January 30, 2022

9959 Views

Navigating Challenges: Disadvantages of Being a Male Nurse and Is It Worth It?

Posted on January 30, 2022December 18, 2023 by Paul Priceman

Like any other healthcare position, being a male travel nurse definitely has its pros and cons! Today, you’re going to get an honest, upfront perspective on the pros and cons of being a male nurse. You’ll hear about the good parts and the bad parts, too. So, if you’re thinking about becoming a male nurse, you can now make an informed decision about whether or not this is the job for you.

The Stigma

Being a male nurse somehow became seriously stigmatized since most nurses are women. Many questions the motives of male nurses for entering the profession. But thanks to AAMN, an organization that promotes and spreads awareness about men in nursing, and a handful of other male nurse activists who do the same, it is becoming increasingly more acceptable for men to become nurses. And, just by the way, men become nurses because they want a well-paying career that involves caring for and helping other people.

Lots of Lifting

Male nurses are often asked for help with lifting heavy patients when manpower is needed. Some guys don’t mind this at all, but others find it pretty annoying to be called for lifting nearly every heavy patient in the ward.

Misperceptions

Male nurses are often thought to be a doctor or janitors. Many male nurses have experienced coming into a patient’s room, for the patient to immediately murmur into the phone, “I have to go. The doctor just came in.” This can get pretty awkward at times.

Searching for Scrubs

Most scrub stores cater to women. They have pictures of women on their front page banner, and they offer much more products for female healthcare professionals than for male ones. Happily, this problem has been alleviated partially by one online scrubs store, Murse World, which focuses exclusively on guys and carries only men’s scrub apparel.

Now, let’s get on to the benefits of being a man in nursing!

Better Salary Than Female Nurses

In many fields, male nurses are better paid than their female counterparts. They often earn between $5,000 and $10,000 more per year than female nurses! You’ve got to admit that’s a pretty significant amount.

Easier Job Search

Since women dominate the nursing field, hospitals and other healthcare facilities will be quicker to hire a man over a woman (with the same skills). The same often goes for nursing schools; guys can have an easier time getting in than girls since there are so much fewer of them.

Male Patients

People often focus on the fact that women sometimes don’t want a male nurse, but they forget that it goes both ways. Most men prefer having a male nurse over a female one. And, since there are so many more female nurses than male ones, it’s much harder for a man to get a male nurse. So when he does, he is generally very appreciative.

Positivity & Levelheadedness

Having male nurses balances things out and tends to make the unit more low-key, which is good. As Nicholas Germinario puts it, “As a male nurse, I add a great balance to the unit’s morale. When the estrogen levels are high, I enter with a calm and fun attitude. Not only am I frequently helping to boost patients (because they “need someone strong”), but I also boost positivity!!” It’s a fulfilling feeling to know you’re making a difference in the unit just by being there.

Promotion

Men in nursing are promoted more quickly due to the “glass escalator” phenomenon. Since promotions often come along with raises, this may be one reason why male nurses are paid more!

Making Your Decision

So, now you’re probably wondering if there are so many benefits to being a man in nursing, why aren’t more men becoming nurses? I’d say it’s mostly due to the first con we mentioned about the stigma. But if you’re interested in becoming a nurse, and you’re not one to get overly hung up on what others may think, then go for it!

Honestly, there seem to be more pros than cons when it comes to this profession. Being a man in nursing has nearly all the benefits being a female nurse affords, plus a couple more. And men are finally beginning to recognize that. Today, over 13% of nurses are men, and the number of male nurses is growing. Men are finally beginning to realize that nursing is a respectable, worthwhile, and fulfilling profession for anyone! So, what do you think about becoming a male nurse?

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

January 29, 2022

2172 Views

Staying Healthy As a Busy Nurse

Posted on January 29, 2022January 25, 2022 by Kevin Devoto

As a nurse, it’s second nature for you to take care of everyone around you. No matter how busy you get with helping other people, you need to support your health. If your health isn’t at its best, it’ll be far harder for you to succeed at work. Before you go to work for the week, take some time to care for yourself. Supporting your health will help you succeed, both at work and home.

Getting Proper Nutrition

One of the most important aspects of taking care of yourself is your nutrition. When you’re busy with work, it can be hard to focus on what you’re putting in your body. As a nurse, you know that everything you eat becomes your body’s fuel, so it’s important to have healthy, balanced nutrition. When your diet suffers, your body will slow, and your energy levels will drop, making nursing all the more difficult. Ensuring your nutrition is balanced and complete is the first step in keeping your body healthy.

Of course, it can be hard to find time to sit down for full meals as a nurse. Depending on where you’re working, a meal break is a luxury that comes rarely. Even if you don’t get a full meal break every shift, it’s still important to take care of your nutrition; this is where things such as meal replacement shakes come in. While these shakes aren’t as nutrient-rich as a full meal, they provide the protein and fats your body needs to keep its energy up, allowing you to continue working without exhaustion. If you’re unsure of how to balance your nutrition and your busy schedule, look into these meal replacement solutions. No matter how you do it, keeping your nutrition right is vital to your overall health.

Ensuring High-Quality Sleep

Another major component of your overall health is sleep. When you sleep, your body heals from the stress and damage it has encountered that day. If the quality of your sleep is poor, you’ll be exhausted and sluggish the next day. Making sure you get both enough sleep and good quality sleep is crucial to maintaining your health. When you get high-quality sleep, your immune system will get a boost, and your health will improve. The question is, how do you improve your sleep as a busy nurse?

One of the best things you can do for your sleep is getting a good mattress. A supportive mattress will cradle your pressure points and reduce pain in your joints while you sleep. This reduction in pain and swelling will help you sleep deeper and wake up refreshed every morning. Another way you can improve your sleep is by having a routine. While this isn’t the easiest thing to do as a busy nurse, having a general set time that you go to bed and wake up every day will help you fall and stay asleep easier. This leads to less tossing and turning and deeper and more restorative sleep. The better sleep you get, the healthier your body will be.

Staying Mentally Healthy

Finally, it’s important to keep your mental health up as well. It’s no secret that nursing is an incredibly taxing profession, and it can take a severe toll on your mental health at times. If you want to stay healthy as a nurse, it’s crucial to take care of your mind as well. Take time to decompress after work and rejuvenate your psyche. No matter how stressful your job gets, you should be able to come home and relax. Make the effort to keep your mind healthy, and you’ll be able to avoid work stress getting the better of you.

When you’re feeling overwhelmed from work, take some time for self-care. How you do this depends on your tastes, but it’s the effort that will make the difference. Giving yourself a space to relax and unwind without any expectations will keep you mentally healthy as well as physically.

Overall, you need to take care of yourself as a nurse. The healthier you are, the better you’ll be able to protect and nurture others.

We hope you found these tips for staying healthy as a busy nu e helpful. Do you have any health tips for busy tr el 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 your 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 Chandler Rosemont

January 28, 2022

5784 Views

Specialized Excellence: Pediatric CVICU Nurse Expertise Unveiled

Posted on January 28, 2022December 18, 2023 by Chandler Rosemont

Traveling Pediatric CVICU Nurse

Hey guys! I am Chandler, and I have been a Pediatric CVICU Traveling nurse for 1 year. I started travel nursing in the CVICU after I completed 2 years in my specialty as a staff nurse. Most agencies require that you have 1-2 years of experience before they can contract you with a hospital. This is because, as a traveling nurse, you are expected to be an expert in your niche. Usually, the more specialized the unit, the more years of staff experience they prefer.

CVICU stands for Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit. Most of the patients we see and take care of have congenital heart diseases requiring surgical intervention. These patients are extremely sick. Some children come back from the operating room with their chests open for easy emergent access. These patients are on multiple drips that are titrated by the nurses to perfection. Their labs and arterial blood gasses are constantly assessed so we can meet their body’s needs. The patients have lines coming out of every crevice that are all managed by the nurse.

Here is what you can expect a typical CVICU patient to have:

Endotracheal tube- a machine breathing for the patient. This is managed by the nurse and Respiratory Therapist.
Arterial line- measuring constant blood pressures and serves as easy blood access for labs and arterial blood gasses.
Central Venous Catheter (CVC)- a medication line that goes into the heart delivering medications to the patient.
Intracardiac Pressure Line- a medication line that is used to measure pressures within a heart chamber. Some patients have multiple.
Drip medications- these include medications like inotropes, sedation, paralytics, and diuretics that are titrated to meet the patient’s needs.
Rectal Temperature tube- constantly measuring patient’s temperature
Chest tubes- removing excess fluids or air from the lungs
Neers- monitoring forehead and renal temperatures and oxygen flow
Foley catheter- drains urine from the patient’s bladder
Other IV access- this can be in the form of a PICC line or even a Peripheral IV. All the kids have emergency IV access elsewhere

I hope you are starting to see just how sick these patients are. This isn’t even a conclusive list of all the things a patient could have attached to them; however, it is the most frequently seen combination in a semi-stable post-operative case. Some patients have ECMO cannulas, a CVVH catheter for dialysis, or a Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) helping their heart beat. All these devices require training by the specific facility, so it is uncommon to get patients with these devices on a short 3-month travel contract.

Pediatric CVICU travel assignment

A typical Pediatric CVICU assignment depends upon what state you are working in. In California, the patient-nurse ratio for an intubated patient is 1:1. However, in New York, it is 2:1. As mentioned before, traveling nurses typically do not take the advanced medical devices because of the required hospital trainings. Because of this, we tend to get the de-escalating patients. A de-escalating patient is one that is being weened off or having devices removed (the items I had mentioned in the list above). These patients are ready to soon be transitioned out of the ICU, so they no longer require all their lines and measuring devices. These patients are very tasky and busy…and we are usually given 2 of them. They require a lot of forward-thinking not to become overwhelmed. For instance, a patient being extubated will have all of their sedation turned off abruptly. Ensuring we have rescue dose medications ordered before extubation can create an easier shift. This is why experience is pivotal to travel nursing success in an ICU setting.

As a pediatric CVICU nurse, I have been floated to the PICU, NICU, and Neuro ICU. I felt more than prepared in these settings with my training as a Pediatric CVICU nurse. If you are interested in traveling, EXPECT to get floated and EXPECT the taskier assignments. Doing so will make your transition into traveling so much easier.

Here is the moral of the story as a traveling nurse: go into your shift expecting a tough and busy assignment. After all, traveling nurses are there to fill the gaps. We sometimes make double what staff nurses make, so in my opinion, we should be the first floated! Expect the taskier, busier, and less-than-ideal assignments, and you will crush it as a Pediatric CVICU traveling 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 Krucial Staffing

January 27, 2022

1874 Views

5 Factors to Consider for Travel Assignments

Posted on January 27, 2022January 13, 2022 by Krucial Staffing

Krucial Staffing provided this article.

Written by: Maria Blong

We all want the best for ourselves. The best home, best shoes, best kitchenware – the list goes on and on. There are articles published everywhere stating thoughts and opinions in dedication to helping us find it. These are editorials providing the top reasons why this certain running shoe will reduce the likely hood of shin splints or why this brand’s stainless-steel cookware is better quality than other cookware, even if the second option is more affordable.

All this to say – we are a very research-oriented society. If we are going to travel, buy an item, or eat at a new restaurant, we like putting in the research to make an informed decision. When it comes to job hunting, it is not any different. We find a job opening we want and then spend hours learning as much valuable information as we can before applying.

The decision to embark on a medical travel assignment asks the same for any interested party – perhaps it requires even more research and contemplation than a staff job. With medical travel assignments, there are multiple variables included in the equation, ultimately leading you to choose one position over another. These are the top five factors we recommend one to consider before locking in on a travel assignment: wage, location, duration, schedule, and benefits.

Wage

The hourly wage is often the top priority for many, and most of the time, it is the deciding factor for their final choice. And we understand why – you want to accept a wage that reflects all the time, effort, and money you have invested in your career. However, there are many reasons why income in the travel nursing field varies from position to position, and it is important to analyze the reasons why it fluctuates.

First, what kind of travel assignment is it? The type of work assignment will determine the wage you will receive per hour. Many staffing agencies pay their medical staff higher for emergency response than contract positions due to the intensity of the working environment and client needs. With an emergency response, you are likely to work more hours per week, while contracts depend entirely on the facility.

Another question to ask yourself is this: Are you there for the increased pay that comes with travel assignments or the experience of traveling to new locations and helping communities? For many, it comes down to a ratio, or balance, on pay versus experience. However, if you are committing to the opportunity to live in a certain city/state and enjoy your days off – you may be okay with accepting less per hour.

Location

When it comes to your work location for medical travel assignments, you need to be cognizant of what options are available for a travel assignment and an emergency response. For most emergency responses, there’s little control around when or where clients will need your specialty to come in and support an understaffed unit. If you do have the opportunity to choose your location, there are a couple of things you should think about.

How far away do you want to travel? If you are hired for a contract position, there is more wiggle room for you to venture out on your days off. Staying close to home might give your family and friends the opportunity to come visit. However, the contract location might inspire you to travel farther away to a city you have never been before, granting you the chance to explore a different part of the United States.

Emergency response, on the other hand, does not provide you with as much freedom due to the demanding nature of the deployment, plus the health and safety protocols restricting travel. So, working close to home may be a bad idea for a couple of reasons. Say you commit to an emergency response 30 minutes from where you live, but you are in lockdown at a lodging facility. Now, imagine staying that close to loved ones, yet unable to enjoy their company and your usual past times. This situation may stir up a lot of negative emotions for you. It may be in your best interest to travel a little further from home and avoid conjuring up any feelings of exile.

Duration

The length of an assignment can also be a question mark for some people. While some assignments last as short as a few weeks, others can last multiple months. The duration of time you are willing to stay for a medical travel assignment greatly depends on your personality and goals. Some individuals find it difficult to stay away from friends and family that long, while others do not mind being gone. You just need to ask yourself what you are willing or not willing to miss back home. What do you want to gain from a longer or shorter assignment? Do you want to form stronger connections with patients and staff, or do you want to come work, make money, and go back “home”?

Another key factor to bear in mind regarding the duration of an assignment is the mental toll it will take on you. Take inventory of the type of situations you tend to thrive in. Do you like the unknown or working in a busy environment? Do you enjoy a consistent schedule where you can predict your day? How would either affect you mentally? Supporting yourself financially is important but taking care of your mental health is also essential. If you are not taking care of yourself in this way, it will impact the way you care for patients. So, ask yourself these questions and answer honestly about what you can handle.

Schedule

Schedule preferences are straightforward in terms of forethought for assignments. It is a simple set of questions: How many hours do you want to work each week? Do you want to work a regular 36–48-hour schedule? Perhaps you want to work closer to 60 hours a week? In some cases, you might even work 72 hours a week. The final decision also coincides with what kind of pay and deployment type you want as well. All three factors influence each other.

The number of days off you would like also needs to be taken into consideration. Emergency deployments typically only provide one or two days off, while others may give you three to four days. This is also impacted by whether you work 12 hours, four days a week, or eight hours, five days a week.

Benefits

The option for added benefits or insurance is also something to consider while researching medical deployments. Staffing agencies offer different benefits based on the type of assignment you are working on. Emergency deployment benefits can vary depending on the staffing agency you choose to work with.

For most contract assignments, clients typically decide which benefits they want to include. Fortunately, many of them provide housing for the medical staff coming in to assist their hospital or facility. The client may also cover the cost of staying in the area or supply a stipend for groceries.

Overall, travel assignments should be selected with careful attention to detail. Many horror stories regarding bad contracts or assignments stemmed from a lack of understanding of what the requirements or compensation were for the position. By slowing down the rush to get an assignment and diligently addressing all five of the listed factors, you can assure yourself a better, more thoughtful selection for your next travel position.

Interested in looking more about emergency response and/or contract travel options? Check out emergency response and healthcare staffing company, Krucial Staffing. Krucial Staffing specializes in high volume, rapid response staffing, driven by a mission to serve others at their greatest time of need. To learn more about what positions they currently have open, then check out their Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter page for more information.

We hope you found this article on 5 factors to consider for travel assignments helpful. Are there any other factors you consider before taking travel assignments? Comment them below.

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

January 26, 2022

2953 Views

Travel Nurse 101: An Introduction

Posted on January 26, 2022February 2, 2022 by Brandy Pinkerton

Intro To Travel Nurse 101

Are you considering taking your nursing career to the next level but don’t know how to take that first step? Life is too short to be burnt out, underpaid, and unappreciated. Travel nursing allows you the flexibility and freedom to pursue your passion for nursing while traveling, gaining knowledge, and having epic adventures. You get to explore with a purpose!

Why did I decide to become a travel nurse? Well, I was burned out in my staff job and needed to renew my passion for nursing. I felt “stuck” and couldn’t help but have feelings of doubt and apprehension about my long-term career as a nurse. After a lot of research, finding a great company, and a trustworthy recruiter, I embarked on my first assignment solo with my two doggies in tow and never looked back! Becoming a travel nurse was one of the best decisions I could have made for myself, and my only regret is not starting sooner!

What exactly is Travel Nurse 101, you may ask?

While I’m grateful I made the decision to become a travel nurse, I also know that it can be very overwhelming getting started, and there are some things I would have done differently. I am all about working smarter, not harder. Over my career, I have been a leader, teacher, and resource to many other nurses. I genuinely love helping others and want them to be successful. This is where the thought of being a nurse mentor came to life! I have a very outgoing, positive outlook on life and try to carry a very approachable attitude. Naturally, people confide and seek advice from me; it is a trait that I am forever thankful for. Travel Nurse 101 is more than a brand or business. Travel Nurse 101 is education, tips, and mentorship for new travel nurses that I hope is perceived as very genuine and heartfelt, not just your normal Q&A. It has a “personable” feel and is something I want to always try to maintain, so nurses feel like they have a safe place to get help and ask for advice from a real nurse who’s been where they have and personally knows what it feels like to go through these experiences. My goal with this mentorship program is to give you the tools you need to be successful and let you know that you are not alone in your pursuits. Instead of letting you learn the hard way, I’ll tell you all there is to know about travel nursing so that you can feel prepared to take the leap into this exciting, rewarding profession with full confidence! I am here to cheer you on; let’s do this!!

About Brandy

I’m Brandy, your fellow travel nurse friend, leader, and mentor. My goal is to inspire and advocate for nurses, to help you succeed and thrive in your career. I have over 18 years of varied nursing experience, including neonatal and pediatric ICU, critical care float pool, flight nursing, and travel nursing. Since pursuing a career as a travel nurse, I’ve had adventures in Florida, Colorado, Nevada, South Carolina, Texas, and Montana. I’m an avid traveler, hiker, and outdoor enthusiast.

*To Contact Brandy, please reach out at brandy@travelnurse101.com.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment click here to view our job board? Do you need housing for an upcoming travel nurse 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 HealthTrust Workforce Solutions

January 25, 2022

5150 Views

The Role of the Clinical Instructor: Mentor the Next Generation of Nurses

Posted on January 25, 2022January 4, 2022 by HealthTrust Workforce Solutions

This article was provided by: Healthtrust Workforce Solutions.

Are you currently a travel nurse but looking for something different in the nursing field? Do you enjoy mentoring other travel nurses? If so, then a role as a Clinical Instructor or Clinical Nurse Educator may be a great fit for you.

Become a nurse who teaches other nurses

Become a nurse who teaches other nurses while enjoying the adventure of travel and the benefits of a full-time position. Our industry-leading Specialty Apprenticeship Program for Registered Nurses, StaRN, is looking for experienced nurses who enjoy precepting new nurses. StaRN Clinical Instructors utilize their skill and experience to help newly-licensed nurses attain the clinical experience necessary to confidently work in acute care environments. You will have the opportunity to provide clinical instruction, utilize a collaborative education curriculum, collaborate and consult with clinical, administrative disciplines for new programs and service improvement, work with the latest clinical technology and demonstrate leadership through role modeling, mentoring, and utilizing research principles to facilitate and promote evidence-based practices.

What you’ll do:

Do you enjoy Precepting new nurses? If so, this is an opportunity for you to inspire the next generation of the nursing workforce. Our Specialty Training Apprenticeship Program for Registered Nurses Clinical Instructors use their clinical skills and expertise to provide clinical instruction to newly-licensed nurses in a variety of specialties.

In this position, you will be responsible for:

Following course plans and material
Delivering course content and material
Monitoring progress/attendance
Mentoring residents
Teaching skills to residents
Use Harvard Debrief Method of Simulation to improve critical thinking & time management

To get started, what you will need:

• An adventurous spirit and fierce dedication

• Completion of an approved professional nursing education program

• A current active, unencumbered license as a registered nurse in the state in which the program is located or multi-state privilege to practice in state

• Excellent written and oral communication skills and analytical skills

• A passion for teaching and training other nurses

What we offer:

Customizable, Competitive Pay Packages
Comprehensive, Full-Time benefits including Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance, Weekly Direct Deposit Options, Paid Time Off, Tuition Reimbursement and 401k with Company Match

If you think a position as a Clinical Instructor or Clinical Nurse Educator would be a great fit for you after reading this, check out Healthtrust Workforce Solutions.

About Healthtrust Workforce Solutions:

• OPPORTUNITIES FOR A LIFETIME: When you join HealthTrust Workforce Solutions, you become a part of the HCA Healthcare family, which provides you with exclusive access to more opportunities than any other healthcare system in the nation.

•A CULTURE OF CARE: Our passionate and compassionate clinicians have made HealthTrust Workforce Solutions an industry leader for over 25 years who are passionate about our mission that above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life.

• CAREER COORDINATION: From the moment you start working with us, you will have access to a team of professionals dedicated to helping you navigate the onboarding process and beyond.

• TOTAL COMPENSATION: Our comprehensive compensation packages feature premium pay and a wide variety of holistic benefits.

•CLINICAL EXCELLENCE: As a HealthTrust clinician, you have access to our dedicated team of Clinical Operations leaders to help you navigate clinical situations and the development of your nursing career.

•CAREER DEVELOPMENT: We are invested in your development and growth, offering you a wide variety of resources and benefits to help you expand your skill sets and experience.

HealthTrust Workforce Solutions is a wholly-owned subsidiary of HCA Healthcare. HealthTrust is a preferred partner to thousands of top-performing hospitals; we provide our healthcare professionals with first-priority access to more than 200,000 jobs nationwide.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

We offer a wide array of career options – including travel nurse jobs, per diem nursing jobs, local contract RN jobs, and nurse educator opportunities – Learn about all the ways we can help you find the career of your dreams at www.healthtrustjobs.com.

We hope you found this information on Clinical Instructors helpful. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to leave them below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse adventure? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for an upcoming travel nurse 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 Dan Matthews

January 24, 2022

1884 Views

Establishing a Proper Self-Care Routine While Travel Nursing

Posted on January 24, 2022January 3, 2022 by Dan Matthews

Self-care is more than just a marketing phrase or buzzword. It’s a necessity. While everyone can benefit from a proper self-care routine, it’s especially helpful and effective for those who have high-demand jobs or run the risk of burning out because they’re always on the go.

Sound familiar?

As a travel nurse, it’s easy to let your health and well-being fall by the wayside when you have so much to do. You spend all of your time caring for others, but may be forgetting to take care of yourself, in the process.

So, what can you do to not only make self-care a priority but make certain healthy habits part of your daily routine?

Managing Your Mental Health

Practicing self-care is one of the best ways to manage your mental health. Nursing is, inherently, a stressful career path. As of February 2021, 98% of hospital nurses reported their work was mentally and physically demanding. As a traveling nurse, you have to deal with additional stressors like being away from family and friends, and perhaps even being in unfamiliar countries where you don’t speak the same language or aren’t familiar with the cultures.

Stress management for nurses is crucial. Thankfully, there are plenty of little things you can include in your daily routine to reduce stress, which can result in a lower risk of developing depression and/or anxiety. Dealing with those potential issues before they become problematic will make it easier to regularly manage your mental wellness. Try incorporating some of the following into your daily routine to reduce stress:

Wear calming scents like lavender to induce relaxation
Eat healthy meals
Limit caffeine
Drink at least half of your body weight in ounces of water before a shift
Get a full night’s sleep

Things like meditation and mindfulness can also be regular parts of your routine. By spending a few minutes each morning or evening focusing on your breathing and letting go of any negative thoughts, you will feel more relaxed as you start or finish your day, setting the right tone for relaxation.

Physical Self-Care

Taking care of your body is just as important as managing your mental health. Nursing can often be a physically-demanding job. It requires stamina and strength to stand long hours, walk everywhere, and help to move and assist patients. Unfortunately, those demands can contribute to fatigue or aching muscles.

Thankfully, it’s relatively easy to make physical self-care a part of your routine. Diet, exercise, and getting enough sleep are the trifecta when it comes to taking care of your body. All three can help to boost your energy levels, give your body a chance to “repair” itself, and boost your immunity to reduce your risk of getting sick.

Regularly managing your diet and exercise routine can help in additional ways, too. We don’t have to tell you how important accurate eyesight is when you’re a nurse. But, did you know what you eat and how frequently you work out can actually improve your eye health? Nutrients like Vitamin C and E, essential fatty acids, and zinc are all great for your eyes, and they’re found in healthy foods like leafy greens, fish, eggs, and lean red meat.

You don’t have to restrict yourself from the things you love, and you don’t have to spend hours in the gym each day. But, by choosing to make healthy meals, finding 30 minutes a day to move your body, and establishing a sleep routine, you’ll help your body to stay stronger and healthier, so you can help others in need.

Remember, self-care isn’t selfish. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so take the time to develop healthy routines that focus on your wellness. You might be surprised by how much better you’ll feel and how much more you can do.

We hope you found these tips for establishing a proper self-care routine helpful. Have you established a self-care routine? Would you like to share it with your fellow travel nurses? Comment it below.

Job or housing need?

Are you looking for your next travel nurse adventure? 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 Furnished Finder

January 21, 2022

1236 Views

Want To Know What Your Landlord Says About You?

Posted on January 21, 2022January 21, 2022 by Furnished Finder

Oh, if we could only be a fly on the wall when it comes to what landlords say about travel nurses… That’s exactly what we’re going to do! A recent survey from Furnished Finder, the leading travel nurse housing platform, asked landlords what they like about renting to traveling healthcare professionals like travel nurses. Here’s what they had to say.

What a delight

Nurse to Nurse…What a delight to receive a Housing Request from Furnished Finder. A first responder looking for a house to stay for a few months. She is a travel nurse needing a better space than a hotel room with a limited space. I was grateful to host her. As a nurse myself, I was able to anticipate her housing needs responded to her questions and concerns quickly as possible. Above all, this was a great opportunity to host and support our first responder. Times like this, all we need is someone to listen to our concerns and fears as we face this terrible time of the pandemic. Not only did I provide her a place she called a temporary home, but I also gained a friend! – Jane Scritchfield

Teacher turned landlord

As a teacher, the greatest way to make a positive impact in my community was to host travel nurses via Furnished Finder. My current travel nurse has grown to be like a sister to me. It’s not just about the money, but the relationship that grows when another professional who is dedicated to helping others is living with you. It has changed my life!! – Kathryn Moore

I get to meet interesting people

I have been renting rooms in my house through Furnished Finder since 2018. I have had about 12 travel nurses, lab techs, and other professionals from many different parts of the country. I get to meet interesting people (and cats, dogs, and ferrets) and make money from my house at the same time. – Nancy Fiske

The best top-notch guests

What I love most about renting on Furnished Finder is being able to meet different people from all over our country. I also love how my guests are travel nurses. In my opinion, they are the best top-notch guests you can have as a landlord. During this pandemic, it has been a pleasure to make them feel at home, a home away from home. I will continue to host on Furnished Finder and tell other landlords about it all the time. – Jennifer Golden

I fell in love with a travel nurse

I started renting my house on Furnished Finder when I fell in love with a travel nurse. Because my job allows me to work remotely, I am able to take my work on the road and travel with her. Therefore, my home is available to rent to other travelers in search of short-term furnished rentals. I’m new to the scene, but I’ve only had positive experiences so far. It also helps that my home is only a mile away from a hospital…which is how I met my partner. She was looking for a place to live near the hospital, and a mutual friend knew I was looking for a roommate. And the rest is her-story. – Trina B.

I too am a travel nurse

I’m a travel nurse and have listed my property, and my Condo stays rented out while I am on the road. I love the platform. So easy to screen potential renters. – Judith Lycan

I get to meet dedicated nurses

I enjoy being a landlord through Furnished Finder due to the ability to meet interesting and dedicated nurses that are doing their part to give back to others. I am amazed at the professionalism and dedication of those that have stayed with me. I have had three travel nurses stay in my home over the last year or so, and each one of them have their own unique qualities that give me faith in our healthcare system. They are not only dedicated to their profession, but they are making sacrifices for their family by being away and serving others. It has been refreshing to meet the individuals that have stayed with me, and I will always provide a home to those nurses that need a place to stay while working here in Nashville, TN, and the surrounding areas. – Steve Heim

My best friend is a travel nurse

I got involved with Furnished Finder because one of my best friends is a travel nurse. My husband and I have a 4-bedroom home with the bedrooms being used only occasionally when family visits. So we started the adventure this year with a tenant, and it is working out very well for us. We get to supplement our retirement income with very little effort. Our current tenant has been with us for almost 6 months on an extended contract, and we love her. We enjoy the interaction but respect the privacy of our tenant and believe we provide a safe and clean respite for the hero in our midst! – Helen Sayes

Very little housing in my area

I have THREE travel nurses staying with me in the Augusta, Maine, area. They say there is very little housing in this area…I am so thankful for Furnished Finders and for the fact that I can help these three lovely ladies!!! – Judith Nuber

Absolutely fantastic tenants

Finding out about Furnished Finders has been one of the best things to happen to me in a good long while! I own 3 furnished condos and have been renting them to tenants I’ve found on Furnished Finders for the last 6 months or so. All of my tenants- so far- have been travel nurses, and most all of them have been absolutely fantastic tenants- professional, responsible, conscientious, caring, and great communicators. I so very much appreciate what nurses and medical staff are doing- these days more than ever; it’s wonderful to be contributing in a small way- by providing a beautiful place they can call home away from home for the few months they are on their traveling assignments. The Furnished Finders website and the smartphone app make communication easy and convenient. The amount of inquiries I receive along with tenant leads is phenomenal. Furnished Finders, thank you SO much for providing a great service and terrific tenants! – Paul Torok

Amazing travel nurses at my home!

I have had 100% occupancy with amazing travel nurses at my home! Everyone has been a great tenant, and they’ve all left the house in perfect condition! I live furnished finder!! – Maureen Fitzpatrick

Heaven sent

Travel nurses have been Heaven-sent. Nurses need a quiet, close, secure, CLEAN place to stay, so fur us, it’s a win-win! We are getting a QUALITY renter, and they love our beach location. – Nicole Trotter Henry

I was a Travel Nurse.

I know the struggles of finding a place to rest in a new location every 3 months so when I finally settled down and bought my house, I decided to rent a room to fellow Travel Nurses and make them feel as comfortable in my home as if they were my own family and it worked! I enjoy meeting new people and making new friends. I’m happy, they’re happy, and it’s all good! – Angie Mahan

All have been awesome

I have rented to several travel nurses and medical techs. All have been AWESOME. The fact that they are background checked, drug tested, and make above-average salaries gives me a sense of security and confidence. They have all come from Furnished Finder!! Thanks. – Sandra Sorrells

I decided I needed a roomate

Renting through Furnished has been a great experience for me. I bought a home in a very expensive market (Austin, TX), and the mortgage is a huge burden on a nurse’s salary. I decided I needed a roommate in my three-bedroom/two-bathroom house, but I love having my own space. I also have my house decorated the way I like it and don’t want to accommodate someone else’s furniture, art, etc.; a few friends of mine who are travel nurses suggested Furnished Finder. I love the flexibility of sharing my home for several months and then taking a break between tenants if I choose to. I live very close to several hospitals, so it’s convenient for those staying with me. I have actually had fun setting up the room and bathroom to be cute and cozy—I try to have everything set up so that my tenants only have to bring their clothes & toiletries. By providing laundry detergent, cleaning products, TP & paper towels, and putting flowers, candles, or other welcoming touches in the guest rooms, it is such a small expense to me that goes a long way to make things easier and nicer for my guests. Sharing my home has also given me a push to continue my efforts of home improvement—fixing up my patio & backyard, hanging outdoor lights, repainting the shed, getting a new TV and dining table, among other things. The extra income has allowed me to hire housecleaners which makes my life easier AND is a great bonus for my guests. Now that I am sharing my home with renters, I feel like I always need to keep my home “company ready.” One unexpected bonus is that I have made a few great new friends who I never would have met otherwise! – Elizabeth Stephens

The smartest thing I can do

Renting to travel nurses and medical people is the smartest thing I can do with my completely furnished rental apartment. Furnished Finder makes it easy and more affordable than other agencies I have used. The medical people are immaculate and appreciate the quiet and convenience of my location….near 3 hospitals and in a quiet and safe neighborhood on Lake Michigan – Sunny Boehme.

Great place to find potential renters

Furnished Finder has been a great place for us to find potential renters. My wife has been a travel nurse for many years and has used Furnished Finder to find housing. We live in the panhandle of Florida, and when hurricane Michael came through, we had to have a big restoration done to our home. We decided to take that opportunity to update the 2 rooms upstairs and use them specifically for renting. Now we receive inquiries almost weekly about our rooms whether they are occupied or not. Now we are looking at building tiny homes and renting those out using Furnished Finder. We feel very secure using this site because we know upfront that the people requesting housing have a job, that the job is for at least 13 weeks (most of the time), and even if they are not nurses, they are working professionals. We will never not use Furnished Finder if you rent your property and want to do it safely. Furnished Finder should be your go-to. – Michael Covington

It is a win-win

I have been using Furnished Finder for 6 months and have helped travel nurses have safe and affordable housing while also being able to help me pay down on my mortgage! It’s been a win-win! I’ve met some very cool nurses and have had a blast exchanging stories and getting to see more about the nursing industry. – Junior Fifer

I felt compelled

I have been a super host with AirBNB until the pandemic hit. It was then that I started to look elsewhere and ‘discovered’ Furnished Finder. I felt compelled to do this as a service to healthcare workers in my small way. Since then, I have had a good experience with travel nurses and will continue to do so. They are superstars to me. – Rosemary Rausch

We hope you enjoyed reading what landlords had to say about hosting travel nurses and working with Furnished Finder. Are you a landlord? Do you use Furnished Finder? Tell us about your experience in the comments below. If you are interested in being a landlord and listing with Furnish Finder, click the link in the next paragraph.

About Furnished Finder 

Furnished Finder is the leading housing platform for traveling professionals and remote workers looking for monthly furnished housing in the US. With more than 75,000 properties and representing a potential of 20M bookable nights per month, Furnished Finder is the source of direct bookings for landlords, property managers, and hoteliers. Fueled by their strategic industry partnerships and high search ranking, traveling nurses, remote workers, and other traveling professionals depend on Furnished Finder for monthly furnished rentals. Furnished Finder also provides travelers with steep negotiated discounts on Hotel Stays of any length. Furnished Finder also owns KeyCheck, a site that provides tools for landlords, including online rent payment, free tenant screening, and custom residential leases. For more information, visit www.furnishedfinder.com.   

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

January 20, 2022

2468 Views

A New Traveler’s Guide to Understanding Travel Nurse Pay

Posted on January 20, 2022January 17, 2022 by TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

TNAA Healthcare provided this article.

Lots of RNs use the fresh start of the new year as motivation to jump into a travel nurse career. Life as a travel nurse is exciting, but it also requires a lot of research to make sure you understand everything that goes with the profession. How do you move from place to place every three months? What is a tax home? What factors go into travel nurse pay? Whether you’ve already done your research or you’re just beginning, here’s some information about travel nurse pay that you might not have already known.

Who Sets Travel Nurse Bill Rates?

Travel nurse bill rates are set by healthcare facilities based on market demand, and that is constantly fluctuating. You’ll see fluctuations in travel nurse pay based on which areas of the country are being hardest hit with illness or nurse shortages, which specialties are in highest demand at a particular time, and so much more. Right now, pay rates for several specialties are up, but at some point, they’ll level off. For instance, once elective surgeries were back on hospital agendas, more OR nurses were needed. As COVID-19 cases ramp up again, ICU and ER nurses top the list of facility needs.

What Factors Go Into a Travel Nurse’s Pay Rate?

We’ve already talked about how market demand affects travel nurse bill rates. Market demand also impacts travel nurse pay rates. You might also see some pay differences for the same assignment from agency to agency based on other factors. Your pay rate depends on the benefits your agency offers and that you use (like housing per diems, paid sick leave, health insurance, etc.), the support your agency gives (like guaranteeing your pay if a hospital calls off your shift or help finding housing), and much more. The important thing to do is to identify what your needs are and find the contracts that fit your lifestyle the best. To understand the full compensation package and the help available for each assignment, your best bet is to talk with an experienced recruiter who can explain the details.

Where Do I Go For Issues With My Pay?

If you have any issues with your travel nurse pay, you’ll want to go straight to your agency. Your nurse manager likely doesn’t know or have a say in your compensation package. However, as your advocate, your travel nurse agency can review your timecard, discuss discrepancies with the hospital, and work out any issues.

When it comes to travel nurse pay, there are many factors to consider beyond the number listed with an assignment. There are benefits, taxes, and the list keeps going. Take the time to do your homework to understand what is going into your full compensation package and what you are actually bringing home.

We hope you found this article on understanding travel nurse pay helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to comment below.

Are you considering travel nursing and need to find a 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

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