By Uniti Med

May 10, 2024

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Debunking Travel Nursing Myths: Nurturing Mental Health Amidst the Journey

Uniti Med provided this article.

As Mental Health Awareness Month unfolds, it’s the perfect time to shine a light on the realities of travel nursing while championing the well-being of healthcare professionals. Amidst the whirlwind of travel assignments, it’s crucial to tackle the misconceptions or travel nursing myths that often cloud this exciting career path. Join us as we uncover the truth about travel nursing and delve into strategies for nurses to prioritize their mental health along the way.

Debunking 4 Travel Nursing Myths:

travel nursing myths

Travel Nursing Myth 1: Travel nursing is constantly exciting and glamorous

Reality: While travel nursing offers unique opportunities for exploration and adventure, it is not always filled with constant excitement and glamour. Just like any other profession, travel nursing has its fair share of challenges and responsibilities. It’s important to acknowledge that travel nurses also face the same stressors and pressures as their counterparts in traditional nursing roles.

Travel nurses often must adapt quickly to new environments, learn different hospital systems, and build rapport with unfamiliar colleagues. This constant adjustment can be mentally and emotionally draining. It’s crucial for travel nurses to take time for self-care and find ways to manage stress amidst their demanding schedules.

Travel Nursing Myth 2: Travel nurses are always alone and isolated

Reality: While travel nurses may not have the same long-term relationships with colleagues as those in permanent positions, they are not always alone and isolated. Travel nurses can connect with healthcare professionals from various backgrounds and cultures, fostering a sense of community and expanding their professional networks.

Furthermore, many travel nurses join online communities and forums where they can share their experiences, seek advice, and find support from others who understand the unique challenges of their profession. Building connections and seeking social support can contribute to a travel nurse’s mental well-being.

travel nursing myths

Travel Nursing Myth 3: Travel nurses are constantly on vacation

Reality: While travel nurses may explore new cities and experience different cultures, it is not a constant vacation. Travel nurses are still responsible for providing quality patient care and meeting the demands of their assignments.

Travel nurses often work long hours, including night shifts and weekends, just like their counterparts in permanent positions. They must balance their work commitments with their desire to explore new surroundings. It’s important for travel nurses to set boundaries and prioritize their rest and relaxation to prevent burnout.

Travel Nursing Myth4: Travel nursing is only for young and single individuals

Reality: Contrary to popular belief, travel nursing isn’t limited to young, unattached individuals. In fact, travelers don’t have to journey far from home and family to embark on a travel nursing career. It’s a path open to individuals of all ages and life stages. While it may be more common for younger individuals or those without significant family responsibilities to pursue travel nursing, it is by no means exclusive to them.

Many travel nurses have families and dependents, and they find ways to balance their personal and professional lives. Some travel nursing assignments even offer the flexibility to bring family members along, allowing nurses to maintain their connections while exploring new opportunities. It’s crucial to dispel the notion that travel nursing is reserved for a specific demographic and to recognize the diversity within the profession.

While travel nursing offers unique opportunities for growth, it also presents challenges that necessitate prioritizing mental health through self-care, social support, boundary-setting, and achieving a healthy work-life balance.

>> Keep reading: Travelers Share 5 Myths About Traveling

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By AMN Healthcare

May 7, 2024

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Celebrating Nurses: Discounts and Appreciation Year-Round and During Nurses Month

AMN Healthcare provided this article.

Nurses are the backbone of healthcare, and it’s only fitting to honor them not just during Nurses Month but all year round. As Nurses Month unfolds, it’s a time to extend our gratitude and appreciation for their unwavering commitment and compassion, especially during the toughest of times.

During National Nurses Month, which encompasses the traditional Nurses Week from May 6-12, various businesses step up to express their thanks through discounts and freebies. While some extend these gestures exclusively during May, others maintain year-round offerings for nurses and frontline workers.

To avail these offers, nurses typically need to verify their credentials through platforms like ID.me or SheerID.

Here’s a roundup of some popular Nurses Month discounts across different categories:

nurses month

Clothing & Apparel Discounts

  • Lululemon: Offering nurses and clinicians a year-round 15% discount.
  • Crocs: Providing 15% off on full-priced styles to healthcare workers; last year, they also gave away thousands of pairs.
  • Reebok: Nurses can enjoy up to 50% off on merchandise by verifying their licenses with ID.me.
  • Adidas: Offering a year-round discount of 30% online and in-store, and 20% at factory outlets for healthcare heroes and first responders.
  • Asics: Nurses and medical professionals can access a one-time 40% discount upon verification with SheerID.
  • Nike: Extending a 10% year-round discount to nurses and healthcare heroes.
  • Carhartt: Providing a 15% discount on apparel and accessories to verified members of the military, first responder, and nursing community.

Food & Beverage Discounts

  • Outback Steakhouse: Offering a 10% discount every day to nurses and heroes as part of their “Heroes Discount.”
  • Texas de Brazil: Extending a 15% discount on dine-in dinner and lunch prices to healthcare heroes.
  • Chipotle: Ran the Healthcare Heroes sweepstakes last year and expected to repeat this year; details to be announced soon.
nurses month

Books & Electronics Discounts

  • Samsung: Nurses can enjoy a 30% discount upon verifying their healthcare credentials.
  • Amazon Kindle: Last year, Amazon offered four nursing-themed medical drama books for free on International Nurses Day.
  • Bose: Offering a special discount for nurses who verify with ID.me and make a minimum purchase of $199.

Other Discounts

  • Bayer: Offering samples of popular products to healthcare professionals.
  • AAA: Extending special discounts and perks to nurses throughout the year, varying by state.
  • Liberty Mutual Insurance: This company offers discounts on auto and home insurance for registered nurses who are members of the American Nurses Association.
  • Theme Parks & Attractions: Various theme parks offer discounts to nurses, ranging from 15% to 50% off regular admission prices, accessible through the ID.me program.
  • Local Discounts: Nurses can inquire at their workplaces about special discount programs available throughout the year.

At AMN Healthcare, we’re privileged to work with nurses daily, matching them with travel nursing jobs and providing support on assignments. We understand the dedication and care nurses bring to their work, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude. Happy Nurses Month!

We hope you found this article on discounts and appreciation year-round and during Nurses Month informational. Have you found any discounts or appreciations that we missed on our list? Comment them below for your fellow travel nurses.

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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.

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By Geraldine Mills

May 3, 2024

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

Blogging is a great way to express yourself and is even better at documenting your travels, especially from a unique perspective as a travel nurse. If you’re interested in starting a travel nurse blog, this article can show you what you need to start. But first, let’s discuss the importance of creating one.

Importance of documenting experiences through blogging

travel nurse blog

Starting a blog is a personal prerogative, so you can begin regardless of whether people think your experiences are meaningful enough to warrant your blog. However, unlike other niches, a travel nurse’s unique experiences make for a unique perspective that can be valuable on a blog.

Even if you’re not a travel nurse, blogging can be a personal project you enjoy, especially if wordsmithing and taking pictures are your hobbies. Also, you don’t need any physical items to start a travel nurse blog, so there isn’t any equipment you need to bring as an extra item to keep up with this hobby.

By documenting your experiences through blogging, you can relive your past more colorfully than your photos and videos. Being able to articulate what you went through and supplementing that with pictures or videos you shot can serve as a creative avenue and a personal journal detailing how you felt in more vivid terms.

When you create a travel nurse blog about being a travel nurse, you can also enjoy connecting with people with similar experiences. You can talk to other travel nurses and even create a community. It’s a great way to bond with different travel nurses about experiences unique to your group.

Choose a blogging platform.

Now that you know the importance or relevance of documenting your experiences through a travel nurse blog, it’s time to kickstart your new blogging journey. The first thing you should consider is your chosen blogging platform. Some examples of popular blogging platforms are the following:

  • Blogger
  • Drupal
  • Joomla
  • Medium
  • Tumblr
  • Weebly
  • WordPress

WordPress is a reliable blogging platform for many blogs due to its scalability and various features. However, you’re free to choose your preferred platform.

When choosing a blogging platform, you should consider how easy it is to use, especially when you need to learn how it works. Customization options should also be a factor, especially if you want to personalize your travel nurse blog as much as possible.

Another critical element to consider when choosing a blogging platform is its monetization and management costs. Some platforms are cheaper, while others are more straightforward to monetize. However, if you’re doing this as a hobby, monetization might not be your priority just yet.

These factors should narrow your options based on the platform’s capabilities, preferences, and abilities.

Select a domain name and hosting provider.

Once you’ve settled on a blogging platform and are eager to get a website up and running, you should choose a domain name and hosting provider.

The domain name is your website’s URL or address. It’s what you type in when you look for a website. A good rule to follow is to keep it short and sweet. Also, avoid hard-to-spell domain names. Some people even opt to get a domain name that can quickly determine what their blog is about, but that can pigeonhole your content, so be wary.

travel nurse blog

Your website needs a hosting provider or web host to exist and be viewable on the Internet. The web host provides a server to store the information on your website and serve it to people looking for it or have found it on the Internet.

When shopping around for a good web host, you will primarily consider the cost. You want to ensure the price is reasonable enough so you can at least not monetize your site during the first few months.

Aside from the price, it would help if you also looked at their uptime. They should keep a 99% uptime at all times so that your website rarely is down when someone tries to access it.

You should also ensure that your web host provider has a good reputation and customer service. If their previous customers aren’t pleased with certain things, you’ll know through reviews to avoid them. Also, you want to see that they have reliable customer service so that you won’t have difficulties finding a representative should you encounter issues with your website.

Please set up your travel nurse blog and customize its design.

Now that you have your website’s foundation, it’s time to modify it to your tastes. While there are tons of free plugins and themes that you can install, they might not fully accommodate your tastes unless you get paid options.

According to Sytian Productions Web Developer Philippines, hiring a web designer can be the better choice if you want your travel nurse blog to have more customized features and designs. While it’s a costlier investment than free plugins, at least you know that your website works and is in the design you want. This choice is beneficial if you have no coding experience or aren’t a very “techy” person.

When designing your website or travel nurse blog, make sure that you stick to a color scheme. If you share your blog posts on other platforms like social media, consistent branding is essential to make it memorable. That’s why having a set color scheme is something you should consider.

Set up the main pages.

First, work on the main pages once you have a website. These would be:

  • Homepage: This is the first thing a website visitor will usually encounter, so it should let visitors know immediately what your blog is about.
  • About page: This page should describe your travel nurse blog’s goals, mission, and values in more depth.
  • Contact page: If someone wants to send you feedback or collaborate, they should go to the contact page.
  • Blog page: This page should cover the different blog posts you’ve already made, if any. Usually, the most recent post is at the top, but you can format it however you like.

While you might be a travel nurse blog since it’s the start of your website, you should prioritize these main web pages before creating blog posts.

Write engaging and informative blog posts.

You can start creating your blog posts now that you have the main pages.

It can be as short or long as you want. However, adding images and proper formatting can be valuable to keep your readers engaged. There are no set rules here for writing a blog, but pulling from your experiences can ignite your creative flames, so tap into that whenever you feel stuck on a blank page.

Utilize social media platforms to promote your blog

You can create a separate social media platform or use your account to promote your blog post. Either way, publishing a blog and not promoting it on other platforms can be a missed opportunity to get more eyes on it. So, make it a habit to create a promotional post every time you publish a new blog post.

Conclusion

At this point, you should be the proud owner of a travel nurse blog that will be your companion during your entire journey. All that’s left is to live your life so that you can document it and share your experiences through this new creative avenue. We hope these tips will help you on your travel nurse blog journey. Have you started a travel nurse blog? Are there any tips you would share with fellow travelers? 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.

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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 Miles Oliver

May 2, 2024

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Nurturing Your Well-Being: Essential Self-Care Tips for Travel Nurses

While working as a travel nurse is a gratifying and noble profession, it also presents its share of challenges. The constant movement and changing landscapes can be hard on your body and mind. Taking care of your physical and mental health is key, and these essential self-care tips can help you thrive in your exciting career.

Essential Self-Care Tips for Travel Nurses:

Essential Self-Care

Hydration Is Key

Hydration is essential when you’re constantly traveling. You’ll likely find yourself in many different environments and weather conditions, ranging from a dry climate to a humid one, so you need to be ready.

By staying hydrated, you can keep your joints lubricated, deliver nutrients to your cells, and keep your organs functioning properly. On top of all that, you’ll prevent dehydration, which could lead to fatigue, headaches, and more.

When you’re busy, it can be challenging to remember to drink water, but there are tips you can consider as a healthcare traveler. One of them is to start each day with a glass of water so you can wake up the body. Keep a water bottle with you, and you’ll be more inclined to drink. You can also eat hydrating snacks like watermelon and strawberries.

Dry weather and a lack of hydration can also lead to skin issues. Cold and dry air can cause your skin to get irritated, and without treatment, it can get scaly or flaky. In addition to drinking water, you should have a skincare routine. Many people use the Korean skincare routine because it can help your skin and provide a healthy glow. This routine involves using oil-based cleaners that can remove sweat and dirt. It also involves water-based cleansers that can help with essential hydration. Eye creams, moisturizers, and sunscreen can also produce healthier skin.

Maintaining Your Physical Health

Physical fitness is also vital during your efforts as a travel nurse. Even if you’re crunched for time, you can still find ways to fit fitness into your day. One way is to walk whenever you can. If you’re not walking on the job, research places nearby, like a local park, and walk there during your breaks. You can also pack light weights in your travel bag to take out between patients for a quick workout.

Essential Self-Care

Exercise can also include yoga or meditation to work your body and mind. Work stress-reducing routines like these into your day by packing a yoga mat and taking it out when you have time.

The other part of the equation regarding physical health is good nutrition because it will keep you in good shape, make you more resilient, and improve your mood. It can be tempting to stop for fast food when you’re on the go, but overindulging in trans-fats can leave you feeling slow and sluggish. Instead, eat healthy salads and snacks throughout your day, like almonds, fruits and vegetables, and yogurt. You can also plan out your meals so you know what to eat in advance and avoid the need for a quick solution with fast food.

Take Time To Rest Your Body And Mind

As a travel nurse, you must practice good mental health so you can feel good and help the patients to the best of your ability. When you’re constantly on the move, it can be easy to start to feel lonely and isolated, so turn to your personal relationships. Call family and friends when you’re down, and form healthy relationships with your fellow nurses so you can lean on each other.

You could also practice mindfulness during your assignments, which means paying attention to how you feel and focusing on your present self. One way to do this is by journaling your thoughts so you don’t keep your worries cooped up in your head. You can also stay optimistic by adopting a growth mindset. When you get a new assignment, think about how beneficial it can be and the valuable experiences you’ll learn.

Finally, ensure that you’re getting seven to nine hours of sleep every night and take naps when you’re tired. If you don’t give your body a chance to recharge, you’ll lack physical and mental energy the next day. To improve your sleep, try to go to bed at the same time every night. Try to sleep when it’s dark because lights can disrupt your circadian rhythm by entering your eye and tricking your body into thinking it’s daytime. Light can also disrupt your sleep cycles, so you wake up feeling unrested, setting the tone for the rest of your day. Set a good bedtime routine, and you’ll be better off because of it.

Conclusion

Self-care is of utmost importance in travel nursing. The best way to help others is to take care of yourself, so heed these tips, and your efforts will show in your work. We hope you found theses essential self-care tips for travel nurses helpful. Do you have any essential self-care tips to share with your fellow travelers? Comment your essential self-care tips 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.

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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 Travel Nurses Inc.

April 29, 2024

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Five Things to Know Before You Start Traveling

Travel Nurses Inc. provided this article.

Diving into the world of travel nursing can be an exciting but daunting transition. You get to explore new places, meet new people, and gain experience across various healthcare settings.

However, to make the most of this career path and navigate its challenges, there are several things to know before you start traveling. Whether considering your first travel assignment or looking to make your journey in this field more rewarding, understanding these areas will help set you up for success.

5 things to know before you start traveling:

start traveling

Essential Nursing Experience for Travel Nurses

Navigating the dynamic environment of travel nursing requires a strong foundation in clinical skills and adaptability.  Healthcare facilities expect travel nurses to seamlessly integrate into their teams, often with limited orientation or guidance. For this reason, a baseline level of experience is required.

start traveling

Typically, facilities require at least one year of experience in an acute care setting, though two years are preferred. This experience ensures that travel nurses are equipped to manage the diverse challenges they will encounter, from complex patient care situations to navigating different hospital systems and protocols.

It’s about more than just having technical skills. You must also be able to quickly adjust to new environments, work cultures, and patient demographics. This adaptability, grounded in solid professional experience, makes for a successful and effective travel nurse who can confidently step into new roles.

Understanding the Types of Nursing Licenses

Understanding the intricacies of nursing licenses is crucial for aspiring travel nurses. The landscape is divided into compact and non-compact licenses, each with its own set of rules and mobility options.

Holders of a compact nursing license enjoy the privilege of working across multiple states within the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) framework without the need for additional state-specific licenses. This significantly increases options for travel opportunities, making it easier to accept assignments in a variety of locations.

Those with a non-compact license can only practice in the state where the license was issued. To work elsewhere, these nurses must obtain licensure by endorsement in the desired state. It’s important to note that some states process licenses faster than others. Early preparation and a clear understanding of these licensing distinctions are crucial steps for those looking to pursue a career in travel nursing.

Willingness to Travel Far and Wide

Embracing the essence of travel nursing means being open to assignments in a variety of settings, including less sought-after ones. Your willingness to explore opportunities in diverse geographical locations can significantly enhance your access to a range of job positions.

start traveling

It’s not uncommon for certain areas, particularly those that are more isolated or experience seasonal population fluctuations, to exhibit a greater need for travel nurses. By demonstrating flexibility in your preferred work locations, you can position yourself for potentially higher compensation and the chance to encounter unique healthcare environments.

This openness to geographic mobility enables you to truly embody the adventurous spirit characteristic of successful travel nurses, providing you with the means to gain a wealth of experience while contributing meaningfully to communities across the nation.

The Importance of Scheduling Flexibility

In the fast-paced world of travel nursing, having a flexible schedule can greatly influence the opportunities available to you. It’s important to remember that as a traveler, you are there to help fill staffing gaps at the hospital.

The nature of temporary assignments means that demand can vary significantly, with night shifts often more prevalent than day shifts. This variability extends to the scheduling practices of hospitals and facilities. While some might offer a set schedule, others may require you to adapt to shifts that change from week to week.

Your ability to accommodate these variations enhances your attractiveness to potential employers. Being open to working different shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, can be a pivotal factor in securing assignments. By embracing scheduling versatility, you position yourself as a resilient and adaptable professional ready to meet the diverse needs of healthcare facilities nationwide.

Financial Security is Key

Navigating the uncertainties of travel nursing requires some financial planning. The attractive pay rates and benefits often associated with travel assignments must be balanced with the reality that job stability can fluctuate. Unforeseen circumstances, such as a sudden contract termination or assignments with inconsistent hours, underscore the importance of maintaining an emergency fund.

It’s imperative for travel nurses to budget for the intermittent periods of downtime or relocation costs that come with transitioning between assignments. Establishing a financial buffer alleviates the stress associated with income variability and ensures you can fully engage with your travel nursing adventures without monetary concerns.

We hope you found these 5 things to know before you start traveling helpful. Is there anything you wish you knew before you started traveling? Comment them below.

To start your next adventure, check out the Travel Nurses, Inc. job board, and contact us today!

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 Medely

April 26, 2024

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Embracing the Adventure: Top 5 Benefits of Being a Travel Nurse in 2024

Medely provided this article.

In the dynamic landscape of healthcare, travel nursing continues to stand out as a rewarding and exciting career path. From flexibility to professional advancement to financial growth, being a travel nurse offers a multitude of benefits. In this post, we’ll explore the top five benefits of being a travel nurse in 2024 and why this profession remains an attractive option for healthcare professionals seeking adventure, growth, and fulfillment.

Top 5 Benefits of Being a Travel Nurse in 2024

Benefits of Being a Travel Nurse

Flexibility in location and assignments

One of the most enticing aspects of being a travel nurse is the flexibility it offers in terms of location and assignments. In 2024, with healthcare systems facing varying levels of demand and staffing shortages across different regions, travel nurses are in high demand nationwide. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 19% growth in registered nurse (RN) jobs between 2022 and 2032, with over 1M additional RNs needed by 2024.

This demand allows travel nurses to choose assignments in diverse settings, from bustling urban hospitals to smaller,  rural clinics and care facilities, and everything in between. Whether you’re drawn to the bright lights of a big city or the tranquility of suburbia, being a travel nurse allows you to explore new places and cultures while making a difference in patient care.

Professional growth and development

Now more than ever, travel nursing offers an opportunity for professional growth and skill development. In 2024, with healthcare technologies advancing rapidly and new treatment modalities emerging, travel nurses have the chance to expand their clinical expertise and stay at the forefront of healthcare innovation. 

By working in various healthcare settings and with diverse patient populations, travel nurses gain valuable experience and develop adaptable skills that enhance their marketability and career advancement opportunities. Plus, often, travel nurses are asked to float into different specialties when they arrive at their assigned facility so they can explore what they most love to do. Whether it’s mastering a new specialty, honing leadership skills, or learning innovative clinical practices, travel nursing empowers nurses to continuously evolve and thrive in their careers.

Competitive pay and benefits

In 2024, travel nursing remains a financially rewarding career choice, with competitive compensation packages and attractive benefits in cities across the country. Travel nurses often receive higher pay rates than their permanent counterparts, along with additional incentives such as sign-on bonuses, completion bonuses, and referral bonuses, and that trend continues this year. Furthermore, travel nurses may have access to comprehensive benefits packages that include health insurance, retirement plans, and continuing education assistance. These financial incentives not only reward travel nurses for their hard work and dedication but also contribute to their overall financial stability and well-being.

Benefits of Being a Travel Nurse

Work-life balance and adventure

As a travel nurse in 2024, you’ll enjoy a unique blend of work-life balance and adventure. With the ability to choose your assignments and schedule, travel nursing offers flexibility that allows you to create a lifestyle that suits your preferences and priorities. Whether you’re craving a temporary change of scenery, pursuing personal interests outside of work, or simply seeking adventure in your career, travel nursing provides the freedom and flexibility to make it happen. From exploring iconic landmarks and natural wonders to immersing yourself in new cultures and cuisines, being a travel nurse allows you to embrace adventure both on and off the job.

Medely can help you find your perfect travel adventure. Learn more here.

Making a meaningful impact

Above all, being a travel nurse in 2024 allows you to make a meaningful impact on patient care and healthcare. By stepping in to fill staffing gaps, relieve burnt-out nurses and allied health professionals, and support healthcare facilities in need, travel nurses play a vital role in ensuring access to quality care for patients across the country. 

In fact, healthcare staffing shortages are expected to last in 2024, with one study estimating that over 6.5M health professionals in the U.S. will leave the workforce permanently by 2026, while only 1.9M are expected to fill the gaps. You can see that travel nurses can play an important role here.

Whether it’s providing compassionate bedside care, advocating for patient rights, or participating in community health initiatives, travel nurses have the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and communities alike. 

In 2024, as healthcare continues to evolve and adapt to new challenges, the contributions of travel nurses remain invaluable in shaping the future of healthcare.

We hope you found these 5 benefits of being a travel nurse informational. We hope that if you are on the fence about a career in travel nursing, this article has helped you decide.

Are there any benefits of being a travel nurse that we missed? Comment what other benefits of being a travel nurse you have found while on your journey!

Want to use Medely to sign up for your next travel assignment? We’ve got you covered. Medely works with thousands of the best facility partners across the U.S. 
Check out our app here.

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

April 24, 2024

1313 Views

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10 Practical Tips for First-Time Travel Nurses

Not everyone knows about being a travel nurse, a unique life path. If this is your first time diving into this line of work, there are a few things that you should know so that you can make the most of it. In this article, we’ll cover different tips for first-time travel nurses that you can apply so that the start of your life as a travel nurse will be a smooth one.

10 Practical Tips for First-Time Travel Nurses

first-time travel nurses

1. Do your research

When you think of being a travel nurse, the thought that occupies you most is the traveling part. However, there’s more to being a travel nurse than you should research first to ensure that you are appropriately prepared for the job.

Of course, travel is one of the first things that you should think about. Prepare all your travel documents, have a ready-to-go travel pack at all times, and so on.

If you’re working with a travel nurse agency and recruitment, look into the customer testimonials. They should have a positive reputation and a portfolio of travel nurses they’ve helped. Before you send your travel nurse application, though, don’t be afraid to interview the agency since if things don’t go well, you will have to clean up the mess in the first place.

Another thing that you should look into is the tax part. You can consult a tax professional about the different tax requirements, especially as you move from state to state.

2. Read your contract thoroughly

For first-time travel nurses, it is especially important to read your contract thoroughly. If you’re doing anything that involves a legally binding contract, make sure that you read through it thoroughly. Since it may be your first time, you might feel pressured to sign the contract and move on. However, you’re just setting yourself up for future frustrations.

Make sure to read through the contract terms. Some of the critical factors that you should be paying more attention to in the contract would be:

  • Assignment length
  • Requirements for the shift
  • Payment, compensation, benefits, and any travel reimbursements
  • Specific job responsibilities
  • Housing arrangements
  • Time off and sick leave conditions

If there are any terms in your contract that you want clarification on or want to change because they are not favorable to you, then bring them up with the representative.

3. Pack smart

If you plan to be a travel nurse for a long time, you must start mastering the art of packing for travel. For first-time travel nurses, it may seem strange to pay so little, but it’s unlike how you would usually pack for leisure. It would help if you were as intelligent and picky with what you pack as much as possible. Given that you’re traveling often, packing a lot of items all the time will be rough and time-consuming.

Stick to clothes, toiletries, and only a few shoes. Creating a list of the items you regularly need and use during your assignments can help you establish the core items you should pack.

Creating a standard list of your core travel items might take a while. Once you’ve narrowed that down, it’s a good idea to have a pack of items or toiletries to throw in your luggage and be ready to go.

4. Plan your housing

First-time travel nurses may choose to take agency-provided housing; your travel nurse contract should include terms of your housing if there are any. It should consist of details like:

  • Check-in and check-out times
  • The type of housing they provide
  • Furnishing availability
  • Cleaning items availability
  • Details on utilities
  • Parking situation
  • Laundry facility

Again, if you have any questions about the housing arrangements, you should talk to your recruiter to clarify the details. That way, you will know what your housing might not have and what you might have to buy when you get there.

Sometimes, they might not provide housing for you, or you may choose not to take agency-provided housing. In that case, you will have to make the arrangements yourself. What you should look for in your housing will depend on your stay there. The longer you have to be there, the more amenities you should want in your accommodations.

5. Prioritize self-care and work-life balance

When you are well cared for, that energy and proper self-maintenance will translate to better work performance as a nurse. While providing excellent service in your work is a good idea, that doesn’t mean you should forget your life outside of being a travel nurse.

Make the most of your ability to move around. During your downtime, get out of your accommodations and explore the area. You should dine out sometimes and hike on local trails if there are any.

Don’t forget to take care of yourself by eating healthy foods and adding some exercise time to your schedule whenever possible.

first-time travel nurses

6. Bring your family along on your travels

While it might feel better to leave your family behind when you have temporary assignments, especially for first-time travel nurses, having your family along for your assignments might provide the emotional and social support you need, especially as you move from place to place.

Bringing your kids along is also a great way to expand their minds and let them experience new environments. While doing this might take much more work to arrange, it can be a great bonding point for everyone involved. Plus, you don’t always have to do it for every assignment.

7. Maintain an optimistic mindset

You might feel like since you’re a travel nurse, creating positive relationships with the people you work with is a waste of effort, but that sort of mindset can create unpleasant work environments.

Working with an open mind and a social approach will make you have a pleasant time at work, no matter how long you stay in a particular place. If you socialize and maintain that optimism, the job will be more enjoyable, and you will have new friendships that can make your work assignments less lonely.

8. Make new friendships

Talk to the people you work with. Please get to know them. No matter how short your assignment duration is, taking the time to socialize with your coworkers makes it a lot easier to spend your work days.

While many people don’t like small talk, sometimes it’s a great way to create a smooth working relationship without too much commitment on your part if you don’t want to. Plus, when you get along with the people you work with, the shifts go by slightly faster and easier.

9. Arrive early on your first day

The first impression you give to your new assignment can set a tone, at least for your first few shifts in the hospital. That’s why it’s a good idea to arrive early on the first day of your assignment. It’s a great way to get the lay of the land and how your shifts will go.

Aside from arriving early for your assignment, it’s also a good idea to arrive at your accommodations earlier—ideally a few days before your shift. That way, you have enough time to unpack and settle into your accommodations before the ball gets rolling for your assignment.

10. Plan your free time

Despite best intentions, sometimes, you can’t help but forget that you should be doing something during your free time. As mentioned before, it’s a good idea to make the most of your traveling as a travel nurse.

Explore the local hotspots and dining options. Join local events. These are the experiences that you should be doing with your new assignments. Instead of waiting until this happens, be more deliberate about it and plan your free time or schedule it just like you would with work.

Conclusion

The advice here should help prepare first-time travel nurses for the world of travel nursing. By applying these tips, the transition to this new and unique lifestyle should be a lot smoother, and you can soon reap the benefits and enjoy your life as a travel nurse.

Do you have any tips for first-time travel nurses? Comment any tips you think are helpful below.

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By Nadine Westwood

April 16, 2024

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Expanding Horizons: Why Travel Nurses Should Consider Home Care Opportunities

The nursing field is always filled with many opportunities – both near and far. Travel nurses can even find themselves in parts of the country where their services are more than needed. One of the demands in today’s fast-paced world is home care opportunities. Many seniors are in need of medical care that pertains to the chronic conditions they may be dealing with.

In this guide, we’ll discuss why travel nurses can take advantage of these opportunities. Let’s get started with some of the reasons below.

Why Travel Nurses Should Consider Home Care Opportunities:

home care

They meet a growing demand.

Needless to say, the demand for home care is growing. Travel nurses can take advantage of those opportunities – even if it means traveling to destinations that are hundreds or even thousands of miles away. Once you have moved to a new place and get settled in, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running and work with patients who are delighted to be in your care. Nonetheless, travel nurses will use the opportunity to fulfill the demand to get the experience they need to further their careers.

It provides them with flexible schedules.

Flexibility may be one of the best advantages of home care nursing. This is unlike the traditional structure offered by hospitals and clinics, where nurses work fixed shifts. Thus, nurses who work in home care will be able to create schedules that align well with their personal and professional lives. It will give them a chance to find that work/life balance, allowing them to spend more time off and work at times that will suit them best.

That time off can be used for them to get to know the community they’ve lived in. It can also provide them with the chance to pursue other opportunities, like higher education or talking with family online or on the phone (if they are far from them).

It will help them adapt to their skills.

home care

Nurses with experience in a clinical setting can use home care to adapt to a set of skills useful in a slightly different setting. Those skills include assessment, critical thinking, and communication. The major difference here is that the home environment is more decentralized, allowing them more autonomy. 

Still, they can manage medication and address any of their patient’s health concerns. At the same time, travel nurses can even help their patients live independently while placing a premier emphasis on their health.

Promoting growth – personal and professional

Nurses who work to provide in-home care services have a chance to grow in terms of their personal and professional lives. They can be able to pursue different avenues of nursing based on their experience in home care. At the same time, it also gives them a chance to grow personally by cultivating their ability to build a trusting and compassionate relationship with patients and their families. In short, they become better people both in the personal and professional sense.

Final Thoughts

Travel nurses should consider home care opportunities as a way to get experience, utilize their skills, and give them the fulfillment that they can get from a challenging but rewarding career. Even if it means going to places they have never been before, it gives them a chance to grow personally and professionally. With a growing demand comes more opportunities.

Every nurse who dreams of having a successful and rewarding career should take those opportunities when they are present. Is home care a good one for you? If the answer is “yes,” take advantage of it as soon as you can.

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By Victor Valle

April 13, 2024

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The Five Districts of New York and Me

When working in New York, you may ask, “This is wonderful, but what else is there to do here after I finish working?” Well, that’s what I am here to do. I am here to tell you what we do in all five parts of the Big Apple.

The five districts of New York

New York

The Bronx

First, we will start in my neck of the woods, the Bronx. The Bronx is the third district one would think of when they think of New York, right there after Manhattan and Queens. Though it is third place to others, to me, it is first place. Although mostly urban, this district is home to many parks and places where you can enjoy the culinary culture of New York.

Two of the most prominent and most recognizable places that are a must to check out are both the Bronx Zoo and the Botanical Garden. Both of these places represent the majesty of surprisingly how much nature we really see here. If you are an avid nature enjoyer, I suggest these two beautiful spots to have a good sense of city vs nature. While these places are beautiful, they could be a walk from where you are, and I bet one would be hungry after that adventure.

Well, have no fear, for the Bronx has many delis and spots one can go to satisfy their hunger. Although all districts have the famous chopped cheese and bacon, egg and cheese, the Bronx has them in spades and, in my opinion, the best. This brings up my favorite place to get sandwiches: the botanical market. If needed, it’s a great spot to get a sandwich and other groceries. My favorite thing to get from there is a beef patty when I am coming home from a trip, but if I want lunch, I’d get a chopped cheese mostly, original, I know.

Manhattan

Next up in our travels is Manhattan. Going here would have to be the first thought when one thinks of New York. Home to Times Square and many museums, such as a giant one being the Met or the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This museum is beautiful, with so much art and culture in the halls, and you very much have many sites and spots in Manhattan where you can see the beauty of New York in the way it truly is a melting pot of the city and nature.

This district also has Central Park (which is right next to the Met, so I say that could be a fun day). These are just a few of the examples of what spots to see in Manhattan. Well, that would be if you weren’t looking for a show from Broadway itself. Yes, this district is filled with many majesties that one can walk to and see.

With an abundance of parks as well, and as we look through all of New York, one can see there are many of these spots. The best part of this district is that the subway (although, as always, please pay attention to your surroundings) is ever accessible and is the go-to transportation for going to many amazing spots within the city.

new york

Culinary-wise, the food scene in Manhattan is fairly New York, as one would see in the media. The spots are mostly American, Italian American, and Asian, with an abundance of mom-and-pop stores. Depending on where you are in Manhattan and in other spots, such as the financial district, it would be more expensive.

Queens

However, if you want the most diverse and worldwide food vibe, it would have to be Queens. Queens residents have plenty of options from almost all around the world, and there are also many things of nature and culture in Queens.

These places are the Queen’s Zoo, the Museum of the Moving Image if you are an avid enjoyer of media, the NY Hall of Science to enrich your mind more, the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, and many others show another facet of the natural and the city portions in one area. All of these areas, like how it is in the other districts, have the means to travel to and from within these areas if needed. As it is New York,, it is not a question o whetherof whether it is needed but when.

You can use these spots and the ability to travel around whenever it is possible. You don’t have to do all the spots to spend the day, but even one or two of these could be that day. Either when you’re taking your break, or you have the day off, you have many chances to go out to eat in a different part of the world or immerse yourself in the culture of New York and the people that inhabit it. 

Brooklyn

When in Brooklyn, you are looking at a big city but also somehow a cozy city. As with all the other districts, you can go to many spots and, in a way, make them your spots. Staying in New York allows one to have a chance to become a New Yorker by being part of the culture that surrounds you.

Brooklyn is one of the districts that gives you this chance the most. With many spots focusing on the natural, the district is rich in warm coffee shops, flea shops, and many spots that are ma and pa, which are fully local. All of these allow one like yourself to feel like you can make this a real snug home. Although it is New York, cozy to us is not the same as everywhere else you. I trust will find your own definition.

Even going away from the notion of cozy we have here many activities and sights to see and travel when you want to. We have main contenders being walking the Brooklyn bridge, walking through prospect park, having a blast in coney island, taking a stroll the Brooklyn Heights Promenade and many more. This district is filled with picturesque moments which will catch your breath and look through it all.

The parks here are plenty and the spots to eat here are plenty, but I highly recommend you have the pizza here. All the districts have a debate on which district has the best pizza (Bronx, without a question for me), and Brooklyn has always been a top contender in this debate. While you are here, join that debate and come up with your own opinion. 

Staten Island

Now, for our final stop on our trip through New York, We’re going to need a ferry ride, but as we get off, we see a district that the other four cannot compare to in terms of its architecture. Now, in New York, we make jokes about Staten Island because of its different vibe and look from the other districts.

It has a vibrant cultural scene and so many natural sites that once you’re there, you will feel like you’re in New York, but not at the same time. It has many spots that one can think of when they see New York, including pizza spots, bakeries, and foods from different cultures.

For pizza spots, I hear Joe & Pat’s, Denino’s, and Brother’s Pizza are absolutely delicious and a must-have there. If you are not in the mood for pizza, though, we have Bayou, Lakruwana, Sofia’s Taqueria, Banh Mi House, Kettle Black, Mandi House, and Goku Kitchen. All of these spots are so varied in their options, and the different cultures each represents that it would be great to try and always expand one’s palette.

Now, if you are the type for sweets, do not worry. You also have spots like Rispoli’s Pastry Shop and Alfonso’s and Cookie Jar, which will both satiate your sweet tooth and make you crave more. Getting away from food for now, like all of the districts, it does have its fine share of parks that give amazing views, such as Fort Wadsworth, Silverlakes Park, and Cloves Lakes Park. All of these parks here have beautiful sights and amazing trails to walk in, get away from certain thoughts, and give space to oneself.

As our travel together ends and we have taken a look at all five districts, I hope you feel more welcome and comfortable traveling to New York. It is a beautiful and massive place where you can find whatever you like and need with ease. Though it does have a reputation of being tough and it is not wrong it is mostly a place that when you give it respect it gives it..It’ll give you something. I wish you all luck where you land, and welcome to New York City!

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.