September 5, 2018

5527 Views

Best Road Trip Stops from LA to Seattle

Posted on September 5, 2018May 20, 2021 by The Gypsy Nurse

So it’s that time again; your next adventure awaits! We saw some of you lovely people reaching out for the best road trip stops from LA to Seattle and based on your responses we made you a quick little cheat sheet! Here’s a list of the best attractions, nature and grub for your next 13 week adventure on the West Coast.

Redwood National Park-

There’s just not many things that can make you feel as small on this big planet then standing next to a mammoth tree in California’s Redwood forests. This park for instance is home to tallest of all the redwood trees. For the Instagram savvy, you may want to stop at the Drive-Thru Park and pay $5 to drive through one and get to snap a quick picture to prove it!

Cannon Beach –

Cannon Beach is truly like a dream come true. Celebrated as one of America’s 10 most beautiful towns on the West Coast, there’s a little something to captivate everyone. Personally, I like exploring and taking in the sights, so Haystack Rock would be a must for me to enjoy the landscape, the areas Tufted Puffins and the beautiful marine life in the tide pools. For those more adventurous, you should check out the zip-line tours, surf classes or even a helicopter ride!

Yosemite –

Found in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite and it’s indescribable beauty is on most adventurers bucket list. It’s best known for it’s breathtaking waterfalls, but has nearly 1,200 square feet of landscape to roam and explore. Camping sites are available for tents, as well as RV’s, if have a few days to unwind and enjoy in the great outdoors.

Crater lake-

With it’s crystal clear and nearly pristine fresh water, Crater Lake is a must-see for those traveling through Oregon’s,Cascade Mountain Range. This beauty was created nearly 7,700 thousand years ago from volcanic eruption that caused a mountain peak to collapse. The water gets it fascinating beauty from rain and snow, and is the deepest lake in the United States!

Monterey –

Roll down Highway 1 and take in all that Monterey has to offer. Like the rest of these sites, there is so much beauty in nature that it’s hard to make a short list! Some of the top attractions are famous Bixby Bridge on the way to Big Sur, hang-gliding above Marina State Beach and diving deep with the scuba team at Seven Seas Scuba. If you’re lucky enough to travel with your significant other, you have to check out Lover’s Point in Pacific Grove.

Do you have any other suggestions? Places I’m crazy to have not mentioned? Drop a comment below and let us know! We love hearing about your experiences so we can share them with our growing gypsy community!

By The Gypsy Nurse

August 25, 2018

14452 Views

How and Why You Should Become a Travel Nurse

Posted on August 25, 2018June 5, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

Nurses are in higher demand than ever, especially since many will soon retire. According to at least one study, the U.S. will need to add at least 5.6 million new healthcare professionals by 2020, and 4.6 million will need some college education. All of this adds up to a rosy future for travel nurses. Sign on with a travel nursing agency, and you can take temporary positions around the country or even abroad. You’ll receive competitive pay and benefits and the ability to work as much or as little as you want. Many agencies provide you with housing and travel reimbursements.

Benefits of Being a Travel Nurse

Perhaps the primary benefit of working as a travel nurse is the ability to travel. The typical travel nursing assignment lasts about 13 weeks, so you’ll have the opportunity to spend more than three months exploring a new city or rural area. Perhaps you love skiing — wouldn’t it be nice to spend three months of the winter in Colorado? Or maybe you like the beach — you could spend time working in Florida, California, or even Hawaii. Nurses are in high demand everywhere, so there’s no limit to where you can go as a travel nurse. Nursing already offers great flexibility, but travel nursing offers even more than standard staff positions. You can work anywhere from four weeks to an entire year, then take a month off if you prefer.

You can expect to earn more money than an ordinary staff nurse — as of June 2023, pay packages range from $2,000 per week gross and up. Many agencies offer 401(k) plans with contribution matching, and you can qualify for medical and dental benefits. You can be reimbursed for continuing education or receive opportunities for free continuing education credits. Housing is also covered — you’ll either receive a housing allowance commensurate with the area’s cost of living or be assigned free housing offered by the hospital where you work. Perhaps best of all, you’ll have the opportunity to experience how hospitals and clinics in different parts of the country and world do things and to improve your patient care skills thanks to the experience.

How to Become a Travel Nurse

To become a travel nurse, you will first need to earn a nursing degree and pass the NCLEX to obtain your RN. Once you’re an RN, you should work in a hospital for at least a year to gain the experience you’ll need to make yourself an attractive travel nurse candidate. A certification in your specialty can also help you gain a travel nursing position.

Most travel nurses work for a travel nursing agency that places qualified nurses in positions around the country. You’ll receive most of your benefits, including health care, housing, retirement, and travel reimbursement, from the agency itself, not from the hospitals where you work. Usually, you’ll be interviewed by a hiring manager at the agency; you may or may not also be interviewed by a unit manager at the hospitals and clinics to which you travel for assignments. Most travel nurses have preferences for where they would like to travel, and you always have the option to accept or decline a contract. In addition, the agency will do its best to place you as close as possible to your preferred city.

Travel nursing is a great career option for a nurse passionate about travel. It’ll allow you to see the country and the world, learn from a greater variety of healthcare professionals, make new friends, and have experiences that will be the envy of your loved ones back home. Give travel nursing a try, and start making the most of your life.

By The Gypsy Nurse

August 18, 2018

89449 Views

Travel Nurse Guide Introduction

Posted on August 18, 2018January 4, 2024 by The Gypsy Nurse

As many of you know, The Gypsy Nurse Travel Nurse Guide has helped hundreds of would-be travel nurses over the years get started on their travel adventures. Where to start travel nursing? The Gypsy Nurse Travel Nurse Guide is a great travel introduction for nurses trying to decide if this is the path they want to take.

In this travel nursing guide, I’ll be breaking down each of the following steps into easy-to-follow directions. It is recommended that you follow them in order. If you have any questions that aren’t covered in our travel introduction, please feel free to join our network on Facebook and post them there: Travel Nurse Network – The Gypsy Nurse or contact us directly here.

Using the Travel Nursing Guide

Knowing where to start when you’re a new travel nurse can be a bit daunting. Due to this, we’ve broken our travel nursing guide down into easy-to-digest snippets. The guide is designed so that you can jump into it at any point. However, it’s recommended that you use the travel nursing guide beginning at Step #1. Even if you have already completed a travel nurse contract, this guide will help you to be better prepared. Furthermore, our agencies tell us that members that follow the guide are more organized and ready to tackle travel nurse challenges.

Travel Nurse Guide: Assessment

When you are thinking about travel nursing and just don’t know how to start, we recommend that you go through these steps to figure out if travel nursing is right for you. Additionally, completing these steps will make you better at effectively communicating your needs to the agency.

Step #1: Determine Why You Want to Travel
Step #2: What Do You Want/Need out of Travel?
Step #3: Where and When Are You Willing to Go?
Step #4: Understanding the Myths
Step #5: Know Your Deal-Breakers

Travel Nurse Guide: Planning

Now that you’ve decided to start travel nursing, here is where the work begins. Completing all of these steps will help you start travel nursing with ease. Planning is your key to success!

Step #6: Building your Travel Portfolio
Step #:7 Research Travel Nurse Agencies
Step #8: Submission of Your Profile
Step #:9 Working With Your Recruiter(s)
Step #:10 Prepare For the Interview
Step #:11 Preliminary Contract Negotiations
Step #:12 Determine if The Job is A Good Fit
Step #:13 Sealing the Deal
Step #:14 Get Ready for the Journey
Step #:15 Packing for the Travel Nurse
Step #:16 Prepare Your Vehicle
Step #:17 Keeping Track of the Paperwork
Step #:18 Make It A Great Road-Trip

Travel Nurse Guide: Implementation

The first travel nursing assignment is usually the most intimidating. You’re heading into an unknown world, and we’re here to help with every step of the way. From your arrival at your new location all the way through the entire contract, we provide a guide on what you need to focus on. Above all, this guide is designed to ease some of those fears.

Step #:19 Arrival On Location
Step #:20 Settling In (unpacking and finding the necessities)
Step #:21 The countdown Begins: Your Travel Nurse Assignment Day One
Step #22 How to Make the Most of Your Travel Nurse Contract
Step #23 Travel Nurse Contract – 8 Weeks to go
Step #:24 Travel Nurse Contract – 4 Weeks to Go
Step #:25 Travel Nurse Contract – 2 Weeks Left
Step #26: The Final Week
Step #27: Wash….Rinse…Repeat!!

We hope you find this travel nurse guide helpful. If there are items that you feel should be addressed here, please let us know in the comments below.

Finished the travel nursing guide and are ready to look for an assignment?

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

By The Gypsy Nurse

August 17, 2018

16071 Views

Beat the Boredom: Travel Nursing Activities and Ideas

Posted on August 17, 2018January 16, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

“What activities did you do on your travel nursing assignment in ___________?”

You are going to have a really hard time answering that if you don’t get out and explore and see what is out there!

Most recruiters will tell you that their travelers are most happy on assignment when they are out and about and enjoying their temporary home and exploring their community, outside of work. Getting our and about is a great way to fend off homesickness, even for the most experienced #GypsyNurse. Even if you do not know what to do, no worries! We have collected some great ideas from fellow travelers, just like you. Even if you do not have hobbies, or you might be kind of shy- there are still ways for you to get out and enjoy your surroundings. The key is to get out and take that first step.

Beat Travel Nurse Boredom

Here is list of a few ideas that were submitted by fellow travelers. There is sure to be something that will appeal to you.

Meetup.com – a website dedicated to helping people in a specific geographic area meet up, get together, and plan outings or get togethers.
Local parks- these are great places to sit, relax, get some fresh air, maybe read a book. Maybe hike the trails and enjoy nature (pick up a book at the library on local birds or wildlife)
Bike rentals- great exercise alone or with a group
Ask the locals- a great conversation opener with coworkers. Ask them what they like to do for fun, and then invite them along!
Geocache- fantastic way to get out and adventure, locating little hidden caches that are placed in specific areas. Geocaching.com has a great explanation, and list of caches by city.
Google the ‘Top 10’ things to do in the area- great way to get local recommendations on restaurants, festivals, historic locations, etc.
A lot of people like antiques, or second hand stores, etc. Spend a day off exploring the shops and you might find something unique to remind you of your assignment to take home.
Chamber of Commerce- this is a great resource for local activities. For Example: strawberry picking, peanut festival (Virginia)

Are you stuck in your comfort zone?
Gypsy Nurse Ambassador, Patricia Carter said, “Some people are simply afraid to get out of their comfort zone. The activities, events & festivals are there, you just have to want to get out & explore. What I do varies with location. I am on the East Coast. I am a Ballroom Dancer, I don’t leave home without my dance shoes ! I ask the Nurses I work with that live in the area…. best recommendation! They can tell you where not to go! There are day City Tours , Hiking , Dance Studios, Restaurants. I find out if there are other Travelers in the hospital & organize a Meet & Greet.”

Check the Network group on Facebook for local Meet & Greets! If you do not see one posted, create one! Baseball games, football games, museum tours, etc. There are so many things to go and see and do! The key is getting out and doing them! Make memories on your assignments. If you like taking pictures then go explore your surroundings, and take your camera with you. You never know what you may find.

Suggestions, Suggestions

TripAdvisor.com has a list of free things to do in just about any area.
Check out the state/city website. Most have a website with a list of local free or “Under $25” activities.
Ask your waitress, or bartender what they recommend. They can be a wealth of information on fun, interesting things to do in the local area, or within a short drive.

Apps, Apps, Apps- one overwhelming response from fellow travelers was see what apps are available for a specific area. They are usually loaded with great ideas on what is going on around you.

As active as our jobs are you would think that we get enough exercise, not necessarily, and the more active you are, the healthier you are. Look up local running or walking clubs. You would be surprised how many people get together and just walk, or even go running together. Check out the local YMCA for Zumba classes, yoga, swimming, or dance classes.

If you are fortunate enough to be in a coastal area, why not try snorkeling, scuba diving, or even surfing. Community centers are a great place to learn arts and crafts, painting, pottery, even take a photography class.

Another great suggestion is check out Groupon or Living Social for local activities that are going on or coming up in the area, or within a short drive. Better yet, get a group of other travelers together and make a day of it.

In the winter months you might be a little more limited, but you can still get out and enjoy yourself. What a perfect time to take a beginner skiing class, or even snowboarding! Check with the locals! They can tell you the best non-touristy things to see and do. Ask around at work- several of the travel nurses on the Network ice skate and the first thing they do is search out the local rink.

Regardless of what you choose to do for fun while you are on assignment, make sure you get out and explore your surroundings. You never know what is out there if you do not get out and go!

Don’t forget to post your adventures on the Travel Nurse Network and submit your photos here

By Focus Staff

August 8, 2018

6361 Views

3 Ways to Save Money on Housing

Posted on August 8, 2018October 16, 2023 by Focus Staff

This is a sponsored post by: Focus Staff

Working as a travel healthcare professional allows you to make plenty of money. Of course, as a wise man once said, “mo’ money, mo’ problems.” If you aren’t careful with your finances, you also run the risk of spending lots of money. Housing is sure to be one of your biggest expenses. Fortunately, there are ways to cut down on your housing costs. Interested? Here are three ways to save money on housing as a travel healthcare professional.

The “shared economy” is the newest thing. From Uber to AirBnb, people are offering up their cars/houses and rooms these days. Some websites that facilitate this are (www.roommates.com, www.airbnb.com, www.TravelNursingCentral.com, www.SpareRoom.com, www.vrbo.com, industry and community Facebook groups, and even www.meetup.com for social networking.)

Sometimes getting a hotel/motel for the first week or two and then discussing options with colleagues at your new facility is the best way to find awesome deals and potential roommate situations.

2. Take advantage of sites designed specifically for traveling healthcare providers searching for a place to stay.

Several websites, such as FurnishedFinder.com, put you in direct contact with property owners who are offering affordable housing options for traveling nurses. In addition to getting a great price that includes utilities, you can rest assured that the property is in a safe neighborhood and fully furnished. There are entire homes for rent and single rooms, which may be ideal if you are traveling on your own and don’t plan to have frequent visitors. As a bonus, you’ll save even more money by renting a room. NurseHousing.com is another site worth visiting. If you aren’t sold on renting an entire home or staying with someone else, visit sites geared toward business professionals who often travel for extended periods of time. For example, HotelEngine.com reports they can save you as much as 60% off public hotel rates.

3. Take advantage of loyalty programs and corporate discounts.

Most hotels offer some loyalty program for repeat guests, which is definitely something you’ll want to look into as a travel healthcare professional. The more you stay, the more points you accrue, which can be redeemed for free or discounted vacation nights. Bahamas, Cancun, Paris? Who knows where travel points can take you. In some cases, you may be able to redeem points for gift cards to various restaurants and stores. Although this may not save you money specifically on housing, it will help out other parts of your budget.

A Bonus Tip

There is one other option you may want to consider. If you prefer to take assignments in more rural areas where housing options are limited, you may want to invest in a camper. Campgrounds are usually more accessible. Yes, you’ll have the upfront cost associated with purchasing a camper, as well as the maintenance costs, but you’ll never have to worry about looking for a place to stay. Even better, you won’t have to concern yourself with packing because you’ll already have everything you need. Super bonus tip – you can roast marshmallows and make s’mores in the evening. Who doesn’t like marshmallows and s’mores? Win, win, win.

Finally, don’t forget to find out if the company you work for offers a housing stipend. Even if they don’t, it never hurts to ask. You’re an awesome talent so they might make an exception.

By The Gypsy Nurse

August 3, 2018

5593 Views

10 Spots To Get Back To Nature In Oklahoma City

Posted on August 3, 2018May 20, 2021 by The Gypsy Nurse

This is a guest post by Sarah Miller

As a travel nurse, you likely spend most of your day worrying about the well-being of others. Being on the road and on your feet for a majority of the day can certainly take its toll on your own mental and physical well-being. Now, if you’ve already had the opportunity to explore Oklahoma City, you’ll know it is a big friendly city full of garage sale fanatics, outstanding comfort food, and home of the Oklahoma City Thunder Basketball team.

Aside from the hustle and bustle of any city though, are nature’s wonders. When your work environment is exhausting and stressful–take a break from it all by relaxing in one of these stunning natural spots in Oklahoma City.

Myriad Botanical Gardens

These botanical gardens are some of the city’s most beloved public areas, offering over fifteen acres of natural space to unwind. The park is home to a children’s garden, off-leash dog park, and several splash fountains. The gardens also feature dozens of walking and jogging paths and even offer educational programs and workshops to help you fully engage in the diverse ecosystem you are surrounded by. With so much to explore, it’s easy to get lost in this urban oasis.

Martin Park Nature Center

This nature center advertises itself as “more than just a park,” and if you’re looking for a place to unwind, that statement couldn’t be closer to the truth. This serene location offers an interactive learning center and quiet woodland trails spanning over two and a half miles. The park also features a visitor center with live animals and an ADA accessible trail.

Will Rogers Gardens

The Will Rogers Gardens offers several themed walking areas, including the Will Rogers Garden exhibition Center, the Margaret Annis Boys Arboretum, and the Charles E. Sparks Color Garden. You’ll unwind by traversing around one of the parks’ many walkways, enjoying rose gardens and beautifully cultivated landscaping features. This city park offers hands-on gardening exhibitions and horticultural classes, allowing you to learn and kick back at the same time.

Earlywine Park

Earlywine Park, encompassing nearly one hundred acres, offers a more active spin on outdoor recreation, offering visitors tennis courts, an aquatic center, and a golf course. Of course, the park is also home to multiple walking and running trails, allowing you to choose between a group or solo relaxation adventure.

Lake Hefner

This reservoir lake is a great place to spend a day, it is a popular spot for sailing and fishing, but is also a great place to take a deep breath. The lake features a lighthouse, and offers scenic trails that are well maintained and provide a spot for deep relaxation.

Crystal Bridge

Crystal Bridge offers an outdoor experience just outside of the ordinary. This cylindrical greenhouse is home to dozens of waterfalls, along with over seven hundred different types of plants. You can traverse this greenhouse on elevated walkways, and we guarantee that just one look at the expansive greenery in this center will make you feel more tranquil almost immediately.

Arcadia Lake

Arcadia Lake is a man-made lake and is a haven for water sports enthusiasts and anglers alike. That being said, this spot offers a leisurely retreat for hikers, bikers, and swimmers as well. If you’re looking for an outdoor retreat that will allow you to get up close and personal with some of Oklahoma’s wildlife, this is the place to go.

Mitch Park

Mitch Park is well within the city limits, but you’d hardly know it by the relaxing experience it provides. This 280-acre park features paved trails and other recreational options, like a skate park and playground, so that you can get away from it all without having to travel far.

Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge

Another great spot to observe wildlife, this refuge is a haven for native flora and fauna. It also offers some excellent forest areas for hiking, bird watching, and kayaking, allowing you to enjoy the area’s native environment without having to drive for hours outside of the city.

South Lakes Park

This park spans over 150 acres and offers numerous amenities to the forever stressed population of Oklahoma City. Visitors enjoy soccer fields, walking trails, and fishing ponds, all within the comfort of the Oklahoma City limits.

It can be tough to find time to relax and unwind with your busy schedule. However, by taking a moment to breathe deep in one of these outdoor spots in Oklahoma City, you’ll likely find yourself more energized, invigorated, and ready to return to your important career.

Sarah Miller is a writer, self-claimed nutritionist, and CrossFit junkie. She spends most of her time meal prepping and actively trying to beat personal records in the gym, but always enjoys a meditative walk through a nearby woodland area or near a lake.

By Health Providers Choice

July 19, 2018

24175 Views

Sick Pay Laws For Travel Nurses: When it Affects You

Posted on July 19, 2018April 29, 2024 by Health Providers Choice

This is a sponsored post by Health Providers Choice.

Many people in the United States face a tough choice when they get sick on a workday. For people in hourly positions, this can be especially painful since many hourly positions don’t offer paid sick or emergency leave.

You may have heard the United States is a no-vacation nation, but the lack of paid sick days is a major issue, especially in the health and hospitality industries. As a travel nurse, working while sick can potentially compromise patient health even further. So why do travel nurses feel they must choose between taking care of themselves or their bank accounts? Some paid sick leave laws are changing, positively impacting travel nurses.

Benefits of Paid Sick Leave

Even if they don’t affect travel nurses directly, paid sick days can make a huge difference in a community’s health. According to a 2016 study, areas requiring paid sick leave decreased the general flu rate by 5.5%. Allowing paid sick leave may help reduce turnover — and the associated costs — by workers leaving to seek positions with better benefits or by workers being fired after a serious illness.

Healthcare professionals come in anyway.

Paid and unpaid days aside, a survey found 83% of healthcare workers came to work sick at least once in the past year, even though 95% believed working while sick risked patient health. The main reason? They didn’t want to let their teams down or leave their units understaffed.

While admirable, we need to reassess how we view sick days in health care. Supporting sick leave within your own workplace and in your state can do just that.

The state of sick leave in the United States

Thirteen states and Washington D.C. have enacted laws to require paid sick leave, upon meeting the requirements, applies to travel nurses. These states include Arizona, California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. However, state-specific requirements and employee eligibility vary.

Arizona requires at least one hour of paid sick leave per every 30 hours worked unless you already have at least 40 hours of paid time off.
California, Maryland, and Massachusetts require one hour for every 30 hours worked, but the ability to use accumulated sick days doesn’t start until 90 days after employment.
Connecticut requires one hour for every 40 hours worked for a maximum of 40 paid hours off a year. Employees can use these days after the first 30 days of employment.
New Jersey paid sick leave takes effect on Oct. 29, 2018. Per diem, healthcare employees are exempt from the mandate.
Oregon requires business owners with more than 10 employees to give employees 40 hours of sick leave at the start of each year.
Vermont states that people who are employed for less than 20 weeks are exempt from the paid leave mandate.
Like Connecticut employers, Washington employers must offer one hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours of work, but employees can’t use it until after 90 days of employment.

While some states may not have statewide policies, certain cities within those states could have their own sick leave mandates. For a more detailed list, click here.

By The Gypsy Nurse

September 19, 2017

17492 Views

Travel Nurse Banking

Posted on September 19, 2017May 19, 2021 by The Gypsy Nurse

In Step #14 of the travel nurse guide, we discussed knowing in advance what your bank allows and doesn’t when it comes to traveling. This is an important and often overlooked step. Now let’s take a closer look at the banking aspect of Travel Nursing.

Travel nurse banking should be a non-issue, right? Wrong. There are multiple potential complications for the travel nurse when it comes to banking.

You should consult with you bank before you leave home and cover these basic questions:

Is there a local branch at my assignment location?
Does the bank offer online check deposit?
Will I incur ATM fees and are they refundable?
Are my withdraw limits something that I can live with?
How do I resolve Fraud Alerts/blocks on my account?
If my bank cards are lost or stolen, what information will I need to obtain a new card?
Does your bank offer free online bill pay?

It doesn’t happen often but what happens if your company didn’t get your direct deposit set up on time for your first paycheck and you are issued a paper check?
Receiving a paper check and having no local branch can be frustrating. This issue has been resolved in most cases by the mobile apps that are now available for check deposit. Find out if your bank offers this as an option.

There isn’t a local branch or ATM. How do you handle the ATM fees?
ATM fees can add up quickly. Some banks will refund these as a curtosey to customers on a monthly basis. If your bank doesn’t refund these fees, there are other options. Most department stores ie Wal-Mart, K-Mart, etc. will allow cash back with no ATM fee with a purchase. This option however depends on you making a purchase in order to avoid bank fees.

I recommend talking to your bank about their ATM policies and considering if the cost is avoidable. Your bank may have ‘partner’ banks in the area that you are unaware of. If your bank doesn’t offer a way to avoid these fees, figure out in advance how you will deal with withdraws. There are several options available:

– Budget and plan your weekly expenses so you only have one ATM withdraw weekly.
– Assess you need for additional cash EVERY time you make an ATM purchase and have an opportunity for a fee-free cash withdraw.
– Find a different bank option that will allow no ATM fees

Do you know what your daily withdraw and purchase limits are? If your wallet is lost or stolen you will want to minimize the potential amounts that would be available to a thief.
If your bank has automatically set your withdraw and purchase limits, they may be well above what you even need. Find out what the limits are and determine if they can be lowered. If you rarely make a purchase above $500, there is no need to have your purchase limit set at $1500. If your maximum cash withdraw is never above $200 then change this as well.

When I initially called my bank to have my limits lowered they were floored. They couldn’t understand why I wanted my limit lower and not higher. I live pretty frugally day to day and the limits were way over what I would ever need on a routine basis. I explained to the bank that if my wallet was stolen I would rather the thief only be able to hit my account for $500 instead of $1500 and they began to see my logic.

What happens if I lower my ATM/Withdraw limits and need to make a purchase or withdraw that is over my pre-set limit?

If you have analyzed your spending habits thouroughly and have set an appropriate limit, this should happen only rarely. This is very easy to adjust while on the road. Simply phone your bank and ask for a one-time withdraw or purchase. The bank should be able to set this up right away and you’ll be on your way to big spending.

In addition to minimizing your potential losses if your bank cards are stolen, having a lower limit will cause you to contemplate any large purchases. It’s a great way to curb any impulse spending.

Have you ever been standing at the check-out line with a full basket of groceries only to have the teller inform you that your card was denied?
As a service to it’s customers, banks will place automatic holds on your account for any suspicious activities. It can be frustrating if this happens but it’s important to remember that this is for your protection. Help the bank help you by communicating with them. How were they to know that you were going to be living in Seattle for 3 months? If you have never had transactions from the opposite coast and suddenly you have 10 of them, this will set off a fraud alert and lock you out of your account until it’s resolved.

This has happened to me and beyond the annoyance of having to figure out why, it was the pure embarassment of the situation that stands out in my memory. You can’t totally prevent this from ever happening but you can reduce the potential. All it takes is a simple call to your bank and inform them that you will be traveling. They will need the dates of travel as well as the locations. Don’t forget to include any surrounding states or areas that you think you might want to explore while on contract.

What do I need to know if my wallet is stolen while on contract?
I’ve had my wallet stolen only once while on contract. I happy that it was only once but it was a near nightmare to deal with. Along with the fear that goes with any theft, there was a myraid of things that were just difficult to deal with gettiing replaced while away from home.

Banks will NOT mail your new bank card to any address other than your primary address listed on your account. This is important to know especially if you only have one bank. My first recommendation is to always have two banks and have them linked together. If your ATM card is lost or stolen, you can easily transfer money to the alternate bank and at least be able to buy gas and groceries until you receive the new card.

Have a back-up credit card or savings account in case of emergency with enough available balance to cover anything unexpected.

NEVER keep all of your cards in the same place. Having two accounts will do you no good if they are both lost or stolen.

Depending on how you have set up your mail, it could take a week or two to receive your new bank card in the mail. What would you do if you couldn’t access your account?

You should always have important banking phone numbers available. It’s a good idea to make a paper or digital copy of the front/back of all of your credit cards and save in a secure location in case of theft/loss.

Is online bill pay an option?
The advantages of online bill pay for the traveler are tremdous. I have utilized online bill pay for several years now and can’t imagine going back to paper bills. As travelers, receiving mail can be timely. By the time you have received a bill it may be just days to a due date. If your like me and don’t read your mail quickly, you could easily be facing paying something late.

There are many options available for online bill pay. From fully automated scheduling to single payments. Once you have set up the online bill pay schedule that you are comfortable with, it can nearly eliminate not only the paper piles but also the monthly headaches.

Are there other questions that you have regarding banking while on contract? Do you have tips to add to the list above?

By The Gypsy Nurse

September 30, 2016

8275 Views

Life of a Traveler – Leaving New Friends

Posted on September 30, 2016March 21, 2022 by The Gypsy Nurse

The following is a guest article written by: Michelle Lane, CNA

I love to meet new people! Perhaps for me, that is the best part of being a traveler. Well, that, and the fact that I get to go to a new place every 13 weeks! I love the adventure of getting on the airplane- the final destination, somewhere I have never been!

I am a new traveler, fresh off my first contract, and not even 8 days into my new one. I spent 16 weeks in Seward, AK and I made some really great friends and I think that made it even more difficult when it came time to leave! Everyone, from my onsite manager, all the way down to the maintenance guy in my apartment building were the nicest people, so helpful and genuinely wanting to help and make my time in Seward the most enjoyable. They not only succeeded, it made it very difficult when it came time to leave.

Text, Twitter®, Facebook® and Email! Oh My!

In our modern age of technology we are afforded so many options to keep in touch with people! It is like “Instant Gratification”. We may be thousands of miles away from our new found friends by the 14^th week of meeting them, but we are able to stay in contact instantly, when we choose to.

Through the invention of Facebook ® we can follow along in the lives of new and old friends, alike. You can send a text on their birthday by using wireless phones, or send and receive emails with pictures that you took of them while on assignment, and even follow them on Twitter® if you choose to. No longer do we have to wait weeks for a letter, or schedule a phone call when the rates are the lowest. Do you remember those days? (Or, did I just date myself? LOL) No way, we are of the technology age, baby! We can instantly keep in touch and maintain those new found friendships through so many options now!

It may not completely eliminate those feelings of sadness when it does come time to leave your new friends, but it is now easier than ever to keep in touch and maintain those friendships for years to come! So go out there and meet people, Gypsies! The friendships do not end when the assignment does!

Happy Traveling, my friends!

Michelle

Relationships while on the road can be a huge joy and a source of camaraderie. They can also blow up and cause drama and pain. Relationships are a part of life. The good ones, we want to hold onto forever and the bad…generally teach us something about ourselves if we are willing to take a minute to reflect on them. “Scrubbing In” a recent MTV reality series reflects both the good and bad in some of these relationships.

Would you like to share with The Gypsy Nurse readers your experiences with relationships on the road? Do you have a good or bad experience that left you reflecting on yourself or life? How have the relationships you’ve experienced impacted your life, attitude or outlook? If you would like to share your Travel Nursing experiences, please submit HERE.

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Provided by: Aya Healthcare

Our mission at Aya Healthcare is simple. When you’re happy, we’re happy. We put our heart and soul into creating the best possible travel nursing experience. With over 10,000 open assignments spanning all 50 states we can place you where you want to go, like sunny San Diego or near your favorite aunt in her small, quaint town in Ohio. We have an expert team to guide you and help you accomplish your travel nursing goals. You need help with licensure, we do that. Want assistance relocating? We’re on it. Dream of showing up to a beautiful, fully furnished apartment in your new city without lifting a finger? Done.

Let’s be honest- for all of the wonderful things traveling brings, it can also come with a bump or two. We leverage our thoughtfulness, experience, and skills to not only smooth over these bumps but anticipate and prevent them so you can spend more time focusing on what you care about. We even want to help you make friends and celebrate your birthday, so we send a pizza because co-workers workers quickly become friends over a hot slice of pizza! Rather than continue to tell you how great we are, we’d like to hear about what’s important to you. Feel free to give us a call and let us know!

Redwood National Park-

Cannon Beach –

Yosemite –

Crater lake-

Monterey –

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We hope you find this travel nurse guide helpful. If there are items that you feel should be addressed here, please let us know in the comments below.

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Happy Traveling, my friends!

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