October 22, 2021

5306 Views

Finding the Right Travel Nurse Recruiter for You

Posted on October 22, 2021October 8, 2021 by Jennifer Traub

There is a lot of buzz around picking the right recruiter for a travel assignment. As a nurse who has been a traveler for more than 5 years, here are some tips I have picked up on how to choose the perfect one.

Their approach shouldn’t be “salesy”

You are not buying a car, so a recruiter’s approach shouldn’t be “salesy.” They do not need to “pitch” you. The assignment and the criteria you need speak for themselves. I find it ingenuine if you are being approached with sales tactics, and I wouldn’t want to work with that person.

Choose a reputable company

I would find a recruiter working for a reputable company. Onward Healthcare, Prolink, and Host Healthcare are some of my personal favorites. I have worked with these companies for multiple contracts and have always had good experiences.

Maximize your pay package

A recruiter should look to maximize your pay package. You are traveling away from home and uprooting your life. I think it is important for a company to consider and accommodate you with travel expenses and potential interim travel expenses if possible.

You should be able to have a good rapport with your recruiter

You should be able to have a good rapport with your recruiter. They should be a partner and a friend. Chances are, you will need some guidance when on assignment at some point. Whether it being you decide you need health insurance or you didn’t receive your paycheck. A good recruiter should be receptive and accommodating. They should be able to resolve your issue or point you in the right direction to someone who can. A recruiter who neglects to answer your texts or calls means they are only out for the money and do not have your best interest at heart.

We hope you found these tips for finding the right travel nurse recruiter for your helpful. Do you have any tips for finding a travel nurse recruiter? Comment them below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you have the assignment but need housing? Click here to search our housing page.

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

START HERE

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

By Medely

October 21, 2021

7273 Views

Highest Paying Travel Nursing Specialties

Posted on October 21, 2021January 14, 2022 by Medely

This article was provided by Medely.

Think about the reason you went into Nursing… It probably wasn’t for fame and fortune, was it? Instead, most Nurses we talk to found their way into this field because they want to make a difference in the world and have an aptitude for giving care to those in need. Nursing is just one of those fields that attract bright individuals who’d like to leave the world a little better than they found it. It may sound idealistic, but it’s true.

That being said, you can still earn a great living while you’re at it.

Nursing is often a labor of love, but it does involve a good amount of labor. And Nurses deserve to be compensated for their work, as well as the years of training, education, and practice that have gone into making them the medical powerhouses they are today. General practice Nursing is already a lucrative career choice. And if you choose to specialize, you can earn even more.

So let’s take a look at some of the most highly paid Nursing specialties out there and what they involve to see if one might be a good fit for you. Keep in mind that the salary for each will vary depending on when and where you decide to work.

Labor, Delivery and Infant ICU RN

Up to $7,614* per week for travel assignments (California), or $190 per hour

Education: ADN minimum, BSN preferred

L&D Nursing and NICU Nurses are not typically the same people, but we’re counting them both here because they are one of the highest-paying nursing specialties.

Labor and Delivery Nurses’ primary responsibilities involve:

Caring for patients during pregnancy.
Assisting the birth-giver and the family during labor.
Working alongside the doctor to provide initial care to the infant after delivery.

They monitor both the infant and the birth-giver for signs of complications and illness during labor and the postpartum period.

NICU Nurses are responsible for caring for sick infants in an intensive care setting. They monitor infant vital signs, administer medications, and keep infants clean and fed until discharge.

In addition to a Nursing degree, L&D Nurses should have the following certifications: RNC-BC, C-EFM, and C-ELBW. In addition, NICU Nurses need RNC-IC and CCRN-Infant.

ER RN

Up to $6,238* per week for travel assignments (California), or $156 per hour

Education: ADN or BSN acceptable

Emergency Room Nurses treat patients in need of urgent and immediate medical care. They must be quick on their feet and may handle a high degree of stress. Different ERs often provide further services, and ER Nurses may choose to specialize in pediatric, geriatric, cardiac, or trauma-related emergency medicine. ER Nurses should feel comfortable handling a variety of patients that may come their way.

ER Nurses will perform triage, administer medication and other treatments, monitor vital signs, assess vital signs and patient status, document, collaborate with emergency physicians to plan patient care, and communicate with patients and their families.

ER Nurses should have the following certification: CEN.

Oncology RN

Up to $6,429* per week for travel assignments (Iowa), or $161 per hour

Education: ADN minimum, BSN preferred

Oncology Nurses are experts in general care but work primarily with cancer patients. Because many cancers affect different parts of the body, RNs working in Oncology may specialize in treating specific iterations of the illness, and their duties will vary.

In general, day-to-day tasks include:

Administering medication.
Monitoring patient pain and comfort levels.
Educating your patient about care and treatment options.
Collaborating with the patient’s physician to provide adequate care.

Oncology Nurses must also possess a high degree of emotional intelligence as they will often need to communicate difficult news and provide added emotional support while at the bedside.

Oncology Nurses should have the following certifications: OCN, and either CPHON, CBCN, BMTCN, AOCNP, AOCNS, CPON, or AOCN, depending on specialty.

Cardiac Cath Lab RN

Up to $5,970* per week for travel assignments (Arkansas), or $149 per hour

Education: ADN minimum, BSN preferred

Cardiac Nurses primarily assist with cardiac catheterization, but their expertise extends more generally into cardiology. Nurses in this discipline provide care to patients with long-term or acute illness in the heart and significant valves. They may be especially active during cardiac surgical operations.

Cardiac Nurses perform diagnostic tasks during heart surgeries, including identifying blockages and assisting with other cardiac surgical procedures, including angioplasties, pacemaker installation, and stents.

Cardiac Nurses should have the following certifications: CMC and CV-BC.

Medely’s Highest Paying Nursing Specialties

Medely offers travel and per diem positions to qualified Nurses who want to live their best lives and make a difference while doing it. Medely’s job options include many of the specialties listed above, in states across the country — and the pay is excellent! Nurses working a travel position as a Telemetry RN in Iowa, for example, can take home as much as $5,970 per week. Visit us today to see if we have your dream job listed.

More into the mental side of things? Learn more about finding psychiatric travel positions in our other article: Psychiatric Nursing Jobs.

*All rates shown are posted weekly payments for positions listed for September 2021. Rates may vary depending on date, position, and location. Check Medely travel rates for current earning potential.

We hope you found this article on the highest-paying travel nursing specialties helpful. If you think we missed any please comment below.

Are you looking for your next assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for your next assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

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

START HERE

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

By AMN Healthcare

October 20, 2021

5521 Views

5 Tips to Stay Healthy as a Travel Nurse

Posted on October 20, 2021October 13, 2021 by AMN Healthcare

This article was provided by AMN Healthcare.

Experts share ways to set goals and stick to a routine

Whether you’re starting your first travel nursing assignment or are a seasoned travel nurse who has been on the road for a while, it can be tempting to blow off healthy habits due to a busy schedule and lack of familiar resources. But your health can’t afford to take a holiday.

So, check out these helpful tips from experts on how to improve or maintain your health while working as a travel nurse.

1. Set some attainable goals

What do you want to achieve during the 13-or-so weeks at each location? You’ll need to figure out how to stick to a routine that will help you stay healthy during your travel nursing career. “I always recommend that individuals take the time to log exercise and eating activities, along with mood and energy levels,” said Mindy Haar, Ph.D., RN, director of program development for interdisciplinary health sciences at New York Institute of Technology. “Many people will find what is optimal and doable and thus set realistic goals.”

2. Focus on yourself, first and foremost

According to the National Sleep Foundation, most adults require 7–9 hours of shut-eye each night, but they don’t always get it. Fatigue can make you apathetic and be detrimental to your physical health. If you’re finding it hard to sleep in an unfamiliar place, try using earplugs or a white noise machine to block out distractions.

To fight that lonely feeling while you’re away from loved ones, turn on your laptop or smartphone and Skype, FaceTime, call or email them, suggested Elena Capella, EdD, assistant professor and director of the online MSN program at the University of San Francisco. “Be connected with the people you love.”

3. Eat as healthy as you can

Preparing healthy meals in a strange kitchen doesn’t have to be complicated. For example, whole-wheat couscous and frozen vegetables are easy to prepare and make healthy additions to your plate, said Haar. Healthy cooking apps and websites and YouTube and Pinterest can also be great sources of inspiration. If you opt for takeout, order small portions—or divide larger portions and save half for later.

Travel nurses really do need to make an effort and be sensible while they’re on the road, said Jennie Johnson, Ph.D., RN-BC, author of Wake Up Call 911: It’s Time to Reduce Your Risk for a Heart Attack and Stroke. “Enjoy your adventures, but make healthy choices and stay safe.”

4. Find a stress-reduction technique that works for you

Feeling anxious or out of sorts? Practicing some simple relaxation techniques, including yoga poses and deep breathing exercises, can help you lower your stress levels. Another way to combat stress on the road is to focus on a project.

“A good book or needlework project works great,” said Johnson. “It keeps me busy and prevents eating junk food.”

5. Incorporate some regular exercise into your routine

“I think the biggest struggle in trying to stay healthy on a travel assignment is getting yourself organized quickly into a routine,” said Rebecca Ronaldson, MSN, RN, a former travel nurse who now works as a wellness coordinator for a nonprofit organization. “While trying to adjust to new surroundings, new people, and a new job, sometimes our health and fitness can be pushed to the background while we adjust to a new home and work life.”

You may feel like you’re too tired to work out, but exercise can actually improve your energy levels. Travel nursing jobs are a great time to embrace portable fitness activities. Resistance bands and fitness DVDs easily fit in your suitcase, or you can search YouTube for a fun fitness routine to do in your living room. You can also get to know your neighborhood by walking, jogging, or biking through nearby streets and parks and get to know your co-workers by inviting them to join you in outdoor sports and activities.

We hope you found these 5 tips to stay healthy as a travel nurse helpful. Do you have any advice to share with your fellow travel nurses? Comment them below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you have an assignment but need housing? Click here to search our housing page.

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

START HERE

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

By Furnished Finder

October 19, 2021

4131 Views

How to Navigate Housing in High-Cost Cities

Posted on October 19, 2021October 15, 2021 by Furnished Finder

High-cost cities can sometimes make it difficult to have a successful and fun assignment, so allow me to make suggestions that may help during your next adventure. Let me just start out by saying there is no Easy-Button here as we are all subject to the market. What I mean is that demand for housing is so high in these cities that it drives up the cost of rent for everyone. And while you can’t change the housing market, you can adjust the way that you do things, so they work in your favor. Be sure to read to the end to get discounts on hotels as well.

The first thing you should know is that you are competing against a lot of other people when you’re looking to secure a monthly furnished rental. People across the globe are suddenly able to live and work anywhere, so we are seeing more relocating families and remote workers than ever before. Secondly, don’t expect preferential treatment because you are a healthcare worker. Property managers don’t necessarily care what you do for a living – their job is to just make sure you are the best tenant for the property.

Since the focus of this article is the cost of living in cities like LA, San Francisco, New York, Boston, San Diego, and Chicago, here are 5 things you can do to help you navigate the costs of these high-cost cities:

1. Don’t Pay Booking Fees

Booking fees are a percentage of rent which is added to the total cost of your stay. Booking fees are annoying and expensive…especially if you are required to pay them every month! Booking fees are synonymous with vacation rental platforms like Airbnb and VRBO and can add up to 15-18% to the total cost. Still, if you can use platforms like Furnished Finder, you book directly with the landlord and can literally save hundreds every month.

2. Consider Shared Spaces

Rooms are probably the easiest way to guarantee that you’ll pay the least amount of rent living in a high-cost city. Of course, that means that you may need to make a lifestyle compromise since you’ll be sharing the unit with someone else, but the savings of a room over a private unit can sometimes cut your costs in half. Many travel nurses prefer sharing space because it provides them companionship and conversation on their off days. While there are a lot of variables to consider when renting a room vs. a private unit, the cost savings alone are undisputable. Here is where you can search for rooms.

3. Know Before You Go

Make sure you really want to go there before you accept your assignment. That may sound pretty obvious, but there are travelers who don’t do their research before signing a contract and are absolutely shocked once they start looking for housing. There is definitely a trade-off when you decide to work in a high-cost city because you’ll be spending more of your stipend money on housing. The main thing is to educate yourself on the housing costs of an area when you are shopping for jobs, so there are no surprises.

4. Parking…Ugh

Yep. It’s common for properties in high-cost cities to charge extra for parking, making your cost of living even higher. Consider whether you need your car at all during your next assignment. It if will cost you a couple hundred dollars extra a month to bring your car, maybe leave it at home and save the money. Many of these cities have excellent public transportation, and services like cabs and Ubers can help as well.

5. Hotels

If you’ve been doing this long enough, you’ve probably parked it in hotels a few times here or there. It could be for a few nights until your place is ready, a few weeks to scout out an area, or sometimes even for the entire assignment. Since hotels are getting aggressive about marketing to healthcare workers for any length of stay (even for personal stays), more than 35 hotel brands have partnered with Furnished Finder to offer travelers discounts across the nation. Get up to 25% off (depending on the brand and your length of stay) when you book via Furnished Finder.

Every assignment varies, and housing is, of course, that big X-factor that can make or break an assignment…especially in high-cost cities. Start your housing search early… even before you accept an assignment! Don’t get caught off guard by housing costs. Good luck, and safe travels ahead!

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Need to secure housing for your next assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

By Amber Pickler

October 18, 2021

6111 Views

Tips for Surviving Travel Nurse Anxiety

Posted on October 18, 2021September 29, 2021 by Amber Pickler

Travel nursing means starting a new job every 13 weeks, give or take. This can cause your anxiety to go through the roof. We see many posts in our Facebook group about nerves before the first assignment. And many veteran travel nurses say that they still have those same first-day jitters after many assignments. So, how do you handle the jitters and travel nurse anxiety? Below you will find some of the tips fellow travel nurses had in our Facebook group.

Surviving Travel Nurse Anxiety:

Think Positive

Keeping a positive mindset will help you get through. Going into the assignment with a positive outlook will affect your assignment. Many people believe that your thoughts genuinely affect your action, and it is true. So keeping a positive mindset will help to ease some of your anxiety even if the positive mindset is that it is only 13 weeks, and then you are on to your next location.

Be Positive in Your Skillset

Most travel nurses have at least 2 years of experience. You have developed a great skill set and learned many things in that time. Your skillset won’t change just because you are going to different facilities. Things may not be done exactly like you are used to, but hey, you may just learn something new with each new facility you work at.

Become familiar with the facility, unit and parking prior to your first day

Members mentioned taking time prior to your first day to get accustomed to the area, the facility, your home unit in the facility, and the parking situation. Some assignments charge for parking. Knowing that before your first day will help with your anxiety. One member said she asks for an orientation of the unit before her first day. This would give you time to ask questions about where things are, codes for doors, and just any questions you may have. Getting to know the facility prior is a great idea too. It gives you a chance to get to know where things are in the facility.

Remember, you are the same nurse at any facility

The biggest takeaway from the comments on the post was that at the end of the day, you care for patients and nurse the same regardless of the location. So, just because your hospital is changing, you are still the same nurse and will give the same care.

We hope you found these tips for coping with travel nurse anxiety helpful. Do you suffer from travel nurse anxiety? How do you cope? Do you have any tips to share with fellow travel nurses? Comment them below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for your assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

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

START HERE

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

By LRS Healthcare

October 15, 2021

4920 Views

Tips to Help Boost Your Immune System

Posted on October 15, 2021October 6, 2021 by LRS Healthcare

This article was provided by LRS Healthcare.

October is known for fall festivals, pumpkin patches, and Halloween, but did you know it’s also Healthy Lung Month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Respiratory Care Week. It is essential to support your immune system despite the cooler weather and upsurge in colds and viruses when the seasons begin to change.

Apart from taking daily vitamins to boost your immune system, there are plenty of other healthy approaches as well. By incorporating lifestyle habits a little bit every day, you can strengthen your immune system, respiratory system and live a healthier life.

Tips to Help Boost Your Immune System:

Get Adequate Sleep

You could be working all kinds of hours as a medical professional, whether your shift is early in the morning or overnight. It’s essential to schedule 7-8 hours of sleep. Based on a recent study, quality sleep can bolster the T cells in your body that fight off infections. To combat infectious diseases, you need sleep. Long-term sleep deprivation also leads to obesity, diabetes, and heart and cardiovascular diseases. Check out these tips to Combat Sleeping Difficulties as a Healthcare Worker.

Eat a Healthy Diet

A diet rich in nutrients provides energy for staying active throughout the day, supports the immune system, and improves lung health, and who doesn’t want that? Your diet should consist of whole foods that contain adequate levels of protein, vitamins, antioxidants, and other health-promoting compounds. Some superfoods to consider are blueberries, broccoli, spinach, salmon, turmeric, and more. In this article, you will find 15 Recipes That Can Help Strengthen Your Immune System.

Drink Plenty of Water

Hydration supports vital functions in your body and helps eliminate waste products. It is recommended that you drink 8-10 8-ounce glasses of water per day. In the fall and winter, drinking water is easy to forget but, it is just as essential as during the summer. Hydration aids in flushing toxins from the body and boosts immunity. It is essential to stay well hydrated each day to keep the mucosal linings in the lungs thin. The thinner lining makes the lungs more efficient, making it easier to breathe and get the sufficient oxygen your body requires to function correctly.

Address and Manage Stress

Stress not only negatively impacts your sleep, but it can also suppress your immune system, reducing the number of white blood cells that work to fight infection. You can prevent, manage and reduce stress by practicing positive thinking, staying connected with others, using meditation techniques, and scheduling leisure activities. COVID-19 has put a lot of stress on healthcare workers and has created burnout. Here are 10 Ways to Reduce Stress and Practice Whole-Self-Care During a Pandemic.

Daily Exercise

This isn’t anything new. Healthy living begins with regular exercise. It is easier said than done, and working non-traditional hours doesn’t always help. But it’s essential to make it a priority. Get started by blocking one 30-minutes each day that you can dedicate to moving your body, then set realistic exercise goals each month.

Once you start crushing your exercise goals, your motivation will continue to soar. Exercising regularly improves cardiovascular health, lowers blood pressure, controls body weight, and protects your body from diseases. Exercise helps improve circulation and strengthens the tissue around your lungs, helping them function more effortlessly.

Good Hygiene Practices

Working in the medical field, hand washing has always been a critical and regular practice. Even the slightest traces of germs, including bacteria and viruses, can infect even the healthiest of people. Skin is a vital organ acting as a barrier from germs, ultimately protecting your internal organs from disease. Wash up and keep it clean!

As a healthcare worker, you are used to taking care of others, but it is just as important to take care of yourself. These are just some everyday tips the help boost your immune system and lung health.

Though countless medical professionals work hard and are passionate about what they do, you need to take regular breaks and time for yourself. As we prepare for a seasonal increase in respiratory illnesses, including another wave of COVID-19, we would like to send a special thank-you to respiratory therapists. They usually prepare for cold and flu season but are also navigating the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Share this blog with your fellow healthcare co-workers and stay healthy throughout the upcoming winter.

We hope you found these tips helpful. Do you have any tips for boosting your immune system? Comment below if you would like to share those tips with your fellow travel nurses.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you have the assignment but need housing? Click here to view our housing page.

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

START HERE

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

By Gifted Healthcare

October 14, 2021

10411 Views

5 Things to Consider Before Taking a Travel Nursing Assignment

Posted on October 14, 2021October 13, 2021 by Gifted Healthcare

This article was provided by Gifted Healthcare.

Travel nursing is full of possibilities. It offers great pay rates, schedule flexibility, and the opportunity for adventure. Some travel nurses prefer to work close to home, and others like to venture far and wide. The options are endless, so it helps to know what you want out of a travel nursing assignment before committing to a particular contract.

To help you with this process, we’ve created a list of things to consider before taking a travel nursing assignment.

Read on to learn more!

What Are Your Goals and Expectations?

The first thing to ask yourself is if travel nursing is the right fit for your schedule, professional expectations, and personality. While travel nursing contracts vary widely, there are a couple of things you can expect, no matter what your assignment may be.

Travel nurses often move from contract to contract, meaning that once your 8, 13, or 26-week contract is up, it’s time for you to move on. For most travel nurses, this is an exciting proposition. It provides a variety of experiences, clinical settings, and destinations in a fast-moving industry.

In addition, travel nurses are often hired due to staffing shortages, seasonal fluctuations, or spikes in inpatient census. In this scenario, you’ll be expected to provide fill-in quickly, provide support and remain adaptable on the floor. Again, this is often a source of excitement for travel nurses. They can gain valuable clinical experience and find a sense of purpose in caring for patients in these situations.

Are You Willing To Float?

“Floating” means moving from one unit to another. Sometimes, facilities require nurses who are permanently assigned to a specific unit to float to another unit.

Because travel nurses are filling in for staff, they are often the ones required to float when there is a need for it. A travel nurse that is willing to float is seen as an important resource. Floating will provide you with invaluable experience, make you adaptable, and give you a more comprehensive understanding of your clinical environment.

Versatility is an essential quality of a great travel nurse. While gaining clinical experience, remain open to floating. Cultivating this skill will open doors to more jobs in more locations.

Finding Your Ideal Assignment Takes Determination

As you search for your next travel nursing assignment, cultivate relationships and show initiative wherever you’re working. This will improve your chances of finding useful mentors and getting great references.

Get in touch with units that interest you and schedule facility tours. Make direct connections with staff and unit managers. Connect with clinicians and facilities on social media to learn about important information and events.

Finally, be prepared for interviews. Projecting confidence and knowledge with ease is a priceless asset when searching for your dream job.

Are You Ready To Be a Team Player?

Travel nursing requires commitment and a team mindset. Before you arrive at your assignment, the staff may have been pushed to their capacity. Remain aware of this and do what you can to show that you’re there to help.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If a coworker is helpful, show gratitude. Do your best to get to know your teammates. Or, bring everyone snacks or coffee before your shift.

While some staff members will be happy for the extra help on the floor, others might take longer to warm up to you. Whether you love all your coworkers or just get along with a few of them, try to treat everyone with the same level of respect.

Travel Nursing Is a Fast-Moving Industry

In order to secure the assignment you want, be prepared to communicate and move fast. The industry moves quickly, so you may have to remain open to accepting a job quickly.

Another thing to know is that verbal acceptance is the standard of the travel nursing industry. You will always receive a contract to confirm details and provide a signature, but once you verbally accept, the facility will start to count on you. Most RNs consider this to be a worthwhile tradeoff to the many benefits of a travel nursing career!

We hope you found these tips to consider before taking a travel nursing assignment helpful. Are there any tips we missed? Comment below if you have any tips to share with fellow travel nurses.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you have an assignment but need housing? Click here to search our housing page.

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

START HERE

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

By Cristina Thorson

October 13, 2021

6101 Views

Staying Healthy While Working the Night Shift

Posted on October 13, 2021October 6, 2021 by Cristina Thorson

Working the night shift can be quite draining, in large part because it goes against the human body’s natural circadian rhythm. The circadian system regulates our body to be awake during daylight hours, so working the night shift means you’re fighting one of your body’s ingrained systems. In order to provide the best care as a nurse, you first need to prioritize taking care of yourself. Read on for some tips that will allow you to work the night shift and stay healthy.

Set a sleep schedule—

If you haven’t started your night shifts, get a head start by sleeping during the day. You can also train yourself to incorporate quick naps at convenient times.

Consume caffeine in moderation—

Caffeine can be a lifesaver, especially during the night shift. Many depend on it to get their minds and bodies moving during work hours. However, try not to drink too much, because you don’t want to crash during work. You also want to be able to fall asleep when you get home.

Eat healthy foods—

Getting through the night shift will be harder if you have to deal with the ups and downs of blood sugar. Lack of sleep can throw off your body’s cravings. It can be difficult to reach for something that will give your body fuel, especially when you’re tired. Meal prepping is a great way to eat nutritious, inexpensive food without having to cook every night.

Stay hydrated—

Keeping your body properly hydrated regulates your digestive system and helps you stay energized. Try to drink a bottle of water before you begin your shift, so you can get a head start on hydration.

Exercise regularly—

It might feel draining to motivate yourself, but exercise will give you more energy in the long term. Try something small and simple—it doesn’t have to be hardcore weightlifting. Just make sure you’re properly fueling your workouts and getting enough sleep to feel good!

Schedule night shifts close together—

It can be hard to get used to the odd hours, so try to schedule them back-to-back. It’ll give you an opportunity to take advantage of your time off.

Create a routine—

Routines will help you plan your days off, so you can maximize your free time. A routine can also help you regulate your sleep schedule. As a travel nurse, it can be hard to set a routine. However, trying to do something as simple as brushing your teeth at the same time every day can help your body feel soothed and ready to relax.

Avoid alcohol—

Alcohol might help you fall asleep, but it actually decreases the quality of your sleep and makes you feel less energized when you wake up. To avoid brain fog, try to avoid alcohol 24 hours before your next shift.

Use free time wisely—

If you have free time to do something fun, you should do it! Just try to stay consistent with the sleep schedule and routines you’ve created for yourself.

Keep your household in the loop—

Allowing your household access to your schedule will enable them to respect your resting hours and make plans with you when you’re free. It can be difficult to coordinate, so try sharing a calendar (whether it’s virtual or hanging on the wall) to make it a little easier for them to see what you’re up to.

Take nap breaks—

If you have breaks and are tired enough, use them for naps. Naps are a great way to rejuvenate your energy levels. The best time to nap is around 20-30 minutes.

Prioritize self-care—

Self-care is so important, and many of the items on this list can actually work as self-care. When it comes down to it, self-care is about checking in with yourself and making sure your mental health is at its best.

Design a sleep-friendly bedroom—

It helps to adjust your sleeping environment so that it simulates nighttime, so if that means getting blackout curtains, go for it. Try to avoid loud noises or distractions.

Limit blue light—

Limiting blue light before bed is one of the ways to make your bedroom more sleep-friendly. Try to get off your phone right before you go to sleep. If you have time to unwind and watch TV, try to do it a couple of hours before you go to bed.

Nurses are essential workers, and we’ve recognized that more than ever in the past year. Because nurses are so important, it’s often a necessity for nurses to work the night shift. Do your best to prioritize your physical and mental health—if you need to take some time off, do it! Above all, you want to stay healthy so you can take on your shifts safely and successfully.

We hope you found these tips for staying healthy while working the night shift helpful. If you have any tips for working the night shift and staying healthy, comment them below.

Below you will find an infographic with some more information.

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

START HERE

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

By Kristen and Sam Smith

October 12, 2021

10345 Views

Cost Of Living In Hawaii

Posted on October 12, 2021October 12, 2023 by Kristen and Sam Smith

Are you looking at travel assignments in Hawaii and want to know the cost of living in Hawaii? Well, we have the answer for you! We moved to Hawaii for a travel nurse contract and are showing you our housing, groceries, and transportation budget.

Cost of Living in Hawaii:

Housing

The cost of our travel nurse housing in Waikiki is $3000 a month. The condo has a bedroom with a queen-size bed, a decent-sized TV, and a little sitting area. Off the bedroom is a balcony. The condo has a decent-sized kitchen with a full refrigerator, stove, and oven. On the other side of the kitchen is a second bed that is a trundle bed. The bathroom is a decent size that includes a nice-sized shower and vanity and offers extra storage. The condo is a 5-minute walk to the beach and is conveniently located near the bus stations and stores. The condo is a good size living space for the price.

The cost of our travel nurse housing in Kaneohe is $1900 a month. The housing in Kaneohe is part of someone else’s home, and it’s like a sub-home that they built. It’s like a little storage area they have converted to a living area, but it’s very convenient. What you have to learn about Hawaii is you get more things in a small amount of space. While this housing doesn’t have an actual oven, it has a hot plate, microwave oven, big-size refrigerator, and a sink—everything to make your meal and save yourself a lot of money. The kitchen is also the dining sitting area and workstation. We have a table in this area. The bedroom is a decent size, and the bed is also a good size. The bedroom offers a lot of storage for your clothes, including drawers. The bathroom is massive for the size of the space, and the shower is a great size as well. Being on this side of the island, you get a great mountain view. This housing also offers a little picnic area/patio as well.

Cost of Groceries

For price information, we visited Food Land, a grocery store here in Hawaii.

Fruits and Veggies: the price is around what we are used to paying. Some are even cheaper.
Bread and Grains: prices seem significantly higher. We were caught off guard by the rice, specifically.
Meat: at Food Land, prices are similar to what we are used to. We have seen other stores where the prices are significantly higher.
Coffee: the price of coffee is significantly higher
Canned goods: the price of canned goods is a bit higher in price
Toiletries: Shampoo, body wash, and toothpaste, the prices are very high. The cost of a pack of diapers is $5 more than in Texas.
Oatmeal and Cereal are around $1.00 more
Frozen Foods are more expensive as well.
The cost of less than a pound of Salmon at the time of filming was $21
Chips and Snacks are still priced great, which we love
Eggs: even with chickens everywhere, the price of eggs is extremely high
The cost of milk is even higher.

Eating Out

The cost of eating out isn’t too expensive.

Transportation

We use 2 methods of transportation: walking or the bus. The bus is about $2.50 one-way, or you can purchase the Holo card, which is $70 a month per person. Car rental is very expensive and averages about $300 a day.

So, keep in mind there are some adjustments you have to make if you’re coming from the mainland. You have to adjust to island life, and there are certain things you give up: we’ve given up milk, and we walk a lot more, but it’s worth living in Hawaii.

We hope you found this article on the cost of living in Hawaii helpful. Have you taken an assignment in Hawaii? Do you have any tips to share regarding the cost of living in Hawaii? Comment them below.

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

START HERE

Their approach shouldn’t be “salesy”

Choose a reputable company

Maximize your pay package

You should be able to have a good rapport with your recruiter

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!)

Related Posts

Preparing for a Cold Weather Travel Assignment

10 Signs of a Great Travel Nurse

Relationship Survival Tips for Traveling Together

Categories

Hot Jobs

Recent Articles

Labor, Delivery and Infant ICU RN

ER RN

Oncology RN

Cardiac Cath Lab RN

Medely’s Highest Paying Nursing Specialties

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!)

Related Posts

Tips for Travel Nurses Traveling with Pets

Celebrating Allied Health Professionals Week

Decoding Travel Nurse Rates: Anticipating Increases or Decreases Ahead

Categories

Hot Jobs

Recent Articles

1. Set some attainable goals

2. Focus on yourself, first and foremost

3. Eat as healthy as you can

4. Find a stress-reduction technique that works for you

5. Incorporate some regular exercise into your routine

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!)

Related Posts

How to Achieve the Perfect Work-Life Balance as a Travel Nurse

The Best Ways to Meet People on Travel Nurse Contracts

Prioritizing Mental Health – Wellness Resources for Travel Nurses

Categories

Hot Jobs

Recent Articles

1. Don’t Pay Booking Fees

2. Consider Shared Spaces

3. Know Before You Go

4. Parking…Ugh

5. Hotels

Related Posts

Five Habits of Successful Travel Nurses

Breaking up with the Contract

How to Create Your Own Travel Nurse Blog to Document Your Journey

Categories

Hot Jobs

Recent Articles

Surviving Travel Nurse Anxiety:

Think Positive

Be Positive in Your Skillset

Become familiar with the facility, unit and parking prior to your first day

Remember, you are the same nurse at any facility

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!)

Related Posts

Top 5 Destinations for Travel Nurses this Summer

Packing a Go-Bag for Your Next Travel Assignment

Breaking Up with Your Travel Nurse Recruiter

Categories

Hot Jobs

Recent Articles

Tips to Help Boost Your Immune System:

Get Adequate Sleep

Eat a Healthy Diet

Drink Plenty of Water

Address and Manage Stress

Daily Exercise

Good Hygiene Practices

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!)

Related Posts

Best Road Trip Stops from LA to Seattle

The Journey of a Lifetime: Unveiling the Benefits of Travel Nursing

5 Elements To Include In Your Travel Nurse Resumes