May 10, 2024

1476 Views

Debunking Travel Nursing Myths: Nurturing Mental Health Amidst the Journey

Posted on May 10, 2024May 8, 2024 by Uniti Med

Uniti Med provided this article.

As Mental Health Awareness Month unfolds, it’s the perfect time to shine a light on the realities of travel nursing while championing the well-being of healthcare professionals. Amidst the whirlwind of travel assignments, it’s crucial to tackle the misconceptions or travel nursing myths that often cloud this exciting career path. Join us as we uncover the truth about travel nursing and delve into strategies for nurses to prioritize their mental health along the way.

Debunking 4 Travel Nursing Myths:

Travel Nursing Myth 1: Travel nursing is constantly exciting and glamorous

Reality: While travel nursing offers unique opportunities for exploration and adventure, it is not always filled with constant excitement and glamour. Just like any other profession, travel nursing has its fair share of challenges and responsibilities. It’s important to acknowledge that travel nurses also face the same stressors and pressures as their counterparts in traditional nursing roles.

Travel nurses often must adapt quickly to new environments, learn different hospital systems, and build rapport with unfamiliar colleagues. This constant adjustment can be mentally and emotionally draining. It’s crucial for travel nurses to take time for self-care and find ways to manage stress amidst their demanding schedules.

Travel Nursing Myth 2: Travel nurses are always alone and isolated

Reality: While travel nurses may not have the same long-term relationships with colleagues as those in permanent positions, they are not always alone and isolated. Travel nurses can connect with healthcare professionals from various backgrounds and cultures, fostering a sense of community and expanding their professional networks.

Furthermore, many travel nurses join online communities and forums where they can share their experiences, seek advice, and find support from others who understand the unique challenges of their profession. Building connections and seeking social support can contribute to a travel nurse’s mental well-being.

Travel Nursing Myth 3: Travel nurses are constantly on vacation

Reality: While travel nurses may explore new cities and experience different cultures, it is not a constant vacation. Travel nurses are still responsible for providing quality patient care and meeting the demands of their assignments.

Travel nurses often work long hours, including night shifts and weekends, just like their counterparts in permanent positions. They must balance their work commitments with their desire to explore new surroundings. It’s important for travel nurses to set boundaries and prioritize their rest and relaxation to prevent burnout.

Travel Nursing Myth4: Travel nursing is only for young and single individuals

Reality: Contrary to popular belief, travel nursing isn’t limited to young, unattached individuals. In fact, travelers don’t have to journey far from home and family to embark on a travel nursing career. It’s a path open to individuals of all ages and life stages. While it may be more common for younger individuals or those without significant family responsibilities to pursue travel nursing, it is by no means exclusive to them.

Many travel nurses have families and dependents, and they find ways to balance their personal and professional lives. Some travel nursing assignments even offer the flexibility to bring family members along, allowing nurses to maintain their connections while exploring new opportunities. It’s crucial to dispel the notion that travel nursing is reserved for a specific demographic and to recognize the diversity within the profession.

While travel nursing offers unique opportunities for growth, it also presents challenges that necessitate prioritizing mental health through self-care, social support, boundary-setting, and achieving a healthy work-life balance.

>> Keep reading: Travelers Share 5 Myths About Traveling

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By Travel Nurses Inc.

April 29, 2024

1435 Views

Five Things to Know Before You Start Traveling

Posted on April 29, 2024March 27, 2024 by Travel Nurses Inc.

Travel Nurses Inc. provided this article.

Diving into the world of travel nursing can be an exciting but daunting transition. You get to explore new places, meet new people, and gain experience across various healthcare settings.

However, to make the most of this career path and navigate its challenges, there are several things to know before you start traveling. Whether considering your first travel assignment or looking to make your journey in this field more rewarding, understanding these areas will help set you up for success.

5 things to know before you start traveling:

Essential Nursing Experience for Travel Nurses

Navigating the dynamic environment of travel nursing requires a strong foundation in clinical skills and adaptability. Healthcare facilities expect travel nurses to seamlessly integrate into their teams, often with limited orientation or guidance. For this reason, a baseline level of experience is required.

Typically, facilities require at least one year of experience in an acute care setting, though two years are preferred. This experience ensures that travel nurses are equipped to manage the diverse challenges they will encounter, from complex patient care situations to navigating different hospital systems and protocols.

It’s about more than just having technical skills. You must also be able to quickly adjust to new environments, work cultures, and patient demographics. This adaptability, grounded in solid professional experience, makes for a successful and effective travel nurse who can confidently step into new roles.

Understanding the Types of Nursing Licenses

Understanding the intricacies of nursing licenses is crucial for aspiring travel nurses. The landscape is divided into compact and non-compact licenses, each with its own set of rules and mobility options.

Holders of a compact nursing license enjoy the privilege of working across multiple states within the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) framework without the need for additional state-specific licenses. This significantly increases options for travel opportunities, making it easier to accept assignments in a variety of locations.

Those with a non-compact license can only practice in the state where the license was issued. To work elsewhere, these nurses must obtain licensure by endorsement in the desired state. It’s important to note that some states process licenses faster than others. Early preparation and a clear understanding of these licensing distinctions are crucial steps for those looking to pursue a career in travel nursing.

Willingness to Travel Far and Wide

Embracing the essence of travel nursing means being open to assignments in a variety of settings, including less sought-after ones. Your willingness to explore opportunities in diverse geographical locations can significantly enhance your access to a range of job positions.

It’s not uncommon for certain areas, particularly those that are more isolated or experience seasonal population fluctuations, to exhibit a greater need for travel nurses. By demonstrating flexibility in your preferred work locations, you can position yourself for potentially higher compensation and the chance to encounter unique healthcare environments.

This openness to geographic mobility enables you to truly embody the adventurous spirit characteristic of successful travel nurses, providing you with the means to gain a wealth of experience while contributing meaningfully to communities across the nation.

The Importance of Scheduling Flexibility

In the fast-paced world of travel nursing, having a flexible schedule can greatly influence the opportunities available to you. It’s important to remember that as a traveler, you are there to help fill staffing gaps at the hospital.

The nature of temporary assignments means that demand can vary significantly, with night shifts often more prevalent than day shifts. This variability extends to the scheduling practices of hospitals and facilities. While some might offer a set schedule, others may require you to adapt to shifts that change from week to week.

Your ability to accommodate these variations enhances your attractiveness to potential employers. Being open to working different shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, can be a pivotal factor in securing assignments. By embracing scheduling versatility, you position yourself as a resilient and adaptable professional ready to meet the diverse needs of healthcare facilities nationwide.

Financial Security is Key

Navigating the uncertainties of travel nursing requires some financial planning. The attractive pay rates and benefits often associated with travel assignments must be balanced with the reality that job stability can fluctuate. Unforeseen circumstances, such as a sudden contract termination or assignments with inconsistent hours, underscore the importance of maintaining an emergency fund.

It’s imperative for travel nurses to budget for the intermittent periods of downtime or relocation costs that come with transitioning between assignments. Establishing a financial buffer alleviates the stress associated with income variability and ensures you can fully engage with your travel nursing adventures without monetary concerns.

We hope you found these 5 things to know before you start traveling helpful. Is there anything you wish you knew before you started traveling? Comment them below.

To start your next adventure, check out the Travel Nurses, Inc. job board, and contact us today!

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By Medely

April 26, 2024

2081 Views

Embracing the Adventure: Top 5 Benefits of Being a Travel Nurse in 2024

Posted on April 26, 2024April 26, 2024 by Medely

Medely provided this article.

In the dynamic landscape of healthcare, travel nursing continues to stand out as a rewarding and exciting career path. From flexibility to professional advancement to financial growth, being a travel nurse offers a multitude of benefits. In this post, we’ll explore the top five benefits of being a travel nurse in 2024 and why this profession remains an attractive option for healthcare professionals seeking adventure, growth, and fulfillment.

Top 5 Benefits of Being a Travel Nurse in 2024

Flexibility in location and assignments

One of the most enticing aspects of being a travel nurse is the flexibility it offers in terms of location and assignments. In 2024, with healthcare systems facing varying levels of demand and staffing shortages across different regions, travel nurses are in high demand nationwide. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 19% growth in registered nurse (RN) jobs between 2022 and 2032, with over 1M additional RNs needed by 2024.

This demand allows travel nurses to choose assignments in diverse settings, from bustling urban hospitals to smaller, rural clinics and care facilities, and everything in between. Whether you’re drawn to the bright lights of a big city or the tranquility of suburbia, being a travel nurse allows you to explore new places and cultures while making a difference in patient care.

Professional growth and development

Now more than ever, travel nursing offers an opportunity for professional growth and skill development. In 2024, with healthcare technologies advancing rapidly and new treatment modalities emerging, travel nurses have the chance to expand their clinical expertise and stay at the forefront of healthcare innovation.

By working in various healthcare settings and with diverse patient populations, travel nurses gain valuable experience and develop adaptable skills that enhance their marketability and career advancement opportunities. Plus, often, travel nurses are asked to float into different specialties when they arrive at their assigned facility so they can explore what they most love to do. Whether it’s mastering a new specialty, honing leadership skills, or learning innovative clinical practices, travel nursing empowers nurses to continuously evolve and thrive in their careers.

Competitive pay and benefits

In 2024, travel nursing remains a financially rewarding career choice, with competitive compensation packages and attractive benefits in cities across the country. Travel nurses often receive higher pay rates than their permanent counterparts, along with additional incentives such as sign-on bonuses, completion bonuses, and referral bonuses, and that trend continues this year. Furthermore, travel nurses may have access to comprehensive benefits packages that include health insurance, retirement plans, and continuing education assistance. These financial incentives not only reward travel nurses for their hard work and dedication but also contribute to their overall financial stability and well-being.

Work-life balance and adventure

As a travel nurse in 2024, you’ll enjoy a unique blend of work-life balance and adventure. With the ability to choose your assignments and schedule, travel nursing offers flexibility that allows you to create a lifestyle that suits your preferences and priorities. Whether you’re craving a temporary change of scenery, pursuing personal interests outside of work, or simply seeking adventure in your career, travel nursing provides the freedom and flexibility to make it happen. From exploring iconic landmarks and natural wonders to immersing yourself in new cultures and cuisines, being a travel nurse allows you to embrace adventure both on and off the job.

Medely can help you find your perfect travel adventure. Learn more here.

Making a meaningful impact

Above all, being a travel nurse in 2024 allows you to make a meaningful impact on patient care and healthcare. By stepping in to fill staffing gaps, relieve burnt-out nurses and allied health professionals, and support healthcare facilities in need, travel nurses play a vital role in ensuring access to quality care for patients across the country.

In fact, healthcare staffing shortages are expected to last in 2024, with one study estimating that over 6.5M health professionals in the U.S. will leave the workforce permanently by 2026, while only 1.9M are expected to fill the gaps. You can see that travel nurses can play an important role here.

Whether it’s providing compassionate bedside care, advocating for patient rights, or participating in community health initiatives, travel nurses have the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and communities alike.

In 2024, as healthcare continues to evolve and adapt to new challenges, the contributions of travel nurses remain invaluable in shaping the future of healthcare.

We hope you found these 5 benefits of being a travel nurse informational. We hope that if you are on the fence about a career in travel nursing, this article has helped you decide.

Are there any benefits of being a travel nurse that we missed? Comment what other benefits of being a travel nurse you have found while on your journey!

Want to use Medely to sign up for your next travel assignment? We’ve got you covered. Medely works with thousands of the best facility partners across the U.S.
Check out our app here.

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By Geraldine Mills

April 24, 2024

1313 Views

10 Practical Tips for First-Time Travel Nurses

Posted on April 24, 2024April 17, 2024 by Geraldine Mills

Not everyone knows about being a travel nurse, a unique life path. If this is your first time diving into this line of work, there are a few things that you should know so that you can make the most of it. In this article, we’ll cover different tips for first-time travel nurses that you can apply so that the start of your life as a travel nurse will be a smooth one.

10 Practical Tips for First-Time Travel Nurses

1. Do your research

When you think of being a travel nurse, the thought that occupies you most is the traveling part. However, there’s more to being a travel nurse than you should research first to ensure that you are appropriately prepared for the job.

Of course, travel is one of the first things that you should think about. Prepare all your travel documents, have a ready-to-go travel pack at all times, and so on.

If you’re working with a travel nurse agency and recruitment, look into the customer testimonials. They should have a positive reputation and a portfolio of travel nurses they’ve helped. Before you send your travel nurse application, though, don’t be afraid to interview the agency since if things don’t go well, you will have to clean up the mess in the first place.

Another thing that you should look into is the tax part. You can consult a tax professional about the different tax requirements, especially as you move from state to state.

2. Read your contract thoroughly

For first-time travel nurses, it is especially important to read your contract thoroughly. If you’re doing anything that involves a legally binding contract, make sure that you read through it thoroughly. Since it may be your first time, you might feel pressured to sign the contract and move on. However, you’re just setting yourself up for future frustrations.

Make sure to read through the contract terms. Some of the critical factors that you should be paying more attention to in the contract would be:

Assignment length
Requirements for the shift
Payment, compensation, benefits, and any travel reimbursements
Specific job responsibilities
Housing arrangements
Time off and sick leave conditions

If there are any terms in your contract that you want clarification on or want to change because they are not favorable to you, then bring them up with the representative.

3. Pack smart

If you plan to be a travel nurse for a long time, you must start mastering the art of packing for travel. For first-time travel nurses, it may seem strange to pay so little, but it’s unlike how you would usually pack for leisure. It would help if you were as intelligent and picky with what you pack as much as possible. Given that you’re traveling often, packing a lot of items all the time will be rough and time-consuming.

Stick to clothes, toiletries, and only a few shoes. Creating a list of the items you regularly need and use during your assignments can help you establish the core items you should pack.

Creating a standard list of your core travel items might take a while. Once you’ve narrowed that down, it’s a good idea to have a pack of items or toiletries to throw in your luggage and be ready to go.

4. Plan your housing

First-time travel nurses may choose to take agency-provided housing; your travel nurse contract should include terms of your housing if there are any. It should consist of details like:

Check-in and check-out times
The type of housing they provide
Furnishing availability
Cleaning items availability
Details on utilities
Parking situation
Laundry facility

Again, if you have any questions about the housing arrangements, you should talk to your recruiter to clarify the details. That way, you will know what your housing might not have and what you might have to buy when you get there.

Sometimes, they might not provide housing for you, or you may choose not to take agency-provided housing. In that case, you will have to make the arrangements yourself. What you should look for in your housing will depend on your stay there. The longer you have to be there, the more amenities you should want in your accommodations.

5. Prioritize self-care and work-life balance

When you are well cared for, that energy and proper self-maintenance will translate to better work performance as a nurse. While providing excellent service in your work is a good idea, that doesn’t mean you should forget your life outside of being a travel nurse.

Make the most of your ability to move around. During your downtime, get out of your accommodations and explore the area. You should dine out sometimes and hike on local trails if there are any.

Don’t forget to take care of yourself by eating healthy foods and adding some exercise time to your schedule whenever possible.

6. Bring your family along on your travels

While it might feel better to leave your family behind when you have temporary assignments, especially for first-time travel nurses, having your family along for your assignments might provide the emotional and social support you need, especially as you move from place to place.

Bringing your kids along is also a great way to expand their minds and let them experience new environments. While doing this might take much more work to arrange, it can be a great bonding point for everyone involved. Plus, you don’t always have to do it for every assignment.

7. Maintain an optimistic mindset

You might feel like since you’re a travel nurse, creating positive relationships with the people you work with is a waste of effort, but that sort of mindset can create unpleasant work environments.

Working with an open mind and a social approach will make you have a pleasant time at work, no matter how long you stay in a particular place. If you socialize and maintain that optimism, the job will be more enjoyable, and you will have new friendships that can make your work assignments less lonely.

8. Make new friendships

Talk to the people you work with. Please get to know them. No matter how short your assignment duration is, taking the time to socialize with your coworkers makes it a lot easier to spend your work days.

While many people don’t like small talk, sometimes it’s a great way to create a smooth working relationship without too much commitment on your part if you don’t want to. Plus, when you get along with the people you work with, the shifts go by slightly faster and easier.

9. Arrive early on your first day

The first impression you give to your new assignment can set a tone, at least for your first few shifts in the hospital. That’s why it’s a good idea to arrive early on the first day of your assignment. It’s a great way to get the lay of the land and how your shifts will go.

Aside from arriving early for your assignment, it’s also a good idea to arrive at your accommodations earlier—ideally a few days before your shift. That way, you have enough time to unpack and settle into your accommodations before the ball gets rolling for your assignment.

10. Plan your free time

Despite best intentions, sometimes, you can’t help but forget that you should be doing something during your free time. As mentioned before, it’s a good idea to make the most of your traveling as a travel nurse.

Explore the local hotspots and dining options. Join local events. These are the experiences that you should be doing with your new assignments. Instead of waiting until this happens, be more deliberate about it and plan your free time or schedule it just like you would with work.

Conclusion

The advice here should help prepare first-time travel nurses for the world of travel nursing. By applying these tips, the transition to this new and unique lifestyle should be a lot smoother, and you can soon reap the benefits and enjoy your life as a travel nurse.

Do you have any tips for first-time travel nurses? Comment any tips you think are helpful below.

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By Nadine Westwood

April 16, 2024

1371 Views

Expanding Horizons: Why Travel Nurses Should Consider Home Care Opportunities

Posted on April 16, 2024April 8, 2024 by Nadine Westwood

The nursing field is always filled with many opportunities – both near and far. Travel nurses can even find themselves in parts of the country where their services are more than needed. One of the demands in today’s fast-paced world is home care opportunities. Many seniors are in need of medical care that pertains to the chronic conditions they may be dealing with.

In this guide, we’ll discuss why travel nurses can take advantage of these opportunities. Let’s get started with some of the reasons below.

Why Travel Nurses Should Consider Home Care Opportunities:

They meet a growing demand.

Needless to say, the demand for home care is growing. Travel nurses can take advantage of those opportunities – even if it means traveling to destinations that are hundreds or even thousands of miles away. Once you have moved to a new place and get settled in, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running and work with patients who are delighted to be in your care. Nonetheless, travel nurses will use the opportunity to fulfill the demand to get the experience they need to further their careers.

It provides them with flexible schedules.

Flexibility may be one of the best advantages of home care nursing. This is unlike the traditional structure offered by hospitals and clinics, where nurses work fixed shifts. Thus, nurses who work in home care will be able to create schedules that align well with their personal and professional lives. It will give them a chance to find that work/life balance, allowing them to spend more time off and work at times that will suit them best.

That time off can be used for them to get to know the community they’ve lived in. It can also provide them with the chance to pursue other opportunities, like higher education or talking with family online or on the phone (if they are far from them).

It will help them adapt to their skills.

Nurses with experience in a clinical setting can use home care to adapt to a set of skills useful in a slightly different setting. Those skills include assessment, critical thinking, and communication. The major difference here is that the home environment is more decentralized, allowing them more autonomy.

Still, they can manage medication and address any of their patient’s health concerns. At the same time, travel nurses can even help their patients live independently while placing a premier emphasis on their health.

Promoting growth – personal and professional

Nurses who work to provide in-home care services have a chance to grow in terms of their personal and professional lives. They can be able to pursue different avenues of nursing based on their experience in home care. At the same time, it also gives them a chance to grow personally by cultivating their ability to build a trusting and compassionate relationship with patients and their families. In short, they become better people both in the personal and professional sense.

Final Thoughts

Travel nurses should consider home care opportunities as a way to get experience, utilize their skills, and give them the fulfillment that they can get from a challenging but rewarding career. Even if it means going to places they have never been before, it gives them a chance to grow personally and professionally. With a growing demand comes more opportunities.

Every nurse who dreams of having a successful and rewarding career should take those opportunities when they are present. Is home care a good one for you? If the answer is “yes,” take advantage of it as soon as you can.

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

By Amber Pickler

April 11, 2024

13439 Views

What Questions to Ask the Facility During a Phone Interview

Posted on April 11, 2024April 11, 2024 by Amber Pickler

The phone interview with the facility isn’t just a time for the facility to get to know you; it is also a time for you to get information on the facility. This is important to know if the assignment and facility are right for you. Below, you will find nine things members of our Facebook group said are important to ask the facility during the phone interview.

Questions to ask the facility during a phone interview:

Nurse-to-Patient Ratio

It is always important to ask about the nurse-to-patient ratio. You do not want to go into an assignment where the nurse-to-patient ratio is too high. As you know, the nurse-to-patient ratio generally depends on your specialty and the facility/unit itself.

Scrub Colors

As you know, as a travel nurse, every hospital, even the different units in the facilities, often has its own color scrubs. Knowing this during your phone interview will help you plan for the assignment should you get it/take it. Our website offers a great resource for finding and entering a facility’s scrub colors. Search for the facility and enter the scrub requirements in the box.

Floating Policy

If you aren’t interested in floating often, it is important to know the floating policy at the facility you are interviewing. This way, there are no surprises once you are working the assignment.

Charting System

Not all facilities use the same charting systems, as you know. And as you know, the charting systems can and do vary significantly. You may not be familiar with the charting system, meaning one more thing to learn in an already short orientation period.

Length of Orientation

Speaking of orientation, it is important to ask how much orientation the facility provides to travel nurses during the phone interview process. Knowing how much orientation you will get before you take the assignment will mean no surprises when you start your assignment.

Do you use Block scheduling?

If you plan to go home on your days off or prefer to work your days in a row, this is important to ask during the phone interview. You can ask that it be written in the contract regardless. However, knowing if this is something they do or don’t do will help when deciding whether to take the assignment if it is of high importance to you.

Parking

Not all hospitals have on-site parking or charge for parking. Knowing this ahead of taking the assignment will help you make your decision and help to decide what exactly needs to be in your contract. If they charge for parking, you may ask for parking to be included in your Meals and Incidentals stipend on your contract.

Weekend and Holiday Requirements

As a travel nurse, the last thing you want is to get to the assignment and get scheduled to work every weekend or holiday if they fall during your assignment. This is another case where you can try to include it in there if you know before signing the contract.

Chances of Extending

You may want to extend if you enjoy the contract and the area. During the initial interview, this is a great time to find out if there is an opportunity to extend your contract should you want to at the end of your first contract.

We hope this list of questions to ask the facility during the phone interview has been helpful. Whether you are new to travel nursing or a veteran, we hope there is something for everyone. This list is not all-inclusive, and there are sure to be more questions you may feel are important to ask. If you think we missed important ones, please feel free to comment on them below.

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

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

START HERE

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

By Anke Rueb

April 9, 2024

2946 Views

The Future of Nursing: Trends in Specialization and Education

Posted on April 9, 2024March 27, 2024 by Anke Rueb

The Nightingale pledge all nurses take remains the same, but the practice of nursing is rapidly evolving. What will nursing and studying nursing look like soon? What are upcoming challenges and opportunities? Watching out for trends and developments can help nurses make the career decisions that are best for them personally.

Addressing changes in care and work environment

Changes in nursing care and education are often caused by outside factors. Nurses and nursing faculty must adapt to changes in the patient population and work environment.

Increased focus on geriatrics die to aging populations

The US population is already older than it has ever been, and the share of Americans that are 65 and older is projected to rise to 23% by 2050 (Population Reference Bureau). This will make the demand for nurses specializing in geriatric care rise further. Already, geriatric nursing is among the higher-paying specialties.

Trying to mitigate the nursing shortage

80% of nurses expect the shortage to get worse in the next five years. The aging patient population is only one of the reasons: A lot of nurses are leaving the profession due to retirement, occupational burnout, or because they prefer more flexible and lucrative roles like travel nursing.

Additionally, a shortage of nursing educators leads to qualified applicants not getting into nursing schools.

In short: Becoming a nurse is a very secure career choice and will remain so. Workplaces may continue to try and incentivize nurses to work for them and stay (e.g., through sign-on bonuses, improving benefits, and time off).

As the shortage of healthcare professionals also affects physicians, the demand for nurse practitioners is growing, and FNPs may have even broader autonomy in the future.

Increased focus on nurses’ mental health

We know that being a nurse is not only emotionally taxing at times but also demanding in terms of workload and stress levels. 4 out of 5 nurses experience a lot of stress. Workplaces are struggling to keep their nurses on board due to burnout. Awareness for this is rising and staffing levels will likely become more regulated.

On the other side, nurses themselves are becoming more aware and assertive in protecting their mental health. Nursing schools will intensify teaching self-care and awareness to help new nurses be resilient and informed.

Telehealth and blended learning: taking nursing online

Managing new ways of care delivery

Telehealth use rose steeply during COVID. Of course, there has been a decline since in-person visits are possible again, but levels have stayed higher than pre-pandemic. Being a telehealth nurse is not a separate nursing specialty, but the associated skillset is and will become more and more valued. In nursing education, teaching tech skills will need to be implemented more firmly. This includes growing areas like healthcare informatics, but also teaching about new issues like cultivating good “digital bedside manner.”

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, there are persistent disparities in who accesses video telehealth services. It will be important to look into the reasons and further focus on achieving health equity and not leaving patients behind while care is changing.

Leveraging the advantages of online learning

Even though online learning was implemented as an emergency solution in many places during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is here to stay. Online learning without relocation or commuting is less expensive and time-consuming, making going to nursing school more accessible. More flexibility makes it easier for travel nurses or working nurses to pursue a BSN part-time.

Moreover, nursing students’ learning styles are evolving. Most students are now digital natives, expecting and preferring video-based and flexible learning over traditional lectures. Online learning platforms already play a role in many students’ learning.

Schools will have to adapt and deliver their education in ways new generations are comfortable with. More schools will likely experiment with blended learning techniques in their curricula.

Use of AI and VR: integrating technology

AI can automate repetitive tasks to save time, which could help address staff shortages and improve care. Electronic health systems will likely develop, and more experiments will be run in the coming years on how to integrate AI in helpful ways. Maybe in the future, some of your colleagues walking around on the med-surg floor will be robots!

AI could also play a much bigger role in the education of new nurses. Tools like ChatGPT can assist in training by, for example, generating practice scenarios or virtually simulating patients to help students practice communication skills. The speed of evolving tech will require lots of attention in the near future, taking into account limitations as well as investigating opportunities to utilize AI in a helpful way.

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

By Providence Health Care Staffing

April 3, 2024

1425 Views

What Makes Traveling to North Carolina Worth It?

Posted on April 3, 2024March 27, 2024 by Providence Health Care Staffing

Providence Health Care Staffing provided this article.

North Carolina, the Tar Heel State, first in flight and home of the cardinal, is known to be a “jack of all trades” and a desired location for most travel health care professionals. But what makes traveling to North Carolina so worth it? When deciding on a destination to pick while you commence your travel endeavor, there are undoubtedly many factors to consider. The factors are personal preference, of course, and require weighing out what matters the most to you when you travel.

Below are some perks you will find if you choose to travel to North Carolina:

Mountains to the beach

Unlike most states, North Carolina has two of the most favored vacation spots, only about 4-5 hours apart – the mountains and the beach. The southern state includes the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway, with some of the best hiking opportunities and breathtaking views on the east coast. It is the perfect way to get out into nature and just reset. The beaches are filled with some of the greatest natural sights and are well known for some of the most historic lighthouses available for touring. The beaches in NC are known for being cleaner and less crowded, with housing options geared more toward homes and families than flashy resorts.

Cost of living

Living expenses are far from affordable in most places. If you are considering moving to North Carolina, you will be pleased to know that the cost of living in NC is 5% lower than the national average and is one of the cheaper states in the country. Housing is 14% lower, and utilities are 2% below the average. Overall, it ranks as the 24^th most affordable state in the US.

Climate

Once again, North Carolina is found to have “the best of both worlds,” even right down to the weather! NC is known for having all four seasons. In the early months of the year, the winter is dry and moderately cold. As spring comes, there are no low-humidity days that are warm and bright with occasional showers. Summer is moderately humid and very warm. Fall takes time to cool off, but the foliage is absolutely breathtaking (this is when you will want to make your trip to the Blue Ridge). Summer is a great time to venture to one of the state’s beaches. However, spring and fall are less humid and hot.

Education

Do you ever consider furthering your education while on assignment? North Carolina would be the perfect spot to do so. Duke University in Durham, NC, is ranked the number 1 Nursing Program in the US. NC Chapel Hill, East Carolina, Wake Forest University, and Appalachian State University, for a few, all offer phenomenal online courses that you could take as you work if you’d like!

Dining

One of the best perks about moving to a new place is trying the food! When in North Carolina, you must try the barbecue. NC is a BBQ state, slow-cooked over hot coals; they have mastered the sweet and tangy flavor over the years. They also are the home of the first Krispy Kreme, Texas Pete, and Cheerwine – all of which you will have to indulge in!

Attractions

North Carolina is known for many unique spectacles; sightseeing is a must! When making NC your home, whether permanent or temporary – try out America’s largest home! The Biltmore Estate is in Asheville, NC, and is a fantastic museum and tourist attraction. Other options include Battleship North Carolina, Wright Brothers National Memorial, Gem Mining, Greensboro Science Center, NC Zoo, and Carowinds (to be in North Carolina and South Carolina at once). While North Carolina has a lot of known attractions that you can see just by looking, try to find the hidden gems.

Getting to see the world must be one of the biggest and brightest perks of being a travel healthcare professional. Consider all aspects of where you go and why. Get up, get out, and see!

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Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

By Miles Oliver

March 29, 2024

1420 Views

A Travel Nurse’s Guide to Settling into a New Town

Posted on March 29, 2024March 13, 2024 by Miles Oliver

Starting a new travel nurse assignment can be both stressful and exciting. While you might have started your travel nursing career because you wanted to experience new places, that doesn’t mean it’s always easy when you have to pick up and move to a strange new place again. It’s understandable if it takes you a little time to adjust. Hopefully, the tips in this guide will help you feel more settled and make the most of your new experience.

Settling into a New Town

1. Find the Right Housing

First things first. The key to feeling settled in a new town as a travel nurse is finding the right housing that suits your needs. Thankfully, there are plenty of online resources to help nurses like yourself find their new accommodations. Some top sites that we recommend include Furnished Finder, VRBO, Airbnb, Transplant Housing, and Kopa.

2. Make Your New Place Feel Cozy

Once you do find a spot to crash for your stay in your new town, it’s important to take some time to break into your new space to make it feel like home. This can mean adding a personal touch and making it cozy with plants, artwork, rugs, and decor. Maybe bring something special with you that brings you comfort, like your favorite blanket or favorite candle.

Temporary housing can also sometimes feel a little stuffy or have lingering smells from past tenants, so feeling settled in your new place can also mean giving the place a good cleaning. Our inside tips to freshen up the air quality include opening up the windows to let the fresh air in, changing out the HVAC filters, and investing in a good air purifier and humidifier that you can take with you to each new place.

3. Maintain Your Routine

While moving to a new town as a travel nurse might mean you want to get out there and explore new things, it’s also important to stick to your usual daily routine. Having a routine that you do in each new town can help you make associations that help you settle in more quickly. For example, you could wake up early and go for a run or hit up the local coffee shop each morning for a latte and a breakfast sandwich. Sticking to a routine will train your brain to feel more at ease with your new location.

4. Get to Know Your Co-workers

A crucial part of feeling settled in a new place is making friends. Just because you travel a lot doesn’t mean you can’t establish connections and form new bonds. So don’t be afraid to chat with your co-workers and get to know them.

You can ask them for tips on what places you should check out, which is a great opening to ask them if they want to join you. You can also invite people over to your new place and throw a dinner party to make new friends.

Wine dinners, for example, are a great way to bring new people together and can give you a reason to get your living space feeling put together and cozy. Some tips for a great dinner party include setting the mood with ambient lighting, playing some cozy background music — like jazz or classical — investing in some nice table settings, and creating a meal that consists of some nice food and wine pairings.

5. Make a List of Local Spots to Check Out

If you ever feel overwhelmed by all the new places you want to check out or if you never end up seeing everything you wanted to before you move again, try making a list. Having a physical list to look at every day can give you more motivation to actually go out and do those things. It also feels really good when you get to check something off your list.

Wrapping Up

At the end of the day, if you still feel a little unsettled in your new town, that’s okay. Traveling to new places and being forced out of your comfort zone is a good thing. It can help you grow as a person and can teach you to open yourself up to new experiences. So, while it’s important to have a routine that you stick to when you move, it’s also okay to sit with your discomfort and try new things that you might not have considered trying before. You never know what you might learn about yourself if you do.

We hope you found this article on settling into a new town helpful. How do you settle into your new town when you change travel assignments? Comment below.

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

Debunking 4 Travel Nursing Myths:

Travel Nursing Myth 1: Travel nursing is constantly exciting and glamorous

Travel Nursing Myth 2: Travel nurses are always alone and isolated

Travel Nursing Myth 3: Travel nurses are constantly on vacation

Travel Nursing Myth4: Travel nursing is only for young and single individuals

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Flexibility in location and assignments

Professional growth and development

Competitive pay and benefits

Work-life balance and adventure

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10 Practical Tips for First-Time Travel Nurses

1. Do your research

2. Read your contract thoroughly

3. Pack smart

4. Plan your housing

5. Prioritize self-care and work-life balance

6. Bring your family along on your travels

7. Maintain an optimistic mindset

8. Make new friendships

9. Arrive early on your first day

10. Plan your free time

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Why Travel Nurses Should Consider Home Care Opportunities:

They meet a growing demand.

It provides them with flexible schedules.

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Promoting growth – personal and professional

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