April 9, 2023

3950 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

2001 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

3738 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

2477 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

2925 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

2471 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

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

By RTG Medical

March 29, 2023

2186 Views

Night Shift Travel Assignment: Tips for First-Time Travelers

Posted on March 29, 2023March 29, 2023 by RTG Medical

RTG Medical provided this article.

Working the night shift can disrupt your daily routine, even when you’re not traveling. Typically lasting between 8 to 12 hours, night shifts can be daunting for first-time night shift travel nurses. However, there are steps you can take to thrive during those long night shifts.

Tips for working a night shift travel assignment:

Stick to a Schedule

To ensure a smooth transition to your first night shift as a medical traveler, you must mentally, emotionally, and physically prepare yourself. Preparation should begin well before the day of your assignment. Planning ahead is crucial to give your mind and body ample time to adjust to your new schedule. To reset your circadian rhythm, gradually alter your sleeping patterns in the weeks leading up to your travel assignment.

If you struggle to maintain a sleep schedule during daylight hours, there are a few items you can invest in to help ensure a peaceful slumber. Since sunlight exposure signals the brain to stay awake, consider purchasing blackout curtains or a sleeping mask to help remove distractions. Additionally, try using white noise apps to drown out any background noise that could interrupt your rest. To further improve your sleep quality during the day, you may want to try incorporating some of these tips:

Establish a pre-sleep routine: Just like with nighttime sleep, establishing a routine can help signal to your body that it’s time to rest. Consider taking a warm bath or reading a book to wind down before sleep.
Keep your bedroom cool: A cooler room temperature can promote better sleep, so try keeping your bedroom between 60-67 degrees Fahrenheit.
Practice relaxation techniques: If you find yourself feeling stressed or anxious before sleep, practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help calm your mind and body.

Working the night shift makes it even more crucial to prioritize sleep. Your success in this role is dependent on maintaining a steady sleep schedule. Irregular sleep patterns can weaken your immune system, impair your memory, and impact your ability to focus.

Maintain a Consistent Meal Schedule

Changing your sleep and eating routines can be quite challenging, particularly because your body has a natural rhythm for hunger, just like it does for sleep. Despite this, it’s vital to prioritize proper nutrition when working night shifts. Preparing healthy, well-balanced meals and snacks can help sustain your energy levels and promote good health.

To stay energized during your night shift, consume a well-rounded diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. These superfoods will provide the necessary fuel to get you through the night. Avoid giving in to the temptation of vending machine snacks, which are often high in sugar and processed. Although these snacks may provide an initial energy boost, they will inevitably lead to a crash. In addition to a well-rounded diet, you can follow several other tips to stay energized during your night shift. Here are a few:

Take breaks: Giving yourself time to rest and recharge during your shift is essential.
Avoid caffeine late in the shift: While caffeine can provide a quick burst of energy, it can also interfere with your ability to sleep once your shift is over. If you need a pick-me-up later in the shift, try drinking water or eating a piece of fruit instead.

Prioritize Self Care

For medical travelers, especially those working night shifts, self-care is crucial when adjusting to a new schedule. Taking care of your mental health should be a top priority. As you settle into your new routines, make sure to set aside time for yourself and enjoy your days off. When beginning your night shift travel assignment, remember to prioritize self-care.

While caffeine is a beloved pick-me-up, moderation is essential. Consider drinking water to enhance focus and energy without experiencing a caffeine crash. Furthermore, water is vital for brain function and overall health. The amount of water you should drink depends on factors such as your diet and exercise routine. However, adults should drink between 9 and 13 cups of water daily.

It’s natural to experience downtime while working the night shift, but keep it from leading to inactivity. With a little creativity, you can exercise during your shift. Consider walking around the unit, using stairways, or doing some light cleaning to keep your body moving and combat fatigue.

Although it might feel daunting, don’t shy away from night shift travel assignments. With careful planning and preparation, you can smoothly transition into your ever-changing schedule.

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 Medely

March 28, 2023

1865 Views

Rental or Hotel? 8 Ways To Find The Perfect Home For Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment

Posted on March 28, 2023January 3, 2024 by Medely

Medely provided this article.

Once you have a travel nurse assignment lined up, you can focus on the next big decision: figuring out where you’re going to live. As part of a compensation package, travel nurses may be able to stay in company housing or receive a housing stipend.

Many travel nurses and allied professionals prefer the flexibility, comfort, and savings of finding accommodations on their own. And luckily, the housing reimbursement means you have options! Should you look for a rental property, or is a hotel stay the best choice for you?

First, consider your high-level requirements. These might include:

Location. Maybe you need easy access to several facilities where you’ll be picking up per diem or travel nursing assignments, or you prefer to stay outside of the city.
Budget. Finding accommodations that are cheaper than your housing stipend—maybe with a roommate or two—enables you to cut your housing costs and reach your financial goals more quickly.
Features. Access to different amenities can help you make the most of your downtime.
Family. Traveling with a spouse or kids can greatly impact the amount of space you’ll be looking for.
Pet policy. If you travel with an animal, easy access to a yard or park may be essential for your new place.

With your particular preferences in mind, you can compare your priorities with the available housing options.

Housing options: furnished rentals vs. hotels

The pros and cons of furnished rentals vs. hotels

Undoubtedly, your experience with accommodations will vary—every property is different. However, we’ve broken down the usual expectations into potential pros and cons.

Staying in a furnished rental

Pros:

✅ More cost-effective

✅ More home-like feel

✅ More space

✅ Potential access to a yard

✅ Location in a residential area

✅ Full kitchen

✅ More likely to have in-suite laundry facilities

✅ Can be found in many different neighborhoods

Cons:

⚠️ Some rentals are only for short stays

⚠️ Some rentals are equipped for people on vacation, not professionals

⚠️ Fees can be unpredictable

⚠️ Quality of accommodations can be unpredictable

⚠️ Property management can be unpredictable

Staying in a hotel

Pros:

✅ Short term or long-term options available

✅ More amenities, like an on-site gym or pool

✅ Continental breakfast

✅ Housekeeping services

✅ More consistent quality standards

✅ On-site help in case of problems

✅ On-site parking

Cons:

⚠️ More expensive

⚠️ Less space

⚠️ Less comfortable

⚠️ Less privacy

⚠️ Not typically in residential areas

⚠️ May not be close to residential services (i.e., parks, grocery stores)

There is no right option for a travel nurse—some prefer hotels, others prefer furnished rentals and some plan for a combination of both. For example, you may be:

Looking for a place to live. Book a short-term vacation rental for a few weeks while you get to know the city, learn about different neighborhoods, and get recommendations from colleagues.
Waiting for a furnished rental. A hotel can be a stress-free option while you wait for long-term accommodations to be ready.
Focused on work. A long-stay hotel, with all of its amenities, may be a solid option for your whole assignment if you don’t want the responsibility of a rental property.

As you’ll see from the list below, furnished rentals and hotels are two distinct categories, but there are a lot of ways for you to customize your experience. Check out these eight ways to find a suitable property during your next travel assignment housing option.

1. Airbnb — Monthly Rentals

Website | iOS | Android

One of the most recognizable brands for vacation rentals, Airbnb has created a category for furnished housing options that are available for 30+ days.

While you can’t apply filters to the monthly rental search results, you can use Airbnb to find various types of rental properties, from condos to guest suites to detached houses. Airbnb acts as an intermediary, offering some degree of protection to both owners and renters—but it is important to look at previous feedback and ask questions that may come up.

Airbnb also makes it easy for you to:

Browse listing information and pricing without any commitment
Check out reviews and ratings to feel more confident about your expectations
Communicate directly with the property owner or manager about any questions you may have

Pricing on Airbnb can be more competitive than on other short-term rental sites, but the service fees can also add up. It’s also important to check cancellation policies; they vary by property and can be quite strict.

2. Furnished Finder

Website | iOS | Android

A popular site for travel nurses and other medical professionals, Furnished Finder is a niche site that helps travelers find a house, room, or apartment for 30+ days. It’s built with professionals like you in mind rather than catering to the vacation market.

While Airbnb serves as a bit of a mediator, Furnished Finder makes the connection, and there’s a lot less crowdsourced information from an established community. For example:

Information about properties isn’t verified
There’s a review and ratings feature, but it doesn’t seem to be widely used

With this more hands-off approach, it’s up to you to sort out the lease agreement and rental payments with the owner. In exchange, you’ll save on booking fees and markup—Furnished Finder charges the owner a fee for listing the property, but there are no fees for you as a renter.

3. ShortTermHousing.com

Website

ShortTermHousing.com specializes in providing flexible lease options to workers on the move. One branch, in particular, is focused on connecting healthcare professionals with furnished properties for travel assignments, and they say they tailor their offerings to meet your needs. This includes housing options that are close to medical facilities or in a safe and peaceful location that can help you recuperate.

While it’s free to browse the site, you need to submit a housing request to the company itself in order to confirm what’s available and book a rental. This means that the search and booking process may take extra time. And, while you can ask about specific needs or requests, there’s less up-front visibility into each property.

4. Preferred Corporate Housing

Website

For an even more hands-off approach than ShortTermHousing.com, there are no listings on the Preferred Corporate Housing (PCH) website. Instead, you contact them directly, complete their intake form, and they’ll get back to you with potential rental options.

PCH can be a great option if you just don’t have the extra bandwidth to research a new community and find a place to live. They offer professional management with ongoing support, compile all expenses into one bill, and meet set standards for accommodations wherever your rental is, so you’re left with a lot less guesswork.

5. Extended Stay America

Website | iOS | Android

If you’re working long hours and don’t want a home to maintain, Extended Stay America might be the perfect medium! Extended Stay America offers a hotel experience for long-term business travel—whether you’re there for a few nights, a few weeks, or longer.

Locations typically offer perks you’d expect with a hotel stay, such as:

Continental breakfast
Housekeeping
On-site gym
A loyalty program

Each suite includes a kitchenette, and they have pet-friendly rooms if needed.

There’s also something to be said about being in a “shared” environment where staff is always nearby if something comes up. Plus, with standardized facilities, there’s a lot less guesswork about what you can expect.

6. Zillow.com

Website | iOS | Android

The most popular real estate website in the U.S., Zillow.com, is known for buying and selling homes—but they also have a category for rentals that can be filtered based on location and amenities (i.e., furnished).

What makes Zillow.com a good option for travel nurses is that many of their listings are managed by corporations or property managers rather than individual owners, which can add an additional layer of reliability and professionalism to your experience.

Using the “Agent Finder” feature, you can also reach out directly to property managers in an area if you’d like help with your search.

7. Tripping.com

Website

Tripping.com is an aggregator that searches numerous accommodation and travel websites, including vacation rental marketplaces such as Vrbo and FlipKey (but not Airbnb). It’s an easy way to quickly get a sense of what types of properties are available in a particular area.

Tripping.com is generally not ideal if you’re looking for a rental to cover your whole travel assignment. It’s better used for stays of one or two weeks, maybe to cover a short assignment or to have somewhere to stay while you find something longer term. While the vacation rentals it features are typically furnished, they aren’t necessarily equipped or priced for stays of 30+ days.

When you click on a search result, Tripping.com directs you to the partner site that hosts the listing. This means not only that rental conditions will vary from one listing to another but also that the policies and protections are different for each site.

8. Facebook Groups

Website | iOS | Android

Facebook groups are the “Wild West” when it comes to quality and protection and may not be the top choice for travel nurses and allied pros. However, there are countless traveler—focused groups. Facebook can be a good source for information and direct feedback—just proceed with caution.

To find a group, search for:

The location you’re going to and travel nursing housing.
Your specialty and travel nursing (i.e., med surg travel nursing)
Travel nurse networking groups (i.e., Travel Nurse Housing from The Gypsy Nurse or Nurses Renting to Travel Nurses)

Your home away from home

Travel nursing assignments can push you out of your comfort zone—new facility, new city, new challenges. Whether you choose to stay in a furnished rental or a hotel can shape your day-to-day experience and ability to recharge when you’re not on shift. We hope the suggestions above help you explore your housing options.

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.

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 Medical Edge Recruitment

March 27, 2023

2326 Views

Reflecting on Life as an ICU Nurse During COVID-19: Mental Health

Posted on March 27, 2023January 30, 2024 by Medical Edge Recruitment

Medical Edge Recruitment provided this article.

Written by: Christine Purviance, BSN, RN, Director of Clinical Services at Medical Edge Recruitment

It has been just over three years since the first case of COVID-19 landed in the United States. Hospital admissions and total cases are trending down, and our lives seem to have returned to normal. Those who were unaffected have their sense of normalcy back—schools are open, mandates are lifted, and travel is unrestricted. A few more seasons and the pandemic will become another chapter in our history books that we will tell our grandchildren about, for most.

Public Perception

Nursing – a job once derived from compassion, caring, and respect quickly turned into a political narrative with false accusations of deceit at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. With so many false truths and accusations across social media, and the world, nurses took the brunt of the emotional attacks. We were accused of killing the same patients that we were so desperately trying to save. We would have given anything to show the public the reality of the crisis we were facing. Some of us were called liars when we tried to tell our loved ones that COVID was real and that we were witnessing death daily. “You signed up for this” were the words spoken to us as COVID penetrated hospitals while we begged for more PPE.

Our Reality

While most of the world dismissed that COVID existed, we were zipping up body bags like it was trending. We felt uncertainty and fear—we feared infecting our children, husbands, sisters, brothers, and parents, and uncertainty if we would get infected ourselves. We learned quickly that death was impending when patients made it to the ICU. Ventilated, sedated, paralyzed, prone. Each patient started to look the same. For what felt like an eternity, we cared for the same patients for weeks and sometimes months as they slowly died alone.

I remember it like it was yesterday; after having three days off, I came back to find that the unit I worked on had lost three-quarters of our critically ill COVID patients. They had all been on our unit for over a month. We had been doing everything we could for them while they fought for their lives, hooked up to endless monitors and life-saving equipment. For weeks, a dozen medications seeped into their veins–pumping their hearts just enough to sustain life, receiving high doses of sedation, continuous pain medications for comfort, and drug-induced paralysis in hopes they could oxygenate better. Nothing helped. It was at that moment when I saw how many patients we had lost despite our best efforts that I realized the devastation COVID-19 would have on so many lives and that we would never be the same.

Our backs had always hurt, but now our souls and hearts hurt, too. With the need for nurses increasing dramatically, hospitals scurried to find anyone who could work. We were overworked and undervalued; many of us felt like we were just another warm body to our employers. A pizza party does not fix the trauma someone experiences when they see hundreds of lives die in their care. Where was the support from our employers during such a traumatic time? Why did so many nurses lose their benefits and PTO? The lack of support we experienced is just scratching the surface of the real impact the pandemic had on nursing. While many of us had turned to travel nursing to earn a fair and decent wage, thousands of us have left patient care for good because we have finally realized our worth. It’s time we share our truth and gives others the real nursing perspective during COVID.

Perspectives from former COVID ICU Nurses

Amanda, RN

“I would not have become a nurse if I knew a global pandemic was in the future,” Amanda, an ER and ICU nurse, says. Amanda has been a nurse for four years and enjoyed her work pre-pandemic. Amanda describes her mental health as good before COVID. She was hardly anxious and really enjoyed being a nurse. Fast forward, Amanda describes how she had to start taking antidepressants during the pandemic, is a very anxious person now, and turned to alcohol a lot during the pandemic. “It was so surreal. It almost felt like we were soldiers going to war to fight this unknown and dangerous virus. I saw so much death and suffering; it was exhausting, overwhelming, and traumatic.” She says that one of the hardest things for her and her colleagues was the skepticism that non-healthcare workers had regarding COVID. “It felt like a slap in the face. We were stacking bodies on top of each other, holding our patients’ hands as they died alone.” Amanda left the bedside three months ago and says it was the best decision she ever made.

Lisa, RN

Lisa, a former ICU local travel ICU nurse, exclusively took care of critically ill COVID patients during the pandemic. “It was surreal, heartbreaking, and one of the most difficult times of my life,” she describes. She isolated herself from her mom, husband, and friends as she “witnessed death several times per day, nearly every day.” Lisa sought help during the pandemic for nightmares and intrusive thoughts from a therapist who provided coping mechanisms like self-regulation techniques, journaling, meditation, and self-compassion. Lisa says, “my mental health is definitely not what it was pre-pandemic, but I am much better now, maybe even stronger.” Lisa encourages others to not wait to seek help. She suggests finding a therapist, a self-help book, or a resource that works for you. “When your mental health improves, a cloud is lifted…healing begins from within through the practice of self-compassion.” Lisa left the bedside in February of 2021 to pursue higher education.

S.M., RN

S.M., an ICU, OR, and PACU nurse, describes working as a nurse during the pandemic as “crazy!” S.W. had been a nurse for 12 years when the pandemic started. When asked about how she felt about her employer, she states she feels like politics got in the way of patient care. She describes her mental health as good prior to the pandemic, but now she feels that she has more depressive days. After working through the pandemic, S.W. has not considered leaving the bedside and still loves what she does.

Resources and Help

The data and evidence on how COVID impacted the nursing profession, and mental health is limited, likely due to the recency of the pandemic. However, according to a recent survey [AS1] of critical care nursing burnout and mental health during the pandemic, 44% of critical care nurses experienced moderate-to-severe depression and anxiety, and 47% were at risk for having post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Of the nurses surveyed, 84% experienced moderate levels of burnout and moral distress. COVID-19 has impacted every nurse across the globe in one way or another.

Many of us are doing well, but some of us are still struggling. If you, or anyone you know, needs mental health support, it is never too late to ask for help. Mental health therapy has never been more accessible and can be done from the comfort of your own home through virtual appointments. Below is a list of mental health services available for anyone:

Free Crisis Text Line
BetterHelp
Mental Health America
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): These programs often offer a set number of complimentary counseling or mental health services. Check with your health insurance to see if your benefits include an EAP.

Moving Forward

The realization of our value after the pandemic has shifted nurses’ attitudes across the nation. From travel nursing for adequate pay to remote nursing jobs with less liability, thousands of nurses have left their role, left nursing altogether, or pursued higher education. The future of nursing is uncertain, given the evolving impact of the pandemic, but we hope that sharing our reality and experiences can open the minds of those who weren’t in our shoes. The need for nurses is great, but the need to support and retain our existing nurses is greater.

References

Guttormson JL, Calkins K, McAndrew N, Fitzgerald J, Losurdo H, Loonsfoot D. Critical Care Nurse Burnout, Moral Distress, and Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A United States Survey. Heart Lung. 2022 Sep-Oct;55:127-133. doi: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2022.04.015. Epub 2022 Apr 29. PMID: 35561589; PMCID: PMC9050623.

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

Tips for being a travel nurse with your family on assignment

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

2. Develop a Plan in Advance and Communicate Clearly

3. Choose the Right Housing

4. Prepare Entertainment on the Go

5. Built-in Road Trip Family Vacations

6. Make the Most of Days Off

Conclusion

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

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

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You Are What You Eat

A healthy Body Leads to a Healthy Mind.

Conclusion

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Reasons Healthcare Travelers are Assets

Good for difficult positions to fill.

Cost-effective for hospitals and facilities

Healthcare Travelers fill temporary gaps.

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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1. Stick to a consistent sleep schedule:

2. Create a sleep-conducive environment:

3. Limit exposure to screens before bed:

4. Practice relaxation techniques:

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

6. Don’t toss and turn:

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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First things first, use extreme caution!

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

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

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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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

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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