By Amber Pickler

June 2, 2024

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Explore Top Scrub Brands for Travel Nurses with The Gypsy Nurse

Once again, we asked our Travel Nurse Facebook group members what their favorite brand of scrubs was.  Below you will find five scrub brands voted on by fellow travel nurses as the top scrub brands.   We have compiled information on each of the five scrub brands to help you better decide which is best for your next travel nurse assignment.

Top Scrub Brands for Travel Nurses:

FIGS

top scrub brands
picture from Figs.com

For the second year in a row, FIGS was voted one of the top 5 scrubs for travel nurses.

FIGS offers eight color options for women and nine color options for men. They don’t offer as many styles of scrubs as Cherokee, but they do offer four styles of scrub tops for women, five styles of scrub pants for women, four styles of scrub tops for men, as well as four styles of scrub pants for men.  They, too, offer jackets and other clothing items for travel professionals.

FIGS’ website states, “Our proprietary fabric technology is made from what we believe to be the best combination of materials and is core-spun for maximum durability to withstand the demands of a healthcare professional’s work without sacrificing comfort.”

FIGS are designed and created for comfort and durability.  The Co-CEO and CO-Founder created FIGS specifically for a friend of hers who was a Nurse Practitioner.  She created FIGS because she felt that nurses and healthcare professionals should have more stylish and comfortable scrubs.

top scrub brands

Healing Hands

Healing Hands offers the most styles of scrubs for both men and women.  They offer 19 styles of women’s scrub tops and 15 styles of women’s scrub pants.  They also offer a more extensive selection for men.  They offer six styles of scrub tops for men and five styles of men’s scrub. Healing Hands offer the most color options, as their website shows 22 color options.  They also offer a maternity top and bottom option.

Healing Hands’ founder started the company after suffering a heart attack and undergoing major heart surgery at age 43.  He wanted to give back to those who cared for him in the hospital. 

Grey’s Anatomy

top scrub brands

Grey’s Anatomy scrubs tend to come close to the top in our scrub brand polls.  Grey’s Anatomy scrubs are a line of scrubs offered by Barco. 

Grey’s Anatomy offers six collections of scrubs in a variety of colors.  If you’re looking for more flexible scrubs, Greys Signature scrubs’ stretch fabric is not to be missed. The women’s scrubs also have a more womanly shape than their boxier counterparts. To make it even more convenient, there is also a selection of Grey’s Anatomy nursing shoes and medical footwear to complete your new look.

As expected, the Grey’s Anatomy line of scrubs was created in partnership with ABC and the Grey’s Anatomy show.  The line of scrubs was an instant hit with real-life healthcare workers.  They were one of the first lines of scrubs to offer stylish non-boxy scrub options.

Cherokee

top scrub brands

The number one pick for scrubs for the second year was the Cherokee brand.  Cherokee offers many scrubs collections, including form, infinity, iflex, and flexibles. This variety of collections gives you more options based on your style and preferences.

With all of Cherokee’s collections, they also have a variety of colors.  As travel nurses, you know that every facility (even every unit) uses its own color scrubs.  Cherokee scrubs are a great option as they offer a wide variety of collections of scrubs as well as colors of scrubs.

According to their site, “Cherokee apparel has been known for comfort and fashion since 1972. This ready-to-wear heritage shapes the way we approach designing and manufacturing medical uniforms and accessories; it has helped our brand become the overwhelming favorite of healthcare workers everywhere.”

Because of the variety of Cherokee collections, there will likely be a collection for every travel nurse

Jaanuu

top scrub brands

Jaanuu has been a popular brand among healthcare workers for years, so it was no surprise to see it as one of the most popular scrubs on our poll in our Facebook group.  Jaanuu offers many styles of scrubs and not just the one size fits all styles.  They offer lines for both men and women.  They offer many different styles for both men and women. They offer sizes in short and tall as well.  And because we know that not every facility requires the same color scrubs, they also offer a variety of colors.

Jaanuu also recently launched a loungewear line for both men and women if you are looking for loungewear.

We hope this article will help you decide which scrubs to purchase for your next travel nurse assignment easier.  Did we miss any top scrub brands?  Do you have a favorite brand that you think should have made our list?  Comment them below.

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

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!)

We ask our travel nurse community which scrub brand is the best yearly. Find out the top scrub brands here!

By Travel Nurses Inc.

May 31, 2024

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The Importance of Mental Health Care for Healthcare Workers

Travel Nurses Inc. provided this article.

As a travel nurse, you already know the challenges that come with constantly moving from one hospital to another and facing new environments. However, what may not be as readily apparent is the toll that this lifestyle can take on your mental health.

In a profession where the demands are high and the stakes even higher, prioritizing your mental well-being is crucial. May is mental health awareness month, and this blog post will look at the increasing importance of mental health care for healthcare workers.

The Importance of Mental Health Care for Healthcare Workers

Understanding the stressors faced by travel nurses

Mental Health Care for Healthcare Workers

Navigating the ever-shifting landscape of healthcare as a traveler presents a unique combination of stressors. Each new assignment brings unfamiliar territory – not just geographically but also in terms of workplace culture, patient demographics, and team dynamics.

The nature of their role demands rapid adaptation, an expectation that can become overwhelming. These challenges are compounded by the inherent pressures of the profession: long hours and the harsh reality of people suffering from severe illnesses.

While a travel nurse’s transient lifestyle is full of opportunities, it also means dealing with isolation and the stress of constant transitions. Adding to this is the critical responsibility of providing care in facilities that are often understaffed, a reality that places an even heavier burden on their shoulders. These factors collectively contribute to a high-stress environment that can impact a travel nurse’s mental and emotional well-being.

The stark reality: Mental health statistics for healthcare workers

The toll on healthcare workers’ mental well-being has been on a sharp incline, with recent statistics painting a grim picture. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a startling increase in burnout among healthcare professionals, with nearly half (46 percent) experiencing such feelings in 2022, up significantly from 32 percent just four years prior in 2018.

This surge underscores the severe impact of the profession’s demands, further aggravated by the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The numbers reveal a critical truth: the mental health of those at the forefront of healthcare is under significant strain, necessitating a pressing call for support and intervention strategies to address this growing concern.

Mental Health Care for Healthcare Workers

Strategies for self-care and mental health prevention

In the fast-paced world of travel nursing, your mental health can often take a backseat to the demands of the job. To navigate these waters successfully, it’s imperative to develop a proactive approach to your well-being.

Identifying early signs of mental fatigue, such as feelings of detachment, decreased job satisfaction or heightened irritability, is the first step toward prevention. Incorporating daily practices such as mindfulness meditation, deep-breathing exercises, or journaling can significantly reduce stress levels and improve overall mental health.

You can also carve out time for activities that rejuvenate you, whether it’s a hobby, exercise, or simply peace and quiet. Pay attention to your physical health through regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep. These practices are interconnected, supporting both your physical well-being and mental resilience.

Establish a stable routine amidst the chaos of changing locations and work environments to provide a sense of normalcy and control. Notably, building a network of support is crucial. Connecting with fellow travel nurses, scheduling FaceTime calls with friends and family, or joining local community groups can offer valuable advice and empathy from those who understand the unique challenges you face.

Resources for healthcare professionals

Equally important is the willingness to seek professional guidance when self-management strategies aren’t sufficient. Whether through teletherapy services or counseling, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. At Travel Nurses, Inc., our healthcare professionals have access to an employee assistance program (EAP) where they can talk to professionals, join a group, or watch one of the monthly webinars.

At Travel Nurses, Inc., we also know that finances can be a big stressor for travelers and their families. In a recent survey from Bankrate, more than half of responders stated concerns about money took the biggest toll on their mental health.

To combat this, Travel Nurses, Inc. offers a program called SmartDollar to help alleviate some of the stress. SmartDollar is a program for travelers and their families to help manage their finances and set financial goals for themselves. Oftentimes, finances seem overwhelming because it’s hard to track what’s coming in and what’s going out. With SmartDollar, you can see it and track it all in the app. Within the app, travelers can also receive one-on-one coaching from advisors to help make things more manageable and to help them feel like they are not alone.

Mental health hotlines also provide immediate support for those in need. Online therapy services cater to the flexible schedules of travel nurses, ensuring help is available regardless of location or time zone.  Embracing these strategies not only enhances your resilience but also ensures that you continue to deliver compassionate care to those in need without sacrificing your mental well-being.

By integrating these strategies into your life, you lay the groundwork for a sustainable career in travel nursing that honors both your professional commitment and personal well-being.

We hope you found this article on the importance of mental health care for healthcare workers helpful. Do you have any mental health tips to share? Comment them below.

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your housing search.

By AB Staffing Solutions

May 30, 2024

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From Arizona to Alaska: The Ultimate Travel Nurse Bucket List Landmarks Edition

AB Staffing Solutions provided this article.

We love our travel nurses and know you work and play hard. One of the benefits of being a traveler is that you can pick the part of the country where you’d like to work. When you’re not working, you can explore. Our travelers love telling their recruiters about where they explore and their favorite places to visit. In our article Bucket List Assignments, we covered favorites. We’ve switched it up this time and added landmarks to this ultimate travel nurse bucket list.

The Ultimate Travel Nurse Bucket List Landmarks Edition

Let’s start with the Southwest Bucket List Landmarks.

travel nurse bucket list

AB Staffing is based in Gilbert, Arizona, the fifth largest city in Arizona, boasting a population of just over 250,000 as of July 2020. Gilbert is known as a safe place to raise a family. It’s a relatively young city with a median age of 33.9. It is within driving distance of Phoenix for theatre, sports, or a night on the town. Gilbert also has a vibrant restaurant scene downtown and nearby shopping areas.

Of course, you can drive to the Grand Canyon National Park in northern Arizona or stop in Williams, Arizona, and take the Grand Canyon Railway to see the sites along the way. If you love trains, head to Cottonwood and catch the Verde Canyon Railway, wine tasting at local wineries, or hiking. Arizona has a lot to offer, along with other Southwest states.

  • Havasupai Falls—Located in northern Arizona on the Supai Reservation, Havasupai Falls is worth the 10-mile hike into the campsite to see its hidden beauty. Make a reservation and check the weather before heading there for your next adventure.
  • Chelsea, Oklahoma – Visit Totem Pole Park, a Route 66 classic. In 1999, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • San Antonio, Texas – Besides the San Antonio River Walk, The Alamo offers visitors a chance to walk through history.

We’re sure you will find more Southwest travel nurse bucket list landmarks to share with us!

Let’s discover West Coast Landmarks.

When we think of California, we often think about beaches, surfing, and tacos, which are all great, but there is more to the West Coast than that!

travel nurse bucket list
  • San Francisco, California – Visit the bucket list landmark Golden Gate Bridge, which connects San Francisco to Marin County. Check out the Visiting the Bridge for more information.
  • Seattle, Washington – Our article Getting to Know Seattle highlights fun and food places to eat. What we failed to mention is the Space Needle! Marketed as an Elevated Experience (I love the play on words!), the Needle’s The Loupe is the world’s first and only revolving glass floor where you can see the city from a new perspective.
  • Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Wyoming is not only one of the highest-paid states for travel nursing, but it is also home to Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park. The unique thermal features of the geyser established the area as the world’s first national park in 1872. The park hosts more than 500 geysers, wildlife, and spectacular views.
  • Denali National Park, AlaskaTravel Nurse Jessica told us about her experience as a traveler in Sitka, Alaska. We wonder if she has made her way to Denali National Park. This park is six million acres of wild land, low-elevation taiga forest, high alpine tundra, and snowy mountains, including Denali, America’s tallest peak at 20,310 feet.

Moving to Midwest Landmarks

travel nurse bucket list

When you think of the Midwest, you might think there are few landmarks, but we’re here to tell you there is beauty and history for those willing to venture there.

  • Keystone, SD – What is this town known for? It started as a logging town and was revived in 1924 when the carving of Mount Rushmore began, continuing until 1941. Known as the Home of the Carvers, Keystone is a starting point for visitors.
  • Badlands, North Dakota – Part of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, The Painted Canyon, is visible from the park’s southern edge. Check out the Visitors Center for information on hiking trails, where you can get a different perspective of the canyon.
  • Chicago, IL – If you’re from the Northeast, you may be pro-New York-style pizza, but you won’t find it much in Chicago! Known for its hearty deep-dish pizza, Chicago is also home to the landmark Bean. Located in Millennium Park, The Bean is a visitor favorite.
  • St. Louis, Missouri – Just as The Bean is a Chicago landmark, The Gateway Arch is a site to see in St. Louis. Take a tram ride to the top, visit the museum, and get your picture taken in front of this iconic landmark.

Let’s talk about the East Coast Travel Nurse Bucket List.

Now that you’ve gotten deep-dish pizza out of the way, let’s discuss New York-style pizza and a few landmarks in the area.

travel nurse bucket list
  • New York City, New York—Home to many sights and the best pizza on the planet, New York City is also where you can visit the Statue of Liberty. A gift from France in 1886, this historic national monument is worth the ferry ride. You can also see Ellis Island, where thousands of immigrants have entered the country.
  • Niagara Falls, New York – While you’re in New York, head upstate to the US/Canada border to see Niagara Falls, a force of nature and beauty.
  • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Grab a Philly Cheesesteak and head to the historic Liberty Bell, where you can take a self-guided tour.
  • Cape Elizabeth, Maine—This seaside park is the perfect spot for a walk in the summer. Check out the Portland Head Light and quaint downtown. Maine is a destination vacation spot for those who live farther south in New England and elsewhere, but it tends to be quite cold in the winter.

Head to the Southeast for the final landmarks.

travel nurse bucket list

We’re almost done with our tour, but we couldn’t forget the beauty and history of the Southeast.

  • New Orleans, Louisiana—Visit the historic French Quarter to experience the city. Schedule a walking tour to learn more about French and Spanish history. If you love parties, Mardi Gras parades are a fun way to experience local culture.
  • Gatlinburg, TennesseeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park offers spectacular views, car touring options (be sure to get a parking pass if you plan to park for more than 15 minutes), underground railroad history, camping, and maybe even a black bear sighting. 
  • Washington, DC – Visit the National Mall, where you can see the US Capitol building, Lincoln Memorial, and more of America’s history. Central to the must-see venues like the Smithsonian Museums, National Gallery of Art, and Holocaust Memorial Museum, we encourage you to plan your trip in advance.
  • Merritt Island, Florida—If you’re heading to Florida to see Mickey Mouse, you need to take a side trip to the Kennedy Space Center. Filled with the history of the space program, including actual spacecraft, this is a must-see for anyone who loves to dream about space.

What a tour we’ve taken to see landmarks on the travel nurse bucket list! If you’re looking for an adventure, and we’d love to hear from you and help you find your next contract!

We hope you enjoyed this landmark travel nurse bucket list. Did any of the locations make it to your travel nurse bucket list? What other locations are on your travel nurse bucket list? Comment them below.

Find Your Next Travel Healthcare Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel healthcare gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities. We have opportunities for all travel healthcare professionals.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel healthcare assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

By Vibra Travels

May 29, 2024

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A Vibra Travels Nurse’s Guide to LTAC Travel Nursing

Vibra Travels provided this article.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this guest post belong solely to the author and do not necessarily represent the official stance of Vibra Travels or TGN.

Understanding LTAC Travel Nursing

ltac

LTAC travel nursing is a specialized field within the realm of travel nursing, focusing on long-term acute care hospitals. These hospitals, also known as critical care hospitals, are typically smaller in scale and cater to patients undergoing extended transitions between levels of care. While the source and destination of patient admissions and discharges vary, they commonly originate from intensive care or acute care hospitals and are discharged to skilled nursing facilities or home settings.

Similar to other travel nursing specializations, LTAC travel nurses have the opportunity to undertake assignments lasting either eight or 13 weeks with Vibra Travels.

Patient Demographics

Prospective LTAC travel nurses often inquire about the patient demographics before embarking on an assignment. Patients in LTAC hospitals present a diverse array of admitting diagnoses and acuities. Some LTAC facilities specialize further in areas such as burn units, neuroscience units, and ventilator/trach weaning (respiratory) units. Others maintain generalized units accommodating a mix of cases. Here’s a glimpse into the patient populations:

  • Neuroscience Units: These units cater to patients recuperating from severe brain injuries, often leading to ventilator dependency. Admissions here include cases of anoxic brain injuries, drug overdoses, CVAs, and spinal cord injuries.
  • Burn Units: Patients in LTAC burn units have endured extensive skin and inhalation burns, frequently necessitating ventilator or trach dependence during recovery. Travel nurses in this setting collaborate closely with wound care teams and respiratory therapists.
  • Generalized Units: Other patient profiles encompass those recovering from conditions like Guillain-Barre syndrome, severe COVID-19 cases, septic shock, post-surgical complications, non-healing wounds, renal or heart failure, ventilator dependency, severe malnutrition, and deconditioning.

Nursing Skillset

Given the broad spectrum of health issues, LTAC travel nurses at Vibra Travels utilize a wide range of nursing skills. These encompass telemetry monitoring, administering tube feedings, trach/ventilator management, lab draws, IV insertions, wound care, and post-operative monitoring, among others.

Medications are administered via various routes, including oral, PEG tube, intravenous, inhalation, intramuscular, topical, subcutaneous, and sublingual.

LTAC travel nurses collaborate extensively with healthcare team members, including physicians, therapists, nursing aids, respiratory therapists, dieticians, wound care nurses, and management. They also engage with patients’ families and provide and receive reports during patient discharge or transfer.

A Day in the Life: 12-Hour Shift

ltac

A typical 12-hour shift in an LTAC setting may unfold as follows:

  • Morning Huddle: Commence the day with a team briefing to discuss staffing, assignments, code teams, and facility updates.
  • Handoff Report: Receive patient handover, review charts, and plan the shift.
  • First Med Pass and Assessments: Administer medications and conduct patient assessments.
  • Patient Care: Attend to patients’ needs, which may include wound care, trach care/suctioning, and assisting with activities of daily living.
  • Rapid Response: Address unexpected medical events with prompt interventions.
  • Giving Report: Provide comprehensive handover to incoming nurses at the end of the shift.

It’s worth noting that workflows may vary across hospitals and specialties.

Unique Fulfillment of LTAC Nursing

LTAC nursing offers a distinctive sense of fulfillment. Patients often spend weeks in these facilities, fostering deep connections between nurses and patients’ families. While the healing process may be gradual, witnessing patients’ progress, such as weaning off ventilators or improving mobility, brings profound satisfaction.

Securing an LTAC Assignment

Interested in pursuing an LTAC assignment with Vibra Travels? Reach out to a recruiter to initiate the process. The Vibra Travels team provides comprehensive support, from securing contracts to navigating licensure requirements.

About the Author

ltac

Meleah Kandoll has been a travel nurse for two years, with assignments in Portland and the San Francisco Bay Area through Vibra Travels. Passionate about travel, Meleah has visited nearly 20 countries between assignments. She specializes in post-surgical care and anticipates her sister, currently in nursing school, joining her in the travel nursing journey soon.

To explore more about Vibra Travels and the author’s experiences, visit www.travelnursemeleah.com.


Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your housing search.

By Furnished Finder

May 28, 2024

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How To Earn Passive Income While On a Travel Nurse Assignment

For most travel nurses, the goal is not to live to work. Instead, it’s about maximizing income, minimizing expenses, and getting more out of life without having to drastically cut back on the things you love. 

Passive income is a key phrase right now for people trying to do more with less, and real estate is a great way to make some extra income without spending tons of hours each week on your side hustle. 

Don’t own your real estate? That’s where Furnished Finder comes in. You don’t even need to rent an entire house or own a single-family home to profit from the space. 

Reap the benefits of being a “landlord on easy mode,” as one of our landlords put it. Here are a few ways to use Furnished Finder to bring in extra cash while you are on assignment or even just off on your own adventure between assignments. 

How To Earn Passive Income While On a Travel Nurse Assignment:

passive income

Rent a Room in Your Apartment or Home

Have a two-bedroom but only really need one of those bedrooms? Maybe you don’t want to deal with a true roommate when you are home from time to time. Furnished Finder can help you make that extra space profitable on your terms.

Simply provide basic furnishings and make sure the common areas are organized and stocked with basics. You are ready to rent your extra bedroom to business professionals or travel healthcare workers while you are gone. You can even adjust your availability calendar so your space is 100% yours when you plan to be home. 

Rent (Most) of Your Single Family Home

If you own or rent a single-family home, you can still rent most of the space for passive income on Furnished Finder while you are gone. To meet tax rules easily, simply place your personal belongings into a designated bedroom or area of the house. Some travelers will even lock or block off this section of the home while their tenants are living in the rest of the home.

Then, you can either rent the rest of the property as one rental space or rent individual rooms. Renting rooms individually may allow you to bring in more income, but it may also be harder to find tenants willing to share a space with other roommates. Renting the house as a whole (minus your space) means dealing with less tenants, and may make it easier to rent your space out depending on how your rental is priced.

Prepare a Separate Unit on Your Property

If you aren’t ready to have a renter in your actual space, consider if you can add an addition, finish a basement, or even build a small outbuilding on your property that could be used for mid term rentals. Since most travel nurses and business professionals travel light, the space does not need to be large or lavish. It simply needs to have the basics and be clean and comfortable! 

passive income

This option has some upfront costs and does require home ownership versus renting, but it can also provide a form of income for you for years to come, even if you move back to your home full-time. 

Be Sure to Check Tax Laws

One thing you have to be careful of is maintaining a proper tax home if you are receiving tax-free stipends while on assignment. There are different ways to go about this. For best practice, we recommend chatting with a tax professional on how to maximize income while abiding by tax laws. 

How Do I Get Started?

Getting started as a landlord on Furnished Finder is much easier than most people expect! Start by visiting the List Your Property page and checking out some of the benefits of renting on Furnished Finder and the resources they provide. 

You can sign up directly on this page or reach out to a Furnished Finder team member who can help answer questions and walk you through the process. 

Once you are ready, the listing fee is a straightforward $149 for the year. That’s it! There are no other fees or charges to worry about, and your potential renters will be thankful for the straightforward pricing on the other end as well.

We hope you found this article on how to earn passive income while on a travel nurse assignment helpful. Do you rent out your tax home for passive income while on assignment? Comment any tips or advice you have for your fellow travel nurses below.

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

May 25, 2024

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How Recruiters Elevate the Travel Nursing Experience

TNAA-Travel Nurse Across America provided this article.

Travel nursing is an exhilarating and fulfilling career path. It offers the unique opportunity to explore new places, meet diverse people, and gain invaluable professional experiences. The adventure of working in various healthcare settings across the country provides unparalleled personal and career rewards.

However, some logistics of the travel nurse life can be challenging to navigate, especially if you are a first-time traveler. A travel nurse recruiter can help! With their expert guidance and support, you’ll successfully tackle everything you need for your travel journey – and elevate your travel experience in the process.

How Recruiters Elevate the Travel Nursing Experience:

recruiters

Optimizing Your Assignment Choices

One key benefit of working with a recruiter is their ability to match you with assignments that fit your lifestyle, including your desired locations, preferences, and career goals. By understanding your unique needs and aspirations, they can identify opportunities that might not be readily available through standard job searches, ensuring you find the best possible assignments.

Recruiters also have access to a vast network of healthcare facilities and job openings, including exclusive or high-demand positions. They’ve cultivated relationships with facilities and managed service providers, so they are one of the best resources you have for finding those to-good-to-be-true assignments.

Streamlining the Logistics

Utilizing a recruiter is vital to ensuring a smooth travel assignment. Travel recruiters are experts at handling every aspect of travel nursing, such as arranging interviews, helping you find housing, verifying credentialing and licensure requirements, and providing you assistance with your agency’s benefits. This lets you focus on delivering exceptional patient care and frees up your time to enjoy your travel adventures!

recruiters

Licensure and Compliance

Each state has unique licensure requirements for healthcare professionals, and staying compliant is crucial to avoiding last-minute complications or missing out on your desired assignments. Travel recruiters can assist with licensure applications and renewals and ensure you meet all requirements. Be sure to discuss your licensure status and future travel plans with your recruiter so you can better prepare for every adventure.

Emotional and Moral Support

A good recruiter knows that life on the road is not always smooth. There are bound to be moments of frustration, just like in every career. Recruiters care about their travelers, and they want the best for you. They are always ready to lend a listening ear, offer reassurance, and celebrate your achievements, helping you stay motivated and focused on your journey. They can also help you connect with resources that can help you figure out any issues that arise throughout your journey.

Personalized Career Guidance

Whether you’re seeking to specialize in a particular field, explore new geographic regions, or balance work with personal commitments, recruiters provide insights and advice to help you make informed decisions. Their guidance ensures that each assignment or objective will contribute to your long-term career goals and personal fulfillment.

These are just a few ways your recruiter can help you get the most out of your travel experience. Think of them as your partner in travel: together, you can find the right assignments in the right places to help you thrive in your travel nurse career. They understand your unique needs and aspirations, so tap into their expert knowledge and experience to see how they can help you with your specific goals.

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

By Geraldine Mills

May 19, 2024

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How Busy Travel Nurses Can Keep Their Temporary Housing Clean

Given the nursing shortages that rose after the pandemic, there is a rising need for travel nurses. Plenty of opportunities are available if you’re a travel nurse. That said, part of being a travel nurse is constantly moving from one accommodation to the next.

While you might be too busy with work to keep up with the maintenance, it’s not a good idea to keep your travel nurse temporary housing messy because it can affect your physical and mental health. With that in mind, here are tips on keeping your temporary housing clean, even as a busy travel nurse.

Tips on keeping your temporary housing clean as a busy travel nurse:

temporary housing

1. Consider Professional Cleaning Services

According to Maid Sailors, a maid service NYC, working with a professional cleaning service is an excellent way to keep travel nurse’s temporary housing clean. Instead of dealing with more chores just as you finish a brutal shift in the hospital, you can have a professional cleaning service clean your house for you and use your free time to rest.

A professional cleaner will also be able to do a more thorough job than you, so they’ll be able to finish a lot more cleaning tasks than you might be able to do within the period of their service. While it might be an additional cost, occasionally hiring a professional cleaner, especially after consecutive days of hard shifts, can lighten your load.

2. Develop a Cleaning Schedule

Just as you have a schedule for your shifts, one way to better stick to the cleanliness of your home is by scheduling your cleaning.

Having a cleaning schedule that adapts to your work rather than being forced to follow your cleaning schedule is the key to consistency. There’s no point in having a schedule if you constantly can’t stick to it in the first place.

Aside from having a realistic schedule, it would help if you were realistic about the cleaning tasks you can accomplish. It’s more achievable to create small cleaning tasks that you do here and there but in a regular way to ensure that you can finish them.

3. Prioritize High-Traffic Areas

temporary housing

Instead of focusing on cleaning parts of the house you barely use, you should prioritize the high-traffic areas. These are the parts of your home that you’re always in, so they’re likely to get messy quickly. Therefore, if you have the time to clean your house, focus on the parts you use most often.

For example, your bedroom and bathroom are most likely the parts of your house you use often. If you cook a lot, remember to clean your kitchen area.

This cleaning method involves performing the cleaning tasks with the most significant impact. Thus, the energy you spend cleaning the house will reap the most results.

4. Invest in Time-Saving Cleaning Tools and Supplies

Before you head to your temporary accommodations, it’s a good idea to ask them what cleaning tools and supplies are available. That way, you know what cleaning tools to add to your arsenal to keep a clean home.

If you plan on getting your cleaning supplies, look at efficient products. That means they provide the most impact for as little effort as possible.

One way to do that is by getting effective cleaning solutions that aren’t too watered down to clean the mess quickly.

Using time-saving tools like wireless vacuums and microfiber towels, which are better at doing their jobs, is also a worthwhile addition to shortening your cleaning time.

5. Embrace Quick Cleaning Hacks

Aside from time-saving cleaning tools and supplies, it would be best to embrace quick cleaning habits that keep your home clean without giving more work for you in the future.

One quick cleaning hack is to pick a task you can do for five minutes each day. That way, you’ll constantly finish a cleaning task each day, and it won’t feel like it took you the entire day to do that. Plus, in some cases, starting is more challenging than continuing, so you might find yourself cleaning other things after that five-minute cleaning task.

Another cleaning hack you can do is leave cleaning supplies in the area where you use them. That way, you can quickly grab them whenever you need a quick clean.

6. Create a Cleaning Routine That Fits Your Schedule

If your shifts aren’t inconsistent, ensure your cleaning schedule accommodates that. There will be days when you have consecutive shifts, and on other days, you’ll have more free time. In that case, adjust your cleaning schedule based on your work.

Also, sometimes, you’re too tired to clean, so you can always move your cleaning schedule.  Balancing your housekeeping responsibilities, relaxation, and working together is critical to making your temporary housing cozy and clean.

7. Utilize Storage Solutions to Minimize Clutter

Cleaning goes hand in hand with organizing, so how you manage the clutter in your home affects its cleanliness.

The proper storage solution can reduce the appearance of clutter in your house. For example, getting a dedicated storage solution for your bathroom items can reduce the items you put on the bathroom counter, making it look messier.

Reducing the items you bring on each assignment can also reduce the clutter.

8. Delegate Cleaning Tasks When Possible

If you share the temporary accommodations with roommates, colleagues, or your family that you brought, then a clean home is a group responsibility. You shouldn’t feel like the only one working on maintaining your cleanliness.

It would help if you told the people living with you that everyone should pitch in with the house cleaning. Setting these clear expectations reduces resentment in the future.

9. Stay Proactive to Prevent Messes Before They Happen

temporary housing

One way to reduce the cleaning you need is by being proactive. It would be best if you prevented messes from happening in the first place.

Put things back where you got them from so things aren’t all over the place. Don’t leave dishes that you need to wash overnight. Also, clean the kitchen as you’re cooking.

These habits will reduce how fast your home becomes cluttered and dirty. At the same time, if it’s cleaning day, you’ll have less work to do.

10. Maintain a Positive Attitude Towards Cleaning

While cleaning isn’t exactly the first thing you want to do as a way to relax, having a negative attitude toward it will make it much harder for you to start cleaning in the first place.

If you start developing a mindset around cleaning that shows you respect yourself and your environment, it will be easier to feel like you’re doing something that matters.

Conclusion

By having more realistic cleaning expectations and setting yourself up to make cleaning more accessible, you can maintain a clean house, no matter how busy you are. If you’re about to get to your next assignment, apply these cleaning tips to maintain the cleanliness of your temporary housing as a travel nurse.

We hope you found this article with tips for keeping your temporary housing clean as a busy travel nurse helpful. How do you maintain your temporary housing as a travel nurse? Comment your tips and tricks for keeping your temporary housing clean while on assignment.

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

By RNnetwork

May 15, 2024

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5 Tips for Landing the Best Travel Nursing Jobs

RNnetwork provided this article.

Whether you’re new to the travel nurse lifestyle or a seasoned veteran, these tips will help you get the travel nurse jobs that are right for you — no matter where you want to go or what “best” means to you!

5 Tips for Landing the Best Travel Nursing Jobs

travel nursing jobs

1. Clearly communicate your expectations and ask lots of questions

When you start working with a new recruiter, they will need to understand what’s important to you to find opportunities that meet your expectations, so be open and willing to answer their questions. Likewise, you will need to ask for a lot of information to make sure a situation is the right fit. At a minimum, be sure to ask about:

  • Pay and overtime options
  • What hours you’d be working and for how long
  • Which departments you’d be working with
  • How many patients you’d be seeing
  • The trauma level of the hospital
  • How long orientation lasts

2. Move quickly to finalize the paperwork

Once your recruiter finds a job you’re ready to accept, don’t wait to complete your paperwork. Get things like your application and any required paperwork in STAT. The quicker you move, the less likely you’ll run into problems later. This is especially true if you’ll need to apply for a new state license.

Fortunately, if your home state is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) and you hold a multistate license, it makes it much easier to practice in other NLC states. However, if the NLC doesn’t apply for your desired job, it can take weeks or even months to get a new state license, so the sooner you can get started the better.

travel nursing jobs

Plus, sending any up-to-date certifications you have without being asked for them is a good way to show your commitment.

3. Always think one assignment ahead

Once you’re settled into a job, start talking to your recruiter about your next opportunity so you can be ready to go as soon as your current assignment ends. Figuring out your plans in advance gives you breathing room and a higher chance of getting the type of work you want, where you want. It’s also a great way to schedule vacations and time off for yourself in advance — something you’ll thank yourself for at the end of a few of your well-planned contracts.

4. Stay open to a wide variety of locations, jobs, and opportunities

Flexibility is probably one of the reasons that brought you to travel nursing — or if you’re new, it may be why you’re interested. But to reap the full benefit of this kind of work, keep an open mind and be flexible when it comes to the jobs you choose to accept. You never know what experiences — at work or in your time off in a new location — will change your life for the better, so extend the limits of where you’re willing to go.

Your recruiter can help you land most anything if you’re qualified and willing, especially if you are open to shifts or pay rates that are outside your normal requirements. You never know what opportunities you’ve missed if you aren’t willing to try.

5. Build a relationship with a recruiter you trust

Travel nursing is a bit market, so working with multiple agencies is normal. But it’s also important to find a recruiter who gets you and can be your advocate. A recruiter will fight for you when you need someone in your corner and keep their eyes open for opportunities that might be a good fit. The better they know you, the more likely they’ll help you make a good match every time.

We hope you found this article on 5 tips for landing the best travel nursing jobs helpful. Do you have any tips for fellow travel nurses for landing the best travel nursing jobs? Comment them below.

Rnnetwork can help you find your next adventure! Call 800.866.0407 or view our open travel nursing jobs to find an opportunity that’s right for you.

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

By LeaderStat

May 14, 2024

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Crafting the Perfect Summer Travel Nursing Assignment: A Comprehensive Guide

LeaderStat provided this article.

Embarking on a fulfilling and memorable summer assignment as a travel nurse requires meticulous planning and strategic decision-making. Whether you’re driven by wanderlust or seeking professional growth opportunities, early preparation is the cornerstone of securing the ideal assignment that aligns with your goals and preferences. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into each aspect of planning your summer nursing stint, providing detailed insights and practical tips to help you navigate every step of the journey.

Crafting the Perfect Summer Travel Nursing Assignment: A Comprehensive Guide:

Summer Travel Nursing Assignment

1. Partner with a Reputable Agency for your Summer Travel Nursing Assignment:

As you set out to plan your summer travel nursing assignment, your first port of call should be connecting with a reputable travel nurse agency. These agencies serve as invaluable intermediaries between healthcare facilities and nurses seeking temporary placements. Start your journey by researching and selecting agencies known for their credibility, reliability, and track record of successfully matching nurses with suitable assignments.

Initiate contact with your chosen agency as soon as possible to allow ample time for the assignment procurement process. Communicate your preferences clearly, including desired destinations, preferred contract lengths, scheduling needs, and any specific requirements or preferences you may have. By establishing transparent communication from the outset, you set the stage for a collaborative partnership aimed at securing the best possible assignment tailored to your needs and aspirations.

In your interactions with the agency, prioritize security and privacy when sharing personal information. Rather than sending sensitive documents such as your resume, personal identification, or medical records via email, inquire about secure application methods available through the agency’s website. Exercise caution and vigilance to avoid potential scams, and always verify the legitimacy of the agency by seeking their business website, phone number, and physical address. Additionally, leverage online platforms like Google, Facebook, and Glassdoor to review feedback and testimonials from other nurses who have worked with the agency, providing valuable insights into their reputation and service quality.

2. Define Your Work Schedule:

One of the defining factors of your summer assignment as a travel nurse is your work schedule. Before committing to any contract, take the time to carefully assess your ideal scheduling preferences and requirements. Consider factors such as the number of days you wish to work per week, your preferred shift patterns, and any planned vacations or personal commitments during the assignment period.

Engage in open and proactive communication with your recruiter to ensure that your scheduling needs are understood and accommodated. Discuss the availability of block scheduling options, which allow for consecutive days off, providing greater flexibility and work-life balance. Additionally, inquire about the potential for overtime opportunities, as some facilities may offer additional shifts or incentives for extra hours worked.

By solidifying your work schedule early in the planning process, you can streamline the search for suitable assignments that align with your availability and preferences, setting the stage for a successful and fulfilling summer experience.

3. Evaluate the Setting:

As you contemplate potential locations for your summer travel nursing assignment, it’s essential to consider each setting’s unique characteristics and dynamics. Healthcare facilities experience fluctuations in patient volumes and acuity levels throughout the year, and summer months often present distinct challenges and opportunities for travel nurses.

Take into account seasonal trends and factors that may impact workload and patient care dynamics during the summer. For example, hospitals and emergency departments typically see an uptick in patient admissions during the warmer months, driven by factors such as outdoor activities, travel-related injuries, and seasonal illnesses. Be prepared to adapt to the demands of a potentially busier and more fast-paced work environment, particularly in high-traffic tourist destinations or areas with outdoor recreational activities.

Alternatively, if you prefer a slower-paced work environment or seek a reprieve from the summer rush, explore opportunities in settings that may experience less seasonal variability in patient volumes. By carefully considering the setting and its implications for your work experience, you can make informed decisions when selecting assignments that align with your professional goals and preferences.

4. Ensure Licensing Compliance:

Navigating the regulatory landscape of nursing licensure and certification is a critical aspect of planning your summer travel nursing assignment. Before embarking on any assignment, conduct thorough research to understand the specific licensing requirements applicable to the states where you intend to work.

Each state may have its own set of licensure laws, regulations, and requirements for travel nurses, ranging from compact licensure agreements to state-specific endorsements or temporary permits. Familiarize yourself with the relevant regulations and ensure that you possess the necessary licenses and certifications to practice nursing in your desired locations.

In addition to licensing requirements, stay attuned to certification validity periods and renewal deadlines for essential credentials such as Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, tuberculosis (TB) testing, and physical examinations. A proactive approach to maintaining compliance with licensing and certification requirements will help prevent any disruptions or delays in your ability to work effectively during your summer assignment.

5. Secure Suitable Accommodation:

Finding suitable housing accommodations is a crucial component of planning your summer travel nursing assignment, as it directly impacts your comfort, convenience, and overall experience during your stay. Begin by exploring housing options tailored to your preferences, budget, and lifestyle considerations.

Summer Travel Nursing Assignment

Whether you prefer the convenience of furnished apartments, the flexibility of short-term rentals, or the camaraderie of shared housing arrangements, research housing providers and platforms that cater to the needs of travel nurses. Consider factors such as location, safety, amenities, and proximity to your assigned healthcare facility when evaluating housing options.

Collaborate with fellow travel nurses and leverage online communities and resources to gather insights, recommendations, and firsthand experiences regarding housing accommodations in your desired locations. Platforms such as Furnished Finder and travel nurse housing Facebook groups offer valuable networking opportunities and access to a wealth of information to aid you in securing suitable housing arrangements for your summer assignment.

6. Budget Wisely:

Financial planning is a fundamental aspect of preparing for your summer travel nursing assignment, helping you manage expenses, allocate resources, and ensure financial stability throughout your assignment period. Create a comprehensive budget that accounts for various financial considerations, including living expenses, transportation costs, leisure activities, and unexpected contingencies.

Start by estimating your anticipated expenses based on factors such as housing costs, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare-related expenses. Factor in any additional costs associated with travel to and from your assignment location, as well as discretionary spending for leisure activities and exploring the local area.

Consider setting aside a portion of your income for savings or emergency funds to provide a financial safety net in the event of unforeseen circumstances or expenses. Leverage budgeting tools and resources to track your expenditures, monitor your financial progress, and make adjustments as needed to stay within your budgetary constraints.

Seek guidance and insights from seasoned travelers, travel nurse influencers, and online communities to gain valuable tips, strategies, and best practices for effective budget management during your summer assignment. By adopting a proactive and disciplined approach to financial planning, you can maximize your resources and enjoy a rewarding and financially sustainable travel nursing experience.

7. Anticipate Commuting Challenges:

Navigating transportation logistics and commuting challenges is an integral part of planning your summer travel nursing assignment, particularly if you’re working in a bustling urban area or tourist hotspot. Be prepared to encounter traffic congestion, road closures, and other transportation-related issues that may impact your daily commute to and from your assigned healthcare facility.

To mitigate commuting challenges, consider alternative transportation options such as public transit, ridesharing services, or cycling, depending on the availability and accessibility of transportation infrastructure in your destination city. Explore housing options that offer proximity to your workplace to minimize commute times and enhance convenience and efficiency.

Factor in extra travel time when planning your daily commute, especially during peak traffic hours or high-demand periods. By proactively addressing commuting challenges and incorporating contingency plans into your daily routine, you

can navigate transportation logistics with ease and minimize disruptions to your work schedule and overall experience during your summer assignment.

8. Consider Family Inclusion:

The decision to bring family members or pets along on your summer travel nursing assignment is a personal choice that warrants careful consideration and planning. Assess the feasibility and practicality of including your spouse, children, or furry companions in your assignment plans, taking into account factors such as housing accommodations, schooling options, and family dynamics.

If you opt to bring your family or pets along, ensure that your housing arrangement can accommodate their needs and preferences, including considerations for space, amenities, and pet-friendly policies. Strategically plan your work schedule to allow for quality time with your loved ones and prioritize activities and experiences that foster connection and togetherness.

Alternatively, if bringing family members or pets is not feasible or desirable, explore opportunities for solo adventures and personal enrichment during your assignment period. Embrace the flexibility and independence afforded by solo travel, and seize the opportunity to explore new destinations, engage in meaningful experiences, and cultivate personal growth and fulfillment.

9. Embrace Downtime:

Amidst the demands and responsibilities of your summer travel nursing assignment, it’s essential to carve out time for relaxation, rejuvenation, and self-care. Embrace downtime as an integral part of your experience, allowing yourself to unwind, recharge, and replenish your energy reserves.

Take advantage of summer’s favorable weather and longer daylight hours to engage in outdoor activities, leisure pursuits, and recreational adventures. Whether it’s exploring local attractions, trying new cuisine, or simply basking in the natural beauty of your surroundings, make the most of your free time to create memorable experiences and cherished moments.

Consider incorporating short getaways or weekend trips into your itinerary to further enrich your summer experience and discover new destinations and experiences. Whether it’s a scenic road trip, a camping excursion, or a beach getaway, use your downtime as an opportunity for exploration, adventure, and personal discovery.

Follow travel nurse influencers, bloggers, and online communities for inspiration, tips, and recommendations on how to make the most of your downtime and enhance your overall travel nursing experience. By embracing downtime as an essential component of your summer assignment, you can achieve a harmonious balance between work and leisure, ensuring a fulfilling and enriching experience as a travel nurse.

Planning your ideal summer travel nursing assignment requires careful consideration, strategic planning, and proactive decision-making across various aspects of the journey. By partnering with a reputable agency, defining your work schedule, evaluating the setting, ensuring licensing compliance, securing suitable accommodation, budgeting wisely, anticipating commuting challenges, considering family inclusion, and embracing downtime, you can create a rewarding and memorable summer experience that aligns with your professional aspirations and personal preferences.

As you embark on your summer adventure as a travel nurse, remember to approach each step of the planning process with diligence, creativity, and optimism. Embrace the opportunities for growth, exploration, and connection that await you, and savor the journey as you embark on this exciting chapter in your nursing career. With careful planning and preparation, your summer travel nursing assignment has the potential to be an unforgettable and transformative experience that enriches your life and career in meaningful ways.

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.