May 27, 2021

6034 Views

6 Ways to Know if You Are Working with the Right Travel Nurse Agency

Posted on May 27, 2021May 19, 2021 by TheraEx

This article was provided by TheraEX Staffing Services.

Travel nursing is a great way for nurses to gain experience, travel the country, and earn an above-average income. While there are numerous benefits of traveling, achieving success comes down to choosing the right travel agency. Most travelers will sign up to work with a couple of different agencies to ensure that they are maximizing the advantages. So, how do you know if a travel company is the right fit? Here are six ways to know if you are working with the right travel nurse agency.

Strong and Long-Standing Reputation

Due to the growing popularity of travel nursing, there are a wide variety of companies to choose from. Throughout all industries, anyone can start a business. This means that there are both low and high-quality companies to work for. Aim to choose a stable agency with a positive history of reviews by fellow travelers. There are several websites and nursing blogs that list and share testimonials on top-rated travel companies, which can help you determine which are most desirable.

Benefits

When first starting out with a new company, it’s important to decide whether you need benefits. Will you need a retirement account or health insurance? When do the benefits take effect? How expensive are they? Some companies provide benefits at day one, while others require travelers to wait a full 30 days before gaining access. Additionally, does the company offer to set up housing or rental car services at the location? For those who require benefits, these are essential questions to ask during the decision-making process.

Sick Time and Quarantine

COVID-19 has sparked a lot of discussion for travelers on how to approach a mandatory quarantine when your company does not offer any paid sick leave. Since the traveler will not receive payment during that time, this can be a financial concern. Furthermore, what is the company policy for calling out sick? Some companies charge a ‘missed shift fee’ for each day that the traveler does not work when they are scheduled to come in. Understanding these policies in advance can provide key insights on anticipated and unanticipated time off.

Assignment Contracts

Does the company have travel contracts in desired locations? Keep in mind that an agency can be excellent in other ways but not be located in an area where the traveler wants to work. Many companies will not share details on their contracts until a traveler agrees to work with them, while others will post locations publicly. If a traveler does not have a strong preference on the particular setting, this may not be an issue.

Pay

Serving as a driving force for pursuing the travel nurse path, payment is a critical factor in the selection process. Transparency around contract rates is one way to determine whether your company is compensating nurses fairly. It is also important to compare apples to apples. If a company is offering a weekly rate that seems high, break down the individual pay structures to make an accurate comparison. For example, the weekly rate may also include housing stipends, travel reimbursement, call pay, overtime, and holidays. Focusing on individual pay structure will give you a better idea of how much money is involved in the entire contract.

Recruiter

Recruiters are the primary contact for the company, and it is critical to maintaining a good relationship with these individuals. However, the first recruiter you work with will not always be a perfect match. It is completely acceptable to request a different recruiter if you are happy with the company but not thrilled with the recruiter. It is also important to honestly communicate your expectations around frequency and methods of communication, as well as what you are looking for in a travel assignment. It is crucial to fully trust the individual who is lining up your next travel assignment and managing all of its complexities.

Takeaways

Choosing the right travel nurse agency comes down to a traveler’s unique preferences. While every agency won’t offer the same experience, plenty of companies will provide the type of benefits, locations, recruiters, and contracts you’re looking for. Be sure to do your research before making a decision, and keep in mind that completing one contract with a company does not mean you have to stick around. Take the time to compare the advantages of different agencies to determine the best fit for you and your travel lifestyle.

If you are a new travel nurse or a veteran travel nurse looking for an agency, click here to check out all that TheraEx Staffing Services has to offer their travel nurses.

By Theresa Cofield

May 26, 2021

6997 Views

Travel Nursing: Things To Think About Before You Start

Posted on May 26, 2021January 16, 2023 by Theresa Cofield

Benjamin Franklin once said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” This is why you can’t start a career without having a plan, including being a travel nurse. To ensure you don’t find yourself wanting to quit less than halfway through your first travel nurse job, here are some things to consider before starting.

Staffing Agency

If you’ve ever tried online dating, you know that it is vital to make a decisive choice amongst various options. When starting as a travel nurse, you will have several staffing agencies to choose from, making it a tough choice. But you have to choose a staffing company, and it has to be one that can help you succeed in your career.

This is why picking a staffing agency is the foremost thing to do before starting as a travel nurse. When selecting a staffing company, assess it in terms of:

Experience in the travel staffing industry
Whether they are Joint Commission-certified
Rooster of available assignments
Exclusive agreements with facilities
Pay rates and benefits

As a travel nurse, you have to identify what matters to you and what you want to get out of traveling. Next, use whatever answer you get to pick an agency that meets your needs. Don’t be in a hurry to choose a staffing company; ensure their value matches with yours, and they tick off most things on your priority list.

Recruiter

According to Melissa Hagstrom, a Travel Nursing contributor, seasoned travel nurse vets advise starters to work with a recruiter. The recruiter would serve as a guardian angel, watching your back and rendering advice when needed. The person would also understand your needs and find you placements that meet them.

Having someone who understands you makes life easier as a travel nurse. However, with so many recruiters, you have to sift through to find someone you can work with. If you and a recruiter are never on the same page, it would adversely affect your career. Once you find a match, it is crucial to keep communication lines open and resolve conflicts amicably.

Experience and Readiness

It might sound like a cliche, but “Experience” is sometimes and indeed the best teacher. Before you begin a travel nurse career, ask yourself if you have the required experience and readiness level. Although it varies, most facilities require a travel nurse to have at least 18-months of experience in their specialty.

Know that specialties like intensive care or emergency departments are quite competitive. Thus, to stand a chance, you have to have the needed experience and be ready for the challenges that come with the role. Nurse Journal advises that you obtain a specialty nurse certificate if you lack one. It would set you apart when applying to famous centers.

Contractual Terms

Most travel nurses start a job and realize they don’t like their contract terms. But, it’s too late to change it unless they want to face a lawsuit. This is avoidable if you carefully go through the conditions before signing. If you can work for only 16 hours, ensure you don’t agree for 18.

Ask questions as many times as needed, and ensure you’re clear on everything. Note that travel nurse contracts are different from that of a regular staff member. It offers tax-free benefits that a permanent staff is not entitled to. Show it to your recruiter before singing, and have them explain any part you don’t understand.

Licensing and Paperwork

If you’re planning to work outside the state you reside, you need to get licensed to work in the new state. Find out about the requirements and learn all you can about them ahead of time. If the state you reside in is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), it will make the licensing process much easier.

Housing

You don’t want to start a job as a travel nurse without securing a place to stay. Thus, once you’ve landed a job, look into the available housing options. Some travel nurse companies offer free and private housing, but you can make personal arrangements if you desire.

Packing

The key is to travel smart and only take the things you need. Depending on how long you’re staying away, you should take only the necessaries. Also, have someone check your home periodically. Pay bills electronically, and inform the post office on how long you’ll be away.

The Takeaway

Whatever is worth doing is worth doing well, so you need to dot every “I” and cross all “Ts” before starting a travel nurse career. Create a checklist and carefully tick off everything before starting. The more prepared you are, the fewer chances you have of making mistakes. So, carefully go through this list, and use it as a guide.

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 Fastaff Travel Nursing

May 21, 2021

5428 Views

More Licenses = More Opportunities

Posted on May 21, 2021May 19, 2021 by Fastaff Travel Nursing

This article was provided by Faststaff.

As a travel nurse, you’re probably familiar with the question that every recruiter asks: “What state licenses do you hold?” Your answer to this common question can open the doors to more opportunities around the United States, allowing you to earn more, do more, see more, and be more.

The more state licenses you hold, the more opportunities you’ll have to earn higher pay and enhance your career. When choosing which states to get licensed in, many travel nurses research and select premier hospitals they’d like to work at, which can help kick start their travel nursing journey into a highly successful one. Choosing prominent facilities or renowned teaching hospitals will enhance your resume and allow you to gain valuable experience in the field – and vast knowledge that you can take from assignment to assignment. You will grow your value and earn your worth.

Once you’ve narrowed down the states that you’d like to work in, time is of the essence to avoid a missed opportunity. The time it takes for states to process licenses varies, so ensuring you’re ready to go with the required paperwork and requirements will set you up for a quicker turnaround time. States with the highest-paying assignments, like California and New York, can take more than a month to process your application, so the sooner you start the process, the faster you can earn the pay you deserve. Fastaff recruiters are always available to guide you through this process to help get you on the road to your next assignment.

Maintaining multiple state nursing licenses is an investment that will give you expansive choices when you are looking for your next travel nurse assignment. Fastaff is committed to fueling your ambition, and we offer licensing programs to help nurses become licensed in states they are not currently licensed in. Our team is well-versed in the various nurse licensing systems and can help guide you through the process.

Fastaff offers opportunities to work across the United States. If you apply for a new or renewed state license and accept and complete a Fastaff assignment in that same state, we will reimburse your fees. Give our friendly recruiters a call if you’re interested in accelerating your career, on us: 800-736-8773.

By Host Healthcare

May 19, 2021

6133 Views

Finding the Best Travel Nurse Recruiter

Posted on May 19, 2021May 19, 2021 by Host Healthcare

This article was provided by Host Healthcare.

Travel nurse recruiters are the backbone of any staffing agency. As a travel nurse, finding the right travel nurse recruiters can make a world of difference in your career. Rather than dedicating your time to job hunting, you can use your free time to enjoy the location of your current assignment between shifts. Finding a trusted recruiter that will take the initiative in finding the best-fit assignment for you will leave you feeling at ease in focusing on fine-tuning your craft.

Tips for finding great travel nurse recruiters:

Here, we have compiled a list of tips for finding the right travel nurse recruiters for you. Look out for these qualities and ask the right questions. You will be sure to establish a relationship with your recruiter to advance your career as a travel healthcare professional.

Look for These Necessary Qualities in Your Travel Nurse Recruiters

Finding the recruiter that’s right for you takes having a conversation. While some agencies, such as Host Healthcare, pride themselves on matching clients with top-tier recruiters, you still need to be sure that they have the necessary qualities that you find value in this partnership. Some qualities to keep in mind that might be beneficial to you include:

Responsiveness- This is the number one most desired trait in a recruiter. If your recruiter is stretched too thin, they can’t dedicate themselves to finding an assignment perfectly catered to your needs. To test if they have the necessary bandwidth, ask them a question over email, and make sure they respond within 48 hours.
Friendliness- A great travel nurse recruiter is someone with who you feel comfortable, and there is trust between the two of you. Having a friendly recruiter is a great thing to look out for because you will be spending a lot of time with each other.
Experience- If you partner with a staffing agency, this will likely be a given. Agencies such as Host Healthcare have top-tier recruiters in their pipeline vetted and gone through a screening process and training procedures. Don’t be afraid to ask your potential recruiter hard-hitting questions.
Knowledge- You should be able to confide in your recruiters for any advice regarding travel healthcare. They should know everything about the position and the industry to answer your questions.
No-Pressure- The right recruiters will not use pressure tactics to get you to sign or move forward with a contract. Recruiters can have this reputation, so finding a staffing agency like Host Healthcare ensures no-pressure tactics can save you the awkward feeling of being pressured into an unfit assignment.

Ask the Right Questions

Asking all of the right questions will lead you to the perfect match. No question should ever be dismissed, and all questions should be answered confidently if you have the right recruiter on your hands. Although you should feel free to ask any question, here are a few questions you should probably address:

“When are you available?” – Alignment of schedules is obviously critical in a traveler-recruiter relationship. Make sure you can align on specific days and times where you can meet.
“What is your submission to interview ratio?” – A submission to interview ratio refers to the number of assignments a recruiter applies for versus the number of interviews their clients actually book. Look for a recruiter with a high submission to interview ratio.
“What insurance benefits will I get?” – Staying protected in the event of illness or injury need to be at the forefront of your mind when considering a new assignment. Ask your recruiter about the coverage secured for an assignment before agreeing to it.

Feel free to ask any questions you may have. If you ever receive push-back or the recruiter is reluctant to answer your questions, it might be time to look for another recruiter.

Establish Trust with Your Recruiter

Trust is probably the most important thing to strive for in this relationship. They should be looking out for you every step of the way. You should be confident that your recruiter is advocating for you in every sense of the matter. Trust looks like this:

Securing Maximum Pay– For every assignment, your recruiter should be working on getting you the best pay grade possible. You should trust that they are working hard to secure you in the best position possible.
Considering Your Wants and Needs– Your recruiter should always be asking you what your wants and needs are. With every assignment, they will take those wants and needs and relay them to the potential employer. Also, if you have particular locations in mind for where you want your next assignment to be, they should advocate for that.
Keeping a Constant Flow of Communication- Communication is at the heart of creating a trusting relationship. Your Recruiters should always be available to chat and address any questions you may have.
No-Pressure- As mentioned above, if a recruiter ever pressures you into signing or moving forward with an assignment, this is a red flag. Trust is built through mutual respect and understanding. Use a staffing agency like Host Healthcare that prides itself on no-pressure tactics.

With these tips to finding the best travel nurse recruiters, you will find a relationship that serves your career and enhances your daily life. Go into your search with these things on your mind, and you’re bound to find trusting, nurturing, and experienced recruiters to stand by your side!

Have you found great travel nurse recruiters during your career? Do you have tips to help other travel nurses find great travel nurse recruiters? Comment them below.

Sources:

Nurse.org. How to Find a Good Travel Nurse Recruiter – 5 Tips to Pick the Best. https://nurse.org/articles/how-to-choose-the-best-travel-nurse-recruiter/
Blue Pipes. What You Should Know About Your Travel Nursing Recruiter’s Job. https://blog.bluepipes.com/what-does-a-travel-nursing-recruiter-do/

By CareerStaff Unlimited

May 13, 2021

5386 Views

Top 5 Destinations for Travel Nurses this Summer

Posted on May 13, 2021May 19, 2021 by CareerStaff Unlimited

This article was provided by CareerStaff Unlimited.

Summer is upon us again! And even though we’re not quite back to normal given the health risks still posed by COVID-19, widespread vaccinations are helping to open up travel across the United States.

Of course, for many nurses, traveling never really stopped, with travel nursing demands and compensation reaching new highs as a result of the pandemic. This summer, more nurses will be able to safely travel again, not just because they’re urgently needed to deliver care, but for the personal fulfillment and professional development that travel nursing offers.

There is a large variety of travel nursing jobs available to meet pretty much any type of interest. Love hiking and the outdoors? Choose an assignment on the West Coast and get access to its amazing forests and national parks. If you prefer a city break, you may want to take an assignment in an urban area like Dallas, Boston, Chicago, or Orlando — they’re always in need of qualified nurses!

As one of the nation’s leading travel nurse recruitment companies, the team at CareerStaff understands better than most, where nurses are needed more than ever. With that in mind, let’s take a peek at the hottest travel destinations for nurses for summer 2021 — and some lesser-known cities that have a lot to offer.

Destination #1: Maine.

Maine’s appeal to summer travelers is no secret! The coast and historic towns are often overrun with vacationers from Boston and New York during July and August. Yet, for those willing to go off the beaten path, the Pine Tree State offers a huge amount of wilderness to explore. There’s also some amazing seafood to be found, and the coast is chock full of historic lighthouses that look great on Instagram!

> Underrated Summer Spot: Westbrook, Maine.

As with most states, the bigger cities in Maine have many opportunities in hospitals and medical centers. But for nurses looking to build career experience at skilled nursing facilities, smaller cities like Westbrook offer another enticing option. Close enough to Portland and the coast to offer easy access to shopping and nature, communities like Westbrook offer a great way to enjoy the Pine Tree State away from the summer crowds of tourists.

Destination #2: Florida.

If you’re dreaming of spending the summer at the beach, it’s hard to go wrong in the Sunshine State. From almost anywhere in the state, you’ll be within a short drive to the coast. You’ll also have easy access to world-famous attractions like the Florida Keys, Everglades National Park, and the recently re-opened Disney World. And as one of the most populous states, there is no shortage of available travel nursing jobs in Florida!

> Underrated Summer Spot: Hialeah.

You don’t have to live in Tampa or Miami to have easy access to the beach from pretty much anywhere. But if you still want to be close to the city, consider choosing a suburb like Hialeah. You’ll enjoy a wider variety of job opportunities, as well as easy access to the rich variety of dining, shopping, and picture-perfect beaches in and around Miami and Fort Lauderdale.

Destination #3: California.

Like Florida, California is already a popular summer destination, luring travelers to its famous beaches, resorts, theme parks, golf courses, islands, forests, and parks. There’s also exceptional dining for those who choose to live near an urban area and lots of family-friendly activities for those traveling with (or to be close to) loved ones.

> Underrated Summer Spot: Lancaster.

Located about an hour north of Los Angeles, Lancaster is big enough to offer all the amenities of urban living while also offering easy access to the beaches of Southern California. It’s also a relatively short drive to all the state’s major national parks (like Yosemite, Joshua Tree, Sierra, and Death Valley) and even Las Vegas.

Destination #4: Kentucky.

With lots of green spaces, historic architecture, and a home-grown arts scene in many communities, Kentucky is an underrated gem with much to offer summer travelers. You can spend your free time exploring the state’s wineries, camping at Lake Cumberland, or visiting Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park and its amazing white-sand lakeshore, which wouldn’t be out of place in the Caribbean.

> Underrated Summer Spot: Louisville.

There’s almost always a lineup of great travel nursing opportunities in Kentucky’s largest city. Louisville is home to a number of major health employers and hospital systems. Skilled nursing and long-term care facility assignments are usually available, and the affordable cost of living means you’ll have some lucrative options for spending your housing stipend.

Destination #5: New Mexico.

If you love hiking or camping, it’s hard to beat the Land of Enchantment, where picture-perfect vistas can be found all around. It’s also great for those who prefer their summers to be a little less scorching; the elevation in the high desert means many campsites are subject to cool breezes and brisk showers, even in the heart of summer.

> Underrated Summer Spot: Albuquerque.

New Mexico’s biggest city has the most to offer in terms of urban amenities. It’s also a short drive to the iconic scenery of Taos and the historic charm of Santa Fe — two great road trip ideas for adventurous travel nurses. If you’re seeking new travel nursing opportunities, CareerStaff Unlimited has jobs across the United States! Visit CareerStaff.com to learn more or see what assignments we’re offering right now.

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 Favorite Healthcare Staffing

May 12, 2021

6812 Views

10 Reasons Why Traveling is More Important Now Than Ever

Posted on May 12, 2021January 16, 2023 by Favorite Healthcare Staffing

This article was provided by Favorite Healthcare Staffing.

Traveling is more than just visiting exciting places and trying new foods; it is an investment in yourself! With lifelong benefits on your physical and mental health, travel has so much to offer and can give you a new perspective on life. Travel nursing is the best way to experience these benefits first-hand.

2020 was a tough year for travel, to say the least. Nurses and healthcare providers fought tirelessly to get the pandemic under control and hit pause on taking normal travel nursing assignments. The good news? As the world opens back up again, it is time to get back to traveling! Here are the top reasons why traveling is important.

Why Is Traveling Important as a Nurse?

1. Traveling pushes you out of your comfort zone

Exploring new places will challenge you to learn more about yourself and break out of your comfort zone. The more you travel, the more confident you will become. When visiting a new location, push yourself to try something new, like rock climbing or horseback riding! Make it your goal to experience something different everywhere you go.

2. Traveling lets you experience new cultures

While traveling around the country or the world, you get to experience new cultures and understand the way others live. Travel can help change your perception of other people and is an eye-opening opportunity. New cultural experiences can change your life!

3. Traveling helps you unwind

Sometimes in this crazy world, we need to take time for ourselves to relax and unwind. Traveling is a great outlook for those who need to get away. Take advantage of the opportunity to press pause on your life back home and enjoy a true getaway. Don’t be afraid to relax and give yourself a break. You deserve it!

4. Traveling creates memories that last a lifetime

As you visit new and exciting locations throughout your trips, stay curious about the world around you. Try new things and enjoy the time you have with the people by your side. Make connections around the country and keep those memories alive! You will make memories that will last a lifetime.

5. Traveling makes you focus on the present

We live in a world full of technology that often distracts us from slowing down and appreciating what is right in front of us. During your travels, it is important to take pictures as a keepsake from your journey, but sometimes it’s worth it to put your phone down and soak in the sights and sounds of the environment around you. Take a moment at each new location to focus on being present. You won’t regret it.

6. Traveling helps you appreciate your home

After a long trip, you are filled with memorable experiences from the places you visited. You feel refreshed and full of new knowledge and ideas! Oftentimes, traveling will help you love and appreciate your home more than ever. You’ll come home with a brand-new perspective on life and can apply this to your everyday routines back home.

7. Traveling builds meaningful human connection

When traveling, sometimes it is not just about sightseeing and eating wonderful food. It’s also the perfect way to meet new people, learn about their culture and upbringing, and make lifelong connections. Traveling will change your misconceptions and prior judgments. You will always have a special bond with the people you meet on your travels.

8. Traveling allows you to explore your tastebuds

With the ability to travel around the world, you’ll have the opportunity to try all kinds of food! Food is more than just a means to fulfill your hunger. Think of it as the best way to fully immerse yourself in a new culture. Don’t be afraid to explore your taste buds and try dishes you have never heard of. You may even try to recreate the dish when you return home!

9. Traveling helps you learn something new

Language is our primary way to communicate with the individuals around us. When we travel the world, there can often be language barriers that make it difficult to communicate. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn new phrases in a different language. This will help you experience new cultures from a unique perspective!

10. Traveling keeps you healthy

Traveling is a good way to escape from your stresses at home and improve your overall mental and physical wellbeing. The long-term health benefits of traveling are huge! Traveling can give you more energy, reduce stress, keep you active and challenge your brain. Seeing new places is the perfect way to keep your mind and body healthy. Maintaining good health is important to be able to care for others.

Travel Nursing After the Pandemic

As the pandemic continues to slow down and crisis jobs become few and far between, it’s the perfect time for travel nurses to get back to taking on new travel contracts around the country. Now that the world is slowly opening again and more of the population is getting vaccinated every day, it is becoming easier for nurses to get back to experiencing the thrill of travel!

Molly Cooper, Director of the Travel Department at Favorite Healthcare Staffing, discussed the benefits of travel nursing and why traveling is important.

“Traveling as a nurse is important to expand your skills and knowledge and will overall help you advance in your career. Travel nurses are lucky and get to experience all sizes of hospitals and different types of units. They gain new life experiences while enjoying the flexibility of travel contracts.”

Becoming a travel nurse is a great way to improve your skills as a nurse and dive deeper into your career as you travel across the country. So why should travel nurses go back to regular travel contracts? Cooper said, “It’s the best way to get back to our ‘normal lives! Everyone is trying to get adjusted to life after the pandemic, and what better way to do this than to explore the country as a travel nurse!”

How can you find travel contracts?

• Stay up to date with your nurse staffing agencies. They will be able to provide contracts that best suit your needs!

• Keep in touch with a recruiter. They will be your go-to and can send you in the right direction of the kind of contract you’re looking for. A recruiter will also save you a ton of time when having to go through an onboarding process!

• Always follow nursing agencies on their social media platforms. This is a simple and easy way to find your next assignment!

By Jessica Smith

May 7, 2021

5765 Views

5 Essential Packing Tricks & Tools for Travel Nurses

Posted on May 7, 2021May 19, 2021 by Jessica Smith

Travel nursing is an excellent way to experience and learn about new cultures. Packing can be tricky. When you need to lessen the bulk of your personal belongings to what is necessary for a travel nursing assignment, it would be best to try out a more minimalist lifestyle. Picking up packing tricks along the way will help. We have put together some to get you started.

When you need to lessen the bulk of your personal belongings to what is necessary for a travel nursing assignment, it would be best to try out a more minimalist lifestyle.

Packing tricks and tips:

Conduct Some Basic Research

The most crucial aspect of your move is knowing what you’re getting yourself into. Your employer, future property owner, or recruiter, will be able to answer some or all of your questions. What electronic devices will be available on-site? Is the house/apartment completely furnished? What kind of storage is available on-site? Do not hesitate to ask as many questions as you possibly can. It’s never a bad idea to be overly prepared.

Knowing what the climate will be like in your new location will also help you plan your packing. Are you considering relocating to Chicago during the winter? It’s probably a good idea to leave the flip-flops behind.

You do not want to fill your car’s roof rack with unnecessary luggage.

Digitize Important paperwork

When you are constantly on the move, there is a high risk of losing or destroying important paperwork. This is why digital versions of your documents are essential. This can be as simple as scanning or taking photographs with your phone and emailing these items to yourself. When digitizing more sensitive information, take extra precautions to ensure that it does not fall into the wrong hands.

Consider A Minimalistic Approach.

We understand – it’s easy to go way over the top with the hype of preparing for your new travel assignment as a nurse. You can learn a thing or two from travelers: pack your belonging with a minimalistic mindset. Overpacking may seem like a great idea, but imagine packing and unpacking your luggage every thirteen weeks. Consider your dissatisfaction with unpacking and repacking items you didn’t even use. For example, if you’re only bringing your laptop, you probably won’t need your big TV.

Save your energy and time by only packing the essentials – your scrubs, day-off clothes, prescriptions, important documents, and electronics. Remember that you’ll most likely pick up souvenirs along the way, so make room!

There are numerous personalized recommendations from routine travelers to help you evaluate the items you will not need. Your journey should be light and stressful-free.

Medical References

The software-as-a-service, Epocrates, provides free medical reference information such as capsule and pill identification, drug interactions, and more. Upgrade to the paid version to get disease and symptom information, as well as lab test results. You could also use the nurse-centric app Nursing Central, which incorporates nursing journal studies and details, or Merck manuals, which cover much of the same information. Each costs less than $200, with some costing even less, and they are available for Android and iPhone phones.

Electronic Hardware for Traveling nurses

Smartphone

The use of smart devices in medical practice is on the rise. Most health workers, including nurses, use smartphones at work despite potential problems with information and infection control security.

As a travel nurse, you will need your smartphone for personal reasons such as maps and/or GPS, communication, information, and entertainment while on assignment.

For information on smartphone use at work, contact your assigned hospital.

Laptop

Although a smartphone is more convenient for traveling medical professionals, a laptop provides the same functionality and some extras that are ideal for travel nurses. You can pursue an online career or work-related research while also calling or video conferencing with friends and family back home.

Try Skype, where personal video and voice calls made online are either free (Skype-to-Skype calls) or extremely cheap.

While downloaded books and medical practice apps are more commonly used on mobile phones, video works best on your laptop. During your downtime, you can use it to rent movies online. For a better visual experience in your temporary home, get a cable to connect to your compatible TV.

Rent or Buy Supplies at Your Location.

Keep in mind that you can always rent or purchase basic supplies at your new destination. Don’t feel obligated to bring all of the spices in your kitchen cabinet, all of your four cans of hairspray, and nail polish. Pack only what you need, and if you run out, you can easily replace them with an online Amazon order or a quick trip to the store.

Pick up basic kitchen utensils at a local thrift store and return them after completing your stay. You can also purchase new items for a low cost at the local store.

Remember that you can also rent outdoor equipment such as skis and surfboards from a local outfitter shop. Renting may be preferable to the hassle of having to pack and haul all of your equipment. Furthermore, you never know where your next contract will come from. Don’t be the person who brings snowshoes to Texas!

Conclusion

With these packing tricks and tools, your travel nursing experience should be smooth. Remember that this guide might not cut it for everyone. Feel free to personalize what needs to be customized.

We hope you found these packing tricks and tips helpful. Have you found any packing tricks that have helped you? If you would like to share them with your fellow travel nurses comment them below. For more packing tricks and tips click here.

By Gifted Healthcare

May 6, 2021

5059 Views

Happy Nurses Week: Travel Nurses on What Makes a Great Nurse

Posted on May 6, 2021January 16, 2023 by Gifted Healthcare

This article was provided by Gifted Healthcare.

In 1910, the American Journal of Nursing published an article titled, The Ideal Nurse. It was written by a registered nurse named Rebecca H. McNeill.

In The Ideal Nurse, McNeill outlined the qualities of her ideal caretaker. The nurse she describes is compassionate, kind, dedicated, loyal, and motivated by a higher calling:

“No true nurse ever loses her sympathy…she has the deep sympathy which causes her not only to feel for her patient’s woes but prompts her best efforts to alleviate them. The true nurse is devoted to her work, faithful in all that she does, neither shrinking nor shirking any responsibility that may present itself. The ideal nurse should be able to understand the whys and wherefores of her physician’s orders and be able to execute them with judgment.”

This vision of the ideal nurse, written over one century ago, is strikingly similar to the vision we uphold today. This is a testament to the heroic work of the nurse, a role that has remained essential and unwavering in the face of profound cultural and technological change.

McNeill also beautifully portrays the life of a nurse; its sacrifices and hardships as well as its transcendent rewards:

“Unless a nurse is prepared for a life of untiring effort and disappointments, discomforts or deprivations, countless sacrifices of time, talent, and inclination, unless, indeed, able to suppress her own heartaches and to give herself bravely and brightly to all the work with patience, enduring all things…She must have singleness or purpose, directing all her energies toward the faithful accomplishment of her life’s work; be loyal to her doctor, her patient, and herself….”

Nurses are the backbone of the American healthcare system. Even more, they can be seen as the protectors of the American spirit. When searching for compassion, generosity, loyalty, and duty to one’s fellow man or woman, look to a nurse.

Travel Nurses on What Makes a Great Nurse

In honor of nurses week, we’ve asked a group of exceptional travel nurses to describe what makes a great nurse. Each of them drew from an intensely personal and unique set of experiences to create their own philosophy of care.

Read on for their inspiring, heartwarming answers.

Charlotte Swopes, RN

“First and foremost, you have to care about people. You’ve got to have integrity; people aren’t going to be watching you, so you’ll be expected to be diligent.

You have to have a sense of ethics. You have to see all your patients as one: you can’t look at color, you can’t look at nationality, you can’t look at the economic background. You have to care about your patients regardless of the situation.

You have to have a heart of compassion.”

Megan Selser, RN

“Advocating for your patient is number one, despite any effect it will have on you. Always put patient advocacy in front of everything else.

I love to make my patients laugh. I know what it’s like to feel unhappy — so I try hard to be a light in someone’s day, in some type of way, even if they’re going through something terrible.

I think a great nurse also celebrates wins, even when they’re really small—someone who takes care of the patient and the family. Most of the time, like if a patient is intubated, you become the nurse for their family. Yes, you are there for the patient’s physical needs, but the family is what you’re taking care of. I try to involve the family as much as I can in patient care because it matters.”

Erica Rogers, RN

“My motto is, ‘compassion is the highest level of intellect.’ A brilliant nurse is someone who understands that concept.”

Emmanuel Paron, RN

“As nurses, we are just instruments of the love of God. When you take care of patients, many times they are in their worst moments – you take care of them no matter what.

The core of nursing is caring. When you care for somebody, you do everything you can to take care of them. It can be as simple as holding a patient’s hand.

You educate yourself, study more to become an expert so that when a patient comes into the hospital, you are as prepared as possible to take care of them.

What I believe is that the core of nursing is caring.”

Taylor McCombs, RN

“For me, the ideal nurse is detail-oriented and compassionate. They stick to their own personal morals and values, as well as the principles set by the facility they’re working at. It mostly comes down to the individual – if you hold yourself to high moral standards, it will impact the way that you do your job.”

Chelsea Wynder, RN

“Someone compassionate, who is nurturing, and is the person who will be there when a patient feels they have no one else. That’s what I had when I was sick, and what I needed…and that’s what my mom needed, too.”

Eddie Kaiser, RN

“The standard answer is someone compassionate, who wants good healthcare for their patients, but I like to go deeper. A nurse needs to be somebody who treats their patients as though they are family. However, that patient is also the chairman of the board. For the most part, patients are in control of their care until they can’t be anymore. To me, it’s very important to make sure the patient is shoulder to shoulder with you as a caregiver.

A nurse must be able to think critically through a process of care — for any patient, and you need to ask yourself, ‘What are the family dynamics of this patient? What is their belief system? What are their core values?’ The ideal nurse is well-rounded with all of that, including compassion, patience, caring, attention to detail. And finally, you have to know what you’re doing: you have to be skilled, have to be confident, and have to be able to go into new situations and mesh into the nursing staff. An ideal travel nurse not only has to display these qualities with patients, but they also have to display these qualities with the staff around them.”

Jill Maxwell, RN

“I’ve worked all over, and I’ve worked with a lot of nurses. And there are a few qualities you’ll find in the best ones. You have to be compassionate, and you have to be approachable.

When people are sick, they want a smiling face.”

James Dorsett, RN

“Someone who’s a straight shooter. Someone who can be honest and not sugarcoat things. Someone empathetic, not sympathetic. And for me, everything is about trust. If you lose the trust of your patient, you lose everything. I am a nurse because I like making an impact in people’s lives. If you do the best you can 100 percent of the time, people remember that.”

Transia Brown, LPN

“I never met my grandparents. I adopted a lot of my friends’ grandparents. When I go into work, I think of my patients like my grandmother or grandfather that I never met.

A lot of people have pride. A lot of my patients are scared to tell me that they’re in pain, or that they need help because they’re not used to being in that situation. But if you make them feel they can trust you and that you’re concerned about them, they’re more open to you.”

I let them know: I’m here for you. Don’t feel like you can’t call me. Whatever you need, call me, and I’m there.

If you can’t go into a facility, or someone’s home, and take care of someone like they are your mom, or your dad, or your brother, or your sister, and treat them the way that you would want to be treated – then you don’t need to be a nurse.

I look at every patient as though they are part of my family because I leave my own family to go out every day and do my job. And when I get older, I would want someone to take care of me as though I am a part of their family. That’s the ideal nurse to me.”

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 ONESTAFF MEDICAL

May 5, 2021

5276 Views

4 Ways to Make Mother’s Day Special as a Travel Nurse…and Then Some

Posted on May 5, 2021May 19, 2021 by ONESTAFF MEDICAL

This article was provided by OneStaff Medical.

Being a traveling healthcare worker definitely has its challenges. One of them is feeling homesick and being away from family and friends. It is especially difficult when holidays come around. If you are a traveling healthcare worker, you are used to being away on these special occasions, but it is just as important to celebrate from another state, across the country, or even if you are on assignment with your kiddos. Here are some fun ways to celebrate your mother or be celebrated on Mother’s Day.

Communicate

In today’s day and age, there are countless ways to stay in touch with your loved ones; social media, cell phones, video chat, special apps, and more, in addition to the old school methods of sending emails or even SNAIL MAIL! Making an extra effort to reach out this Mother’s Day will put a smile on her face even if you are scheduled to work.

Before Sunday, schedule a time that you and your mother or your kids are available to have a nice, unrushed talk on the phone to hear their voice/see their face.
Purchase a shared journal that you and your mother can pass back and forth and learn more about one another.
Write some “open this when” letters and tell mom how much you love and appreciate her.

Spend Time at home together

There is no better gift to give or receive than spending quality time with a loved one. You don’t need to spend lots of money to make someone feel loved. You can find many fun things to do under your own roof!

Schedule a weekend to make a trip home
Spend a day how mom wants to spend the day (looking at you, kiddos)
(Another one for the kids) Let mama sleep in!
Lounge on the couch together and travel the world at the same time via Amazon Explore
Have a make-your-own pizza party
Work on a puzzle together

Send a thoughtful gift

If your love language to give is gift-giving, there are endless options of great gifts to bestow upon your mother, here are just a few options!

Send some Flowers
Order her a nice meal to be delivered
Schedule her a spa day or a massage
Purchase something off her Amazon Wishlist
Create a custom album, mug, or blanket on websites like Shutterfly

Schedule a fun activity

Do something out of the ordinary. Treat Yo’self by having something fun and different planned for Mother’s Day.

Take a hike as a family or visit your local lake and pond for some quality time outdoors
Go to a movie
Go to a museum with your kids
Have a beach day!

As we aren’t still 100% back to normal after the crazy year, we’ve all had, and it’s a good idea to plan a simple day close to home or spend it outside and enjoy the time you have with each other. Take a few minutes out of your day to tell your mom how much you love and appreciate her or spend a little extra time snuggling your children. Whatever you end up doing, make sure to sprinkle the day with a little extra love.

Strong and Long-Standing Reputation

Benefits

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Takeaways

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Staffing Agency

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Experience and Readiness

Contractual Terms

Licensing and Paperwork

Housing

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The Takeaway

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

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

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Destination #1: Maine.

> Underrated Summer Spot: Westbrook, Maine.

Destination #2: Florida.

> Underrated Summer Spot: Hialeah.

Destination #3: California.

> Underrated Summer Spot: Lancaster.

Destination #4: Kentucky.

> Underrated Summer Spot: Louisville.

Destination #5: New Mexico.

> Underrated Summer Spot: Albuquerque.

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

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

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Why Is Traveling Important as a Nurse?

1. Traveling pushes you out of your comfort zone

2. Traveling lets you experience new cultures

3. Traveling helps you unwind

4. Traveling creates memories that last a lifetime

5. Traveling makes you focus on the present

6. Traveling helps you appreciate your home

7. Traveling builds meaningful human connection

8. Traveling allows you to explore your tastebuds

9. Traveling helps you learn something new

10. Traveling keeps you healthy

Travel Nursing After the Pandemic