By Anders Group

February 27, 2023

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Phone Interview Tips for Travel Nurses

Anders Group provided this article.

Written by: Angie Chung from Anders Group.

When searching and applying for assignments as a travel nurse, one of the most important steps is the facility interview. Interviews are the best and only time to showcase your skills and truly get a feel for the position you are applying to prior to starting. Since most travel assignments are out of state, interviews typically occur over the phone. There are so many frustrating factors when conducting a phone interview. To overcome this disconnect, we want to provide some interview tips and important questions to ask during your interview.

Scheduled vs. Unscheduled

Usually, the facility will coordinate with your recruiter to schedule a time that works best for you and the facility’s hiring manager. In some cases, this prearrangement does not occur, and the facility may call you without prior notification. If you are submitting to travel assignments, you must be prepared to answer any unknown phone numbers, as they could be an unscheduled interviews. If your interview is pre-arranged, make sure you are completely available. There might be multiple candidates being considered, and the facility may select someone else to fill the role before you are able to reschedule. If the facility calls without coordinating a time, answer when you are available and able to be present. If you are distracted, or there is a lot of background noise, this could make the first impression and overall call a negative experience. Let the call go to voicemail, and call them back as soon as possible.

Phone Reception

Make sure you have stable phone reception. Static, cut sound, or a call breaking up during an interview will be frustrating for both you and the interviewer. This can leave a negative first impression that you definitely want to avoid. 

Keep Your Personality Bright

As the interview is not conducted in person, it can be very difficult to show yourself off. Be energetic and make sure the facility can feel your enthusiasm for the role. You want to let them know that you are enjoyable to work with. Try to avoid speaking with a monotone voice and animate your tone!

Be Your Biggest Advocate

This is your time to shine! Display your eligibility and the skills you have to offer. Let them know why you are fit for the role and highlight the strengths and values you believe you can bring to the team. If a detailed job description was provided, point out how you meet each qualification.

Ending the Call

Before your interview ends, make sure to ask some questions that you have prepared in advance. This interview is critical for you to understand the position and facility to see if it is a good fit. As the conversation seems to come to a close, end the call by asking when to expect an offer or if you would be the right traveler for their team. After your interview, immediately contact your recruiter to let them know how it went. At Anders Group, we want to hear how your interview experience flowed so we can immediately follow up with the facility and push for an offer.

Asking Questions During an Interview

Asking thoughtful questions allows you to understand the position and signals to the interviewer that you are genuinely interested in the role. It also gives you the opportunity to address any areas of concern you may have regarding the assignment. 

Here are a couple of necessary interview questions:

  1. Why is there a travel need?
  2. What would the day-to-day be like for this position?
  3. What are the most important skills needed?
  4. Could you describe the ideal candidate?
  5. What would be my approximate hours/schedule each week?
  6. How many people are on the team?
  7. What is the patient ratio?
  8. What mentorship is provided?
  9. Are you okay with my days off during ___?
  10. Do you have any areas of concern about my ability that I may help clarify?

Phone interviews don’t have to be a frustrating and negative experience. Preparing yourself for any situation and being your biggest advocate can prove to be the best way for you to nail the assignment you want. Although there is a huge disconnect during phone interviews, you can make the experience great!

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:

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

By RTG Medical

February 25, 2023

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Top Travel Destinations for Summer 2023

RTG Medical provided this article.

Six Must-See Cities for Your Summer 2023 Healthcare Travel Assignment

As the winter season slowly comes to an end, it’s time to start planning your next travel assignment for the summer of 2023. If you’re a healthcare professional who loves to explore new places while pursuing your career, then your next travel assignment in a beautiful new location might be just the thing you need. Here are six cities that are must-visit travel destinations for your summer 2023 travel assignment.

Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska and is known for its beautiful scenery, outdoor activities, and wildlife. With long daylight hours during the summer months, you’ll have plenty of time to explore and enjoy everything Anchorage has to offer. Take a scenic drive on the Seward Highway, go fishing for salmon, hike to a glacier, or watch for whales on a boat tour. Anchorage also has a great food and drink scene, with plenty of local breweries and restaurants that serve fresh seafood.

Bayfield, Wisconsin

Bayfield is a charming town located on the shores of Lake Superior in northern Wisconsin. It’s the perfect destination for those who love outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and kayaking. You can also take a boat tour to the Apostle Islands, a group of 22 islands that are known for their pristine beaches and unique rock formations. Bayfield is also home to several wineries and orchards, so be sure to try some locally-grown fruit and wine during your visit.

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is a historic city that is known for its museums, universities, and sports teams. During the summer months, you can take a stroll along the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile walking path that takes you through some of Boston’s most historic sites. You can also visit the Boston Common, the oldest public park in the country, or catch a Red Sox game at Fenway Park. Boston also has a thriving food scene, with plenty of seafood restaurants and local eateries to choose from.

Telluride, Colorado

Telluride is a small town nestled in the mountains of southwestern Colorado. It’s a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of hiking, biking, and rock-climbing opportunities. You can also take a scenic gondola ride to the top of the mountain, where you’ll have stunning views of the surrounding area. Telluride is also known for its music festivals, so be sure to check the schedule and catch a show during your visit.

Wilmington, Delaware

Wilmington is a small city located on the Delaware River, just a short drive from Philadelphia. It’s a great destination for those who love history and culture, with plenty of museums and historic sites to explore. You can also take a stroll through the beautiful Brandywine Park, which is home to several gardens and a zoo. Wilmington also has a great food scene, with plenty of local restaurants and breweries to choose from.

Nomad, Washington

Nomad is a small town located in the eastern part of Washington state. It’s a great destination for those who love the outdoors, with plenty of hiking and fishing opportunities in the surrounding area. Nomad is also known for its wineries, so be sure to take a wine tour and sample some of the local vintages. If you’re visiting in August, be sure to check out the North Central Washington Fair, which features live music, rodeos, and carnival rides.

These six cities are must-visit travel destinations for your summer 2023 RTG Medical travel assignment. Each of these cities has its own unique attractions and culture, so be sure to choose the one that best suits your interests. From the beautiful scenery of Anchorage to the historic sites of Boston, there’s something for everyone in these amazing travel destinations.

Join other healthcare travelers and partner up with a top staffing agency!

Join tons of other healthcare travelers who have found jobs in locations they’ve always wanted to travel to! These amazing destinations have something for everyone, from the stunning scenery of Anchorage to the historic sites of Boston. We have helped tons of healthcare travelers find jobs in locations they’ve always wanted to travel to! If you’re ready for the adventure of a lifetime, reach out to a healthcare travel agency today! 

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!)

By Furnished Finder

February 24, 2023

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Avoid Housing Surprises When Traveling!

Some surprises are great – like a surprise birthday party, a surprise visit from a friend, or even a surprise day off! But when you’re a travel nurse, the type of surprise you don’t want involves housing! You have so many changes when you’re going from place to place and facility to facility that a housing surprise can often bring unwelcome stress to your situation. We’re here to help by offering a few ways to avoid housing surprises when finding your next monthly furnished rental. 

Check Furnished Finder for your housing needs.

First things first, make sure you check out Furnished Finder for your housing needs. The site offers nothing but monthly furnished rentals and discounted hotels perfect for your needs. This way, you won’t have to sift through housing that doesn’t fit your monthly furnished needs. You won’t fall in love with a property only to find that it’s available on weekends only!

Be upfront with the property owners.

Next, be upfront about what you are looking for when you begin communicating with property owners. If you have non-negotiables or must-haves, let those be known right away. This way, you won’t get all the way to the point where you are ready to sign a lease only to find that your requirements aren’t met, and you’re sent back to square one. 

Let the property owner know your reason for travel and who you will be traveling with. This may seem like unnecessary information to share, but if you are traveling with a spouse, partner, or friend, and the property owner knows about this, they can make sure that there are enough supplies, bedding, etc., for multiple people. This is also a great time to ask specific questions about things that will make your stay easier. If you work nights, a coffee maker is probably a must! Ask the owner if there is one, so you don’t have a surprise caffeine-free stay!

FaceTime!

More often than not, stays are reserved without visiting the property prior to the move-in date. This can be for multiple reasons. You may not actually be in the new city until your contract starts, or there may be a tenant in the property that can make seeing the property tough. In this case, to ensure you aren’t met with any unwelcome housing surprises, ask the property owner if you can FaceTime with them to see the property! Even if it’s just from the outside, if the unit or home is occupied, it will give you a better feel of the neighborhood, the vibe, and the landlord!

Speaking of landlords…call them!

We live in such a digital world that it’s easy to do everything over text and messaging. If you want extra certainty, though, pick up the phone and call the property owner to really get a feel for them and their property. You can get to know them and ask questions that come up in conversation that you might not have thought of before. 

Use Google Street View!

You may be going to an area of the country you have never been to. While this can be exciting and bring lots of new adventures, you may also know nothing about the different areas of town! We know you will want to be close to your place of work, but you also don’t want any surprises when it comes to the neighborhood or your surroundings. Because, after all, safety is the priority! Visit Google maps, type in the address, and click on street view. This will allow you to “walk” around the neighborhood and get a good feel for the area. 

Our final word of advice to avoid any unwelcome housing surprises when it comes to your housing situation – ask questions, questions, and more questions! Our site is great because you get to connect directly to the property owner – take advantage of this! Ask them if there is a secured entrance, the neighborhood vibe, the facilities, their policies, etc. 

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:

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

By StaffDNA

February 22, 2023

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Travel Nursing Pre and Post-Pandemic

StaffDNA provided this article.

The COVID-19 pandemic changed almost every aspect of how we live — from working remotely to shopping for groceries online and much more. Nurses and other healthcare workers experienced heightened levels of change and the stress that came with it. As the pandemic continued, travel nurses supported healthcare systems in unprecedented ways, benefitting patients, healthcare facilities, and their fellow nurses alike. 

Now that COVID-19 is slowly receding from the headlines, we should take time to consider how the pandemic affected nursing, specifically travel nursing. What did we learn? What challenges did we face? What will the future hold?

Travel Nursing Before COVID

Since the mid-1930s, the U.S. has had periods with notable nurse shortages that put a strain on the American healthcare system. While nurses have traveled to different areas to help out for over a century — Nightingale and others traveling to Turkey during the Crimean War, for example — the concept of hiring travel nurses began in the 70s, when New Orleans hospitals were overwhelmed with injured Mardi Gras partygoers. During the 80s, travel nursing became an industry of its own, responding to the ongoing regional nursing shortages.

The COVID-19 pandemic shined a bright light on the ongoing shortage — a shortage due in part to nurses retiring, a lack of nurse educators, and an aging patient population living longer with chronic medical conditions.

The shortages have led to nurse burnout, which has played a role in decreasing retention levels. In fact, a study conducted in 2019-2020 (pre-pandemic) by Rachel French, Ph.D., RN, et al. found that over 40% of RNs reported a high level of burnout. But nurse burnout isn’t just a problem for nurses’ personal lives; patient safety also suffers. The good news is that hiring travel nurses can often help.

Travel Nursing During COVID

During the height of the pandemic, the role of nurses also expanded. With “no visitor” policies in place, nurses had to provide an unprecedented level of social care. They often had to work without the personal protection equipment crucial to their health and safety, and some had to quickly change specialties with no prior training — from medical-surgical to COVID ICU, for example. The higher numbers of patients and increased death rates added to their trauma in ways never seen before. Hospital systems had to find a solution, or at least a Band-Aid, for the situation. Travel nursing expanded to alleviate some of these problems.

As the need for travel nurses increased, so did their pay rates. According to HealthAffairs, travel nurses in the past earned approximately $1,400 per week, but as the pandemic continued to surge, some travelers earned up to $10,000 a week.    

While the pay increase was a benefit, traveling comes with its own set of drawbacks. “Working in a new environment; learning new processes, technologies, hospital layouts; and meeting new people are inherently stressful and have been amplified during a crisis like COVID-19,” notes David Morrison, RN, author of Travel Nurse Bible. And staff nurses weren’t always happy about working side-by-side with their peers who made up to six times their salary.

How the COVID-19 Pandemic Will Affect the Future of Travel Nursing

The COVID-19 pandemic is all but over, but travel nursing will continue to be a vital part of the healthcare landscape. “When nurses travel and gain control over their work, it will be hard to shut that door,” says Rose Sherman, EdD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN. Now that health systems have seen the true value in travel nursing, they won’t want to shut that door either.

Though the nursing shortage is far from over, the gold rush for travel nurses is already dwindling. COVID relief funds paid for much of those increased salaries, but as they’ve dried up, hospitals and other facilities are cutting salaries for travelers and moving back toward leaner staff.

We don’t know what the future holds regarding pandemics, social change, and governmental regulation, but we can be sure that travel nursing will continue to be an integral part of healthcare for years to come.

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. There you can search for what you are looking for in housing.

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!)

Sources:

By Medely

February 21, 2023

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Navigate Flexibility: Per Diem Travel Nursing – Pros, Cons, and Meaning

Medely provided this article.

One of your strengths as a travel nurse or allied professional is the ability to show up for a new assignment and adapt to fit the situation at hand. That versatility also makes you a valuable per diem nurse—someone who can step in to deliver critical patient care when a healthcare facility comes up short on staff.

Many healthcare workers take per diem nursing shifts or travel assignments, but there are also great reasons to consider doing both! Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of taking on per diem jobs during a travel nursing assignment and what it can mean for your career plan.

What is a per diem nurse?

In healthcare facilities, per diem nursing—also known as PRN, an abbreviation for pro re nata, which means “as needed” or “as the occasion arises”—means picking up extra shifts on a temporary or on-call basis. In some facilities, this can mean booking jobs when you have time; in others, it may bring just a few days a month. That variety is what makes it such a perfect solution for nursing professionals looking for more.

Pros: The benefits of per diem shifts for travel nurses

There are many different reasons to pick up per diem shifts while on a travel assignment. You may be motivated to:

  • Take control of your schedule. Combining travel nursing assignments with per diem shifts gives you a lot of flexibility, allowing you to take on as much work as you want without tying yourself to a full-time position.
  • Earn extra money in a short period of time. Travel assignments are known for their financial incentives; per diem assignments also typically offer higher hourly rates. Earning extra cash through per diem shifts can help maximize your earnings.
  • Cross-train for the role you want. A catch-22 for travel nurses is that you get assignments based on the experience you already have, which can make it difficult to try something new. If you’re interested in a different specialty or want a broader perspective by working with different facilities, per diem jobs can help you get that extra exposure.
  • Keep your skills and expertise sharp. Per diem nursing offers a chance to flex your skills in different areas, so you can avoid getting rusty if your assignments tend to focus on a particular specialty.
  • Check out a facility before your next move. Book shifts in a new facility if you’re considering a long-term assignment there in the future—it’s a great way to test the waters.
  • Make new connections. Being away from home as a travel nurse can get lonely. Adding extra hours with per diem jobs can help introduce you to new people and new patients if you aren’t keen to spend your downtime by yourself.

A few hours per week of per diem work can do a lot to move your professional and personal goals forward. But before you start accepting per diem temporary assignments, there are a number of things to be cautious about.

Cons: Consider this before adding per diem shifts to your schedule

If you’re interested in adding PRN nursing jobs to your travel nursing assignments, it’s important to be transparent with your travel nursing agency—even if you book per diem shifts through a different agency or directly with the facility.

(If you’re a Medely travel pro, we’ve got you covered! We offer per diem, local assignments, and travel assignments with facilities across the country.)

Your success as a travel nurse or allied professional hinges on effective relationships with the agencies, facilities, and healthcare workers you work with. Communicating with your agency about your long-term goals can help you establish a solid plan while protecting you from potentially damaging situations. For example:

  • Conflicts of interest or contractual breaches. Every contract is different, and it’s important to be clear about any potential constraints on your travel assignment, such as a non-compete clause or requirement to be readily available.
  • Scheduling mishaps. Imagine that you inadvertently take a per diem shift at the same time as a contract shift or get called in by the contract facility to come in when you’re in the middle of a per diem shift. Situations like this don’t just impact your reputation—in the worst circumstances, it could lead to a canceled contract or leave you at risk of a nursing license complaint.
  • Burnout. Don’t forget to take care of yourself! Working per diem shifts can be part of a nursing professional career that’s challenging and rewarding—but in order to bring your best self to work, it’s important to put your well-being first.

Is PRN nursing right for you?

Per diem jobs help healthcare professionals own their schedules while providing crucial care in hospitals, clinics, and other facilities when it’s needed most. Find out how per diem jobs can boost your career and learn about opportunities available in your area. Check out the travel nursing jobs available to you on Medely.

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

By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

February 20, 2023

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5 States For Your Spring Travel RN Assignments

It’s almost March, which means it’s time to start thinking about your springtime travel nurse assignment. As the ice and snow start to melt, it’s likely that your first-time traveler jitters are beginning to thaw as well. As you think about your next move, take a look at these five states with lots of jobs that would be great for your springtime travel nurse assignment.

Tennessee

Tennessee is known for its vibrant music scene, whiskey, and the Great Smoky Mountains. You can take an assignment in Nashville, home of country music, where you can attend outdoor concerts, visit music museums, and take part in lively street parties. Within a two-hour drive of Nashville, you can visit the Jack Daniel’s Distillery and book a tour. Or venture over to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where you can view lush greenery and colorful wildflowers blooming against a backdrop of majestic peaks during the spring.

Illinois

Illinois is a great place to welcome in spring. Fall in love with the Windy City as you venture down the Chicago Riverwalk, where you can see the river run green during St. Patrick’s Day festivities, hop on a river cruise to learn more about the city or rent a bike on a leisurely afternoon. Then, take a short drive to The Morton Arboretum, where you can get lost in a maze garden and learn more about the trees and plants as you take a hike on 16 miles of trails.

Michigan

Michigan is a great state to visit as the weather turns warmer. Michigan touches four of the five Great Lakes and has more than 11,000 lakes throughout it, so spending time on the water is a given during your travel nurse assignment. If you spend time in Michigan, Traverse City’s cherry blossoms are a sight to see, and the region’s wine-tasting tours are worth experiencing. You can also visit Mackinac Island in late spring to enjoy stunning views of Lake Huron, horse-drawn carriage rides, and fudge shops.

Massachusetts

Spring is a wonderful time to explore Massachusetts, and there are many exciting things to do.

Baseball fans should catch a game at Fenway Park, home of the Red Sox. Of course, you’ll also want to visit Martha’s Vineyard, a popular destination known for its beaches, lighthouses, and charming towns. With no chain stores or restaurants, it’s a great place to find unique shopping and dining. Finally, don’t miss the chance to set sail with Cape Ann Whale Watch, which will give you the chance to see several whale species in the wild.

Texas

Take a travel nurse assignment in Texas this spring and enjoy everything the Lone Star State has to offer. During spring, bluebonnet season is in full swing, so take a drive to the Hill Country for some amazing views of this state flower. In San Antonio, the River Walk is a popular destination with its shops, restaurants, and boat tours. You can also head to Austin for the live music scene or visit one of Dallas’ many museums and parks. While you’re in Texas, be sure to find a long weekend to visit Big Bend National Park, which offers beautiful scenery and outdoor activities like hiking and stargazing.

Preparing for Your Spring Travel Assignment

While Texas and Tennessee are compact states, you might need help getting a license for the others. Ask your travel nurse agency if they have a quality assurance department that can help assist you with getting your license. Your agency should have your back, helping you secure the nursing licenses you need to get ready for your spring assignment. Once you have everything you need, get ready to plan your springtime adventures!

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!)

By trustaff

February 18, 2023

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Compact Nursing Licenses – How Do They Work?

Trustaff provided this article.

As a traveler, checking off each state and making sure you’re able to practice in the state your assignment is in is key. Many travelers take full advantage of a multistate license in order to travel freely throughout the U.S. With the 2023 addition of Ohio to the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), only 14 states remain that are not part of the compact. 

Now, what is a compact nursing license?

A compact nursing license is an agreement between states that allows nurses to travel and work in other compact states for travel assignments or extended staff positions. This makes it significantly easier to work in other states without having to obtain additional state licenses.

Many seasoned travelers are already aware and taking full advantage of their compact nursing licenses. Still, many new travelers are left wondering how it works and what steps are needed to be able to travel and work in other states. We’re here to provide some clarification on the process!

Primary State of Residence

The state you legally reside in is considered your Primary State of Residence (PSOR), and this is the state that will factor in if you are eligible to obtain a compact nursing license. If your PSOR is compact already, then you’re ready to go! When you applied for that license initially, if you met all of the requirements, your license issued will already be compact. If your PSOR became a compact state after you were issued that license, you will need to apply to convert your single-state license into a multistate license. Most lingering questions about applications, fees, converting, etc. can be answered with your state’s board of nursing – but this document from the NCSBN can help lead some direction.

What states are currently in the compact?

The list of compact states is growing, and there are currently 39 Jurisdictions included in the NLC. This list includes U.S. states and territories. You can use this map provided by the NLC as a resource to see what states are included.

Compact Nursing Licenses

Many travelers aren’t aware that their U.S. Nursing license includes being able to work in many sought-after travel locations such as Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Though right now, of these areas, Guam has partial implementation of the compact, and the Virgin Islands are pending implementation to hopefully join soon.

What if your state isn’t compact?

If your PSOR isn’t included in the list of compact states, no worries – applying for a single-state license is still available to you. Many companies offer incentives for nurses to obtain licenses for non-compact states. Trustaff’s Licensure Incentive includes covering the cost of that new R.N. license as well as sending an extra perk of a free iPad or Apple Watch as an extra thank you for obtaining a new license. (We also offer this for our allied health friends too!)

There are a few states working to become compact states soon, and we hope this list continues to grow to allow nurses to practice across many states and cross off all their travel adventure to-dos.

For any questions, more information, or if you would like to apply for a compact license, the NCSBN website is your one-stop resource for any and all multistate license info.

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:

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

By Medical Edge Recruitment

February 15, 2023

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Pay Rates: A Changing Trend

Medical Edge Recruitment provided this article.

Written by: Taylor Dupont, Recruitment Consultant, Medical Edge Recruitment

It’s official. We have entered the post-pandemic phase where we, as an industry, are no longer seeing “COVID pay” or “crisis rates”, which were often considerably above average pay rates being offered to nurses. For many professionals in the medical industry, this has likely led to a lifestyle change as take-home pay has decreased for the majority of individuals. This transition has not only been a harsh reality for nursing staff and medical personnel, but it has also initiated tough conversations for recruiters who now have to explain why they are offering rates that seem low compared to the amounts being offered and earned just one to two years ago.

The unfortunate truth is that requests for local and travel contract pay rates that match or exceed pandemic earnings are hard to come by the further out we are from the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The good news is that you can still find opportunities through recruiting agencies offering more money versus staff jobs, but you will see below how the pay rates have changed overall.

States with the highest registered nurse employment numbers

California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Pennsylvania are the five states with the highest registered nurse (RN) employment numbers as of May 2021 (Bureau of Labor Statistics section 4). In 2019, the average annual salary for registered nurses were as follows for the states mentioned previously, respectively: $113,240, $74,540, $87,840, $67,610, and $71,410 (Nurse License Map, section 4). As we all know, the COVID-19 pandemic started in early 2020. This led to an increase in rates across the nursing profession. Flash forward to 2021 – pay rates increased due to the simple economic concept known as “supply and demand”. The pandemic caused a high demand for medical staff, highlighting the shortage of staff (or “supply”) amongst the medical industry. As of May 2021, the average annual salaries for RNs in California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Pennsylvania are as follows respectively: $124,000, $79,120, $93,320, $72,000, and $76,000 (Bureau of Labor Statistics section 4). Now that we have entered the year 2023, we have an idea of what the projected annual salaries for RNs might be in California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Pennsylvania: $109,900, $76,470, $88,570, $68,300, and $74,260.

This table provides a comparison-style view of the above-mentioned states and associated pay rates for all RNs, both agency and staff, employed during 2019, 2021, and 2023:

  State  Average Annual RN Salary in 2019  Average Annual RN Salary in 2021  Average Annual RN Salary Projected for 2023
California$113,240$124,000$109,900
Texas$74,540$79,120$76,470
New York$87,840$93,320$88,570
Florida$67,610$72,000$68,300
Pennsylvania$71,410$76,000$74,260

Table 1: The data gathered for this table provides a comparison of average annual wages for registered nurses from 2019-2023.

When comparing the changes in pay from 2019 to 2021, there was an increase in the average annual salary of RNs, and then there is a decrease in the numbers from 2021 to 2023. As you may have assumed, LPN and CNA rates have followed very similar trends over the same time frame (Nightingale College section 6,  Nursing License Map, section 2, and CNA Free Training Resources, section 2).

RNs, LPNs, and CNAs are often given offers in terms of hourly wages. The conversions for the average annual salaries into hourly rates are below:

  State  Average RN Hourly Rate in 2019  Average RN Hourly Rate in 2021  Average Projected RN Hourly Rate in 2023
California$54.44$59.62$52.84
Texas$35.84$38.04$36.76
New York$42.23$44.86$42.58
Florida$32.50$34.62$32.84
Pennsylvania$34.33$36.54$35.70

Table 2: These calculations are based on the annual salaries from Table 1 for a full-time position totaling 2080 hours worked in one calendar year.

pay rates

Graph 1: Provides a visual of the average annual RN salary for the 5 US states that had the highest number of RNs employed in May 2021.

Do nurses and other healthcare staff deserve this higher pay rate as the norm? ABSOLUTELY! The unfortunate side of this is that it is physically impossible for your recruiter to offer these rates to you because of the amount of money that they are receiving from facilities, which in turn is used to pay your hourly rate and, if applicable, your stipends, has also decreased. It’s the trickle-down effect – as the urgency for nurses decreases (aka the “demand”), the rates that facilities are willing to pay staffing agencies decreases, leaving less money to pass on to you.

While we might not be happy about decreasing rates, the bright side is that we made it through the pandemic! It was a rough few years, and although it was a challenging time, COVID-19 highlighted the demand and need for nurses and healthcare staff. It led to a greater appreciation for everyone in the medical field and set a new precedent for the perception and value that society has on the importance of practicing medicine.

Looking For an Agency to Help Navigate the Changing Pay Rates?

Medical Edge Recruitment is the premier travel nursing recruitment agency specializing in providing top talent to clients in the healthcare industry. We connect clinical and allied providers to their ideal opportunities, focusing on building long-lasting relationships through honesty and transparency. In travel nursing, bigger does not always mean better. While we have an extensive network of job opportunities, our experienced team is dedicated to making a personalized provider experience a priority. There are a lot of moving parts in getting set up for a new assignment, but we take care of all the details along the way. Adventure awaits; let Medical Edge Recruitment show you where to go next!

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:

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

WORKS CITED

“2023 RN to BSN Salary – Learn How Much RN to BSN Graduates Earn?” RN to BSN Salary in 2023 – Learn How Much RN to BSN Graduates Earn?, https://www.nursingprocess.org/rn-to-bsn-salary/.

Admin. “CNA Salary: How Much Does a CNA Make in 2023?” CNA Free Training, https://cnafreetraining.com/cna-career-info/cna-salary/.

Logan, Kylie. “Nursing Salaries Surge 4% to Combat Burnout and Worker Shortages.” Fortune, Fortune, 19 Nov. 2021, https://fortune.com/2021/11/19/nursing-shortage-salary-increases-average-pay/.

LPN/LVN Salary by State [ Updated 2022] – Nightingale College. https://nightingale.edu/blog/lpn-salary/.

“Registered Nurse Salary 2023: How Much Does an RN Make?” Registered Nurse Salary || Latest 2023 Data, https://www.nursingprocess.org/rn-salary/.

“Registered Nurses.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 31 Mar. 2022, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291141.htm.

By The Gypsy Nurse

February 13, 2023

36199 Views

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8 Job Ideas for the Travel Nurse Spouse

How do Travel Nurse Spouses find Jobs?

One of our Gypsy Nurse Network Group members asks;
“My significant other would like to travel with me, but he would like to earn some money too. Granted, it doesn’t have to be an elaborate salary, but he would like to earn a little along the way. Finding a ‘normal’ job with each assignment, I take would be futile. Any suggestions for the travel nurse spouse?”

We hear this question a lot as more and more couples are traveling well before retirement age. So, we’ve compiled this list from a multitude of conversations on our Facebook Network Group about travel nurse spouse jobs:

travel nurse spouse jobs

Spouse Job Ideas

1. State or National Parks

This is great, especially for the RV traveler. Many times you can get free space to live in return for giving part-time hours to the park.

2. Stay-at-home parent

Probably one of the most important jobs a person can have! As more and more families are traveling, the trend of homeschooling is increasing. Why not take the whole family and let the other parent be the teacher? There are tons of great resources for the ‘road-school’ parent.

3. Seasonal work

Retail: When the holidays begin to peak, many retailers hire seasonal staff to help take on the extra load.
Tourism: Ski Lodge, Park Department, etc. Anywhere that you have a seasonal influx of tourism, there are opportunities for seasonal work. This can also result in discounts and ‘employee perks’ such as ski passes and discounts.

travel nurse spouse jobs

4. Local Temporary Staffing Firms

Depending on your skill set, you can find jobs at local manufacturing, clerical, call center support, and just about anything you can think of.

5. Substitute Teaching

There are never enough teachers! You don’t need a teaching degree. I would suggest applying before you get to your assignment due to background checks, etc.

6. Uber or Lift Driver

Uber is taking over the taxi industry in a BIG way. I’m unsure of the specific requirements, but if you love to drive and enjoy people, this might be the job for your spouse.

7. Freelancing

ODesk, Fiverr, and other “gig” opportunities – these are great for the freelancer to work remotely on a multitude of projects. These are mostly graphic design and web related.

8. Bartending

Bartending can actually be fun as well as a decent source of income as well as immediate cash via tips. Licensing is pretty simple in most states.

I hope this quick list of jobs for the travel nurse spouse helps to stimulate some ideas! Do you have other suggestions for the traveling spouse? We would love to hear them. Please post in the comments so they can be shared with other Gypsies!

Finished the travel nursing guide and are ready to look for an assignment?

Check out our travel nurse jobs!