By Lina Belegu

August 2, 2022

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Strong Advice for Keeping up a Healthy Lifestyle

Simply said, when we are healthy, we perform at our best. But is keeping up a great state of health really so easy? There are many temptations that we must resist, including those to watch TV, eat junk food, and check social media while lounging on the sofa.
You must alter your lifestyle if you want to keep it healthy. You could first find it challenging to adjust, but as you see the difference, you’ll be persuaded that it was worthwhile. Together, let’s learn how to have a healthy lifestyle by adopting a few clever changes.

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Choose a healthy diet.

Even if choosing a healthy diet may be challenging for you, you can do it with some effort. Increase your diet of fresh fruits and vegetables by visiting your neighborhood farmer’s market and purchasing seasonal produce. Lean meat, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains should all be included in your diet since they help the digestive system work properly.

Try to cook at home, and while dining out, pick meals made with fresh ingredients. Without looking at your phone or the TV, eat your food and enjoy it. Also, keep in mind that we are what we consume. We need to eat healthily if we want to stay healthy.

Get moving

We spend a lot of time indoors in our contemporary lives, frequently working long hours at a computer. You need to get up and start moving as one of the first stages to becoming healthy. Whichever exercise you choose, as long as you are moving your body, strengthening your muscles, and lubricating your joints, it doesn’t matter.

Getting moving can help with a number of ailments to improve their symptoms. When modified, it can lessen the symptoms of illnesses like plantar fasciitis and assist with poor muscle tone.

If you experience such issues, you may always think about further therapeutic options. You might select a foot massage, foot spa, or foot roller, for instance. All of these items are designed to relieve the area’s strained muscles and provide much-needed pain relief.

Take in a lot of water.

One of the primary elements that might harm overall health is dehydration. We are really stopping our organs and systems from working properly when we don’t drink enough water.

Eight glasses of water each day is the bare minimum advised. The most important thing is to drink water and limit our intake of tea, coffee, and sodas. Some of these drinks have diuretic qualities, which exacerbate dehydration. Others are high in sugar and provide empty calories, which raises the risk of diabetes and hyperglycemia. Regular water hydrates us and soothes our thirst. That is all there is to it. And we perform as we should when we are well hydrated.

Sleep for 7-8 hours every night.

There is a circadian rhythm that governs how our bodies work. We were created to sleep at night and be active throughout the day. In the present day, we often work long hours and forgo sleep. We also spend more time staring at bright displays and complain of sleeplessness. Lack of sleep can make it difficult for us to maintain a healthy lifestyle, raising the possibility of developing chronic health issues and impairing our productivity.

The simple fix is to get the recommended seven to eight hours of shut-eye each night. Paying attention to sleep hygiene is also crucial. For instance, you shouldn’t have a substantial meal just before night. You won’t be able to sleep since your body will be too busy digesting all that food. Spending excessive amounts of time on your phone or watching TV might stimulate your brain cells and keep you from falling asleep. Last but not least, check to see whether the air is too dry or the place is too hot.

Every day, floss your teeth.

In order to maintain proper dental hygiene, how frequently should you floss your teeth? It’s not always obvious how frequently we should floss our teeth for the best results, but doing so removes plaque and food particles from difficult-to-reach areas between your teeth and around the gum line, says a dentist in Carefree.

Plaque is made up of bacteria that like feeding on the sugar and leftover food that has been left on your teeth. This bacterium then releases an acid that damages the enamel, the tooth’s outermost layer. The toughest material in the human body is enamel, but if it is damaged, you might get cavities, gum disease, or even toothaches.

Put an end to being busy.

This is possibly one of the most significant causes of chronic health issues. No of the repercussions, working nonstop has become the norm for us. We spend less time outside and are always plugged into some form of gadget. While it is important to recognize the advantages of technology, moderation is the key to leading a healthy lifestyle.

When you go home, do something instead of browsing social media and worrying that you missed anything. Visit the gym, play tennis, or go for a swim. A great method to maintain your health and feel fantastic mentally is to engage in active fun. Being busy will make you feel anything but healthy and is not as glamorous as it might appear.

Finally, make an effort to maintain a healthy weight, drink lots of water, get adequate sleep, work effectively and moderately, and keep active. Also, keep in mind that having fun is a great method to relax and unwind.

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 Sadie Brooks

August 1, 2022

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Why Family Vacation Is a Must in a Travel Nurse’s Life

Being a travel nurse is an amazing career. It offers many perks like competitive pay, the ability to travel and explore new places, help people all around the world, etc. You might be on the road a lot of the time. However, it doesn’t mean you can’t travel with your family. Going on a special vacation with your spouse and kids is a special adventure that allows you true travel enjoyment without having to think about your work. It’s crucial to take short breaks throughout the year and use at least some of them for a family vacation with your family.

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Here’s exactly why family vacations are a must for a travel nurse:

Battling stress

It’s not hard to see why traveling as a nurse is stressful. It includes moving every few months, getting used to new apartments, new environments, and new colleagues with new job duties. Even the most extroverted of people can feel a bit overwhelmed with all the new stimuli and people surrounding them. Plus, a nurse’s career is stressful in itself because it involves dealing with people, their health, and even death. But, a family vacation is a great way to battle all that stress. It’s great to meet with your family, get plenty of love from them and relax without having to think about your work.

It fuels your body and mind.

Every nurse knows the importance of keeping your body and mind healthy and strong. Self-care is the key to being a good parent, a good spouse, and a good nurse. Why? Well, as a travel nurse on an assignment, you’re on your feet most of the day, helping your patients and taking care of other people. Being under stress and physically exhausted can cause heart disease, high blood pressure, and many other health conditions, so taking a vacation is necessary. When vacationing with your family, you can have a lot of fun, learn and teach new things, and occupy your mind with other things besides your work. It’s a great way to prevent burnout and stay not only a great nurse but also a great spouse and parent.

It can improve your bond with family.

As a travel nurse, you don’t get a lot of opportunities to spend time with your family. While no distance can sever the bond with your loved ones, it can certainly feel much better to spend time with them and reconnect. Kids love to spend quality time with their parents, and what better way to spend time than to travel. Provide your family with a great adventure that helps them have fun, learn new things and get some closeness with your loved ones.

And don’t think you have to spend every second with your kids on vacation. If you’re traveling with in-laws to Miami, you can leave the kids with them (or hire a babysitter) and have a romantic evening with your spouse. Organize a great evening in a seafood restaurant in Miami for your spouse and enjoy tasty food in a beautiful setting. A day outing for a sea-front lunch with kids can also be a fun way to catch some sun, recharge, and have plenty of laughs.

It will make you a better nurse.

Vacations are 100% necessary for good performance, both at work and at home as a family person. Nurses that are happy and rested are better at their job. They can offer better support to their patients, be there to fulfill their needs, and stay sharp to make the right decision at the right time. Chronic stress won’t help your career—it causes depression and anxiety, which stops you from performing at a level you desire. A vacation with your family will reduce your stress, improve your mental health and ensure you’re fresh and sharp when you come back home.

It creates memories for life.

Your kids won’t stay kids for a long time, so make sure to spend their youth together. Every chance you get should be aimed at your family, with a side of self-care. Traveling with your loved ones will give you plenty of chances to watch your kids grow, develop and laugh. You’ll get to teach them many new things, experience various situations together, and share some tasty meals. And don’t forget to take plenty of photos together on your vacation. These are memories that you’ll cherish forever, and you won’t feel guilty that you’re traveling and spending time apart from your family.

Every travel nurse should vacation with their family every chance possible. It’s great for your physical and mental health, your family life, your romantic relationship, and your career—do it whenever you can!

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 The Gypsy Nurse

July 30, 2022

1224 Views

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TravCon: Why YOU Need To Be There!

TravCon is September 18-21, 2022

TravCon is an event with over 1500 traveling healthcare professionals. It is full of networking, education, and fun! We recently had TravCon experts Julia Kuhn (Travcon Hub/Social Media Guru), Phil Light (Director of Education), and Michelle Freitag (Director of Operations go live, and they discussed everything you need to know about the conference and what you should expect when you attend.

Your mom, daughter, or best friend may have no clue why you travel this country from assignment to assignment, but we do! Your people are at TravCon, and we guarantee that we can help you become a more competent, better-paid, and more savvy healthcare traveler.

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About The Presenters:

Julia Kuhn (TravCon Hub/Social Media Guru): Julia is a Speech-Language Pathologist in adult neurogenic rehab. She is the founder of The Traveling Traveler Blog.

Phil Light, RN (Director of Education): Phil is an ER Nurse Traveler of 15 years, a co-founder of TravCon, & a co-founder of the Professional Association of Travelers (PanTravelers).

Michelle Freitag, BSN (Director of Operations): Michelle traveled full-time in an RV as an ICU & ER traveler for seven years. She’s a co-founder of TravCon & travels whenever the opportunity arises.

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 Brandy Pinkerton

July 29, 2022

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I Hate My Assignment, Now What?

If you have been a travel nurse for a while, you have undoubtedly experienced an assignment you didn’t love. Hate is a strong word, but if I’m being 100% honest, I have had an assignment along the way that, in my mind, I hated. There is nothing worse than getting your hopes up about a new travel assignment than getting the “rug pulled out from you” when it doesn’t quite meet your expectations. If you have read any of my blogs or listened to any of my live events, then you know I am one of those people who speak from the heart. So, I’m going to help you get to the root of the problem, and unfortunately, it may require you to ask yourself some tough questions. If this is your first assignment, I encourage you to give yourself some grace and not give up because not all assignments will be this way, trust me!!

Why do you not like it?

#1 Is it Unsafe?

Know the difference between unsafe practices and simply not agreeing with how something is done or not liking how something is done. I have been a nurse for nearly 20 years and have learned there is more than one “right” way to do things. As long as you are providing safe patient care and achieving the same goal, do things how that facility wants you to do it. They, unfortunately, don’t want to hear how you did it at your last job! Every facility likely does things just a little differently than you are used to. Know how to use your resources and how to access their policy and procedures on day 1 of orientation. Now, if patient safety or safe staffing ratios is a concern, that is a whole other issue that I could write an entire blog post about, so for time purposes will briefly go over what to do if you are put into an undesirable situation. What exactly is making you feel unsafe? Do you have poor patient ratios?  Do you feel like you’re not well prepared to handle your assignment?  If it’s something small, I encourage you to go to the charge nurse or management and discuss it with them. Talking with management may not change anything, but if you approach the subject positively, then maybe you’ll get some great feedback out of it and have an immediate plan of action. If not, know your chain of command and how to use it. Call and speak to your recruiter and a member of your company clinical team asap for guidance.

Mentor PRO Tip: Choosing a company that offers  24/7 Clinical coverage is important in the early stages of preparing to become a travel nurse. You never know when you will need them, and although I highly encourage you to keep your recruiter in the loop at all times, at the end of the day, they are not usually a clinician, so you want to have as many resources to help you if the need arises. Travel Nurse Company: Basics to Choosing the Right One (thegypsynurse.com)

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#2 Is the Staff Unwelcoming?

I’ve had my fair share of catty and click-ish nurses over the years, and unfortunately, I wish I had a magic answer for this. Poor leadership can also fall into this category. Understand, their behavior is a reflection of themselves, and their unhappiness really likely has nothing to do with you. Misery loves company, so just let them be. My philosophy is just to kill them with kindness and take the higher road. Easier said than done, I know!! I try to just find common ground with them and be my happy, helpful self and usually win them over!!

#3 Is it just not What you Expected? 

The expectation is the root of all heartache when it comes to life lessons, and this also applies to travel nursing. I don’t know about you, but this has been something I have struggled with personally and professionally. The Children’s Hospital that grew me as a nurse really set the bar high when it comes to being a stellar facility. So much so that I spent 15 years there before traveling. It was just a great place to work, and I will always be partial to them. Other facilities I have traveled to came with their own uniqueness and helped me grow in my career. The great thing about traveling is you get to “try on” other facilities, so to speak, to see if they are a good fit for you; if they aren’t, then you are only committed to 13 weeks. If so, maybe you will consider extending or coming back one day! It’s all about your perspective, so I encourage you to stay optimistic; there will be good takeaways no matter what!!

#4 Is it you? (Don’t hate me here)

Have you had this issue more than one time?  Did you leave your home hospital because you weren’t getting along with anyone and needed to start over? This is a tough one to consider-gulp! But sometimes, as I have gotten older and wiser (LOL) and able to self-reflect more, I will admit that sometimes the problem has been me. For example, I struggled with an assignment right after I left flight nursing. As a flight nurse, you have A LOT of autonomy, and I earned respect and trust at the hospital I worked out with the staff and especially the physicians from the type of relationship I had with them. Then, when I went back to a bedside travel job at a brand new facility, they gave me an ego check very quickly. It was a hard transition back to being a bedside nurse; I am not going to lie. It was a facility where the physicians did not, unfortunately, seem to trust their core staff nor gave them much autonomy.

Several physicians were known to “talk down” to staff, and later the nurses told me that it was a losing battle, that managers knew, and unfortunately, they just learned to keep their mouth quiet and take the disrespect, which makes me so sad! So, it took a couple of shifts of me being on my own to run into the experience where the physician treated me like, well, quite frankly, I was stupid. I really enjoyed my co-workers and the facility, so I had to learn to just bite my tongue to make it through the assignment. Unless patient safety was a concern, then, of course, I would speak up. Plus, I really only ran into that doctor every couple of weeks.  Despite all of that, if asked, I would go back to the facility in a heartbeat. So, is it you?? Take time to reflect on yourself and ask yourself the hard questions.  If it is you, I’d recommend sticking it out, making the most of it, and then doing some work on yourself so that you don’t have these same issues in the future.  Please know that I say this all with love and your best interest at heart. 

What to do about it:

– Keep the line of communication open with your recruiter at all times so they can intervene early if necessary.

-Seek advice from a clinical team member with your agency

-Speak with the charge nurse and unit manager. Try to follow the proper chain of command (make sure you ask what that is during your first week of orientation)

 -Always CYA!! Keep a paper/email trail of all conversations. Make sure to save emails and texts and also take a pic with your phone. To avoid forgetting details, physically write down specific events, convos, names, dates, and times to have so you remember exactly what happened. 

***At the end of the day, I will ALWAYS tell you that your mental health comes first!!

Unless it is unsafe, I encourage you to Stick it Out.

You can do anything for 13 weeks. Remember your goals and your “why” (Preparing for a Career as a Travel Nurse – TRAVEL NURSE 101) and that you’re there for a reason. Your patients count on you to show up, be present, and do your best. I don’t encourage you to be taken advantage of, so know your boundaries but also take responsibility for your commitments. You will grow both professionally and personally, too!

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 Titan Medical

July 28, 2022

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Pack Your Bags!

Titan Medical Group provided this article.

Getting ready for a 13-week travel assignment can be both exciting and hectic! You’ve got so much to do– from squaring things away at home to ensuring you’re getting all your paperwork done for your assignment.

Packing your bags may be one of the last things on your to-do list, but it’s one of the most important things to get right!

Of course, you don’t want to show up with bags upon bags of clothing, toiletries, and other odds and ends from home; so, what’s the most efficient way to get everything done? We’ve come up with a few helpful hints to make your packing (and the rest of your adventure) a breeze!

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1. Make a packing list.

Begin to think of things you use every day and things you can’t live without a few weeks before you begin packing for your assignment. Adding to this list over time can help ensure that you won’t forget anything the day of.

Go over your packing list the day of and ensure everything is packed and ready to go.

2. For shampoo, conditioner, and other bottled liquids, place a square of plastic wrap under the cap.

The plastic wrap will keep the fluids from getting into the cap and spilling out if the lid isn’t shut. Place the piece of plastic wrap on top of the bottle and screw the cap back on. Safe and secure!

3. Roll your t-shirts, pants, and other garments to save space.

Rolling your garments to form a cylinder shape will save more space than folded clothes. You can pack more into your suitcase without worrying about wrinkles.

4. Cover your razor heads with a binder clip.

Razor heads are sharp and can be dangerous. Not only can they scrape your hand when reaching in your bag to find something, but they can also tear up the inside of your luggage. Placing an appropriately sized binder clip over the razor head will keep everything safe & clean.

5. Separate your shoes from your clothes with a shower cap.

To prevent dirt, dust, and other stuff from getting onto your clothes in your luggage, wrap a pair of shoes in a shower cap. Covering the soles of your shoes will keep your bag and clothes neat!

6. Hide valuables in an empty lotion container.

You can never be sure of your new surroundings or the people you’ll encounter. To ensure that your money and valuables stay safe, especially in your hotel room or on a plane, keep your valuables in something discrete—like an empty suntan lotion container or an old shampoo bottle.

Try out these hacks, and stress less about your new assignment! Everything will go smoothly, and the next 13 weeks will be a breeze! So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags!

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.

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If you’re ready for your next travel assignment, give Titan Medical a call today at 866.332.9600, and we’d love to assist in finding your next adventure!

By Karen Koblan

July 26, 2022

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Efficacy of an Ultrasound Training Program for Nurses

Equipping a hospital or clinic with some high-tech imaging machines and systems goes a long way in producing accurate diagnosis and correct treatment. There is quite a variety of imaging machines. Some ultrasound machines do examine specific organs. The imaging machines include Computed Tomography (CT Scan), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI Scan), Positron Emission Tomography (PET Scan), and ultrasound machine. All imaging machines require intensive training to facilitate accuracy in their operation. They are also delicate and require careful handling, observing all the laid precaution advice. 

The use of radiation-emitting imaging machines to examine organs has adverse health-related complications. Ultrasound machines that use sound waves to create an image on a display screen have become the most preferred and recommended type of imaging since they don’t emit any ration that can cause harm to the patient. The same reason has led to using of ultrasound machines to examine delicate and sensitive organs.

Expectant mothers undergo ultrasound scans to keep the mother and the unborn baby safe. Undergoing training concerning usage, interpretation, and maintenance increases the nurse’s efficacy while operating an ultrasound machine. The following article outlines some key results of efficient ultrasound training for nurses.

ultrasound training

In-depth Understanding Of Ultrasound Machine

Ultrasound machines use sound waves to create images. The functionality of the ultrasound machine is dependent on more than one part. The primary parts of an ultrasound machine include; the transducer that collects the sound waves from the body surface as it slides on greased skin. It then transports the collected sound waves to the central processing unit (CPU) that converts the sound waves into images. The images move to the display for a simplified viewing experience. A transducer pulse control helps the technician controls the frequency, amplitude, and duration of the pulse collected by the transducer. The technician inputs data and collects measurements at the display using the keyboard. The printer helps the ultrasound machine print out the information displayed on the display screen.

A nurse who has undergone the ultrasound training program can step in when the doctor is preoccupied and prepare the ultrasound machine to ensure it is functioning. It saves time and eliminates delays during the procedure.

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ultrasound training

Enhances Patient Preparation Skills

One of the primary roles of nurses is to prepare the patient emotionally and physiologically before, during, and after a medical procedure. Having undergone the ultrasound training program helps the nurse comfortably explain to the patients what to expect during the ultrasound procedure.

The nurse advises the patient on the requirements for the ultrasound. The preparation differs depending on the type of procedure. Generally, an ultrasound procedure requires the patient to be loosely dressed, without jewelry near the area underdiagnosis. The patient may need to change into a hospital gown to ease access to the part under examination. It also depends on the type of ultrasound to be conducted. The patient may be advised not to take water or any liquid within a given period, and others may require one to consume more water within a given period.

Gains Skills To Perform an Ultrasound

Ultrasound procedures get performed by a sonographer. Some simple ultrasound procedures get delegated to nurses who have undergone an ultrasound training program to conduct them. The basic ultrasound procedure sees the patient change into a hospital gown and lying on an examination table with the area expected to undergo the ultrasound procedure exposed. The technicians then apply a clear or blue jelly-like substance to the exposed area. The ultrasound technician slides a transducer over the lubricated area to collect the sound wave that creates images.

The jelly-like substance helps the transducer, which works like a microphone, to tap the high-frequency sound waves that echo upon hitting organs and bones. The nurse can advise or help the patient keep a convenient position for a successful ultrasound.  

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Exposure To Different Types Of Ultrasound

There are three main categories of ultrasound exams, namely, External ultrasound, the transducer moves over the skin like one performed on expectant mothers to monitor the unborn baby. An internal ultrasound is where the transducer gets inserted into the body, e.g., one inserted in the vagina to examine the uterus or the ovaries. The endoscopic ultrasound is where the transducer has an endoscope attached to it. It goes deep into the body like one used to examine the stomach via the esophagus.

The patient preparation for ultrasound differs per category and in after procedure effect. Through ultrasound training, nurses become conversant with the wide variety of ultrasounds. They also learn how to conduct an ultrasound and how to prepare a patient to have ultrasounds.

In Conclusion

Nurses play an essential role in the medical field, patient handling, and care. It’s the nurses’ responsibility to manage the patients’ overall well-being and guarantee comfort during treatment. Nurses also are educators and counselors to patients before, during, and after a delicate procedure. Ultrasound gets used for diagnosis and monitoring and, the nurse’s counsel, encouragement and, education can help the patient ease during the ultrasound procedure.

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 Mynoucka

July 25, 2022

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Getting Comfortable with the Uncomfortable

If travel nursing allows you to travel all over the country and get paid while doing it, why isn’t everyone doing it? Travel is getting increasingly popular; in 2019, millions of dollars were spent on travel and people catching flights. People claim to be catching flights and not feelings. It doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. But there is something about the uncertainty of not knowing what’s next that brings about its challenges. Not knowing where your next job is going to be, not knowing the city or the neighborhood you’re going to be in, not knowing who your coworkers are, and all the things that can make you feel like the new kid on the block. Instead of feeling that for a little while and then eventually learning all those unknowns with time as a travel nurse, you’re in a constant state of change, which can be uncomfortable. So, let’s talk about it. How do you thrive when the only thing that is certain about your living and working situation is that there will be an inevitable change at the end of your assignment?

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Inevitable change

The only constant is change. That is a popularized quote you have probably seen floating around on your Instagram or Twitter, but it is true. I was a checklist girl, literally attempting to checklist my way through life. There is nothing wrong with planning or creating goals; without some form of planning, it’s like navigating life with no real direction.

Getting into travel nursing was the opposite of the direction that I wanted to go but transitioning to a career that constantly forced me to face change shifted my mindset. It taught me to adapt to the important concept of flexibility. As a travel nurse, you’re constantly navigating change, like life, learning to adapt and be flexible. Learning how to go with the flow and, yes, change is hard, but like anything else, you learn how to adapt to those changes. When you go to work, you’re constantly changing even within your assignment, whether you go in. You expect to work for a few hours on one floor. You get floated mid-shift, or maybe you go into work expecting to work on one floor, but you then get floated to work on a different floor or the most recent challenge that I’ve had to face is going into work and not having enough staff and working through your shift without taking a lunch break.

Having to deal with those different changes has allowed me to carry those same concepts from work into my everyday life. Not knowing what the next five years will look like or not knowing what the next twenty years will look like is not as much of an issue as it used to be for me. Sure, plan, pray, and manifest. I have different things that I want and different things that I expect from life, but if I veer off those original plans, it’s no longer something that will make or break my day. I have learned how to embrace the change that comes with life and understand that if life begins to go in a different direction, it’s not necessarily the wrong direction. Maybe your life needs to go in that direction to set you up for something bigger and better than you’ve expected. That is a lesson within itself, and I can see how becoming a travel nurse has helped push that concept and plan.

Prioritizing your needs

The second thing that I want to highlight is prioritizing your needs. So, when you’re in a constant state of change, what do you do to bring stability? You have to find things that bring about a sense of home, regardless of where you are. What I mean by that is that I can’t plan my assignments to the exact details as a travel nurse. I can’t plan them too far ahead of time because a lot of time, the assignments come through maybe a couple of weeks or a few days before you start. So, I try to control what I can beyond the actual assignment. I have a list of places I’m willing to go based on my expectations for places I’m willing to live. Even if it ends up being for only three months. I tend to extend my assignments at least by one additional assignment to give me a little time beyond three months. I try to prioritize safety, diversity, and whether there will be a church in the area where I will live. Even though, as a travel nurse, you’re constantly changing, and you’re constantly uprooting your life and moving around, there are non-negotiables or different things that you can set to ensure that those things are constant. Having things that are constant when you’re constantly changing helps. Having that list of places I’m willing to go to gives me a sense of control. If you are the type of person who doesn’t need to have a sense of control and lives off spontaneity, and you thrive off it, then maybe you don’t need a list. Maybe you don’t have to have expectations like diversity, safety, or different things that in your mind give you a sense of peace. Many of these things stay in our minds because just because I perceive a place as safe doesn’t mean that it’s safe, or just because I perceived an area as more diverse than another doesn’t mean it is. Having these lists still gives me a sense of control over what I can control. When things are coming my way that I cannot control, like going to work and not having a lunch break or going to work and not knowing where I’m going to be, it doesn’t bother me as much because there are still some things within my life that I have control of.

Another thing that I try to do is once I get to my assignment, within that first week, I unpack everything. I put everything where I need it to be. I settle into where I’m going to live. I also find my closest gym because I prioritize ensuring I do some physical activity. I also prioritize church, so finding a church community or a church to attend quickly after arriving at my new location is a priority as well. All of these are contributing factors to your self-care and maintaining balance within the workplace.

Self-care

We discuss the importance of self-care because work and life generally cause burnout, anxiety, and depression, especially as healthcare providers. We work in stressful environments, often with patients with very serious situations. We often leave work feeling that energy within us. So, ensure that you know exactly what is important to you regarding stability. So, make sure you write these things down or put them in the note section on your phone. These things will help you thrive and maintain the level of success that you want to maintain when going from assignment to assignment.

Setting Intentions

Make sure you set daily intentions; I have made it a habit to set my intentions for each assignment. During my first assignment, my intentions for that assignment were to get myself together, make sure that I unwind, and make sure that I maintain a level of peace. A level of peace I felt like I was lacking. That first assignment wasn’t about looking around and exploring the city; it wasn’t about making a ton of money; it was more about trying to find consistency and stability in my schedule and daily life. This assignment and moving forward, my intentions for assignments are to try to pay off my debt. I want to be financially independent; I want to be financially free, and I want to get to a point where I am not exchanging my time for money, which is something I have prioritized. When I go to work, that is what I think about; I think of it as an opportunity for me to get closer to my goal.

So along with setting my intentions daily, I still struggle with trying to maintain a sense of balance and trying to maintain and manage my time. Still, I also ensure that I’m setting an intention for each assignment, which is one of the biggest things I think we can do for ourselves. You don’t have to be the type of person that micromanages every aspect of your life. You don’t have to write everything down or have everything on a checklist; everything doesn’t have to be crossed off.

Just make sure that you set your intentions. Know why you’re doing what you do, why you get up every single morning and understand that if you wake up in the morning, you have a sense of purpose. You can then assign different things you do to ensure that it aligns with that purpose. When I wake up and go to work, I want to help people and impact lives. That’s why I’m in the healthcare field. It also ensures that I have a stable job. But I know that every day I go in, even if I don’t want to, it is one more day where I get the opportunity to increase my salary. To make more money so I can pay down debt and essentially get to a place where I’m no longer having to pay down debt and pay for expenses that I’ve made years prior.

Those are some of the biggest things that I think that we can do to make sure that you thrive when you’re in a constant state of change and bring it back to your memory, bring it back to your mind. The three things that I talked about were: remembering the only thing constant is change, prioritizing your needs, and setting your intentions daily but even further than that setting your intentions for each assignment.

Follow my journey at The Vintage Traveling Nurse.

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 Amber Pickler

July 24, 2022

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Healthy Meal Delivery Options for Travel Nurses

Eating healthy can be difficult for anyone. Add packing up and moving every 13 weeks or more. That makes it even more difficult. Many fast food delivery options now exist, including Door Dash and Grub Hub. However, these are not always healthy meal options. The question was asked in our Facebook network group about healthy meal delivery options. There were four main responses. We have listed them below with a little information to help you decide which is the best healthy meal option for you.

Hello Fresh

Hello Fresh is a meal delivery service. They have different meal plans to match your lifestyle. You also have the option to cancel, skip a week or change meals at any time. The pricing depends on the meal and how many people you feed. Their site says, “Each week, you’ll open simple step-by-step recipes complete with nutritional information and fresh, pre-measured ingredients to get you whipping up delicious dinners in no time.”

Hello Fresh offers many healthy options, and the meals are simple to prepare. The measuring is already done for you, and all the ingredients are packaged together.

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Freshly

Freshly is probably one of the best meal delivery options for travel nurses because they are already prepared and cooked. All you need to do is heat the meals and eat. It is that simple. According to Everyday Health, “Freshly sources high-quality ingredients and ensures each meal is nutrient-dense and packed with the good stuff. All their meals are gluten- and peanut-free and contain no refined sugars.”

Freshly is a great healthy meal delivery option that takes very little time to prepare, making it great for busy on-the-go travel nurses. 

Dinnerly

Like Hello Fresh Dinnerly is a meal subscription plan. You pick the number of meals to be delivered to you every week.   According to The Spruce Eats, “The Dinnerly meal kit subscription service offers two options: a two-person or four-person plan that ranges from three to six meals per week. Unlike most services, ordering just two meals per week is not an option. Customers can let the company send the meals automatically or choose from the 14 offerings that week. The kits contain most of the ingredients to prepare a meal. There aren’t ways to customize for food allergies. However, you can choose your box-made vegetarian. The cost of the box depends on the number of meals chosen for the week. 

Eat to Evolve

Eat to Evolve are healthy pre-made meals delivered to your door. There are a couple of options to choose from when ordering from Eat to Evolve. You can order Pick out your meals with a la carte or sign up for a weekly or bi-weekly subscription.

Eat to Evolve offers Keto and Paleo meals. They also offer Evolve 30 meals, which Eliminates most allergens. No wheat, dairy, sugar, soy, or grains. Eliminate for 30 days & wipe the slate clean! Their other option is Primal, which are meals that include nothing processed. No gluten, wheat, dairy, or processed sugars. Includes rice and potatoes. Eat to Evolve is an excellent option for those trying to eat much healthier. The meals are fresh, never frozen, and ready to eat in 120 seconds or less.

These are just a few options for healthy meal delivery. We hope this helps you get started with healthy meal delivery options. Do you have a subscription for healthy meal delivery? Have you tried any others not on this list? Comment your favorite options 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.

By Kevin Devoto

July 23, 2022

2217 Views

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Great Tips To Help Travel Nurses Live Minimally

Any job that requires you to travel also requires you to be able to pack adequately for that type of travel. People traveling for business typically have bags ready to go with the essentials, including suits, work devices, and documentation, for example. However, packing as a travel nurse requires a bit more. Here are five great tips to help travel nurses live minimally.

1. Simplify Your Wardrobe

One of the easiest ways to live minimally is by prioritizing the clothes you need for your job, including women’s scrub sets, appropriate shoes, and layers necessary for your assignment location’s climate and the time of year you’re working there. However, that doesn’t mean you need to omit all other clothes. Instead, think of ways to make the most out of your clothes. Athleisure garments are good multi-use garments and can be worn whether you’re exercising or not. Pieces that layer, such as tank tops and cardigans, can make your wardrobe more versatile. If you can, pack clothes that complement each other so you can mix and match more easily.

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2. Learn about Your Housing in Advance

There are two main housing options: finding it yourself and having it assigned by your agency. If you’re finding lodging yourself, you have more freedom to find a place that fits your needs best, but your agency will have more experience and may be better suited to ensure you get what you need. Before you go, you should familiarize yourself with your housing. Check average utility costs, whether the place is pre-furnished, what stores and services are nearby, and what transportation options you’ll have.

3. Differentiate Needs And Wants

Another great way to live minimally is to differentiate your needs and wants. It’s important for people who travel for work to prioritize their packing needs over their packing wants. Clothes, toiletries, documents, linens, certain electronic devices, and medications are all necessary. Depending on your role, you may also need to bring a printer, kitchen supplies, cleaning tools, and a television. While entertainment and exercise are also important, these are activities you’re more likely to be able to find when you arrive at places such as gyms and libraries, so you may classify them as wants.

4. Create Packing Lists

If you plan to participate in travel nursing for an extended period of time, it will be helpful for you to create a packing list template that you can populate for each assignment. Typical lists written by hand or in a word processor will work just as well. Lists can help you stay organized and ensure you pack everything you need. You can even divide your list to account for your needs and wants. That way, you can pack your needs first and then fill in your wants with the room you left in your luggage.

5. Keep Your Method of Travel in Mind

Travel nurses may end up working almost anywhere. Their options may be limited to within their home country, or they may have the option to work internationally, depending on their degrees and licensing. You should pack according to what method of travel you’ll take to get to your destination. Driving yourself will give you the most space for packing, while taking ground transportation such as buses and trains means you’ll have minimal space to store your bags. Airlines typically require you to pay additional fees for checked luggage over their size, weight, or number limits. You should focus on how long you’ll spend at each location and whether you’ll be going home between assignments or spending long stretches away from home. You should also consider your transportation options. These will heavily inform how you pack and how.

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:

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