April 7, 2021

7749 Views

Guide to COVID-19 Travel Nurse Quarantine

Posted on April 7, 2021April 29, 2021 by Host Healthcare

This article was provided by Host Healthcare.

Nurse Quarantine Pay Policy

The COVID 19 pandemic is a serious concern for every person in the world right now—especially healthcare workers. Due to close contact with the virus, medical professionals must worry about answering questions like What happens if I contract COVID-19? Will I be unable to work? Do healthcare providers get paid during quarantine?

Potential Exposure to COVID-19

Despite having the utmost safety measures in place, it’s possible for travelers to contract—or come in contact with—COVID-19. Although treatment of COVID-19 patients is common in many healthcare facilities, travel nurses should be cautious of contracting the virus through other ways.

If a coworker or someone you live with has tested positive or begun to show symptoms of COVID-19, then you may be required to quarantine before returning to work. Common symptoms to look out for should include:

Fever
Shortness of breath
Dry cough
Loss of taste and smell
Head and body aches

How to Stay Safe While Working During COVID-19

The best way to avoid having to quarantine is by keeping yourself safe—both on and off the clock. The Center for Disease Control recommend these sanitary practices in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

Wash your hands frequently, for a minimum of 20 seconds
Sanitize hands, surfaces, and tools regularly (with at least 60% alcohol)
Avoid touching your face, nose, and mouth when out in public
Report any new symptoms to your employer
Stay home if you’re feeling sick or following a potential exposure to COVID-19
Wear a mask when at work and in public
Get tested regularly if working in the medical field

Doing your best to avoid COVID-19 is always recommended, but sometimes exposure can still occur.

Getting Paid in Quarantine

When working as a traveling healthcare worker with Host Healthcare, you won’t have to worry about missing a paycheck due to COVID-19 complications. Here’s what makes Host’s quarantine pay policy different from other healthcare agencies:

Exposure – If exposure to COVID-19 is deemed a possibility, your facility will require you to quarantine for up to two weeks. A positive COVID-19 test may not be required in order to begin quarantining due to the fact that safety is the highest priority at this time.

Quarantine – During your quarantine, Host Healthcare will ensure travelers receive their normal paycheck for up to 14 days after exposure. Host understands that this is a challenging time to work in the medical field, and they appreciate the hard work you’re doing, both in and out of quarantine.

Return to work – When conditions are safe and travelers feel ready, they can begin working again following their isolation period. A negative COVID-19 test may also be required before you’re able to return to the facility.

Although paid sick leave may seem like a given, not all providers are taking this approach to handling the subject of quarantine pay.

Laws Regarding Quarantine Pay

The unfortunate truth is that not all healthcare workers are being compensated for their quarantine periods. Federal laws have allowed various loopholes regarding quarantine pay, creating difficult conditions for healthcare workers.

While it’s true that government funding is being used to cover salaries for certain medical facilities, those with less than 500 employees do not qualify for this relief. Under the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act, employers are technically not required to pay sick leave for doctors and nurses quarantined.

How Are Hospitals Protecting Their Employees From COVID-19?

In addition to personal safety measures, many medical facilities are implementing their own precautions against COVID-19. If you’re concerned about your safety as a traveling healthcare provider, here’s what you should know about working during the pandemic:

Screening – Hospitals and other medical facilities have intensified their screening and Coronavirus testing procedures. Patients and employees alike are being closely monitored for signs of COVID-19, particularly respiratory symptoms and fever.

Separation – Patients who have contracted COVID-19 are safely separated from the general hospital population to prevent an outbreak. Creating a degree of space between infected and non-infected patients allows social distancing measures to be properly followed.

Personal protection equipment – The latest personal protection equipment (PPE) is given to all healthcare providers when available. This includes masks, face shields, gloves, and disinfectants.

How Does Travel Nursing Work Under COVID-19 Restrictions?

If you’re interested in becoming a traveling healthcare professional, you may be feeling discouraged by the recent COVID-19 restrictions. Fortunately, we have all the answers you need to make this important career decision a bit easier:

Are There Any Domestic Travel Bans?

There are currently no restrictions barring people from traveling between states. Whether you’re a certified healthcare worker or not, domestic travel within the United States is allowed for any reason.

Do I Have to Quarantine After Traveling?

Although there are no travel bans, many states require a 10-14 day quarantine period upon arrival. Fortunately, traveling healthcare workers are exempt from these restrictions due to their classification as essential workers.

What About Shelter-in-Place Orders?

Similar to other travel restrictions, healthcare workers will not be required to follow shelter-in-place or stay-at-home orders. Lockdowns and curfews will not be enforced on traveling nurses or therapists as long as they provide proof of employment (License, Employment contract, or Hospital ID badge).

Make sure to find an agency that looks out for you during this unusual time. We thank you for all of your hard work and stay safe!

By The Gypsy Nurse

April 4, 2021

9253 Views

What Your Travel Nurse Recruiter Wants/Needs/Expects From You

Posted on April 4, 2021January 16, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

Learning what your travel nurse recruiter wants/need/expect is an important aspect of building a mutually beneficial relationship. Just as it’s important for our recruiters to know what we are looking for in them or expect out of them, it’s important to know what is important to them as a recruiter.

Do you know what your recruiter wants from you? Do you know what qualities they feel they need in a travel nurse? Are the recruiter’s expectations known to you?

I recently consulted with several Travel Nurse Staffing Companies. I asked them to answer three simple questions to understand better how to help a recruiter build an effective working relationship.

I asked…

1. What do you WANT from a traveler?
2. What do you NEED from a traveler?
3. What do you Expect from a traveler?

I received some great responses from the recruitment side of things. Some were expected, and some were surprises. Here are the recruiters that responded and their answers.

Jason Sagehorn, Recruiter at Triage Staffing

I think it comes down to a few things. While experience and work history will always play a role, hospitals are placing a greater emphasis on flexibility. The traveling nursing pool is stocked with qualified candidates, and competition for jobs is fierce. The more flexible a candidate can be, the better chance they have of landing positions, regardless of experience.

Another thing is communication, understanding, and teamwork. I kind of group these all together. I want nurses to feel that they are a part of a team. As a Recruiter, my success is directly linked to the success of the RN. Sitting in Omaha, NE, I do not know what is happening on a day-to-day basis with my travelers unless they communicate and keep me in the loop. By communicating openly and often, we create “win-win” situations.

As a final thought, the traveling industry is changing and evolving as a whole. Vendor management companies, aka “Third Party Vendors,” are gaining a larger share of hospital contracts than in the past. The agencies are responsible for paying these “middle” vendors a fee, which affects how we can pay our travelers. While we are all motivated to maximize our earnings (staffing firms, recruiters, and RN’s), we have to keep the current market conditions in mind as we move forward.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in 10-years of Recruiting, it’s that the medical staffing world is cyclical. At the end of the day, there will always be a demand for flexible, dependable, and professional traveling RN’s.

**Crystal Lovato, Manager of Recruitment, Freedom Healthcare Staffing**

My Top 10

1.     Honesty is the most important to me.
2.     Mutual respect.
3.     An understanding that this is a team effort and we each do our part.
4.     Realistic expectations
5.     Honoring a commitment – If a traveler backs out of an assignment after accepting, there should be a good cause.
6.     Honor the rate/package negotiated upon submission – As a recruiter, I never renegotiate after the offer.
7.     Good patient care
8.     Professionalism – Be a good representative of our agency
9.     Being cooperative with Quality Assurance
10. Communication – If there is a question, issue, concern, I need to know asap. I can’t fix what I’m not aware of.

Andy Wuebben, Senior Recruiter TotalMed Staffing

I want a traveler that is friendly, professional, and courteous. This is a working relationship, so trust and honesty are the most important things to make a successful long-term recruiter/nurse relationship work.

I need a traveler with at least 1 year’s experience in whatever specialty they want to travel and preferably past travel experience. I also need them to be flexible and be able to open to helping the facility in whatever way possible.

I expect a traveler to be upfront and honest with me about what they have going on. We are working very hard, spending a lot of time helping locate job opportunities, and an open line of communication and consistent updates if their situation changes are crucial to a successful relationship. The worst thing that can happen is for us to have someone submitted and push for a phone screen only to find out that our facility calls them they have accepted another position that we have no idea about.

Beth Ann Turner, Senior Recruiter TotalMed Staffing

I want a traveler:

That communicates well and will return a phone call/text promptly.
Who is open to getting to know their recruiter personally
Who isn’t afraid to try new places for a contract even if it isn’t their “perfect” location.

I need a traveler:

To put their best foot forward on a new contract.

I expect a traveler:

To commit to deadlines on paperwork.
Will show up to work on time and have reliable attendance.

Tom Horan, Recruiter TotalMed Staffing

I WANT a traveler that is open-minded and positive
I NEED a reliable traveler
I EXPECT a traveler to be honest about their needs/plans/etc.

Donald Kinsey, Recruiter TotalMed Staffing

I WANT a traveler that is motivated and energetic
I NEED a traveler that has experience, knowledge, and enthusiasm.
I EXPECT a traveler to be flexible.

Erin Penza, Recruiter TotalMed Staffing

I WANT a traveler that is hardworking
I NEED a traveler that has good communication skills
I EXPECT a traveler to be able to adapt to different situations at the hospital and be flexible

Jason Palleria, Senior Recruiter TotalMed Staffing

I WANT a traveler that is experienced and knows the ins and outs of travel.
I NEED a reliable traveler that does not need a lot of push to have items completed.

I EXPECT a traveler to use me as their main resource for ANYTHING!!!

Andrew Johnson, Recruiter TotalMed Staffing

I want a traveler that is energetic, motivated and enjoys their profession.
I need a traveler with at least 2 years of experience, past travel experience, and who worked within their specialty in a clinical setting within the past year.
I expect a traveler to keep an open communication line with me, always letting me know if they have any concerns.

I want to thank the companies and recruiters that contributed to this post. I feel that it’s important to have a mutually respectful relationship with your recruiter. Besides informing your recruiters what your wants/needs/expectations are, find out what your recruiter wants/needs/expects.

Recruiters reading this, feel free to post in the comments what your wants/needs/expectations are. Gypsy nurses everywhere need to know…

By Geraldine Mills

April 2, 2021

5710 Views

Stress Relief: 5 Activities That Can Help Travel Nurses Relax

Posted on April 2, 2021May 19, 2021 by Geraldine Mills

Stress is inherent in any work, and travel nurses are not exempted from it. As a nurse, you are exposed to physical exhaustion, endless documentation, and more. Add to that the fact that you are miles away from your family and friends. Working as a nurse is inherently stressful. And working abroad is like a double whammy. But being in a different place also provides you a unique opportunity to manage and relieve stress. That said, we have listed down five actionable tips travel nurses can do to combat stress:

Get as Much Sleep as Possible

It goes without saying that sleep allows you to refresh your mind and body. It helps rejuvenate our immune and cardiovascular systems. Sleep also improves our cognitive and mental faculties. This explains why sleep deprivation leads to a lack of focus, attention, and vigilance ‒ vital when you are working as a nurse. Hence, you must get the recommended 7 – 9 hours of sleep. However, travel nurses are prone to sleep deprivation. That’s because most travel nurses work in institutions where there is a lack of healthcare providers. This means long and excruciating work shifts. That said, we suggest getting as sleep as you can. Catch up on sleep during your off days and take a quick nap during your break time if possible.

Practice Mindfulness

Aside from long work hours, your job can also be hectic. Thus, it is best to practice mindfulness in times like these. Doing so can be as simple as knowing when to stop and take deep breaths. This only takes a few minutes and prevents you from being overwhelmed. Another practice you would want to incorporate is meditation. Once you are off your shift and ready for bed, you can listen to this guided sleep meditation from Mindful.org. This sleep meditation allows you to ease yourself to sleep by helping you settle your mind. You can also do a warm shower, as it can help your body muscles relax. As a result, it relieves your body’s tension, allowing you to have better sleep quality.

Get Your Body Moving

If you are the active kind, we encourage you to carve a time in your day to exercise. This could in many forms like calisthenics, yoga, or dancing. It is also a great time to unplug. Instead of scrolling your Facebook feed endlessly or reclining on your couch, you might as well go out and exercise. No gym near where you are residing? No problem! Exercising does not have to be constrained within the four walls of the gym. You can work out in your home, ride a bike, or take a hike if your location permits it. What’s important is that you do the things that can get your body moving.

Take Time Off Between Assignments

Depending on your recruiter, your assignment can range from a month to a year. After every deployment, you can go home and spend time with your family for a week or two. We suggest that you take advantage of these breaks before moving on to your next assignment. Doing so not only allows you to relax and be with your loved ones. It also gives you a sense of familiarity that signals safety. This explains why it feels good to sleep in your bed after a vacation.

Have a Support System

Having a support system to help you manage stress is often overlooked. After all, working as a travel nurse can expose you to new and unfamiliar territory. As such, it is best to surround yourself with people who can be your excellent sounding board. These can be your fellow travel nurses, your employer and recruiter, and your family and friends. That said, you should also take the time to reach out and spend time with people you trust. That way, you have someone to vent to or help you ease your mind off of work.

Conclusion

It is best to know that there is no stress-free work. Hence, it is something that you should anticipate should you decide to work as a travel nurse. That said, it can help that you know what you can do and who you can reach out to when you are stressed. Doing so allows you to manage stress and ensures that you are in peak condition whenever you tend your patients.

We hope you found these tips to help travel nurses relax helpful. Have you found ways to help you relax while you are on assignment? Comment them below.

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 Go Healthcare Staffing

April 1, 2021

4870 Views

NursesEverywhere: Nurses Celebrate!!!!

Posted on April 1, 2021March 22, 2021 by Go Healthcare Staffing

This article was provided by Go Healthcare.

NursesEverywhere is a voluntary non-partisan coalition based in New Orleans comprised of nationally and internationally recognized health care leaders and innovators committed to improving health outcomes. The organization is dedicated to educating the public about their rights to access nursing care.

You Didn’t Have To- Brown & Grey

During the 2020 holidays, NursesEverywhere shared an incredible song by Brown & Grey, “You Didn’t Have Too,” for everyone to acknowledge their beyond-expectation efforts throughout the Covid pandemic.

Now, utilizing this song and its message of gratitude to nurses, we are looking for celebratory video montages with the song as background.

Competition Outline

Click, and you will see a sample of the Contest – NursesEverywhere and read the competition outline. I know about all those talented and spirited nurses all over. We are hoping that several units/services might want to participate and compete among themselves and nationally.

The competition is April 1- May 15, and the winners of the #ThankANurseContest will be announced the last week of May – just in time to close out the 2021 celebration of Nurses Month!

Click here to participate.

Good luck with this contest! If you have any questions about this contest please refer them to NursesEverywhere.

If you love contests, check out our Gypsy Nurse Contest Page. We frequently run fun contests for amazing prizes. Be sure to check back often as we change them out as often as possible.

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 trustaff

March 31, 2021

5664 Views

Spring Locations to Consider this Year

Posted on March 31, 2021May 19, 2021 by trustaff

This article was provided by TruStaff.

Spring is finally here, and that means assignments are in full force. If you haven’t decided where to head next, we’ve created a list of highly suggested areas that could help make up your mind. Whether you like hiking, national parks, hot attractions, the beach, or secluded wooded cabins, the perfect spring assignment is waiting.

Check out these hot spots that should be topping your spring locations to consider this year:

Stop 1: Texas

Like they always say, everything’s bigger in Texas! Including your options on where to travel. Texas has 80 state parks across the entire state, which means lots of options for camping, hiking, fishing, or whatever your outdoor heart desires.

Texas has it all! Want to go to a beach? Got it! A buzzing city? They have MANY! Maybe you’re more of a country and relaxed pace of living person–there’s a small charming Lone Star town with your name on it. Texas is a HOT area for all travelers year-round, but spring in Texas sounds pretty nice to us, and the job options are plentiful.

Stop 2: Maine

Maine is definitely a must-stop for all travelers! The scenery throughout the entire state is stunning. Many travelers suggest making a full road trip just to see its beautiful scenery. It’s highly suggested to get out of the buzzing city life and experience the small towns in Maine, especially along the coast.

Obviously, Maine is known for its dining – and specifically for lobster! What better chance to find the best seafood stop or find a great small local business to support. April and May are peak whale-watching months, and we hear Maine’s coast has prime viewing to see these amazing creatures come to the surface. Truly a must-see adventure!

Stop 3: Arizona

Arizona is known for its deserts and hiking but also its sweltering weather. So why not avoid the mid-summer 100+ temps and adventure on in before the heat waves come through?

The state has many breath-taking views through many parks and hiking trails, and this alone makes the trip worth it. The Grand Canyon National Park is a MUST for any traveler! And for any baseball fans – you already know Arizona is the place to be for Spring Training.

Stop 4: North Carolina

North Carolina is a highly requested location for almost every traveler. It really has it all! The southern warmth, beaches, greenery, and much more. They have many beaches along the coast where you can hang out in the sand, surf, paddleboard, or even boat!

Maybe you’re more into the greener side of NC, with beautiful mountain views and hiking trails, including the Pisgah National Forest, which has over 250 waterfalls! We also hear the brewery and winery scene in NC is top-tier if that’s what floats your boat!

All four of these states have so much to see and do and a ton of available jobs for you to choose from. No matter your area of specialty, you’ll be able to start planning your next few months of work and play.

Wherever you end up this spring, make sure you enjoy some amazing adventures!

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

March 30, 2021

6177 Views

5 Things to Keep in Mind During Your Travel Nurse Housing Search

Posted on March 30, 2021January 16, 2023 by AMN Healthcare

This article was provided by AMN Healthcare.

Although most agencies can arrange housing for travel nurses on assignment, some RNs prefer to accept a stipend and find their own places to stay. If you’re searching for short-term travel nurse housing, here are five things to keep in mind.

1. How your stipend works and what that means for acquiring housing

Chances are, rental costs will be a primary consideration when it comes to housing, so before you begin your search, find out how much your stipend will be and when you’ll receive it. Most agencies add a percentage of the stipend to your weekly paycheck rather than paying it upfront, and amounts can vary substantially by location, so what you received on your last assignment may be different than what you’ll receive on your next assignment.

How your stipend is disbursed can impact your ability to pay for housing. Talk with your recruiter about any financial deposits needed before you secure your place. Other initial expenses include fees or deposits for utility hookups, such as electricity, water, and the internet. Your recruiter will be able to assist you with all of this, so don’t be hesitant to ask.

2. The availability of short-term housing

Many nurses who opt for a stipend are shocked to learn how scarce short-term housing is in some regions. Travel nurse assignments average only 13 weeks, but rentals may require tenants to sign leases for longer than that. If there are short-term housing options in the area, travel nurses may find themselves on long waiting lists.

Realtors who specialize in rental units can be great resources for travel nurses, particularly in urban areas where businesses regularly host temporary staff, contractors, and visiting employees. Websites such as Furnished Finder can also help you find furnished, short-term housing.

3. The importance of location

If you’re traveling to an unfamiliar town or city, location should be a major consideration in your housing search, and you should never commit to a rental without knowing exactly where it’s located. Most importantly, make sure your temporary home is situated in a safe neighborhood and has convenient routes to work.

Websites such as AreaVibes let you see neighborhood crime statistics so you can choose your housing wisely, and a mapping app can show you all the available routes to your workplace. Many apps do account for traffic, so plot your route at the times of day you’ll likely be commuting for an accurate idea of commute times.

Because most travel nurses secure their housing before arrival, make sure you see current pictures of any property you’re considering. Reading reviews from current and former tenants before signing a lease is another great way to discover any housing complex highlights and lowlights.

4. Your personal housing needs

Consider your personal housing needs when searching for a place to stay. Most travel nurses require furnished housing, but you may have other needs that are unique to your situation. If you’re traveling with pets, for example, you’ll need a pet-friendly rental. If you’re traveling with school-aged children, the local school district can be a big consideration.

Personal preferences may also factor into your decision. Some RNs want a ground-floor unit for convenience, and others prefer the security and privacy of an upper-level apartment, especially if they’ll be living alone.

5. Alternatives to apartment rentals

When searching for housing, remember that there are alternatives to apartments. Some great prospects for temporary housing include:

Friends and relatives. By rooming with loved ones, you can enjoy an extended visit while saving money.
Extended-stay hotels. Some hotels offer extended stays for reasonable prices, and you can benefit from housekeeping services.
Vacation rentals. If your assignment takes you to a prime vacation destination such as the seashore, take advantage of vacation rentals, especially in the off-season when prices drop. You may find inexpensive housing with a relaxing vacation vibe.
Airbnb. Airbnb lets you find short-term housing that offers local flavor and hospitality.
RVs. In regions that have camping facilities, renting an RV can be a unique approach to short-term housing.

Talk to your recruiter.

If you’re feeling unsure about travel nurse housing, don’t hesitate to reach out to your agency. Staffing specialists often have experience with and knowledge about short-term housing options available near your assignment. They can also talk to you about the benefits and convenience of opting for company-arranged housing.

By Medical Staffing Options

March 26, 2021

5393 Views

5 Top Destinations For Travel Nurses During Spring

Posted on March 26, 2021May 19, 2021 by Medical Staffing Options

This article was provided by Medical Staffing Options.

With warmer weather, sunshine, blooming flowers, and fresh-cut grass just around the corner, it’s time to start searching for that ideal spring Medical Staffing Options assignment. A favorite season for many, it’s all about renewal, and these top destinations are sure to fit the bill if you’re looking to get re-energized in an exciting new setting.

5 top destinations for travel nurses during spring

Washington State

Springtime in Washington State is ideal for enjoying everything from outdoor adventures to cultural attractions. Discover unparalleled natural beauty in Olympic National Park, spectacular hikes in the Cascade Mountains, opportunities to paddle countless glistening waterways, and famous spots like Seattle’s Pike Place Market. The season also hosts some great events like the month-long Skagit Valley Tulip Festival and Ale Fest in the Bavarian town of Leavenworth and kicking off whale watching excursions. All that, and Washington is known for offering some of the higher salaries along with high levels of satisfaction on the job. Medical Staffing Option’s Job Search can help you find that next perfect step in your career.

Texas

Spring in Texas sees some of the most pleasant weather of the year, along with colorful wildflowers, scenic trails, and tranquil pools for swimming in Hill Country. It’s also a season that attracts music lovers from across the nation and beyond with a wealth of events like Hot Luck in Austin, a combination culinary/music feast over Memorial Day weekend, El Paso’s Neon Desert Music Festival, and the Texas Crawfish & Music Festival in Houston. Search #GowithMSO to find an assignment among the state’s renowned healthcare institutions, taking advantage of the opportunity for professional and personal growth.

Wisconsin

Jobs for travel nurses in Wisconsin tend to boast some of the highest pay rates versus the cost of living while bringing outdoor enthusiasts many opportunities to bike, hike, kayak, and more. The capital city of Madison often lands on lists as one of the best places to live in the country, with a reputation for fantastic food and a thriving music/arts scene. Door County, the “Cape Cod of the Midwest,” is home to charming towns along Lake Michigan, over 300 miles of shoreline, beaches, and lighthouses. With so many things to do in the spring, it is a great assignment destination.

Virginia

Virginia offers something for everyone, from a growing wine scene and beautiful beaches to rich history with sites like Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg, and Mount Vernon to explore. Making it the perfect spring assignment destination. Of course, it’s next door to Washington, D.C., renowned for its spectacular cherry blossoms in the spring, with a festival to celebrate the blooms. The Old Dominion State is also home to many outstanding hospitals – a Medical Staffing Options search is likely to turn up plenty of higher-paying assignments with perks like bonuses often included too.

Colorado

Spring in Colorado typically brings a mix of sunshine and occasional days with snow, which melts quickly but still provides opportunities for late-season skiing in the state’s renowned resorts. No matter what the weather, by searching #GowithMSO for assignments in the Denver metro area, you’ll typically find the pay higher while being just a short drive from the Rocky Mountains. Enjoy everything from whizzing down the slopes to waterfall hikes and abundant wildlife watching, including moose, elk, and bighorn sheep. Plus, there are endless opportunities for world-class dining and shopping along with a wealth of attractions in the city, from the Denver Aquarium to Colorado Rockies’ games, with the season kicking off in April.

We hope you found this list of top destinations for travel nurses this spring. Have you found a great spring destination you would like to share? Comment them below.

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 CareerStaff Unlimited

March 25, 2021

5684 Views

Dreaming of a Spring Refresh? What to Consider When Changing Your Specialty

Posted on March 25, 2021May 19, 2021 by CareerStaff Unlimited

This article was provided by CareerStaff Unlimited.

Spring is a time of change and renewal. In any year, the warmer weather is a welcome change from the dark winter months that came before. And this year, spring is especially anticipated as we emerge from a tough winter.

Like many other nurses, you may wish to embrace this spirit of change by shifting your career to a new specialty or setting. After all, what better way to renew your love of nursing than by taking on a new challenge — one that’s better suited to your skills and preferences?

The fact is, nurses, make career adjustments all the time as they pursue new and better opportunities and attempt to improve their prospects. It could be a matter of moving from the intensity of a hospital ICU to delivering general patient care in a skilled nursing facility. Or, it could involve shifting to a different facility type — like from a clinic to an LTAC facility.

For travel nurses, there’s even more value in working in new settings. The pandemic has caused a huge rise in the use and recognition of full-time travel nurses. On the other hand, this higher profile is likely to inspire many new nurses to start traveling. As the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) continues to expand, the number of nurses traveling to other states for assignments will only continue to grow.

While that’s mostly good news, it could also mean more competition for existing travel nurses. And that’s all the more reason to consider expanding your specialty or facility experience. Before you consider making that kind of change, below are a few questions you should ask yourself.

4 questions to ask yourself before changing your nursing specialty

1. What’s your motivation?

First, it’s important to nail down what you’re looking for in a career change. Are you seeking a new experience or a chance to work with patients at different stages of the care continuum? Are you feeling burned out in your current role, dissatisfied with your environment, or have you reached a level you can’t advance beyond? Maybe you want to move from a big city to a small town?

There are a number of possibilities here. But if you feel like what you’re really looking for is an escape from your existing situation, then you may want to consider a short-term travel assignment (most are about 13 weeks). That way, you’ll have a chance to sample a new career path before committing to a huge life change that you may not necessarily be ready for.

2. How does the change line up with your personal situation?

If you do have your heart set on an entirely new type of specialty, there are some serious personal factors to consider. For example, how will the salary of the new specialty affect your personal finances — both today and in terms of future goals like retirement or homeownership?

Will you need new certifications for your new job? Will you need to go back to school? In most instances, this probably won’t be necessary. However, if you’re looking to shift to an advanced practice position like a nurse practitioner or certified nurse anesthetist, then you’ll want to factor in the time and cost of heading back to school.

3. Are you up for the challenge?

Some of the nursing specialties that have become in demand due to the pandemic (especially post-acute care) are, by their very nature, intense and stressful. In addition to the physical endurance required, do you have the personality type to manage that type of lifestyle? Will you need to take a step backward in your career path to get the basic entry-level experience you need to land a job — and if so, are you prepared to do that?

Do your research — ask other nurses you work with, or do some networking on social media. (Or browse the huge, highly informative archive at the Gypsy Nurse Blog.) Other nurses will be happy to tell you what it takes to succeed in a given specialty. At that point, it’s up to you to be honest with yourself as to whether you’re really ready for that kind of change.

4. Do you know how to find a job in your new specialty?

The chances are that if you have your sights set on a new specialty, you have a pretty good idea of where you’d like that job to be. If not, it’s easy to check — nursing job companies offer regularly updated job listings that can show you what’s available at any given time and in any given location.

If you’re seeking to refresh your nursing career, CareerStaff Unlimited has various opportunities across the United States. Visit CareerStaff.com to learn more or to see what nursing jobs we have available right now.

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 Triage Healthcare Staffing

March 24, 2021

5414 Views

A Travel Nurse’s Story of Weathering a Wildfire

Posted on March 24, 2021May 19, 2021 by Triage Healthcare Staffing

This article was provided by Triage Staffing.

As if traveling as a medical professional for the first time isn’t a whirlwind in itself, let’s throw in a pandemic, and hey, why not top it off with a wildfire? That’s what 26-year-old Med Surg RN Stan John faced during his inaugural assignment as a travel nurse.

Getting His Start as a Travel Nurse:

First, let us give you some of Stan’s background. As the middle child of three boys, Stan grew up in Mumbai, India. He was 19 and in his first year of college when his family’s visa papers were processed, and they moved to the US, settling in Chicago almost seven years ago.

“We came to the US, and I had to start over from scratch,” he said, referring not only to rebuilding their lives here in the states but also to his progress in college. So, he enrolled in nursing classes at a local college.

Graduating in the spring of 2019 with a degree in his back pocket, Stan began working as a Med Surg RN at a Level 1 trauma and teaching facility in Park Ridge, Illinois. He met his then-girlfriend, Lynn, who was a CNA. And as they say, the rest is history. Stan and Lynn were hitched in March of 2020 in an online ceremony. You know, “COVID-style.”

Shortly after, he started the search for a travel assignment. Now, a year of experience is not much in the world of nursing. But Stan had charge nurse experience, and COVID-19 opened some doors for newer nurses who were desperately needed in hotspot cities all over the country. Plus, he was confidently up for the challenge of travel nursing in the middle of a pandemic. This is good because little did he know Stan would test his confidence.

Soon, Stan found himself chatting with more than 20 recruiters, creating profiles with dozens of different agencies, which, unfortunately, left him feeling like ‘just another number.’

“Most of the recruiters were just so proud, and they were like, ‘well, you don’t have experience,’” he said. “They were seeing me as a burden saying, ‘Oh, we can’t do anything for you.’”

Enter Mr. Coby Wallingford, Stan’s recruiter at Triage. Coby told Stan he would try his best, making him feel like an actual priority—a welcomed change of pace.

“Coby, his attitude was so humble; he focused on me and, you know, he saw me as a priority,” Stan said. “I was like, ‘man, this guy’s good,’ and that’s how I knew Triage was for me.” Coby helped him find an assignment in Oregon starting in August 2020.

This is Where it Gets Crazy:

As a US resident of only six years at the time, Stan wasn’t quite sure where Oregon was but heard it was beautiful. Once he found it on the map (wink), he and his wife, Lynn, headed West and began their travel nurse adventure together.

Fast forward a few weeks into his first assignment as a travel nurse. Lynn wakes him up—it’s 2:30 in the afternoon. The firefighters were knocking on their door, telling them they had to evacuate immediately because of wildfires ravaging the surrounding land and inching closer.

Throwing everything they owned in their car, they headed toward the hospital in Medford, where Stan worked. Generally, this is a call-out-of-work kind of event, but not in the life of a nurse. This is their “Clark Kent enters a telephone booth and emerges Superman” moment. Whenever disaster strikes, medical professionals are on the frontline—always.

“I called the hospital and said, ‘hey, I’m coming into work, but my wife is with me, and I need a place for her,’” he explained. They told him, no problem, get to the hospital safely.

Upon arrival, Stan was told to stay on standby because he was needed at a community hospital in Ashland, where the wildfires were known to have started. They were waiting for a police escort to open barricades and somewhere for Stan’s wife, Lynn, to go.

As luck would have it, Lynn’s former middle school teacher had moved to Southern Oregon from Chicago a few years prior. The teacher, now an angel in disguise, offered them a place to stay.

Knowing his wife was safe, Stan and another Triage travel nurse, Kathy, made the unforgettable trip to lend a hand to the small town victims. As police escorts were racing ahead of them to open barricades, Stan looked around at the highway ablaze. It was like a scene from a movie.

A Travel Nurse's Story of Weathering a Wildfire

At that point, shh…. stuff got real, REAL quick.

Disclaimer: this is not a typical situation, obviously. It’s one we’re in awe of, which is why we took the time to talk with Stan about his and Kathy’s wild, crazy ride through the Oregon wildfires of 2020.

Stan describes what he saw:

Literally, there was a fire on both sides of the road we were driving through. I thought, ‘I can’t believe it; this is serious.’ All I can see is smoke and red blazing everywhere. Signs on the highways were burning; trees were burning, cars are exploding on the sides of the road—a bunch of cars. We were driving through it, and we were really close…I was scared.

Stan also knew that Ashland, being such a rural town, didn’t have multiple fire departments like where he lived in Chicago. It also had a heck of a lot more trees than Chicago.

“Everything was blazing in front of my eyes, the trees are burning, and I’m thinking, ‘I don’t even know where we could run to, the fire was too far,” he said.

Walking into the hospital, shoving aside his fear, Stan went into nurse-mode—consoling his patients who were terrified and distraught after losing everything they had.

With cell towers on fire, internet was spotty at best. Phones were down; people couldn’t communicate to their family they were safe (including Lynn, trying to reach Stan without luck). The hospital’s Epic system was down, so they had to chart the old-school way—paper and pen. When you’re dealing with heavy medication and a highly stressful situation where the possibility for mistakes is already greater…that’s an issue. But he and the staff kept their cool, knowing they had to be there for their patients to deliver the best care possible.

“You know, like 90% of the city of Ashland was destroyed,” he said. “So, I told them, ‘hey, you’re not alone over here. Other employees’ houses and businesses have burned down from the wildfire, so you are not alone. There will be a solution once everything finishes.”

Even though a literal dark cloud of the wildfire hung over them, every person there rallied around each other as members of the same community, facing the same horrific event.

“We all worked together in that hospital,” Stan said. And that’s exactly how they all made it to the other side of this ordeal safe.

No Regrets, Only Gratitude:

When asked if he wishes he had a crystal ball and could see a glimpse into the future before taking this assignment, he answered:

No, I’m glad I experienced this. It was scary, but I’m glad I went through this because I know how to react in these situations now. If a patient is hysterical, I know how to react and stay calm and get them to focus on the bigger picture of life. I can keep others calm, so I need to use the resources I have to help others during the situation.

Stan felt he was up to the challenge of his first travel nurse assignment being in the middle of a pandemic, and boy, did he deliver. The recruiters who told him he couldn’t hang—well, how do you like him now?

To say we’re thankful that both Stan and Kathy were safe throughout the wildfire is an understatement, and we’re beyond grateful to them for taking on this unexpected literal firestorm of an assignment. Situations like this wildfire are exactly why travel nurses and medical pros are needed, though. Smaller, rural communities across the US need help from professionals like these two. It’s why we do what we do.

What did he learn from the entire experience other than he’s pretty much a badass, and his superpower keeps people calm in insanely intense situations?

“I learned that America is a great country and we have a lot of resources here,” he said. “The government did stand up and make sure their people are safe and I knew the hospital would be the safest space to be. I’m very thankful for life and glad to be alive.”

The major takeaway from Stan’s travel nurse story?

“Be grateful for every day. I tell my patients that now, too,” he said. You heard him—nurse’s orders.

And this is why we refer to our medical professionals as heroes—because they are.

Finished the travel nursing guide and are ready to look for an assignment?

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**Crystal Lovato, Manager of Recruitment, Freedom Healthcare Staffing**