By Vibra Travels

February 28, 2024

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Staying Active and Connected During Your Travel Assignment

Vibra Travels provided this article.

Being away from home as a travel nurse can be difficult. You may find yourself not taking care of yourself and feeling disconnected. We have put together some tips and advice to help you stay active and connected while on your travel assignment. 

Ways to stay active and connected during your travel assignment:

active and connected

Stay connected! Being away from home can be challenging. While on assignment, don’t forget to take care of yourself, too! 

Try purposefully carving out time to stay connected and make new connections. Here are just a few ideas for inspiration:

Ways to Stay Connected:

1. Join a local group:

Check out opportunities available in the city you’re working in. This is a great way to meet new people who share your interests and have fun in your free time.

2. Social media:

Connect with other travel nurses and healthcare professionals through social media groups and pages. Facebook and LinkedIn have groups specifically for travel nurses, which can help you connect with other professionals in the industry. Don’t be afraid to reach out to fellow travel nurses in the area to form a support network!

3. Volunteer:

Volunteering can help you feel more connected to a community and meet new people.

4. Stay in touch:

Even though you may be far from home, staying in touch with family and friends can help you feel connected and supported. Schedule regular phone calls, video chats, and check-ins.

5. Take advantage of travel:

Explore your new area, try new things, and connect with new people. People love to share what’s great about their cities—ask for some recommendations from the local team to get started!

active and connected

While staying connected, be sure to take some time for yourself. It’s the perfect time to rejuvenate your health and well-being! Here are some simple tips to help you make the most of the season and prioritize your health while on assignment.

Ways to Stay Active:

1.      🚲 Explore Active Springtime Opportunities:

Spring opens doors to various outdoor activities, even during your travels. Research your destination to discover local parks, walking trails, or bike-sharing services. Take advantage and explore the surroundings!

2.      🍓 Savor the Seasonal Bounty:

Seek out some farmer’s markets or restaurants that feature seasonal dishes made with local ingredients. Embrace the opportunity to savor the unique tastes of spring wherever your travels have taken you.

3.      💧 Hydration for Wellness on the Go:

Staying hydrated is crucial, as you know! Adequate hydration supports your energy levels, digestion, and overall vitality—don’t forget to care for yourself, too!

4.      💭 Cultivate Mindful Moments:

Take time to nurture your mental well-being. Engage in mindfulness exercises, deep breathing, or meditation to center yourself and reduce stress. Immerse yourself in the beauty of spring wherever you are, and allow yourself the opportunity to find times for tranquility.

5.      💤 Optimize Rest and Recovery:

Quality sleep is vital, particularly while adjusting to a new place and routine. Create a restful environment in your space by adjusting the lighting, temperature, and noise levels to suit your preferences.

We hope you can seize all the opportunities you have while traveling for outdoor activities, savoring seasonal foods, and optimizing your own well-being this spring season!

While this is just a short list of ways to help you stay active and connected while on your travel assignment, we hope that it gives you some ideas and inspires you to find ways to stay active and connected. Do you have any tips for other travelers to stay active and connected while on assignment? Comment your tips 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 housing search.

By Medical Solutions

February 24, 2024

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Travel Nurse Facts You Need for 2024

Medical Solutions provided this article.

Whether you’re just now venturing into the lucrative adventure of travel nursing or are an experienced travel nurse deciding whether to continue, you may wonder where your career can take you in 2024. The good news is that the demand for travel nurses continues to soar, presenting exciting opportunities for travelers seeking new experiences, professional growth, and higher compensation. We’re eager to share some of the top reasons why this year is the perfect time to become a travel nurse and what high-demand states you’ll want to watch!

travel nurse

High Paying Job Opportunities

Travel nursing salaries are undeniably lucrative, influenced by factors like assignment location, specialty, and willingness to work various shifts, often exceeding permanent staff pay. Particularly lucrative are roles in oncology, NICU, pediatrics, cardiac nursing, and CRNAs, which are high-demand specialties. Rural locations, especially in states like California, Alaska, Connecticut, and New York, offer higher pay, with travel nurses typically earning $2,500 – $3,000 weekly.

Professional Development

Being a travel nurse offers you a unique opportunity to work in a variety of healthcare settings, be it a large urban hospital or a small rural clinic. By working with the right agency that will provide continuing training and educational opportunities, this job and patient diversity enables you to expand your skills, gain valuable experience, and enhance your resume. If your goal is to choose a specialty and someday possibly a perm staff role, this also gives you a chance to be exposed to those specialties in the different clinics and facilities you will work in.

Flexibility and Freedom

travel nurse

2024 has presented a lot of amazing new location options for travel nurse jobs. Every travel nurse is looking for something different, and you’re likely no different! If you’d like to spread your wings and see what’s out there, you may consider trying a state you’ve never considered before, like Alaska, Hawaii, Maine, or Nebraska. These states are among those in the highest demand for travel nurses in 2024, in addition to California, Massachusetts, Texas, and New Jersey.

Networking and Professional Connections

Travel nursing provides you with the opportunity to meet and work with healthcare professionals from diverse backgrounds. Building these connections can help you meet your professional goals and open doors to future career opportunities by expanding your professional network in 2024 and beyond. Professional networking also exposes travel nurses to different healthcare approaches, techniques, and perspectives, which can enrich your own approach to care.

Fulfill Critical Patient Needs

By alleviating staffing shortages in high-demand healthcare facilities, you can help ensure that their patient base receives timely and quality care. Travelers help maintain continuity of care, particularly in regions experiencing severe staffing shortages. You can directly impact patient outcomes while supporting and uplifting the healthcare professionals working as core staff that you’ll be working alongside. As a traveler, you play a crucial role in meeting patient needs and supporting healthcare teams wherever travel takes you.

Is Travel Nursing Right for Me?

While travel nursing can be a lucrative career, you have to do what’s best for you! Make sure you weigh the pros and cons against your lifestyle and learn all you need to know about travel nursing to help make an informed decision.

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 LeaderStat

February 22, 2024

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Make Traveling With Your Dog Paw-Friendly With These Apps!

LeaderStat provided this article.

Hey there, pet lovers! Did you know that there are about 63 million dog-owning households in the US alone? That’s a whole lot of wagging tails! Whether you’re hitting the road for a travel nursing gig or planning a cross-country adventure, it’s important to know what’s out there for your furry friend.

Here are some apps that’ll help you sniff out all the best spots for your furry friend:

furry friend

1. BarkHappy

Available on iOS and Android, it is like your dog’s personal tour guide. It will lead you to dog-friendly places like parks, restaurants, and hotels. Plus, you can arrange playdates with other pups in your area and maybe even treat yourselves to a puppuccino from Starbucks afterward!

2. BringFido

BringFido has nearly 20,000 reviews on iOS. This app is the ultimate resource for pet-friendly places. From hotels to parks to beaches, this app has got you covered. You can even filter your search to find accommodations that welcome large dogs or multiple pooches. And hey, some hotels won’t even charge you extra for bringing your furry friend along! BringFido is available on iOS and Android.

3. Rover

furry friend

Hold on to your tails, folks! This app is a real crowd-pleaser! Between users on iOS and Android, Rover has nearly 300,000 reviews! The average rating on this app on iOS is 4.9 stars – a true showstopper. It is rated the #1 pet-sitting and dog-walking app. It’s your go-to for pet sitting and dog walking services. They’ve got everything from doggy daycare to overnight boarding, all provided by vetted professionals. You can even get real-time photo updates of your pet while you’re away. It’s like having a personal pet concierge!

4. Paw Parks

Need to let your pup stretch their legs? Paw Parks helps you find dog parks nearby, and you can even add new ones to the map! Available on iOS, this app is perfect for making the most of your adventures with your furry friend.

Now, let’s talk about you, the pet parent. Just like you’re prepared for medical emergencies with humans, it’s important to be ready for anything with your pet too. The Red Cross offers a Cat and Dog First Aid course for just $25. In this 30-minute course, you’ll learn all about vital signs, what to do in emergencies like choking or seizures, and tips for preventative care.

The American Red Cross also offers a free Pet First Aid app. Loaded with information you can keep at your fingertips, such as first aid, general health issues, and CPR demonstration videos, this app is a must-have for all pet owners!

Pets are family. So, before you head out on your next travel assignment or a vacation with your tail-wagger in tow, make sure to download at least one of the apps above so they can meet new furry faces in faraway places.

We hope you enjoyed this article on apps to make traveling with your furry friend easier. Do you use any apps when traveling with your furry friend? Comment them 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.

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!)

By RNnetwork

February 21, 2024

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4 Ways Travel Nursing Can Help You Achieve Your Financial Goals More Quickly

RNnetwork provided this article.

Many nurses say one of the primary reasons they start travel nursing is to achieve their financial goals faster than they could in a permanent position. One of the main reasons telemetry/PCU nurse Scott Carpenter started traveling with RNnetwork was because he had a lot of bills he wanted to pay off. “My salary pretty much doubled when I started travel nursing,” Carpenter says. Now, after hitting those financial goals, he’s working on putting money away for retirement.

But it’s not just about higher pay.

Financial Goals

Here are four strategies that travel nurses have used to meet their financial goals more quickly.

1. Pick up extra shifts

When he started nursing, Kyle Chadwick, a trauma/ICU nurse, had a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky Medical Center but still made only about $23 an hour. He says it wasn’t enough to support him, so after a year and a half in a staff position, he started travel nursing to boost his pay.

Chadwick’s advice to make even more money is to take on extra shifts — just like with a full-time permanent position — and then work back-to-back assignments.

“Just like you would as a staff nurse, add in an extra shift here and there and stack your assignments one after another without much time off between them,” he says.

2. Be open to a variety of assignments

Home health nurse Chloe Callicoat turned to travel nursing after 13 years in a permanent position because she wanted to travel and get paid to do it.

“The key to increasing income as a travel nurse is to be willing to fill in anywhere,” she says. For her, that means doing any kind of home health for any patient. Because of this, she says she has doubled her income.

Financial Goals

“It’s a huge difference,” Callicoat says. “I make every week now what I used to make every two weeks.” 

3. Consider RV living instead of renting 

ICU nurse Gabriel Rios started travel nursing at the beginning of the pandemic and says the key to saving more money is to “play the system.” For instance, he says some travel nurses buy a small RV and camp out. “You’re not just throwing money away on a hotel or an apartment.” 

This is a tip that most travel nurses don’t employ, but it might be an option that works for you. Other ways to pocket more money include taking an assignment where you have family and staying with them or working on an assignment where you can rent a room from a friend.

4. Take advantage of all possible reimbursements

In addition to the higher pay, a travel nurse’s total compensation can include non-taxable reimbursements for things like housing, meals, incidental expenses (per diems), and travel to and from assignments, depending on the assignment. These can all help you achieve your financial goals sooner and offer additional ways to save money.

“First, you have to sit down, do the numbers, and see if travel nursing is worth it,” Rios says. “Then you can work out different ways to increase your pay from there,” he says. “That’s how you save more money faster.”

RNnetwork can help you find your next travel nursing job. Call us at 800.866.0407 or view today’s travel nurse job openings.

We hope you enjoyed this article on strategies that travel nurses have used to meet their financial goals more quickly. Do you have any strategies for meeting your financial goals more quickly as a travel nurse? Comment them 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.

By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

February 18, 2024

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The Best Educational Resources for Travel Nurses

TNAA-Travel Nurse Across America provided this article.

Are you a travel nurse looking to enhance your skills and stay informed about the latest industry trends? Staying current with the travel industry and healthcare advancements is crucial for professional growth and success. By regularly accessing educational resources, you can stay informed about what’s happening in the travel industry, learn how seasoned travelers have found success, and get insider information on changes in healthcare. Plus, networking with industry insiders and influencers provides valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, gain mentorship, and learn from others’ experiences.

Educational Resources for Travel Nurses

educational resources

Whether you’re seeking expert advice, continuing education credits, or insider insights, there are several resources that can help you excel in your travel career. Keep reading to discover how you can leverage these valuable tools to thrive in the dynamic world of travel nursing.

Travel Industry Information Webinars

One of the best ways to learn more about what’s happening in the travel nursing industry is by registering for webinars through your agency or favorite blog, such as TNAA’s masterclass series or The Gypsy Nurse’s events. These live and on-demand webinars for travel nurses focus on topics for travel-centric topics and fantastic giveaways. And with on-demand or live options, you can tune in anytime that suits your busy travel schedule!

educational resources

Get Social

Turn to your favorite social channels to connect with experienced travel nurses, sharing their wisdom and experiences. Travel nurse influencers are on the rise, and they are a great way to get valuable travel industry tips and insights straight from the source. Plus, you can often find inspiration for your next travel destination through their photos, reels, and follower comments.  Follow travelers like Leah from Off the Clock Nurse and Brandy from Travel Nurse 101 and get inspired by their authentic and candid discussions, sure to have you booking your next assignment and adding to your travel bucket list!

And don’t forget to join The Gypsy Nurse Travel Nurse Network Facebook group – 186,000 members strong, ready to answer your burning questions and share insights on the best recruiters, agencies, and travel locations.

Continuing Education

Earning continuing education credits is a must for travel nurses. In the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, continuing education units guarantee that travel nurses are up to speed with the latest skills, techniques, and industry knowledge. Nurse.com offers many online continuing education courses, many of which are low-cost or free for their premium subscription members. But if you want to connect in person, head to TravCon! TravCon is the largest healthcare conference in the U.S., and it’s all about travel. You can earn your C.E.s, connect with other travelers, build your professional network, and have a lot of fun at this amazing event!

These are only some of the best educational resources for travel nurses. Taking time to learn more about your industry and learn from other travelers will only help you take your travel career to new heights. With the right tools and knowledge, you’ll be well-equipped to thrive in the dynamic world of travel nursing. Happy learning!

We hope you found this article on educational resources for travel nurses helpful. Are there any educational resources you think we should have included in this article? Comment them 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.

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!)

By AB Staffing Solutions

February 16, 2024

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Effective Ways to Maximize Your Earnings as a Travel Nurse

AB Staffing Solutions provided this article.

If you’re considering becoming a travel nurse or have been a traveler for a while, it is worth your time (and money) to consider whether you’ve been maximizing your earnings and, if not, find ways to maximize your earnings. As we like to say, communication, especially with your recruiter, is key to meeting your expectations. That means you need to be clear about what you desire regarding location, facility type, and compensation. This article will provide tips, best practices, and explanations of common terms for our industry.

maximize your earnings

Ways to maximize your earnings as a travel nurse:

  • When was the last time your resume was updated? You should be updating your experience and skills regularly. For travelers, update after each contract to capture everything you’re learning and skill building. For shift nurses seeking to become travelers, review your resume with skills and experiences every quarter. This will build a strong resume highlighting relevant skills for the positions you are applying for.
  • What do you desire in an agency and recruiter? We offer our best practices in the article How to Choose a Travel Healthcare Agency. Our travelers tell us they like that AB Staffing matches them with one dedicated recruiter who guides them through the process. We also have Housing Specialists and healthcare benefits that may interest you and aren’t offered by other agencies. Find the right agency for you.
  • What do you desire in a travel experience? List everything from dream locations and facilities to whether you are traveling with a spouse, kids, and/or pets. This will help your recruiter find the best position for you. We never guarantee but always do our best to find the right match for you.

To maximize your earnings as a travel nurse, it is essential to understand the compensation package offered, different types of pay, and other factors.

The typical components of travel nurse pay are hourly rate, Overtime (OT) pay, and stipend for housing and/or travel. Hourly and OT* are taxable, whereas housing, meals, and/or travel stipends are not taxable. As a contractor, you will be responsible for paying taxes and will receive a 1099 from your agency(s) that will be submitted with your taxes.

Make sure you read the contract and ask questions before signing anything.

* According to the FLSA, non-exempt employees, such as travel nurses, are eligible for overtime earnings once they have worked a 40-hour work week. States may have different overtime thresholds, and travel nurses must be aware of state and federal regulations. When seeking an assignment, especially if pay is a top priority, ask your recruiter what the average overtime hours are. Some facilities will have many hours available while others will not. Make an informed decision.

maximize your earnings

Tips to maximize your earnings.

  • Ask if there is OT available. In the current market, overtime is not as plentiful as it used to be during the height of COVID-19, but this is a great question to ask your recruiter when considering a facility to work at.
  • Offer to be on-call or work extra shifts, weekends, or holidays. If a facility knows you are willing to work and they need to cover shifts, this is a great way to earn extra.
  • Utilize float pool opportunities. In some cases, nurses may be able to float back and forth to nearby locations. Ask your recruiter to check on this for you.

What influences your earnings as a travel nurse?

Your specialty and in-demand skills, the location and season of work, and experience and skills influence your earnings potential.

A contract in the winter in a warm place like Phoenix, Arizona, may not pay as much as a contract in snowy Idaho. That’s called location-based variations in pay. If you prefer the sunshine, you may be okay with less money, but if you’re looking to get paid the most, a snowy rural location may be the best. It depends on what and where your skills are most needed. At the height of the pandemic, nurses in highly populated areas like New York City were paid the most but at the most risk of getting sick.

Urban areas like New York City and Phoenix will differ in cost of living, so factor that into your rate request.

If you’re a few years out of nursing school, you may make more as a traveler than a shift nurse but still less than an experienced travel nurse with certifications in specific skills or more education. As you gain skills and experience, you will become a higher earner. Learn from the experienced nurses you work with by asking questions and showing interest.

Other factors to consider are healthcare and retirement benefits. Each contract will differ, so check with your recruiter and read the details.

Finding the right travel nurse assignment and finding ways to maximize your earnings as a travel nurse takes time and effort, but the rewards can be great. In addition to earning power, you can live in a place where you’ve always wanted to live while growing your resume experience and your professional network.

Ready to get started? Contact AB Staffing today!

Find Your Next Travel Healthcare Assignment with Our Job Board!

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

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel healthcare 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.

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!)

By Furnished Finder

February 15, 2024

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Fitness Tips for After the Holidays: Back to Travel and Staying Healthy

The holiday season is a delightful time filled with family gatherings, gift exchanges, and indulgent feasts. It’s easy to let healthy habits slip during this festive period, but as a travel nurse, maintaining your physical and mental well-being is crucial. Here are some fitness tips to help you get back into travel and stay healthy after the holidays.

Fitness tips for after the holidays:

fitness tips

1. Set Realistic Goals

Starting your fitness journey after the holidays can be overwhelming if you set unrealistic expectations. Instead, set realistic and achievable goals for yourself. Whether it’s losing a few pounds, increasing your daily steps, or improving your strength, establish goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). These goals will guide you in creating effective strategies to reach your desired fitness level.

2. Plan and Prioritize Exercise

As a travel nurse, your schedule may be demanding, but prioritizing exercise is essential for your physical and mental well-being. Plan your workouts in advance, considering your work schedule and personal commitments. Find a consistent time slot that works for you and stick to it. Booking exercise into your schedule ensures that you make time for it and increases the likelihood of follow-through. Remember, even small bursts of physical activity throughout the day can make a significant difference.

3. Incorporate HIIT Workouts

fitness

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) workouts are efficient and effective for travel nurses who may have limited time for exercise. HIIT workouts involve short bursts of intense exercise followed by brief periods of rest or active recovery. These workouts elevate your heart rate and burn calories effectively in a shorter amount of time. Look for HIIT workouts online or download fitness apps that offer pre-designed HIIT routines. Incorporating these workouts into your fitness routine can help you maximize your exercise time.

4. Embrace Mobility and Stretching

Being constantly on the move as a travel nurse can take a toll on your body. Prioritize mobility exercises and stretching to improve flexibility and reduce the risk of injury. Dedicate a few minutes each day to perform dynamic stretches and mobility exercises that target different muscle groups. Not only will this help you stay injury-free, but it will also improve your overall range of motion and make your daily activities more comfortable.

5. Practice Self-Care and Mindfulness

Physical fitness is not only about exercise and nutrition. Taking care of your mental well-being is equally important. Set aside time each day for self-care activities that help you relax and unwind. This could include meditation, deep breathing exercises, journaling, listening to calming music, or engaging in a hobby you enjoy. Building these moments of mindfulness into your routine will help reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.

Remember, your fitness journey is unique, and it’s essential to listen to your body and adjust your routine as needed. As a travel nurse, you have the opportunity to inspire and motivate others to prioritize their health and well-being, too. By incorporating these travel nurse fitness tips into your routine after the holidays, you’ll bounce back, stay healthy, and continue thriving in your nursing career. 

Interested in a travel nursing job? Our job board is a great place to search for assignments, and if housing is an issue, our housing page can help. It’s time to make a difference!

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!)

By Miles Oliver

February 9, 2024

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Safety on the Go: Great Self-Defense Strategies for Travel Nurses in Unfamiliar Places

Even as a nurse who makes it a priority to help people around the country, it’s still possible to find yourself in an unsafe situation. This is especially possible when working in an unfamiliar place or traveling in the dark. Luckily, you can prepare yourself before your next trip by learning how to familiarize yourself with your surroundings and protect yourself in a struggle. These self-defense tips will help.

self-defense

You Can And Should Feel Safe And Defend Yourself

Statistics show that many medical professionals often experience feelings of depression and anxiety, likely due to a hectic work schedule and a high-stress job. Constant stress can lead to burnout and hamper your ability to care for the patients properly. If necessary, you can get the help you need by speaking to your superiors and asking for a flexible schedule if you’re overwhelmed. Feeling safe both on and off the job can greatly contribute to your overall well-being, which is why learning how to defend yourself is so important.

Self-defense can involve many actions, from de-escalation, which can include acting calm or not fighting back during a robbery, to using a weapon or your hands to avoid harm. You have the right to defend yourself for life preservation. However, if self-defense becomes excessive and leads to deadly force, you could also find yourself in legal hot water. In many jurisdictions, deadly force is not justified if the attacker is using nondeadly force. The point is that you want to protect yourself and remove yourself from the danger without getting yourself in trouble.

Situational Awareness Is Key

If you’re going to a new or unfamiliar area, it’s vital that you take a moment to gain some situational awareness and spot potential dangers before they can cause an issue. In addition to spotting threats, awareness also involves knowing how to react if necessary. That can be as simple as looking for exits and thinking about how to get to them.

self-defense

You can improve your situational awareness in an unfamiliar place by watching people without staring. See how they act, react, and express themselves. Look for nonverbal cues, like people who appear nervous or fidgety. It will be easier to spot these red flags if you’re free of distractions on your phone while walking around a new area. It’s a good idea to use your phone to notify someone of your location if you’re scared.

When traveling at night, and you need to make a pit stop, opt for well-lit areas where people are less likely to cause a problem for fear of being seen. Also, try to find places with security cameras, which can deter criminals and help with an investigation in the event of an attack. Be extra cautious in high-risk areas, like near the ATM. Find well-lit machines and never accept help from strangers.

Simple Self-Defense Tactics

If a suspicious person turns into a physical threat, it’s essential to have some self-defense tactics ready to go. You can learn many simple defense techniques that can be incredibly effective. One is to slap an attacker in the face with an open hand if they get too close and pose a threat. That way, you can avoid injury to your hand, and the shock to the criminal may give you a chance to escape.

Another tactic is to drive your fingers toward the attacker’s eyes. This is a very sensitive area for people, and just the threat of having eyes poked could drive the assailant away. Finally, a kick to the groin can cause an immediate end to many physical altercations. When the attacker is disarmed or backs away, get out of the situation and find a safe space or the police and report the crime.

Wherever you go, make it a point to bring pepper spray in your bag and know how to use it. If you’re unfamiliar, consider taking a self-defense class that teaches how to use pepper spray. Pepper spray is a great deterrent as it is non-lethal and can give you confidence when protecting yourself. Taking a class is the best way to learn how to use the tool and the nuances that can help you to be effective, such as the effect of wind direction and how close you need to be for maximum effectiveness.

Conclusion

By having situational awareness and a few self-defense tricks up your sleeve, you can do your best work in unfamiliar places with confidence that you can remain safe. Consider these tips, and you can save your own life while also saving your patients.

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.

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!)

By KPG Healthcare

February 8, 2024

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Exciting Travel Nursing Destinations to Consider for 2024: Our Top 10 Picks

KPG Healthcare provided this article.

Embarking on a travel nursing career opens doors to diverse opportunities across the United States. Registered nurses (RNs) seeking exciting locations with high demand for healthcare professionals can explore the top 10 travel nursing destinations, each offering a unique blend of professional growth and personal fulfillment. Discover these healthcare hubs and the vibrant environments they provide for travel nursing jobs.

Exciting travel nursing destinations to consider for 2024:

travel nursing destinations

San Francisco, California

Nestled on the picturesque California coast, San Francisco boasts a dynamic healthcare sector. RNs can experience professional advancement in diverse facilities, from bustling urban hospitals to specialized clinics.

Houston, Texas

Texas, with cities like Houston and Dallas, offers a vibrant mix of urban energy and affordable living. RNs can thrive in a state that combines career growth opportunities with the unmistakable charm of Southern hospitality.

New York City, New York

At the epicenter of healthcare innovation, New York City welcomes nurses to renowned medical institutions. The city’s buzzing atmosphere provides an exciting backdrop for a rewarding and impactful nursing career.

Miami, Florida

Florida’s warm climate and diverse population make it a hotspot for healthcare careers. Whether in metropolitan Miami or along the Gulf Coast, RNs can develop professionally amidst the sun, sea, and palm trees.

travel nursing destinations

Charlotte, North Carolina

With Southern hospitality and a growing healthcare sector, North Carolina beckons nurses with an inviting atmosphere. The state’s lower cost of living ensures both professional growth and the opportunity to explore picturesque landscapes.

Phoenix, Arizona

Arizona’s increasing demand for medical professionals presents a golden opportunity for RNs. Beyond bustling cities, the state’s natural beauty becomes a canvas for professional fulfillment and personal exploration.

Boston, Massachusetts

Home to prestigious hospitals, Massachusetts values education, research, and healthcare excellence. RNs can immerse themselves in a state that provides a rich environment for professional development.

Atlanta, Georgia

Georgia’s booming healthcare industry and lower cost of living make it an appealing destination. RNs can make a difference in diverse communities, contributing to a tapestry of experiences in various healthcare settings.

Columbus, Ohio

Located centrally, Ohio serves as a launchpad for nursing careers. The state’s commitment to healthcare education and community health initiatives creates a nurturing environment for professional growth.

Denver, Colorado

Where adventure meets healthcare, Colorado offers an ideal destination for RNs seeking satisfaction and excitement. The unique fusion of adventure and healthcare makes Colorado a thrilling location for travel nursing jobs.

Embark on a travel nursing adventure across the United States, from the skyscrapers of New York to the southern charm of Texas. These top 10 exciting travel nursing destinations promise a fulfilling and impactful nursing career, providing opportunities for personal and professional growth. Explore the healthcare landscape coast to coast and find your perfect fit for a rewarding journey in travel nursing.

We hope you found this article on the top 10 exciting travel nursing destinations for 2024 helpful. Are there any travel nursing destinations we missed or do you think should be added? Comment them below.

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