April 23, 2023

2816 Views

The Importance of Sharing Your Experience as a Travel Nurse

Posted on April 23, 2023April 23, 2023 by Miles Oliver

Travel nursing is a popular profession for many reasons. The pandemic led to a “travel nurse gold rush” as nurses were paid more to move from job to job where help was needed most. Higher pay for traveling is a big draw for many nurses, and the profession continues to be attractive for many.

Some nurses are understandably experiencing major burnout. Stress in the nursing profession is nothing new, but traveling on top of the job demands can leave these employees feeling overwhelmed and alone. Luckily, there are ways for travel nurses to connect with others and share their stories. This can aid you in your journey to becoming a travel nurse — or to continue the job you love so much in a healthier way.

Help Other Travel Nurses

Sharing your story and tips as a travel nurse can help others in the same profession. New travel nurses have much to learn that can only come from experience, but sharing what you wish you knew when starting out can help someone navigate the job more easily and successfully.

You can also share your experiences with certain locations. Acclimating to a new culture can be difficult for some travel nurses, so sharing your tips for this can be a big benefit to the travel nurse community as a whole.

Educate the Public

By sharing your experiences, you’re not only helping educate fellow travel nurses but also the public at large. While nursing is an extremely rewarding career, it can often be thankless. Sometimes, patients and their families don’t understand the struggles that their care providers are going through. Sharing your story can help foster compassion and make the travel nurse profession a little brighter, one understanding the patient at a time.

Care for Your Own Mental and Emotional Well-being

While you’re traveling and working long shifts, it’s easy to let your own well-being fall by the wayside. Recognizing your mental health needs is often the first step in getting help. Reading or listening to another travel nurse’s story, talking to other travel nurses with similar experiences, and sharing your own can highlight parts of your well-being that may be currently neglected. This way, you can work toward taking care of yourself and not feel ashamed for doing so.

Feel More Connected

Travel nursing can also become lonely at times. You’re often moving away from family and friends for extended or undetermined periods. Staying connected as a travel nurse can come in many forms. Shared experiences will help you feel closer to others in the same profession. It may also help you feel closer to other people that now get a glimpse into your daily life. People need connection, and putting your story out there can foster that for yourself and others.

There are many ways to share your experience as a travel nurse. Talk to other nurses in person or in online forums. Post a heartfelt story on social media via text post or video format. Write a guest post on a blog or start your own.

Starting a podcast about your travel nurse experiences is a great way to establish yourself as an expert within your industry. Podcasting can also be an effective way to connect with others in your profession and share your knowledge with those who may be interested in becoming travel nurses. Just be sure to fully develop your podcast angle and sketch out ideas for several episodes before you start recording.

You never know how you may help someone by sharing your story — and you’re already helping yourself. It’s not selfish to take care of yourself. In fact, it can make your job as a travel nurse more rewarding because you’re less burnt out and more able to make effective decisions. It helps the public, your patients, other travel nurses, and your well-being to share your story. Find the proper outlet, and let your stories and experiences flow.

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

April 20, 2023

1385 Views

6 Items Travel Nurses Need to Pack

Posted on April 20, 2023April 20, 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.

The excitement within her had her heart beating at a rate not even three IV doses of Labetol would have been able to easily control! Yet here she was. After years of working at the bedside, she had chosen to pursue her dream. Nothing was going to stop her. Her kids were grown. She had no pets. Nobody to answer to except herself. The oil was changed, new wipers were on the windows, tires were at the proper pressure, and the car was filled with as many plastic totes and bags as she could squeeze in. She had just enough room to set her purse and a small cooler in the front seat beside her. The house was locked. The bills were paid. The alarms and security were set. She inserted the key in the ignition and was off to new beginnings.

As you read this, you might ask yourself what were in the plastic totes and canvas bags that she had gently at first and, in the end, forcefully shoved inside her car. What does a traveler need to take? My daughter tells the story of a travel nurse from Florida who came to Nebraska during the winter months. My daughter has a room she rents out and has had a lot of success doing this, having also made lifelong friends as she pursues her doctorate degree. But one nurse truly made her laugh. “I threw in anything that looked warm.” I’d been there upon the arrival of this particular new renter as she was an old travel buddy of mine. The floorboard and front passenger seat were just as full as the rest of the space in the car. She may have packed too much stuff. I thought as I helped her unload.

In the excitement of one’s first travel position, miles away from home, we sometimes forget that we are likely not moving away from home for good. Just for a travel nurse assignment or two. We don’t need the kitchen sink, just the usual necessities, and a few other items. The most important things to take with us are merely the basics.

6 Items Travel Nurses Need to Pack

Healthcare

Medicines and insurance cards. Phone numbers of your physician and dentist.

Financial information

Credit card, debit card, cash, banking information, and phone numbers to all credit card companies in case something happens. Don’t forget your computer and the charger.

Travel paperwork

I always encourage my travelers to have information on their phone, on an external hard drive of some type, saved on a cloud, and a hard copy. Keep a copy of every document you were asked for when you went through your onboarding. Add to this as you continue to travel. I kept a hard copy of everything in a folder, in plastic sleeves, and easily within reach. Throw in the diary or journal so you can write down interesting details about the journey you are on.

Clothing

A couple of good pairs of pants, a few pairs of jeans, 5-10 tops, uniforms if needed, and a few pairs of shoes. You are going to be spending a large amount of time in your uniforms. There is likely no need to pack your entire closet. How many seasons will you be confronting before you come home? Remember, right now, we are packing only the necessary items. At least one nice outfit for a night on the town on your day off.

Toiletries

Hair dryer, curling irons, electric razors, hair gel, makeup, personal towels, etc. You may want to add some of your own bedding and a favorite pillow.

The rest of the totes

Now that you have the basics packed and loaded look around and see what else you would like to take with you. The more minimalistic you learn to become on these travel nurse assignments, the more likely it is that you will leave your apartment on your days off and do what you set out to do; become the explorer and traveler who embarked upon an adventure into the unknown to see new sights and meet new people. Be certain you make time to taste the local cuisine, visit an art museum, or go to a concert or a sporting event. And take your camera with you everywhere!

That nurse who rented the space from my daughter? Charlene went back to Florida for a week-long visit with her parents in the middle of the contract. Her camera was filled with pictures of her adventures. You’ve probably also guessed that she went home with a car full of stuff she really didn’t need. Upon her return, she had laughed at all that she thought she needed the first time, realizing that she wasn’t moving in. She was merely staying until the next adventure! May you all be blessed in your travel adventures and make the best memories!

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 Lindsay Gantz

April 19, 2023

5248 Views

How to Not Lose Access to Mental Health Treatment As A Travel Nurse

Posted on April 19, 2023November 10, 2023 by Lindsay Gantz

Are you excited to start travel nursing but unsure how to maintain access to mental health treatment? I was ecstatic when I accepted my first travel nursing job, but little did I know the choice would soon cause me to lose access to my beloved therapist of 3+ years. This sent my mental health spiraling. Travel nurses can avoid my same predicament with a little planning ahead. Here are some ways travel nurses can maintain access to mental health treatment while on assignment.

Ask Your Current Therapist About Telehealth

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many practitioners have started offering telehealth to clients. If you have a therapist now, depending on the state they are licensed in, they may or may not be able to practice across state lines (for example, if they are in New York and you accept an assignment in Georgia). It is important to ask your therapist if a move will impact their ability to work with you. Many will make exceptions if you tell them your move away is not permanent.

Avoid Gaps in Your Insurance Coverage

Another big reason travel nurses lose access to mental health care is when their insurance status changes. This is a broad topic, and there is no “right” choice for any travel nurse when it comes to choosing insurance coverage. No matter what, keep your mental health coverage needs in mind when deciding. If you decide to use your agency’s insurance, beware of gaps in coverage between assignments. You can also ask your therapist if they will accept self-pay if they cannot accept your new insurance.

Find Out About Employee Assistance Programs

Many travel nurse agencies realize the huge toll working in healthcare takes on our mental health. Often, agencies will give nurses access to Employee Assistance Programs (or EAPs) that allow nurses between 5-10 free visits with a mental health professional. This can be a huge benefit to nurses who switch agencies and may not always have the same health insurance. EAPs can also help you quickly book an appointment with a new therapist when you move to a new state.

Call Your Health Insurance Company

When you move states, sometimes a quick way to land a new therapist is to call your health insurance company directly and ask if they can help you find a qualified mental health professional. Rather than Googling and searching yourself, concierge services at insurance companies might speed up the process of booking an appointment.

Try an Online Therapist

Online therapy also exploded after the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Many travel nurses use services like BetterHelp, Cerebral, and Talkspace to maintain mental health coverage. Some services accept health insurance, and some only allow self-pay. Know that these services will also ask you what state you are in because many of their therapists are restricted to practicing only with clients in the same state.

Use Prescription Delivery Services

A great way travel nurses can keep up with mental health medications is by using prescription delivery services. Your pharmacy might offer prescription delivery (like my CVS pharmacy did, for example), or those who qualify can try online services like Hers, which allow you to connect with a prescriber and get medications sent to your door.

Remember the Importance of Self Care

While it is crucial to have access to mental health treatment and therapy as a travel nurse, I also cannot underestimate the importance of self-care. Travel nurses can engage in self-care activities such as meditation, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and connecting with a support system.

Travel nursing can lead to a lot of big, exciting changes in your life. That said, you should take steps to ensure that this does not include changes in your mental health routine. You will only love your travel nursing assignment more if you are thriving and at your best mentally.

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 Covelo Group

April 17, 2023

3858 Views

Job Outlook: Why Start Travel Nursing Now?

Posted on April 17, 2023April 17, 2023 by Covelo Group

Covelo Group provided this article.

If you’re a registered nurse looking for a unique career opportunity, now is an ideal time to try travel nursing. Experienced nurses are in high demand due to the persistent shortage of healthcare workers in the U.S., and the shortage[i] of RNs is projected to continue through 2030. In response to this shortage, many hospitals and medical centers are turning to travel nurses to fill their staffing needs.

Travel nursing contracts can last from several weeks to a year or longer. Some hospitals will even opt to extend contracts beyond the original term when a placement is a great match. Whether you’re thinking about making travel nursing your full-time career or are open to trying it on a case-by-case basis, travel nursing can be a rewarding choice for RNs in all stages of their careers.

Fresh Perspective

One great reason to give travel nursing a try is for the adventure. It’s an ideal way to see new places, enjoy different cultures, or experience another climate, all while making a great living. The fresh perspective gained from traveling can also help you avoid the burnout[ii] that nurses and other healthcare workers commonly report experiencing.

Whether a bustling city interests you, or you want to experience a winter without snow finally, there are plenty of travel nursing opportunities to meet your needs. Remember that no matter where you end up, each new contract comes with a fresh group of coworkers, so new friendships are an added advantage.

Generous Compensation

It’s no secret that travel nurses receive generous compensation. Pandemic pay for travelers increased dramatically due to the stress that was placed on hospital systems at the time. While this spike has leveled out in 2023, traveling wages remain very competitive. Full-time RNs may wonder if the grass is greener for travel nurses, and it’s not hard to see why. Hourly pay varies greatly from state to state, but the reality is that travel nurses do make substantially more per hour than their full-time counterparts.

Keep in mind your high hourly pay also comes with fewer professional responsibilities beyond direct patient care. Full-time staff may be required to serve on committees or attend meetings outside of their regular shifts. In contrast, when you clock out as a travel nurse, you’re free to pursue your favorite hobbies and pastimes. In fact, many travel nurses can make enough in a 12 to 13-week assignment to take some time off between contracts for personal travel.

Speaking of travel, your staffing agency will likely pay for your airfare upfront and reimburse you for mileage or rideshare expenses. Depending on your contract, your housing may be covered by a housing stipend, or affordable housing arrangements may be offered. Some employers even offer signing bonuses to attract qualified nursing talent.

Manage Career Transitions

Whether you’re a recent nursing school graduate exploring career paths, in between full-time positions with time to fill, or a veteran RN pondering retirement, travel nursing is an ideal way to bridge your career transition.

Travel nursing also presents an excellent pathway to experiencing a variety of healthcare systems, specialties, and clinical settings within a timeframe that meets your needs. Communicating your goals to your staffing partner upfront will help you land the contracts that align with your professional aspirations and advance your nursing career.

Make a Difference

Travel nursing is an excellent way to put your skills and education to work to treat patients in underserved communities. If hospitals in every major U.S. city are strapped for good nursing talent, just imagine how dire the staffing needs of medical centers in remote communities must be.

Commonly referred to as healthcare deserts[iii], remote rural communities often struggle to staff enough qualified doctors and nurses to meet the needs of their patients. In fact, many of these facilities rely on a constant rotation of travel nurses in place of permanent full-time employees.

Nurses make a positive impact on the health and well-being of their patients, whether they work in cities big or small. Your willingness to accept travel nursing contracts in underserved communities can truly make a meaningful difference to patients who might otherwise lack access to the healthcare providers they need and deserve.

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.

[i] https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-information/fact-sheets/nursing-shortage

[ii] https://www.upi.com/Health_News/2023/04/05/US-healthcare-workers-face-rising-levels-of-burnout/8191680634238/

[iii] https://hitconsultant.net/2021/09/10/healthcare-deserts-goodrx-report/

By Medely

April 15, 2023

3696 Views

Why Local Assignments Are Good for Travel Nurses and Facilities

Posted on April 15, 2023April 15, 2023 by Medely

Medely provided this article.

When it comes to travel nursing, many RNs think of traveling and exploring faraway places. However, that’s not always an option for everyone, as some nurses want to be closer to home. Nurses can actually choose to be local travel nurses and only “travel” close to home or within their own state. Local assignments provide an option, different from per diem shifts and traditional travel nursing assignments, that benefits both nurses and the facilities they serve.

Want to take advantage of the perks of travel nursing – like higher pay and flexible shifts – without leaving your hometown? Then this might be the right option for you. Learn more below!

First things first. What is a local travel nurse?

A local travel nurse is an RN that takes on short-term contracts (4-13 weeks) within his or her hometown or neighboring locations. Like travel nurses, local travel nurses are typically employed by an independent staffing agency rather than one healthcare facility. However, unlike travel nursing, local assignments do not include stipends for housing and meals or travel expense reimbursements. Local assignments are 1099. Thus, taxes are not withheld, and the professional is still considered an independent contractor.

How are local assignments different from per diems?

Local assignments are longer term than per diems, and they can last between 4-13 weeks. They’re referred to as local because RNs can use these assignments to find long-term or permanent assignments at local facilities.

How does local travel nursing, a.k.a local assignments benefit nurses?

Local travel nursing is advantageous to those nurses who love travel nursing and might not want to stay in one place but also want to be close to home or family, especially if they were unable to take their families with them on travel assignments.

Coming home at the end of the day. Local assignments let nurses come home to be with friends or family at the end of every workday and on their days off.

Flexibility. Local travel nursing can also be a great option for travel nurses who want to work near home in between travel assignments or when visiting friends and family in their local areas.

Money! Travel nurses that take on local assignments in their home states will get higher pay on average than permanent staff nurses.

Exploring local facilities. Many local travel nurses leverage the opportunity to work across different facilities in their hometowns to learn about all of their options, which is helpful if they were to consider taking a permanent staff position in the future. Plus, local travel nurses can choose the amount of time they spend at each facility.

Exploring all options. If nurses are looking to shift out of working in a hospital setting and into home health nursing, this can be another local assignment option. Some agencies offer in-home shifts taking care of older patients and adults with disabilities who need help in their own homes.

How do local assignments benefit healthcare facilities?

It’s been three years since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, but hospitals and healthcare facilities are still under-staffed and under-resourced. Local assignments are beneficial to healthcare facilities that need people in the local area to fill shifts quickly in order to help the patients they need to serve within their own communities.

Overcoming being short-staffed. Healthcare facilities struggling to overcome staffing issues can utilize local assignments to bring in people as soon as possible.

Utilizing local talent. Facilities can meet their staffing needs without having to find someone from out of town and wait for them to arrive in the area to fill it.

Covering more than one shift at a time. When healthcare facilities need coverage for more than just one shift, they can employ local travel nurses. Instead of posting several per diem jobs, they are able to book one professional for the desired days or over a number of weeks.

Long-term possibilities. The facilities that bring in local talent for short-term work may gain them as full-time employees later on. Some local travel nurses that find facilities they love to work in may want to put their names in the hat for permanent staff positions in the future, potentially helping these facilities overcome their staffing issues in the long term.

As you can see, local assignments or local travel nursing offer a compelling option for both nurses and facilities. Nurses can still take advantage of the flexibility and higher pay options of travel nursing while staying close to home, and facilities can bring in much-needed staff from a local talent pool.

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

By AB Staffing Solutions

April 14, 2023

3537 Views

How to Get Hired Quickly as a Travel Healthcare Professional

Posted on April 14, 2023April 14, 2023 by AB Staffing Solutions

AB Staffing Solutions provided this article.

Travel healthcare professionals are in demand across the country, but how fast can you get hired? For travel nurse positions, we require 1-2 years of experience before you explore travel positions. For others, it may be a different timeline, so talk to the agency and recruiter to understand the recommendations. Once you’ve selected an agency, you will work with them to find the best match.

As always, we encourage you to communicate with your recruiter from the beginning as well as while you are working. They are your connection to answering questions about the contract. They want to learn how you’re doing in your placement and how you like your new home. While you would need to contact your on-site manager for specific facility-related questions, your recruiter is your resource for everything else.

In this article, the AB Staffing recruiters offer tips for making the hiring process for travel healthcare professionals as smooth and quick as possible.

1. Organize your documents.

Send them to the agency quickly. This includes a resume, certifications, credentials, license, and references. Having this available digitally will make it easy to send from your phone or laptop. A delay in the submission of this information can result in the position being filled by someone else. We don’t want that to happen to you, so make sure to be prepared.

2. Communicate with your references.

Don’t let a call from an agency or employer be a surprise. Contact your references to let them know they may be receiving a call, the type of position you’ve applied for, and guidance for how your work with them matches the job. They should expect a call and be ready to answer our questions about your experience working with them.

3 . Be sure your resume is up to date.

As you advance in your career, make a point to update your resume. This way, you will always have a clearly formatted document to send to potential employers and recruiters. Your recruiter can also help you format your resume, but the info you send must be the most current. Keep this in a digital file as well. The more organized you can be, the better for you in this step of your career.

4. Be sure your physical and certifications are up to date.

It takes time to get these, so having them current will make the hiring process move faster. If these aren’t up to date, we may have to wait until they are to place you in a travel healthcare professional position.

5. Be flexible with the locations where you would like to work.

Our recruiters understand you have dream locations where you’d like to work. While we try to make these happen, being flexible with what is currently available increases the chances of being placed. The more specific you are, the more challenging it is for our recruiters to place you.

6. Flexibility with scheduling is necessary.

As a travel healthcare professional, you are hired to fill in where the facility has no one else. Every place has a different shift available. There may be weekdays from 9 to 5, or you may have 12-hour shifts or overnights. Being flexible will go a long way for you to be invited back or to extend your contract, especially if you want to stay longer. We cannot guarantee anything, but your openness makes it easier for us to place you and/or extend a contract when available.

7. Communicate with your recruiter.

We cannot express this enough. Whether you’re looking for your first placement or you’re a seasoned traveler, always keep in contact with your recruiter. They can find a contract faster if you’re in communication with them for submittals and questions. They also want to hear from you and learn about your experience.

8. Answer your phone.

After you’ve submitted for a position, keep your phone close and answer it. Try not to miss potential interview calls by screening your incoming calls. This can make the process take longer, and/or you may lose opportunities.

Getting hired quickly as a travel healthcare professional has as much to do with what AB Staffing has available as it does with how prepared and engaging you are. Our recruiters love when you have documents and references ready because they want to place you where you’d prefer. While we cannot always do this, we do our best to make great matches that support your career goals.

Want to learn more? Contact AB Staffing today!

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 Fusion Medical Staffing

April 13, 2023

1866 Views

5 Travel Nurse Packing Tips You Should Know

Posted on April 13, 2023April 13, 2023 by Fusion Medical Staffing

Fusion Medical Staffing provided this article.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve worked hundreds of travel nursing jobs or it’s your very first assignment. Packing for months at a time can be tricky. From cleaning supplies to clothing to meaningful mementos, there’s a lot to remember! Next time you’re packing for a travel nursing assignment, use these tips to help make sure you pack everything on your travel nurse packing list.

5 Travel Nurse Packing Tips You Should Know

1. Consider the length of your travel nursing contract

One of the biggest factors that will impact what you pack for a travel nursing job is the length of your travel contract. Most of the time, travel nurse contracts last for 13 weeks. They can be shorter or longer depending on the medical facility’s needs. For example, if you choose to extend your contract, you could be away from home for six months or more.

If you’re packing for a shorter nursing assignment, it’s recommended to pack as lightly as possible and only bring items that are absolutely essential. On the other hand, longer assignments may require you to pack more to make yourself comfortable during your travel contract. If you plan to take time off in between travel nursing assignments, you may wind up packing even more for vacation activities.

2. Think about the climate of your destination

Another packing tip for travel nurses is to think about the climate of your job destination. Different climates require different types of clothing and gear, so you have to know what type of weather you’ll be facing when you get where you’re going.

While lighter, breathable fabrics are beneficial in hotter climates, wearing multiple warm layers is great for colder weather. If you’re traveling to an area with a lot of rain, then you may want to pack a raincoat or umbrella to keep you dry – or choose a portable waterproof parka if you’re short on space. Knowing the climate of your destination ahead of time is key when it comes to packing for a travel nursing job.

3. Make a list of things you use regularly

It can be tricky to know what to pack as a travel nurse. Narrow it down by making a list of things you use on a regular basis. Think alarm clock, coffeemaker, hair straightener, headphones, and anything else you find yourself using a lot.

Making a list of everyday essentials can alleviate the stress and anxiety that comes with packing because it doubles as a travel nurse packing checklist! Whether it’s clothing, houseware, toiletries, or something in between, a packing list ensures you have everything you need for your travel nursing assignment so you can start enjoying your new location as soon as possible.

4. Maximize your packing space

Limited luggage space combined with the need to pack for an average of 13 weeks means maximizing your packing space is essential to make sure you have room for everything you need to bring.

In other words: pack smarter, not harder. Consider using these packing strategies to get the most out of your packing space.

Roll your clothes
Plan outfits that can be mixed and matched
Try vacuum/compression bags to save space
Consider using a toiletry bag
Bring multipurpose items (i.e., a scarf that’s also a blanket)

5. Double-check you have your important documents

So, not only do you need to make sure you have the right clothing and personal items packed, but you’ll also need to double-check you have your important documentation organized and packed. This includes items like your driver’s license, social security card, birth certificate, car insurance, nursing certifications, and state licenses. You may need these documents to fill out employment paperwork or verify your identity while traveling.

Pro tip: bring copies of important documentation and leave the originals safely stored at home or with a loved one. That way, you don’t have to worry about accidentally losing your paperwork and documents while working a travel nursing job. And if you do misplace your copy, it’s no big deal to get another!

Travel nursing is both personally and professionally rewarding, and it’s even better when you’re well-packed. By packing efficiently and careful planning ahead of time, your next journey will go off without a hitch. Just follow these travel nurse packing tips, and you’ll be ready to hit the ground running on your next travel nursing assignment, no matter your destination.

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 Laura Pierce

April 12, 2023

1561 Views

My Travel Nurse Journey: 18 Years of Memories

Posted on April 12, 2023April 12, 2023 by Laura Pierce

How do you sum up eighteen years of travel nursing? That’s 18 years of travel nurse contracts, new places, new co-workers, new patients, and new experiences. The past 18 years have been pretty fantastic. I’ve had the fortune of working in places like Guam (6 different times), Hawaii (the big island and Maui), Alaska, and many other US states.

My travel nurse journey

Sometimes I get extremely lucky in my travels. For instance, I experienced Maui during the lockdowns and had the beaches to myself. It was the stuff of dreams. Or when I decided I was going to work in Alaska one summer. I lucked out when I found a contract in Anchorage. The cherry on the top was the mama moose who would bring her baby out on the hospital grounds every dawn and dusk.

When I look at my work badges, I am reminded of the places I’ve worked and the places I visited on that contract. And, almost as important, the places I’ve been between travel nurse contracts. Whether it be solo travel or with friends and family, my home base is in Missouri, but I usually work at least 1 travel nurse contract each year in California. This means I drive 30 hours to California.

I often invite my mom or a friend to fly out and drive back together, stopping to see as many sights as possible. On these return trips, my mom and I saw Yellowstone National Park, Grand Tetons National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Las Vegas, and many other sights. And a friend and I saw the Grand Canyon for her first time. Little did I know that she had always wanted to see La Brea Tar Pits, so we checked it out before we left Los Angeles. The tar pits are excavation sites near downtown Los Angeles, where saber-tooth cat and wooly mammoth dating to 38,000 years have been dug out of the ground, and liquid tar bubbles up out of a pit.

My international travels

My travel nurse journey has also afforded me the luxury of international travel. And believe me. I come up with some crazy ideas. Like when a friend and I hopped on a flight to India for 6 weeks. Or when working on Guam, Southeast Asia and Japan are only a short flight away. One year after leaving Guam, I whittled my traveling items into 1 suitcase. I traveled through 10 different countries in Southeast Asia for 4 months. It was amazing. I met a Buddhist monk in Myanmar who became my unofficial tour guide. He took me to gorgeous 1000-year-old temples (over 30) carved from a single boulder. The following year, I returned to Southeast Asia and Australia for 3 months, and my new friend accompanied me to Indonesia. Another time my friend Salma and I vacationed on a tiny island off the coast of Belize. There was no electricity or internet, but there was plenty of snorkeling, hermit crabs, and coconuts. We were adopted by Lucky, one of the five island dogs. He was an Australian shepherd who we loved. The island was so small that a person could walk all the way across the island in about 5 minutes. I didn’t want the week to end.

Last fall, I embarked on a 6-week getaway. I came across a cruise where both the price and the timing were perfect. Before the cruise, I flew into Zurich, Switzerland, and spent the day meeting up with a couple of old friends. Among other places, we visited the Lindt chocolate factory and ate our weight in Lindt chocolate. After Zurich, I made my way to Venice for the cruise by way of the Bernina Train, considered one of the top train rides in the world, and it is something that had been on my ‘to-do’ list. The 27-night cruise started in Venice and ended in Durban, South Africa, winding its way through the Mediterranean, through the Suez Canal, down the eastern side of Africa, and stopping in 10 different countries (including 3 island nations) along the way. Once the cruise was over, I flew to Kruger National Park in South Africa for a week-long safari. I couldn’t believe the numerous herds of zebras, elephants, giraffes, and hippopotami.

My career has been fulfilling and gratifying

These days, I usually work a couple of contracts a year, and I don’t work when I’m at home in the Ozarks. My house is paid for, and I have some money in the bank. And working less gives me more time to pursue more traveling and spend more time with family and friends. I consider myself extremely blessed to be doing what I love for work while seeing so much of the world’s beauty. My travel nurse journey has been extremely fulfilling and gratifying. I’m not sure exactly how much longer I’ll be at the bedside, but if it means another 18 years of traveling for both work and pleasure, I’ll take it!

We hope you enjoyed reading Laura’s travel nurse journey story. Would you like to share your story? Comment below or send an email 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:

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

By The Gypsy Nurse

April 11, 2023

32859 Views

Travel Nurse Vacation: 13-Week Life Cycle of Travel Nurse

Posted on April 11, 2023May 14, 2024 by The Gypsy Nurse

Working as a Travel Nurse, most of our life is planned out in 13-week blocks. Whether we are planning for the “during a travel assignment” or the “between travel assignments,” we still schedule our lives around our contracts or our contracts around our lives. It doesn’t matter how you prefer to look at it. Whether it’s a horrible contract (because we all have had them) or a flawless one, we all start counting down the weeks, shifts, or even hours.

Many start counting down from day #1! If it’s a terrible contract, it just brings a reassurance, knowing it’s only temporary, and you have to endure X amount of days until you hit the road home or off to the next new (and hopefully better) adventure. If it ends up being a flawless contract, full of adventures with locals or fellow travel nurses, it could be a sad countdown- knowing that the fun has to end in 13 weeks, sadly.

I can survive anything! (Can’t I?)

One benefit of travel nursing is that we live and survive by the mentality, “I can do anything for 13 weeks”- good, bad, or horrible. You are never more than 13 weeks away from that sometimes much-needed break from nursing. Considering the high level of burnout in nurses, that break between contracts is an invaluable perk. Working staff, our threshold of ‘dealing’ with things had to be high.

We had to maintain a positive attitude and go to work every day, sometimes dreading dealing with a difficult co-worker. As a travel nurse, you can survive knowing that you only have to deal with that difficult staff member for 13 weeks, and you may never have to see them again. However, most likely, there could be a difficult staff member at the next travel assignment. You never know. Going in with a positive attitude and knowing that there could always be, and usually will be, some things that are not ideal, but you CAN survive anything!

Holidays- to Work or Not to Work

Holidays can be an exciting time, full of family and tradition. Many travel nurses choose not to travel during December because they want to be home for Christmas. That is the beauty of life as a gypsy nurse; you can decide if you want to work over the holidays or not. That holiday could be Christmas, July 4th, or even Mother’s Day. You can decide and create the perfect scenario that fits your life and your wishes.

We are lucky to pre-plan our lives 13 weeks at a time; no forms to fill out, requesting off, or dreading the schedule being posted to see if your request was granted. I know travel nurses who work out their contracts so that the contract ends before the holidays, and they do not accept a new one until after the holidays are over. Travel during the holiday season is a nightmare, as is attempting to see all of my family members, so I prefer to travel during the holidays. It’s just less stress for me that way. Those who live in one of the ‘serious’ winter states, such as Michigan or Indiana, prefer to be on a contract in Arizona or Hawaii during the winter.

Back-to-Back Contracts, Or Mini Vacations

By living life 13 weeks at a time, travel nurses can choose if they will work back-to-back contracts or if they will take time off between contracts, and if so, how much. That’s the beauty of travel nursing! You are not restricted by how much time off you have available in the time pool or what you might have earned from your employer. Travel nurses do not have to be limited. You can take as much time as you need/want off between contracts. Some people take 2 weeks to rebound and recoup from work. High school or college graduations? Family vacations? Maybe your first grandchild will be born, and you want to be there for the first 6-8 weeks to help out. Travel nursing affords you the flexibility to pre-plan around and in between contracts.

Avoiding Boredom

Some people get bored easily; if that is you, then travel nursing might be the right path for you. Thirteen weeks is the perfect amount of time on the job to avoid boredom. Most people dream of having the luxury of getting to pick and choose where you live for 13 weeks.

People not in the travel nurse profession often ask, “What is it like living life 13 weeks at a time?” Here is a brief synopsis of the feelings that most travel nurses and I have:

Week #1 Excitement/Fear/Introductions.

The first week will usually fly by as you attend orientation and try to find your way around the facility and back and forth to work. Locating amenities like a local grocery store, gym, post office, etc. Simple tasks like remembering everyone’s names are difficult for me for the first several weeks!

Week #2-4 Learning curve.

With every new job comes the angst of learning your routine and new policies and procedures. The amount of time varies from person to person. I’ve found that my average is 2-4 weeks.

Weeks # 4-6 Finding your rhythm

For me, weeks 4-6 are when I begin to fall into a good groove on the job. I can finally find most of the supplies and know how to contact the physicians and the pharmacy. I have found my confidence and can lose some of the ‘newbie’ jitters. This is also the time you can usually start to get to know the staff. During the weeks prior, I usually have no extra time to concentrate on getting into my own routine and learning where everything is. I finally have time to breathe, slow down, and say hello to co-workers. This is generally when you realize that your contract is already half over!

Weeks #6-10: Sightseeing mode kicks in!

Work has gotten easier, I am into my routine, and my level of mental exhaustion has tapered off. This is when I start to get antsy and have to get out and see things! I recommend that you take a weekend to explore nearby touristy stops and try to schedule walking tours of the city. Make plans with co-workers or other travel nurses to meet up for dinner or drinks. This is the best time to get out and enjoy being in a new city.

Weeks 10-13 Short-timers start to kick in.

This is why I have found that things can become monotonous for me. I’m feeling the pangs of boredom kicking in while I am at work. That certain co-worker is beginning to grate on your nerves. Your frustration level is starting to increase. You might even begin to become frustrated with the lack of __________ (fill in the blank) on the job. You know what I mean. It’s going to be all the little things you did not have time to focus on during the first nine weeks because you focused on finding that all-important rhythm.

But there is good news!

This is generally when you begin planning and searching for the next travel assignment so that you can start all over again for another 13 weeks! You will start chatting with your recruiter and seeking the next adventure (or planning for that much-needed time off). Either way, your thoughts will be focused on the ‘next 13 weeks.

If you’re like me (and most travel nurses) and get bored easily, thrive on change, adventure, and the unknown…maybe you should try living life 13 weeks at a time.

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

START HERE

Help Other Travel Nurses

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

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1. Organize your documents.

2. Communicate with your references.

3 . Be sure your resume is up to date.

4. Be sure your physical and certifications are up to date.

5. Be flexible with the locations where you would like to work.

6. Flexibility with scheduling is necessary.

7. Communicate with your recruiter.

8. Answer your phone.

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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