December 28, 2022

2414 Views

Plan Your 2023 as a Travel Nurse

Posted on December 28, 2022December 26, 2022 by Gifted Healthcare

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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:

START HERE

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

By Anders Group

December 27, 2022

3118 Views

Top 4 Reasons to Start a Healthcare Travel Career in 2023

Posted on December 27, 2022February 21, 2023 by Anders Group

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.

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:

START HERE

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

By Nadine Westwood

December 26, 2022

1658 Views

4 Signs Geriatric Nursing is Right for You

Posted on December 26, 2022December 5, 2022 by Nadine Westwood

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:

START HERE

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

By Katie Fitts

December 25, 2022

2198 Views

Navigating The Road to Travel Nursing- Part 3

Posted on December 25, 2022January 4, 2023 by Katie Fitts

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

1284 Views

Navigating The Road to Travel Nursing- Part 2

Posted on December 24, 2022December 5, 2022 by Katie Fitts

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:

START HERE

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

By Medely

December 23, 2022

2431 Views

Want To Keep Your Travel Nurse Contract In The New Year?

Posted on December 23, 2022December 20, 2022 by Medely

Medely provided this article.

The New Year is synonymous with new beginnings, but what if you’re nearing the end of your winter travel assignment and aren’t ready to move on?

For a travel nurse or allied professional, a contract extension means:

There’s no need to relocate. Sometimes the timing isn’t right for a move—maybe you’re enjoying yourself too much, or you just don’t have the energy right now. Whatever your situation, a longer assignment will allow you to hold off for a bit.
Developing deeper relationships. Healthcare is a small world, especially if you tend to look for contracts within the same area. Stronger connections with managers, nurses, and other professionals can be an asset if (and when) you cross paths in the future.
Gaining valuable knowledge. Traveling adds a great breadth of experience to your nursing resume, but extending the current assignment can be an opportunity to sharpen your skills. If you think there’s more you can learn in your current job, staying can support your next career move.

There are plenty of advantages for the facility, too. Among the top benefits is the one that brought you there in the first place: Having a professional on hand who’s committed to patient care and their work is an asset, particularly during an unprecedented shortage of nurses.

But is staying with the same facility the right move for you? And, if so, what can you do to help ensure the facility wants you to stay? That’s what we’ll explore in this blog post. Let’s get started!

Five questions to ask before you extend a travel nurse contract

Before asking for an assignment extension, take a moment to reflect on your recent experiences. Staying at a healthcare facility isn’t just about liking the neighborhood or being comfortable. It should also help you advance your career. Consider the following five questions…

1. How well do you fit with the team?

Travelers can feel like outliers, especially when they’re new and finding their footing. But caregiving is a team activity whether the individuals are permanent or not. Do you work well with the staff nurses? Do you feel valued and respected by the team—and is the feeling mutual? You may still be learning people and processes, but if you aren’t asked for your help or input, it may not be the right environment for you.

2. Is the pay commensurate with your duties?

While typical rates for travelers are still quite high, it’s important that you feel you’re being paid an appropriate amount considering the work that’s being asked of you in this travel nursing job.

3. How do you feel before and after your shifts?

Consider your typical shifts at this facility and how they make you feel. Nursing has its highs and lows, but that means it’s even more important for you to protect yourself. If you enjoy some aspects of an assignment but are left feeling mentally and physically drained, it might be better to prioritize your well-being with a change of scenery.

4. Can you continue to contribute here?

Introspection is often about what you get out of a travel nursing assignment, but it’s as important to consider the facility and its patients. Are you able to create the impact you want? Through your relationships, experiences, and commitment to care, it’s important for you to feel you can add something to the team.

5. How do you feel about staying—or going home?

Maybe you love your new community but are also struggling so far from family and friends. What will you miss at home if you extend your travel nurse contract? You can always negotiate if you need time off. But if a longer stay will leave you feeling lonely or even resentful, you may want to reconsider.

If you feel confident about your desire to stay put, let’s look at what you can do to put yourself in an optimum position before you make your request.

How to position yourself to extend your travel assignment

From day one, you prove yourself as an asset to an organization through your professionalism and approach to day-to-day activities. Here are seven things you can do proactively to position yourself for the extension you’re looking for.

1. Be an active part of the team

As someone who may be seen as an outsider, it can take extra effort—and pushing out of your comfort zone—to connect with other nurses and allied pros. If you’re invited to attend staff meetings, educational opportunities, and other activities, do what you can to show up and participate.

2. Be dependable

From sick days to family emergencies, call-outs happen. When they do, be accountable for the disruption and communicate with the facility as quickly as possible so they can address the impact as quickly as possible. And for your other shifts, be there on time and ready to go.

3. Flex your nursing muscles

Dedicate your attention to your work and push your nursing abilities by going above and beyond when the team needs the support. For example:

Offer to work longer if the next nurse is running late
Lend a hand when you see another nurse struggling
Ask for help if you need it to ensure you’re providing the best care
Go above and beyond for patients when it’s appropriate to do so

In short, be the nurse you would want to hire!

4. Find ways to be present with your colleagues

Building relationships at work doesn’t always come naturally, but sometimes it takes just a small step to break the ice. If the facility shares the team’s birthdays, drop off a card for the celebrant. Write a brief handwritten thank you note when another nurse goes out of their way to help you out. Ask a colleague how their day is going and pause to listen to their answer.

5. Get to know the decision-makers

You don’t need to go overboard, but familiarize yourself with the people in charge. Check-in regularly with the hiring manager during your current assignment. Learn the names of the management team. Introduce yourself to the human resources folks, the person in charge of scheduling, and the nursing management team, so you aren’t a stranger to them.

Once you’ve decided to pursue a travel contract extension, don’t be afraid to tell the decision-makers why you’re enjoying your work at the facility. If you aren’t able to tell them in person, consider leaving a handwritten note or sending an email.

7. Be open about your expectations

As you start to discuss a possible extension, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the contract and be transparent about your needs and expectations, including dates, any pre-existing commitments, your hourly rate, and your schedule. These important details should be clearly communicated ahead of time so that any requests and adjustments can be addressed before the extension occurs.

Let your travel nursing agency know you’re interested in an extension!

Practically speaking, a conversation about extending your contract can be initiated by you and your recruiter or by your manager. Once you’ve decided you would like to stay, let your recruiter know in writing and in person (or by phone) as soon as possible. That way, they’ll have time to connect with the facility to negotiate and confirm details on your behalf.

What are your go-to tips for keeping your travel nurse contract or extending a travel nurse assignment? Tell us about them in the comments!

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.

By Kevin Devoto

December 22, 2022

1218 Views

Healthy and Delicious Meals For On-The-Go Travel Nurses

Posted on December 22, 2022December 2, 2022 by Kevin Devoto

Because of your busy lifestyle as a travel nurse, you may turn to the convenience of fast food even though you know it’s not the healthiest choice. There are better options, though; if you plan ahead, you can enjoy healthy and delicious meals on the go.

Healthy and Delicious Meals for On-the-Go Travel Nurses:

Breakfast Choices

How often have you run out the door without breakfast and found yourself dragging by mid-morning? This doesn’t have to happen. First, think smoothies. They will give you plenty of nutrition and flavor, and if you make them up ahead of time, you can grab one on the run as you dash out of the house. Check out the healthy protein breakfast smoothie recipe, for example. It combines almond milk with three kinds of fruit, peanut butter, and oats to give you enough energy to get through your day.

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You might also create a bagel bar as a morning treat. Slice bagels the night before and prepare a series of toppings, everything from jams to thinly sliced cheeses. You can create bagel sandwiches in the morning as you are heading out. Be sure to have plenty of napkins and moist paper towels in plastic sandwich bags for quick cleanup.

Finally, you could build fruit, yogurt, and granola cups and stash them in the refrigerator. Use various flavors of yogurt, and slice in one or two fruit choices. Mix in some crunchy granola. Then spoon your creation into disposable plastic cups with lids. Tape a plastic spoon to the cup and stick it on a label, so you know what you are grabbing.

Sandwiches and Wraps

Sandwiches and wraps are standard for lunches and suppers, but they don’t have to be dull. Research recipes online, and you’ll discover such delicacies as turkey and tomato wrap, tropical beef wrap, and taco wrap. For sandwiches, try using different kinds of bread, like focaccia, savory rolls, and pitas. Combine meats and cheeses, unique spreads like pesto and honey mustard mayonnaise, and vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers.

Prepare sandwich and wrap fixings the night before, and have everything ready for quick assembly in the morning. Baked chips, sliced veggies, and applesauce cups make good accompaniments. Throw in a cookie or piece of chocolate for a treat, and have small bottles of water on hand in the refrigerator. Your family will appreciate the variety, and so will you.

Box Meals

Box meals inspired by Asian bento boxes are all the rage these days, and they can offer you plenty of on-the-go meal options. Social media sites are filled with bento box videos that can inspire you to build your own creations based on your family’s tastes. Start by purchasing a box for each member of your household (including yourself). Look for one that has a thermos option so that you can use hot foods if you choose.

Bento boxes are designed to combine several different foods, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and desserts, so they remain separate and fresh. You might choose re-heated leftover casserole as an entre, add in carrot sticks for crunch, and sliced strawberries for color. Tuck in a small container of dip for the carrots and mini-cupcake for dessert. The possibilities are endless, and you might even include your kids in the planning and assembling process. They’ll be much more likely to eat their lunches.

On-the-go meals don’t have to be unhealthy. In fact, they can be both nutritious and delicious if you make an effort to try some of these ideas and adapt them to your family’s needs. You’ll feel better about what you’re serving and eating.

We hope you found this article on healthy and delicious meals for on-the-go travel nurses helpful. Are there any meals that you think should make our list? Comment below.

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:

START HERE

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

By Medical Edge Recruitment

December 21, 2022

2341 Views

Working Through the Holidays

Posted on December 21, 2022January 30, 2024 by Medical Edge Recruitment

Medical Edge Recruitment provided this article.

Written by: Bri Davie, Northeast Region Team Lead at Medical Edge Recruitment

If you are like most people, the holidays are probably your favorite part of the year. When you think of Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanza, a few terms such as family, giving, joy, or gratitude may come to mind. These holidays may make you more homesick while on a travel assignment, even more than usual.

If you feel this way, you are not alone, but there are ways to deal with getting through an assignment while away from home. See the tips below on ways to cope while working on a travel assignment away from home during the holidays.

Celebrate Your Holiday Before the Official Date

This may be a little unconventional, but what matters most is having your family with you and creating memories. If that means opening Christmas presents on the 15^th instead of the 25^th because you start your assignment on the 20^th, then so be it. Enjoy watching the kids jump for joy at the surprise of the newest video game, enjoy the eggnog, and watch a Christmas classic. It is the time spent with family that matters more than the actual date celebrated.

Bring Symbols of Your Holiday with You

Bringing a little piece of home with you while out on the road brings a warm feeling of security that helps you push through missing your family and loved ones. Bringing a symbol of your special holiday will assist you in the same manner. That means if Kwanzaa is your holiday of choice, maybe bring along a Kinara (candle holder) and Mishumaa Saba (seven candles). You could also bring red, green, and black scrubs (if allowed) or objects to represent the symbolic colors. This is a small way to keep your traditions alive even while traveling.

Bring Your Family’s Favorite Holiday Movie

Is there a movie you and your family must watch this time of year, every year? Whatever movie brings joy to you and is about or mentions your celebrated holiday, make sure you pack the DVD in your bag or add it to your stream service watch list, such as Netflix. For those who celebrate Hanukkah, if you enjoy musicals, consider “Fiddler on the Roof.” If you are a comedy fan, consider Adam Sandler’s “Eight Crazy Nights.” Either way, movies are a great way to keep you entertained and joyful through laughter.

Allow your Family to Visit

This tip is a bit on the expensive side, especially depending on the size of your family and the location of your assignment. At the same time, how often are you able to enjoy a Holiday vacation with your family away from home? Seeing your family during the holidays will reduce your homesickness, allow your family to understand why you love to travel, and create new holiday memories. Keep in mind it is not often that you can request many days off, if any, around this time. That is usually reserved for nurses on staff, so if you go this route, be mindful of the days your family will visit and plan accordingly.

Take a Break in December

You are probably thinking that taking a break in December is not a way to help you cope with missing the holidays with your family. You are right. But, if the holidays are extremely important to you and spending time without your family during this time is too much to fathom, consider December the one month that is reserved for you and your loved ones. Hustle your way responsibly all year that way; you can enjoy your family stress-free.

These are just a few affordable tips that you can use to enjoy the holidays while on assignment and away from loved ones. But remember, you could always schedule your contracts all year and take an extended break in December to create new memories. What are ways you cope with working during the holiday season?

Looking For an Agency Who Understands Your Needs?

Medical Edge Recruitment is the 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 your personalized provider experience our 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!

We hope you found this article on working through the holidays helpful. Do you have any tips for other travelers who may be working through the holidays? Comment them below.

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:

START HERE

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

By Katie Fitts

December 18, 2022

1814 Views

Navigating The Road to Travel Nursing- Part 1

Posted on December 18, 2022December 5, 2022 by Katie Fitts

Ready to start travel nursing but feeling overwhelmed and needing help figuring out where to start? I get it! Starting travel nursing can feel overwhelming and daunting. Here’s your quick start guide to navigating the road to travel nursing!

What is a Travel Nurse?

First off, let’s start with the basics! What exactly is a travel nurse?

A travel nurse is a nurse who works on a contract basis with a hospital or facility temporarily to help alleviate staffing shortages. The travel nurse serves the purpose of filling a short-term staffing need and can be used for various reasons.

Travel nursing started back in the 1970s in New Orleans to account for an increased patient population during Mardi Gras. Hospitals found themselves overwhelmed with the extra patient load during this time, but they didn’t need this staff at all times of the year. Someone had the brilliant idea to bring in extra staff on a contract basis to help; thus, travel nursing was born! So next time you see Mardi Gras revelers strung in beads and overindulging in libations, you can give them a nod and thank them for being the catalyst to starting travel nursing!

Most notably, in the last two years, the reason for travel nurses would be the COVID pandemic. COVID created an incredible strain on the healthcare system, and nurses were needed everywhere to help care for the increased patient loads. However, travel nurses are used for many other reasons. Staff may be out on medical/maternity leave, staff leaving for other jobs or going back to school, and also seasonally in places such as Florida or Arizona when the snowbirds head south for the winter.

Of note, this is a good question to ask the nurse manager during your travel nurse interview! How many travelers do you have, and what’s the reasoning? This can give you a good insight into what you may expect on the unit. If the unit is entirely staffed by travel nurses, that may give you pause about the assignment. Travel nurses rely on experienced staff nurses to help orient and provide guidance on the unit. Certainly, COVID was an extenuating circumstance, and many units were staffed primarily with travel nurses. However, thank goodness these days, we have emerged for now out of the critical stage of COVID.

When can I start travel nursing?

A travel nurse must have experience prior to traveling, so you cannot travel as a new grad nurse.

The absolute bare minimum experience required is 1 year, 1.5-2 years is adequate, but the more experience, the better. I traveled after 1.5 years of experience in the ED, and I was just fine. But I also had 2 years of ED tech experience before that, which certainly helped boost my experience.

Experience is critical to being a travel nurse, and I’ll tell you why! As a travel nurse, you are expected to be up and running within about 2-3 days of orientation. Travel nurse contracts are typically 13 weeks; thus, there is no time for the typical 6 8 weeks or even 12-16 week orientation like a new grad nurse. Travel nurses hit the ground running!

Travel nurses must have the basic foundation of patient care in their particular setting. Of course, you will not know everything, and you will most certainly have a bazillion questions! There will be different protocols and ways of doing things, but essentially patient care is the same. As a travel nurse, you are orienting to the new unit, computer system if different than your previous one, and ways of doing things.

So as we used to say in the ED, get your roller skates on!

For more information on finding an agency and a recruiter and how to land your first travel nursing assignment, watch out for parts 2 and 3 of this series Navigating The Road to Travel Nursing articles.

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:

START HERE

Tips to Prepare for the 2023 Calendar Year

Bring on the New Year!

Travel with GIFTED Healthcare

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!)

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Five questions to ask before you extend a travel nurse contract

1. How well do you fit with the team?

2. Is the pay commensurate with your duties?

3. How do you feel before and after your shifts?

4. Can you continue to contribute here?

5. How do you feel about staying—or going home?

How to position yourself to extend your travel assignment

1. Be an active part of the team

2. Be dependable

3. Flex your nursing muscles

4. Find ways to be present with your colleagues

5. Get to know the decision-makers

6. Don’t be shy to share your reasons for staying

7. Be open about your expectations

Let your travel nursing agency know you’re interested in an extension!

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