April 13, 2023

1916 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

1609 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:

START HERE

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

By The Gypsy Nurse

April 11, 2023

33051 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

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

By Geraldine Mills

April 9, 2023

4032 Views

Travel Nurse with Family: Ways to Make it Work

Posted on April 9, 2023April 9, 2023 by Geraldine Mills

Travel nursing is a challenging profession with many obstacles as well as perks.

The main challenge for travel nurses is that they need more stability, especially regarding social connections within the hospital. Usually, the higher pay given to travel nurses compared to the regular nurses in the hospital can be a touchy subject that causes difficulty in staff cooperation.

Also, since you travel often, there is no time to solidify your experiences with other members working with you. This lack of social interaction can be lonely. However, one way to curb that is by being a travel nurse while bringing your family along with you.

You’ll have a solid group of people by your side to create a sense of stability even as you move from place to place for your work. If you’re planning to be a travel nurse with your family, here are some tips to help ease that transition for all parties involved.

Tips for being a travel nurse with your family on assignment

1. Can Travel Nurses Bring Their Families on a Job?

Before we cover some travel nursing tips, you might be interested in knowing whether travel nurses traveling with a partner or their families are okay. Well, worry not because it’s acceptable to do so. However, as with anything in your professional life, you should follow specific guidelines first.

The essential rule to this is to make sure that you notify your assigned recruiter immediately if this is an arrangement that you plan on having. That way, they can prepare accordingly to ensure that you fulfill your family’s needs while you’re on a travel assignment.

Now that you know you can bring your family, it’s time to move on to the tips below.

2. Develop a Plan in Advance and Communicate Clearly

For those new to the field, thinking about how they will travel with their family can be overwhelming and anxiety-inducing. The following tips can help you plan for your travel and make sure that you and your family are safe and happy during your travel nursing journey:

Make plans in advance with your partner or family members who know what to expect
Get an idea of what is expected of you as a travel nurse, including work hours, days off, etc.
Create a list of everything you need to do before leaving home so there is no last-minute scrambling.
Communicate clearly with co-workers or employers about the expectations for both parties.

Taking the time to do these steps ensures that you start and end each assignment on a clean, professional note that doesn’t overstep your boundaries.

3. Choose the Right Housing

When you’re a travel nurse traveling with family, it can be challenging to find suitable housing. It’s important to consider where you want to live and the amenities that will make your life easier. That’s why when you’re considering where to stay, here are some things to consider:

What amenities do I want my family members to have?
How close will my new home be to hospitals and other healthcare facilities?
Is there a school nearby?
How much space am I willing to spend on rent?

Check with your family to know what they want from the house you’re getting while you’re on your assignments.

4. Prepare Entertainment on the Go

When you travel with your family, it can be challenging to keep them entertained.

Pack some of their favorite toys and games they can play together in the car or hotel room to keep your kids entertained while traveling. You should also pack an iPad or tablet so they can watch movies, videos, and shows on it. Luckily, there are many free educational games available everywhere that you can use to entertain while educating and teaching your kids.

Don’t forget to spend some time seeing the sights in your new locality with your family. After all, these are the perks of traveling for work, so you might as well make the most out of it.

5. Built-in Road Trip Family Vacations

Since you’ll have to go on a trip to get to your next travel nurse assignment anyway, you might as well take the time to make the commute fun by making it a road trip.

Seeing the sights along the way to your destination can make it an exciting endeavor for you and your family. Just ensure you prepare and maintain your car if it is a long drive to get there.

6. Make the Most of Days Off

Wasting time on your days off is a big mistake many travel nurses make. You should spend time with your family instead of just sitting around watching TV or playing video games when you can (although there’s no harm in a few lazy days, either).

If you’re traveling with family, it’s crucial to take advantage of the new area you’re in and go on a short trip to do something fun and exciting for everyone in the family.

Conclusion

Traveling with your family while being a travel nurse can help ease the loneliness, but you have to make sure you make the most out of it when possible. Hopefully, the tips in this article show you how to do just that. That way, you enjoy a fulfilling career while also making time for the people in your life who matter most.

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 Lirika Hart

April 7, 2023

2041 Views

Mind and Body: How Travel Nurses Can Stay Healthy Through Shifts

Posted on April 7, 2023April 7, 2023 by Lirika Hart

Every job type differs from the other; one can be less stressful, and the other can be very overwhelming. By not trying to minimize other people’s jobs, we have to be forever grateful for travel nurses worldwide. Working long hours every day and trying to take care of everyone because that is their purpose can be truly immense. They do care for our well-being, but do they care about theirs? If a nurse is not in good condition, that might cause major problems. It is really important for them to stay healthy and on point. Because how are you going to take care of someone if you’re not going to take care of yourself first? Travel nurses who live a healthy lifestyle perform better on the job and are less stressed. It is understandable that this may be hard for them to achieve, but we can try and make some adjustments here and there, and this is how.

You Are What You Eat

No one knows this better than a nurse; however, those long hours can’t promise you’ll practice what you preach. Food has a great impact on a nurse’s life. Sometimes you just grab something from your colleague’s lunch, not because you’re hungry but because they offered. You get overworked with patients; then you suddenly remember you haven’t eaten anything but 5 almonds, an apple, and God knows how many cups of coffee. Developing a healthy meal plan for a 12-hour shift or, in the best-case scenario, a week will undoubtedly save your health. This meal plan should include a lot of fruits, vegetables, and proteins. Low-calorie diets will keep your body energized and allow you to work more efficiently. Those who consume junk food during their shifts tend to perform with less energy.

Travel nurses tend to drink a lot of energy drinks in order to gain energy and finish their tasks. They might work in the short term, but even they know that in the long term, energy drinks are very unhealthy. While you’re making the meal plan, you might want to throw some cucumber, lemon, and parsley in your blender and make some detox water. Consider switching from energy drinks to detox water. If you forgot or didn’t have enough time to make detox water, stick to just water instead.

Your body needs to be hydrated all the time, especially in the medical profession. Dehydration can lead to serious complications, and with your profession, you can’t afford to get sick. When you don’t drink enough water, even the smallest symptoms can cause an issue. For example, with a headache, it might be difficult for you to focus and concentrate, two of the most important things for a nurse. Just pay attention to what kind of water you’re drinking. You probably don’t have the time to go buy a new bottle of water every time, and you don’t want to end up drinking contaminated water. Stick to an RO water filter instead and drink only clean and fresh water.

A healthy Body Leads to a Healthy Mind.

Once you have maintained a healthy diet, the journey to a healthy mind gets easier. Our body and mind work together. One does not go without the other. But, of course, maintaining a healthy diet doesn’t complete the job. Travel nurses usually complain that they get so tired and cannot get enough sleep, or when they do, they don’t sleep well. Exercise can help with sleep. But if you don’t have time for exercise, taking a walk to your job, walking the stairs, or using your lunch break to meditate or do yoga will definitely help keep your mind intact.

Conclusion

A job in any kind of medical field is truly overwhelming. It is so overwhelming that people in those professions usually tend to forget about their well-being. Their well-being is actually essential to their job performance because a lot of responsibility is in their hands. And sometimes, this big burden they have with their patient’s well-being and long hours of work can lead to burnout. By creating a meal plan in advance, drinking lots of water, avoiding caffeine, and doing some physical activity whenever you can, will help you have a great job performance. With a healthy body and mind, you will be able to concentrate and focus better, finish your tasks perfectly, and feel more energetic.

By Titan Medical

April 6, 2023

3800 Views

A Growing Trend Among Healthcare Travelers

Posted on April 6, 2023 by Titan Medical

Titan Medical Group provided this article.

We are beginning to see a growing trend among travel healthcare professionals; here are a couple of reasons explaining why travelers are viewed as an asset to the hospitals and facilities they are contracted with.

Reasons Healthcare Travelers are Assets

Good for difficult positions to fill.

Considering rural areas, it can be hard for hospitals and facilities to find full-time healthcare professionals when the population is lower, and there are not enough people in need of jobs. When travel nurses can cover a wide variety of specialties, it makes it favorable for hospitals and facilities to hire them on a contract basis.

Another reason hospitals and facilities turn to travelers is due to nurse-patient ratios. This could be from both high censuses as well as easing the workload by contracting in travel nurses to help prevent permanent employees from becoming burnt out in their careers. Travelers can often bring a sense of relief to the workplace, which hospitals, facilities, and their permanent employees appreciate.

Cost-effective for hospitals and facilities

Cost plays an effect as travel nurses are employed through an agency, not the hospital or facility with which they will be contracted. This makes it more affordable to the hospitals and facilities as they will not be spending extra dollars on benefits such as healthcare, paid time off, training, etc. This is because contracted employees will receive their benefits from the agency through which they are hired.

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 19% growth in travel registered nurse jobs by 2022. This stat could increase a bit more when factoring in the addition of other traveling positions, such as Surgical Techs and LPNs. Also, it is important to recognize the growing trend in the allied healthcare division; Radiology, oncology, laboratory, and respiratory travel assignments have become more popular among healthcare professionals.

Healthcare Travelers fill temporary gaps.

Typically, on contract for 13 weeks, travel healthcare professionals can see flexibility among hospitals and facilities. Travelers can sometimes have their contracts extended or renewed at the request of the facility they are at. This is extremely convenient for hospitals and facilities seeking support during a high census, covering employees out of work for extended periods and filling gaps while facilities look for full-time employees.

______________________________________________________________

Recognizing the need for healthcare travelers in hospitals and facilities, Titan Medical Group would like to help find you your next traveling assignment. To learn more, call us at 866.332.9600 today!

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 LeaderStat

April 4, 2023

2511 Views

6 Tips to Get Better Sleep

Posted on April 4, 2023April 4, 2023 by LeaderStat

LeaderStat provided this article.

Some days are crazy and chaotic, where we feel as if we are being pulled in 20 directions at once. With all of your home and family responsibilities and workplace demands, we may find that we are struggling to get enough good-quality sleep. Sleep that is poor quality and on an erratic schedule can be detrimental to our mental and physical health.

To be considered healthy sleep, it must encompass these three components:

Quantity – how much sleep we get
Quality – sleep that is uninterrupted and refreshing
Consistency – made challenging by irregular or night shift work and chaotic lives

With so many people and responsibilities making demands on our time, something must give, right? So, we make what seems like the necessary decision to sacrifice quality sleep. But attention to these straightforward tips can bring about positive changes that will impact the “health” of your sleep.

1. Stick to a consistent sleep schedule:

Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This helps regulate your body’s internal clock and improve the quality of your sleep.

2. Create a sleep-conducive environment:

Make sure your bedroom is dark, cool, and quiet. Use blackout curtains, earplugs, or a white noise machine if necessary. Also, invest in a comfortable mattress, pillows, and bedding.

3. Limit exposure to screens before bed:

The blue light emitted by electronic devices can interfere with your body’s production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Avoid using your smartphone, tablet, or computer for at least an hour before bedtime.

4. Practice relaxation techniques:

Activities such as reading, taking a warm bath, or practicing yoga can help you unwind and prepare for sleep. Avoid stimulating activities like watching TV, working on your computer, or exercising right before bed.

5. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and heavy meals before bedtime:

These can interfere with your sleep and cause restless nights. Try to avoid consuming them for at least a few hours before bed. Instead, opt for a light snack or a cup of herbal tea to help you relax.

6. Don’t toss and turn:

If after 20 minutes you can’t fall asleep, don’t allow yourself to become frustrated and begin tossing and turning. Sometimes the harder you try to get some shut-eye, the more stubbornly sleep evades you. Instead, do something calming, such as reading or listening to soft music, until you feel sleepy.

Consistently getting adequate, quality sleep will enhance every aspect of your life. Make it a priority!

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 First Choice Nurses

April 3, 2023

3029 Views

How to Avoid Being Scammed by “Recruiters”

Posted on April 3, 2023April 3, 2023 by First Choice Nurses

First Choice Nurses provided this article.

When it comes to travel nursing and getting hired on with a company, the process should be pretty straightforward, right? Sometimes this is not the case, and nurses can fall victim to scams by providing their social security number or banking information. So, how does a prospective travel clinician avoid getting scammed by these quotes, unquote recruiters? Use extreme caution, do your research, don’t believe everything you see online, and resist the temptation to act quickly.

First things first, use extreme caution!

NEVER, EVER send your information or credentials blindly. Recruiters will ask for your basic information & credentials that, include your phone number, email, resume, nursing license, BLS certification, Tuberculosis screenings, immunizations, etc., to build a submission packet for the contract you’re interested in being placed. They request these items to verify & ensure you meet the standards and requirements set by the facility/hospital. For most submissions with any company, they will also require a copy of your driver’s license and social security card. Oftentimes this information is not needed until the recruiter has collected everything else for the submission and is ready to actually submit you to the contract.

The reason your driver’s license and social security card/number are needed is so that the hospital/facility can verify in their database if you’re a previous employee and eligible to return as contingent staff. The driver’s license & social security card are also needed to verify your identity when completing the government I-9 form during the final steps of the hiring process. However, this is where you’ll need to be careful and use your judgment. Once an individual has your social security number, they can do anything with this information.

Recruiters should NEVER ask for your banking information, either. This information is usually acquired later in the hiring process from the payroll department, not the recruiters. If a recruiter is asking for your bank account information or a voided check for direct deposit, this is most likely a scam.

Second, do your research and don’t believe everything you see online.

Recruiters use social media and job board platforms to advertise contracts and opportunities they have. This is a playground for scammers as well. Scammers will mimic other companies using official seals, logos, & even websites to attract people into their scam.

If you feel uncomfortable sending anything to a recruiter, like your social security card/number, you should not do so without verifying that the person on the other end works for a legitimate staffing company. A simple google search of the company that they claim to work for can let you know if the company is legitimate. You can take it a step further and call that company and ask to speak to the recruiter. It’s also a good practice to read any reviews for any company that you’re considering working with. If a previous employee had a great or terrible experience, there is most likely a review about their interaction with the company.

When researching any company, ask yourself: Do they have a website? Do they have a verifiable phone number & address? What do the reviews say about the company? Are there any pictures of the company’s building with its name on it? What kinds of photos are shown by the company? The company might also have a social media page that you can cross-reference and see if the information is the same as it is on their google search page. Most times, pictures from a company’s social media page will coincide with the information on any internet search.

Finally, resist the temptation to act quickly and go in blindly.

If you feel pressured in any way, use caution. Yes, recruiters want to place you as quickly as possible, and you want to get to work as quickly as possible. This can be achieved without vulnerability. Shady actors typically try to make you think something is scarce or that a contract is about to be filled. While sometimes this may be true, keep in mind that most contracts are revolving and not one-and-done. The contract you want may be filled tomorrow, but another one that’s similar, if not the same, will come available again sooner rather than later. Always know your options and think it through before making any decision.

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 Amare Medical Network

March 31, 2023

2523 Views

Why You Should Consider Travel Nursing with a Pet

Posted on March 31, 2023March 31, 2023 by Amare Medical Network

Amare Medical Network provided this article.

By Jaclyn Neilly, BSN, BA, RN, Director of Clinical Services at Amare Medical Network

What would we do without our pets? I don’t know about you, but my dog Coco is sometimes the sole reason for me getting up in the morning: partially to take her out and partly because if I don’t go to work, I won’t be able to afford dog food. All in all, I would be lost without her. She is my child, and wherever I go, she goes.

Pets have been shown to have positive health effects on their owners, from psychological to physical ones. Animals provide comfort and support and can help be that ear that you vent to, that hug that you need, or that smooch when you walk in the door. They go on hikes and walk with us, which helps keep us moving and active. Pets can help improve our mental well-being in ways we may not think we could achieve. They provide an unbiased, unconditional love that we may not know we need but is so welcome.

Travel nursing can seem like a big step into the great unknown, but what if you were able to bring your precious pet with you? Many travel healthcare professionals bring their dogs, cats, birds – you name it – with them when they are away. This helps provide stability and comfort in a time when the hardships of healthcare are so daunting. Bringing your pet along for the ride can also help ease the nervousness that comes with taking a new assignment in a place that you’ve never been to before.

Nicole Estep, one of our travel nurses at Amare, is a great example of why traveling with a furry companion(s) is so beneficial. “When I come home, I’m covered in dogs. Getting puppy kisses definitely helps cope with stress,” said Nicole. More than two years ago, she sold her home, packed up her 14 dogs, and took off in her RV. Even though Nicole has 14 dogs on her travels, I recommend starting slow! One pet is enough to reap the benefits.

Many housing providers allow pets and even encourage them. One of Amare Medical Network’s partners, Furnished Finder, offers these tips for travel nursing with pets.

Tips for travel nursing with pets:

· Bring your own blankets and furniture covers

· Have your own pet-specific cleaning supplies

· Travel with your pet’s favorite toys and supplies

· Use consistency to help your pet transition

· Don’t be afraid to invest in help

Our pets are a part of us. If your pet is a part of you and you are looking to travel around the US providing top-quality healthcare, then join our other healthcare providers who take their pets along for the ride at https://amaremedicalnetwork.com. Together, you and your pet can provide care worthy of a million smiles!

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

5 Travel Nurse Packing Tips You Should Know

1. Consider the length of your travel nursing contract

2. Think about the climate of your destination

3. Make a list of things you use regularly

4. Maximize your packing space

5. Double-check you have your important documents

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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Week #2-4 Learning curve.

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Weeks #6-10: Sightseeing mode kicks in!

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

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Good for difficult positions to fill.

Cost-effective for hospitals and facilities

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