ICU can sharpen your understanding of stroke care, neurotrauma, and advanced brain monitoring systems. This can give you an edge when applying for future roles. Facilities with comprehensive stroke centers or brain and spine institutes provide hands-on experience with critical neurological conditions, offering significant opportunities to grow in this area.

Similarly, if cardiac care is your passion, targeting cardiology-focused units can take your skills to the next level. Nurses in these environments gain exposure to advanced procedures like heart transplants, post-op cardiac care, and technologies such as LVADs. For example, at Titan Medical, we often refer travelers with strong cardiac backgrounds to the University of Louisville. They are a leading cardiac center with a variety of opportunities for nurses to work alongside top specialists and deepen their expertise.

Level I trauma center assignments

Travel assignments at Level I trauma centers are another excellent way to build skills, especially for nurses who thrive in high-pressure environments! These facilities expose nurses to critical situations, from gunshot wounds to severe motor vehicle accidents, refining their ability to make quick decisions and apply trauma protocols effectively. On the other hand, rural hospital travel assignments may seem less glamorous but provide unparalleled experience in autonomy and critical thinking. With fewer resources and staff, rural nurses manage a wide range of cases independently, often juggling multiple specialties within a single shift. This type of experience builds confidence and clinical versatility, making it a valuable addition to any nurse’s resume.

travel assignments

Academic medical centers offer yet another path for growth!

These institutions are often on the cutting edge of medical research and innovation. Travel nurses assigned to these hospitals benefit from access to ongoing education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and mentorship opportunities. Many academic hospitals, such as Mayo Clinic or Johns Hopkins, encourage nurses to attend lectures, participate in medical rounds, and engage with complex cases. This allows for both learning and leadership development. For those interested in family-centered care, travel assignments at pediatric hospitals or maternal health units offer experience in areas like neonatal care, labor and delivery, and pediatric intensive care. Facilities such as Cincinnati Children’s Hospital or Texas Children’s Hospital are ideal for nurses looking to specialize in these fields!

Travel assignments at magnet-designated hospitals

Working at Magnet-designated hospitals can also be a game-changer for travel nurses, as these facilities prioritize excellence and evidence-based practices. Magnet hospitals not only foster professional growth but also provide leadership opportunities. Nurses working at institutions like Cleveland Clinic or New York Presbyterian gain exposure to innovative practices and benefit from a collaborative environment that emphasizes professional development.

At Titan Medical, we understand that every travel assignment is more than just a paycheck—it’s an opportunity to grow and learn. That’s why we guide our travelers toward travel assignments that align with their goals, whether they want to develop neuro expertise, build cardiac skills, or gain trauma experience. With our knowledge of the industry and strong relationships with top facilities, we help nurses find the right travel assignments to match their ambitions. No matter where you want your career to go, there’s a travel assignment that can help you get there. At Titan Medical, we’re here to help you strategically build your skillset, one travel assignment at a time.

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 Furnished Finder

August 29, 2024

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Fall Travel Assignments: Small Town, Big City, or Something In Between

When planning your fall travel assignment, it can be overwhelming to figure out where to go. One way to help you narrow it down is to ask yourself: do you want a small town, a big city, or something in between?  Each has its own unique benefits.

Fall Travel Assignments: Small Town, Big City, or Something In Between:

fall travel assignment

Small Town

As days start to cool and leaves start to change, the first thought that might come to mind is a cuddly sweatshirt and pumpkin décor. Choosing a small town for your next assignment can give you the full fall experience of a Hallmark movie with apple orchards and pumpkin patches. There are countless rural hospitals throughout the United States looking for nurses. Working in a small-town hospital might provide a nice change from the hustle and bustle of a big city.

An extra benefit, if you enjoy the outdoors, is that working in a rural area can put you closer to the great outdoors, where you can experience the changing of the season firsthand. So, if you want a small-town experience in the Midwest, Mountain regions, or anywhere else with fall festivals and corn mazes, use Furnished Finder to find a place to stay that will put you in the middle of all the small-town activities.

Big City

If small-town life is not your cup of tea or cup of pumpkin spice, you can look to a big city for your fall travel nurse assignment. Many of the nation’s largest and most prestigious hospitals can be found in big cities, such as Boston’s Children’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, or Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. Working at one of these facilities can surely boost your resume and your nursing skills. On your days off, you will never be short of places to explore or things to see.  

fall travel assignment

The big city may not have pumpkin patches or corn mazes nearby, but if you are looking for a haunted experience this fall, big cities such as Portland, New Orleans, and Chicago are full of ghost sightings. Just use Furnished Finder to ensure your newest housing location is not a nightmare.

Something In-Between

If the hustle and bustle of the city is too much for you, but a small town is too quiet, a midsize town might be perfect. A midsize town like Raleigh, North Carolina, or Colorado Springs, Colorado, has the best of both worlds. You are still in a metropolis area with all the shops and convenience of a big city, but less traffic. Plus, you are conveniently closer to small towns and outdoor areas. Nursing opportunities are still abundant in midsize towns and may offer the opportunity to work in a larger medical facility or something smaller.

A midsize town can also be close enough to a big city that you can easily drive to see and experience all the big city has to offer without the hassle of driving through the traffic to work every day. Small-town experiences can be just outside a midsize city as well, allowing you to enjoy the best small-town fall festivals without having to live in solitude. Furnished Finder can help you find the perfect place between a small town and a large city.

Conclusion

Fall is one of the most exciting seasons. There is so much to do and experience. When you are searching for your next fall travel assignment, think about what type of experience you want to have: a small town, a big city, or maybe even both. Midsize towns are a great way to experience the best of both worlds. Whatever you choose, Furnished Finder has a vast availability of rentals that will suit your travel nurse needs.  

We hope you found this article on fall travel assignments: small town, big city, or something in between helpful. Do you have any preference for housing during your fall travel assignments? 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 Uniti Med

June 10, 2024

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Top 5 Summer Travel Destinations for Your Next Adventure

Uniti Med provided this article.

Uniti Med recruiters have curated a list of top destinations to consider for your next summer assignment. From stunning natural landscapes to vibrant cultural hotspots, get ready to embrace the summer with these five summer travel destinations.

Top 5 Summer Travel Destinations for Your Next Adventure

Summer Travel Destinations

1. Marquette, Michigan (Upper Peninsula)

Summer in Marquette is perfect for nature lovers. Nestled on Lake Superior, this charming town offers scenic beauty and outdoor adventures. Hike Presque Isle Park, kayak the coastline or explore the lush forests. Don’t miss Sugarloaf Mountain for panoramic views. Marquette is an ideal summer getaway with vibrant local culture and stunning landscapes. Explore jobs in Michigan.

Summer Travel Destinations

2. Rapid City, South Dakota (Black Hills, Deadwood, Sturgis)

Experience summer in Rapid City, where the Black Hills meet Wild West history. Visit Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial, or drive through Custer State Park to spot wildlife. Explore Deadwood’s historic charm and enjoy the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Rapid City offers adventure, history, and natural beauty. Explore jobs in Rapid City.

Summer Travel Destinations

3. Boise, Idaho

Boise, Idaho’s capital, is a summer paradise with warm weather and outdoor activities. Bike along the Boise River Greenbelt, hike the foothills, or paddleboard on the river. Boise’s cultural scene includes festivals, art galleries, and farm-to-table dining. Whether downtown or in nature, Boise offers urban charm and outdoor adventure. Explore jobs in Idaho

Summer Travel Destinations

4. Portland and Bangor, Maine

Maine, in summer, is a coastal wonderland. In Portland, stroll the historic Old Port, enjoy seafood at waterfront restaurants, and ferry to Casco Bay islands. Bangor, rich in history and culture, provides access to Acadia National Park. Hike Cadillac Mountain, explore fishing villages or kayak the rugged coastline. Portland and Bangor together offer a quintessential Maine summer experience. Explore jobs in Maine

summer travel destinations

5. Louisville, Kentucky

Summer in Louisville is a celebration of culture, cuisine, and southern hospitality. Known for the Kentucky Derby, Louisville boasts a lively arts scene, beautiful parks, and a scenic riverfront. Explore historic neighborhoods with art galleries and boutiques. Visit the Louisville Slugger Museum or cruise the Ohio River. Louisville offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Explore jobs in Kentucky.

Each of these summer travel destinations offers unique charms and attractions for travelers seeking a memorable summer experience. Pack your bags, embrace adventure, and let Uniti Med help you find your next dream assignment.

Safe travels! 

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 Medical Solutions

September 16, 2023

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How Long Do Travel Nurses Stay at One Assignment?

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.

travel nurse assignment

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:

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

By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

February 20, 2023

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5 States For Your Spring Travel RN Assignments

It’s almost March, which means it’s time to start thinking about your springtime travel nurse assignment. As the ice and snow start to melt, it’s likely that your first-time traveler jitters are beginning to thaw as well. As you think about your next move, take a look at these five states with lots of jobs that would be great for your springtime travel nurse assignment.

Tennessee

Tennessee is known for its vibrant music scene, whiskey, and the Great Smoky Mountains. You can take an assignment in Nashville, home of country music, where you can attend outdoor concerts, visit music museums, and take part in lively street parties. Within a two-hour drive of Nashville, you can visit the Jack Daniel’s Distillery and book a tour. Or venture over to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where you can view lush greenery and colorful wildflowers blooming against a backdrop of majestic peaks during the spring.

Illinois

Illinois is a great place to welcome in spring. Fall in love with the Windy City as you venture down the Chicago Riverwalk, where you can see the river run green during St. Patrick’s Day festivities, hop on a river cruise to learn more about the city or rent a bike on a leisurely afternoon. Then, take a short drive to The Morton Arboretum, where you can get lost in a maze garden and learn more about the trees and plants as you take a hike on 16 miles of trails.

Michigan

Michigan is a great state to visit as the weather turns warmer. Michigan touches four of the five Great Lakes and has more than 11,000 lakes throughout it, so spending time on the water is a given during your travel nurse assignment. If you spend time in Michigan, Traverse City’s cherry blossoms are a sight to see, and the region’s wine-tasting tours are worth experiencing. You can also visit Mackinac Island in late spring to enjoy stunning views of Lake Huron, horse-drawn carriage rides, and fudge shops.

Massachusetts

Spring is a wonderful time to explore Massachusetts, and there are many exciting things to do.

Baseball fans should catch a game at Fenway Park, home of the Red Sox. Of course, you’ll also want to visit Martha’s Vineyard, a popular destination known for its beaches, lighthouses, and charming towns. With no chain stores or restaurants, it’s a great place to find unique shopping and dining. Finally, don’t miss the chance to set sail with Cape Ann Whale Watch, which will give you the chance to see several whale species in the wild.

Texas

Take a travel nurse assignment in Texas this spring and enjoy everything the Lone Star State has to offer. During spring, bluebonnet season is in full swing, so take a drive to the Hill Country for some amazing views of this state flower. In San Antonio, the River Walk is a popular destination with its shops, restaurants, and boat tours. You can also head to Austin for the live music scene or visit one of Dallas’ many museums and parks. While you’re in Texas, be sure to find a long weekend to visit Big Bend National Park, which offers beautiful scenery and outdoor activities like hiking and stargazing.

Preparing for Your Spring Travel Assignment

While Texas and Tennessee are compact states, you might need help getting a license for the others. Ask your travel nurse agency if they have a quality assurance department that can help assist you with getting your license. Your agency should have your back, helping you secure the nursing licenses you need to get ready for your spring assignment. Once you have everything you need, get ready to plan your springtime adventures!

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 trustaff

December 15, 2022

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Cali Dreaming – Top Reasons to Take Your Next Assignment in California

Trustaff provided this article.

California has so much to offer to any traveler, let alone healthcare travelers. It’s a highly sought location to travel to for many great reasons specific to healthcare travelers. We’ve come up with this very appealing list of reasons why you should think about taking your next assignment in the Golden State of California!

Top reasons to take your next travel assignment in California:

Cali Dreaming – Top Reasons to Take Your Next Assignment in California

With the size of the state and many different hospital systems and facilities throughout, there are always many travel jobs available. California’s market for travelers is always consistent, and the need for travelers is always steady. Not only do they have a wide variety of assignments, but they also offer fantastic pay. Many assignments in the state are higher than in most other states. If you ever think there isn’t an assignment in the Golden State matching your specialty or modality, think again! California is full of high-paying assignments for healthcare travelers of all kinds.

On the topic of the size of the state, California offers an endless amount of tourist attractions whether you’re looking for adventures on your off days or just some fresh relaxation. Are you a fan of amazing year-round weather? Southern California may be your cup of tea. South Cali offers many of the staples for tourists, such as Hollywood, Disneyland, and the San Diego Zoo, (check to see if your agency offers perks or discounts on tickets!) Palm Springs and various vineyards if you’re into the wine life. Southern California is always a fan favorite. If you’re more of an outdoorsy adventurer, travelers love Northern California. Locations like Redwood National Forest, take a walk and explore the Golden Gate Bridge, find your new favorite restaurant in the extravagant dining in Napa, and we hear NorCal also has a large vineyard and wine selection. The adventures are absolutely endless in California.

One of the best parts of working in California is the state’s mandated nurse-patient ratio laws. In 2004, the state of California enacted mandatory ratios for the safety of healthcare workers. California is the only state to have such laws. In most hospitals, the mandated ratio of a minimum of one nurse for every five patients (1:5). In an ICU unit, the ratio is one to two (1:2). Many healthcare travelers love traveling to CA to work in a state where they can practice safely.

Don’t have a CA license yet? No worries! California has emergency licenses (EMSA) available until 2/28/23, and your agency can help you with applying for an EMSA license. California’s new temporary license process is much faster than previously – travelers are applying for their temporary licenses and receiving them in 2-3 weeks. If you have already applied for an EMSA, you’ll be ahead of the game when it comes to processing a temporary or permanent license. As an added bonus, many companies help cover the costs of your new licenses. This means you apply for the license (with help from your agency if needed), and they’ll reimburse you for the fees. Some companies are adding extra perks or benefits for getting a new state license – Trustaff offers a free iPad or Apple Watch!

The opportunities, adventures, and career experiences are endless in the state of California. Many travelers extend multiple times as CA has much to offer. So what do we think – are you ready to travel to California?

We hope you found this article on the top reasons to take your next travel assignment in California helpful. Are there any other reasons you think California is a great place to take your next travel assignment? 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:

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

By Triage Healthcare Staffing

November 9, 2022

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

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.

job board

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:

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

By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

September 20, 2022

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Traveler Tips for Adjusting to New Environments on Assignment

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.

job board

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:

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

By Kevin Devoto

May 27, 2022

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

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. 

  1. 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:

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