Over the past few years, nurses have been described as heroes for the care they provided during the COVID-19 pandemic and the care they continue to provide under difficult working conditions. While it is the highest honor to be referred to as a hero, it can be a dangerous sentiment.
My nine-year-old is enthralled with comic books and the Marvel Universe, and as a result, I have also become quite familiar with heroes and superheroes.
Surprisingly, the life of a superhero is not all glitz and glamor. Many superheroes are flawed and have deep emotional wounds they are trying to fix or avoid. Many heroes have a dark and traumatic past, the same as supervillains. So what makes a person a hero versus a villain?
Well, according to my son, and I am paraphrasing, heroes are selfless, while villains fight for selfish reasons.
This made me think about what is the difference between selfless and selfish.
What is the difference between selfless and selfish?
According to the Webster dictionary, selfish means acting in one’s own interest at the cost of others, while selfless means putting the needs of others before your own, even if it means causing yourself harm.
If we are using this definition of selfless, and it is the selfless actions that make a person a hero, then yes, nurses have rightfully earned that title. Everytime they skip lunch, work a double shift, or care for a contagious patient or a combative patient, they are putting their patients before themselves.
Back in October 2022, there was a shooting in a Texas hospital. The shooter killed two nurses, yet the medical staff, including nurses, still worked to save the gunman’s life. I am sure they did it without even thinking twice because nurses are built to save.
Helping and saving people is ingrained in us, but at what cost? Burnout and mental health struggles among nurses has skyrocketed since the start of COVID-19.
Being referred to as a hero is an honor, but should we even be asked to fill those shoes? Do we need to be selfless in our work? Is there a sweet spot between helping our patients while at the same time putting our needs front and center?
We should not be made to feel selfish for putting ourselves first. We should not have to choose between ourselves and our patients. We are not placing patients in harm’s way when we decide that our mental health is important.
It is not a selfish act. In retrospect, we are actually advocating for our patients when we are asking for better working conditions or taking the steps needed to care for ourselves. Better working conditions for nurses results in better care for patients.
So how do we fix this hero expectation?
The healthcare environment is in a perilous place, and it will take nursing leaders and probably government involvement to truly fix the healthcare crisis and the nursing shortage, but for yourself, there are things you can do.
Here are some individual self-care suggestions the American Nurses Association gives us in the American Nursejournal.
Nurses know firsthand that disaster can strike at any moment, and often without warning. Being prepared in advance is crucial for medical professionals. Nurses play a critical role in natural disasters, as patients will still require critical care despite the loss of electricity, flooding, or compromised infrastructure. Nurses in the emergency unit face the seemingly impossible challenge of triaging every disaster patient. In addition to the normal challenges nurses face, nurses rise to the seemingly impossible task of safely and efficiently caring for patients without their identification or loved ones around to flag possible allergies or medical issues or provide support. In these cases, nurses are quite literally a patient’s lifeline.
National Disaster Risk Zones and Seasonality
Some areas are arguably more disaster-prone than others, but most natural disaster spikes depend on regional climate or weather patterns. Like the medical field, advancements in science and technology have helped field experts detect and communicate the threat of severe weather and natural disasters to the public faster and more accurately than ever.
If you’re considering a travel assignment far away from home, FEMA’s National Risk Index is an interactive US map that will help you easily visualize and understand whether you can expect severe weather or natural disaster patterns in the area.
Severe Weather Disaster Seasonality:
Crises often occur unexpectedly, but most weather-related disasters that we face have some established patterns around certain times and/or locations:
Hurricane Season
Where: Gulf Coast, east coast
When: June 1st – November 30th
Tornado season
Where: Midwest, parts of southern US
When: Peak season March – July*
Wildfire Season
Where: West, Midwest US
When: Peak season from May – September*
General Disaster Preparedness & Best Practices
Learn the Healthcare Facility’s Preparedness Plan
Hospitals and other healthcare facilities typically have a disaster response protocol, especially in geographic areas prone to specific types of disasters. If you’re considering an assignment in one of these high-risk areas, check with your recruiter or the facility to learn more about the facility’s procedures and expectations during a disaster or crisis event. When in doubt, ask about the emergency protocol during orientation.
During uncertain times, you’ll want to stay prepared with anything you may need. Keeping an “emergency bag” easily accessible and packed with personal items, including clothing, toiletries, and essential medicines, for at least 3-4 days will help ensure you’re always one step ahead.
Plan Your Stay and/or Evacuation Routes
It is common for facilities to allow (or even require) nurses and other healthcare professionals to stay overnight during natural disasters and crisis events. Having your emergency bag handy ensures you have all the items you need to stay healthy, hydrated, and alert through what might be the longest and most taxing nursing shifts you will ever endure. Even if you are not needed to stay, it is still best to familiarize yourself with all evacuation routes, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area.
Share your plan with your family beforehand.
Don’t wait to share your emergency or evacuation plans (including potential backup plans) with your loved ones. Whether you plan to evacuate the area, stay at the facility, or return to the facility to help relieve the initial response team, they will (understandably) worry about your safety and well-being. Share your plan with them and communicate any changes that arise while also helping them understand that communication systems may experience delays or outages during and after a natural disaster or extenuating event.
We hope you found this article on national disaster preparedness helpful. Do you have any disaster preparedness tips to share with your fellow travel nurses? Comment them below.
>> Treat yourself to a change of pace (and PLACE) by exploring all the travel nursing assignments Advantage Medical Professionals has available nationwide.
Did you know that the minds behind Nurse 2 Nurse Staffing were once avid traveling professionals themselves? Indeed, we’ve navigated the thrilling and challenging journey of being a traveling nurse! The countless adventures, the captivating allure of the unknown, and the ever-present question of “where next?” are experiences we’ve lived firsthand. Together as a family, with our two kids and our furry friend, we traversed several states. The best decision we made during our travels? Investing in a mobile home—or RV became our constant companion, a home away from home, accompanying us on every new journey!
Preparing a meal after touching down in a new city—our next travel assignment awaits!
So, why an RV?
Imagine this: a home that travels with you, holding all your belongings, always ready for the next adventure. When I was a travel nurse, and during the initial days of setting up our agency, we had our RV ready to roll out within a span of 10 minutes! Stow away your items in the RV’s cabinets and drawers, empty your tanks, and you’re all set for the road ahead. We always managed to find picturesque RV parks equipped with swimming pools, laundry facilities, and other amenities. It was akin to being on a perpetual vacation! And the freedom to explore your current state or even venture into the neighboring one on your days off—all for the cost of renting an RV spot elsewhere for a day or two—is a wonderful way to truly immerse yourself in your travel nursing experience.
Reveling in the winter wonderland at our new campground—complete with laundry, a playground, a general store, and weekly BBQs!
But wait, aren’t RVs challenging to set up?
Absolutely not! The sales rep took us through every feature and function when we bought our RV. Connecting a few tubes, aligning colors, and lowering the jacks is all it takes. And remember, there’s a world of helpful YouTube videos out there to guide you through any situation.
Budgeting for Your Home on Wheels
Assisting Dad with the stability jacks—a breeze!
Investing in an RV is not just about purchasing a vehicle—it’s about acquiring a mobile home. Just like any home purchase, it involves various costs that you should consider as part of your budgeting process. Let’s break down the main expenses associated with owning an RV:
Initial Purchase: The cost of an RV can vary widely based on factors like size, age, brand, and features. A new RV can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $300,000 or more, with travel trailers typically being the least expensive and large luxury motorhomes being the most expensive. Used RVs can be a more affordable option, but it’s essential to have a thorough inspection done to avoid unexpected repair costs down the line.
Financing: Like with a house or a car, many people choose to finance their RV purchase. Keep in mind that interest rates and terms can vary, so it’s important to shop around for the best deal. Also, note that longer terms will lower your monthly payment but increase the total amount of interest you pay over the life of the loan.
Insurance: RV insurance is a must-have, and the cost will depend on factors like the value of the RV, how much you use it, and whether it’s your full-time residence. Expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per year for RV insurance.
Maintenance and Repairs: Just like any vehicle, an RV will need regular maintenance and occasional repairs. Budget for routine maintenance like oil changes, tire rotations, and engine checks, as well as less frequent expenses like replacing tires or batteries. Also, keep some money set aside for unexpected repairs.
Operational Costs: These include fuel for driving, propane for cooking and heating, and expenses for campgrounds or RV parks. These costs can vary based on how much you travel, where you stay, and the size and fuel efficiency of your RV.
Depreciation: Just like cars, RVs depreciate over time. While this won’t affect your monthly budget, it’s an important consideration if you plan to sell your RV in the future.
Remember, owning an RV can be a cost-effective housing solution for traveling healthcare professionals, especially when you consider the savings on hotel stays and dining out. However, it’s vital to understand and plan for all the associated costs to make an informed decision and ensure that your new mobile home fits comfortably within your budget.
Resources for RV Owners
As a traveling healthcare professional living in an RV, there are numerous resources available to you that can make your life on the road a little easier. Here are some of our top picks:
Good Sam Club (goodsam.com): Good Sam Club is one of the largest organizations dedicated to RV owners, and it offers a plethora of resources. By becoming a member, you can get access to discounted RV parks, fuel, and camping supplies. They also offer roadside assistance, travel assistance, and insurance services tailored specifically for RV owners. The Good Sam Club also has a community forum where you can connect with other RV owners, ask questions, and share your experiences.
RV Parky: This is an easy-to-use tool that helps you locate RV parks, campgrounds, rest areas, and other places to stop while on your journey. It includes user reviews, which can be invaluable when choosing your next stop.
Allstays: Allstays is another excellent resource for finding campgrounds, RV parks, and rest areas. The site also provides information on low-clearance spots, which can be essential when navigating an RV.
RVillage: Consider this as a social network for RV owners. You can connect with others, join groups, participate in forums, and even arrange meet-ups. It’s an excellent way for traveling healthcare professionals to meet other people on the road.
YouTube: While not specifically an RV resource, YouTube is filled with helpful how-to videos on everything from RV maintenance to cooking in your RV kitchen. Just search for your question or problem, and you’re likely to find a video that can help.
Remember, part of the fun of being on the road is the community you build along the way. Don’t hesitate to ask for advice or share your own experiences with these resources. The RV community is known for its camaraderie and helpfulness, so take advantage of it!
The Joys of RV Living: Benefits for Traveling Healthcare Professionals
Living in an RV as a traveling healthcare professional comes with a host of benefits that can significantly enhance your overall travel experience. Here are some of the key advantages:
Flexibility: The flexibility that RV life offers is unparalleled. Being able to move from one location to another at your convenience, without the hassle of packing and unpacking, is a game-changer. On your days off, you can easily switch locations, explore a new city or state, or even take a mini-vacation.
Cost-Effective: Investing in an RV can be more economical in the long run than constantly renting apartments or staying in hotels. With an RV, you have the added benefit of avoiding expensive short-term leases or hotel rates. Furthermore, cooking your meals can lead to significant savings over dining out.
Comforts of Home: One of the challenges of travel nursing is continually adjusting to new living spaces. With an RV, you have a consistent living space that you can personalize to your liking. Your own bed, your own kitchen—these familiar comforts can provide a sense of stability amidst the constant change.
Healthier Living: Having your kitchen lets you have more control over your diet, enabling you to eat healthier and cater to any specific dietary requirements you may have. Additionally, many RV parks are in beautiful outdoor settings, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities and exercise.
Community: RV parks often have a strong sense of community. You’ll get to meet and interact with a diverse group of people, many of whom are also on the road, leading to new friendships and a strong support network.
Pets-Friendly: If you have pets, an RV can make traveling with them easier and more enjoyable. Many RV parks are pet-friendly and offer amenities like dog parks. Plus, your pets get to enjoy new environments along with you.
Enriching Experiences: Living in an RV provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in each new location. You can wake up to a new, beautiful view every day, get to know different areas of the country, and make the most of your travel assignments by experiencing local culture and attractions.
Ultimately, the benefits of RV life go beyond practicalities. The sense of freedom, adventure, and connection to the outdoors that it can provide makes it an exciting and rewarding option for many traveling healthcare professionals.
Isn’t it a bit cramped?
Waking up to this view outside our RV—simply breathtaking!
Well, it requires some adaptation, especially for a family. We had to learn to travel light to keep our mobile home as spacious as possible. Most of our stuff stayed at our home base in Texas, and we refreshed our supplies during breaks between assignments. If you ever feel a bit tight on space, step outside—that’s the beauty of RV living. With a gorgeous view right outside your door, the RV never feels too small.
Our RV has been the backdrop for some of our most cherished family memories. It has taken us to North Texas, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico, providing a unique perspective on our beautiful country. The initial cost of the RV quickly proved to be a worthwhile investment, offering a more economical option than renting apartments or staying in hotels. Plus, the convenience of having our belongings with us and cooking our meals was not only cost-effective but healthier too! The ability to uproot and explore a new city or state on a whim was an added bonus. With the soaring costs of rental housing, an RV could be the perfect answer to your housing concerns. As the founders of Nurse 2 Nurse Staffing, we’re committed to finding the best opportunities for traveling professionals. Let’s talk about your next exciting adventure—get out there and explore!
Furnished Finder, the recommended housing platform of The Gypsy Nurse, is an excellent resource for travel nurses because 1) you go direct to the property owner and 2) you don’t have to pay expensive booking fees, and 3) every landlord is verified for traveler safety.
One important thing to note is that the housing market is changing, so you may have to do things a little bit differently. Monthly furnished rentals are in such demand right now that they are not staying on the market for very long, making it harder for the travel nurse who needs to secure housing on short notice. In a post-covid environment, many companies have made moves towards a remote workforce which makes it easier for remote workers of all types to pick up and move to different cities. Knowing that traveling nurses are competing for monthly furnished housing more than ever before, here are 3 things travelers should do to shift the odds in their favor:
Start Early
The one thing that is guaranteed to add more stress to your housing search is time, specifically the lack of it. Of course, you may not always know where you are going a couple of months out, but as soon as you’ve settled on an assignment, start aggressively searching for housing immediately. Nobody likes that ‘I’m running out of time feeling, so when at all possible, start searching for travel nurse housing as early as possible. In fact, Furnished Finder has a Stipend Calculator that allows travelers to better understand housing costs in different cities before they go, which may ultimately help you decide which job you want to take. The worst-case scenario is for you to take an assignment and feel blindsided by the housing cost in that city. Know before you go! Take the time to do the research now so there aren’t any surprises later.
There are two ways to start your Furnished Finder housing search. You can Search The Map, where you can see all the listings and reach out to them directly, and/or you can submit a Housing Request. Housing requests are great because you fill out a short form, and landlords will reach out if their property may fit your criteria – perfect for the traveler who is short on time but still wants to get the ball rolling on their travel nurse housing search.
Text or Call
While you can send any property owner a message and chat with them directly, many Furnished Finder listings also provide their phone number, where you can text and/or call them directly as well. With the high email burden that we all carry these days, sometimes landlords respond better via text message! If landlords aren’t getting back to you as fast as you would like, go ahead and shoot them a text or call as well.
Dig Deeper
Here are some more recommendations to make Furnished Finder work for you. The first one is to keep scrolling past your availability date. (I don’t mean to say ignore the listings that match your timing, but in this scenario, the expectation is that you’ve already contacted all “those listings). The reason you shouldn’t stop once you reach your move-in date is because if you keep scrolling, you’ll find another section of housing options labeled “Contact for Availability.” With all the demand, sometimes landlords forget to update their availability, so they wind up in the “Contact for Availability” section (where travelers have been known to find some great properties!). Knowing that travel nurses typically stay about 3 months at a time, you can connect with landlords midterm. Although they may have a tenant right now, they may have an opening coming up soon where you can secure it even before it becomes available on the map!!
Fill out your Traveler Profile! Landlords want to see who they’d be renting to, and a blank profile can be a big turn-off. On the flip side of that, we also encourage landlords to fill theirs out as well!
Get the E-Book! This e-book is essential for any new travel nurse and is extremely useful to the most experienced vet! It covers topics like these and more: Interview Strategies, Negotiation Tactics, Credentialing, Housing Tips, How to Avoid Scams, Hospital Orientation, and Planning Your Next Assignment.
FAQs about Furnished Finder
How does Furnished Finder work?
Furnished Finder is an online rental platform that helps people find furnished accommodation in their desired city. To get started, simply search for your destination, and the website will provide you with a list of furnished properties, all complete with amenities such as furniture, linens, kitchenware, and more. Once you’ve selected a place, you can easily inquire with the landlord and book your stay.
How much does Furnished Finder cost?
Unlike other rental platforms, Furnished Finder never charges booking fees, so you can save more money to use on your rental. That typically can save you 10-15% on your rental amount!
Is Furnished Finder safe?
Furnished Finder is a platform that helps people find furnished accommodations. It is a safe and secure platform with an easy-to-use interface. All of the properties listed on the platform are verified to ensure they meet safety standards, and the site offers various tools to help make sure you find exactly what you’re looking for in your search for furnished accommodation. It also provides the option to contact landlords for more details about their listings so you can feel comfortable with your decision before signing a lease.
If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:
Licenses, screening, and immunizations – oh, my! With each travel nurse assignment comes a mountain of compliance requirements. If you don’t have help through your travel nurse agency, staying compliant for each assignment feels like a chore. However, if your travel nursing agency has a QA department, you have a valuable resource at your service. Your quality assurance team should have the know-how to help you navigate the many compliance aspects of this career seamlessly.
Assignment Compliance
First, let’s give a quick breakdown of what compliance requirements you can expect for each travel nurse assignment.
Drug screening & background check
Licensing (if you’re up for renewal or taking an assignment in a non-compact state)
Up-to-date certifications
Up-to-date immunizations
Now that you know what to expect, you can see it’s a lot, especially when each agency and healthcare facility requires a little something different. Imagine all the research it will take to find a place that offers what you need for each compliance piece, scheduling the appointments, and filling out, collecting, and keeping up with all the paperwork. It’s easy to see how helpful a quality assurance (QA) department can be.
But, while lots of agencies have a QA component, it’s important to do some digging into it. Some agencies might give you a list of what you need to have but then say you’re on your own. Others might have recruiters pull double duty to handle assignment compliance or outsource to third parties. And some agencies might have a dedicated, in-house department, so you know you have someone you can call at a moment’s notice when you need help with a compliance requirement (especially when hospitals have last-minute requests just days before an assignment begins).
The Role of Quality Assurance
Compliance is an ongoing process, and all travelers have to meet the necessary compliance requirements mandated by healthcare facilities and regulatory bodies in order to take and stay on assignment.
QA specialists can play a crucial role in verifying credentials, licenses, immunizations, certifications, and any other prerequisites necessary for a successful assignment, as well as helping you schedule appointments, keeping track of paperwork, sending timely reminders for renewals, and assisting you with any necessary updates. Some agencies will even help you obtain the licenses and certifications needed and will pay the fees or reimburse you for them. Check with your agency’s QA team to see what they offer.
Beyond the initial compliance requirements, the quality assurance department serves as a consistent support system throughout your travel nurse assignment that can address any concerns or challenges that may arise regarding compliance and help you navigate through them effectively.
How Can You Make Compliance An Easier Process For Yourself?
By leveraging the expertise and support of your travel nursing agency’s quality assurance department, you can simplify the process of a travel nurse career. When embarking on a new travel nurse assignment, if your travel nurse agency has a QA department, establish open lines of communication with them. Promptly providing them with all the necessary documentation will allow them to verify your compliance status efficiently and get you on assignment more easily. This department should allow you to focus on providing exceptional patient care while your compliance needs are expertly managed.
While the demand for travel nurses and allied health professionals positions has decreased since the pandemic, there is still a healthy demand with more job openings and higher rates than there were pre-pandemic.
There are plenty of benefits to working local and travel assignments with agencies, including flexibility, traveling to new places, higher pay, and shorter contract commitments. Do you want to land the perfect local or travel assignments in 2023? Here are some tips to help you have the most success.
Look for the Right Recruiter Relationship
Good recruiters should be your biggest advocate and a guide for landing you great travel assignments. From the submittal process to the potential contract extension process, your recruiter will be the person who is there for you throughout your travel career. They will work with you to ensure you are getting the assignments you are looking for, along with any other topics you may need guidance on during your assignment. That is why finding a recruiter or a handful of recruiters that prioritize you is so important.
Not all agencies have the same opportunities or consistency, so it can be beneficial to find a couple of recruiters you trust at different agencies to increase your odds of finding the best assignments for you. Once you have found a recruiter or handful of recruiters, make sure you are building a strong relationship with them, as it can lead to great benefits. If you have a strong relationship with your recruiters, then it will be easy for you to be honest with them for the best outcomes.
Choose the recruiter that is willing to have the hard conversations with you and is extremely transparent. The recruiters that keep you at the front of their minds are the ones who are continuously communicating with you, guiding you through the process, and looking out for potential assignments for you at all times.
Communication & Preparation are Key!
After choosing the right recruiter, be as communicative with them as possible. Provide them with everything they need to match you with the right assignments and have you ready to go so you can be one of the first candidates submitted. Ensure all your credentials are up-to-date and shared with them. Come up with a game plan for what they should do when the role you are looking for opens. Do they have your permission to submit it when it opens? Do they need to text or call you to confirm? Make sure you can respond timely so they can give you the best shot.
If you are working with multiple recruiters and agencies, make sure you keep them up to speed on anywhere you are submitted or change in your status. This ensures you are not double-submitted to the same facility, which is frowned upon in our industry and can hinder your ability to land the assignment you want. It also prevents anyone from wasting time and maintains a good relationship for the future if you want to work with them.
We all know that healthcare professionals have very busy schedules, but if you are searching for a new assignment, then communicating with your travel agency and being available for them is a key part in landing great assignments. If you stand out as an uncommunicative candidate, then you might miss out on additional opportunities. Recruiters are willing to work with your schedule. Just let them know if something has changed!
Flexibility.
We know that flexibility is not always possible due to various life circumstances. But if you can be flexible in certain areas and are able to keep an open mind, it opens the door to more opportunities for you. Especially during the summer months when there are fewer orders, you may want to consider what items to be flexible on to maintain consistent work. This can ensure you are qualified and ready to go when the industry picks up again seasonally in the fall and winter months. Even if that means doing PRN work or working shorter contracts, just communicate with your recruiter and see what options they have.
When you are able to be flexible, you can learn about locations that you may not have known or thought about or specific positions that you are qualified for but have not considered. Ask about what locations have the best cost of living or what local contracts may be available in your area. You may be surprised at what opportunities exist that you haven’t heard about because of your stricter preferences.
Still, Looking for Competitive Pay Packages?
While some rates are continuing to decrease as the market shifts, ask your agencies if there are any additional programs going on that can incentivize you to work with them. Some of these could be hire-on bonuses, completion bonuses, scrub reimbursements, etc. Consider the full offering, and don’t assume there isn’t more to offer than the pay package itself.
If you are looking for a higher pay rate than what you are seeing reflected on a job listing, you could potentially be making more than what you see upfront, depending on what incentives the company offers. Make sure you are looking out for these opportunities and asking questions!
In Summary
The healthcare staffing industry is one of the largest and fastest-growing industries across the country. It can be hard to see with some of the extremes the pandemic brought to the industry that there is still a strong opportunity today in comparison. As with everything in life, evolving and recognizing how to have success in the current market is very important. If you know you want to continue your travel healthcare career, consider the above advice. There are plenty of options as a healthcare professional, and you have to decide what is best for you and your career. It’s okay if you decide you are hanging up your traveling hat. Just be sure to do the research, be open-minded, and find the experts who can guide you along the way.
When you are working as a travel nurse, it can be a little tricky to figure out how much to budget for housing. The area of the country, the season you are in, and the number of short-term rentals available in the area will all affect how furnished rentals are priced. This can make it especially frustrating for new travel nurses to figure out what to pay for their short-term rental.
This is especially helpful because it gives you a breakdown of the types of rentals travel nurses are actually looking for. Most websites cater to either traditional renters and have prices based on unfurnished units with a long-term lease, or they are priced for vacationers and only offer a nightly rate that adds up quickly for long stays. With this tool, you can compare fully furnished spaces with monthly rates listed and short lease terms available as the standard practice.
How much to spend on short-term housing?
Most experienced travel nurses will recommend spending a maximum of one-quarter of your monthly income (aka one paycheck) on your short-term rental. This allows you to allocate three-quarters of your income towards savings, expenses back home, or fun! For most, this is a manageable amount that will allow you to live comfortably while also securing safe, comfortable housing.
Now when it comes to deciding what a truly fair price is for the area you will be living in, some of it will depend on your personal preferences. For instance, if having a washer and dryer in your unit is a non-negotiable, your idea of a fair rate may be different than someone who is willing to make trips to the laundromat.
What is the cost of living in your facility?
Square one is looking at what pay packages in the area are looking like for your specialty. Unfortunately, the pay that hospitals are offering may not line up well with the cost of living in the area they are located. Ask your recruiter(s) for a ballpark range in the city where you are looking, and loosely base your housing budget on that.
Then make a list of what you really want in your housing options and a list of non-negotiables. These may change as you move through your search, but it’s a good idea to have a rough idea of what you really want in your living space.
Plug the city into the Housing Stipend Calculator.
Next, plug that city into the Housing Stipend Calculator and see if your preferred amenities, the pay rates for the area, and average housing costs line up. I like to make sure there are at least five or six spaces easily within my budget because housing can fill fast. Don’t bank on scoring the one “budget” space after you secure your travel nurse assignment, so make sure you have several options that would work.
Adjust your expectations on your budget, if necessary.
Along the way, you may need to adjust your expectations or your budget. Sometimes, you may find that pay rates for the area simply don’t line up with what you would like to pay for housing and the amount you need to pay for all of your expenses back home. Don’t feel defeated–this just means it’s not the right time to travel to this particular city or state. Broaden your search, and the right travel nurse assignment at the right price is sure to roll around eventually.
At the end of the day, it’s difficult to set a specific price range that you can expect to pay for short-term housing across the country. Plus, every person will have their own idea of what ideal housing consists of. Set your expectations, adjust as needed, and take every hiccup as a learning experience for next time!
Traveling to a new city as a travel nurse can be both exciting and overwhelming. It’s an opportunity to explore a new place, discover its unique culture and attractions, and meet new people.
Here are five ways to make the most of your experience in a new city!
Research the city before you go –
Before you travel, it’s a good idea to research the city. Look up the main attractions, popular neighborhoods, and local traditions. You can also find information on public transportation, local events, and dining options.
Livability <– You can find data-driven rankings, editorial listicles, articles, and more. Search by state to narrow down your options.
Try local cuisine –
One of the best things about traveling is trying new foods. Each city has its own unique cuisine, and trying local dishes is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture. You can research popular restaurants or markets in the area or ask locals for recommendations.
Need help finding the best spots?
Yelp <– Search for local restaurants and read reviews from others. You can filter by cuisine type and location.
Join a tour –
Joining a tour is an excellent way to see the city and learn more about its history. You can choose from a variety of tours, including walking tours, bike tours, or bus tours. Many tours also offer local guides who can provide insider tips and recommendations.
Looking for a great resource to find the perfect tour?
TripAdvisor <– Offers a wide range of tours and activities in different cities. You can search by destination, activity type, and rating and book directly through the platform.
Meet locals –
Strike up a conversation with the locals you meet along the way. Not only will you get to know your new city, but according to a study, talking to people you encounter throughout the day makes you happier.
By researching the city before you go, trying local cuisine, joining a tour, meeting locals, and being open to new experiences, you can make the most of the journey and create lasting memories.
The flexibility and adventure of traditional nursing and allied travel are undoubtedly enticing. But what happens when your contract ends or you find yourself with some free time? PRN/local travel combines the flexibility of working on an as-needed basis with the adventure of exploring new regions around you. Whether you’re looking to pick up more shifts or you just want more control over where and how you work, PRN/local can be just the thing to help get you where you want to be, both in life and location.
Wait, what’s the difference between traditional travel and local travel?
Traditional travel contracts involve longer-term assignments in new locations, typically ranging from 13 weeks to a year or more. Travel nurse agencies, such as Medical Solutions, generally provide housing accommodations or stipends, travel reimbursements, healthcare insurance, retirement plans, and other fun perks and benefits, like rewards programs or exclusive retail discounts.
On the other hand, PRN or local travel contracts involve shorter-term assignments within a local region that can range from single, as-needed shifts to a few weeks of coverage, depending on the facility’s needs. It offers greater flexibility in the hours you work and the ability to choose assignments based on availability and personal preferences, but they generally don’t include housing arrangements or full benefits packages (although that really depends on the agency or organization you work through!).
What types of nurses should travel locally?
Many types of nurses may consider PRN positions depending on their circumstances, career goals, and personal preferences, but PRN/Local contracts are perfect for:
Parents that need flexible schedules
Whether you’re a new parent (congrats!) or a seasoned parent veteran (mad respect), you don’t have to miss those school concerts, sporting events, or important moments with your family.
Retirees looking to scale back
Ease into part-time work without being tied down to a fixed schedule or extensive work hours. PRN allows you to stay active in the nursing profession part-time and maintain your skills.
Clinicians in-between contracts
Even if you don’t sign a contract right away, it’s comforting to know you can always fly home and pick up as many PRN or Per Diem shifts as you want!
Clinicians in or returning to school
You need time to devote to studies and equal parts time to work. Local travel gives you a chance to gain experience in different healthcare settings or specialties without committing to a full-time role.
Full-time clinicians seeking extra income
You’ve got big financial goals, and PRN can help you get there–it’s a great way to stay busy and earn some supplemental income on your days off or during your free time.
Want to travel but can’t commit to far distances.
Sometimes you just can’t commit to an extended period away. But commitments close to home shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a travel career your way!
There are so many reasons you may want to pick up a PRN/local travel contract, but the best part is knowing you can create your own work-life harmony while still helping healthcare facilities struggling with staff shortages or seasonal fluctuations.
Getting started is easy!
Some PRN organizations, like Matchwell, allow you to skip recruiters and agencies altogether, making it extremely easy to dip your toe into local travel and schedule your work your way!
How does it work? Simply head to the Matchwell site to set up your account and upload documentation, then peruse through their extensive online marketplace for job postings that meet your criteria and preferences. Choose from local acute and post-acute, per diem, PRN, block schedule, or even full-time opportunities close by. Then, once you find a perfect match, you can connect with the hiring manager directly. Jobs are added daily, so check back often for fresh opportunities nearby.
If you’re a nurse with a passion for adventure and a desire to make a positive impact, PRN travel nursing might just be the perfect fit for you!
