By Ariel and Oscar - That Travel Nurse Couple

March 7, 2023

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Travel Nursing With a Partner: 3 Tips to Make it Work

This year marks our 2nd year of travel nursing together, and we have learned so much about ourselves and each other on this wild journey. We have gotten asked a lot of questions while we have been on the road, but no question has been asked more than, “How can you guys spend so much time together?” The answer is simple: it’s easy when it’s with the right person.

To be honest, I never thought that I would be the type of person who COULD spend so much time with my significant other, but I can wholeheartedly say that it has been the best way to travel nurse. Plus, it really is great getting to spend so much time with the person you love.

Jumping from city to city and hospital to hospital is daunting, to say the least. I applaud any and everyone who travel nurses alone because it is truly no small feat. However, if you decide you want to take on the world of travel nursing with a buddy or a significant other, here are a few tips to make the transition much easier!

Communication.

We know this is the key to any long-lasting friendship or relationship, but I think we all could use a reminder every now and then. Before you set off on your assignment together, lay out what your expectations are. Expectations for the assignment, what your goals are (this is especially important if you are traveling as a couple), and what your expectations of each other are. This is important for friendships especially – what chores will you each do? How will you split the bills?

Communication throughout the assignment will be just as important as it was in the beginning as well. When you are in a new environment, it’s totally normal to cling to familiarity (each other, for example), but everyone deals with these changes differently. Make sure you are discussing these things with your travel partner to avoid any negative or hurt feelings.

Set up dates.

Or, if you are traveling with a friend, set up a time to hang out away from work if you want to, especially if you are working in the same unit. As a couple, it can be so easy to fall into a coworker/roommate sort of mentality when you not only live with your travel partner but work alongside them as well. You have to remember to prioritize your relationship aside from those things and make a conscious effort to set aside quality time for the two of you. This can happen in all relationships, but even more so when you spend so much time together. The great news is, being in new places all the time, there is never a shortage of things to do or see. This means that you can always have great dates and you don’t even need to spend a lot of money! Check out local events and parks, and get creative when planning these dates. You can even take turns each week, so it doesn’t always fall on the same person.

Alone is not lonely.

As wonderful as it is traveling with your partner, sometimes you just want some time to yourself, and that’s okay! We all need different amounts of alone time, but that’s why communicating how much you need is so important. Needing alone time does not mean you are tired of your partner or need space. It just means you might want to read a book or watch a TV show for an hour or two. These are all very normal things and incredibly healthy for relationships in the long run. If you are the type of person who doesn’t necessarily care about alone time, make sure you are understanding of your partner who might need that alone time.

Some additional tips: Ensure that the person you choose to travel with is honest, trustworthy, levelheaded, and easy to communicate with, at the very least! Also, if you do happen to work on the same unit together, always keep it professional (especially if you are a couple!) and offer help to everyone on the unit (not just your partner).

These are just a few basic tips to help make your transition into travel nursing as a couple or as friends a little bit easier! Know that not every day will be perfect, and just like everything else, there will be good days and bad days. Make sure that when you are deciding who you would like to travel nurse with, you are taking these tips into account. Unfortunately, choosing the wrong travel partner can really turn what could be a great experience into a not-so-great one. Best of luck on your future travels!

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 AMN Healthcare

March 6, 2023

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Becoming a Travel Nurse: Steps To Get Started

AMN Healthcare provided this article.

A travel nursing career offers numerous advantages, including excellent compensation, the opportunity to travel the country, and the fulfillment that comes from assisting patients in a variety of settings. However, there may be a lot of you who are wondering how to become a travel nurse.

We’ve made it simple to understand the procedure, so it doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate just starting out in nursing. You’ve come to the right place if you want to learn how to work as a travel nurse.

Who are travel nurses?

Travel nursing originated as a response to a nursing shortage in the late 1970s and spread throughout the subsequent decade. Travel nursing has developed into a lucrative career for nurses worldwide in recent years.

To summarize, travel nurses are registered nurses who are deployed to various hospitals and other healthcare facilities as replacements for permanent nursing staff. They are employed by travel nursing agencies.

When the facility is simply short-staffed due to expansions, seasonal increases in the patient count, or other factors, travel nurses are utilized on a temporary basis to assist. Travelers can also provide assistance during labor disputes or natural disasters.

Derick J., BSN, RN, CCRN, who travels with Onward (AMN) Healthcare, says that travel nursing requires flexibility.

He stated, “I like that we have the flexibility you won’t find in many other fields.” I just need to get my license and talk to my recruiter if I want to go somewhere specific. If I work for three months and decide I want a break, I simply wait until I’m ready to accept my next contract. There are a lot of friends in other professions who lack this flexibility. They can’t just take a month or two off like we can because they have to work a 9-to-5 job.

Other fantastic benefits of becoming a travel nurse include free housing paid for by the employer, comprehensive health insurance plans, travel reimbursements, 401(k) retirement plans, free continuing education, and numerous other benefits.

Five Steps to Becoming a Travel Nurse

It is now easier than ever to become a travel nurse thanks to agencies like AMN Healthcare that have simplified the application process. With the steps below, we’ve also taken the guesswork out of learning how to become a travel nurse. Learn how to get started in the field of travel nursing by reading on.

Step 1. Get Your Nursing Degree

If you want to work as a travel nurse, now is the time to study for a nursing degree. A registered nurse with a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) is also more marketable than a nurse with only an associate’s degree (ADN) or diploma. For instance, the majority of large academic teaching hospitals and ANCC Magnet hospitals require BSN-holding travel nurses.

Step 2. Pass the NCLEX

After receiving your nursing degree, it is time to study for and successfully complete the NCLEX-RN exam. The NCLEX was created by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) to assess nursing school graduates in the United States and Canada. The exam is administered using computerized adaptive testing (CAT) technology, and the NCSBN provides a variety of testing resources and frequently asked questions. After you take the test, you will receive your results in about five days.

Step 3. Obtain an RN license

Congratulations on passing the NCLEX! It’s time to get your RN license now. You will need to provide documentation to your state board of nursing before you can take the test. Although the procedure varies from state to state, it typically entails submitting an application, providing fingerprints, and passing a criminal background check. Your RN license number will be generated once your state board receives confirmation that you passed the NCLEX, and then you can start working as a nurse in your state!

Step 4. Get out there and gain experience as a nurse

After meeting all of the educational requirements, the final preparation step for becoming a travel nurse is to gain some clinical experience in the real world. Onward Healthcare’s experts on new graduates say that you can start applying for travel nursing jobs after just six to nine months of experience. But keep in mind that you won’t be able to start your first assignment with a travel nurse agency until you have one year of experience. Even more, nursing experience may be required in some facilities or specialties.

Step 5. Talk to a recruiter

If you’re interested in starting a career as a travel nurse. You can easily get on the road right away. Take it from Derick, who says his recruiter helped him become a successful travel nurse:

Derek stated, “Finding a recruiter who really understands you, what you’re looking for, and is willing to do what they can for you is one of the most important things in traveling.” I’ve been extremely fortunate in that my recruiter has always tried her best to fit me into an assignment. She has collaborated with me brilliantly.”

Your personal recruiter will get to know you and your requirements after you apply to our travel nurse agency. They will also help you find assignments that are right for you and walk you through the next steps to get you working.

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

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

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

By Staffmax Healthcare Staffing & Recruiting

March 5, 2023

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Writing Your Novel; “My Ticket To Travel Nursing”

Staffmax Healthcare Staffing and Recruiting provided this article.

Article was written by: Julie Hesseltine, RN, CNO, and Sr. Recruiter for Staffmax.

The New York Best Sellers is a list I have always wanted to be on.   I was certain that I had a wonderful book hiding in the attic of my mind, just waiting to be thrown onto a computer screen and shared with the world.   Everyone would want to read it.   I could then retire and simply sit at my computer or under a tree by the pond watching the ducks and listening to the birds chirping as I wrote my next and then another.  However, I realized that not everyone wanted to read my first book.  But it has been one of the most incredible books I have ever written because of all that it contained.  

After months of hesitation and talking things over with friends, family, and one trusted dog who listens to everything you have to say, all the while writing the pros and cons on paper, the decision has been made.  It is time to give up that trusted full-time job, hit the road, and start traveling.  After talking to several recruiters, at least that is narrowed down to a few for the time being.   But what should be done in the meantime?  Having given the professional notice of four weeks, what needs to be done in order to start?

It was a decision that may have been made well over a year ago or something you had thought about for years, but in order to make things as easy as possible for the future, it is time to gather your documents and write your book. A book? Today, it is time that you write your own book!

The title for your new book is simply “My Ticket to Travel Nursing.” 

In life, as we know it anymore, there is always that hidden sense of urgency, and this book is going to throw away the need for anxiety and last-minute phone calls. This book is special; you will write two copies because one is your backup!  Each page and each chapter have probably already been written. Oh, and you will also want to have a couple of additional backups to your book stored on external hard drives too.

What is this book?

A book of documents, everything, and anything related to travel nursing.  What materials are needed to create this masterpiece?  A binder, plastic sleeves, paper and printer, and time.  Now, gather everything that a recruiter is going to request from you. One document in each plastic sleeve, and keep things orderly.  Be certain that you have also taken a digital picture to keep on your phone or to be uploaded to the external hard drive.

Here is a list of all that will be contained in your book;

  1. Resume; Kept up to date with no time gaps with the facility names and city, and state of each place you work. 
  2. References; You will always have a list of at least 2 charge nurses and supervisors with their phone numbers and email addresses from each facility you work
  3. Immunizations; These documents will have, at a minimum, your Covid, Flu, MMR, Varicella, Hep B, and Tdap information.  These may be copies of the actual vaccinations, pharmacy receipts with the lot and expiration numbers, or titers. 
  4. TB Testing; State laws require different tests as well as timeframes in which the test can be done.   Individual agencies will also let you know what is acceptable.
  5. Copy of your driver’s license, social security card, and all of your nursing credentials; BLS, ACLS, etc.
  6. Copies of your continuing education that you have been able to complete for future license renewals.
  7. Copies of any licensing information sent in for individual licenses
  8. Copy of your License Verification.
  9. Copy of your College transcripts or a copy of your diploma
  10. Copy of your marriage certificate and divorce papers
  11. Copy of your assignment contracts so you can go back and review

Your book has been written

Now that you have managed to gather all of these, insert them in a protective plastic sleeve, and save them in your binder, your book has been written.  Make sure there are two; one goes with you on all of your travel adventures, and the other stays home in a safe place.  In each book, tape that external drive to the book so that you have your book saved electronically too. 

The greatest part about your book is that it changes with every travel contract you take. Each new assignment and each contract means you get to add to your book.   While this book will never be on the New York Times Best Seller list, this book will chase away the anxiety of not having documents when you are on the road.  Time is of the essence, and when it is time for a travel adventure, nobody has time to look for all of that other stuff. 

Now, it is time to start on that novel about your Adventures of Traveling.

We hope you found this article on Writing Your Novel, “My Ticket To Travel Nursing,” helpful. Are there any other items you would include in your “My Ticket To Travel Nursing” novel? Comment them 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 AB Staffing Solutions

March 3, 2023

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What Type of Settings Can you Work in as a Travel Nurse?

AB Staffing Solutions provided this article.

Making the decision to become a travel nurse can be exciting and scary at the same time.  While you will be using skills in your specialty, you will also be moving to a new place and experiencing a new culture. Working as a travel nurse means you can explore places that you’ve always wanted to visit and expand your knowledge and experience in your specialty. For our travelers, it is an adventure and a lifestyle they enjoy, but not everyone wants to work in a hospital. If that’s you, keep reading. In this article, we explore travel nurse positions that are outside a traditional commercial hospital setting.

Work as a Travel Nurse Outside a Hospital

According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, only 60% of nurses are employed in hospitals. Where else can you work as a travel nurse? From state or commercial medical facilities to elementary schools or correctional facilities, you have many options outside a hospital where you can put your skills and experience to work.

At AB Staffing, our Recruiters do their best to find you a contract in the type of facility and/or geographic area of your choice. While we can’t guarantee a perfect match, we offer various positions across the United States, including the West Coast, East Coast, and even Alaska.

Indian Health Services (IHS):

There are currently positions open on the Navajo Reservation in IHS clinics. As a travel nurse in these facilities, you will be asked to have an open mind and respect the culture of the Native American people. Our travelers tell us it is an amazing experience to work in this community and get to explore their culture and scenery while there.

Clinical Research Hospital:

Work as the liaison between researchers and volunteer patients to gather data, ensure quality control standards are met, and make sure patients are treated well. As a clinical research nurse, you are part of potentially groundbreaking changes to how diseases are treated.

Clinics:

This non-bedside position is a great opportunity for nurses who are skilled at acute care but tired of short-staffed and/or fast-paced hospital settings. Clinics tend to be specialty based for outpatient procedures, cardiology, or oncology.

Correctional Facility:

If you’re a Psych or Corrections Nurse looking for a new opportunity, this is an in-demand non-hospital position. While you will have more autonomy than in other settings, you will also be treating patients with a range of ailments, from minimal to serious. You may be the person responsible for deciding to send an inmate to a hospital or other facility to manage their care. While working at a correctional facility can be demanding, it can also be rewarding, with patients expressing gratitude for the care that they hadn’t received previously.

Government or State Hospital or Clinic:

Nurses are also in demand in government or state hospitals and clinics. These are facilities funded by the state or municipality (city, county) where mentally ill patients are receiving care. They may be mandated to be there or not have the resources for private hospital care.

Elementary School:

In this type of setting, you will assess students during school hours to determine if they need additional intervention. You may also be testing hearing and eyesight, teaching nutrition classes, and could be traveling to multiple schools in the area to help students.

As with nursing in general, these non-hospital travel nurse positions will build your current skills and experience and, in many cases, will keep you on your toes with the variety of work with patients. When it comes to working as a travel nurse, there are a lot of options, and we are here to guide you along the way.

Check the AB Staffing Job Board for open positions. We have travel and local pay rates for these settings and would love to speak with you further about working with us.

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 Advantage Medical Professionals

March 2, 2023

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Home Sweet Home: Securing the Best Housing Option for Your Next Travel Nursing Assignment

Advantage Medical Professionals provided this article.

Travel nurses can hold widely varying opinions about most aspects of travel nursing, and they usually jump at the chance to share those opinions or offer advice. Whether it’s about the interview process or the best brand of scrubs, almost any topic is seen as an opportunity for friendly debate amongst new and seasoned travelers alike. However, it seems virtually all travel nurses agree on one thing – finding short-term housing during their travel assignment can be one of the most stressful parts of the process. There are usually several factors to consider that can vary wildly depending on your own unique sets of circumstances, like finances, timing, and the rental housing market in the area you plan to work (just to name a few). Securing the perfect place isn’t an exact science, but the nuggets of wisdom provided below will help you assess your unique situation and find the best possible “home away from home” during each travel assignment. 

1. Consider booking an extended-stay hotel or short-term VRBO rental for the first week or two of your assignment.

This will help you get a lay of the land and better familiarize yourself with the area first, rather than putting a considerable deposit down on an apartment sight unseen. It will also give you a chance to get settled into the routine at your assigned facility and make 100% sure the assignment is a good fit for you without the three-month rental contract you just signed looming over your head.

2. Divide & Conquer.

Finding a colleague or roommate to travel with will allow both of you to save some serious cash since you’ll be splitting rent and other housing expenses. If you don’t personally know of anyone, try reaching out to travel nursing groups on social media or asking your recruiter if they can connect you with other nurses who are starting their next travel assignment around the same time and place as yours.    

3. If you have travel companions, pick a place that fits everyone’s needs.

Whether you’re planning to travel with a roommate, spouse, pet, or child, make sure you focus your housing search to only include places that welcome and have the proper accommodations for your travel companion(s). There are a number of websites that allow you to filter for pet-friendly stays, such as BringFido or Homeaway.

4. Be brutally honest with yourself when booking your long-term housing for your travel assignment.

Ask yourself what makes the most sense given the commute to the facility, your shift schedule, amenities offered, and your normal living habits. For example, staying in an apartment in the middle of the city because it’s close to the hospital might be great – however, street noise or ongoing construction projects during the day may prevent your much-needed sleep if you’re working nights if you tend to be a light sleeper. You may not always find the “perfect” place that checks all your boxes with every assignment, but weighing these pros and cons carefully will go a long way in securing a place you’re comfortable and happy to put your feet up at the end of a long shift.

5. Educate yourself about the advantages and disadvantages of agency-provided housing.

Some travel nursing agencies and healthcare facilities provide their own housing or have partnerships/referral programs with housing rental companies. This may sound like an easy, convenient solution to securing a place to stay during your travel assignment, but there are several important factors you should consider before taking an agency up on their housing offer.

Disadvantages of agency or facility-provided housing:

In most cases, the agency gets a commission from the housing company for every rental they book or refer – to maintain profit margins. The housing company usually charges an increased rate to the referred tenants to offset this extra cost. Simply put, it usually ends up in higher rental costs for nurses like you.

The housing conditions, layout, and/or location may not be acceptable for your needs or comfort level.

Advantages of agency or facility-provided housing:

  • Saved time because you don’t have to spend hours finding housing on your own
  • No credit checks since the lease will not be in your name

6. Consider alternative housing options.

Staying in an RV or cabin is an economical option that has become an increasingly popular choice for career travelers. Websites like Campspace are a great resource for finding RV parks, cabins, and campsites with varying levels of amenities for campers or glampers alike to live comfortably.  If you don’t have access to an RV, no worries! Sharing platforms like RVShare allows you to find and rent RVs or campers directly from locals in the area you’re traveling to for your nursing assignment. Another way to save money on housing costs AND help a fellow traveler is by looking to websites like Trusted Housesitters, which connects travelers with locals in a given area who are looking for house sitters or pet sitters.

7. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

It’s an unfortunate truth but a very real one –there are scammers in almost every industry who figure out how to scam hardworking, intelligent people out of their hard-earned money. Some of these grifts are obvious, but some scammers still manage to find increasingly clever ways to mimic legitimate business practices so closely that it’s nearly impossible to detect before it’s too late.

Some red flags to look out for:   

  • The price doesn’t match up with the images or amenities listed. If the property is noticeably underpriced compared to other properties in the area and/or the images or amenities included in the rental listing seem abundant for the price, it’s possible the property is uninhabitable or doesn’t exist at all.
    • The landlord/leasing agent pressures you to send money. Avoid sending money or providing banking information until you can tour the residence in person. Even reputable rental properties ask for a credit card to put on file ahead of your check-in date, so make sure they’re able to point you to documentation that outlines their payment terms, fee schedule, etc., before doing so. Also, use a credit card that includes fraud/travel purchase protection if at all possible.
    • Trust your gut feeling. Like most situations, you’re better off listening to your gut or intuition when something just doesn’t feel right, even if you can’t quite put your finger on the reason why. Don’t be afraid to say no, and keep looking for a place that feels right.

8. A picture can be worth a thousand dollars.

Do a thorough walkthrough of the entire residence the very first day you move in. Also, make sure you capture time-stamped photos of any existing damage to the residence along the way, even if the damage is minimal. Doing this will go a long way in protecting yourself from being unjustly charged for the damages later. 

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.

By Furnished Finder

February 24, 2023

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Avoid Housing Surprises When Traveling!

Some surprises are great – like a surprise birthday party, a surprise visit from a friend, or even a surprise day off! But when you’re a travel nurse, the type of surprise you don’t want involves housing! You have so many changes when you’re going from place to place and facility to facility that a housing surprise can often bring unwelcome stress to your situation. We’re here to help by offering a few ways to avoid housing surprises when finding your next monthly furnished rental. 

Check Furnished Finder for your housing needs.

First things first, make sure you check out Furnished Finder for your housing needs. The site offers nothing but monthly furnished rentals and discounted hotels perfect for your needs. This way, you won’t have to sift through housing that doesn’t fit your monthly furnished needs. You won’t fall in love with a property only to find that it’s available on weekends only!

Be upfront with the property owners.

Next, be upfront about what you are looking for when you begin communicating with property owners. If you have non-negotiables or must-haves, let those be known right away. This way, you won’t get all the way to the point where you are ready to sign a lease only to find that your requirements aren’t met, and you’re sent back to square one. 

Let the property owner know your reason for travel and who you will be traveling with. This may seem like unnecessary information to share, but if you are traveling with a spouse, partner, or friend, and the property owner knows about this, they can make sure that there are enough supplies, bedding, etc., for multiple people. This is also a great time to ask specific questions about things that will make your stay easier. If you work nights, a coffee maker is probably a must! Ask the owner if there is one, so you don’t have a surprise caffeine-free stay!

FaceTime!

More often than not, stays are reserved without visiting the property prior to the move-in date. This can be for multiple reasons. You may not actually be in the new city until your contract starts, or there may be a tenant in the property that can make seeing the property tough. In this case, to ensure you aren’t met with any unwelcome housing surprises, ask the property owner if you can FaceTime with them to see the property! Even if it’s just from the outside, if the unit or home is occupied, it will give you a better feel of the neighborhood, the vibe, and the landlord!

Speaking of landlords…call them!

We live in such a digital world that it’s easy to do everything over text and messaging. If you want extra certainty, though, pick up the phone and call the property owner to really get a feel for them and their property. You can get to know them and ask questions that come up in conversation that you might not have thought of before. 

Use Google Street View!

You may be going to an area of the country you have never been to. While this can be exciting and bring lots of new adventures, you may also know nothing about the different areas of town! We know you will want to be close to your place of work, but you also don’t want any surprises when it comes to the neighborhood or your surroundings. Because, after all, safety is the priority! Visit Google maps, type in the address, and click on street view. This will allow you to “walk” around the neighborhood and get a good feel for the area. 

Our final word of advice to avoid any unwelcome housing surprises when it comes to your housing situation – ask questions, questions, and more questions! Our site is great because you get to connect directly to the property owner – take advantage of this! Ask them if there is a secured entrance, the neighborhood vibe, the facilities, their policies, etc. 

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 Medely

February 21, 2023

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Navigate Flexibility: Per Diem Travel Nursing – Pros, Cons, and Meaning

Medely provided this article.

One of your strengths as a travel nurse or allied professional is the ability to show up for a new assignment and adapt to fit the situation at hand. That versatility also makes you a valuable per diem nurse—someone who can step in to deliver critical patient care when a healthcare facility comes up short on staff.

Many healthcare workers take per diem nursing shifts or travel assignments, but there are also great reasons to consider doing both! Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of taking on per diem jobs during a travel nursing assignment and what it can mean for your career plan.

What is a per diem nurse?

In healthcare facilities, per diem nursing—also known as PRN, an abbreviation for pro re nata, which means “as needed” or “as the occasion arises”—means picking up extra shifts on a temporary or on-call basis. In some facilities, this can mean booking jobs when you have time; in others, it may bring just a few days a month. That variety is what makes it such a perfect solution for nursing professionals looking for more.

Pros: The benefits of per diem shifts for travel nurses

There are many different reasons to pick up per diem shifts while on a travel assignment. You may be motivated to:

  • Take control of your schedule. Combining travel nursing assignments with per diem shifts gives you a lot of flexibility, allowing you to take on as much work as you want without tying yourself to a full-time position.
  • Earn extra money in a short period of time. Travel assignments are known for their financial incentives; per diem assignments also typically offer higher hourly rates. Earning extra cash through per diem shifts can help maximize your earnings.
  • Cross-train for the role you want. A catch-22 for travel nurses is that you get assignments based on the experience you already have, which can make it difficult to try something new. If you’re interested in a different specialty or want a broader perspective by working with different facilities, per diem jobs can help you get that extra exposure.
  • Keep your skills and expertise sharp. Per diem nursing offers a chance to flex your skills in different areas, so you can avoid getting rusty if your assignments tend to focus on a particular specialty.
  • Check out a facility before your next move. Book shifts in a new facility if you’re considering a long-term assignment there in the future—it’s a great way to test the waters.
  • Make new connections. Being away from home as a travel nurse can get lonely. Adding extra hours with per diem jobs can help introduce you to new people and new patients if you aren’t keen to spend your downtime by yourself.

A few hours per week of per diem work can do a lot to move your professional and personal goals forward. But before you start accepting per diem temporary assignments, there are a number of things to be cautious about.

Cons: Consider this before adding per diem shifts to your schedule

If you’re interested in adding PRN nursing jobs to your travel nursing assignments, it’s important to be transparent with your travel nursing agency—even if you book per diem shifts through a different agency or directly with the facility.

(If you’re a Medely travel pro, we’ve got you covered! We offer per diem, local assignments, and travel assignments with facilities across the country.)

Your success as a travel nurse or allied professional hinges on effective relationships with the agencies, facilities, and healthcare workers you work with. Communicating with your agency about your long-term goals can help you establish a solid plan while protecting you from potentially damaging situations. For example:

  • Conflicts of interest or contractual breaches. Every contract is different, and it’s important to be clear about any potential constraints on your travel assignment, such as a non-compete clause or requirement to be readily available.
  • Scheduling mishaps. Imagine that you inadvertently take a per diem shift at the same time as a contract shift or get called in by the contract facility to come in when you’re in the middle of a per diem shift. Situations like this don’t just impact your reputation—in the worst circumstances, it could lead to a canceled contract or leave you at risk of a nursing license complaint.
  • Burnout. Don’t forget to take care of yourself! Working per diem shifts can be part of a nursing professional career that’s challenging and rewarding—but in order to bring your best self to work, it’s important to put your well-being first.

Is PRN nursing right for you?

Per diem jobs help healthcare professionals own their schedules while providing crucial care in hospitals, clinics, and other facilities when it’s needed most. Find out how per diem jobs can boost your career and learn about opportunities available in your area. Check out the travel nursing jobs available to you on Medely.

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

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

February 18, 2023

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Compact Nursing Licenses – How Do They Work?

Trustaff provided this article.

As a traveler, checking off each state and making sure you’re able to practice in the state your assignment is in is key. Many travelers take full advantage of a multistate license in order to travel freely throughout the U.S. With the 2023 addition of Ohio to the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), only 14 states remain that are not part of the compact. 

Now, what is a compact nursing license?

A compact nursing license is an agreement between states that allows nurses to travel and work in other compact states for travel assignments or extended staff positions. This makes it significantly easier to work in other states without having to obtain additional state licenses.

Many seasoned travelers are already aware and taking full advantage of their compact nursing licenses. Still, many new travelers are left wondering how it works and what steps are needed to be able to travel and work in other states. We’re here to provide some clarification on the process!

Primary State of Residence

The state you legally reside in is considered your Primary State of Residence (PSOR), and this is the state that will factor in if you are eligible to obtain a compact nursing license. If your PSOR is compact already, then you’re ready to go! When you applied for that license initially, if you met all of the requirements, your license issued will already be compact. If your PSOR became a compact state after you were issued that license, you will need to apply to convert your single-state license into a multistate license. Most lingering questions about applications, fees, converting, etc. can be answered with your state’s board of nursing – but this document from the NCSBN can help lead some direction.

What states are currently in the compact?

The list of compact states is growing, and there are currently 39 Jurisdictions included in the NLC. This list includes U.S. states and territories. You can use this map provided by the NLC as a resource to see what states are included.

Compact Nursing Licenses

Many travelers aren’t aware that their U.S. Nursing license includes being able to work in many sought-after travel locations such as Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Though right now, of these areas, Guam has partial implementation of the compact, and the Virgin Islands are pending implementation to hopefully join soon.

What if your state isn’t compact?

If your PSOR isn’t included in the list of compact states, no worries – applying for a single-state license is still available to you. Many companies offer incentives for nurses to obtain licenses for non-compact states. Trustaff’s Licensure Incentive includes covering the cost of that new R.N. license as well as sending an extra perk of a free iPad or Apple Watch as an extra thank you for obtaining a new license. (We also offer this for our allied health friends too!)

There are a few states working to become compact states soon, and we hope this list continues to grow to allow nurses to practice across many states and cross off all their travel adventure to-dos.

For any questions, more information, or if you would like to apply for a compact license, the NCSBN website is your one-stop resource for any and all multistate license info.

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!)