Disclaimer: Please consult with a tax professional before renting out your home as a travel nurse. A traveler may put their nontaxable status at risk if they rent their tax home out when on a travel assignment.
Side Hustle for Travel Nurses:
Have you ever thought about making extra money by hosting travelers in your home on Furnished Finder? You can make thousands by taking the leap into a travel nurse side hustle by offering your room, apartment, condo, or house to fellow travelers while you’re away on assignment.
Katrina Dividina and her husband are travel nurses who started renting to other travelers in 2020. Now they have six units on Furnished Finder and have replaced the income they make from traveling. They still travel because they love what they do, but the extra money they make on Furnished Finder gives them more opportunities to travel for fun and hit their savings goals. To learn more about their story and the process, register for the event today and tune in the day of.
About Brian:
Brian Payne is the CEO and Founder of Furnished Finder. Brian led the housing talk at TravCon 2021 and 2022 and is the Co-Founder and CEO of Furnished Finder. Furnished Finder is a no-booking-fee, furnished housing marketplace for healthcare travelers and other traveling professionals.
As temperatures start to drop, you might be planning out your next travel nurse destination. Whether you love the cold weather or you’re trying to stay far away from it, we’re covering all the bases on where to travel, what to do, and what to pack. From the snowy mountains of Colorado to the heat of Arizona, we’re giving you the best travel nurse locations to visit this winter.
Top Travel Nurse Locations This Winter
Embrace the Cold in Colorado and Minnesota
For the travel nurse who thrives in cold weather, Colorado and Minnesota are your go-to spots this winter. From the first snowfall of the season, there are countless activities to explore!
Visit Colorado for your one-stop ski and snowboarding destination. With various resorts to choose from, you’re sure to find one that suits your needs. Mount Princeton Hot Springs is an all-around resort that encompasses several activities in one location. The resort offers a spa, juice bar, hiking trails, lodging, and more. If you’re looking to go beyond the slopes, Colorado also offers other unique activities. Take a dip in one of the state’s many hot springs, hit the ice-skating rinks, go ice fishing, or speed down the trails while dog sledding. These activities make travel nursing in Colorado the perfect option during those chilly months!
If you’re visiting Minnesota, be prepared to brave the cold temperatures. Whether you’re a fan of indoor or outdoor activities, this state has options for both, making travel nurse jobs in Minnesota popular all year round. If you’re interested in doing something adventurous outdoors, check out ice climbing. Ice climbing is the equivalent to rock climbing, except you’ll be scaling frozen waterfalls! Other outdoor activities include visiting the ice castles and trailing the slopes while snowmobiling or snowshoeing.
On the other hand, if you want to stay warm and cozy indoors but still want to explore all Minnesota and Colorado have to offer, there are a few options. If you’re in Minnesota, you can take a trip to the Mall of America or make a few pitstops at the history and art museums. The Minneapolis Institute of Art is the perfect spot if you’re on a budget. They offer free general admission, and their gallery features over 80,000 pieces of different artwork to enjoy. In the heart of downtown St. Paul is another great museum to visit, the Science Museum of Minnesota. Here you’ll get an out-of-this-world experience with various exhibits ranging from dinosaurs, fossils, outer space, and nature.
If you’re visiting Colorado and are in the mood to go stargazing but don’t want to be outside, then the Fiske Planetarium is perfect for you. They put on laser shows and space odysseys and feature a star ball with a display of over 20 million stars. You can also dive into Colorado’s past by visiting the History Colorado Center. They rotate their exhibits to display different pieces of history, so you’re sure to find something that suits your interest.
Escape the Cold in Arizona and Texas
Not a fan of winter weather? Escape the cold and take a trip to Arizona or Texas to embrace the warm rays. Over the summer, Arizona and Texas temps can reach scorching levels, but during the winter months, it cools down just enough to still enjoy the beauty of the state.
For the traveler who wants to take the scenic route, Arizona brings you some of the best hiking trails and botanical gardens. Some of the top trails to hike with a range of difficulty include Double Butte Loop, Pinnacle Peak, and Echo Canyon Trail. You’ll find some of the most breathtaking views on these trails, so don’t miss out.
If you’re looking to get into the holiday mood, there are other attractions in Arizona that allow you to indulge in seasonal activities, like the World of Illumination, ZooLights, Glendale Glitters, and ice skating at Salt River Fields. Ready to ring in the new year? You’re in luck because there are celebrations on every corner throughout Arizona. Take part in a Flagstaff tradition as they put on their annual Pinecone Drop, followed by a fireworks display to celebrate the new year. For Great Gatsby fans, be sure to drop by the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel for a Gatsby-style NYE celebration filled with music, food, and drinks.
Although the weather will be cooler in Arizona during the winter, don’t forget to stay hydrated and keep your body moisturized. The dry weather can be brutal for your body, so it’s important to stay hydrated and healthy. Travel nursing in Arizona is a great option for those looking to stay warm this winter!
Looking for a bit of variety? Travel nurses in Texas can experience a range of both winter and summer-like activities. If you want to take a trip to the beach, Galveston Pier is the perfect place to be. The Galveston Pier hosts all kinds of holiday events during the winter, so you can enjoy the beachfront while still getting festive.
If you’re heading to San Antonio, take a stroll down the San Antonio Riverwalk, as they display an array of Christmas lights to enjoy. You can even rent a kayak for a unique viewpoint of the lights from the river! If you’re looking for a more adventurous getaway while visiting Texas, stop by Big Bend National Park. Whether you want to hike, mountain bike, or just explore, this is the place for you.
If you’re new to traveling in lower temperatures, you’ll want to be sure to pack the essentials to stay prepared under different circumstances. There are a few tips to keep in mind that will come in handy when you’re preparing for your travel nurse assignment. Our first tip is to pack clothing that you can layer, like thermals, t-shirts, sweaters, leggings, and pants. Packing only bulky items will take up a lot of space and won’t allow you to wear multiple layers. You’ll also want to be sure to bring a pair of gloves, a hat, and a scarf. These basics will help you stay warm while travel nursing in locations like Colorado and Minnesota.
When traveling to places like Arizona and Texas this winter, you’ll want to pack a variety of clothes as you may experience both warm and cooler temperatures. Layering will be your best friend, as the mornings and evenings tend to be cooler. A light jacket or hoodie is perfect for this type of weather!
No matter what type of climate you’re traveling in, it’s always a good idea to have an emergency kit on hand. You can pack it in your luggage or keep it with you in your car. Some items to include are a first aid kit, flashlight, phone charger, water, snacks, and a blanket. Packing these essentials will help you stay prepared this winter as you travel to your next travel assignment.
Make the most of this holiday season by visiting one of these top travel nurse locations. Whether you want to embrace the snow in Colorado and Minnesota or soak up the sun in Arizona and Texas, there are unique options for every travel nurse!
Do you prefer to embrace the cold or escape the cold in the winter? Let us know in the comments below, and take a look at our open travel nursing jobs to start exploring with Favorite today!
As a travel nurse, your recruiter is your number one advocate.
One of the marks of great travel nurse recruiters is that they’re friendly, honest, and actually excited to communicate with you. Here’s what they want you to know to kickstart your career success.
Be open-minded and flexible.
Your recruiter wants to give you the best experiences, but lots of other candidates are vying for similar positions. What if your top destination picks aren’t available?
Be honest about your ideal job. Good recruiters can suggest things you might not even know are options but are a perfect fit for you! They can’t do that if they don’t know what you value and what you’re looking for.
(Besides, if you’re dead set on travel nursing in Hawaii, you might miss out on some of the same perks in the continental U.S. without the travel expenses.)
Best questions to ask travel nurse recruiters.
Knowing the right way to ask questions can make all the difference. Here are the top questions to ask travel nurse recruiters before your next assignment.
Where do you have the most jobs?
Alternatively, ask if they have lots of jobs in a specific place. This helps get your expectations in line with reality. Just asking if they staff somewhere might not give you the full picture of where you’re likely to be placed.
What are the company-provided amenities, benefits, and services? Are there referral bonuses?
When you know how they handle housing arrangements, insurance, bonuses, and compensation, you’re better equipped to narrow down those questions for travel nurse recruiters. Help them help you!
Do you offer direct deposit? Overtime pay? Guaranteed hours? What does the overall pay package look like?
As you go into your next travel assignment, these questions shouldn’t be a mystery to you. You want to know how you’ll be paid!
The ideal pay package puts the biggest slices of the “pie” into non-taxable income, so you end up with the most cash, but if something isn’t working, let your recruiter know and see if it can be rearranged! Staffing agencies need to follow state and federal guidelines, but your recruiter wants what’s best for you as a traveling nurse, too.
What about reimbursement for necessary costs?
Licensing fees, continuing education classes, certifications, verification, and even the cost to mail in your application might be reimbursed by your staffing agency or employer. If you haven’t heard anything about it, ask!
Is it expensive to be a travel nurse?
While you’re mostly considering how much money you’ll bring home, you should also consider how much you’ll be spending.
Make a list of how you’ll travel to your assignment, any hotel costs, entertainment and activities on the way, deposits if you’re setting up your housing, etc.
Plus, you won’t get your first paycheck for a couple of weeks since you’ll be waiting for the next pay period to finish. So make sure you’ve budgeted correctly!
What if you hate your travel assignment?
Depending on the issue, you might be stuck. After signing a contract, there can be legal ramifications to backing out.
Call your recruiter anyway – sometimes, you need a sounding board or advice. And definitely get in contact if you want to leave your assignment because your license or health is at risk. Safety should be your recruiter’s top priority, too.
To avoid assignments, you’ll want to cancel in the first place and ask questions during your interview with the facility. Learn about the unit, ask if they have CNAs and LPNs, how often they use traveling nurses, and if they consider themselves traveler-friendly.
If you uncover possible challenges, you’ll be ready when they turn up.
Rock your facility phone interview
This interview can offer intel about the entire assignment. Try these suggestions from recruiters to optimize how it goes.
Give your recruiter your work schedule to ensure that the interview is planned when you’re 100% free.
Schedule calls for a specific time. Then make sure you’re in an area with service and your phone is on.
Research the facility. Your recruiter should tell you what you need to know, but this is the time to ask those questions to help you decide if this is the best fit for the next 13-26 weeks.
No matter who they are, your recruiter should believe in you! Use these tips to make the most of your working relationship and to hit the ground running on your travel nursing journey.
So, you’ve heard about the option of travel nursing, and your interest is piqued. But, like many others before you, there are so many questions to ask and answer before getting started. Right off the bat, people tend to wonder if travel nursing is only an option for certain types of nurses or in certain specialties. The good news for nurses considering a career in travel nursing is that pretty much all varieties of nurses can become travel nurses! That includes everyone from an RN all the way up to a CNO. If you visit an established company’s travel nurse job search tool and browse through the specialties and titles, you’ll get an excellent idea of what kinds of opportunities are out there for you.
Of course, you’ll also want to make sure you’ve got the proper education, credentials, and experience, and, when the time comes closer for you to kick start your travel career, the right licensing to practice in the state where each of your assignments is located.
Education and Experience
While all kinds of nurses can be travel nurses, there’s technically one exception, and that’s brand-new nurses. Of course, you’ll have to earn your BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) or ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) and then pass the NCLEX to become an RN, but most hospitals and facilities also require two years (one minimum) of in-facility experience before offering you a travel nursing job. Often, nurses with their BSN may be more in-demand than a nurse with their ADN if stacked against each other.
Rather than just an arbitrary rule, experience requirements protect patient care and nurses’ licenses. It’s crucial for your skills to be down pat so you can hit the ground running at each new travel nursing assignment and provide the best patient care possible. Orientation at a travel job tends to be brief, and there are tons more to download at every new position. Experience requirements also protect you and your license while helping ensure you have a good travel nursing experience. Travel nursing takes adaptability and quick thinking, so having that solid, well-practiced base of skills makes all the difference for you, your patients, and the facility.
Most In-demand Specialties
Just because all types of nurses can become travel nurses doesn’t take preference out of the picture. Hospitals and facilities still have a higher demand for certain specialties, which you’ll see reflected in job openings and compensation. Some of the most consistently in-demand nurse specialties are:
The term “travel nursing” is often used as an umbrella term that includes CNAs, LPNs, and allied health professionals. Just because you’re not an RN doesn’t exclude you from a career in travel healthcare! Many travel companies offer jobs for allied health professionals, other types of nurses, and healthcare industry roles. In fact, some CNAs, for example, might even choose to travel with their current title while earning their BSN online. That kind of approach would be fantastic for a person’s travel resume.
So, in summary, all kinds of nurses can be travel nurses — even nurse leaders and allied health professionals — but you’ll also want to consider your education, experience, and specialty when thinking about a career in travel nursing. The best thing to do at the early stages of travel nursing curiosity is to connect with a recruiter. They can help answer your questions and arm you with important information, even if you’re not ready to get started right away.
Finding the cheapest flights in the United States is a creative mix of airports, airlines, travel dates, departure times, and layovers. Travel nurses and allied pros love to explore, and you may want a low-cost flight to get to your next contract, take a trip home between assignments, or enjoy a fun long weekend away. Here are a few tips and some of the best options to find the deals you’re looking for.
4 travel tips to help you find a cheap flight
1. Incognito mode doesn’t make a difference
You may have heard that using incognito mode can help you find and keep the best prices, but expert fare hunters say it doesn’t make a difference. The pros at Scott’s Cheap Flights said, “We run thousands of searches every day, day after day. If prices were rising based on those previous searches, we’d see it.”
2. Don’t wait until Tuesday to book flights…
Tuesday used to be the best day to save a few dollars on a flight, but travel professionals say that’s no longer the case. “To put it simply, computers happened. While humans are predictable, algorithms can react to the market in real time,” wrote Ashley Hamer for Discovery.com.
3. …but flying on Tuesday may be smart scheduling
Google Flights found that flights on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday average 12% lower fares than weekend flights—and if you only look at domestic flights, the potential savings jump to 20%.
4. Accepting a layover could save you 20%
Google Flights also found that flights with one or more stops can be as much as 20% cheaper than direct flights.
Where to find the best deals on flights
Finding a cheap flight to or from your travel nursing assignment means knowing your options. Flight aggregators and online travel agencies (OTAs) make research easier through features such as:
Easy flight comparisons across airlines
Filters to focus on flights that meet your needs or preferences
Visibility into pricing trends so you can compare different dates
Email alerts to help you track sales and last-minute deals
Before you book any ticket directly or through a third-party site, make sure you understand the policies around flight cancellations, itinerary changes, and insurance.
Google Flights and Kayak are popular travel search engines that are built on the same software—Google’s ITA Matrix. So the site you use will be more about personal preference than the information available.
Both aggregators make it easy to compare tickets by departure airport, destination, airline, benefits, and travel itineraries. Price trends are front and center, so you can quickly see whether flexing your dates a little can save you money.
When you find a deal you like, both sites will direct you to the airline’s website to book. If you sign up for Kayak’s email list, you’ll also find out about exclusive private deals.
Momondo is a travel fare aggregator that’s owned by Booking Holdings Inc., the same company that owns Kayak, so you may spot similarities between the two sites. However, there are a couple of key differences:
Some flight tickets can be booked through Momondo’s partner OTAs
You can mix and match cheap airline tickets from different carriers to create custom packages
Momondo aggregates fares from more booking sites than Kayak, so you may notice different prices
Be sure to check out the partner site’s travel policies before booking. Momondo is an aggregator, not an agency, so it doesn’t manage reservations directly.
Hopper doesn’t just do price comparisons; it does price predictions. The accredited travel agency says it saves customers an average of $65 on flights booked through its mobile-only experience.
For example, we pulled up a flight from Spokane, WA (GEG) to San Francisco, CA (SFO), and the lowest price was $30 cheaper than the same flight on Google Flights. However, Hopper suggested we wait before booking because, over the next month, it predicts additional price drops could help save an additional $138.
Hopper can alert you to pricing changes. It also enables mix-and-match flights.
Bookings on Hopper are backed by “Change for any reason” and “Cancel for any reason” policies with no additional fees. That said, reviews on TrustPilot are mixed; customers either love their experience with the app or hate it.
A 2022 J.D. Power survey of 7,000 travelers ranked Southwest Airlines as the best airline in the country for economy and basic economy flights—but you won’t find it through any of the aggregator sites. As the world’s largest low-cost carrier, known for its low rates as well as its free checked baggage, it’s worth checking Southwest’s site directly.
If you’re more interested in great flight deals—in the United States or abroad—and less committed to a specific destination, Scott’s Cheap Flights can be a great travel resource—as long as your nearby airports are supported by the site. Scott’s Cheap Flights has a limited plan available for free; if you’re a more frequent traveler, you may want to consider an upgrade.
Search early, check often, and be flexible
Airline prices in the United States have risen by 33% compared to 2021 this year. It can be worth the time to scope out cheap airfare prices, compare quotes, and try to find the best prices for flight tickets. We hope these tips help you find the bookings you’re looking for!
Travel nurses often find themselves in unfamiliar territory. This can be both exhilarating and daunting, as they must adjust to a new country’s customs while providing top-notch patient care. While many travel nurses are already proficient in a second language, others may not feel as confident.
However, there are many good reasons for travel nurses to learn a modern foreign language, especially if they plan on working in a non-English speaking country. If you are looking for a great way to immerse yourself in the culture of your new surroundings, learning the local language is a great place to start.
Greater Job Satisfaction
Job satisfaction is the key to a successful career. If you are unhappy with your job, you will likely burn out. It can harm your patients and your career.
However, if you can find a job that you are passionate about, you are more likely to stick with it for the long haul.
For example, learning French can help you to find a job as a travel nurse in a French-speaking country. This will allow you to immerse yourself in the culture and language, which can lead to greater job satisfaction.
Learning French online with Lingoda’s experienced teachers can help you to reach your goals. You do not need to know the language, as you can move at your own pace and choose your schedule.
Improved Interpersonal Skills
Learning a foreign language can help you to improve your interpersonal skills. You will need to be able to communicate with people from different cultures and backgrounds. It will help you to become more understanding and tolerant of others. It can also help you to build strong relationships with your patients and their families.
Interpersonal skills are essential in any job but are especially vital for travel nurses. You will be working with people from all over the world. Therefore, you must build strong relationships with your patients and their families.
Enhanced Job Opportunities
There is a growing demand for travel nurses who can speak multiple languages. If you are looking for a way to stand out from the crowd, learning a foreign language is a great way to do it. Many hospitals and clinics are now looking for travel nurses who can speak the language of their patients.
This trend is likely to continue as the world becomes increasingly globalized. Therefore, learning a foreign language will give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs. It may even open up new job opportunities you would not have had access to otherwise.
Improved Patient Care
Your goal as a travel nurse is to provide the best possible care for your patients. It can be difficult if you cannot communicate with them effectively. Learning a foreign language will allow you to understand your patients and their needs better. It can also help build trust between you and your patients, as they will know that you are trying to learn about their culture and language.
The improved communication will also allow you to better understand the instructions from your patients’ doctors. It is important to ensure that you carry out their orders correctly.
Increased Cultural Awareness
Cultural awareness has become an important aspect of healthcare. Many diseases and conditions are more prevalent in certain cultures. Therefore, healthcare professionals must be aware of their patient’s cultural beliefs and practices.
With better cultural awareness, you can provide more culturally sensitive care. This is important, as it can help to improve patient outcomes. It can also help to build trust between you and your patients.
Also, cultural awareness can help you avoid making a cultural faux pas. This is important, as it can be offensive to patients if you are unfamiliar with their culture. It can also damage the trust that you have built with your patients.
It Delays the Onset of Dementia
According to a recent study, bilingualism can delay the onset of dementia by up to five years. Speaking multiple languages requires the brain to constantly switch between different rules. This process helps to keep the brain active and sharp.
In addition, the study found that people who speak multiple languages are less likely to experience cognitive decline as they age. Speaking multiple languages can help to protect the brain against age-related damage.
As a travel nurse, it is crucial to keep your mind sharp. The work environment and pressure require you to be able to make quick decisions in a dynamic environment. Therefore, learning a foreign language can help you to stay sharp and focused throughout your career.
In summary, there are many benefits to learning a foreign language as a travel nurse. With the correct language, you can open up new job opportunities, improve your interpersonal skills, and delay the onset of dementia. Learning a foreign language is an investment in your future that can pay off in many ways.
Some traveling healthcare professionals may opt to take some time off and stay home for the holidays, but others may see this as an opportunity to grow financially and fill in the gaps that are created when permanent med staff takes time off. One exciting benefit of being a healthcare traveler is that you get to choose whether you work during the holidays or not.
You may find that your contract will overlap with Christmas or New Year’s, and you can agree to work or not. There may also be the option to work a contract but have some time off for the holidays, similar to the permanent med staff. You will have to discuss that with your recruiter and the facility during the interviewing process.
As one of your travel healthcare companies, RTG Medical wanted to give you some advice on helping you choose which is best for you!
Holiday assignments often offer added benefits, such as more assignment options, increased holiday pay, and the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life. Regular facility staff takes more time off during the extended holiday season, resulting in an opening. Because of a higher incidence of injuries during the holidays, hospitals are also busier during this time.
Overtime and travel bonuses are often included in holiday pay. You must do extensive research and discuss it with your recruiter to determine how much more you could make and whether or not it is right for you. Working over the holidays and celebrating later is always possible. For those who live far from their families, the holidays are the ideal time to look for assignments closer to them. Consider traveling somewhere warmer during these months if you live in a cold climate.
How to enjoy the holidays while working
Work during the holidays can be done in various ways to make you feel at home. Make your travel family your priority. Depending on your assignment, this might be coworkers, new friends, or fellow travelers. No matter whom you choose, you can celebrate holiday traditions with these new people. There is also the option of celebrating before or after the holidays.
You can also keep your spirits high by getting festive. Decorating the facility boosts your and your patients’ moods. Despite the changes to the holiday season, adopting a grateful mindset can help you continue to enjoy them.
Your travel healthcare companies care
Working as a healthcare professional can be challenging, especially during the holidays. It can be increasingly complex when there are talent shortages staffing medical professionals at your travel healthcare companies. There is still an excellent adventure to be had, being on a holiday travel assignment.
The holidays are upon us, and it’s time to start thinking about what gifts you might want to get the nurse in your life! I have put together a holiday gift guide for travel healthcare professionals. I’m breaking down these gift ideas into three categories: Nurses/Student Nurses, Travel Nurses, and RV Travel Nurses. A lot of these are functional, but some are also just plain cute and would make for some great work accessories.
Nurses/Student Nurses
Badge reels. These are always great, inexpensive gifts to get the nurse in your life. You can find them on Amazon or Etsy, and can be personalized to the nurse you are purchasing for! Here’s a super cute option, but there are tons of others.
Badge pens/markers. These come in handy and are another great stocking stuffer/inexpensive gift you will be thanked for!
Personalized water bottle/coffee cup. You really can’t go wrong with this option because 1) most nurses love cups/bottles with cute or funny sayings and 2) getting nurses motivated to drink more water during their shifts is never a bad thing!
Fleece/jacket. Hospitals get CHILLY. Bonus points if you get the jacket personalized!
Blue light glasses/safety glasses. Nurses spend long hours staring at computer screens/charting. We also spend a lot of time at the bedside performing interventions that could potentially expose us to a lot of germs. A great gift would either be to get regular blue light glasses for all the time spent at the computer or a combination of blue light blockers/safety glasses like these.
Travel Nurses
Packing cubes/vacuum storage bags. It’s no secret that travel nurses do a lot of packing/moving. Why not get the travel nurse in your life something they can use often and they will be forever grateful for? Packing cubes and vacuum storage bags are great gifts and will help them stay organized every time they have to move!
Digital Photo Frame. Photos help you feel close to friends and family when you are physically far away from them, but traveling with dozens of picture frames can be difficult. Get your travel nurse a digital photo frame that can hold hundreds of photos in one, so they don’t have to worry about taking tons of individual frames.
Portable battery. Bound to be either on the road or on an adventure, your travel nurse may run into a dead or dying phone battery or may need to charge their cameras up to capture their latest adventure. Portable batteries are so handy to have and should be on everyone’s wish list!
White Noise Machine. Sleeping in a new place can be noisy, especially if your travel nurse is asleep during the day. White noise machines are a great and thoughtful gift to help them get their Zs. Opt for one with an optional timer so they won’t have to worry about it going off in the middle of their sleep!
RV Travel Nurses
Propane Fire Pit. Part of the fun of being a full-time RVer is getting to feel like you are camping all the time. What gets you more in the camping spirit than a campfire? Some RV parks, however, do not allow your traditional wood-burning fire pits, so propane fire pits are a great gift for the RV travel nurse in your life!
Roadside Assistance Emergency Kit. When you have a full-time RV, you do a lot of driving. You never know when an emergency will happen, and it’s always good to be prepared.
Small space heater. RVs can get cold in the wintertime, and space heaters come in handy always! This is a relatively inexpensive yet thoughtful gift for the RV travel nurse in your life.
Harvest Hosts Membership. Harvest Host campgrounds are places RVers/van lifers can stay all over the country and are typically found at wineries, breweries, farms, and other unique places. In order to stay at these places, though, you need to be a member. This is a great gift to give the adventurous RV travel nurse, you know to give them a full year of cool overnight stays!
National Parks Pass. Give the RV travel nurse the gift of one year of free access to all the national parks in the United States with this awesome gift!
We hope you found this holiday gift guide helpful. Do you have any other ideas that we should include in our next holiday gift guide? Comment them below.
2023 is weeks away, and a new year brings new opportunities. Many nurses use the fresh start of a new year as the perfect time to leap into a travel nursing career. If you’re considering starting 2023 as a travel nurse, the time to prepare is, well, now.
There are hundreds of agencies and thousands of recruiters. What’s the best way to narrow down this pool of possibilities? Look for what makes an agency or recruiter stand out from the crowd.
A quick way to make a top-five list is to consult reputable review sites, such as The Gypsy Nurse, to see which agencies travelers voted as the best of the best. Narrow that down to the agencies that have certification by The Joint Commission, which requires agencies to undergo an extensive evaluation process every few years and demonstrate the ability to offer high-quality and competent nursing services.
With that list, it’s time to explore each agency’s benefits, support, and perks. You’ll want an agency that steps forward to support you on the road with traveler-focused benefits, like day-one insurance and paid sick leave, mental wellness resources that meet you wherever you are, and a 401(k) plan to invest in your future.
Additionally, you’ll want to be able to rely on an agency’s well-structured, experienced support teams. Look for agencies with a QA team that ensures you’re meeting all compliance requirements, a housing team helping you find the best accommodations within your budget, and a clinical support team available to coach you when you need it.
Last but not least, you’ll want the agency you work with to have various travel nurse jobs available so it’s easier for you to get your first assignment to start your travel nursing career.
Pick a Travel Nurse Recruiter
Once your top few agencies are sorted out, you’ll want to connect with a great recruiter. Use social media networks, like The Gypsy Nurse’s Facebook group, to ask other experienced travelers which recruiters they recommend. Your recruiter should know what the agency offers and the current state of the travel nurse market, listen to your career goals and put you on a path to reaching them. You should feel like a priority to your recruiter, not just another traveler on their list.
Your recruiter is responsible for submitting your travel nurse profile to a job; you’ll work with them to get it prepped. Your travel nurse profile will consist of your resume, licenses & certifications, immunizations & titer records, references, and more. If you need to update specific certifications or obtain another state’s license, now is the time to get it done!
Meanwhile, your recruiter is hunting for a few contracts that match your requirements – whether you want to work specific shifts, go for a particular pay, or try for a certain state.
When you and your recruiter have found a few that meet your needs, and your profile is ready, it’s time to apply! You’ll begin applying to open jobs about three to four weeks before the start of the assignment. (Tip: One essential thing to consider before applying for any job is the housing market in the area. You don’t want to accept a job only to discover that you can’t find reasonable housing nearby.)
3. Interview and Land a Job
Once your application is submitted, this next step could move quickly. It takes approximately 72 hours to hear from hospitals about profile submissions. Suppose a hospital wants you for an assignment. You could have a phone interview with a nurse manager, a voice-automated interview, or an auto-offer without a formal interview. Once you agree to a contract, you can put in a two-week notice at your staff job.
4. Compliance and Housing
Congrats, you’ve secured your first travel nurse job! Now, you’ll have to think about assignment compliance and housing. If your agency has a QA department, they’ll contact you to ensure you get all assignment compliance items out of the way. Your agency might even be able to set up any appointments you need and pay for it all. At the same time, you’ll want to find accommodations near your assignment. If your agency has a housing department, they can relieve stress by finding a safe, affordable place for you to stay.
5. Now, The Fun Begins
You’re officially ready to take off for your first assignment! The good news is a lot of the hard part is over. You’ve picked a great agency, established a relationship with a recruiter who is getting to know you and your lifestyle needs, and you’ve got everything together for your travel nurse profile. With all this work behind you and one assignment on your resume, it will likely be much easier to apply for your next travel nurse position or to start your travel nursing career!
