By AB Staffing Solutions

March 3, 2023

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What Type of Settings Can you Work in as a Travel Nurse?

AB Staffing Solutions provided this article.

Making the decision to become a travel nurse can be exciting and scary at the same time.  While you will be using skills in your specialty, you will also be moving to a new place and experiencing a new culture. Working as a travel nurse means you can explore places that you’ve always wanted to visit and expand your knowledge and experience in your specialty. For our travelers, it is an adventure and a lifestyle they enjoy, but not everyone wants to work in a hospital. If that’s you, keep reading. In this article, we explore travel nurse positions that are outside a traditional commercial hospital setting.

Work as a Travel Nurse Outside a Hospital

According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, only 60% of nurses are employed in hospitals. Where else can you work as a travel nurse? From state or commercial medical facilities to elementary schools or correctional facilities, you have many options outside a hospital where you can put your skills and experience to work.

At AB Staffing, our Recruiters do their best to find you a contract in the type of facility and/or geographic area of your choice. While we can’t guarantee a perfect match, we offer various positions across the United States, including the West Coast, East Coast, and even Alaska.

Indian Health Services (IHS):

There are currently positions open on the Navajo Reservation in IHS clinics. As a travel nurse in these facilities, you will be asked to have an open mind and respect the culture of the Native American people. Our travelers tell us it is an amazing experience to work in this community and get to explore their culture and scenery while there.

Clinical Research Hospital:

Work as the liaison between researchers and volunteer patients to gather data, ensure quality control standards are met, and make sure patients are treated well. As a clinical research nurse, you are part of potentially groundbreaking changes to how diseases are treated.

Clinics:

This non-bedside position is a great opportunity for nurses who are skilled at acute care but tired of short-staffed and/or fast-paced hospital settings. Clinics tend to be specialty based for outpatient procedures, cardiology, or oncology.

Correctional Facility:

If you’re a Psych or Corrections Nurse looking for a new opportunity, this is an in-demand non-hospital position. While you will have more autonomy than in other settings, you will also be treating patients with a range of ailments, from minimal to serious. You may be the person responsible for deciding to send an inmate to a hospital or other facility to manage their care. While working at a correctional facility can be demanding, it can also be rewarding, with patients expressing gratitude for the care that they hadn’t received previously.

Government or State Hospital or Clinic:

Nurses are also in demand in government or state hospitals and clinics. These are facilities funded by the state or municipality (city, county) where mentally ill patients are receiving care. They may be mandated to be there or not have the resources for private hospital care.

Elementary School:

In this type of setting, you will assess students during school hours to determine if they need additional intervention. You may also be testing hearing and eyesight, teaching nutrition classes, and could be traveling to multiple schools in the area to help students.

As with nursing in general, these non-hospital travel nurse positions will build your current skills and experience and, in many cases, will keep you on your toes with the variety of work with patients. When it comes to working as a travel nurse, there are a lot of options, and we are here to guide you along the way.

Check the AB Staffing Job Board for open positions. We have travel and local pay rates for these settings and would love to speak with you further about working with us.

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 Advantage Medical Professionals

March 2, 2023

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Home Sweet Home: Securing the Best Housing Option for Your Next Travel Nursing Assignment

Advantage Medical Professionals provided this article.

Travel nurses can hold widely varying opinions about most aspects of travel nursing, and they usually jump at the chance to share those opinions or offer advice. Whether it’s about the interview process or the best brand of scrubs, almost any topic is seen as an opportunity for friendly debate amongst new and seasoned travelers alike. However, it seems virtually all travel nurses agree on one thing – finding short-term housing during their travel assignment can be one of the most stressful parts of the process. There are usually several factors to consider that can vary wildly depending on your own unique sets of circumstances, like finances, timing, and the rental housing market in the area you plan to work (just to name a few). Securing the perfect place isn’t an exact science, but the nuggets of wisdom provided below will help you assess your unique situation and find the best possible “home away from home” during each travel assignment. 

1. Consider booking an extended-stay hotel or short-term VRBO rental for the first week or two of your assignment.

This will help you get a lay of the land and better familiarize yourself with the area first, rather than putting a considerable deposit down on an apartment sight unseen. It will also give you a chance to get settled into the routine at your assigned facility and make 100% sure the assignment is a good fit for you without the three-month rental contract you just signed looming over your head.

2. Divide & Conquer.

Finding a colleague or roommate to travel with will allow both of you to save some serious cash since you’ll be splitting rent and other housing expenses. If you don’t personally know of anyone, try reaching out to travel nursing groups on social media or asking your recruiter if they can connect you with other nurses who are starting their next travel assignment around the same time and place as yours.    

3. If you have travel companions, pick a place that fits everyone’s needs.

Whether you’re planning to travel with a roommate, spouse, pet, or child, make sure you focus your housing search to only include places that welcome and have the proper accommodations for your travel companion(s). There are a number of websites that allow you to filter for pet-friendly stays, such as BringFido or Homeaway.

4. Be brutally honest with yourself when booking your long-term housing for your travel assignment.

Ask yourself what makes the most sense given the commute to the facility, your shift schedule, amenities offered, and your normal living habits. For example, staying in an apartment in the middle of the city because it’s close to the hospital might be great – however, street noise or ongoing construction projects during the day may prevent your much-needed sleep if you’re working nights if you tend to be a light sleeper. You may not always find the “perfect” place that checks all your boxes with every assignment, but weighing these pros and cons carefully will go a long way in securing a place you’re comfortable and happy to put your feet up at the end of a long shift.

5. Educate yourself about the advantages and disadvantages of agency-provided housing.

Some travel nursing agencies and healthcare facilities provide their own housing or have partnerships/referral programs with housing rental companies. This may sound like an easy, convenient solution to securing a place to stay during your travel assignment, but there are several important factors you should consider before taking an agency up on their housing offer.

Disadvantages of agency or facility-provided housing:

In most cases, the agency gets a commission from the housing company for every rental they book or refer – to maintain profit margins. The housing company usually charges an increased rate to the referred tenants to offset this extra cost. Simply put, it usually ends up in higher rental costs for nurses like you.

The housing conditions, layout, and/or location may not be acceptable for your needs or comfort level.

Advantages of agency or facility-provided housing:

  • Saved time because you don’t have to spend hours finding housing on your own
  • No credit checks since the lease will not be in your name

6. Consider alternative housing options.

Staying in an RV or cabin is an economical option that has become an increasingly popular choice for career travelers. Websites like Campspace are a great resource for finding RV parks, cabins, and campsites with varying levels of amenities for campers or glampers alike to live comfortably.  If you don’t have access to an RV, no worries! Sharing platforms like RVShare allows you to find and rent RVs or campers directly from locals in the area you’re traveling to for your nursing assignment. Another way to save money on housing costs AND help a fellow traveler is by looking to websites like Trusted Housesitters, which connects travelers with locals in a given area who are looking for house sitters or pet sitters.

7. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

It’s an unfortunate truth but a very real one –there are scammers in almost every industry who figure out how to scam hardworking, intelligent people out of their hard-earned money. Some of these grifts are obvious, but some scammers still manage to find increasingly clever ways to mimic legitimate business practices so closely that it’s nearly impossible to detect before it’s too late.

Some red flags to look out for:   

  • The price doesn’t match up with the images or amenities listed. If the property is noticeably underpriced compared to other properties in the area and/or the images or amenities included in the rental listing seem abundant for the price, it’s possible the property is uninhabitable or doesn’t exist at all.
    • The landlord/leasing agent pressures you to send money. Avoid sending money or providing banking information until you can tour the residence in person. Even reputable rental properties ask for a credit card to put on file ahead of your check-in date, so make sure they’re able to point you to documentation that outlines their payment terms, fee schedule, etc., before doing so. Also, use a credit card that includes fraud/travel purchase protection if at all possible.
    • Trust your gut feeling. Like most situations, you’re better off listening to your gut or intuition when something just doesn’t feel right, even if you can’t quite put your finger on the reason why. Don’t be afraid to say no, and keep looking for a place that feels right.

8. A picture can be worth a thousand dollars.

Do a thorough walkthrough of the entire residence the very first day you move in. Also, make sure you capture time-stamped photos of any existing damage to the residence along the way, even if the damage is minimal. Doing this will go a long way in protecting yourself from being unjustly charged for the damages later. 

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.

By Amare Medical Network

February 28, 2023

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Battling Burnout: Take Time to Care for Yourself

Amare Medical Network provided this article.

By Jaclyn Neilly, BSN, BA, RN, Director of Clinical ServicesatAmare Medical Network

Burnout almost feels like lip service at this point, right? We are mucking through the day, shift after shift, just getting by. Shells of our former selves for the most part. Some of us have left the bedside or the profession altogether in hopes of gaining some small sense of humanity back. Some way to feel connected again, grounded.

For years nurses have been facing increasing demands in their profession.

These demands came to a head during the COVID-19 pandemic in a way no one saw coming. Nurses were asked to do more: more physically, more emotionally, and more mentally than ever before. We go into this profession to help people, but who is helping the nurse?

It goes without saying that happiness comes from within, or at least that is what we have been taught. How do we achieve happiness? What fills up the proverbial “cup” within? For some of us, it’s a simple human interaction; for others, it may be that daily latte. Whatever it may be, it is crucial to serving yourself first as someone tasked with caring for others. How will you care for someone else when you are running on empty?

Operation Happy Nurse

One resource Amare Medical Network recommends to its nurses is Operation Happy Nurse (OHN). OHN was created by a nurse looking for a community to connect to during a difficult time. This online community is available to all nurses free of charge. It was meant to help cope with the stress and burnout of the profession by offering a community focused on improving overall mental health. OHN has partnered with other organizations to have multiple resources available for the nursing community. They have a book club, nutritional support, playlists, discussion boards, a blog, stress management podcasts, hotlines for immediate help, and fitness, yoga, and meditation regimens to help combat burnout.

Our mental health is so essential and needs to be taken seriously.

No matter how you cut it, it’s time to start putting ourselves first. Go get that facial, massage, or Botox! Take that trip, call that friend, and be grateful! Go to yoga, go for a run, and move your body in a way that serves YOU. There is no wrong answer.

Amare Medical Network cares for the people we work with and work for. It is our purpose, and if it’s yours, we would love for you to check out our job board when you look for your next travel assignment.

We hope you found this article on battling burnout helpful. Are you battling burnout? What are you doing to care for yourself? Comment below.

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 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!)