February 28, 2022

4696 Views

5 Things You Should Know Before Becoming a Nurse

Posted on February 28, 2022February 21, 2022 by TheraEx

NursesPRN provided this article.

Nursing is a career full of endless opportunities! You can thrive as a staff nurse, explore the nation as a travel nurse, or pick up per diem shifts. Whatever you choose to pursue, know nursing doesn’t come without challenges. Before you say, “I want to be a nurse,” do your research! Being a nurse isn’t for everyone. When considering a healthcare career, you should know a few things before becoming a nurse.

Opportunities in Nursing

Nurses are in high demand all around the United States. The number of nursing jobs will increase about nine percent by 2030, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. This makes nursing one of the fastest-growing occupations in the United States. With high demand comes high wages. You can make more as a nurse now than ever, with the average salary of around $75,000 a year. Things you should know before becoming a nurse include what motivates you! Are you motivated by money, or do you care more about work satisfaction? Each state has different pros and cons. Here are some of the best states for nurses to work and live in.

With COVID-19 crisis rates and the high demand for nurses around the United States, travel nursing is a great career opportunity. Travel nurses work on a contract-to-contract basis. They can travel across the nation or stay in their hometown and travel to different facilities. The allure of travel nursing is the great money, flexibility, and experiences!

Nursing isn’t for everyone

Although the opportunities in nursing are substantial, not everyone can be a nurse. There are many factors that go into being a nurse, such as schooling, long hours, physical job demands, interacting with people, and intense situations. Nursing is a difficult profession. As you look at the pros, you must also consider the cons in nursing. Here’s a great blog on the challenges in nursing and how to overcome them.

The Combination of Science and Service

5 Things You Should Know Before Becoming a Nurse

When you marry science and service, you get nursing! In preparation of becoming a nurse, you need an Associates or Bachelor of Science in nursing. This includes education in a combination of sciences: biology, anatomy, and chemistry. After completing an undergraduate degree, you still need to pass the NCLEX test, a comprehensive nursing licensure exam. Being science-oriented is important for nurses, especially when dealing with medications, bodily functions, patient plans, and the recovery of patients.

Things you should know about nursing is that in addition to science, nursing is ultimately a service industry. It’s all about providing care to patients and respecting their wishes. While aiding doctors in the care of the patients, you will be the face of their healing process. Providing the best possible patient care is an important aspect to becoming a nurse.

Choosing a Specialty

Let’s say your heart is in nursing and you have achieved a registered nurse license; now you have to decide a nursing specialty. There are various specialties within nursing, and each specialty comes with its own pros and cons. If you are an adrenaline junky, specialties in the intensive care unit and emergency room are for you. Maybe the high pressure gives you more anxiety than adrenaline; that’s okay. Consider a specialty in clinical nursing or long-term care. Pro Tip: As Baby Boomers continue to age, long-term care nurses will be in higher demand as geriatric care facilities increase in patients.

Other popular specialties include pediatrics, neonatal intensive care unit, psychiatric, and rehabilitation. Picking your specialty all depends on your interest and ability to perform job duties. Doing your research to determine what you need to be a nurse will help you decide the best specialty for you. To learn more about different specialties, visit Johnson and Johnson Nursing to help you determine the specialty that fits your interests and needs.

Nursing is a Rewarding and Respected Career

What are the benefits of being a nurse? To start, nursing is a very rewarding career because every day, you get to help patients and their families. As a nurse, you form a bond with patients on a different level from their doctors. This is because of the amount of time you spend with them; you are their advocate and main caregiver. Aiding and healing a patient while they are sick can be a very rewarding experience. In addition to work you do, the pay is also a great reward for the hard work. With the increasing nurse shortage, hospitals are in need of nurses and willing to compensate accordingly. Whether you are in it for the pay or the rewarding experience, being a nurse is a career that will leave you satisfied.

Nursing is also a very respected profession. It’s not easy to be a nurse. You gain a general respect from the public because of the care you provide patients and risk you take exposing yourself to illnesses. Aside from the care and risk of illness, nurses work in very stressful situations that most people can’t handle. Putting your patient first and respecting their privacy are great responsibilities, and people trust nurses to obey those responsibilities.

Think About it

Overall, becoming a nurse isn’t an easy decision and should be well thought out. Things you should know before becoming a nurse include the education needed, future nursing career trajectory, specialties of a nurse, and much more. As a nurse, you have many responsibilities, but with those responsibilities comes great satisfaction. Do your research, and decide whether being a nurse is the best fit for you! Need to talk it over with an expert? We’re here for you.

We hope you enjoyed this article and found it helpful. Are there any other tips or advice you would give to those considering a career in nursing? Comment them below.

Are you looking for your next 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:

START HERE

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

By Kevin Devoto

February 26, 2022

4069 Views

Simple Healthy Breakfast Tips for Traveling Nurses

Posted on February 26, 2022February 21, 2022 by Kevin Devoto

Change is a big part of life, and if you’re a traveling nurse, you already know how important it is to adapt and be ready to go. With your job calling you away to new places and contracts, the last thing you want to stress about is your morning breakfast.

You already have to put in long hours and experience new places often; you shouldn’t have to worry over what you have time to eat and if your breakfast is going to give you the nutrition you need to make it through until break. With your job demanding so much out of you, it’s important to take care of your mental and physical energy. Save yourself stress and time with these breakfast tips to keep you going throughout your morning.

Healthy breakfast tips for traveling nurses:

Focus on Protein

Mornings are hectic enough without needing to pause and figure out what you have time to eat. More often than not, it’s easier to grab something loaded with sugar and less substance as you walk out the door. It should come as no surprise that what you stock your pantry with is what you’ll likely reach for on your way out the door.

Substitute sugary cereals or meals you won’t have time for with to-go items that are packed with protein and taste. You could opt for a peanut butter snack bar instead of your grocery store granola bar. Your energy levels will thank you, and you’ll likely find yourself not suffering from the sugar crash you would have with your standard granola bars.

Prepare the Night Before

Take time to prepare for what you want for breakfast the night before. Planning ahead and shopping for items that will give you the right boost in the morning is key to helping you feel alert and ready to work.

For each new location, take time to find a grocery store the night before. Focus on loading your cart with protein bars, instant oats, quinoa, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and quick snacks you can pack on the go. Load up your fridge and pantry and set to work deciding what you want to eat in the morning the night before.

You can choose a variety of easy and healthy breakfasts by mixing up your morning routine from breakfast bars to protein shakes and even yogurt parfaits. Load up greek yogurt with nuts, berries, and granola, or fill your oatmeal with chia seeds, peanut butter, and fruit. Quick breakfast doesn’t mean you forgo deliciousness. Prepare ahead and stock your pantry and fridge; you’ll find you have everything you need to enjoy breakfast on your way to work.

Make it Count

It would be easy to forego breakfast or choose a sugary cereal in the morning if you knew you could count on your breaks or lunches being on time, but with a nursing job, routine and on-time breaks just aren’t a guarantee. You know you need protein and something that will get you through the day without feeling hungry, but don’t stop at protein alone. Your body will thank you if you give it some complex carbohydrates too.

Carbs equal energy, but simple carbs are quickly burned through, leaving you lackluster and feeling a dip in your energy. Whole grain bread and oatmeal will help you feel full and curb that hunger a little longer.

If you make time to eat a larger breakfast that includes protein, dairy, and carbs, you’ll find yourself feeling satisfied and alert. Don’t forget the importance of meal prepping the night before. You can make and stock your fridge with egg and sausage muffins, oatmeal cups, parfaits, and shakes. Grab your protein bars along with an egg muffin and find yourself feeling more alert for the day.

Whatever you enjoy eating, remember to give your body the nutrition it needs. After all, you do a job that requires so much out of you. Treat yourself with kindness and fuel your body with what it needs.

We hope you enjoyed this article on simple healthy breakfast tips for traveling nurses. Do you have any tips for a healthy breakfast for your fellow travel nurses? Comment them below.

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:

START HERE

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

By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

February 25, 2022

2116 Views

Have a Successful Travel Nurse Career in a Changing Industry

Posted on February 25, 2022February 20, 2022 by TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

TNAA Healthcare provided this article.

The travel nurse industry is booming as pandemic burnout has pushed RNs to look for ways to enhance their careers and lives. Nursing school students have aspirations of traveling, no longer envisioning their career spent in one spot. Staff nurses have learned traveling is viable for many lifestyles and situations, and hospitals are advised to better fit travelers in their units, treating them as partners instead of seeing them as temporary staff.

How can you set yourself up for a successful travel nurse career if you’re interested in traveling? It comes down to three things: your agency, your recruiter, and you.

How Travel Nurse Agencies Can Help You Navigate the Industry

Some travel nurse agencies have been overwhelmed with the amount of nurses wanting to travel and don’t have the resources available to keep up with the growth. That’s one reason why you’ll want to be picky about the agency you partner with on your travel nurse journey.

Picking a Travel Nurse Agency With Industry Knowledge

There are dozens of travel nurse agencies out there, but you want an agency and recruiter that can serve as your trusted advisors to help you navigate the growing and changing industry. Your agency should have high credibility in the industry, and your recruiter should be highly knowledgeable about the healthcare facility you are interested in and the facility’s requirements.

Picking a Travel Nurse Agency That Values Relationships

Along with industry knowledge, you’ll want an agency and recruiter that focus on building their relationship with you. That starts with having a recruiter who is available to talk to you instead of leaving you abandoned with your questions. Your recruiter should listen to your personal and career goals, ask important questions to understand your goals better, and seek out the assignments that align with those goals. Your recruiter should also be transparent and honest about situations in the industry or at a certain facility. They should always be looking out for your best interests.

Picking a Travel Nurse Agency With Benefits That Matter

This one is really important. Not all agencies offer the same level of benefits and support that you had while you were a staff nurse or that you want when adapting to your new life as a traveler. We’re talking housing assistance, licensing assistance, mental health resources, insurance options, and more. Take the agencies you are interested in working with and research their benefits. Make sure they have the benefits that you want to fall back on when you take your life on the road.

How to Set Yourself Apart and Have the Best Travel Experience

If you’re a new travel nurse or even a seasoned traveler among the influx, here’s how you can set yourself apart from the crowd.

Engage With a Facility’s Core Staff

You may be at one hospital for a limited time, but you can still leave a lasting impression. Don’t settle for just being ‘the traveler’ on your unit – make yourself known to the director. Let them know you are here to be a partner in promoting excellent patient care and best practices. While getting to know people, find your core staff buddy and invite them out or over for dinner. It will make the travel life a little less lonely for you and give you friends across the nation.

Be the Best Guest

Be the best guest on the unit. You are there to fill a hospital’s needs. That doesn’t mean you should allow yourself to be disrespected, but it means you might be tasked with doing the less-than-glamorous duties from time to time. Being willing to help in this manner is actually to your benefit. In the event of a low census, you will have proven your worth and desire to be a teammate on the unit, meaning you’ll likely be the traveler they want to keep.

You’ve learned several techniques while supporting facilities across the nation. It makes sense that you would want to share your expertise, but do so tactfully. Avoid telling a staff nurse how they could do their job better. Instead, write a letter to the nurse manager or director about what you saw that worked best for you in a previous assignment. As you share your expertise, remember always to be willing to learn and try new techniques yourself.

Before the pandemic, travel nurses were hired when staff nurses took leave during busy seasons and to fill gaps as hospital managers worked to build their core staff. Now, it seems like a chapter as a travel nurse is almost expected in your career as an RN. So, if you see travel fitting in your life, follow these tips to give yourself a successful career as a travel nurse.

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:

START HERE

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

By Brandy Pinkerton

February 24, 2022

2020 Views

Scared to Take the Leap into Travel Nursing? Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Be!

Posted on February 24, 2022February 20, 2022 by Brandy Pinkerton

There is no doubt that travel nursing has been a trendy topic and more popular than ever due to the pandemic and nursing shortages. You may have met some travel nurses in your unit or have seen their adventures on social media. However, travel nursing may have been a goal and dream of yours for quite some time. For me, travel nursing had been my intention long before it gained such popularity, so you can imagine how scary the unknown was for me personally. Unfortunately, I had to learn some things the hard way and wish I had someone to guide me to the process. There are also a lot of misconceptions out there, so I wouldn’t want those to keep you from travel nursing. If you are scared to take the leap into travel nursing, I am here to help you through this transition and help set you up for success. Trust me when I tell you, the rewards will be worth it!

Debunking a Few Common Myths

If you are one of the many nurses considering a career in travel nursing, you’ve probably heard some horror stories or, at the minimum, some misconceptions. From being “too old” to start travel nursing, being assigned to the worst patients on the unit, floating, having no control over your schedule, being bullied by co-workers, or feeling like you don’t fit in. I’d like to share my perspective, both as a travel nurse and as a charge nurse.

You’re Too old to Try Travel Nursing:

My friend, you are never too old to set a new goal or have a new adventure. There is no set way you have to live your life; travel nursing isn’t just for young nurses. I will tell you one thing, you do not want to have regrets, and as I’ve gotten older, thinking about that has helped give me a new perspective on every decision in my life!

Travel Nurses always get the worst assignments and patients:

First of all, the charge nurse isn’t familiar with your skill level, and core staff often need the experience with higher acuity pts. No matter how many years of experience you have as a nurse, there’s always a chance to grow and learn while traveling. Being in a new environment requires you to adapt and be flexible. You’ll need to know your resources because with each new contract; there are new policies, new people, and new technology.

Travel Nurses are first to float:

While in many facilities, this may be true, you should not be asked to float to a unit that you are not comfortable with unless being asked to be “helping hands” to take vital signs and help answer call lights and phones, etc. Learning to float and be flexible is a skill; a skill that is only mastered by a few. During your interview, make sure to discuss floating with the unit manager. Make sure to get the units you are required to float to in your contract. It is very likely that after a few assignments, you likely won’t care as much because you have learned to be flexible and adaptable. Step out of your comfort zone and remember your purpose as a travel nurse is to fill a hospital’s needs.

Travel Nurses get the worst schedule:

The units I chose to work on have had self-scheduling with a weekend and holiday requirement, which was the same for staff nurses. Your schedule may not be exactly as you asked, but it’s usually close. If you know you need some time off during your assignment, it’s important to have those dates ready when you interview and make sure they are written in your contract.

Travel Nurses are bullied:

Unfortunately, this is a very real thing both as a staff nurse and traveler. Here are my “two cents.” If you go into your new unit with a positive, helpful attitude, you are much more likely to be well received by staff. Choosing a unit that already has a few travel nurses always seemed to be better for me. The nurses are less stressed, the on-boarding process is more thorough, and the management is generally more supportive.

Don’t let these common myths prevent you a travel nursing career— and enjoying the many perks that come with it: a great compensation package, professional development, and adventure! My Call to Action to you is to try it at least once!!!

Take the leap!

Check out TravelNurse101.com for more tips and education about Travel Nursing. Schedule your complimentary 1:1 mentoring session with Brandy today!

We hope you found this article on debunking myths and why you should take the leap into travel nursing helpful. Did you take the leap into travel nursing? Please share your story below.

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

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

START HERE

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

By Morgan Elliott

February 21, 2022

1584 Views

Stress Relief: How Travel Nurses Can Use Their Time to Recharge

Posted on February 21, 2022January 16, 2023 by Morgan Elliott

Being a travel nurse is an exciting and fulfilling role. However, due to the responsibilities this job bears, many nurses tend to get overwhelmed and stressed. Even though most jobs nowadays are stressful now and then, prolonged stress can have extreme consequences on your health. This leads to burnouts and even mental illnesses like anxiety and depression!

Due to that, taking care of your mental health and taking time to get relieved from stress is crucial for this type of job. Since, as a travel nurse, you spend most of your time helping patients, it’s time to help yourself minimize stress! It’s a challenge that is not easy to overcome, but how can you succeed?

1. Stay organized

Even though staying organized is essential for any type of work, being a travel nurse requires top-notch organizational skills. As you frequently move from one place to another, keeping a schedule can help you stay organized and know your next move. But how can you do so if your every day is different?

The truth is that organization itself can cause stress if it’s not done correctly. Create schedules, to-do and checklists to stay on top of your game. They can be applied to various different situations and places. Also, keeping a bag with all work necessities can be a true lifesaver. Such organizational methods reduce anxiety as you know you already have everything you need.

stress relief — Photo by Bich Tran from Pexels

2. Get enough sleep

Naturally, getting enough sleep is vital for work. As it’s one of the main methods people use to cope with stress, sleep is an amazing remedy that relaxes your entire body. Due to stress, many travel nurses have trouble falling asleep. Is there anything you can do to make yourself fall asleep faster?

Practicing good sleep hygiene is essential for every profession. However, if you work as a nurse, you’re not only responsible for your own health and life but also for your patients’. So, to fall asleep faster and have a better quality rest, try to always go to bed around the same time, if possible. If you’re frequently working night shifts, practice sleeping during the day. Also, leave your phone before bed. That can help you relax and fall asleep faster.

3. Set a self-care routine

One of the best ways to minimize the effects of stress and take care of your well-being is having a self-care routine. Caring about your physical and mental health can have a meditative effect on your brain, which causes you to relax and enjoy your day. How can you set a self-care routine?

The self-care routine doesn’t have to be anything complicated. For instance, to establish a proper self-care routine while working as a travel nurse, drink a cup of tea or black coffee in the morning to start off your day right. Additionally, taking care of your hair, nails and skin also have a soothing effect on your mental health. Practice things that are beneficial for you.

4. Have a “me day”

Besides daily self-care activities, having a day just for yourself is a fantastic way of relieving stress as well as handling burnout. In case you didn’t know, “me days” are periods dedicated only and solely to you. You can do activities you enjoy the most during these times, such as reading a book, taking a bubble bath, or hiking!

Travel nurses don’t get many chances to enjoy a day by themselves. However, “me days” are ideal stress reliefs. Keep in mind that different people recharge in different ways. Therefore, what might work for one, it’s not a good option for the other!

5. Create a quality support system

Did you know that most people tend to talk to the closest ones when they are stressed? Since you’re far away from home, having a way to reach out to people is crucial. Sadly, your friends and family members may not always understand what you’re going through as a travel nurse. Therefore, try to build a quality support system with your colleagues.

When colleagues are mentioned, many people may think about boring emails and calls. However, you can create internal communication using informal chats and shorter content. Such internal communication examples can help you stay in touch with colleagues as well as set healthy boundaries between work and private life.

6. Try yoga and meditation

Yoga is an ideal balance between resting your mind and keeping your brain active. One of the best ways to remove tension and stress from your body is by daily practicing yoga and meditation. Even though you might have a packed schedule, you can always do these light exercises for 15 minutes.

Pranayamas and asanas are fantastic ways of letting go of all the negativity gathered during the day and enjoying unbothered rest of your time. Yoga and meditation keep you physically active without getting tired. Quite the contrary, they fill you up with energy and positivity for your day.

Final thoughts

Working as a travel nurse can be extremely stressful. You have to deal with patients daily without having much time to dedicate to yourself. However, with these stress relief tips, you can recharge your batteries to improve the quality of your personal life and work productivity!

We hope you found these tips for stress relief for travel nurses helpful. Do you have any tips for stress relief for travel nurses? Comment what has helped you below.

By Jenny Hart

February 18, 2022

2604 Views

What Specialties of Nursing are in Highest Demand?

Posted on February 18, 2022February 1, 2022 by Jenny Hart

Are you looking into becoming a nurse? The nursing field is currently bursting with opportunity.

In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates nursing demand will increase by almost 10 percent between 2020 and 2030. That number is even higher for specialties of nursing, like nurse practitioners (45 percent).

If health and wellness are important to you, now is an excellent time to pursue a nursing career. Some of the most in-demand specialties include neonatal nursing and renal nursing.

Specialties of Nursing in High Demand:

Neonatal Nurse

Neonatal nurses take care of babies who are born prematurely or who have a variety of medical ailments, such as congenital disabilities, cardiac malformations, infections, and other functional problems. The first month of life is considered the neonatal period. Babies born too early are predisposed to health issues. When the babies are healthy enough, they are able to go home with their parents.

These nurses often work in the NICU (newborn intensive care unit). Jobs require a bachelor’s degree in nursing and sometimes a master’s degree.

Renal Nurse

A dialysis nurse, or renal nurse, works with people who have chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal failure. Dialysis patients require care because their kidneys no longer function. When loss of kidney function occurs, a dialysis machine is used to filter waste from the blood.

Dialysis nurses treat patients receiving hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. These positions require a bachelor’s degree, and nursing students pursuing this field should look for courses focusing specifically on dialysis.

Nephrology nurses, who specialize in kidney care, look after patients who have kidney-related health issues stemming from diabetes, high blood pressure, substance abuse, or other causes.

Clinical Nurse

Clinical nurse specialists (CNS) work in a wide variety of health care settings. For example, a CNS may have specialties in:

Type of care, such as psychiatric or rehabilitation
Type of problem, such as pain, wounds, or stress
Population, such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or women’s health
Setting, such as critical care or emergency room
Disease or medical subspecialty, such as diabetes or oncology

The four primary roles for a CNS are expert clinician, educator, researcher, and consultant. A CNS has advanced degrees and training. A master’s degree is required.

Nurse Practitioner

As a result of a shortage of doctors in the U.S., nurse practitioners are among the most in-demand jobs in healthcare. In fact, according to the BLS, employment of nurse practitioners is projected to grow 45 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all other occupations.

Nurse practitioners typically work under the supervision of a doctor, and administer tests, prescribe medications, and diagnose certain ailments. Depending on the state, nurse practitioners can have their own standalone practices.

Nurse practitioners are required to hold bachelor’s and master’s level degrees in nursing and pass a licensing examination.

They may also be referred to as ARNP (Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner) or APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse).

Nurse Advocate

Instead of providing care, a nurse advocate represents the interests of a patient’s family in a care setting. These nurses work to maintain quality care and protect the patient’s rights. They also intervene should concerns arise and resolve issues. Nurse advocates also help clarify questions about care, billing, or treatments.

A bachelor’s degree in nursing, a few years experience, and successful completion of the NCLEX-RN exam are required for licensure to become a nurse advocate.

Eldercare Nurse

A geriatric or eldercare nurse specializes in the care of older adults. They typically care for frail or elderly patients with long-term, chronic medical conditions that are not related to an acute illness or injury. Eldercare nurses work to maximize patient comfort, ensure safety, prevent deterioration and maintain function.

This role is common for entry-level nurses.

The most common career paths for eldercare nurses include:

Geriatric Nursing Assistant
Geriatric Staff Nurse
Geriatric Nurse Practitioner
Home Health Nurse
Hospice Nurse

A certification in gerontology is available through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and is awarded to registered nurses who meet specific requirements, including having at least three years of experience working with aging patients.

The need for this role is expected to increase dramatically over the next few years as the population of older adults grows. For instance, in 2019, the U.S. population of people age 65 and older numbered 54.1 million – a 36 percent increase from the 39.6 million counted in 2009.

Mental Health Nurse

Nursing students who wish to work in mental health can become Psychiatric-Mental Health (PMH) registered nurses (RN) or advanced practice registered nurses (APRN). People in this role enjoy career flexibility and strong compensation as a result of the high demand for their services. Mental health nurses represent the second largest group of behavioral health professionals in the U.S.

Mental health nurses employ a range of expertise within their role, including nursing, psychosocial, and neurobiological.

Mental health nurses have the following roles:

Conduct intake screening, evaluation, and triage
Provide case management
Coordinate care
Partner with individuals to achieve their recovery goals
Provide health promotion and maintenance
Teach self-care activities
Administer and monitor psychobiological treatment regimens
Practice crisis intervention and stabilization
Engage in psychiatric rehabilitation and intervention
Educate patients, families, and communities
Work within interdisciplinary teams

Each of these specialties of nursing is in high demand. Those looking to explore travel nursing can find increased job security by pursuing one of these specialties.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need to find 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:

START HERE

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

By Medical Edge Recruitment

February 16, 2022

2997 Views

What To Expect When Landing the Perfect Recruiter

Posted on February 16, 2022February 9, 2022 by Medical Edge Recruitment

Medical Edge Recruitment provided this article.

Written by: Melissa Reeves, Recruitment Consultant, Medical Edge Recruitment

There seems to be an abundance of medical staffing agencies across the country; how do you know which company is right for you? How do you know which recruiter you should work with? The choices can sometimes make it overwhelming. The relationship you have with your recruiter is a symbiotic one, and both recruiter and nurse will benefit from a healthy and transparent relationship. A good recruiter will have access to a multitude of contracts all over the country and have connections with facilities that can help get you in the door. More importantly, your recruiter should be your advocate.

Update your resume

Before you begin your search, be sure your resume is up to date. Your resume should give a recruiter a good summary of your qualifications and skills. It is important to mention a fancy format is not necessary; the punctuation and information you supply is what really matters. Be sure when building your resume, you use your legal name and make sure you have up-to-date contact information. Add any relevant licenses or certifications you have with their numbers and expiration dates. When listing past employment, it is best to go back ten years with no gaps. If you have a gap in your resume, be sure to explain why you weren’t working. List the company you worked for along with the position, city, and state along with the month and year of the start and end dates. If an agency is listed, be sure to include a list of the facilities you worked in a while working for that agency.

Find the perfect recruiter

After you have updated your resume, it’s time to find the perfect recruiter. There are two ways to find a company to work with:

A recruiter may reach out directly to you after you show interest in a specific job, usually through a job board or social media channel, like Indeed, Facebook, or LinkedIn.
You contact a recruiter, either through a referral or because you saw something that drew your interest to their company.

Before you choose a recruiter, it is best to research the agency they work with to make sure the company is real, a precaution to protect yourself from being the victim of a scam. The right recruiter will be responsive, knowledgeable, and transparent.

Interview process

The interview process is not only a good time for the recruiter to find out if you are a good candidate, but you will have the opportunity to interview the recruiter. During the interview, the recruiter is getting to know you and your goals. Do you want to live close to a beach or do you like snow? Are you planning on starting a family, or do you have a vacation planned? Are you planning on going back to school to advance your nursing degree? All these factors could help the recruiter when finding the perfect contract for you. Be upfront and honest about what you are looking for; a great recruiter will look for contracts that align with your goals.

As a candidate, you should never be afraid to ask questions. Be sure to ask about benefits the agency offers as well as stipends and bonuses. Don’t be afraid to ask tougher questions, like if there’s a penalty for backing out of a contract. The more questions you ask, the better prepared you are to accept the contract. You will also get to know your recruiter by asking more questions and help you understand if they are well informed about the agency they represent.

Communication is key in every great relationship.

Lines of communication should always be open and transparent. Some people respond quicker to text, while some like email, figure out what works best for both of you. As a great candidate, you should return phone calls and texts as quickly as possible and expect the same from your recruiter.

Expectations and requirements should all be discussed during the interview phase; this will ensure that the process moves as smoothly and quickly as possible. If at any time you change your mind and decide to not move forward, please let the recruiter know. It will not hurt the recruiter’s feelings if you decide to go in a different direction, and it will give the recruiter an opportunity to evaluate their own processes. Mutual respect is also important when building a relationship.

Finding contracts that best fit your needs

Your recruiter will then look for contracts that best fit your needs based on the information you provided during the interview. A good recruiter won’t bring you contracts that do not align with your goals, and they will not pressure you to take a contract that you do not feel comfortable with. Expect the recruiter to give you as much info as they have for the contract, which should include the facility and location as well as shift, pay, and length of the contract.

Once you have found the perfect recruiter, this process should feel comfortable and seamless. It is important to be flexible and proactive. If you have chosen a recruiter that is honest, knowledgeable, and reliable, you can trust that they have your best interest at heart. A great recruiter is also with you throughout your contract. Make sure you make them aware of any issues you face; it is their job to make sure the contract meets your expectations. But remember, we are all human, and mistakes can happen; it is how those mistakes are handled that makes all the difference. With the right recruiter, the two of you should have a mutually beneficial and successful relationship, one where you are proud to also call each other friends.

Need a referral for a great recruiter?

Medical Edge Recruitment is the premier travel nursing recruitment agency specializing in providing top talent to clients in the healthcare industry. We connect clinical and allied providers to their ideal opportunities, focusing on building long-lasting relationships through honesty and transparency. In travel nursing, bigger does not always mean better. While we have an extensive network of job opportunities, our experienced team is dedicated to making a personalized provider experience a priority. There are a lot of moving parts in getting set up for a new assignment, but we take care of all the details along the way. Adventure awaits; let Medical Edge Recruitment show you where to go next!

By Annie Rueb

February 15, 2022

4945 Views

How Do You Get Healthcare on the Road?

Posted on February 15, 2022February 11, 2022 by Annie Rueb

As we all know, health insurance is a blast. Thinking about things like insurance premiums, co-pays, deductibles, out-of-pocket max, and GAP exceptions just warm the heart. It’s a trigger word for many of us and something that often feels expensive, non-inclusive, not worth it even… but it’s necessary, right?

We are a travel nurse family with two children; one of them has a preexisting condition. So health benefits matter to us. As much as I like to complain about health insurance, it is really important. Before we decided to travel as a nurse, we had to find out more about how it all would work. Or would it work? So, we are not surprised that we often get questions about health insurance on the road.

So how does it work?

As a travel nurse, you can either look into private health insurance or take the insurance benefits your agency has to offer.

Pros and cons of private health insurance:

The pros of private health insurance are that it doesn’t lapse if you take time off between contracts, and it doesn’t change if you switch agencies. The cost will vary, but there are often affordable options. However, the biggest con of this is whether or not you qualify for it. Because of the preexisting condition in our family, we do not qualify for private health insurance.

This leads me to option two: take the health insurance your agency has to offer.

As you choose an agency you want to work with, these are important questions to ask:

What are their health benefits like?
How long do I have to wait before my benefits start? (Some start on day 1, others after a certain number of days, or on the 1st of the next month)
How much do the benefits cost?

We carefully selected travel agencies to ensure we found one that would meet our health insurance needs.

Pros of taking health insurance from your agency:

You can have preexisting conditions, and chances are, the coverage is pretty good. Most companies can keep your benefits between contracts if you sign a contract with the same agency prior to the current contract end date.

Cons of taking health insurance from your agency:

Cons are that it is likely to be pretty expensive. We are currently spending $250+ per week.

Even though it is expensive, we have been very pleased with our coverage, especially with our current agency. We have stayed with one agency for a year now, and the health benefits are a big reason why. In fact, we feel like our current benefits cover prescriptions, specialist visits, testing, etc., far better than when we had full-time hospital benefits. For example, we often pay a $20 co-pay and never see another bill. Or medications that used to cost $150+ per month now cost $14. We also find that we can see doctors and specialists all over the country that are fully covered by our insurance.

Don’t get me wrong; we are envious of the single nurses out there that can get private insurance or spend a fraction of what we do for agency benefits. But as a traveling family that needs to make sure our kids have the healthcare they need, we have been very satisfied.

After we sign a contract, we start to ask ourselves what appointments we may need in the next few months. That way, if there is a 2-3 month delay for an appointment, we can still make it happen before we leave town. We take our expensive health insurance, and we use it! We see the specialists we need to see, go to preventive health and wellness appointments, get the medications we need, go to the dentists, get eye exams…anything.

The big takeaway here is that it works! Even as a family of four. Even with preexisting conditions. Even as we embark on one crazy adventure after another, we have insurance that covers our entire family, even between contracts, and we are grateful for that!

We hope you found this article helpful. Have you chosen a different method for health insurance as a travel nurse? Comment any tips or ideas you may have for fellow travel nurses.

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:

START HERE

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

By Megan Hutcherson

February 14, 2022

3978 Views

Tips to Keep Your Relationship Strong and Special as a Travel Nurse

Posted on February 14, 2022January 16, 2023 by Megan Hutcherson

Having a job that allows you and your partner to travel the country and constantly explore new places together is a unique opportunity that very few get to experience. From the outside looking in, it may seem things come easy when your relationship is filled with new places and new adventures every three months. However, just like any other relationship, it takes work and lots of attention to keep the fire going strong. If you live the busy and always changing lifestyle of a travel nurse but want to keep your relationship strong and special, these tips are for you!

Learn each other’s love language:

The five love languages are words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service, receiving gifts, and physical touch. When you understand which love language makes your partner feel the most connected in your relationship, you can adjust your actions to show them you care, which in turn makes them feel seen and reassured.

Try new things together:

Trying at least one thing on an assignment that neither of you has ever done before allows you to share a new and unique experience and support each other along the way. One of the biggest perks of travel nursing is that it takes you to different parts of the country where you are constantly seeing new cities, hobbies, cultures, and terrains. While you are in the area, take full advantage of the opportunities you can share with your person.

A few fun ideas for your next adventure: try a new winter sport, visit a new city and share cuisine that is unique to that area, go horseback riding at sunset, take a backpacking trip together, check off a new national park, rent an ATV or 4WD vehicle and take a dirt road to a less-traveled area.

Communicate:

This is hands down the most important aspect to having a strong and healthy relationship while traveling. Learning to communicate with your significant other effectively can completely transform your relationship and will keep small things that can quickly turn into big things to a minimum. Something that often causes arguments is not addressing problems or concerns as they arise, which can quickly turn into larger frustrations—communicating these frustrations as soon as you feel them can help resolve conflict before it grows into a much bigger issue. Communication does not come easily to everyone, so be patient and understanding of each other and be aware of each other’s communication styles.

Don’t forget about date nights:

Travel nursing can sometimes feel like one big adventure, and it can be easy to forget about the small little moments in between. Find time to schedule a date night at least once every two weeks to spend quality time together without any distractions.

Share responsibilities and chores:

Split up the work of doing chores so that one person doesn’t feel overwhelmed and overworked. A relationship requires 50/50 effort in every aspect, so dividing tasks like washing dishes, doing laundry, etc., helps to reduce frustration and builds teamwork.

Take turns with decision making and planning:

Instead of one person making all of the decisions, take turns with planning things like what hike you’re going to do, where to spend your days off, and where to eat for dinner. Not only does this help decrease decision fatigue for one person, but it also gives each of you the opportunity to do things you enjoy on your days off.

We hope you enjoyed this article on tips to keep your relationship strong and special as a travel nurse from Meg and Ty. Are you a travel nurse couple who would like to share their story? Comment below.

Are you looking for your next travel 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:

START HERE

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1. Stay organized

2. Get enough sleep

3. Set a self-care routine

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