By NuWest

December 23, 2023

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How to Build Cultural Competency in Travel Healthcare

NuWest provided this article.

Cultural competency, as defined by the CDC, is the capability of understanding and serving people across cross-cultural situations. Building a healthcare workforce that reflects the needs and beliefs of its patients is a cornerstone of patient-centric healthcare.

In our experience working with close-knit cultures in Guam, Saipan, and American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) tribes and organizations, the benefits of understanding the unique cultures, concerns, and languages of patients are truly remarkable.

cultural competency

For clinical travel staff, understanding various cultural norms is also a great way to get a leg up in competitive job opportunities. For example, in our work with Seattle-area tribes, patients and administrative staff are pleased that NuWest Group has an interview and onboarding process that “blinds” applicant profiles to avoid bias while helping identify applicants with experience working with American Indian and Alaskan Native (AI/AN) groups.

Honing our cultural competency clinical skill set doesn’t mean you need to commit extensive time to learning languages or delving into anthropologic studies. But, we’ve found there are certain resources that can be incredibly useful in this area.

cultural competency
NuWest RNs and RRTs on assignment in Guam, trying their famous Coconut Candy for the first time

CEUs with a Cultural Competency Focus

Many Travel Healthcare agencies will reimburse the cost of CEUs for active travelers, so be sure to ask your recruiters if this is part of their compensation plan. At NuWest, it is one of our many perks and benefits. But whether you foot the entire bill and can get reimbursed, several programs can help develop your cultural competency. Here are just a few:

  • Nurse.com CE: Their cultural competency section is one of the most robust we’ve seen, with specific course offerings by culture, religion, race, gender, and sexual orientation. 
  • CEU Academy: Here, you can take 1-hour educational, and cultural courses for $3.50/ course.
  • Think Culture Health: They offer free educational courses broken down by care focus areas.
  • EDX Learning: Check out the free course on unconscious bias created by Stanford’s online program.
  • EmblemHealth Training Guide: You’ll find a TLDR pdf with tips, communication strategies, and information on how to serve minority patient populations.
  • Quantum Units Education: They offer 6-course options covering a variety of treatments and interventions based on data from diverse communities.  

Expanding Your Language Skills

A great way to understand and communicate with various cultures as a traveling nurse is to learn multiple languages. If you are interested in expanding your language skills, there are a plethora of medical terminology language resources for healthcare professionals (including American Sign Language (ASL) learning). If you aren’t sure where to start, you can choose whatever language is most abundant in your region or city of work. In certain parishes of Louisiana, that might be French. Of course, Spanish is the second most common language in the U.S. To help you decide, below are the top 5 most common languages in the U.S. broken down by percentage of the population.

  • English – 245 million (78.5%)
  • Spanish – 41.3 million (13.2%)
  • Chinese (all varieties) – 3.40 million (1.1%)
  • Tagalog (including Filipino) – 1.72 million (0.5%)
  • Vietnamese – 1.52 million (0.5%)

Whatever language(s) you choose to learn, luckily, in today’s world, learning language has never been easier. Tools like Google Translate* and MediBabble* can help in a pinch but aren’t ideal long-term and may even be restricted* from use at your place of work. Some other top language learning options include:

Babbel: Learn everything you need via real-world conversations, from vocabulary words to culture, in as little as 10 minutes a day.

Duolingo: Free and paid plans of gamified learning through quick, bite-sized lessons. You can earn points and unlock new levels while gaining real-world communication skills, including options such as a Spanish medical lesson.

HelloTalk: Uses direct connections to peers to help users learn a language for free by chatting with native speakers around the world.

Rosetta Stone: Explore free and paid plans from $48 for 3 months or $200 for lifetime use on some language courses.

Disclosure: Some hospitals have policies against using apps like Google Translate and MediBabble to avoid any miscommunications in care due to their translations (they’re good, but not perfect!). Beware and ask before using. And never rely on a computer translation tool when communicating important medical information.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

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

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

By Miles Oliver

December 22, 2023

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Synchronizing Personal and Professional Journeys in Travel Nursing

The demand for skilled nursing professionals is high. Travel nursing has emerged as a dynamic and fulfilling career path. However, if you are a travel nurse, you understand the delicate balancing act you must play daily. From uprooting your home to finding adventure in new places to working long hours on an unfamiliar hospital floor, you can understandably stretch yourself too thin. Use the following tips to synchronize your personal and professional journeys in travel nursing and safeguard your future.

Tips for synchronizing personal and professional journeys in travel nursing:

journeys in travel nursing

The Intersection of Personal and Professional Life

Everyone says to leave your work problems at the door when you come home for the night. As a travel nurse, this isn’t always possible. Your personal and professional lives are intertwined — so much so that your safe haven has to move with you every time there is a need for a nurse in another location. It makes it a little bit more difficult to unwind and relax.

Luckily, you can mitigate the negative effects of this process. First, you must understand how your personal life can impact you professionally and vice versa. This can include issues with taxes from moving and personal distractions like stress impacting your performance on the job. The best way to cope is to take a proactive approach.

Try recognizing signs of stress in your body and find ways like yoga or meditation to minimize stress. Learn how to say no to jobs that won’t be fruitful for you in the long run. Find a support system to pick you up when you are down and allow you to vent when you need it most. This support system can be remote friends or family who give you someone to touch base with and feel more connected on the road.

Creating an Environment Conducive to Travel

Since “travel” is in your job title, you should create an environment conducive to your needs. For example, working on the road can leave you feeling like you don’t have a safe place to land. Instead of staying in unfamiliar hotels, try to stick with the same chain, rent cozy Airbnb’s, or even rent homes that you can make your own if you know you’ll be staying for a longer period.

Having a well-organized, clutter-free, relaxing space to come home to at the end of your long shifts is important. This way, you can maintain your professional focus and simultaneously take care of your mental wellness.

journeys in travel nursing

Prioritizing Interpersonal Relationships

As mentioned above, it’s important to have a support system as a travel nurse. Even if you are more introverted, it’s still crucial to proper functioning and mental health to have people to talk to and confide in. There are the people you work with on the floor every day, but they are bound to change with the nature of your role. You can form relationships with them, of course, but also have a support system back home or online.

Try looking for support groups in your area, travel nurse forums, or simply having nightly calls with your friends or family. Knowing that you’re not alone can help your morale tremendously and keep you focused on thriving in your dream career.

Managing Stress

It’s no secret that travel nursing can be stressful. Instead of accepting that as the harsh reality, you can take steps to minimize your anxieties and stressors every day. A little cortisol is important to help you get through difficult situations, but chronic stress can have adverse effects on your mental and physical health.

As a travel nurse, it’s easy to put yourself on the back burner to help patients. However, you will be able to perform your best if you manage your stress and focus on self-care. Try a variety of self-soothing strategies, such as taking sensory items to work or seeking professional therapy. A combination of techniques can help you be the best you can be for your patients. That way, you can show up every day and know you’re continuing on the travel nurse path that is meant for you in a lasting, sustainable way.

We hope you found this article on synchronizing personal and professional journeys in travel nursing helpful. How do you synchronize your personal and professional journeys in travel nursing? Comment below.

Interested in a travel nursing job? Our job board is a great place to search for assignments, and if housing is an issue, our housing page can help. It’s time to make a difference!

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

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

By Gifted Healthcare

December 21, 2023

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Deck the Halls with 15 Decorating Tips for Travel Nurses’ Temporary Housing During the Holidays

Gifted Healthcare provided this article.

The holiday season is a time for warmth, joy, and festive celebrations. However, for travel nurses on the move, finding a sense of home and holiday cheer in temporary accommodations can be a challenge.

Decorating your living space not only transforms it into a cozy retreat but also brings the spirit of the season to life. In this blog, we’ll explore creative and practical decorating tips for travel nurses looking to deck the halls in their temporary homes, turning them into festive sanctuaries.

temporary housing

1. Start with a Festive Foundation

Before diving into the decorations, consider the foundation of your space. Choose warm, inviting colors for items like bedding and furniture to give you a neutral base. Then, opt to add touches of deep red, green, and gold in throw pillows and trinkets to create a festive ambiance. You can elevate this with a holiday-themed duvet cover or cozy fleece blankets in seasonal patterns to set the tone for the entire room.

2. Personalized Ornaments as Décor

Bring a touch of home by incorporating personalized ornaments into your décor. Hang ornaments that represent your interests, hobbies, or memories from past travels. This not only adds a personal touch but also serves as a conversation starter for fellow healthcare professionals when hosting friends in your temporary housing.

3. Adorn the Walls with Removable Decals

Since travel nurses are often limited in how much they can modify their temporary spaces, removable wall decals are an excellent option. Choose holiday-themed decals that can be easily applied and removed without damaging the walls. From snowflakes to festive quotes, these decals add a cheerful touch to any room.

4. Create a Cozy Corner with String Lights

String lights are a versatile and budget-friendly way to add a warm and cozy glow to your living space. Drape them over curtains, headboards, or along shelves to bring your holiday cheer into your home. Opt for warm white or multicolored lights, whichever suits your personal style. The best part is that these lights will last you years, so pick your favorites!

5. Repurpose Everyday Items

Look around your temporary housing for items that can be repurposed for holiday decorating. For instance, use mason jars as candle holders and fill them with small ornaments or pinecones. For a yummier filler, add red and green M&M’s!

6. Miniature Christmas Tree

If space allows, consider bringing or purchasing a miniature Christmas tree. These can be tabletop-sized and easily decorated with small ornaments and lights. Not only does a mini tree serve as a focal point, but it also brings the enchantment of the season into your temporary home.

temporary housing

7. Create a DIY Wreath for the Front Door

Welcome yourself and your guests with a festive DIY wreath on your front door. Craft stores often offer plain wreaths that can be customized with ribbons, ornaments, garlands, or even miniature trinkets that bring you joy. This will instantly transform the entryway and greet you home after a long shift.

8. Seasonal Fragrances

Enhance the holiday atmosphere by incorporating seasonal scents into your décor. Scented candles, diffusers, or potpourri in fragrances like cinnamon, pine, or gingerbread can evoke the spirit of the holidays and create a warm and inviting ambiance. It might even remind you of home.

9. Incorporate Soft Textiles

Layer soft and comforting textiles to enhance the coziness of your space. Faux fur or knitted throws, festive pillows, and holiday-themed blankets not only add warmth but also contribute to the overall holiday aesthetic. This is especially crucial if you are traveling in a cold climate. There is nothing better than cozying up on the couch with a comfy blanket and a good book while the snow falls outside.

10. DIY Garlands

Craft your own garlands using materials like pinecones, twine, and dried citrus slices. This simple yet effective DIY project allows you to personalize your space with handmade decorations, adding a touch of your creativity to the holiday ambiance. You can hang them with temporary adhesive hooks or even lay them across a long table – maybe even a centerpiece at the kitchen table.

11. Festive Table Settings for Shared Meals

If you’re sharing accommodations with fellow travel nurses or friends, consider creating a festive dining experience. Invest in holiday-themed tablecloths, placemats, and dinnerware to make shared meals feel like special occasions.

12. Hang a Memory Garland

Create a memory garland using photographs, postcards, or small mementos from your travels. String them together with twine or ribbon and hang the garland in a prominent place. This not only adds a personal touch to your décor but also serves as a visual reminder of your journey as a travel nurse.

13. Bring Nature Indoors with Evergreen Branches

If you’re in a location where evergreen branches are accessible, bring a touch of nature indoors. Place small branches in vases or place them in your DIY wreath. The fresh scent and vibrant greenery instantly evoke the holiday season.

14. Set Up a Festive Reading Nook

Designate a cozy corner as a festive reading nook. Arrange a comfortable chair or floor cushions, add soft lighting, and decorate the space with holiday-themed books. It’s a perfect spot to unwind and embrace the joy of the season.

15. Coordinate with Roommates for a Unified Look

If you’re sharing your temporary housing, coordinate with your roommates to create a unified and harmonious look. Choose a color scheme or theme that everyone agrees on to ensure a cohesive and festive living space.

Happy Holidays from Gifted Healthcare

Transforming your temporary housing into a festive haven doesn’t require a complete overhaul. By incorporating these creative decorating tips, travel nurses can bring the holiday spirit into their homes away from home. Gifted Healthcare wishes all travel nurses the happiest of holidays!

Gifted Healthcare is here when you are looking for your next travel assignment. Our team of recruiters prioritizes your career and will connect you with premier healthcare facilities across the nation. Connect with a recruiter today to discover your next assignment.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

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

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

By Medical Edge Recruitment

December 20, 2023

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The Importance of Mental Health in Nursing and Practical Self-Care Tips

Medical Edge Recruitment provided this article.

By: Zachary Hall, Key Account Manager, Medical Edge Recruitment

As a travel nurse, committing to contracts lasting 8-13 weeks or longer often places you far from home. In this role, you may work long hours and care for a diverse range of patients. Despite being a dedicated professional, it’s essential to recognize your human side. The medical field can be both physically and mentally demanding, emphasizing the need to prioritize mental health both during and between assignments.

Mental Health and Self Care

Why is Mental Health Crucial, Particularly in Nursing?

Mental health refers to a person’s psychological and emotional well-being. Indicators of good mental health include the ability to experience joy for others, a desire for social interactions, maintaining healthy relationship boundaries, balanced routines, and an overall sense of energy and happiness. Conversely, signs of poor mental health encompass excessive worrying, mood swings, persistent fatigue, changes in appetite, decreased functioning, and more. Mental health challenges can permeate personal and professional life, affecting productivity, increasing absenteeism, and impacting overall performance. In the medical industry, maintaining good mental health is not just a personal choice; it can be a matter of life and death. Therefore, prioritizing mental health is imperative for nurses.

How to Prioritize Mental Health? The Solution is Self-Care.

Burnout resulting from overworking can significantly contribute to poor mental health, preventing the body from recovering adequately. It’s easy to become caught up in consecutive shifts during an assignment, neglecting essential downtime. A proactive approach to avoid overworking involves pre-planning time off and strategically incorporating days of requested time off (RTO) to catch up on much-needed rest and relaxation.

mental health and self-care

During RTO days, it’s crucial to avoid tasks that induce stress or overexertion, as these defeat the purpose of taking time for yourself. These days can serve as opportunities to engage in self-care activities, defined as behaviors focusing on mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Self-care encompasses a broad spectrum, including exercise, napping, spa treatments, walks, cooking, dining out, pursuing joyful hobbies, and more. While self-care isn’t limited to these activities, they can serve as starting points for those seeking inspiration.

Mental Health and Self-Care for Nurses

Reiterating the importance of mental health for nurses is crucial due to the demanding nature of the profession. As a hard-working professional, recognizing your humanity is vital, making your mental health as important as anyone else’s. Boosting your mental health involves engaging in acts of self-care to relax and reset. Since self-care is individualized, finding activities that resonate with you is key. Investing time in self-care pays dividends in the long run, contributing to your overall well-being and resilience in the challenging field of nursing.

Working with an agency that prioritizes self-care is important. Searching for an agency that will support you?

Medical Edge Recruitment is a premier travel nursing recruitment agency specializing in providing top talent to clients in the healthcare industry. We connect clinical and allied providers to their ideal opportunities, focusing on building long-lasting relationships through honesty and transparency. In travel nursing, bigger does not always mean better. While we have an extensive network of job opportunities, our experienced team is dedicated to making a personalized provider experience a priority. There are a lot of moving parts in getting set up for a new assignment, but we take care of all the details along the way. Adventure awaits. Let Medical Edge Recruitment show you where to go next!

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

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

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

By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

December 18, 2023

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Travel Nurse Referral Bonuses 101

TNAA-Travel Nurse Across America provided this article.

Travel nursing offers an abundance of perks, such as getting to explore new places, building your professional network, and utilizing your nursing skills in a variety of facilities and communities. But there’s another perk many travel nurses may not be aware of: referral bonuses.

Many, but not all, travel nurse agencies offer referral bonuses to thank their nurses for recommending their services to others. Read on to learn more about referral bonuses and how nurses can benefit from referral programs.

Travel Nurse Referral Bonuses

Types of Travel Nurse Referral Bonuses

Travel nurse referral bonuses come in various amounts and vary from agency to agency. Understanding the different types of bonuses can help you choose the one that aligns with your preferences and goals.

Here are some common referral bonus structures:

Flat Rate:

These types of referral bonuses offer a flat rate across all specialties and are often limited to your first referral, which is a flat rate across all specialties. 

Tiered Structure: 

Tiered structure referral bonuses will offer varying amounts depending on the specialty you are submitting a referral for. For example, referring a PICU nurse may earn you a higher referral bonus than referring a MedSurg nurse. 

Capped Referrals:

Some bonus structures set a limit to the amount you can earn through referral bonuses or the amount of referrals you can submit to them.

Unlimited:

Travel Nurse Referral Bonuses

As opposed to capped referrals, some agencies do not limit you to a set number of referrals or cap the amount you can earn in referral bonuses.

Recurring Bonuses

Some travel agencies, like TNAA, offer recurring bonuses for referrals, meaning you will earn additional rewards when your referral continues to take assignments with your travel agency. Depending on the agency, these can be in addition to initial bonuses.  

Gift Cards and Other Incentives: 

In addition to other monetary bonuses, some agencies offer gift cards or other incentives for referring your travel nurse friends. Referral bonuses are often paid once your colleague has accepted their assignment or completed a certain amount of their assignment, but some agencies offer additional incentives to referring nurses that will be paid to the referrer even if an assignment does not work out for their referral.

Other Benefits to Referral Bonuses

Beyond the obvious financial gains, referral bonuses offer additional benefits. Referrals strengthen the sense of community among travel nurses, create networking opportunities, and contribute to a positive working environment. Plus, you’re actively playing a role in a fellow nurse’s decision to embark on a travel adventure, helping build the travel nurse industry.

And if you love your travel nurse agency, there really is no better way to say thank you than to refer your colleagues to travel with them.

Check with Your Recruiter About Your Agency’s Referral Bonus Program

Interested in earning referral bonuses? The first step is to have a conversation with your recruiter. They can provide insights into the specific referral programs offered by the agency and guide you on how to refer your colleagues or friends. It’s a win-win situation – you help your connections discover exciting opportunities, and you get rewarded for it!

Taking advantage of referral programs can enhance your journey, financially and otherwise, and create a ripple effect of positivity within the travel nursing community. So, don’t hesitate – contact your recruiter to talk about referral bonuses today!

The Gypsy Nurse job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

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

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

By Furnished Finder

December 17, 2023

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Discovering Joy in New Places: The Delights of Being a Travel Nurse

As a travel nurse, you have the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in new places and embark on exciting adventures. While the constant change might seem daunting at first, there are immense joys to be found in this rewarding career. Here are some of the delights you can experience as a travel nurse:

new places

1. Cultural Immersion and Diversity

One of the greatest joys of being a travel nurse is the chance to immerse yourself in different cultures and experience the diversity of the world. Each new place offers its own customs, traditions, and ways of life. Bask in the opportunity to learn from and appreciate the rich tapestry of cultures that you encounter on your travel nursing journey.

2. Exploration and Adventure

Every new assignment presents a fresh chance to explore and discover. From exploring breathtaking natural landscapes to uncovering hidden gems in the city, being a travel nurse allows you to satisfy your adventurous spirit. Whether it’s hiking in the mountains, visiting museums, or trying local cuisine, there’s no shortage of thrilling experiences awaiting you.

3. Professional Development

Travel nursing offers exceptional professional growth opportunities. Working in different healthcare settings exposes you to various specialties, techniques, and practices. You’ll have the chance to expand your skill set, learn from diverse healthcare professionals, and broaden your professional network. This continuous learning and growth can tremendously enrich your career as a nurse.

new places

4. Building Resilience and Adaptability

Being a travel nurse requires resilience and adaptability, and these qualities can bring immense joy. Facing new challenges and overcoming them builds your inner strength and boosts your confidence. As you navigate unfamiliar environments and healthcare systems, you’ll become more adaptable and resourceful, developing skills that serve you both personally and professionally.

5. Personal Growth and Self-Discovery

Stepping into the unknown and embracing new experiences fosters personal growth and self-discovery. Being a travel nurse pushes you out of your comfort zone and encourages you to try new things, face your fears, and learn more about yourself. The joy of self-discovery and personal transformation can be immensely fulfilling and rewarding.

Being a travel nurse is an exhilarating journey filled with unique joys and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Embrace the adventure, forge connections, explore new horizons, and make a difference. Let the delights of being in a new place as a travel nurse enrich your life and bring you immeasurable joy. Happy travels!

Interested in a travel nursing job? Our job board is a great place to search for assignments, and if housing is an issueour housing page can help. It’s time to make a difference!

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

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

By Amare Medical Network

December 15, 2023

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Festive Cheer from Afar: Embracing the Holiday Spirit as a Traveling Healthcare Professional

Amare Medical Network provided this article.

The holiday season is a time of joy, family, and tradition. However, for traveling healthcare professionals, this special time of year can also bring a pang of homesickness. The hustle and bustle of the hospital, coupled with the distance from loved ones, can make it challenging to fully embrace the festive spirit. But fear not; there are plenty of ways to spread holiday cheer even when you’re away from home.

traveling healthcare professionals

1. Embrace the Local Holiday Flair

Every city and town has its unique holiday traditions and festivities. Take advantage of your temporary location by immersing yourself in the local culture. Visit festive markets, attend community events, and try traditional holiday treats. You might be surprised at the hidden gems you’ll uncover!

2. Create Your Own Holiday Oasis

Even if you’re living in temporary accommodations, you can still create a festive atmosphere. Decorate your space with lights, ornaments, and other holiday cheer. Bake your favorite holiday treats or boil a festive stovetop potpourri to fill your home with the aroma of the season.

3. Connect with Colleagues and Friends

Your fellow travelers are like your extended family away from home. Plan a potluck dinner, host a holiday movie night, or organize a festive outing. Sharing the holidays with your colleagues can create lasting memories, make you feel less alone, and who knows, it might even create new traditions!

4. Stay Connected with Family

Technology makes it easier than ever to stay connected with loved ones, no matter where you are. Schedule regular video calls, exchange holiday cards and gifts, and share stories about your experiences. These connections will help you feel like you’re part of the festivities back home.

5. Embrace New Traditions

While it’s important to honor your family traditions, don’t be afraid to start new ones as well. Explore new holiday cuisines, participate in local cultural events, or create your own unique traditions with your colleagues, friends, and loved ones.

traveling healthcare professionals

6. Volunteer and Spread Joy

The holiday season is a time for giving back by donating your time or resources. Make a difference by volunteering your time at a local shelter, hospital, or community center or by donating toys, clothing, or food to a cause you believe in. Helping others is a rewarding experience that will fill you with the spirit of the season.

7. Take Care of Yourself

The holiday season can be stressful, even when you’re surrounded by loved ones. Make sure to take care of your physical and mental health. Get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and engage in activities that bring you joy.

Remember, the holidays are about more than just being in the same place with loved ones. It’s about the spirit of giving, sharing, and creating memories. Embrace the opportunities that come your way as a traveling healthcare professional, and you’ll find that the holiday spirit can shine brightly even when you’re far from home.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

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

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

By Medely

December 14, 2023

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5 Ways to Beat Homesickness During the Holidays

Medely provided this article.

Travel nurses often work during the holiday season, either because it’s built into their contract to work a major holiday or because they raised their hand to take advantage of great pay rates and an interesting adventure in a new city. Either way, it can be hard to be away from home while everyone else is in the holiday spirit. With Thanksgiving coming up and everything that December brings, we wanted to share 5 ways that travel nurses can keep that homesick feeling at bay while they’re on a travel assignment: 

being homesick

1. Get yourself settled

First and foremost, make sure you feel at home in your home in your current location. Get that cozy blanket you’ve been eyeing on Etsy. Have some happy and healthy snacks, beverages, and meal options in the fridge for when you get home from your shifts. Is there anything you like to have over the holidays? (Apple cider? Break-and-bake cookies? Instant stuffing?) Grab that from the store as well

When your mind starts to wander thinking about home and being homesick, it’ll be a great idea to have a nice, cozy space where you can relax and enjoy your time there while you’re there.

2. Get in a routine

Chances are, as a travel nurse, you’ve been so busy working and exploring that you haven’t gotten into a solid routine yet. Routines can help when you’re struggling with things that are out of your control – like being away from friends and family over the holidays.  “An effective routine can help reduce stress, which can lead to better mental health, more time to relax, and less anxiety,” according to Northwestern Medicine.

Try to make sure you can at least have your morning (or midnight) coffee at the same time every day, incorporate a self-care regimen, get outside if you can and take a walk at the same time every day, and use apps like Calm or Headspace to take your mind off things, even for a little while. 

3. Get in the spirit

So, you know you’ll be working shifts over the holidays, so why not get in the spirit and make the most of the situation? 

being homesick

You can make or buy some holiday decor for your space (or for work), get some recipes together to create some holiday feeling or make a plan to watch holiday shows and movies to feel nostalgic and happy about the season. (You can even sync up and do a watch party on some streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and Hulu and watch movies with people you love at the same time!)

4. Get out there and make some new memories

Being on a travel assignment during the holidays is the perfect time to experience the holidays in a new way. Don’t get homesick – get out there! Find some local events or shows, or find a local holiday market or farmer’s market. Travel nurses are skilled at building community wherever they are – use social media to find other travelers in your area. You can also bond with your coworkers at your current facility and see what they’re up to over the holidays. You might find a friend that you can spend time with and have some holiday-themed adventures. 

Plus, the holidays are a good time to bond with your patients and make them feel seen and loved. Some of your patients will be in the same boat as you, missing friends and family and looking for a little holiday cheer. You might be just what they need to get through these tough days. 

5. Get a plan together to see friends and family soon

Now that you have a plan to get through the holiday season and beat homesickness while on a travel assignment, you can also start planning ahead. Book your next assignment strategically so you can see the ones you love and miss most during the holiday season. As you may know, most new travel contracts start in January, so it’s time to start planning to see friends and family and start the New Year off on a happy foot. 

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.

We hope you found this article on being homesick and ways to beat it helpful. Do you have any ways to beat homesickness to share? Comment them below.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nursing assignment. If housing is an issue, we have you covered with our housing page. You can search for what you are looking for.

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

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

By Advantage Medical Professionals

December 12, 2023

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Snow-Capped Opportunities: A Travel Nurse Guide to Living & Working in a Winter Wonderland

Advantage Medical Professionals provided this article.

As winter blankets the world in a serene layer of snow, travel nurses have the unique opportunity to embark on a journey to some of the most enchanting destinations. The chilly season opens doors to experiences both magical and invigorating, inviting healthcare professionals to embrace the winter wonderlands while fulfilling their crucial roles. In this blog, we will explore the best winter travel nursing destinations where healthcare meets adventure.

a travel nurse

From ski resorts nestled in the mountains to charming towns adorned with festive lights, these destinations not only offer career opportunities but also promise unforgettable memories. So, bundle up and join us on a journey through the top winter havens for travel nurses seeking both professional growth and the joy of winter exploration.

Tennessee

With the Volunteer State being ranked 10th in the nation for affordable cost of living*, travel nurses working and living in Tennessee can actually afford to visit famous locales like Music City (Nashville) or cozy up in one of the rustic cabins in Gatlinburg for a long weekend. Now that’s music to our ears!

Attractions: The Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Gatlinburg

a travel nurse

Washington

Washington State’s freshly minted status as a compact state has more travel nurses looking into travel assignments in and around the Evergreen State. Seattle and the surrounding areas are already credited with having competitive pay rates, safe ratios, and an established travel nursing community.

Attractions: Pike Place Market, Bainbridge Island, Bavarian village of Leavenworth

Texas

Embrace the rich history and moderate winter climate of the Lone Star State. With a thriving healthcare sector and cultural attractions, Texas is a great destination for a winter travel nursing assignment.

Attractions: San Antonio Riverwalk, Magnolia Market in Waco

North Carolina

Whether you drive up the famous Blue Ridge Parkway for Asheville’s vibrant art scene or a brisk mountain hike in the Appalachian Mountains, The Tar Heel State has a little something for everyone – in fact, “The Variety Vacationland” is one of North Carolina’s other state nicknames of record.

Attractions: Grandfather Mountain, The Great Smoky Mountains

North Dakota

a travel nurse

If the thought of bustling city streets or another crowded commute to work makes your blood pressure spike, just take a deep breath….and head up to the tranquil prairies of North Dakota. Thanks to the rural landscape and simple way of life North Dakota natives have come to cherish, rush hour traffic, and overpriced city living are two things you’ll see very little of in The Peace Garden State.

Attractions: Downtown Fargo, Bonanzaville in West Fargo, The Rendezvous Region

Louisiana

For those who prefer to flock down to a warmer climate during the colder months, you can leave your parka behind. Even if you don’t come down for the weather, come for the rich music and food culture throughout the entire state.

Attractions: Christmas in the Oaks in New Orleans, The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

Arizona

For a warmer winter, head west to Arizona. The Grand Canyon State isn’t just home to one of the most famous natural wonders in the world. It’s also home to several up-and-coming travel nursing hotspots like Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Flagstaff.

Attractions: The Grand Canyon, Lake Havasu City

Montana

Montana

With access to outdoor adventures like skiing, snowboarding, and winter hiking, coupled with a thriving healthcare sector, the Treasure State is an appealing destination for travel nurses.

Attractions: Big Sky Country in Bozeman, Yellowstone National Park, Flathead Lake in Polson

>> Start planning your next travel nursing adventure with Advantage Medical Professionals TODAY!

[Sources]

Housing affordability & cost of living rankings: https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/rankings/opportunity/affordability

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

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

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