September 10, 2023

2161 Views

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Location for a Travel Nursing Assignment

Posted on September 10, 2023September 10, 2023 by Providence Health Care Staffing

Providence Health Care Staffing provided this article.

Travel Nursing has certainly hit a spike in the last 15 years, and for good reason! One of the greatest things that nurses say about traveling for their job is the ability to add a checkmark on their bucket list. The expansion of travel nursing over time has come with the abundance of new locations and destinations to explore and the ability to do so every few months. However, with great adventure comes great consideration to ensure the best and most rewarding experience. Below are just a few things that are important to consider when you’re planning your next adventure, aka your travel nursing assignment!

Factors to consider when choosing a location for a travel nursing assignment:

Job market demand

The travel nursing industry is known to ebb and flow, with high highs and low lows at times. This makes it important to research the job market and demand in the area that you wish to go. You want to make sure that you are looking for locations with good healthcare systems, different kinds of facilities in place, and a need for temporary staffing. Keep in mind that the higher demanding areas tend to pay higher as well.

Licensing and certification

In order to travel to certain places, you will need specific licensure and certifications. Before you commit, make sure that you are licensed in that state, as some states require a compact nursing license, and others require a single state. You will also need to look into the procedures for obtaining these licenses and certifications, you’ll need to allow time to receive these as they vary in timeliness. The more licenses you are able to receive, the more flexibility you’ll have to travel!

Cost of living and compensation

When considering your next location, you will need to look at the cost of living in that area and compare that cost to the pay package you are being offered. Take time to look at things like housing costs, gas prices, groceries, medical expenses, and so on. You want to make sure that you aren’t losing money on your assignment due to the high living costs in that area, so comparing those factors will help you live more comfortably during the duration of your travel nursing assignment.

Safety and Security

Safety and health are some of the top things to consider when prioritizing your needs for travel. Try to talk with people and law enforcement in that area prior to moving and do your own research on what the crime and safety rates are in the location. Likewise, ensure that the facility you will be working with has a good reputation for following safe protocols in the workplace so that your license won’t be in jeopardy at any point.

Lifestyle and recreation

Take a moment to think about what your ideal lifestyle is! Is it in a mountainous region? Do you prefer it cold? Or is it in a large city with a big skyline? Research the local activities before deciding, like hiking trails, shopping malls, museums, restaurants, and so on. Make sure these things pique your interest and align with your personal preferences.

Support and resources

Research travel nursing resources by ensuring that the area you are traveling to gives support to travelers and has experience with working with traveling nurses. You will want to look for possible housing assistance, orientation, license protection, and ongoing support for the duration of the assignment. Having support from the facility that you work at and the agency that you work for can enhance your entire experience as you travel.

To conclude, choosing a destination is much deeper than just finding a facility that has a need for your specialty. Your own personal needs play a huge part in your experience and should be weighed out accordingly. Considering every aspect of your assignment will help you in your professional and personal goals as a travel hero!

We hope you found this article on factors to consider when choosing your travel nursing assignment location. If you have any tips to share with fellow travel healthcare workers, please comment them below.

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

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

START HERE

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

By Nomad Health

September 9, 2023

3146 Views

Frontline Feedback: What Traveling Nurses Can Tell Us About Career Satisfaction

Posted on September 9, 2023November 28, 2023 by Nomad Health

Nomad Health provided this article.

By Valerie Gale, RN, BSN, MOAM, vice president of clinical excellence, Nomad Health

A nursing shortage that began in 2012 continues and, in fact, has gotten much worse. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) has reported that 100,000 registered nurses (RN) have left the field since 2020, and roughly 900,000 will follow suit by 2027. A pandemic, stress, and burnout have taken a toll, so much so the Biden-Harris Administration has just committed $100 million to training more nurses and growing the workforce.

Our company wanted to see what could be done to turn the tide, so we reached out to our traveling clinicians to understand what keeps them in the profession. Foremost, we found more than three quarters were satisfied with their most recent travel job, while only half could say the same about their last permanent staff assignment post. That’s the start of frontline feedback providing insight into the attraction of travel assignments and what motivates RNs.

A means to motivate

For staff clinicians, issues with patient-to-nurse ratios, long shifts, and hospital politics were not only a recipe for burnout; they were a catalyst for exploring traveling opportunities. Still, more than 80% of respondents note higher pay and being able to attain financial goals as the top motivators for pursuing travel positions.

Drilling down further, additional reasons in order of significance include freedom and flexibility, adventure, better work-life balance, and the ability to focus on patients versus hospital politics. Clearly, having more control over their own journeys – including their personal lives, careers, and workplaces – are key to higher satisfaction.

What’s more, after experiencing the freedom and flexibility that comes with a traveling position, more than 40% of respondents ruled out ever returning to a permanent staff role. And while some clinicians did opt to return to staff positions, the decisions were usually driven by family obligations and a need for increased stability.

Criteria for compensation

When it came to actually choosing a travel assignment, pay was the primary motivator from respondents at 26%, whereas the location of a particular assignment came in a close second at 20%. Rounding out the top five motivators were the way an entity structures shifts, the facility itself, and contract length, all hovering around 10%.

We also asked our traveling clinicians to rank the perks and benefits they find most important in a compensation package. Among the many options, the top 10 they consider most are:

Pay rate guarantee: 18%
Housing stipend: 14%
Travel reimbursement: 12%
Paid time off (between assignments): 8%
Licensing and certification reimbursement: 7%
Affordable healthcare plan: 7%
Retirement contributions, 401k matching: 5%
On-assignment support: 5%
Access to retirement contributions/401k: 5%
Scrubs reimbursement: 4%

Safe and supported

When considering a specific position at a facility, flexibility in scheduling (14%) and patient-to-staff ratios (13%) were what traveling clinicians cared about most.

While these factors are critical to practitioners, others associated with feeling safe and supported also influence their assignment choices. In order of importance, these include Facility reputation, floating frequency, charting systems, a chance for overtime, time off, onboarding, parking, floating parameters, number of clinicians, and lunch breaks.

A healthy sample of allied health professionals participated in our survey, too, encompassing a range of diagnostic, therapeutic, and support positions. The most important factors for these professionals were thorough onboarding and the number of clinicians assigned to a unit. In general, this group is newer to traveling roles, so it makes sense they place greater emphasis on a facility’s onboarding and staffing ratios when evaluating offers.

Upon completion of their first assignment, and across all respondents, money dropped 8% as a motivator, though it remained foremost. At the same time, greater work-life balance and being able to focus more on patients (and not politics) saw an uptick in importance.

Satisfaction in staying

The majority of nurses saw workloads increase during the pandemic. They were left emotionally drained and physically exhausted, and many were left questioning their careers. The current shortage of RNs is now being exacerbated by the aging of Baby Boomers and their growing need for health care. And the fact that nursing schools in the U.S. are struggling to expand capacity makes the situation even more unsettling.

These factors make recruitment and retention top priorities and essential to warding off a health crisis. To get to the heart of why RNs are leaving the profession, it is important to consider frontline feedback that highlights the reasons why they are staying as well.

For additional data, please visit the Nomad Health Job Satisfaction Index.

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

Valerie Gale, RN, BSN, MAOM, is vice president of clinical excellence at Nomad Health. In this role, she leads the clinical excellence team, which is charged with educating and coaching travel clinicians through their assignments to ensure they are delivering the highest quality patient care at health systems across the country. Valerie holds a Bachelor of Nursing degree from the University of Calgary and a master’s degree in Organizational Management from Dallas Baptist University.

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 Fusion Medical Staffing

September 8, 2023

3492 Views

Pet-Friendly Housing Options for Travel Nurses

Posted on September 8, 2023December 27, 2023 by Fusion Medical Staffing

Fusion Medical Staffing provided this article.

One of the most frequently asked questions about travel nursing is, “Can I travel nurse with pets?” The answer: definitely!

However, bringing your furry friend along on an assignment can present additional obstacles, such as finding pet-inclusive housing. Luckily, finding pet-friendly housing can be a breeze whether you go with agency-provided housing or a housing stipend. These are the most popular lodging options for travel nurses and their pets.

Pet-Friendly Housing Options for Travel Nurses

Extended-stay hotel

According to the American Kennel Club, about 75% of luxury, mid-scale, and economy hotels in the U.S. allow animals, making them one of the most common accommodations for travel nurses and their pets. No matter where you’re traveling to, you’re sure to find countless pet-friendly hotel choices near your travel nursing job.

One of the best parts of pet-friendly hotels is that they can take into consideration the unique needs of pet owners by often offering amenities like dedicated pet areas, pet treats, and toys. This type of lodging may also introduce you to a community of fellow responsible pet owners, promoting social interaction for both you and your four-legged family member.

Even better, you may be able to take advantage of discounted hotel rates for travel nurses. By living in an animal-friendly hotel environment, you can focus on your patients, knowing your companion animal is enjoying a safe and comfortable stay.

Airbnb rental

With thousands of properties spread across the country, choosing a pet-friendly Airbnb can make all the difference when travel nursing with a pet. From single rooms to entire houses, you and your pet can customize your Airbnb stay to find the temporary space that’s best for each of you.

Finding a pet-friendly Airbnb is easy — simply type where you want to go in the search bar and include the number of animals that are coming with you. That way, you can clearly see the results of property owners who allow companion animals, as well as the type and if any additional fees or pet deposits are required.

Airbnb’s pet-friendly options have become popular among travel nurses because they provide a home-like environment for you and your pet. That means that your furry friend can feel at ease and comforted while maintaining their normal routine, and so can you.

Short-term apartment lease

Prefer to furnish and decorate your own space? Interested in easy access to dog parks, walking trails, and vet clinics? An apartment in a pet-friendly city may be the right move for you.

Short-term apartment leases are a boon for travel nurses, especially those traveling with a pet. Many times, these residences feature amenities designed with pets in mind, like nearby parks and pet-sitting and grooming services. Additionally, most apartments offer flexible lease terms, including maintenance and utilities, perfect for travel nurses like you.

Mobile living

If packing your belongings (and your pet’s) every 13 or so weeks isn’t your thing, you might consider mobile living. From RV travel to campers to vans, you have options.

This travel nurse housing alternative provides a consistent living space for you and your pet, reducing the stress often associated with frequently changing environments. It also gives you greater flexibility by eliminating the need to follow pet restrictions and policies of different rental housing properties or hotels.

The best part is mobile living gives you the opportunity to explore and enjoy different locations with your furry friend by your side. Whether you opt for RV, camper, or van life, you can relish the perfect blend of comfort, companionship, and adventure.

Pet housing documentation

Whether you travel by plane, car, or train when travel nursing with your four-legged friend, it’s essential to have the right documentation to ensure a smooth journey and move into your temporary home.

Prior to your departure, you should secure a recent health certificate from your vet, confirming your pet’s good health, up-to-date vaccinations, and spay or neuter certifications, as many property managers and landlords will want to see these items.

You’ll also want to ensure your pet is licensed at your tax home and print the information along with your phone number on your pet’s tags. Being prepared with these documents will not only protect your pet but also avoid potential complications.

Having a pet companion with you on your travel nursing escapades can offer emotional support, reduce stress, and invoke a sense of home wherever you go. Don’t let temporary lodging stand in the way of travel nursing with your pet. Through these pet- and dog-friendly housing choices, you can fulfill your needs as well as your best furry friend’s.

We hope you found this article on pet-friendly housing options helpful. Have you found any other pet-friendly housing options that we didn’t mention? Comment them below.

If you would like to read more articles on travel healthcare with pets, click here.

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

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

START HERE

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

By Host Healthcare

September 6, 2023

2133 Views

9 Ways to Stay In Touch With Family While on Assignment

Posted on September 6, 2023 by Host Healthcare

Host Healthcare provided this article.

Whether you’re a nurse working long shift hours, a travel nurse on assignment far from home, or even just beginning to look for a travel RN position, being separated from your family can be emotional and exhausting. Missing holidays, milestones, or simple family time together isn’t easy for anyone.

But with some planning and a few tried-and-true tricks, you can turn your time away into something meaningful for all of you.

Not only does your family provide support, guidance, and love, but staying connected with them via phone calls, social media, or video chatting can actually keep you physically healthy.¹ So, if you’re wondering how to stay in touch while in travel healthcare, whether you are a medical assistant vs. nurse vs. doctor, read on for our 9 best tips to feel the family love when endless shift hours or long miles keep you apart.

Tips for Before You Head Out the Door

Before you ever set foot outside your family home, you can lay the groundwork for a positive separation by communicating with your family members with intention and compassion.

#1 Talk About It

It doesn’t matter if you’re a newlywed, a parent of young children, or a single professional whose pets, parents, and siblings are at home. You need to communicate with your family exactly what your absence will consist of.

Sharing the details of your separation with them, especially if you’re an OR travel nurse, will give everyone the timeline and framework they need to make sense of your absence. Some of the things you should share include:

Why you will be gone,
Where you’re going,
How long you’ll be gone,
How you will travel,
Where you will be staying
What you’ll be doing

#2 Make a Plan

Once your family understands the details of your impending absence, you can make a plan for how you will stay in touch during the hours and days apart. Letting them know that you will reach out through calls, text messages, and/or emails regularly will help alleviate some of the apprehension they might be feeling about your departure.

However, your plans need to be flexible enough that if they get changed, no one feels disappointed. It might be tempting to say, “I’ll call every night at 6 p.m., and we’ll video chat on Saturday morning at 9 a.m.” But remember, things come up. You don’t want your family waiting nervously for your call while you’re handling a work emergency.

Instead, tell your family, “I will do my best to call you daily. Sometimes it might be early, and sometimes it might be late. If I miss my call, just know I’m thinking about you.” While you’re away, you can also send text messages to your loved ones or maybe a close friend to share updates, let them know that you’re okay, and check in with any family members who may be missing you a little more than usual.

#3 Leave Something Important at Home

Do you have a favorite sweatshirt or a pillow that you love? As great as it is to have that comfort item with you on assignment, it might be even better to leave it for a loved one to cuddle. Especially for small children, having something with your scent on it will comfort them when they are missing you.²

Tips for While You’re Away

For a few people, the build-up to departure is the hardest time. For most, though, the actual absence is the hardest. Luckily, we have some ways to stay in touch with family to help you and your loved ones transition easily.

#4 Use Technology

Today’s technology can keep families connected across time and distance. Most people have smartphones, tablets, and computers that can access a program or an app to help them feel connected even when they’re miles apart.

Before you leave, check that you and your family have compatible technology. Do a little tutorial so that everyone knows how to access and use the agreed-upon apps. Some modes of communication that you should consider include:

Emailing
Text messaging
Chatting with apps like:
- WhatsApp
- Slack
- Telegram
Video calling:
- Zoom
- Skype
- Google Hangout
Blends of video calls, group chats, and texting:
- Facebook
- Instagram
- Snapchat

#5 Mail Something

It doesn’t have to be big, but a postcard or a little gift in the mail will brighten your family’s day. Similarly, if you are going to be at a location where you can receive mail, a handwritten surprise from home will warm you immeasurably, especially after a long shift.

#6 Bring Them to You

This isn’t always feasible, but bringing your family to you for a few days or a long weekend can transform separation into an anticipated vacation. Plus, it’ll give you and your loved ones time to reconnect and spend some quality time together—whether that’s wrapping yourself in your hotel’s finest robes and gorging on local delicacies while watching your favorite movies or TV show series or getting outside to explore local attractions. This can also help to keep a strong relationship with your long-distance family.

After You Return

Sometimes, the reunion can be the hardest part. If you’ve been away for a while or if you missed a major milestone, it can take a little time to reconnect with your family and friends and return to a sense of normalcy.

#7 Do Something Fun Together

Having something special to do together as soon as you return will give everyone an event to look forward to, as well as soften any feelings of anxiety or angst. This doesn’t have to be a major or expensive event (although that certainly would work, too). Just going to a movie, hanging out in the park, or taking a hike together can be a fun way to reconnect with a family member.

#8 Bring a Little Gift

Pulling a little surprise from your backpack or luggage will make both of you feel warm. Again, don’t think big—think creatively! Complimentary hotel shampoo bottles are fun and interesting for children, plus it gives them a little insight into where you have been. Keyrings, magnets, and postcards are inexpensive and easy to find, but they will show your extended family lots of love. Also, looking for these little gifts while you’re away will help you visualize your return.

#9 Don’t Guilt Yourself

No matter where you go or how long you are gone, remind yourself that your career is important. Family separation is normal, and with a little bit of planning, it doesn’t need to be strenuous. Just be sure that while caring for your patients and your family, you’re caring for yourself, too. Furthermore, if you are an RN returning to practice, this can be an overwhelming time for you to manage learning new requirements and being away from home, so give yourself some time to adjust.

Let Host Healthcare Help

At Host Healthcare, we want your experience as a travel nurse to be positive for you and your family. We pledge to always do our utmost to find you the best, high-paying travel nursing jobs to make your separation worthwhile.

Apply with us today to join an award-winning staff of healthcare professionals dedicated to making a difference in the lives of all those we care about. We’ll work with you to find the best opportunities for you and your family so you can continue to build meaningful relationships near and far.

Sources:

Compass. “The Importance of Family Ties.” WebMD, April 16, 2017, https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/guide/family-support#3
Leahy, Meghan. How to Stay Close to Kids When Work Requires Lots of Travel. The Washington Post, September 3, 2014, https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/on-parenting/how-to-stay-close-to-kids-when-work-requires-lots-of-travel/2014/09/02/8c5bbb18-2c6e-11e4-994d-202962a9150c_story.html

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

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

START HERE

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

By Jogan Health

September 4, 2023

2430 Views

Self-Care for Travel Nurses

Posted on September 4, 2023September 4, 2023 by Jogan Health

Jogan Health provided this article.

“Self-care.” It’s not just a buzzword on Instagram. It’s a crucial part of a happy and healthy lifestyle. And if you’re a travel nurse, you should be practicing self-care for travel nurses.

Learn why self-care is so important, especially for travel nurses, and quick ways you can implement self-care today.

Why Travel Nurses Should Practice Self-Care

Before jumping into what self-care nurses can do to prevent burnout. Let’s discuss why you should take extra care to pamper yourself outside of the workplace.

It’s no secret that nurses work under stressful situations. You only have to look as far as the COVID-19 pandemic to know that nurses are under pressure constantly.

However, aside from the physical demands of the profession, nurses are also “helping professionals.”

Helping professionals have a direct influence on the quality of life of individuals. This intimate contact can be rewarding, especially if you deeply care for others or desire to make a difference. A helping profession can also put nurses and other helping professionals, like doctors and mental health professionals, under a lot of stress because of the responsibility placed upon them.

This great responsibility can lead to compassion fatigue and nurse burnout, an occupational condition that impacts the mental, physical, and emotional state of nurses.

A good self-care routine can stave off nurse burnout and keep helping professionals healthy and happy as they navigate the often stressful environments they work in.

Self-Care For Travel Nurses to Unwind From a Long Shift

Self-care looks a lot different for every individual. Self-care for some nurses may mean a full night of uninterrupted sleep. Other self-care routines for nurses may look like a spa day and shopping therapy. No matter what your preference, all these self-care practices are valid.

That said, the following self-care tips for nurses are meant to be actionable steps you can immediately and build your self-care routine today.

Take a Mental Health Day

If you feel nurse burnout creeping up or are particularly stressed out, it may be time to take a break.

Although commonly mistaken, mental health days are not sick days. You do not need to be physically ill to take a mental health day. On the contrary, mental health days are days where you can psychologically take a break, leaving the stress at work and allowing you to refresh.

Tip: Beat burnout before it’s ever a problem! Scheduling mental health days in advance can help stave off burnout. It can also give you something to look forward to during especially busy times. Don’t wait until you’re dragging to ask for help. Schedule self-care and wellness in your calendar to stay at the top of your game.

Talk to Friends and Family

At the end of a long day, what do you do to unwind? Maybe you workout or lounge on the couch with your favorite sitcom. Consider adding spending time with friends and family to your list of work aftercare.

In “Pulse on the Nation’s Nurses Survey Series: Annual Assessment Survey,” 70% of nurses reported that spending time with their friends and family strengthened their well-being.

The Mayo Clinic reports that spending time with family and friends can increase a sense of belonging and purpose, improves our self-confidence and self-worth, and helps you cope with traumas.

Whether it be to vent after a particularly stressful day or be reminded of all the great things in your life, reach out to your invaluable community to practice self-care.

Eat a Healthy Diet and Drink Enough Water

It may be a simple ask, but let’s get pragmatic: What’s on your plate?

Do you spend the day loading up on goodies from vending machines? Or do you get to the end of the work day dehydrated?

Your nutrition and hydration play a giant role in your overall wellbeing. But, consider this, 75% of individuals are chronically dehydrated, leading to poor mental health, fatigue, and more.

On the flip side, Ppoper nutrition and hydration, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, helps adults:

Live longer
Supports muscles
Boosts immunity
Maintain digestive system function
Achieve and maintain a healthy weight

Meal prepping for a long shift with fruits, vegetable, and proteins of your choice can help your physical —and by proxy your mental health — throughout the workday. Likewise, sipping on water throughout the day can support your everyday activity.

Tip: Hydrating does not have to be a chore. Smart water bottles like HidrateSpark integrate with an app, offering recommendations of how much water to drink as well as reminding users when to drink throughout the day.

Conclusion

Helping professionals are uniquely positioned to make a direct impact on other’s lives. But, with great responsibility comes great stress. Get ahead of nurse burnout and practice self-care to maintain your physical, mental, and emotional health.

Did you learn something? Check out the Jogan Health blog to find more nurse lifestyle articles.

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

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

START HERE

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

By Staffmax Healthcare Staffing & Recruiting

September 2, 2023

1702 Views

Snow in September? It’s 100 Degrees Outside!

Posted on September 2, 2023September 2, 2023 by Staffmax Healthcare Staffing & Recruiting

Staffmax Healthcare Staffing and Recruiting provided this article.

Article was written by: Julie Hesseltine, RN, CNO, and Sr. Recruiter for Staffmax.

It isn’t time for snowflakes for most of us. After all, we are still hitting triple digits in most of the USA, and the beaches still have visitors. However, this morning was a chilly reminder that at any point in the coming 13 weeks, we could have a blizzard here in the Northern States. Two weeks ago, a friend of ours in the high mountain country of Wyoming was scraping frost off the windshields. Many of us have seen the first blizzard of the year in September and occasionally in August. It is time to prepare for winter assignments ahead of time. For travelers who are preparing to head northbound, be sure to think about what you are going to need for the winter months.

Tips for Cold Winter Assignments:

“Be sure to check your oil.”

That is what my dad used to always preach to his kids before leaving on a trip. Car maintenance is of utmost importance. Dad didn’t always tell us to check the radiator fluid to make sure it would withstand certain temperatures. If you are putting your own windshield wiper fluids into the chamber, be certain it is the winterized kind or that you have some with you. Change your blades, too, if they are getting old. Visibility is important, just as is traction on the road surfaces. What about your tires? All tires are NOT the same. If you are contracted to work where there is usually a fair amount of snow, and you permanently reside in an area that never sees those gorgeous, white, cold, icy flakes, make sure the tire man knows you want all-weather tires if you are getting new ones. Trust me, it will make your life better.

Keep a warm blanket and snacks in the car.

Something else that you may have never thought about was keeping a nice warm blanket in your car and some snacks. It is a good thing to have a small survival kit if you are going to be in an area far between towns. Growing up in a very rural part of the Midwest, I always keep a survival kit in my car, and there are usually 2 or three blankets as well as a small shovel and an extra pair of gloves. Sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it? Why in the world would one need things like this? It does happen that I have been darn happy to have those things when I was stuck in a snow drift waiting on help. Here is a short list of items you may want to keep in the kit: 1-2 candles, matches, some energy bars, candy bars, puzzle books and pencils, an extra pair of gloves or mittens, a good book to read, beef jerky, a few bottles of water, and a small empty can. The can is simply for filling with snow you will melt over the top of the candles so you have something to drink in an emergency. Battery charging cord. The hope is to never have to use anything in your kit at any point in time. But occasionally, people do get stranded or stuck in the snow. Caught in a blizzard or bad roads, these can be life-saving for those who have this. Just as some get caught stranded in the heat of the deserts without water and suffer, this will help you stay safe too.

Finally, it comes down to clothing.

Oh, how I hate to see people traveling in the wintertime wearing shorts. They could freeze to death if they were in an accident! But, by traveling with the appropriate clothing in one’s car, I guess they should be okay. Just be sure to pack and carry an extra jacket, and on those cold, blustery days, take a coat with you!

For many, this may seem like mere common sense.

But here in Nebraska and elsewhere, we may wake up to the birds chirping and the sun shining, 90 degrees by noon, raining in the afternoon with a heavy snowfall at night. We can pack a punch of all 4 seasons in one 24-hour span. Most importantly, drive slowly and with care. Icy and snowy roads aren’t so bad once you become accustomed to them. My cousin once told me a story about how everyone from Nebraska, South Dakota, etc., would park their cars when the roads were icy and there was any snow where she attended school because “those people down there didn’t know how to drive in those road conditions.

Soon there will be frost on the pumpkins, and we will all be wishing for spring once again. Be careful and safe travels.

We hope you found this article on preparing for winter assignments helpful. Do you have any tips you would like to share on how you prepare for winter assignments? Comment them below.

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

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

START HERE

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

By StaffDNA

September 1, 2023

1757 Views

What Travel Nurses Can Expect During This Year’s Post-COVID Flu Season

Posted on September 1, 2023September 1, 2023 by StaffDNA

StaffDNA provided this article.

For many nurses, this year has brought a sigh of relief. Mask mandates have been dropped, and Covid hospitalization rates are no longer blowing census numbers out of the water. It seems like the healthcare world has settled into its new, post-Covid normal.

For other healthcare workers, this might feel like unfamiliar territory. If you graduated with your nursing license during or after 2019, then nursing during the pandemic is the only healthcare world you’re familiar with, when sky-high travel nursing rates, paired with nonstop admissions, became the rule instead of the exception.

So the question is – What happens now? The regular flu season is upon us while Covid is no longer the presence. It was mid-pandemic. Many travel nurses are starting to think about what the market will look like over the next several months as we approach our first “normal” flu season since the pandemic first hit in 2020.

Last year

Last year’s flu season hit the pediatric population particularly hard, as babies born during the pandemic were not exposed to various strains of non-covid flu due to quarantine. This means they all went into their first unquarantined flu season with no immunities to regular flu strains. So RSV numbers were up, with the number of patients needing hospitalization and prolonged supplemental oxygen peaking at almost five times higher than rates the year before.

In addition, the respiratory season hit earlier than normal. Typically, hospitals will hire most of their “flu season” staff starting in late October or early November, with some hospital systems waiting as late as January.

For the 2022-2023 season, respiratory hospitalizations peaked in November, which left hospitals scrambling to find seasonal staff earlier than anticipated, leading to increased rates as facilities recruited as many workers as possible.

Then, the busy season came to a halt as quickly as it began. Hospitals had to backpedal because increased patient loads didn’t last as long as anticipated, with travel staff being canceled and rates being reduced due to demand decreasing.

Anticipating needs

Predicting numbers for any respiratory season can be a bit like predicting the weather. Health officials have the technology and advanced science to better examine viral strains, including the level of contagiousness and affected populations, to hopefully get an idea of what we might be able to expect each season. But every once in a while, we have a flu season unlike anything we could have expected.

Medical authorities speculate flu season likely hit early last year as an after effect from the pandemic, as normal human socialization was disrupted by shutdowns and quarantines. As a result, our flu season was earlier than anticipated.

Hospitals are predicting flu season will hit earlier than usual again this year as well. This means we will likely see a peak in respiratory hospitalizations around November or December again this year.

What that means for travel nurses

The winter season is always a waiting game. As we round the corner from summer into fall, travel nurse rates generally start to creep up. It can be hard to know when to jump on a decent rate because there’s always the possibility something better might come along.

Since we’re expecting another early flu season this year, anticipate that facilities will try to get ahead of it rather than having to clamber for staff and offering sky-high rates in November or December — you will likely see seasonal positions coming available as early as September as management tries to get ahead of peak respiratory season.

So, take into consideration that this year, facilities are expecting the unexpected and will likely be on top of staffing early. Thus, it’s wise for travel nurses to expect an early season as well. It’s a personal decision whether you want to get ahead of the curve and book an assignment early on, with the opportunity to have a longer contract, or whether you want to stay informed on early flu numbers and attempt to ride out when you might find the highest rates, knowing flu season might end early again this year as well.

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

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 Cross Country Nurses

August 31, 2023

1961 Views

How to Become a Travel Nurse

Posted on August 31, 2023August 31, 2023 by Cross Country Nurses

This article was provided by Cross Country Nurses.

As a travel nurse, an incredible personal and professional adventure awaits you. Travel nursing is attractive because it allows you to create your path and choose the journey to arrive successfully.

You will satisfy your wanderlust if you enjoy exploring as many new cities as possible while working at multiple facilities on a short-term contract for above-average pay. If you like to feel more settled and stay in one place for longer than 12-14 weeks while continuing to build relationships for above-average income, you can have the best of both worlds.

If travel nursing is the career you want to pursue to help others thrive while scratching your travel itch, how do you get there?

Steps and Stages to Become a Travel Nurse

Step 1: Earn a Degree

To be considered for travel nurse positions, you are required to have a registered nurse (RN) license through either an associate degree in nursing (ADN), a two-year program, or a bachelor of science (BSN), a four-year commitment.

The latter provides more job opportunities, career advancements, and stepping stones for continuing education. RN-to-BSN programs with an accelerated timeline are an option for those who have their ADN already and desire to earn a BSN degree.

Step 2: Pass the NCLEX-RN Test for Success

As a nursing school graduate, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), which tests your ability and competency to provide safe and effective nursing practice at the entry-level. As a travel nurse, you will need a license to work in any state outside of your home state.

Step 3: Get a Licensure

The next step of licensure, defined by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), is “the process by which boards of nursing grant permission to an individual to engage in nursing practice after determining that the applicant has attained the competency necessary to perform a unique scope of practice.”

Thirty-five compact states in the U.S. participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which means you can receive one multi-state license. For the 13 non-compact states, you are required to have that specific state’s licensure.

Here is where it can get tricky. Just because you have a state license in a state that becomes compact doesn’t mean your license automatically becomes multi-state. As a nurse, you have to apply specifically for a multi-state license. To learn more on how healthcare professionals like you can get licensed in any U.S. state, click here.

Step 4: Gain Work Experience

Most hospitals and healthcare facilities prefer travel nurses to have at least one year of nursing experience in the specialty they will be contracted for, although some require two years of experience.

Volunteering, enrolling in a shadowing or mentor program, and finding an internship through your school are great ways to achieve hands-on experience while earning your degree. Your school may be a great resource and have paid student nurse positions. If you’ve already graduated, some employers are specifically looking for new graduates to train.

Step 5: Partner with a Travel Nurse Employment Agency

Choosing the right staffing agency is critical because they will become more than a resource for jobs. Your recruiter is someone you should be able to trust with all your travel nurse needs, including helping you navigate the compliance steps and regulatory paperwork.

Vaccination records and a physical exam
Copies of your license and certifications
A drug test and background check
Additional documentation required by healthcare facilities

An agency should also support your growth as a travel nurse, which may include furthering your education and expanding your skill set. Here are some examples of when you become part of the Cross Country family.

American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) accredited Cross Country University, CCMSN provides CE Direct® online Continuing Education (C.E.) and Certification Review that will fulfill your C.E. requirements.
Access to over 700 award-winning continuing education (E.D.) courses
Advanced degree (BSN, MSN, DSN) tuition reimbursement of up to 20% from accredited academic partners

Good luck with your career as a travel nurse, and enjoy all those adventures coming your way soon.

To dive deeper into the world of travel nursing and read the answers to commonly asked questions, click here. To fill out an application to work with Cross Country, click here or call (800) 530-6125 to speak with a recruiter who will walk you through the application process and answer any additional questions.

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

By trustaff

August 30, 2023

2473 Views

Self-Care Tips for Traveling Nurses

Posted on August 30, 2023November 10, 2023 by trustaff

Trustaff provided this article.

As a traveling healthcare professional, self-care can be as important as your commitment to caring for others. At Trustaff, we understand the demanding nature of your profession and the challenges that come with being on the move. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to provide exceptional healthcare staffing solutions and support our clinicians’ well-being through our unique ACT Program (Advocacy, Career, Tools).

If you’re a travel nurse, here are some valuable self-care tips to help you thrive during your assignments. Discover how our ACT Program can be your ultimate companion on this rewarding journey.

Self-Care Tips:

1. Prioritize Your Physical Health:

Long shifts and irregular schedules can take a toll on your body. Get enough rest, stay hydrated, and fuel your body with nutritious meals. Regular exercise, even if it’s just a short walk, can do wonders for your energy levels and overall well-being.

2. Create a Relaxing Routine:

Establish a routine that helps you unwind after a challenging day. Whether it’s reading a book, meditating, or simply enjoying a cup of tea, these small rituals can provide a sense of calm amidst the hectic schedule of a traveling nurse.

3. Connect with Colleagues:

Building a support system at each assignment can make a significant difference. Connect with your fellow nurses and healthcare professionals to share experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Trustaff fosters a collaborative environment, creating a gateway to form meaningful connections wherever you go.

4. Explore Your Surroundings:

Take advantage of your travel opportunities by exploring the new city or town you’re in. Embracing local culture, trying new foods, and visiting landmarks can help you decompress and add some excitement to your downtime.

5. Stay Organized:

At Trustaff, we provide you with valuable tools and resources to enhance your career. Take advantage of these offerings to stay organized and keep track of your assignments, certifications, and career goals. A well-organized approach can reduce stress and enable you to focus on what matters most – providing exceptional patient care.

6. Engage in Professional Development:

Our ACT Program goes beyond conventional support. We offer career advancement resources to help you achieve your professional goals as a healthcare professional. Whether it’s continuing education opportunities, mentorship programs, or resume-building assistance, Trustaff and ACT are committed to your growth.

7. Reach out for Support:

Our ACT Program is a testament to our commitment to your well-being and career growth. As you embark on new adventures, know that we have your back.

Here are some self-care resources we have to offer:

Wellness workshops
Mental health support networks
Free online yoga class every week
Employee discounts and rewards program
Veterans and first responders struggling with PTSD are qualified to apply to Warrior PATHH by the Boulder Crest Foundation.

We hope you found this article on self-care tips for travel nurses helpful. What do you do for self-care? Do you have any self-care tips to share? Comment them below.

Ready to take on this rewarding journey while being supported every step of the way? Trustaff is here for you. Click here to discover the diverse range of exciting opportunities we have available across the nation.
Your next adventure awaits!

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

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

START HERE

Factors to consider when choosing a location for a travel nursing assignment:

Job market demand

Licensing and certification

Cost of living and compensation

Safety and Security

Lifestyle and recreation

Support and resources

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!)

Related Posts

Dealing with Homesickness as a Travel Nurse

Combating Anxiety While Caring for Chronically Sick Patients

Beginner’s Guide to Travel Nursing: Emergency Response

Categories

Hot Jobs

Recent Articles

A means to motivate

Criteria for compensation

Safe and supported

Satisfaction in staying

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!)

Related Posts

Finding the Best Travel Nurse Recruiter

What is AIDET? (And, why does it matter to Travel Nurses?)

Self-Care Tips for Traveling Nurses

Categories

Hot Jobs

Recent Articles

Pet-Friendly Housing Options for Travel Nurses

Extended-stay hotel

Airbnb rental

Short-term apartment lease

Mobile living

Pet housing documentation

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!)

Related Posts

New Year Travel Assignments: Why You Shouldn’t Sleep on Finding One Now

Step-by-Step: Navigating the Challenges of Travel Nursing with Pets

Want to Start 2023 as a Travel Nurse? Now Is the Time to Prepare

Categories

Hot Jobs

Recent Articles

Tips for Before You Head Out the Door

#1 Talk About It

#2 Make a Plan

#3 Leave Something Important at Home

Tips for While You’re Away

#4 Use Technology

#5 Mail Something

#6 Bring Them to You

After You Return

#7 Do Something Fun Together

#8 Bring a Little Gift

#9 Don’t Guilt Yourself

Let Host Healthcare Help

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!)

Related Posts

When is it Time to Switch Agencies?

A Travel Nurse’s Story of Weathering a Wildfire

Live to Inspire: Travel Nurses on the Front Lines

Categories

Hot Jobs

Recent Articles

Self-Care For Travel Nurses to Unwind From a Long Shift

Take a Mental Health Day

Talk to Friends and Family

Eat a Healthy Diet and Drink Enough Water

Conclusion

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!)

Related Posts

Taking Care of Your Mental Health as a Traveling Nurse

Coping with Loss While on Assignment

Choosing a Travel Nurse Agency that Values Transparency

Categories

Hot Jobs

Recent Articles