September 15, 2023

2057 Views

9 Must-See Travel Nursing Destinations in Autumn 2023

Posted on September 15, 2023 by Advantage Medical Professionals

Advantage Medical Professionals provided this article.

As the sweltering heat of summer begins to wane, it’s the perfect time for travel nurses to embark on a new (and slightly cooler) adventure. Autumn is considered a season of unparalleled beauty with its crisp air, falling leaves, and sense of natural transformation. If you’re a wanderlust-driven healthcare professional looking to combine your passion for nursing with the joys of exploring new places, you’re in for a treat! We’ll guide you through a curated list of autumn travel nursing destinations with promising work opportunities and unforgettable experiences amid the breathtaking backdrop of fall foliage. Whether you’re craving the vibrant colors of New England or the serene forests of the Pacific Northwest, these travel nursing destinations will leave you inspired, refreshed, and ready to embrace the autumnal (or spooky) spirit.

9 Must-See Travel Nursing Destinations in Autumn 2023

1. Washington

Speaking of the Pacific Northwest, Washington state’s freshly minted status as a compact state has more travel nurses looking into travel assignments in and around the Evergreen State. Seattle and the surrounding areas are already credited with having competitive pay rates, safe ratios, and an established travel nursing community.

Attractions: Pike Place Market, Bainbridge Island, Bavarian village of Leavenworth

2. North Carolina

Whether you drive up the famous Blue Ridge Parkway for Asheville’s vibrant art scene or a brisk mountain hike in the rich fall foliage of the Appalachian Mountains, The Tar Heel State has a little something for everyone. In fact, “The Variety Vacationland” is one of North Carolina’s other state nicknames of record.

Attractions: Grandfather Mountain, The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, The Great Smoky Mountains

3. Virginia

Virginia is another state along the famous Blue Ridge Parkway worth calling home during the fall months. The rich fall foliage is the perfect backdrop to the Dominion State’s many quaint, historic (and possibly haunted) locations.

Attractions: Carter Mountain Orchard in Charlottesville, Edgar Allan Poe Museum in Richmond, Blue Ridge Parkway

4. Tennessee

With the Volunteer State being ranked 10^th in the nation for affordable cost of living*, travel nurses working and living in Tennessee can actually afford to visit famous locales like Music City (Nashville) or cozy up in one of the rustic cabins in Gatlinburg for a long weekend. Now that’s music to our ears!

Attractions: Ruby Falls Haunted Cavern in Chattanooga, Graceland Haunted Mansion in Memphis, The Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville

5. West Virginia

If it’s impressive enough for John Denver to write a song about, we’re willing to bet it’s at least worth a visit to The Mountain State this fall. With one of the most affordable housing markets (ranked #2in the nation for housing affordability*), there are plenty of places along West Virginia’s celebrated country roads you can call home this fall.

Attractions: The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston, Cass Scenic Railroad, Harpers Ferry ghost tours

6. Kentucky

Aside from the state’s beautiful weather and natural beauty throughout the autumn season, Kentucky is also known for having one of the lowest costs of living (ranked 3^rd in the nation*). Even better news for travel nurses is that the Bluegrass State also has very affordable housing (ranked 4^th in the nation for housing affordability*).

Desirable fall weather/foliage

Attractions: Bourbon Trail, Waverly Hills Sanatorium in Louisville

7. Arizona

For a slightly different twist on autumn, head west to Arizona. The Grand Canyon State isn’t just home to one of the most famous natural wonders in the world. It’s also home to several up-and-coming travel nursing hotspots like Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Flagstaff.

Attractions: Ghost Town of Jerome, The Grand Canyon

8. North Dakota

If the thought of bustling city streets or another crowded commute to work makes your blood pressure spike, just take a deep breath….and head up to the tranquil prairies of North Dakota. Thanks to the rural landscape and simple way of life North Dakota natives have come to cherish, rush hour traffic and overpriced city living are two things you’ll see very little of in The Peace Garden State.

Attractions: Downtown Fargo, Bonanzaville in West Fargo, The Rendezvous Region

9. Louisiana

Last but definitely not least is our own home state. For those who prefer to flock down to a warmer climate during the colder months, you can leave your parka behind. However, don’t forget to bring your love of spooky season – Southern Louisiana is also home to not one but two of the nation’s most haunted locations. Even if spooky season isn’t your jam, the rich music and food culture throughout the Bayou State will be.

Attractions: The Myrtles Plantation in St. Francisville, The LaLaurie Mansion in New Orleans, The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

Check out all of our Destination Spotlight blog posts to find out which US destinations you should add to your travel assignment bucket list!

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.

Sources:

Housing affordability & cost of living rankings: https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/rankings/opportunity/affordability

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 Medely

September 14, 2023

2008 Views

6 Things to Do Between Travel Nursing Assignments

Posted on September 14, 2023September 14, 2023 by Medely

Medely provided this article.

When you’re a travel nurse, it can be challenging to hone in on what you must focus on to recharge your batteries, prepare for the next contract, and nurture the important relationships in your life. We’ve prepared a list of things you can do or focus on between contracts to make the most of your time.

Prioritize things that bring you joy.

In the busy, exhausting world of travel nursing, you often don’t have time to pursue the hobbies and interests that you would like to. Take the time between contracts to pursue new or existing hobbies like picking up an instrument, reading a book or a book series, or finally finishing that art project you’ve meant to complete.

Harvard University has a handy guide to finding joy or, at the very least, peace during difficult times.

Spend time with friends and family.

FaceTime and texting just isn’t the same. Meeting with friends and family over meals or going to events can help nurture the important relationships in your life. Making time for concerts, sporting events, or just quiet time at home at a small gathering can help you re-energize and re-invigorate the friendships and family connections you missed while on a travel nursing assignment.

Travel for leisure

Maybe your wanderlust isn’t satiated just yet. Time between contracts is a great opportunity to take a trip for pleasure. Whether it’s a quick road trip to another city or state or something a little more exotic, taking advantage of the time between travel nursing assignments to see the rest of the world is an option.

Here are some of the best travel apps, according to PC Mag. Use them to find the best deals for flights, lodging, and rentals for your next fun trip.

Plan for the year ahead.

The lull between contracts is a wonderful opportunity to plan for the year or even 18 months ahead as much as possible. Start with your financial and personal goals and see what you can brainstorm. Once you have your list of goals, how can you use travel nursing to your advantage? Is the goal to make more money? Is the goal to be closer to home? Is that goal to see more of the world? Whatever you decide, ensure your goals are attainable, and consider making a budget to add more security to your plans.

The Gypsy Nurse has a guide to the best budgeting apps to help you meet your goals.

Pick up extra shifts.

Although some nurses use the time between contracts to slow down and re-energize, there is still an opportunity to work and make extra cash through extra shifts – namely, per diem shifts. Most travel nurses know what per diem shifts are, but for the uninitiated, per diem shifts through a service like Medely are single shifts at participating facilities that need help from accomplished, credentialed healthcare professionals like you. Per diem shifts can be picked up at hospitals and other healthcare facilities needing help to cover patient demand fluctuations or absences.

Use Medely for travel contracts and per diem shifts.

Medely has helped thousands of nurses nationwide connect directly with hospitals and surgical centers for travel nursing assignments and per diem shifts. With facilities in over 30 states and shifts and assignments for over 40 roles and specialties, Medely is the premier provider of travel and per diem opportunities for travelers. Travelers love Medely because we provide travel and per diem opportunities in one location. No more bouncing between agencies and other services.

Click here to create a free Medely account to see opportunities that fit your lifestyle the best.

See you at TravCon 2023

We would love to meet with you if you’re going to TravCon 2023! Our team of Medelyans will be at Booth #221. We’ll have games, giveaways, and raffles and are sponsoring lunch on Tuesday. To keep up with what we have planned for TravCo, like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram. We

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nursing assignment. If housing is an issue, we have you covered with our housing page. 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 Covelo Group

September 13, 2023

2147 Views

Qualities to Look for in a Travel Nursing Recruiter

Posted on September 13, 2023September 13, 2023 by Covelo Group

Covelo Group provided this article.

One of the important decisions you can make as a travel nurse is selecting a staffing agency that meets your unique needs. A strong partnership with your recruiter can ensure a mutually beneficial travel nursing experience. Rewards can include the obvious financial benefits from frequent successful placements, as well as intangibles such as job satisfaction and peace of mind.

Here are the top five qualities to look for in a travel nursing recruiter:

Responsiveness

First, you’ll want to work with a recruiter who is responsive to your questions and concerns. Before you engage with a staffing agency, consider how promptly your recruiter answers your calls, emails, or text messages. Do they answer your questions and resolve any concerns in a timely manner and with a positive attitude?

During the interviewing process, remember that you’re not the only person who should be putting their best foot forward. If your recruiter is quick to respond to your outreach and is reliable on follow-through during the interviewing phase, you can feel confident they’ll dedicate that same energy to you once you’re on future assignments.

Another important consideration is that a recruiter who is responsive to your needs as a candidate is more likely to show that same attitude toward their healthcare clients. This can only benefit you by giving you better access to future work opportunities.

Clear communication

Strong communication skills are an essential quality in a travel nurse recruiter. With so many moving parts from assignment to assignment, you’ve got to have a clear communicator pointing you in the right direction. During the onboarding process, your recruiter should be crystal clear in setting expectations about paperwork, documentation, and deadlines.

Once you’re on assignment, you’ll rely on your recruiter to give you accurate instructions regarding location, dates, hours for your shifts, parking, and any other relevant details offered by the client. Your recruiter should set you up for success by giving you crystal clear directions. Any breakdown of communication or mixed signals will reflect poorly on you as a nursing professional and on the staffing agency as well.

Listening skills

In order to understand your professional goals, your recruiter should be an excellent listener. Listening to your wants, needs, and priorities is the only way a recruiter can match you with the right opportunities. Are you highly motivated by pay, or would you take a lower hourly rate for a placement in the right location? Are you trying to gain experience in a new nursing specialty or healthcare setting? Listening and understanding what motivated you to become a travel nurse in the first place will allow your recruiter to seek the best opportunities and help you reach your goals.

Organization skills

Travel nursing has a lot of moving parts. The onboarding process alone requires extensive verification of your credentials, including education, licensure, certifications, and work experience. It also may include criminal background checks or a drug test.

Some recruiters may guide you through the onboarding process directly, while others may have a separate team that focuses on collecting and verifying paperwork full-time. Whichever the case may be, this process requires professionals who are extremely organized and detail-oriented.

Once you’re on assignment, you’ll also want to make sure that there is a well-oiled machine handling payroll, benefits, and logistics for travel, lodging, transportation, and/or reimbursement for your expenses.

Industry experience

It may be tempting to look for a recruiter who claims they can guarantee you’ll be earning the highest pay in only the best locations. When this happens, there is always the risk of overpromising, which typically leads to job dissatisfaction. What’s even more valuable than a “yes man” is a recruiter with years of staffing industry experience who knows the current market.

Experienced recruiters know what the going pay rate is for various cities across the country. They can tell you when you’re getting a fair offer or know when to ask for higher compensation as appropriate. An experienced recruiter will push back against unrealistic demands from both you as a candidate and from the client as well. They are capable of giving you an accurate picture of the current travel nursing market and will help you set reasonable expectations.

This level of expertise and mentorship will only increase your job satisfaction and open you up to the maximum travel nursing placement opportunities.

We hope this article on qualities to look for in a travel nursing recruiter is helpful. Do you have any other qualities that should be included? 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 Providence Health Care Staffing

September 10, 2023

2515 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

3478 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

4519 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

2463 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

2756 Views

Self-Care for Travel Nurses

Posted on September 4, 2023March 31, 2025 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.

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

1984 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

9 Must-See Travel Nursing Destinations in Autumn 2023

1. Washington

2. North Carolina

3. Virginia

4. Tennessee

5. West Virginia

6. Kentucky

7. Arizona

8. North Dakota

9. Louisiana

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

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

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Prioritize things that bring you joy.

Spend time with friends and family.

Travel for leisure

Plan for the year ahead.

Pick up extra shifts.

Use Medely for travel contracts and per diem shifts.

See you at TravCon 2023

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

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

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Here are the top five qualities to look for in a travel nursing recruiter:

Responsiveness

Clear communication

Listening skills

Organization skills

Industry experience

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

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Job market demand

Licensing and certification

Cost of living and compensation

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Support and resources

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A means to motivate

Criteria for compensation

Safe and supported

Satisfaction in staying

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