For many nurses, this year has brought a sigh of relief. Mask mandates have been dropped, and Covid hospitalization rates are no longer blowing census numbers out of the water. It seems like the healthcare world has settled into its new, post-Covid normal.
For other healthcare workers, this might feel like unfamiliar territory. If you graduated with your nursing license during or after 2019, then nursing during the pandemic is the only healthcare world you’re familiar with, when sky-high travel nursing rates, paired with nonstop admissions, became the rule instead of the exception.
So the question is – What happens now? The regular flu season is upon us while Covid is no longer the presence. It was mid-pandemic. Many travel nurses are starting to think about what the market will look like over the next several months as we approach our first “normal” flu season since the pandemic first hit in 2020.
Last year
Last year’s flu season hit the pediatric population particularly hard, as babies born during the pandemic were not exposed to various strains of non-covid flu due to quarantine. This means they all went into their first unquarantined flu season with no immunities to regular flu strains. So RSV numbers were up, with the number of patients needing hospitalization and prolonged supplemental oxygen peaking at almost five times higher than rates the year before.
In addition, the respiratory season hit earlier than normal. Typically, hospitals will hire most of their “flu season” staff starting in late October or early November, with some hospital systems waiting as late as January.
For the 2022-2023 season, respiratory hospitalizations peaked in November, which left hospitals scrambling to find seasonal staff earlier than anticipated, leading to increased rates as facilities recruited as many workers as possible.
Then, the busy season came to a halt as quickly as it began. Hospitals had to backpedal because increased patient loads didn’t last as long as anticipated, with travel staff being canceled and rates being reduced due to demand decreasing.
Anticipating needs
Predicting numbers for any respiratory season can be a bit like predicting the weather. Health officials have the technology and advanced science to better examine viral strains, including the level of contagiousness and affected populations, to hopefully get an idea of what we might be able to expect each season. But every once in a while, we have a flu season unlike anything we could have expected.
Medical authorities speculate flu season likely hit early last year as an after effect from the pandemic, as normal human socialization was disrupted by shutdowns and quarantines. As a result, our flu season was earlier than anticipated.
Hospitals are predicting flu season will hit earlier than usual again this year as well. This means we will likely see a peak in respiratory hospitalizations around November or December again this year.
What that means for travel nurses
The winter season is always a waiting game. As we round the corner from summer into fall, travel nurse rates generally start to creep up. It can be hard to know when to jump on a decent rate because there’s always the possibility something better might come along.
Since we’re expecting another early flu season this year, anticipate that facilities will try to get ahead of it rather than having to clamber for staff and offering sky-high rates in November or December — you will likely see seasonal positions coming available as early as September as management tries to get ahead of peak respiratory season.
So, take into consideration that this year, facilities are expecting the unexpected and will likely be on top of staffing early. Thus, it’s wise for travel nurses to expect an early season as well. It’s a personal decision whether you want to get ahead of the curve and book an assignment early on, with the opportunity to have a longer contract, or whether you want to stay informed on early flu numbers and attempt to ride out when you might find the highest rates, knowing flu season might end early again this year as well.
As a travel nurse, an incredible personal and professional adventure awaits you. Travel nursing is attractive because it allows you to create your path and choose the journey to arrive successfully.
You will satisfy your wanderlust if you enjoy exploring as many new cities as possible while working at multiple facilities on a short-term contract for above-average pay. If you like to feel more settled and stay in one place for longer than 12-14 weeks while continuing to build relationships for above-average income, you can have the best of both worlds.
If travel nursing is the career you want to pursue to help others thrive while scratching your travel itch, how do you get there?
Steps and Stages to Become a Travel Nurse
Step 1: Earn a Degree
To be considered for travel nurse positions, you are required to have a registered nurse (RN) license through either an associate degree in nursing (ADN), a two-year program, or a bachelor of science (BSN), a four-year commitment.
The latter provides more job opportunities, career advancements, and stepping stones for continuing education. RN-to-BSN programs with an accelerated timeline are an option for those who have their ADN already and desire to earn a BSN degree.
Step 2: Pass the NCLEX-RN Test for Success
As a nursing school graduate, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), which tests your ability and competency to provide safe and effective nursing practice at the entry-level. As a travel nurse, you will need a license to work in any state outside of your home state.
Step 3: Get a Licensure
The next step of licensure, defined by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), is “the process by which boards of nursing grant permission to an individual to engage in nursing practice after determining that the applicant has attained the competency necessary to perform a unique scope of practice.”
Thirty-five compact states in the U.S. participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which means you can receive one multi-state license. For the 13 non-compact states, you are required to have that specific state’s licensure.
Here is where it can get tricky. Just because you have a state license in a state that becomes compact doesn’t mean your license automatically becomes multi-state. As a nurse, you have to apply specifically for a multi-state license. To learn more on how healthcare professionals like you can get licensed in any U.S. state, click here.
Volunteering, enrolling in a shadowing or mentor program, and finding an internship through your school are great ways to achieve hands-on experience while earning your degree. Your school may be a great resource and have paid student nurse positions. If you’ve already graduated, some employers are specifically looking for new graduates to train.
Step 5: Partner with a Travel Nurse Employment Agency
Additional documentation required by healthcare facilities
An agency should also support your growth as a travel nurse, which may include furthering your education and expanding your skill set. Here are some examples of when you become part of the Cross Country family.
American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) accredited Cross Country University, CCMSN provides CE Direct® online Continuing Education (C.E.) and Certification Review that will fulfill your C.E. requirements.
Access to over 700 award-winning continuing education (E.D.) courses
Advanced degree (BSN, MSN, DSN) tuition reimbursement of up to 20% from accredited academic partners
Good luck with your career as a travel nurse, and enjoy all those adventures coming your way soon.
To dive deeper into the world of travel nursing and read the answers to commonly asked questions, click here. To fill out an application to work with Cross Country, click here or call (800) 530-6125 to speak with a recruiter who will walk you through the application process and answer any additional questions.
As a traveling healthcare professional, self-care can be as important as your commitment to caring for others. At Trustaff, we understand the demanding nature of your profession and the challenges that come with being on the move. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to provide exceptional healthcare staffing solutions and support our clinicians’ well-being through our unique ACT Program (Advocacy, Career, Tools).
If you’re a travel nurse, here are some valuable self-care tips to help you thrive during your assignments. Discover how our ACT Program can be your ultimate companion on this rewarding journey.
Self-Care Tips:
1. Prioritize Your Physical Health:
Long shifts and irregular schedules can take a toll on your body. Get enough rest, stay hydrated, and fuel your body with nutritious meals. Regular exercise, even if it’s just a short walk, can do wonders for your energy levels and overall well-being.
2. Create a Relaxing Routine:
Establish a routine that helps you unwind after a challenging day. Whether it’s reading a book, meditating, or simply enjoying a cup of tea, these small rituals can provide a sense of calm amidst the hectic schedule of a traveling nurse.
3. Connect with Colleagues:
Building a support system at each assignment can make a significant difference. Connect with your fellow nurses and healthcare professionals to share experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Trustaff fosters a collaborative environment, creating a gateway to form meaningful connections wherever you go.
4. Explore Your Surroundings:
Take advantage of your travel opportunities by exploring the new city or town you’re in. Embracing local culture, trying new foods, and visiting landmarks can help you decompress and add some excitement to your downtime.
5. Stay Organized:
At Trustaff, we provide you with valuable tools and resources to enhance your career. Take advantage of these offerings to stay organized and keep track of your assignments, certifications, and career goals. A well-organized approach can reduce stress and enable you to focus on what matters most – providing exceptional patient care.
6. Engage in Professional Development:
Our ACT Program goes beyond conventional support. We offer career advancement resources to help you achieve your professional goals as a healthcare professional. Whether it’s continuing education opportunities, mentorship programs, or resume-building assistance, Trustaff and ACT are committed to your growth.
7. Reach out for Support:
Our ACT Program is a testament to our commitment to your well-being and career growth. As you embark on new adventures, know that we have your back.
Here are some self-care resources we have to offer:
Veterans and first responders struggling with PTSD are qualified to apply to Warrior PATHH by the Boulder Crest Foundation.
We hope you found this article on self-care tips for travel nurses helpful. What do you do for self-care? Do you have any self-care tips to share? Comment them below.
Ready to take on this rewarding journey while being supported every step of the way? Trustaff is here for you. Click hereto discover the diverse range of exciting opportunities we have available across the nation. Your next adventure awaits!
One thing we know about travel nurses is they’ve got hustle. It’s not like travel nurses are content staying home and taking a staff job—they’ve got some extra drive and grit that gives them the confidence to work in a new facility and explore a new city every three months.
We’re pretty sure that’s why so many travel nurses have their own side hustle. Looking for a new one? Check out our list of the best side hustles for travel nurses.
Deliver Take Out or Groceries With Delivery Apps
If you want to make some quick cash, delivery apps are one way to do it. You don’t need much to get started. As long as you have a vehicle, a driver’s license, and insurance, you’re good to go. Plus, you can truly choose when and how much you want to work, so you don’t have to worry about your side hustle interfering with your travel job. If you’re looking to do strictly pick-ups and deliveries, you can deliver for Door Dash, Uber Eats, Grub Hub, or even Walmart. If you want to earn a little more and have the time, you can actually shop for customers using Shipt or Instacart. In most cases, customers want you to drop the items off at the door, so there’s minimal contact with customers.
Use Your Agency’s Referral Program
Most travel agencies have a program where you refer your friends and can earn a kickback once your friend finishes up an assignment. When looking for a travel nurse referral program, you’ll want to check on the company’s reviews before referring your friends. Look for patterns in the reviews. If there are consistently the same types of reviews—good or bad—you can likely trust them over a one-off review. Also, ask how and when you’ll be paid, as well as how the referrals are tracked. If you’re able to track your referrals’ progress, you’ll know when you’ll get paid without relying on the agency to tell you.
Additionally, look for a program that doesn’t require you to be on assignment with the company, especially if you think you’ll eventually step back from traveling. Lastly, check how you’re paid, particularly if you’re not planning on traveling forever. If you’re currently on assignment, they can normally pay you through a regular payroll, but if you’re not a current traveler, you may receive a 1099, which means you’ll have to include it on your taxes when you file. Either way, it’s an easy side job for travel nurses.
Teach or Tutor Online
Looking for something you can do from your home and take with you on assignments? Sign up to teach or tutor online. You can specialize in a subject or two and tutor online, or you can even sign up to teach children overseas how to speak English. You can make anywhere from $10 to $40 an hour, but it definitely depends on what company you work with.
Popular companies include VIPKID, DaDa, and Magic Ears, which all work with kids learning English as a second language. If you’re looking for tutoring in specific subjects, consider Chegg, Skooli, Wyzant, and eTutorWorld. Some companies do require at least a six-month commitment, but since you can teach from anywhere, the job can follow you on assignment. You definitely need a healthy dose of patience to teach or tutor, but you’re a nurse—you’ve already got that.
Dog Walking or Pet Sitting
Love animals? Dog walking or pet sitting can be the perfect side gig if you have to leave a furry friend at home while traveling. You can find clients on care.com or the Rover or Wag app. Like other side hustles, you’ll be able to set your own hours. Unlike other apps, you can set your own pay rate for walks or pet sitting, so you have more freedom to earn what you want to earn and decide what your time is worth.
Take Advantage of a Social Media Following
Are you the one, your friends always turn to for advice on what to buy? If so, turn that into a social media following. While things like brand deals can take a while and are hard to come by when you’re starting out, anyone can become an affiliate. Basically, you share your favorite products via a special link, and you’ll receive a portion of the sales when one of your followers clicks the link. The best part? Your followers don’t even need to purchase the specific product you linked to in most cases—any purchase they make after clicking your link will count toward your sales. And if you have a large following that works in healthcare, you can even share your agency’s referral program, netting you a sweet referral bonus without much effort.
While these are just a few of the side gigs for travel nurses, they’re some of the easiest ones that you can take advantage of when you’re a travel nurse. Looking to get started with the Triage Referral Program? Sign up today, and once your friend completes their first assignment, we’ll send you a cool $750.
While being a travel nurse is a demanding profession, the benefits travel nursing can provide are wide-ranging, including expanding your clinical experience, deepening your professional development, networking with new colleagues, taking advantage of flexible schedules, as well as maximizing stipends and other travel compensation perks. But for almost every travel nurse, the key benefit is the adventure, exploration, and personal enrichment traveling provides.
So, for many intrepid souls, deciding on an exciting and challenging travel nurse career is the easy part. The harder part is choosing which assignment to accept and why. This search often begins by selecting a region, metro area, or city that fits your personality and lifestyle.
To help you in this important choice, we’ve compiled some recent data on travel nurse jobs in the U.S. Our data comes from search interest and job posts from June and July 2023 and should help point to what will be some of the most popular travel nurse locations throughout the rest of this year.
Finding Your Next Travel Assignment
Research and surveys tell us that as a travel nurse, you probably work with a few staffing agencies and have an app or tool that you prefer to leverage when finding new travel assignments. But did you realize that many of these tools and agencies are all posting the same jobs? Moreover, these travel jobs open and close so quickly that the exact job you initially applied for or were submitted to is often not the same as the placement you’ll end up taking.
That’s right, who you choose to work with is rarely because of an exclusive listing you find on a specific job marketplace. More often than not, your travel assignment comes down to your relationship with your recruiter and how you are treated by the staffing agency.
We say all this to let you know that it doesn’t matter what your favorite job board, agency, or app is. The trending info we explore in this article applies at a macro level to the industry as a whole. When looking for popular destinations, our data did reveal some of the most popular trending specialties, such as post-anesthesia, ICU, critical care, pediatrics, and even remote roles. For the purposes of this article, we’ll focus solely on possible locations for your next travel assignment.
Travel Nurse Job Data
To find out which destinations are the most popular for travel nurses, we researched travel nurse jobs via search interest tools such as Google Trends, AnswerThePublic, UberSuggest, SEM Rush, and Similar Web. We then combined that user data with top travel nurse job marketplaces like Indeed, Fusion Marketplace, Vivian, VettedHealth, and Wanderly.
What we found were some expected locations, along with some surprises. Additionally, after identifying the Top 10 RN travel nurse locations, we added additional data to help your decision-making process. We hope this helps!
Top 10 RN travel nurse locations
Miami, FL
Houston, TX
San Antonio, TX
Chicago, IL
Brooklyn, NY
Philadelphia, PA
Las Vegas, NV
Jacksonville, FL
Orlando, FL
Los Angeles, CA
#1 – Miami, FL
Miami is known for its vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and diverse culinary scene. As a travel nurse, you might be attracted to the city’s warm weather and lively atmosphere. The city offers a mix of Latin American and Caribbean influences, making it a melting pot of cultures. In your free time, you can enjoy exploring the Art Deco Historic District, lounging on South Beach, and trying out various water sports. Dining options range from upscale restaurants to food trucks, offering a variety of international cuisines.
Job Competition: 33/100
Cost of Living Index: 83.8 (rank #77)
Crime Index: 53.2 (rank #35)
NOTE: For each Index, ranking is from 1-100, and lower is better.
DATA
INDEED
VIVIAN
# Jobs
29
154
Avg Weekly Pay
$2,357
$2,254
Top Weekly Pay
$3,245
$2,517
#2 – Houston, TX
Houston is a major city with a booming healthcare industry. Travel nurses are drawn to the city’s renowned medical facilities and diverse patient populations. When not working, you can explore the Space Center Houston, Museum District and enjoy outdoor activities in the city’s many parks. Houston’s dining scene is known for its Tex-Mex cuisine and Southern comfort food, as well as a growing number of international restaurants.
Job Competition: 39/100
Cost of Living Index: 73.8 (rank #48)
Crime Index: 63.6 (rank #54)
DATA
INDEED
VIVIAN
# Jobs
78
363
Avg Weekly Pay
$2,150
$2,786
Top Weekly Pay
$3,060
$4,425
#3 – San Antonio, TX
San Antonio offers a blend of history, culture, and a strong healthcare sector. The city’s historic sites, such as The Alamo and the River Walk, attract visitors from all over. As a travel nurse, you’ll appreciate the city’s affordable cost of living and family-friendly atmosphere. In terms of dining, San Antonio is famous for its Tex-Mex fare and barbecue joints, providing a true taste of Texas.
Job Competition: 90/100
Cost of Living Index: 68.1 (rank #26)
Crime Index: 48.7 (rank #26)
DATA
INDEED
VIVIAN
# Jobs
62
568
Avg Weekly Pay
$1,971
$2,441
Top Weekly Pay
$3,192
$3,796
#4 – Chicago, IL
Chicago boasts world-class healthcare facilities and a rich cultural scene. Travel nurses tend to love the city’s cutting-edge medical institutions and the opportunity to experience life in a bustling urban environment. Chicago offers iconic attractions like Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and the Art Institute of Chicago. The city’s dining scene is diverse, ranging from deep-dish pizza to gourmet cuisine, and it’s known for its vibrant music and theater scene.
Job Competition: 89/100
Cost of Living Index: 81.9 (rank #75)
Crime Index: 66.0 (rank #58)
DATA
INDEED
VIVIAN
# Jobs
370
556
Avg Weekly Pay
$2,331
$2,992
Top Weekly Pay
$3,500
$2,575
#5 – Brooklyn, NY
As a borough of New York City, Brooklyn offers travel nurses access to some of the nation’s top medical institutions and an unmatched cultural experience. Nurses can explore neighborhoods like Williamsburg, DUMBO, and Brooklyn Heights, each with its own unique character. Brooklyn provides a mix of dining options, from trendy cafes to classic pizzerias, and it’s a hub for arts, music, and entertainment and is easily and affordably accessible to many other unique neighborhoods.
Job Competition: 79/100
Cost of Living Index: 100.0 (rank #90)
Crime Index: 49.7 (rank #29)
DATA
INDEED
VIVIAN
# Jobs
585
295
Avg Weekly Pay
$2,767
$3,367
Top Weekly Pay
$3,564
$4,080
#6 – Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia is a historic city with a thriving medical community. Travel nurses are attracted to its top hospitals and research centers. Nurses can explore historical sites like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, as well as enjoy the vibrant food scene, which includes Philly cheesesteaks and diverse international eateries.
Job Competition: 77/100
Cost of Living Index: 78.9 (rank #68)
Crime Index: 65.8 (rank #57)
DATA
INDEED
VIVIAN
# Jobs
240
278
Avg Weekly Pay
$2,365
$3,550
Top Weekly Pay
$3,558
$4,115
#7 – Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas is known for its world-famous entertainment and hospitality industries. Travel nurses will find leading hospitals and medical centers. During your time off, experience the excitement of the Las Vegas Strip, catch live shows, and explore nearby natural attractions like Red Rock Canyon. The city offers a wide range of dining options, from celebrity chef restaurants to buffets.
Job Competition: 26/100
Cost of Living Index: 72.2 (rank #43)
Crime Index: 56.0 (rank #44)
DATA
INDEED
VIVIAN
# Jobs
20
30
Avg Weekly Pay
$2,537
$2,546
Top Weekly Pay
$3,913
$3,979
#8 – Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville offers a mix of coastal living and medical opportunities. Travel nurses will love its beautiful beaches and outdoor recreational activities. In your free time, explore the Jacksonville Zoo, take boat tours, relax on Amelia Island, and visit the historic Riverside and Avondale neighborhoods. The dining scene features fresh seafood and Southern cuisine.
Job Competition: 82/100
Cost of Living Index: 70.8 (rank #34)
Crime Index: 51.5 (rank #31)
DATA
INDEED
VIVIAN
# Jobs
21
57
Avg Weekly Pay
$1,964
$1,635
Top Weekly Pay
$2,800
$2,856
#9 – Orlando, FL
Orlando is home to a variety of medical facilities and is known for its family-friendly attractions. Travel nurses go for both top healthcare opportunities and close proximity to major theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. In your leisure time, check out the local dining scene, which includes diverse options ranging from international cuisine to Florida-inspired dishes.
Job Competition: 37/100
Cost of Living Index: 74.2 (rank #50)
Crime Index: 530.2 (rank #30)
DATA
INDEED
VIVIAN
# Jobs
86
39
Avg Weekly Pay
$2,047
$2,519
Top Weekly Pay
$2,412
$3,000
#10 – Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles offers a mix of top-tier medical institutions and the glamour of Hollywood. Travel nurses will find top healthcare opportunities and the chance to experience the iconic sights of LA, such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, and the beaches of Santa Monica. The city’s dining scene is incredibly diverse, featuring cuisine from around the world, and it’s a hub for entertainment, arts, and culture.
Job Competition: 87/100
Cost of Living Index: 85.7(rank #81)
Crime Index: 52.7 (rank #34)
DATA
INDEED
VIVIAN
# Jobs
450
267
Avg Weekly Pay
$2,583
$3,480
Top Weekly Pay
$3,087
$5,854
Each of these cities has its own unique appeal for travel nurses, ranging from cultural experiences to career opportunities, and they all offer a variety of dining, entertainment, and attraction options to explore during your time off. We hope this article on top travel nurse locations with added data helps you in your decision-making when choosing where to take your next travel assignment. Do you have your picks for the top travel nurse locations? Comment them below.
Travel nursing offers many advantages for both your professional journey and personal experiences. You grow your professional network and gain valuable clinical experiences, all while exploring new destinations and embarking on exciting adventures.
However, there may be a point when you’re ready for a challenge through a change in your nursing specialty. Changing your specialty while continuing to take travel assignments can be challenging, but it’s not impossible.
Here are a few tips for changing your nursing specialty as a travel nurse.
Choose Your New Nursing Specialty
Changing your nurse specialty is a career-changing decision. You want to make sure you choose a new specialty that will give you a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment in your career. It’s essential to thoroughly research the specialties you are interested in transitioning to determine if they will help you reach your personal and career goals.
You’ll also want to take some time exploring your strengths, both professionally and personally, to find a new specialty that plays to those strengths.
Similar specialties
Choosing a specialty closely aligned with your current one can make transitioning to a new specialty easier for travel nurses. Some of these include:
Med-Surg to Tele
Tele to PCU
PCU to ICU
PICU to ICU
NICU to PICU
Know Your Motivation for Changing Specialties
Deciding why you want to change nurse specialties is as crucial as choosing your new career path. Take some time to reflect on what’s driving your desire to change specialties. You may want a different schedule or feel burned out during your recent travel assignments. You may want a new challenge to expand your skills. Whatever drives your decision, you want to make sure you change specialties for the right reason.
Talk to Your Recruiter and Clinical Team
Your nurse travel agency recruiter and clinical teams are some of the best resources to help you transition to a new nursing specialty. They can guide you through the process and any options you may have for changing specialties while continuing to travel and could provide insights into different specialties and the current demand for them in the field. Contact them to explore your options for changing your nurse specialty.
Transitioning to a new nurse specialty can be a great way to expand your clinical skills and take on new challenges, but it can be difficult to do it while continuing to take travel nurse assignments. Researching your new specialty and exploring your motivations for changing specialties will help you know if you are making the right decision. Be sure to talk to your travel nurse agency team to help guide your new career change.
As a travel nurse, you never know where the next contract will take you. However, you should ensure you arrive organized with a bit of style. We have the list of the top travel gadgets for you, whether you’re trying to keep things in order, focused on safety, or comfort on your next trip to your travel contract destination.
Packing cubes
Whether rolling, folding, or just throwing things together, packing cubes can save you time and headaches when packing for your next trip. We use these to organize our clothes and belongings into neat boxes that are easy to unpack into your destination’s chest or drawers. These might not be your style, but there are many patterns, colors, and sizes to choose from online. Whatever you choose, packing cubes are a must-have.
Compressor bags
Is space at a premium? Compressor bags help you make the most of the space in your suitcase or car. All you have to do is place your clothes flatly into the bags and roll them up. Many bags have special hookups for vacuums that remove all the air from the bags to make them easier to roll up.
Tech kit
No matter how much we try to keep our cables and chargers in one place, they’re rarely where they should be. A tech kit helps keep those pesky accessories organized in one place and removes the stress of tracking where your tech lives.
Jewelry case
Losing an earring or necklace, you love is a day-ruining event. A functional and great-looking jewelry case for when you’re on the go can help protect some of your most valuable and sentimental items. Hard or soft exteriors are a matter of preference. Whatever you choose, it’s important to keep your items safe and protected.
Portable car jumpers
When traveling alone or long distances in cars, it’s key that you prepare for anything that might go wrong. A car losing juice overnight or a dead battery can put a damper on your travel plans. A portable car jumper can help restart your car and get you somewhere to get your vehicle checked. Portable car jumpers often have ports for charging devices or even tire inflating.
Power charger
So many things we use throughout the day have a battery. Bringing along an excellent power charger with enough charge to supply several devices is crucial, especially for long flights or trips. There are even options for solar-powered chargers, just in case you don’t have a plug handy.
Snack containers
Stopping along a road trip for snacks and drinks can literally and figuratively eat into your arrival time. Snack containers are clutch during a road trip because they’re a great way to bring your favorite snacks while saving money and time. You can also pack healthier snacks that you might not find on your travels.
Trackers
Keep track of your items and avoid the lost and found with trackers. Trackers use Bluetooth technology to provide the approximate location of your items. Trackers paired with your mobile device can send you alerts when you’ve left something behind, or you can see where your items are in a matter of seconds.
We hope you found this article on the top travel gadgets for travel nurses helpful. Are there any travel gadgets you use as a travel nurse that we didn’t list? Comment them below.
Traveling with Medely
Wherever your next travel adventure may take you, Medely can get you there with one of the thousands of travel contracts available on our platform. Getting started with Medely is quick and easy. A real person walks you through credentialing, onboarding, and finding your next travel contract. Click here to sign up and get started!
Medely is going to TravCon! Visit Booth 221 to speak with Medely staff, play games, and enter to win prizes!
One of the most challenging aspects of being a travel nurse is leaving behind your friends and social support network in your hometown. However, if you are just starting out as a travel nurse or have been at it for a while, you do not have to sacrifice friendships. Making friends can be simple, and you can create deep, long-lasting relationships within a short period of time. In this article, we will provide you with tips and strategies on how to build meaningful relationships with your fellow travel nurses while on assignment.
1. Join Social Media Groups of Travel Nurses
Social media platforms make networking and making acquaintances easy, even before you meet in real life. Do a quick search on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn for travel nursing groups using the relevant hashtags and keywords. You will come across groups where you can share your experiences and connect with others online. Participating in such groups allows you to explore new places and share experiences with nurses from all over the world. You can post and ask about a new place you are about to visit or reach out to individuals who have recently been there. You might even meet someone who is in the same town you’re in.
2. Attend Work Events and Meet-Ups
Take advantage of any work-related events, whether it’s a healthcare symposium or an orientation meeting, to talk to people and make new connections. You can start conversations by introducing yourself, sharing a bit about your town or background, or asking what they enjoy most about their job.
3. Join Volunteer Groups
Volunteering is a fulfilling way to meet new people and forge a deeper connection with them. Find volunteer opportunities through community centers, non-profit organizations, and churches, or join your fellow travel nurses in community outreach service. Not only will you get to give back to society, but you may also meet people who share your values, interests, and passions.
4. Sign up for Fitness Classes
As a healthcare professional, you recognize the importance of exercise and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Often, gyms and fitness studios offer group classes for yoga, cycling, and aerobics. These classes provide a fantastic opportunity to meet people who share your love for exercise. Sign up for the classes that interest you, and you are more likely to connect with people who are on the same path as you.
5. Organize Social Events
Lastly, take the initiative to organize social events on your own. Plan dinner parties with other travel nurses, invite coworkers over for brunch, or suggest a nighttime outing to explore a new city’s nightlife. You may find that other people feel the same way you do about making social connections and appreciate your effort in getting people together.
Loneliness as a travel nurse does not have to be an inevitability. Take an active role in seeking out new friendships, which can serve as a crucial support system for you. Start with the tips outlined above to meet new people, conquer new places, and gain friends that last a lifetime. Remember, making new friends as a travel nurse can be remarkably rewarding on both professional and personal levels.
We hope you found this article on creating long-lasting friendships as a travel nurse. Do you have any tips to share for creating long-lasting friendships? Comment them below.
Embarking on a career as a travel nurse is an exciting journey, but many aspiring nurses wonder about the experience required to venture into this thrilling field. Whether you’re a seasoned RN or a fresh graduate, understanding the experience requirements can help you chart your course and step confidently into the world of travel nursing.
What Is the Requirement to be a Travel Nurse?
While there’s no industry-wide time requirement, the current industry standard is that travel nurses should have at least 1-2 years of experience in a hospital or healthcare facility to be hired as travel nurses. However, it really comes down to the travel agency, specialty, and facilities and/or units, as they may require more experience, but such enhanced experience requirements are usually specified on a job posting. Your recruiter would also share this information with you before you apply for a travel healthcare job.
Why Do I Need Prior Experience to be a Travel Nurse?
When travel nurses start an assignment, they’re expected to hit the ground running. Orientations are often short, and there’s a lot to learn to get adjusted, like learning hospital protocol, navigating a new charting system, and simply finding your way around in a new space. In order to provide great patient care while navigating a new place, your clinical skills must be solid.
Plus, prior experience requirements help protect a travel nurse’s license, strengthen their resume, and facilitate a successful travel nursing experience. For hospitals, experience helps reassure them that their travelers will provide care from day one of an assignment and are reliable.
Where Do I Start to Become a Travel Nurse?
If you’re starting out on your nursing/travel nursing journey, you may still be thinking, “How do I become a travel nurse?” It might be helpful to look at the whole picture when you’re starting out, and we’ve outlined the basic steps to becoming a travel nurse:
Earn your nursing degree, either an Associate of Science degree in Nursing (ASN/AND) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Once you’ve earned your degree, you need to get your RN or LPN license by passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).
