By Skyler Zinn

January 3, 2023

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Can I Become a Travel Nurse With One Year of Experience?

Is one year of experience enough to become a travel nurse? Technically, yes. Some hospitals will accept new travelers with one year of experience in their chosen specialty. These contracts can be challenging to find, especially in high-acuity specialties, but they do exist. Most contracts require two years of nursing experience and at least one year in the contract’s specialty.

I am frequently asked by newer nurses whether or not they SHOULD choose to travel without two years of experience. That question is more complex than it appears, so here are some aspects of travel nursing to keep in mind.

Aspects of travel nursing to keep in mind:

  1. Do you feel competent in the role you are in?
  2. Travel nurses get minimal orientation at a new facility. Three shifts are typical for an orientation period, but I’ve heard plenty of stories about nurses getting less than two hours of training or being put directly on the unit as soon as they arrive. New travel nurses must feel comfortable with their role and be able to start on the floor with minimal help. When I started my last contract, I had to track down and start an IV medication for my critical ICU patient before I even got my computer login information! If you don’t feel ready for that yet, you might need more experience before becoming a travel nurse.
  3. Do you have good communication skills?
  4. As a traveler, you are expected to step up and seek answers independently. Do you need labs ordered? A medication dosage changed? A bedside commode for your patient? The phone number for the night shift cardiologist? While charge nurses and other staff members may try to help you, a travel nurse must be able to communicate those needs and advocate for their patients. If you can’t do that yet, you might not be prepared to be a travel nurse.
  5. Are you flexible?
  6. We joke about travel nursing being “the wild west,” but it’s true! I’ve shown up to take a patient load and had completely different patients by the end of the shift. We step in and out of different roles and are the first to be floated to other units. Flexibility is the name of the game! The ability to adjust to new situations is crucial as a traveler.
  7. Outside of the hospital setting, travel nurses tend to jump between housing options, drive across the country for assignments, and occasionally get contracts cut short unexpectedly. Are you mentally prepared to step out of your comfort zone? If not, you might still need to prepare to be a travel nurse.

However, if your answer is yes to the above questions, welcome to the show!

Travel nursing has equipped me to follow my professional and personal dreams. I left my staff job to become a travel nurse just a few months after hitting my one-year mark. I worked hard to build my communication skills, put myself in new situations, and purposefully prepared myself to become a travel nurse. 

During my first contracts, I learned how important it was to know my role and perform well in my specialty. I enjoyed my first contract and wished that I could’ve started sooner! 

However, I worked with another nurse who only had one year of experience, and she dreaded coming to work every day. She realized that she had started traveling because the pay was attractive but that she hadn’t given herself enough time to develop her skills properly. She finished her contract but returned to her staff job when she finished her contract. I am grateful that I gave myself the time I deserved to become a good nurse before I started traveling. I’ve seen countless nurses come and go who had the minimum experience required, and it’s honestly a mixed bag. Successfully traveling with one year of experience is possible if you prepare yourself!

If you’re considering becoming a travel nurse and only have one year of experience, I highly recommend you ask yourselves the above three questions. You are the only person who can decide if you’re truly ready to make the leap!

Did you start travel nursing with one year of experience? How has your journey been? Comment below.

To read more from Skyler, you can visit her website: The Zinn Diaries.

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 Amber Pickler

January 2, 2023

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Starting the New Year Right; Tips to Help Maintain Your Goals

It is a new year, which means new goals or resolutions. When you hear the term resolution, your mind most likely goes to diet and exercise

However, there are other goals and resolutions you can make as well. You might want to start saving more money, do more self-care, pay off debt, quit smoking, etc. The list could go on forever. Sticking to these goals or resolutions can be difficult. We are creatures of habit and often have a hard time breaking those habits. 

Many people say it takes 21 days to create a habit. However, according to healthline.com, It can take anywhere from 18 to 254 days for a person to form a new habit and an average of 66 days for a new behavior to become automatic.  If it takes that long to form a habit, there is a good chance that you will stop, forget, or feel defeated during that time. We have put together some tips to help maintain your goals. Any time of the year!

Create a Vision Board

A vision board is a collage of images, quotes, affirmations, or your goals and desires. These are designed to serve as an inspiration and motivate you to succeed. Vision boards can be made using images from the internet or cutting out pictures, words, sentences, etc., from magazines.

There are many versions of vision boards. Whichever you choose is totally up to you and the goals or resolutions you set. The examples you see are just a couple of options. 

The purpose of your vision board is to see the results of the goals you have set. If you want to save up money so you can take a vacation, pick an image of a location you want to visit that will motivate you to save up.

Track Results

This may seem like a no-brainer, but tracking your results can help you stay on target. Tracking your results shows you the progress you are making from your hard work.  Many people track weight when that is their goal. However, if your goal is to eat a healthier diet, track your meals. Hold yourself accountable. There are many apps out now that help you track your meals. This is just one example. Tracking your results will help to keep you on track. If your goal is to save for a trip, make a chart.  Have a starting point and have smaller goals along the way to your ultimate goal.  Mark off the chart with every dollar or set amount you add to your savings.  This will give you a visual of your end goal.

Start a journal

Write in your journal. Keep track of your progress that way. This can help you maintain your goal; you can go back and read how far you have come. This could also be how you’re feeling. Feelings of accomplishment, defeat, whatever you feel at the time, write it down. Keep track of the progress. It is safe to say that there may be days when you feel defeated or don’t want to continue; writing your thoughts and feelings can help clarify the issues you are facing with your goals and often renew your interest in the goal you set. 

Use your phone

Our phones have so many great apps to help you maintain your goals. Whether you are trying to lose weight, eat healthier, or achieve any other goals, there are apps out there.  There are many apps just for maintaining your goals.  Below you will find a few of the top-ranked apps for maintaining your goals from bustle.com.

  1. Coach.me, Habit Tracker

Coach.me’s habit tracker is designed to help you create and sustain personal, career, and physical health goals. It allows you to measure your progress so you know how to improve upon it, set targets and reminders, celebrate milestones, and view your journey across the weeks and months.

The app is free for apple and android users.

  • Strides App

The Strides app helps you get organized when it comes to tracking your goals and habits. It offers four unique tracker types and includes step-by-step goal-setting. The helpful, easily customizable progress charts let you track literally anything you want.

The Strides app is free on the app store.

  • Way of Life

Way of Life makes setting goals and hitting them simple. It allows you to track your routines using a color-coded system in just a few seconds each day. The app will also send you reminders that will help you form better habits and shake up not-so-great ones. Plus, you can jot down quick notes in the diary and view your customized charts. You can download the app for free on your iPhone or Android.

Positive Thinking

Positive thinking is vital in maintaining your goals.  Keeping a positive mindset and removing negative thoughts will keep you on track.  Focus on the positives. If you have a setback, don’t look at it in a negative way. Look at how far you have come.  Maintaining a positive mindset or attitude will help in your daily life, which will feed into your goals.  According to The Mayo Clinic, health benefits that positive thinking may provide include the following:

  • Increased life span
  • Lower rates of depression
  • Lower levels of distress
  • Greater resistance to the common cold
  • Better:
    • psychological and physical well-being
    • cardiovascular health and reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease
    • coping skills during hardships and times of stress

Many of these will spill over to your goals. So keep that positive mindset!

We hope that you found these tips helpful. Do you have any tips for travel nurses trying to maintain their goals while working away from home? Comment them below. We love to hear your thoughts!

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 Fusion Medical Staffing

December 30, 2022

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Upgrade Your Career as a New Grad Travel Nurse

Fusion Medical Staffing provided this article.

You already know how to become a nurse (get your degree from nursing school, pass the NCLEX, and get licensed wherever you expect to practice). But how do you become a travel nurse? The flexibility, the adventure, the connections – there are a million reasons to hit the road and kickstart your travel nursing career path.

Welcome to your guide through the process.

Can you travel nurse with no experience?

Short answer? No. Longer answer? Definitely not. But there’s a good reason!

Unfortunately, you can’t immediately jump into travel nursing, although you’re officially an RN. You’ll need a year of experience (or two) before beginning to travel nurse. This ensures the safety of your patients, your facility, and yourself.

Upgrade Your Career as a New Grad Travel Nurse

Travel nurses are expected to get cracking on assignments without a lot of training – orientation is short, so it isn’t enough to simply be certified.

You’ll want a real-world experience when you’re facing the factors that make travel nursing assignments rewarding: fast-paced units, new-to-you technology, and emergencies that require critical thinking skills.

What experience do you need to become a new grad travel nurse?

Try to get your first RN staff job ASAP, even if you have to move. Your entire graduating class is looking for new grad RN jobs at the local hospital, so those will have stiff competition. Don’t be afraid to branch out and gain new experiences while preparing for your first travel assignment.

Travel nursing positions have requirements depending on regional locations, the facilities and settings involved, and your specialty nursing niche.

What are the best positions for new grad RNs?

Finding a Med-Surg position in a hospital is often ideal for broad experience and exposure, but there are other options, including long-term care.

Keep in mind that even if you loved a specialty in clinicals and during simulations, it might be different at your first job placement in an official position. Now is the time to switch it up if you realize you prefer something different.

Nursing specialty positions require additional certifications or experience – check with your agency ahead of time. If you already HAVE specialty experience, great! Your skill set will help you land travel nursing jobs with detailed requirements.

When taking a specialty travel job, you might end up floating to help perm staff. This can help you gain different nursing experiences and innovate the way you approach patient care.

How do you get licensed in different states as a traveling nurse?

You need to be correctly licensed as a registered nurse in every state! The nurse licensure compact is a great place to start since the majority of states participate.

Find the best travel nurse staffing agency for new grads

To find the top travel nurse staffing agencies for your needs, explore rating services, ask for referrals from friends and co-workers, and reach out to your top picks. Consider joining a healthcare job platform that features multiple agencies and allows you to filter searches.

Or maybe you were contacted by agencies while in college – give them a ring!

How do you find the best travel nurse recruiter?

Comparing different agencies (and recruiters) is essential. Do they have good benefits? Transparent pay? When you chat, are they friendly or pushy?

A travel nurse’s best resource is their recruiter, so make sure they pass the vibe check.

Do your research, if you can – some healthcare travel platforms or agencies offer travel recruiter ratings and reviews, so you can get the scoop from other traveling nurses like you.

What are the CEU requirements for travel nurses?

Good news! There aren’t any specific CEU requirements for travel nursing. You need to stay on top of the regular requirements for each state, but you don’t have to do anything extra.

Do travel nurses make more money than staff nurses?

A travel nurse’s salary is typically larger than a permanent nurse’s salary. Jumping into positions that need to be filled quickly means that most facilities and hospitals are willing to pay a premium for skilled healthcare professionals.

Just note that the extremely competitive pay for travel nursing, which spiked during the pandemic, will not last.

So why do travel nurse jobs make more money?

Even new-grad travel nurses tend to receive higher paychecks than a new grad in a staff position with perks like reimbursements and tax-free stipends. Understanding travel nurse taxes helps traveling nurses keep the most in their pockets.

What are the best certifications for travel nurses?

Additional certifications could help you get a travel job to start with and will help you get more once you’re already traveling. See if your employer reimburses the cost of these certifications!

Waiting to start your travel nursing journey is frustrating, but new graduates and new registered nurses shouldn’t despair! As a new grad, travel nurse jobs might seem out of reach, but boost your RN experience, and your travel career will follow shortly.

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 Navigation Healthcare

December 29, 2022

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Navigating the Start of Your Travel Nursing Career

Navigation Healthcare provided this article.

Whether you are searching for personal career growth, itching to explore new places, or looking to experience different organizational cultures and practices, travel nursing is full of possibilities. If you’re wondering how to begin, here’s a guide on navigating the start of your travel nursing career.

The Basics

To be considered for a travel assignment, you must fulfill the basic requirements of being a nurse and gaining clinical experience in the area you want to work as a travel nurse.

  • You must have a valid license in the state you want to travel to. Most nurses first obtain a single-state license. From there, you can upgrade your single-state license to a multistate license, allowing you to practice in all states within the nursing compact. This route will enable you to expand your potential job opportunities, but not every state is part of the compact, so be sure to double-check. If you’re applying for a license in a new state, check local state websites for processing times and costs. It’s essential to be proactive, as some can take up to three months for approval.
  • For most travel nursing jobs, you’ll need a minimum of one year of experience within a specialty. The preferred amount is two years or more. Experience will help smooth transitions as Travel Nurses are expected to hit the ground running with minimal orientation.  For example, some assignments provide only a three-day orientation before expecting you to take on a full load.

Preparation

Once you have fulfilled the basic requirements of travel nursing, you can start planning and preparing for the fun stuff. Here are a few considerations while dreaming up your perfect assignment.

  • Make sure your certifications are up-to-date. Certifications like ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) strengthen your position to compete for jobs in specialty areas.
  • Prepare and organize your personal documents. Have an updated resume, a list of two to three references, and proof of licensure and certifications.
  • Have a sense of your basic financial situation. Knowing how much income you will need to cover home and travel expenses will help you focus on finding those contracts that will meet your needs.
  • Explore the possibilities. A good way to know what’s out there is to leverage healthcare job marketplaces like LiquidCompass, where you can search for jobs by city, state, specialty, etc. Click on any posted job and read the different job descriptions and skills requirements. This can help you plan, be aware of certifications you may need, and get familiar with the travel job landscape. You may even see an opening in a place you never considered but are drawn to.

Casting Your Net

Once you have an idea of where you want to go and what type of job you’re looking for, there is a wealth of resources to help you find a job.

  • You can search through the many jobs website; you’ll save a lot of time by using healthcare-specific sites, which include permanent jobs as well as travel jobs or travel-specific sites. Some will even alert you when a new travel job is posted that fits your interests.
  • Get a professional to help you. Nurse Navigators, Nurse Advocates, and Recruiters are all examples of specialists that help travel nurses find the jobs that best fit them. In many cases, that will work closely with you every step of the way. You can build relationships with them over time, and they can be invaluable in helping you in your ongoing travel career. 
  • There are many social media sites where you can read about tips, experiences, and recommendations from other travel nurses.
  • Have your numbers ready. Travel nursing contracts typically include an hourly rate and a daily “per diem” rate. Here’s a quick breakdown of what these terms mean.
    • The hourly rate is the dollar rate per hour you work. This rate is taxable. For example, the base hourly rate could be $39 per hour.
    • The daily “per diem” rate is a stipend allowed by the federal government for a specific region to help cover the cost of living in different locations. For example, in Santa Monica, California, the maximum per diem rate for 2022 is $239 per day for lodging and $79 per day for meals and incidentals. Weekly, this stipend comes out to approximately $2236. This amount is non-taxable. You can check out current rates here.
    • Sometimes a contract will offer a “blended rate”. This term simply means they have combined the value of the taxable hourly rate with the value of the daily per diem rate. You can ask your recruiter to clarify the exact values of each.
  • Expect to be vetted. Like any other job, you will have an interview. The STAR method is one resource to help you formulate a concise response for those clinical-based questions. 
  • Negotiate before you sign the contract. Ensure the numbers look correct and that you understand the terms. Contracts may have specific terms for cancellations in the fine print. Some agencies will provide a stipend for airfare or miles traveled.

Know Your Resources

Navigating the beginning of your travel nursing journey doesn’t have to be painful or confusing. It can seem overwhelming to learn the ropes with any new endeavor, but knowing your resources is key to feeling confident. If you have questions or concerns, contact other seasoned nurses, your recruiter, and your agency for support. Most of all, be excited for the opportunity to see new places and challenge yourself as a nurse!

We hope you found this article on navigating travel nursing and navigating the start of your career helpful. Do you have any tips or advice to share? Comment them below.

Nurse (Author) Bio:

navigating travel nursing

Midge Lee

Midge Lee is a registered nurse with six years of experience in the burn, trauma, emergency medicine, and intensive care. She has also dabbled in travel nursing and home health. Midge enjoys writing about a range of topics—from self-care and wellness to hospital haikus.


References

https://nurse.org/articles/enhanced-compact-multi-state-license-eNLC/

https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates

https://www.uc.edu/campus-life/careereducation/career-studio/job-search/interviews/star-method.html

By Gifted Healthcare

December 28, 2022

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Plan Your 2023 as a Travel Nurse

Gifted Healthcare provided this article.

As a travel nurse, preparing for the new year can be a bit different than it is for those in more traditional career paths. With the opportunity to work in different locations and take breaks in between assignments, it can be helpful to have a plan in place to ensure a smooth and successful transition into the new year.

It also can be exciting to dream and set goals for all that the new year of travel nursing can bring into your life. As you approach 2023, check out these tips to help you make the most of all 365 days.

Tips to Prepare for the 2023 Calendar Year

  1. Reflect on the past year.

Take some time to reflect on your experiences as a travel nurse in the past year. Overall, think about what went well, what could you improve upon, and what do you wish you had done.

Reflecting on the past year is important as you begin to ponder what is next. As a travel nurse, you may have had the opportunity to work in multiple locations, care for a variety of patients, and gain new skills and experiences – so take time to reflect on those 2022 moments and identify where you might see areas for improvement and moments of success. Some questions you might consider as you reflect on your year as a travel nurse include:

What were some of your most memorable moments or accomplishments from the past year?

What skills or knowledge did you gain during your assignments?

What was your favorite city to explore? What’s one city you wish you had taken an assignment in?

Writing down these experiences as a travel nurse can help you gain a deeper understanding of your strengths and weaknesses and give you a clearer sense of direction as you move forward in your career.

  1. Set goals for the new year.

After reflecting on your 2022 year, take these thoughts into consideration as you brainstorm what you want to accomplish as a travel nurse in 2023. Setting goals will help you focus your efforts and stay motivated throughout the year.

This step is an important part of any career, but it’s especially important for travel nurses as you plan for the new year. The fun part about setting goals is that you can track your progress throughout the year as you work towards achieving your aspirations.

When writing out your 2023 goals, make sure to be specific, make them measurable, set achievable goals, include a timeline, and map them out. Some goals might have multiple steps that will help you reach your destination; some might be crossing a new city off your list.

No matter how large or small, write the goal down so you can experience the triumph of crossing it off.

  1. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile.

It sounds small but keep your resume and LinkedIn profile up to date to ensure that you’re putting your best foot forward when applying for future travel nursing assignments. Be sure to include any relevant certifications or training that you’ve completed, as well as any notable achievements or accomplishments you reflected on over 2022. Updating your resume can help you highlight your skills and accomplishments and make it easier for potential employers to see how you’re qualified for the position.

  1. Stay current on industry trends and best practices.

As a travel nurse, it’s important to stay current on industry trends and best practices in order to provide the best care possible to your patients. Consider taking continuing education courses or attending conferences to stay up to date on the latest developments in the field.

Researching opportunities like this and marking down important dates will help you achieve something new this year!

  1. Keep your documents in order.

Never let documents hold you back from starting your next assignment. Make sure that you have all of the necessary documents in order, such as your nursing license, passport, and any other documents that may be required for your assignments. This will help ensure that you’re ready to hit the ground running when you land a new assignment.

Bring on the New Year!

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to having a successful and fulfilling year as a travel nurse.

As a travel nurse, there are many exciting opportunities that can come your way in 2023 after you have taken the time to prepare for the new year. By setting goals, updating your resume, staying current on industry trends and best practices, and keeping your documents in order, you’ll be well-positioned to take on new and exciting challenges as they come your way.

You never know – this might be the year you travel to Hawaii or the year you take the leap into a new specialty you were afraid to take. Let your goals challenge and excite you!

Travel with GIFTED Healthcare

GIFTED Healthcare is here to help you reach all of your goals in 2023. If you plan to spend 2023 as a travel nurse, connect with a recruiter and let them know where you want your career to take you this year.

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 Anders Group

December 27, 2022

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Top 4 Reasons to Start a Healthcare Travel Career in 2023

Anders Group provided this article.

Written by: Angie Chung from Anders Group.

If you have been feeling stagnant, are looking for new experiences, or want to discover more options before settling down, consider healthcare travel. Traveling offers a plethora of benefits and opportunities to explore new places, earn top dollar, experience diverse work environments, grow your skills, and meet new people. Many have found becoming a healthcare traveler to be rewarding and fulfilling. What better way to start a brand new year than starting fresh?

Here are some of the top four reasons why you should consider healthcare traveling:

Tackle Your Travel Bucket List

Have you ever wanted to spend time in Alaska? Hawaii? The Virgin Islands? If you have a travel bucket list, becoming a healthcare traveler is the best way to tackle your ideal locations. When working perm, your professional responsibility limits you from exploring and taking as many vacations as you might desire. Healthcare travel gives you the opportunity to visit and experience living at your top desired locations, all while working and getting paid! The beauty of it all is the flexibility that allows you to enjoy a vacation as you work.

Healthcare Travel

Get Top Pay & First Day Benefits

Healthcare travel contracts are necessary to fill urgent facility staffing needs, leading to travelers getting paid top competitive rates. Your hourly rate will depend on your specialty, contract location, and the urgency of the facility’s needs. Regardless, you will be getting paid significantly higher than your perm peers. In addition to your hourly rate, travelers will often receive weekly tax-free stipends to account for your lodging and meal expenses. When traveling with agencies like Anders Group, you will receive your hourly rate and stipends along with travel reimbursements, license reimbursements, medical insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, and more starting from day one. Getting paid to travel to discover new destinations, does it get any better than that?

Gain More Overall Experience

Traveling also gives you the opportunity to gain professional, life, and travel experience simultaneously. As a travel healthcare professional, you have the potential to work in various settings and environments that challenge your skills. Your ability to adapt will especially be challenged as you experience a new city, facility, department, and new peers, all while learning new systems. Working as a traveler opens doors for you to see a variety of techniques and can possibly help you realize your optimal workflow. As travelers begin to make the transition to perm, most are generally more confident in their decision. Having experienced so much while traveling, they are considered to be well-rounded, and sought-after permanent hires with plenty of options. Travel assignments will strengthen your skills and give you the confidence to recognize where the best permanent home for you is.

Find New Friends

Contracting can also serve as the ultimate networking tool. As you venture through various assignments, you will meet with many different healthcare professionals who may influence and guide your professional journey. With each assignment, you’ll gain new connections. Networking is extremely important as some of these connections could open you up to new professional endeavors or become lifelong friends and mentors. Use traveling as an opportunity to set out on a journey and gain friends across all 50 states!


Travel healthcare can offer you flexibility and open up an abundance of opportunities, benefits, and learning moments. Whether you are looking for a fresh start, change, or new opportunities and would like to make money while traveling, now’s the time to start your first adventure with Anders Group! We have available jobs in every travel nursing, therapy, and allied health specialties across all 50 states and U.S. Territories. Search for our available jobs here and apply today to connect with a team member of our team, or contact info@andersgroup.org for more 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 Nadine Westwood

December 26, 2022

1610 Views

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4 Signs Geriatric Nursing is Right for You

The elderly require top-notch care. That has always been the case, and recent years have only highlighted the importance of geriatric medicine’s need for excellence. It plays a crucial role in the healthcare industry, and geriatric nurses are the force behind the delivery of care for seniors.

Elderly caregiving is incredibly fulfilling on a personal and professional level, whether it is a lifetime vocation or just a season in a nurse’s career. Your nursing abilities will advance due to working with patients with complex medical requirements. Furthermore, elderly nursing offers the chance to improve the lives of patients who require compassionate care now more than ever.

Here are four signs geriatric nursing is right for you.

You Are Patient, Compassionate, and Empathetic

To assist their patients in navigating the difficulties of aging, geriatric nurses must possess an abundant supply of tolerance, compassion, and empathy. It is crucial to understand verbal and nonverbal cues to communicate effectively with patients who may have lost some speech skills. 

Geriatric nurses must be ready to empathize with patients who are upset about their physical deterioration and may be resistant or even hostile toward caregivers. If you’re looking to become a geriatric nurse, NeuralEffects.com can help you learn more about therapy for patients with dementia.

Beyond those difficulties, though, lies the chance to build enduring relationships with patients, attend to their complex needs, and advance professionally and personally.

You Are Physically and Mentally Strong

The duties and obligations of geriatric nurses can be very mentally and physically exhausting. Helping patients perform daily activities frequently involves physically supporting them, like lifting. 

Many patients need physical assistance with tasks like showering or dressing, and it is necessary to turn patients in bed to avoid pressure ulcers (bedsores) from developing. A geriatric nurse’s duties include acting as a second pair of arms and legs for patients with trouble moving or coordinating.

In addition to attending to their patients’ physical requirements, geriatric nurses also consider their mental and emotional health. They must be friends with geriatric patients and show compassion and understanding, particularly for those who spend most of their time alone. Geriatric nurses must be able to spot signs of stress in their patients, so they need to remain upbeat even in potentially trying situations.

You Can Advocate for Patients

Some patients may have declining mental capacities that make it difficult to make health decisions and treatment decisions. Here, a geriatric nurse may serve as a patient advocate and bring in the patient’s family in discussions with the health care personnel involved. The geriatric nurse can offer suggestions and direction to patients and their families.

You Have the Necessary Academic and Certification Qualifications

The first stage to becoming a geriatric nurse is to graduate from an accredited nursing program. Most professions require a bachelor of science in nursing; however, some are open to people with an associate degree in nursing, an associate of science in nursing, or an associate of applied science in nursing.

After receiving your nursing degree, you need to take The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, which the National Council provides for State Boards of Nursing. When you pass this exam, you become a Registered Nurse.

Before concentrating on a specialty field like gerontology, it is preferable and frequently necessary to acquire practical nursing experience. Several hospitals demand at least two years of bedside nursing before switching to geriatrics.

As a registered nurse, you can acquire gerontological nursing certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Like any other specialization, geriatric nursing is not for everyone. It can be ideal for you if you believe that a person’s latter years deserve the same respect as their early ones. The future of nursing for the elderly is promising. More nurses will be required to offer competent nursing care as the population ages and more people move into elder care facilities.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse 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 Katie Fitts

December 25, 2022

2158 Views

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Navigating The Road to Travel Nursing- Part 3

In parts one and two of this article series, we discussed the history of travel nursing, when you can or should start thinking about travel nursing, and finding a travel nurse agency and recruiter. In this part of navigating the road to travel nursing, we will discuss finding the job, credentialling, and preparing for the journey.

Finding a job 

The next step to travel nursing is to start applying for jobs! In the travel nursing world, this is called submitting for jobs. Your recruiter will ask you about your job location preferences and shift preferences and match you according to your specialty. Now, are you going to always get the exact location, for the exact shift, for the right pay? Likely not, but hopefully, you can get close!

In applying for jobs, you also want to make sure it makes sense for you financially. Recruiters will start sending you job openings, and they are typically going to quote you in GROSS pay. Before applying, make sure your recruiter either quotes you in the NET pay or gives you a pay package ahead of time so you can calculate it yourself.

What’s gross pay versus net pay, you may ask? Gross pay is the total pay, including hourly, stipends, and any other pay allotments, while net pay is AFTER taxes. Assuming you maintain a tax home residence, travel nurses are taxed only on hourly wages. Stipends are for housing and meals, and incidentals while on assignment are UNTAXED and where we make a significant amount of our money. However, it really depends on how your pay package is broken down for how you are taxed. Sometimes there are other “bonuses” or pay allotments that may seem nice but, in the end, are taxed. So be sure to either have your recruiter quote your net pay or calculate it yourself based on your tax bracket.

After finding out the net pay, you want to make sure that it aligns with your budget. I always suggest nurses determine their budgets before starting travel nursing to be able to understand what makes sense for them financially. In order to get the untaxed stipends, you must maintain a permanent home somewhere. Personally, I have a home. So I have to account for all my normal monthly bills and expenses, my mortgage, and any associated costs. Once I determine that sum, then I subtract that from my monthly earnings and determine how much I can allot for housing on the road. Housing has gotten VERY expensive! Is that allotment doable? Am I going to be losing money or making money? Sometimes, it just doesn’t make sense!

Another important aspect is, of course, making sure the job meets your skillsets. There may be some specialties that can have cross-training in different areas. Most recruiters don’t have a nursing background and may only sometimes be familiar with the different nursing subspecialties. If there’s any question or doubt, ask to see if they have a job description. And again, do NOT let any recruiter pressure you into any contract you don’t feel comfortable with!

Credentialing

After accepting the job, things will start happening quickly. You will go through the credentialing process. Credentialing is also known as the onboarding process to get you vetted for the job. This is fairly similar to what you would do for a regular nursing job, but there may be some differences.

Typical items for credentialing may be drug screens, fit tests, physicals, competency tests (such as EKG tests, medication tests, and specialty-specific tests), and other miscellaneous items. Different hospitals have different regulations. Additionally, there may be other requirements for your state nursing license if it’s outside of your home state. For example, I had to go get a set of fingerprints for a Minnesota license as well as TWO background checks!

After accepting the job, you typically only have 4-6 weeks until you start, so it’s important to prioritize the credentialing requirements so you can start on time. If there’s any delay, that may push back your start date, which really stinks if you are banking on that start date.

The fun thing is we get to do this every three months! If I had a dollar (we are adjusting the dime for inflation 😂) for every drug screen, I have done… I’d be rich!

Preparing for the Journey

Now it’s time to prepare for the journey! Planning to be away for a while takes some work!

If you are maintaining a tax home, what will you do with your residence? Sublease or rent out? Leave vacant? I personally rent out my house. Not only is it a valuable source of income, but my house is lived in and taken care of, and I don’t have to worry about coming home to any surprises like my house flooded while I was gone! I also use a property manager to take care of the yard and handle any mishaps while I’m on the road. My property manager helps coordinate repairs or whatever may be needed during the time I am on the road.

If you are traveling cross country, now’s the time to make sure your car is road ready as well! I make sure to get an inspection, including tires and general points of interest, prior to making the drive, as well as getting my oil changed with high mileage oil that lasts longer. You also want to consider how you are going to pack your car. Items you would want to include would be emergency items like flashlights, flares, battery chargers, tire pumper, tire changing tools, and extra water.

If you are traveling with a pet, don’t forget their necessities too! Keep in mind you may be away from your regular vet for an extended period of time. Make sure your pet is up to date on vaccinations and has sufficient medications for the trip. I travel with my dog and use the Banfield wellness plan, which allows me free office visits in many places across the U.S.

And, of course, one of the most fun parts of the journey is mapping out the road trip! Make it fun! But also determine the max amount of time you want to be driving a day. Personally, my max is 10 hours a day in the car. But everyone is different! I know some nurses who recruit a friend to drive straight through with them and then fly them back. I like to meander and not hurry on my drive and see the sites. I always try to incorporate visiting any friends or family on the way as well. Check out the roadtripper’s website/app to help plan your trip by seeing U.S. landmarks on the way!

In Summary

Phew! That’s a lot, right? Navigating the road to travel nursing can certainly be overwhelming! It takes a lot of time, research, and planning to start travel nursing. Travel nurses also have to be fast learners, readily adaptable, versatile, and adventurous!

It starts with getting your experience and then finding a company with whom to work. The recruiters will then match you with jobs according to your skillset and job preferences. Once you accept the job, it’s off to the races with the credentialing process and preparing for your journey!

Travel nursing offers an exciting and unique opportunity to get paid to travel the country! I myself have done over 17 assignments and traveled through numerous states, seen the U.S.’s never-ending beauty, spent time in dozens of national parks, and made friends all over the country! 

For part 1 of Navigating The Road to Travel Nursing, click here; for Part 2 of Navigating The Road to Travel Nursing, click here.

If you are tired of endlessly researching answers about travel nursing with nothing to show, skip the overwhelm and let me Teach You How to Travel Nurse!

By Katie Fitts

December 24, 2022

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Navigating The Road to Travel Nursing- Part 2

In part one of this article series, we talked about the history of travel nursing and when you can or should start thinking about travel nursing. In this part of navigating the road to travel nursing, we will talk about finding a travel nurse agency and finding a recruiter.

Finding a travel nurse agency

Once you have your experience and are ready to entertain travel nursing seriously, it’s time to find a travel nurse agency to work with. A lot of picking a travel nurse agency to work with depends on where you want to go, what benefits you are looking for, and even your specialty.

People often ask me if I recommend one travel nurse agency over another, and I do not. Certainly, it’s nice to have a referral from a friend who has a good experience with a certain travel nurse agency. However, the reason I don’t always recommend companies is because I work with multiple companies at a time, around 2-3 at a time. I suggest you do the same, but not too many to overwhelm you. Working with more than one travel nurse agency allows you to compare and contrast offers and be exposed to a wider variety of jobs.

Not every travel nurse agency is created equal. Different companies have different jobs and offer different pay. Some of the larger companies, for example, Aya, has access to a LOT of contracts with major hospitals, but they may not have the smaller hospitals and likely will not have any smaller local contracts. Some hospitals only have contracts with certain companies, so even though the job is available with travel nurse agency A, travel nurse agency B may not have access to it.

Additionally, different companies have different benefits. When selecting a travel nurse agency, you want to consider what benefits you need. Will you need health insurance? 401 k? PTO/sick pay? Short-term disability?

Most companies these days do offer health insurance, but it may be a very poor plan, so it’s best to do your research before signing with a travel nurse agency if you plan to use their insurance. As for the other benefits, it’s a hit or miss. I, unfortunately, have yet to work for a travel nurse agency that offers PTO! I just know that if I get sick on the job, that comes out of my paycheck, and plan accordingly. But some companies offer PTO, which is an excellent benefit to have!

Finding a recruiter

Once you have a travel nurse agency, you will be connected with a travel nurse recruiter. What is a recruiter exactly?

A travel nurse recruiter is assigned to you personally and, among other duties, is responsible for matching you to the best of their ability with jobs according to your desired location, skillset, and shift preference. They will work with you to get you onboarded, submitted for a job, follow through to the start of the job, and be your point of contact throughout the job.

A recruiter plays an integral part in travel nursing, and it’s important to have a good relationship with your recruiter. A bad recruiter can make all the difference in your travel nurse experience.

Recruiters should be responsive and proactive. Recruiters are quite busy these days, maybe not as busy as during the height of the COVID pandemic, but still quite busy. Your recruiter should respond to your inquiries promptly, usually within 1-2 days. Travel nurse jobs are competitive, and it’s important to have a recruiter to timely respond and submit you to jobs when you are ready, so you don’t miss out on the opportunities. Recruiters should also be proactive, anticipating your needs. For example, if they know you are a new travel nurse, they should know that they should take more time with you to explain the process and make sure you understand your next steps. Another example, they should know when your contract is ending and be touching base on whether or not you want to extend or look for another contract.

More importantly, recruiters should be respectful and polite. As in any industry, there are a few bad apples out there. NEVER let a recruiter bully or pressure you into a contract you do not want or feel comfortable with. At the end of the day, it’s your well-being and nursing license on the line. Recruiters should listen to your job preferences and skills and be working with you, not against you.

We hope you found these articles on the road to travel nursing helpful. Below are the links to the other articles in this series.

For more information on finding a job, credentialing, and preparing for the journey watch out for part 3 of this series Navigating The Road to Travel Nursing articles. For part 1 click here.

If you are tired of endlessly researching answers about travel nursing with nothing to show, skip the overwhelm and let me Teach You How to Travel Nurse!

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!)