Living in a van as a travel nurse is an unconventional lifestyle choice that offers a unique blend of freedom, flexibility, and adventure. Picture this – hitting the road, exploring new places, and having the freedom to create your own cozy nest on wheels. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of van life as a travel nurse, and we’ll even share some insights from a seasoned Focus Staff traveler who’s living the van life dream. So, grab your favorite flip-flops, and let’s roll!
The Pros
Ultimate Freedom and Flexibility: Imagine never dealing with the headache of packing and moving all your stuff again. With van life, you’ve got the ultimate freedom to pick up and move wherever your heart desires. Say goodbye to long-term rentals and hello to endless possibilities. Your home-on-wheels becomes a ticket to adventure!
Cost Savings: Living in a van can save you big bucks. Instead of shelling out your hard-earned cash on pricey accommodations, you’ll have more money to spend on epic experiences, delicious food, or stashing away for future goals. Who doesn’t love a little extra cash in their pockets?
Custom Crib on Wheels: Personalization is the name of the game when it comes to van life. You get to design your own cozy sanctuary, complete with clever storage solutions and creative decor. Think of it as a tiny house with wheels – compact yet full of character. Make it uniquely you!
The Cons
Downsizing Dilemma: Let’s be real – living in a van means embracing a more minimalist lifestyle. You’ll have to downsize and bid farewell to unnecessary stuff. But hey, less clutter means less stress, right? It’s all about prioritizing what truly brings you joy and leaving the excess baggage behind.
Where’s the Bathroom?: Now, this is a valid concern. Vans don’t typically come equipped with built-in bathrooms and showers. But fear not! You’ve got options. Grab a gym membership for those refreshing showers, or rely on the kindness of your coworkers’ facilities. Remember, adaptability is key!
Insights From a Traveler Living the Van Life
We gained some knowledge from one of our very own travelers, Giuliano C, a van-dwelling travel Tele RN nurse, and here’s what he had to say about this nomadic lifestyle:
What is your favorite part about living the van life? “My absolute favorite part is the freedom to pick up and move wherever I please. No more packing and unpacking all my belongings! I can even take mini vacations during my days off and hit the road to wherever my heart desires.”
What would you recommend to others looking to do the same? “I would recommend this lifestyle to anybody, keeping in mind there’s a lot of downsizing that goes into it, but there are tons of options out there specific for whatever you’re looking for.”
What cons do you deal with? “The cons would have to be not having a toilet or shower (I could install them), so relying on a gym membership or coworkers.”
And finally, why did you choose Focus Staff as your home? “I chose Focus Staff for the great rates, a ton of job availability everywhere, and the coolest/best recruiter out there, Rhiannon Harpel.”
Living in a van as a travel nurse is like having a one-way ticket to freedom. It’s an opportunity to explore, grow, and experience the world in a unique way. Sure, there may be challenges like downsizing and figuring out bathroom arrangements, but with the right mindset, you’ll be ready to conquer it all. So, fellow road warriors, gear up, choose your van wisely, and embark on a thrilling journey that lets you live life on your own terms. Adventure awaits!
As the warm weather departs, the leaves gracefully cascade from the trees, painting a landscape in breathtaking hues of reds, gold, purples, and more. Check out these beautiful leaf-peeping destinations on your fall travel assignment.
Alaska
Embark on an unparalleled journey at Denali National Park in Alaska, where the landscape showcases vivid reds, golds, purples, and the backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Take a moment to savor the awe-inspiring views and perhaps even catch a glimpse of the elusive northern lights.
Colorado
Look no further for the finest fall foliage than Aspen, Colorado, a town named after a tree. This picturesque destination is celebrated for its golden foliage and offers a range of outdoor activities. Don’t miss Maroon Bells, located just 10 miles west of Aspen and often referred to as the “most photographed” spot in Colorado.
Georgia
Delve into the beauty of Vogel State Park, nestled beneath the Chattahoochee National Forest. Its vibrant and colorful leaves continue to shine well into November. Families will find it ideal, with easy access to the Trahlyta Falls scenic viewing point via the Bear Hair Gap Trail.
Idaho
Sun Valley isn’t solely for skiing; it’s also a remarkable spot for leaf-peepers during autumn. Adventure seekers will relish the extensive hiking trails, scenic vistas, and the forest’s stunning orange and yellow aspen trees.
Kentucky
Daniel Boone National Forest is a haven for lovers of natural wonders. Here, you’ll find breathtaking geological treasures, such as natural stone arches, crimson dogwoods, and scarlet sugar maples. Kentucky is genuinely a leaf-peeper’s paradise!
Massachusetts
The Berkshires rank among the top destinations for fall foliage enthusiasts. As the leaves start to change in late September, the peak season begins in mid-October. The breathtaking colors, ranging from golden yellows to vivid oranges and deep reds, promise unforgettable views. For the adventurous, hike the Stony Ledge trail to the highest peak in the Berkshires at 3,500 feet for the best viewing points.
New Hampshire
Embark on a journey through the New Hampshire countryside with a 34-mile ride along the Kancamagus Highway. Remember to fuel up before your adventure since no gas stations or stores are on the highway.
Oregon
Oregon is famous for its breathtaking landscapes year-round, but the fall season is particularly remarkable. Witness the vibrant display of colors as big-leaf maples, cottonwoods, ash, and twisted pines unite for a spectacular show. Drive along the Columbia River, explore hiking trails, or kayak/raft down the river while gazing at the majestic view of Mt. Hood, soaring over 11,000 feet in the background.
Tennessee
The Great Smoky Mountains offer another excellent leaf-peeping destination. Enjoy the best views of the transitional autumn leaves on trees that reach heights of up to 4,000 feet throughout the region by driving along the Clingmans Dome Road, the Blue Ridge Parkway, or the Foothills Parkway.
Wyoming
Grand Teton National Park boasts breathtaking views year-round, but the autumn months are particularly enchanting. Observe wildlife preparing for winter, take in the sight of snowcapped mountains, and admire the vivid reds and yellows adorning the cottonwoods, aspens, and willows.
We hope you found this article on fall travel assignments: the best leaf peeping destinations helpful! Did we miss any locations you think should make the list? Comment them below.
Are you about to head out on a travel nurse assignment away from home? Here’s a list of essentials you’ll want to be sure to take along.
1. A second form of ID
Consider bringing along your passport as a second form of ID. Hopefully, your main form of ID never gets lost, but this will cover you if necessary.
2. Documents
Items like a copy of your contract, digitally accessible copies of your immunization records, your nursing license, and your certifications are things you’ll want easily accessible. Many traveling nurses keep these in a secure digital place like Dropbox or Google Drive that they can access as needed from their own computer, tablet, or phone.
3. Kitchen essentials
Ever get to a new place and miss that perfect knife? Your garlic press? Small travel blender? Bring along those items that make your life easier or that you enjoy using in the kitchen.
Travel nurse Haleigh Todosichuk shares on her blog, “If you eat a lot of rice, consider a small rice cooker. Maybe you can’t live without your crockpot or your instant pot. Do you like meal prepping all of your meals before your set of shifts? Bring some Tupperware with you … chances are the housing doesn’t have enough. Another thing I always bring is a baggie of Bounce sheets and Tide Pods that are easy to travel with, just in case your housing doesn’t provide laundry detergent for you.”
4. Comforts of home
Bring along whatever makes you feel comfortable. That might include a favorite mug, heating pad, or handheld massager for after your shifts. Maybe it’s a weighted blanket. And don’t forget to bring your prescription medicines.
What else is personal to you? “A weird thing I always bring is a mini extension cord and a mini fan,” says Todosichuk. “I can’t sleep without a fan blowing on me, and there are never enough outlets to plug everything in. Some people pack black-out curtains with them so that their room is really dark. Sometimes I bring my GoPro camera depending on what I’ll be doing while I’m there. Bring from home whatever will make your travel assignment easier! This is your home away from home, so do what you need to do to make your experience that much better.”
Another thing to bring? Mementos of home that make you feel better. “Bring some pictures, cards, letters, or trinkets from home that bring a smile to your face. Tired of scrolling social media? Get a digital picture frame for your memories. Make sure to leave room for the new ones!” says travel nurse Bob Goldnetz.
5. Clothing and workout gear
You’ll want clothing that matches the weather. Look ahead. Do some research. Know the typical weather patterns for where you’re going — and what the extremes can bring. Bring workout clothes and shoes too, and equipment like jump ropes, running shoes, and a backpack or Camelbak.
6. Car essentials
If you’re driving, you’ll want to have a winter kit in the vehicle — shovel, food, water, blanket. And always carry a first-aid kit, a good spare tire (not the donut!), and jumper cables.
Also, consider signing up for roadside assistance. “My last cross-country trek was during the polar vortex of arctic temperatures across the Midwest. Nearing midnight — in single-digit temperatures — I locked my keys in the car in the middle of Kansas while filling up with gas,” says Goldnetz. “Thank God for roadside assistance! Embarrassingly, I lock my keys in the car a couple of times a year, and at $100 bucks a pop for a locksmith, I’d rather pay the additional several dollars a month.”
7. Packing supplies
As a travel nurse, you’ll need packing supplies to make things easier. Ideas? Vacuum-sealed bags to help make things fit better into a suitcase or tote. Look for totes for when you can drive so you can ship a tote or two ahead of time when you’re flying. These will all make it easier and simpler to organize your belongings and go.
8. Yoga mat, travel blanket, and travel pillow
Why these? Because you never know when you might get stuck in the airport or simply need to get more comfortable in your new place.
“A mat can serve many purposes,” says Goldnetz. “I have slept on mine in the airport, used it to sit on at the park or the beach, or used it as a surface to put dirty stuff on in the car. A small (or inflatable) pillow and blanket are always a nice touch as well, especially when your accommodations aren’t what you expected on arrival.”
Now, just enjoy your travel assignment!
Once you’ve checked these must-brings off your list, you’ll be able to enjoy your time on a travel assignment, truly feeling like you’re in your home away from home.
October is a great time of year to be a travel nurse. You’ll see beautiful autumn foliage and can experience fun harvest activities like visiting a pumpkin patch or pressing cider with freshly picked apples. Since October also means Halloween happenings, a particularly entertaining way to get into the spooky spirit is exploring the many haunted cities in America.
Check out five of the best haunted places in the U.S. to visit on your travel nurse assignments.
Salem, Massachusetts, is best known for its connection to witchcraft and the supernatural. It gained infamy in the late 17th century during the Salem Witch Trials, a dark period in American history marked by hysteria and witch hunts. Today, Salem embraces its eerie past. It is dotted with sites like the Witch House and the Old Burying Point Cemetery, known for their associations with ghostly encounters and restless spirits.
Savannah, Georgia, is famous for its southern charm, picturesque squares, and oak-lined streets. But it is equally renowned for its supernatural stories. The Bonaventure Cemetery, made famous by “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” is considered one of the most haunted cemeteries in the country. Visitors can take ghost tours through the historic district to learn about the city’s spectral folklore.
San Francisco may have stunning vistas and iconic landmarks, but it is also steeped in paranormal history. Alcatraz Island, home to the former high-security prison, is believed to be inhabited by the restless spirits of former inmates. The Queen Anne Hotel and the Presidio are also famous for their spectral stories, adding to the city’s reputation for blending history with the supernatural.
Often called the “Most Haunted City in America,” New Orleans’s long and tumultuous history has left a legacy of ghostly stories. The French Quarter, in particular, is known for haunted buildings. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, where the Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau is said to rest, is an eerie landmark that adds to the city’s spectral reputation.
The Windy City has its share of ghostly legends amid its iconic skyline. The Congress Plaza Hotel is known for its haunted reputation, with reports of eerie occurrences in various rooms. Additionally, Resurrection Cemetery is the alleged home of “Resurrection Mary,” a famous ghostly figure often spotted on the roadside, hitchhiking in a vintage dress.
These are only five of the most haunted cities in the U.S., but there are many more places to visit for spine-tingling fun. Whether you believe in the supernatural or just like getting into the Halloween spirit, you will find eerie happenings anywhere your travel nurse assignments take you. Happy hauntings!
Written by: Kristina Gantz, Human Resources Coordinator, Medical Edge Recruitment
In the fast-paced and demanding world of healthcare, the right footwear can make all the difference. Healthcare workers, from nurses to doctors, spend long hours on their feet, often in high-stress environments where every moment counts. Comfort, support, and durability are essential when it comes to their choice of shoes. Whether you’re navigating the bustling halls of a hospital or working in a quieter clinical setting, the right pair of shoes can help you step confidently through your shift and alleviate the aches and pains that often come with the territory. Let’s walk through the best options available to ensure you’re equipped for the healthcare frontline.
Best Overall
TOPO ULTRAFLY 4
The Topo Ultrafly shoe provides a roomy toe box to have your feet positioned anatomically inside the shoe to provide a comfortable all-day wear. These lightweight shoes are made of recycled materials while still offering functionality and support. The heel and medial post support and foam insoles create a stable ride, which is why these shoes were granted The APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association) Seal of Approval and Seal of Acceptance.
Pros:
Roomy toe box
Offer light ankle and heel support
Sustainably made
Cons:
Nothing to note
Price: $135
Best for Standing All Day
Hoka Bondi 8
Hoka isn’t new to the cushioned shoe game; they’re true to it, and the Hoka Bondi 8 is just the shoe to prove this. This ultra-cushioned shoe provides stability and support for the long shifts where you’re standing all day.
Must be replaced more often than other shoes on the market
On the pricey side of shoes
Price:$165
Best for Walking
Lululemon Chargefeel 2
The Chargefeel 2 is your go-to shoe for any and every activity you want to tackle. These mesh shoes are breathable and have a supportive midsole to give you that extra pep in your step.
These lightweight and insanely comfortable shoes are made with 44% recycled materials, making them a great lifestyle shoe if you have flat feet. The CloudTec technology is designed to deliver a soft and springy stride. The Cloud 5 shoes have a neutral support, which will suit most people with flat feet.
Pros:
Available in waterproof
Environmentally conscious
Cushioned with foam
Breathable
Cons:
Not preferable for running
Reviews say they tend to wear down quickly
Price: $110
Best for Narrow Feet
Brooks Ghost 15
The Brooks Ghost is a great, reliable shoe that has earned both the APMA Seal of Acceptance and the Runner’s World Award for 2023. These awards come to no surprise, as the Brooks Ghost has a soft midsole and DNA Loft v2 cushioning for a smooth, non-bouncy ride.
Pros:
Great stability
Soft cushioning
Environmentally conscious
Available in narrow, wide, extra wide, and medium
Cons:
Heavy
Neutral Support
Price: $140
Best Affordable
New Balance Women’s FuelCore Nergize V1
These New Balance shoes feature a lightweight cushion and a memory sole comfort insert that molds to your foot to bring added support, preventing your feet from feeling fatigued. The simple style and practical design make them a great go-to shoe for those on their feet all day who want to save a buck or two without compromising comfort.
Pros:
Slip-on
Lightweight cushion
Great stability
Cons:
Not very supportive
Must size up
Price: $48
Best Slip On
Clove Classic Nursing Shoe
Clove is a brand that was created for healthcare workers, and this does not go unnoticed when looking at the features and design of the Clove Classic. These shoe’s squeak-free soles were engineered to prevent slips and provide a secure footing. The Clove Classic is also made with a fluid-resistant material called Clarino, which molds to your foot for added personalized comfort.
Pros:
Fluid resistant
Fabric molds to feet
Slip-on
Secure footing to prevent slips and falls
Extra cushioning
Cons:
Narrow fit
Price: $139
Best Sneakers
FIGS New Balance 327 Unisex
FIGS collaborated with New Balance to create a stylish yet cushioned shoe for nurses who are on their feet all day. These lightweight shoes have a waterproof suede and rubber traction outsole to prevent slips and stains. If you aren’t wanting to compromise your style for comfort, this is a great option for you.
Pros:
Waterproof suede
High-traction rubber outsole
Trendy and stylish
Cons:
Not machine washable
Reviews say they are not as comfortable as other shoes
Narrow fit
Price: $128
Best Clogs
Dansko Professional Clogs
These Clogs are tried and true in the healthcare industry. Whether it is the roomy toe box that is reinforced for protection, the footbed that contours to your feet, or the great lateral stability, the Dansko Professional Clogs are guaranteed to bring you 24/7 comfort for those long shifts. For all of these reasons, this shoe has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance.
Pros:
Available in wide and medium fits
Roomy toe box
Anti-fatigue rocker bottom
Very durable
Cons:
Chunky
Noisy
Price: $130
Best Supportive
BALA Twelves
Bala shoes are another brand of shoes that were made for healthcare workers. The Bala Twelves are a fluid-resistant stylish shoe that is machine washable, making them easy to clean. These shoes are known for their supportive impact-absorbing platform and their dynamic arch support that conforms to your arch.
Pros:
Designed for female feet
Machine washable
Fluid resistant
Breathable cushioning
Dynamic arch support
Cons:
Not for male healthcare workers
Price: $150
Choosing the right footwear is not only a matter of comfort and style for healthcare professionals. It’s also a piece of clothing that directly impacts their well-being while providing patient care. Ultimately, the perfect shoes for each healthcare worker will differ based on individual needs and preferences. The key is to prioritize comfort and health so that the focus remains on providing high levels of care to each patient during every shift.
Choosing the right pair of shoes is equally as important as choosing the right staffing agency!
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!
Travel nursing is an exciting and dynamic field, offering professionals the opportunity to explore new locations, work in diverse settings, and meet a myriad of challenges head-on. However, navigating the world of travel nursing contracts and negotiations can be daunting. With events likeTravCon, travel nurses are equipped with the tools and insights they need to thrive.
TravCon: More Than Just a Conference
Las Vegas, the city of lights and entertainment, is set to host yet another spectacular event from September 17th to the 20th. TravCon, hailed as the event of the year for travel healthcare professionals, promises to be more than just a conference. But what exactly sets it apart?
A Sense of Community: At its core, TravCon is a celebration of camaraderie and shared experiences. It’s not merely a place to attend lectures but a vibrant community where travel nurses can engage directly with recruiters. This face-to-face interaction allows nurses to gain a genuine understanding of the companies they might work with, fostering trust and transparency. One attendee aptly remarked, “My favorite thing about TravCon is meeting all the recruiters personally so I can get a real feel for how these companies actually are.”
Learning and Growth: TravCon is a hub of knowledge, catering to both newcomers and industry veterans. For those just starting their journey in travel healthcare, the conference offers a “newbie boot camp,” a comprehensive guide to becoming a successful traveling healthcare worker. But it doesn’t stop there. Seasoned professionals also have a range of classes tailored to their needs. As one attendee highlighted, “We have a newbie boot camp that walks you through how to successfully become a traveling healthcare worker. Don’t worry, though; we have a lot of classes for veteran travelers, too.”
Networking Opportunities: TravCon is more than just recruiters and nurses. It’s a melting pot of diverse professionals, from credentialers to allied staff. This diversity offers attendees a unique opportunity to broaden their horizons, learn from different perspectives, and make long-term connections. As one participant joyfully shared, “Nurses, recruiters, there are credentialers here; there are a bunch of people here. Look around; you might just meet your new best friend.” And for romantics, there’s always the chance of finding more than just a professional connection. As one hopeful attendee mused, “This is my second TravCon. I plan to go see everyone until I die. Hopefully, I can find my wife here someday.”
Entertainment and Rewards: TravCon isn’t all work and no play. Attendees can expect a plethora of entertainment options, ensuring their experience is both educational and enjoyable. From engaging games at various booths to luxury giveaways, there’s something for everyone. One lucky attendee shared her excitement, saying, “I got to enter to win a Chanel bag, a Louis Vuitton bag, and a Gucci bag. Lots of stuff!” Such rewards, combined with the enriching sessions and networking opportunities, ensure that TravCon remains an unforgettable experience for all its attendees.
Negotiating Like a Pro with Laura Latimer
Laura Latimer, the founder ofNomadicare and a seasoned member of the TravCon committee, offers invaluable insights into the art of negotiation, especially tailored for travel nurses.
Understanding the Landscape
In the dynamic world of travel healthcare, the negotiation process is akin to a puzzle, with various pieces coming together to form the complete picture. Each piece, or player, has a distinct role and influence on the outcome of a contract. Let’s delve deeper into these key players and their roles:
Travelers: At the heart of this landscape are the travelers. These are dedicated professionals like you who are on the lookout for the best assignments that align with their career goals and personal preferences. As Laura Latimer highlighted, a traveler’s journey often begins with a destination in mind, such as Arizona. However, without the right information, especially regarding the bill rates offered by hospitals, travelers might find themselves at a disadvantage during negotiations.
Recruiters: Acting as the crucial link between travelers and healthcare facilities, recruiters play a pivotal role. They are privy to information that travelers might not have direct access to, such as the different bill rates offered by hospitals. When a traveler expresses a desire to work in a specific location, it’s the recruiter who presents the available job opportunities. However, a word of caution from Laura: when recruiters inquire about your expected pay, it’s essential to tread carefully. Instead of providing a direct figure, it’s more strategic to express a desire to earn the maximum possible based on the bill rate.
Recruiter Managers: These are the individuals who oversee the recruiters and have a broader view of the company’s operations and margins. They have the authority to adjust the company’s cut to accommodate a traveler’s pay request. For instance, if a recruiter has already offered the maximum they can, they might approach the recruiter manager to see if the company can take a lower cut, thereby increasing the traveler’s pay. This flexibility often depends on the traveler’s relationship with the agency, their track record, and the company’s assessment of the traveler’s value.
Facilities: These are the hospitals or healthcare centers in need of the travelers’ expertise. Each facility has its own budget and offers a specific bill rate, which is the amount they’re willing to pay per hour for a traveler. This bill rate is then divided among various costs, including the traveler’s pay. It’s worth noting that facilities can sometimes be negotiated with, especially if they are keen on hiring a particular traveler. If a traveler feels that the pay being offered is not commensurate with the facility’s bill rate, the recruiter or account management team can approach the facility to negotiate a higher bill rate.
Deciphering the Negotiation Puzzle
Venturing into the world of travel nursing, especially in a desired location like Arizona, presents a unique set of challenges. One of the primary hurdles is understanding the intricacies of bill rates. These rates, set by hospitals, determine how much they’re willing to pay for a traveler’s services per hour. In our hypothetical scenario, three hospitals in Arizona are offering assignments, each with a distinct bill rate.
Hospital number one offers a bill rate of $75 an hour; hospital number two is slightly higher at $80; and hospital number three tops the list with a $90 hourly rate. These rates are crucial, as they dictate the potential earnings a traveler can expect. However, there’s a catch. Travelers eager to secure a position, often remain in the dark about these rates. Only recruiters are privy to this information, adding a layer of complexity to the negotiation process.
When a traveler approaches a recruiter with the intent to work in Arizona, the recruiter, armed with knowledge of the varying bill rates, might pose a seemingly simple question: “How much do you need to make?” This question, while appearing straightforward, is laden with implications. If a traveler, unaware of the different bill rates, provides a figure that aligns with the lowest rate, they might inadvertently shortchange themselves, especially if they could have been placed in a hospital offering a higher rate.
For instance, if a traveler expresses a willingness to work for a package that fits the $75 bill rate, but there’s an available position at the hospital offering $90, the recruiter faces a decision. They could pocket the difference as additional profit, benefiting from the traveler’s lack of information, or they could offer the traveler a more lucrative package in line with the higher bill rate.
This dynamic underscores the importance of not immediately divulging a specific desired amount. Instead, savvy travelers should express their intent to earn the maximum possible based on the available bill rates. By doing so, they place the onus on the recruiter to provide offers that genuinely reflect the best available rates, ensuring that they aren’t shortchanged due to a lack of information.
In essence, the negotiation process in travel nursing, especially in a competitive market like Arizona, is akin to piecing together a puzzle. With varying bill rates, recruiter dynamics, and the traveler’s own aspirations at play, understanding the landscape is crucial to ensuring a fair and beneficial outcome for all parties involved.
Strategies for Successful Negotiation
Avoid Direct Answers: Navigating the world of travel nursing contracts can be intricate, especially when it comes to discussing pay. When recruiters pose the seemingly simple question about your expected earnings, it’s essential to tread carefully. Laura Latimer, a seasoned traveler and founder of Nomadicare, suggests that instead of providing a direct figure, travel nurses should express their desire to earn the maximum amount possible based on the bill rate. By doing so, you’re not only safeguarding your interests but also ensuring that you’re not shortchanged based on varying hospital bill rates.
Research and Compare: The travel nursing industry often operates through a VMS or MSP system, where multiple staffing agencies have access to the same job listings with identical bill rates. This setup provides an opportunity for travel nurses to compare offers from different agencies. Laura emphasizes the importance of speaking to more than one recruiter to get a comprehensive view of the pay landscape. Additionally, job boards can be invaluable tools. They not only offer a snapshot of available positions but also provide transparency on pay rates, allowing you to gauge the average pay for your specialty in your desired location.
Maximize Tax-Free Earnings: Your pay package as a travel nurse comprises various components, including taxable wages and tax-free stipends. The latter, which covers housing and meals, is particularly crucial. Instead of immediately focusing on increasing your taxable wages, prioritize maximizing these tax-free stipends. Websites like gsa.gov provide guidelines on the maximum allowable tax-free stipends based on location. By ensuring you’re receiving the maximum stipends, you’re effectively boosting your take-home pay without increasing your tax liability.
Bonuses and Incentives: At first glance, end-of-assignment bonuses can seem like a lucrative proposition. However, there’s more than meets the eye. Such bonuses are often taxed at a higher rate than regular hourly wages. Laura suggests a strategic approach: instead of waiting for a lump-sum bonus at the end of an assignment, negotiate to incorporate that amount into your hourly rate. This method not only provides consistent increased earnings throughout the assignment but also ensures you’re not hit with a hefty tax on a one-time bonus.
Empowering Travel Nurses
The world of travel nursing is filled with opportunities and challenges. With insights from experts like Laura Latimer and platforms like The Gypsy Nurse and TravCon, travel nurses are better equipped to navigate contract negotiations and secure the best deals. Remember, knowledge is power, and understanding the nuances of negotiation can make all the difference in your travel nursing journey. Secure your future by mastering the art of negotiation and making informed decisions.
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:
What makes us traveler nurses “travel” depends on so many different pain points. Some states don’t pay enough; I know of two RNs from Alabama who frequently pair up, leave their spouse and kids behind, and set out for financially greener pastures. Some of us, like me, are tired of the mundane of our hometown and want to see something new and exciting. I found the cultures of metro Phoenix and Anchorage to be a great contrast to southern Ohio. Others are avid outdoor adventure enthusiasts and seek out great skiing or rock-climbing areas. Or perhaps you still love nursing, but you just can’t stand to be asked to take on committees anymore (corporate commitments that yield no money and rare change), and you need to start anew. Whichever of these apply to you, I find that landing that perfect assignment takes a little personal work outside of what your recruiter provides. Below are steps I take to sort out a good fit for a travel assignment.
Steps for sorting out a good fit for a travel assignment:
1. Read up on the company
Before I get the interview, I try to learn about the hospital or healthcare system that I am applying to. General search engine sleuthing usually yields a decent amount of information, especially with sites like Glassdoor, where one can read up on employee complaints/concerns. Also, I personally go in and review their mission statement to see if it aligns with my personal values or see how vague it is, and measure if publicized behaviors contradict what they proclaim. For instance, if they say “ they are committed to the improvement of human life” but then have also shut down critical access health sites during a takeover, this lends information to the question of what the corporate atmosphere is—not an absolute deal breaker for a short term assignment but will be highly relative to things like social services and continuity of care into the community.
Insider resources are also important. This includes asking my recruiter to talk with other travelers who have worked with that facility. Sometimes, the recruiter will tell you this is their first time working with the facility. Other times, they may be hesitant to discuss things as a “tough assignment, but the pay is good.” Insider resources also include online chat boards—I never completely discount gossip. These things allow me to weigh out whether certain company behaviors are tolerable to achieve my goals and if it will be a good fit for me as a travel assignment.
2. To Thine Own Self Be True
After my longevity in the nursing field, I am aware of my skill set, what it was, and what I can brush up on to be sufficient. For instance, I used to be a high-risk Labor and Delivery nurse with a lactation certification; that was fifteen years ago, and I no longer possess that acumen in relation to the liability of that arena of nursing. I currently am a CVICU nurse, and my skillset is managing complicated heart failure, among other things, but I communicate what machinery and therapies I am familiar with and what is different from the facility that I am applying to. Sometimes, when jumping between two levels of acuity( sometimes you have a mismatch of ideal place and exact area of expertise), I need to refresh my mind on certain steps for procedures. Luckily, we all live in the Age of Information, and there are literally thousands of professionally backed and collegiate-affiliated YouTube videos out there on every medical and nursing topic for free. They also have teaching videos available for every flavor of electronic health record if the assignment seems golden. However, managing the software platform to chart on seems like a herculean task.
3. Things to ask During the Telephone Interview
In times past, I felt awkward asking specifics about the unit’s operations. I don’t know why; maybe I thought it was a corporate secret, or I was violating the boundaries of good hospitality. Whichever it was, I woke up and realized that this is a business relationship, and I needed to know what kind of environment I was doing business in.
I usually start with general questions like how many beds are in the unit and then how many nurses are staffed each shift. I then ask about support staff, such as unit clerks, monitor techs, and nurses’ aides; this gives me a better idea of my full responsibilities, as I might not have been expecting that I would field phone calls from outside the hospital, etc.
This is usually followed by things like what is the staff mix and staff support. If the nurse educator has just been let go and the staff are mainly new grads, the hospital may be looking at me to be a support structure and knowledge base for those staff. This can end up being difficult if staff are resistant to the presence of travelers—so I weigh this into my equation of acceptance. I also like knowing how many other travelers are currently employed with that particular unit. From personal experience, I know that a unit staffed almost exclusively with travelers can be chaotic and sometimes adversarial, as each person has their way of doing things. Still, no one is immersed in the company’s way of doing things.
4. Shift Requirements and Scheduling Policies
If I start an assignment for the adventure potential that the location promised, I am going to be sad if block scheduling isn’t an option. I find it wise to talk out needed time off with my recruiter ahead of time. Usually, I know when a family vacation is coming up or a major milestone like my parent’s wedding anniversary (mom has been planning for months, so missing it is an act of heresy); then I have put it into the written contract so that there aren’t questions later.
When it comes to the question-and-answer portion of the telephone interview, I tend to discuss the required weekends and holidays. Some places are staunch on “every other” policies; other’s pain points are Mondays and Fridays, and they could care less about weekends. Still, others refuse to pay for travelers on holidays, so you can have that all to yourself. Clarity in this area lends itself to greater satisfaction on both sides. Making a potential good fit for a travel assignment.
5. Asking about the Primary Care Providers
This is an interesting area of conversation. Knowing what type of primary providers I am working with, plus the legal and political hierarchy, and how I can easily contact them is very important to how my patient will receive care. I feel this is even more necessary when I take night shift assignments, as there are fewer providers to contact when issues surface. Firstly, I ask if this is a teaching facility and if are there resident physicians who will be practicing in my unit. The presence of first- and second-year residents requires a certain level of personal confidence, negotiation tactics, and strong skills by the nurse. If things ever sound questionable, I run things up the chain to the chief resident because the purpose of doctors’ residency is learning.
Additionally, what is provider overnight coverage in the hospital, as I sometimes work the night shift? I have encountered tough situations in which patients were intubated. Still, the
In summary, taking these steps to sort out a good fit for a travel assignment and addressing these topics has led me to better satisfaction going into a contract. I feel more at peace knowing the potential of the interdependence of staff going into the contract.
We hope you found these steps I take to sort out a good fit for a travel assignment helpful. Are there any steps you take to make sure a travel assignment will be a good fit for you? Are there tell-tale signs that an assignment may not be a good fit that you have found? Tell us about them in the comments below.
And knowing when I can schedule time off to have adventures and see the landscape makes me even happier.
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:
Burnout is undeniable and, in nursing, endemic. Defined as the “physical or mental collapse caused by overwork or stress,” many elements of nursing are responsible: long hours, emotional exhaustion, trauma, and many say Covid. However, nursing burnout has been a factor long before Covid. Understaffing, under-appreciation, inadequate remuneration, compassion fatigue, and poor work-life balance have been the standard work environment for nurses long before Florence. What makes today different is the stress and chaos that came with Covid brought us all to burnout at the same time.
Burnout roots in and grows without a person even realizing it. It festers, and with nurses, symptoms can be masked as ordinary daily life occurrences. Multiple 12-hour shifts? Naturally, a nurse is going to be tired, low energy, and maybe have a headache, but the nurse perseveres as being just the nature of the job and not burnout. A code, relief was late, charting needed to be caught up on, or there was a particularly needy patient or family member. These events always take time and more time to unwind. Sleep patterns become disrupted, and more exhaustion sets in. Burnout is growing, yet the nurse still perceives the symptoms as normal. Factor in inadequate diet, hydration, and the physical demands of nursing, burnout can take hold, and the nurse may not even be aware until it becomes debilitating.
The best method to be proactive with burnout is to be aware. Unfortunately, because burnout manifests differently in different people, it can be hard to identify. It can display physically, emotionally, cognitively, and or behaviorally; it can afflict multiple signs or as just one symptom. The important factor is to identify it and address it before it becomes burdensome.
Changes in appetite (over and under-eating) or sleep patterns (insomnia or oversleeping)
Increase in illness, both real and perceived
Insomnia
Emotionally
Easily irritated or impatient
Low or limited motivation in interests and hobbies
Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, or being overwhelmed
Emotional detachment, feelings of isolation and loneliness
Unable to cope with daily responsibilities
Sense of failure and self-doubt
Depression
Cognitive
Difficulty concentrating, making decisions
Forgetfulness
Decreased creativity or problem-solving
Behavioral
Avoid social commitments, withdraw from social interaction
Decreased tolerance of others, easily irritated and confrontational
Decreased productivity in responsibilities
Procrastination and neglecting responsibilities
Escapist behavior (drugs, alcohol, sleep)
Neglecting self-care
Increased absenteeism
If you or someone you know is experiencing burnout, seek help. Don’t attribute it to the normal nursing day. Look to your friends, your family, and your co-workers, and speak to a counselor. Most hospitals have anonymous counseling available, and most have the number or URL listed on their employee boards in the break room. Use it. Set boundaries. Say no to that extra shift, that double. Understaffing is not the nurse’s problem. Take care of yourself. Eat well, take your full lunch break, and eat in a place with windows and sunshine. Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate.
Start something at your hospital that helps you. In one hospital in Idaho, for the first 15-minute break, everyone went outside and walked around the hospital. This generally took longer than 15 minutes, but it was approved because we were practicing self-care. In another hospital, every weekend, the ED planned a potluck. It started because the staff meals were horrible on weekends, but it became a lot of fun. Camaraderie, self-care and companionship. Burnout will take over if you don’t address it. Seek help. You will find it.
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:
Do you have an adventurous spirit and a deep passion for exploring diverse culinary delights? If you’re a traveling nurse looking for a truly fulfilling and palate-pleasing experience, we’ve provided you with a delicious list of where to eat while on assignment. As a leader in recruiting within the healthcare industry, Trustaff provides exciting opportunities to take on in various states nationwide, opening the doors to a delightful adventure through the lens of local cuisines. So, fasten your seatbelts, culinary enthusiasts, as we take off on a mouthwatering journey to one of the hottest locations we recruit for.
Where to Eat While on a Travel Nursing Assignment:
Indulge in our unique grilled cheese sandwiches featuring savory waffles, intentionally sourced ingredients, and farm-to-table options – a delightful treat that will forever change your grilled cheese expectations!
Experience gourmet, crave-worthy dishes in wine country, where private chef Brent Pennington brings his delicious hits straight to you from his kitchen.
Try this laid-back eatery offering innovative twists on classic Asian cuisine, featuring a vegan sushi bar and a delightful selection of coffee and bubble teas.
Discover a delightful and trendy eatery that expertly blends Hawaiian and Asian flavors with a touch of California inspiration. Indulge in the warmth of home-cooked goodness while experiencing a hip and modern dining ambiance.
Visit history at this iconic deli, where the signature French dip sandwiches and comforting dishes have been delighting patrons for generations. Enjoy the bustling and communal atmosphere as you savor these timeless classics in a charming setting.
Experience the essence of home with a cuisine that perfectly blends French and American traditions, creating a simple yet delectable array of flavors.
Like what you’re seeing? Why wait?
Seize the chance to combine your love for nursing with the thrill of exploring diverse cuisines by choosing Trustaff. We’ve already done the legwork, so you won’t have to struggle to find where to eat when on assignment in California. Take off on a culinary adventure and let your taste buds and nursing skills soar to new heights. Join us today and unlock a world of flavors and experiences as you start this fulfilling journey as a traveling foodie with Trustaff. Bon voyage and bon appétit!
We hope you found this article on where to eat while on a travel nursing assignment in California helpful. Do you have any favorite places to eat in Cali? Comment them below.
