By Favorite Healthcare Staffing

December 13, 2022

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Best Places for Travel Nurses in the Winter

Favorite Healthcare Staffing provided this article.

As temperatures start to drop, you might be planning out your next travel nurse destination. Whether you love the cold weather or you’re trying to stay far away from it, we’re covering all the bases on where to travel, what to do, and what to pack. From the snowy mountains of Colorado to the heat of Arizona, we’re giving you the best travel nurse locations to visit this winter.

Top Travel Nurse Locations This Winter

Embrace the Cold in Colorado and Minnesota

Best Places for Travel Nurses in the Winter

For the travel nurse who thrives in cold weather, Colorado and Minnesota are your go-to spots this winter. From the first snowfall of the season, there are countless activities to explore!

Visit Colorado for your one-stop ski and snowboarding destination. With various resorts to choose from, you’re sure to find one that suits your needs. Mount Princeton Hot Springs is an all-around resort that encompasses several activities in one location. The resort offers a spa, juice bar, hiking trails, lodging, and more. If you’re looking to go beyond the slopes, Colorado also offers other unique activities. Take a dip in one of the state’s many hot springs, hit the ice-skating rinks, go ice fishing, or speed down the trails while dog sledding. These activities make travel nursing in Colorado the perfect option during those chilly months!

Best Places for Travel Nurses in the Winter

If you’re visiting Minnesota, be prepared to brave the cold temperatures. Whether you’re a fan of indoor or outdoor activities, this state has options for both, making travel nurse jobs in Minnesota popular all year round. If you’re interested in doing something adventurous outdoors, check out ice climbing. Ice climbing is the equivalent to rock climbing, except you’ll be scaling frozen waterfalls! Other outdoor activities include visiting the ice castles and trailing the slopes while snowmobiling or snowshoeing.

On the other hand, if you want to stay warm and cozy indoors but still want to explore all Minnesota and Colorado have to offer, there are a few options. If you’re in Minnesota, you can take a trip to the Mall of America or make a few pitstops at the history and art museums. The Minneapolis Institute of Art is the perfect spot if you’re on a budget. They offer free general admission, and their gallery features over 80,000 pieces of different artwork to enjoy. In the heart of downtown St. Paul is another great museum to visit, the Science Museum of Minnesota. Here you’ll get an out-of-this-world experience with various exhibits ranging from dinosaurs, fossils, outer space, and nature.

If you’re visiting Colorado and are in the mood to go stargazing but don’t want to be outside, then the Fiske Planetarium is perfect for you. They put on laser shows and space odysseys and feature a star ball with a display of over 20 million stars. You can also dive into Colorado’s past by visiting the History Colorado Center. They rotate their exhibits to display different pieces of history, so you’re sure to find something that suits your interest.

Escape the Cold in Arizona and Texas

Best Places for Travel Nurses in the Winter

Not a fan of winter weather? Escape the cold and take a trip to Arizona or Texas to embrace the warm rays. Over the summer, Arizona and Texas temps can reach scorching levels, but during the winter months, it cools down just enough to still enjoy the beauty of the state.

For the traveler who wants to take the scenic route, Arizona brings you some of the best hiking trails and botanical gardens. Some of the top trails to hike with a range of difficulty include Double Butte Loop, Pinnacle Peak, and Echo Canyon Trail. You’ll find some of the most breathtaking views on these trails, so don’t miss out.

If you’re looking to get into the holiday mood, there are other attractions in Arizona that allow you to indulge in seasonal activities, like the World of Illumination, ZooLights, Glendale Glitters, and ice skating at Salt River Fields. Ready to ring in the new year? You’re in luck because there are celebrations on every corner throughout Arizona. Take part in a Flagstaff tradition as they put on their annual Pinecone Drop, followed by a fireworks display to celebrate the new year. For Great Gatsby fans, be sure to drop by the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel for a Gatsby-style NYE celebration filled with music, food, and drinks.

Although the weather will be cooler in Arizona during the winter, don’t forget to stay hydrated and keep your body moisturized. The dry weather can be brutal for your body, so it’s important to stay hydrated and healthy. Travel nursing in Arizona is a great option for those looking to stay warm this winter!

Looking for a bit of variety? Travel nurses in Texas can experience a range of both winter and summer-like activities. If you want to take a trip to the beach, Galveston Pier is the perfect place to be. The Galveston Pier hosts all kinds of holiday events during the winter, so you can enjoy the beachfront while still getting festive.

If you’re heading to San Antonio, take a stroll down the San Antonio Riverwalk, as they display an array of Christmas lights to enjoy. You can even rent a kayak for a unique viewpoint of the lights from the river! If you’re looking for a more adventurous getaway while visiting Texas, stop by Big Bend National Park. Whether you want to hike, mountain bike, or just explore, this is the place for you.

Packing the Essentials

If you’re new to traveling in lower temperatures, you’ll want to be sure to pack the essentials to stay prepared under different circumstances. There are a few tips to keep in mind that will come in handy when you’re preparing for your travel nurse assignment. Our first tip is to pack clothing that you can layer, like thermals, t-shirts, sweaters, leggings, and pants. Packing only bulky items will take up a lot of space and won’t allow you to wear multiple layers. You’ll also want to be sure to bring a pair of gloves, a hat, and a scarf. These basics will help you stay warm while travel nursing in locations like Colorado and Minnesota. 

When traveling to places like Arizona and Texas this winter, you’ll want to pack a variety of clothes as you may experience both warm and cooler temperatures. Layering will be your best friend, as the mornings and evenings tend to be cooler. A light jacket or hoodie is perfect for this type of weather!

No matter what type of climate you’re traveling in, it’s always a good idea to have an emergency kit on hand. You can pack it in your luggage or keep it with you in your car. Some items to include are a first aid kit, flashlight, phone charger, water, snacks, and a blanket. Packing these essentials will help you stay prepared this winter as you travel to your next travel assignment.

Make the most of this holiday season by visiting one of these top travel nurse locations. Whether you want to embrace the snow in Colorado and Minnesota or soak up the sun in Arizona and Texas, there are unique options for every travel nurse!   

Do you prefer to embrace the cold or escape the cold in the winter? Let us know in the comments below, and take a look at our open travel nursing jobs to start exploring with Favorite today!

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.

By Titan Medical

December 12, 2022

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National Parks you MUST see in 2023 on your Travel Journey!

Titan Medical Group provided this article.

Need help deciding what bucket list destination you want to explore on a travel assignment for this upcoming year? Let’s make that easier and tell you some of the most underrated, breathtaking, and adventurous National Parks to explore on a travel assignment!

Congaree National Park, South Carolina

Nearby cities: Columbia, Orangeburg

This National Forest is the place to escape the busy city life and enjoy some time in nature. Known for the tallest trees in the Eastern United States, this dense forest area is the perfect escape to get some hiking, kayaking/canoeing, fishing, or picnicking! Congaree National Park will be the fix you need to enjoy relaxation in the great outdoors. March through May are the best times to visit the park; however, summertime is also a great option if you prepare with bug spray!

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado

Nearby cities: Grand Junction, Montrose, Delta, Gunnison

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is the star of the underrated National Parks. Black Canyon has about 4 million fewer visitors per year than the Rocky Mountains, but that doesn’t take away from its immense beauty. Looking down upon the deep & dramatic canyons that are over 600 meters deep is a must-do item on any National Park lover’s bucket list!

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

Nearby Cities: Gatlinburg, TN; Pigeon Forge, TN; Cherokee, NC; Knoxville, TN

The Smoky Mountains are every outdoor adventure lover’s dream! From hiking to skiing to exploring the wondrous waterfalls hidden within the mountains, you can’t go wrong taking a visit here! There are also many hidden historical buildings and artifacts within the trails. The peak season to visit the Great Smoky Mountains is Spring or Fall!

Redwood National Park, California

Nearby Cities: Trinidad, CA; Klamath, CA; McKinleyville, CA; Eureka, CA

This national park is known for the world’s tallest trees! Many of these beautiful redwood trees throughout the park are nearly 2,000 years old and over 300 feet tall! This park offers some unique beaches and coastlines and numerous beautiful hiking trails that take you through and to wonderous scenic overlooks. Get away from the big cities of CA for a bit and escape to Redwood National Forest to take in its beauty!

Everglades National Park, Florida

Nearby Cities: Homestead, FL; Key Largo, FL; Leisure City, FL; Naples, FL; Miami, FL

This national park is unlike any that you’ll see throughout the United States. This park’s vast landscape makes it a sight to see for travelers from around the world. Everglades National Park is 1.5 million acres of subtropical wilderness! Located at the southern edge of Florida, this park will give you sights you have never explored. You can take a boat and sometimes even a kayak to explore the wildlife here at this park! According to the National Park Service, the park, an American treasure, also a World Heritage Site, and an International Biosphere Reserve, protects an unparalleled landscape that provides essential habitat for numerous rare and endangered species. To convince you more to visit this beautiful park, Everglades even made the Top 4 in the Best National Parks ratings in 2022!

North Cascades National Park, Washington

Nearby Cities: Seattle, WA; Burlington, WA; Mount Vernon, WA

While this park is pretty remote, it’s definitely worth the visit. It’s known to be one of the most underrated parks of the National Parks! While driving a car through the park to see the overlooks and overall spectacular sights is a great option, you’ll have to put hiking boots on and walk along the trails to explore the beautiful park’s full effect. With Olympic and Mount Rainier being in this same state, North Cascades offers the fewest number of visitors, allowing you to see this park with little to no traffic!

Acadia National Park, Maine

Nearby Cities: Bangor, Maine & Portland, Maine

Located in coastal Maine, Acadia National Park will leave you in awe of its various amounts of different landscapes! This park has large rugged cliffs along its coastline and miles of forested trails; this Maine gem is the perfect place to get outside! Hiking, sightseeing, wildlife viewing, and kayaking are some of the numerous activities that leave any outdoor lover wanting to come back! It may be remote, but it is 100/10 worth the visit!

We hope you enjoyed this list of National Parks to visit in 2023 and you were able to add a couple to your list. Are there any others that you think travel nurses should visit that didn’t 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:

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

By Lirika Hart

December 11, 2022

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Why Travel Nurses Should Consider Digital Financial Services

Thanks to digital financial services, people now have a new way to conduct work using sophisticated technologies such as computers, tablets, and smartphones. People should use these services and benefit from them.

Digital financial services are very beneficial for traveling nurses since they simplify and secure the financial process.

But what are digital financial services?

Digital finance is the provision of traditional financial services digitally through various digital channels. Payments, loans, savings, insurance, and transfers can be made via computers, tablets, smartphones, ATMs, and POS terminals.

The benefits of using these services are many, and some of those are listed below:

  • Access to formal financial services
  • Reaching a wider range of customers
  • Lower costs for businesses and customers
  • Increases financial inclusion
  • Access to formal financial services
  • Increasing the efficiency of delivery
  • Improving the quality of service
  • Impact on revenue growth
  • Reducing the risk of financial crime

Digital Financial services are made up of three components, all of which are very important and play a major role in the process:

  1. Digital transaction platforms
  2. Devices
  3. Retail agents

Nurse traveling and why they should use digital financial services

We explained that using digital financial services is very beneficial to travel nurses, but let’s explain why:

When nurses decide to move to another location to advance their careers and pursue their dream job, they face several challenges at the outset, including heavier workloads, more frequent relocation, cultural differences, tax housing, mixed rates, and other challenges of travel nurses that arise over time. And for a short period, it will be very difficult for them to overcome these challenges, and sometimes they might feel overwhelmed.

If they take their time, work hard, are willing to learn, ask questions and approach things with more composure, they can adapt and overcome these challenges.

One of the steps they should take is to use digital financial services that will make their lives easier in general. They will help by having a smart device to manage their money to understand assignment agreements, tax implications, and other things of that nature.

Easier to manage their money

Digital services allow nurses to know about their finances digitally and use them easily without physically taking them with them. Good financial management should be a priority for every nurse, especially traveling nurses.

A better understanding of financial information

A traveling nurse should be careful to find the best bank for tax information and other financial information. To make things easier at the beginning, she can work with a company that helps her with tax information, offers different resources and services to help nurses with financial issues, or can advise her to find the best bank to open her account because they will have regular transactions in the place where they will work. If the nurses travel to different places, they can be advised by these companies to find the best bank in Australia, Europe, the US, and other places.

Finish works even if they are in a hurry.

Since travel nurses are always in a hurry and don’t have much time, they can manage their financial affairs through their smartphones by using these technologies, i.e., cell phone banking, automatic credit extensions, and digital micro recharge loans. They will reduce the cost, speed up the processing time of loans or fulfill other needs due to the lack of free time.

They will find solutions without going into the financial objects

Through digital services, nurses can find solutions to their problems or tasks, even if they do not go to financial institutions. They can finish through the bank agents for a short time and without transportation costs.

Conclusion

Travel nurses face various things during their travels, and they need to learn how to deal with all these challenges. They should be able to learn, question, and progress during the adjustment periods. Among other things, they should learn how to use and benefit from digital financial services because the benefits of these services are many. From saving time to reducing costs, financial risk, and other benefits. Nurses also should consider working with a professional company that will be very effective with a lot of professionalism.

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.

By Fusion Medical Staffing

December 9, 2022

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What Your Recruiter Really Wants to Tell You

Fusion Medical Staffing provided this article.

As a travel nurse, your recruiter is your number one advocate.

One of the marks of great travel nurse recruiters is that they’re friendly, honest, and actually excited to communicate with you. Here’s what they want you to know to kickstart your career success.

Be open-minded and flexible.

Your recruiter wants to give you the best experiences, but lots of other candidates are vying for similar positions. What if your top destination picks aren’t available?

Be honest about your ideal job. Good recruiters can suggest things you might not even know are options but are a perfect fit for you! They can’t do that if they don’t know what you value and what you’re looking for.

(Besides, if you’re dead set on travel nursing in Hawaii, you might miss out on some of the same perks in the continental U.S. without the travel expenses.)

Best questions to ask travel nurse recruiters.

Knowing the right way to ask questions can make all the difference. Here are the top questions to ask travel nurse recruiters before your next assignment.

Where do you have the most jobs?

Alternatively, ask if they have lots of jobs in a specific place. This helps get your expectations in line with reality. Just asking if they staff somewhere might not give you the full picture of where you’re likely to be placed.

It’s easy to decide on travel assignments before you even talk to a recruiter, but it’s in your best interest to trust their suggestions!

What are the company-provided amenities, benefits, and services? Are there referral bonuses?

When you know how they handle housing arrangements, insurance, bonuses, and compensation, you’re better equipped to narrow down those questions for travel nurse recruiters. Help them help you!

Do you offer direct deposit? Overtime pay? Guaranteed hours? What does the overall pay package look like?

As you go into your next travel assignment, these questions shouldn’t be a mystery to you. You want to know how you’ll be paid!

The ideal pay package puts the biggest slices of the “pie” into non-taxable income, so you end up with the most cash, but if something isn’t working, let your recruiter know and see if it can be rearranged! Staffing agencies need to follow state and federal guidelines, but your recruiter wants what’s best for you as a traveling nurse, too.

What about reimbursement for necessary costs?

Licensing fees, continuing education classes, certifications, verification, and even the cost to mail in your application might be reimbursed by your staffing agency or employer. If you haven’t heard anything about it, ask!

Is it expensive to be a travel nurse?

While you’re mostly considering how much money you’ll bring home, you should also consider how much you’ll be spending.

Make a list of how you’ll travel to your assignment, any hotel costs, entertainment and activities on the way, deposits if you’re setting up your housing, etc.

Plus, you won’t get your first paycheck for a couple of weeks since you’ll be waiting for the next pay period to finish. So make sure you’ve budgeted correctly!

What if you hate your travel assignment?

Depending on the issue, you might be stuck. After signing a contract, there can be legal ramifications to backing out.

Call your recruiter anyway – sometimes, you need a sounding board or advice. And definitely get in contact if you want to leave your assignment because your license or health is at risk. Safety should be your recruiter’s top priority, too.

To avoid assignments, you’ll want to cancel in the first place and ask questions during your interview with the facility. Learn about the unit, ask if they have CNAs and LPNs, how often they use traveling nurses, and if they consider themselves traveler-friendly.

If you uncover possible challenges, you’ll be ready when they turn up.

Rock your facility phone interview

This interview can offer intel about the entire assignment. Try these suggestions from recruiters to optimize how it goes.

  • Give your recruiter your work schedule to ensure that the interview is planned when you’re 100% free.
  • Schedule calls for a specific time. Then make sure you’re in an area with service and your phone is on.
  • Research the facility. Your recruiter should tell you what you need to know, but this is the time to ask those questions to help you decide if this is the best fit for the next 13-26 weeks.


No matter who they are, your recruiter should believe in you! Use these tips to make the most of your working relationship and to hit the ground running on your travel nursing journey.

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 AMN Healthcare

December 8, 2022

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Travel Nurse Fun Holiday Gift Ideas

AMN Healthcare provided this article.

These gift ideas make a nurse’s holiday comfortable and bright!

Travel nurses may live a life of adventure, but their workdays are often filled with critical decisions, suffering patients, physical exertion, and long hours on their feet. This holiday season, consider giving your favorite traveling nurse a gift that brings joy and lightens the load. And, yes, treating yourself is allowed!

Travel Nurse Fun Holiday Gift Ideas

Gifts for the Travel Nurses in your life

A welcoming gift for a travel nurse is a gift card or certificate for a hydro facial or deep tissue massage. But some feel better about giving a tangible item or accessories. Check out this list of ten items the travel nurse in your life will love and use.

Accessories:

Travel Nurse Bag

Small items, such as scissors and pens, are easy to lose or get lost in the shuffle at the nurses’ station, so many nurses carry their supplies. You can find nursing bags on Amazon or places that sell scrubs like Scrubs & Beyond.

Lunch Tote

Nurses need to stay focused, and one of the best ways to do that is to eat nutritious foods. They need a thermal lunch bag or box to keep food cold. You can find cute lunch bags at stores like Target or L.L. Bean.

Silicone Ring

Silicone rings are for people who use their hands, whether for work or adventure. They are often used as a substitute for an expensive wedding or engagement ring that the traveler doesn’t want to get dirty or damaged. Companies like Qalo and Enso Rings offer a wide variety.

Badge Reels, Lapel Pins, and Stethoscope IDs

All nurses wear I.D. badges, and one way to set themselves apart is to spice it up with a cute badge reel. Choose a whimsical option or a clip that is an inside joke to make it extra special. Another way to customize a nurse uniform (or any outfit, really) is to jazz it up with a lapel pin. Lapel pins come in every design under the sun – from a simple R.N. pin to hearts, rainbows, and hobbies.

Just as nurses can spice up their badges and scrubs, they can give some love to their stethoscopes with a stethoscope I.D.

Travel Nurse Books

For the traveling nurse reader, gift a book about nurses or nursing. Some ideas include Florence Nightingale’s Notes on Nursing, The Shift: One Nurse, Twelve Hours, Four Patients’ Lives by Theresa Brown, Every Patient Tells a Story: Medical Mysteries, and the Art of Diagnosis by Lisa Sanders.

Water Bottles

Travel nurses must stay hydrated to stay focused, which is why you’ll almost always catch them using a reusable water bottle. Some favorites are from Yeti and HydroMate, and the self-cleaning water bottle from LARQ.

Electronics for on the go

A slick option to keep travel nurses entertained on their breaks is a Kindle e-reader, where they can store their favorite books for every mood. On another note, the Philips SmartSleep Alarm personalizes the sleep and wake-up experience using sunset and sunrise simulation, a smart choice because travelers need some serious sleep to recharge. If you’re looking to spend $$$, the Apple Watch Series 8 will be well-loved and well-used.

Sanitizer for their cell phone

Get rid of the bacteria, viruses, and grime on your favorite traveler’s cell phone with the PhoneSoap UV Cell Phone Sanitizer & Charger.

Nurse-Led Medical Penlight

Another item for the nursing bag is penlights like this rechargeable penlight option from Steeles. Nurses use these to look closely at their throats, ears, and pupils.

Prestige Medical Nurse Assist Clipboard

The Prestige Medical Nurses Clipboard is a quick reference tool for nurses, complete with a clock, timer, alarm, and calculator, including multiple diagnostic and assessment guides. They can be found at multiple stores, including Walmart.

We hope you found these fun holiday gift ideas helpful. Let us know if you think anything should be added to our list.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for an upcoming assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

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

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

By Medical Solutions

December 7, 2022

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What Kind of Nurses Can be Travel Nurses?

Medical Solutions provided this article.

So, you’ve heard about the option of travel nursing, and your interest is piqued. But, like many others before you, there are so many questions to ask and answer before getting started. Right off the bat, people tend to wonder if travel nursing is only an option for certain types of nurses or in certain specialties. The good news for nurses considering a career in travel nursing is that pretty much all varieties of nurses can become travel nurses! That includes everyone from an RN all the way up to a CNO. If you visit an established company’s travel nurse job search tool and browse through the specialties and titles, you’ll get an excellent idea of what kinds of opportunities are out there for you.

Of course, you’ll also want to make sure you’ve got the proper education, credentials, and experience, and, when the time comes closer for you to kick start your travel career, the right licensing to practice in the state where each of your assignments is located.   

job board

Education and Experience

While all kinds of nurses can be travel nurses, there’s technically one exception, and that’s brand-new nurses. Of course, you’ll have to earn your BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) or ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) and then pass the NCLEX to become an RN, but most hospitals and facilities also require two years (one minimum) of in-facility experience before offering you a travel nursing job. Often, nurses with their BSN may be more in-demand than a nurse with their ADN if stacked against each other.

Rather than just an arbitrary rule, experience requirements protect patient care and nurses’ licenses. It’s crucial for your skills to be down pat so you can hit the ground running at each new travel nursing assignment and provide the best patient care possible. Orientation at a travel job tends to be brief, and there are tons more to download at every new position. Experience requirements also protect you and your license while helping ensure you have a good travel nursing experience. Travel nursing takes adaptability and quick thinking, so having that solid, well-practiced base of skills makes all the difference for you, your patients, and the facility. 

Most In-demand Specialties

Just because all types of nurses can become travel nurses doesn’t take preference out of the picture. Hospitals and facilities still have a higher demand for certain specialties, which you’ll see reflected in job openings and compensation. Some of the most consistently in-demand nurse specialties are:

Non-RN and Allied Travel Healthcare Jobs

The term “travel nursing” is often used as an umbrella term that includes CNAs, LPNs, and allied health professionals. Just because you’re not an RN doesn’t exclude you from a career in travel healthcare! Many travel companies offer jobs for allied health professionals, other types of nurses, and healthcare industry roles. In fact, some CNAs, for example, might even choose to travel with their current title while earning their BSN online. That kind of approach would be fantastic for a person’s travel resume.

So, in summary, all kinds of nurses can be travel nurses — even nurse leaders and allied health professionals — but you’ll also want to consider your education, experience, and specialty when thinking about a career in travel nursing. The best thing to do at the early stages of travel nursing curiosity is to connect with a recruiter. They can help answer your questions and arm you with important information, even if you’re not ready to get started right away.  

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

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

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

By Medely

December 6, 2022

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Best Options For Travel Nurses To Find Cheap Flights In The U.S.

Medely provided this article.

Finding the cheapest flights in the United States is a creative mix of airports, airlines, travel dates, departure times, and layovers. Travel nurses and allied pros love to explore, and you may want a low-cost flight to get to your next contract, take a trip home between assignments, or enjoy a fun long weekend away. Here are a few tips and some of the best options to find the deals you’re looking for.

Best Options For Travel Nurses To Find Cheap Flights In The U.S.

4 travel tips to help you find a cheap flight

1. Incognito mode doesn’t make a difference

You may have heard that using incognito mode can help you find and keep the best prices, but expert fare hunters say it doesn’t make a difference. The pros at Scott’s Cheap Flights said, “We run thousands of searches every day, day after day. If prices were rising based on those previous searches, we’d see it.”

2. Don’t wait until Tuesday to book flights…

Tuesday used to be the best day to save a few dollars on a flight, but travel professionals say that’s no longer the case. “To put it simply, computers happened. While humans are predictable, algorithms can react to the market in real time,” wrote Ashley Hamer for Discovery.com.

3. …but flying on Tuesday may be smart scheduling

Google Flights found that flights on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday average 12% lower fares than weekend flights—and if you only look at domestic flights, the potential savings jump to 20%.

4. Accepting a layover could save you 20%

Google Flights also found that flights with one or more stops can be as much as 20% cheaper than direct flights.

Where to find the best deals on flights

Finding a cheap flight to or from your travel nursing assignment means knowing your options. Flight aggregators and online travel agencies (OTAs) make research easier through features such as:

  • Easy flight comparisons across airlines
  • Filters to focus on flights that meet your needs or preferences
  • Visibility into pricing trends so you can compare different dates
  • Email alerts to help you track sales and last-minute deals

Before you book any ticket directly or through a third-party site, make sure you understand the policies around flight cancellations, itinerary changes, and insurance.

Google Flights and Kayak

Google Flights and Kayak are popular travel search engines that are built on the same software—Google’s ITA Matrix. So the site you use will be more about personal preference than the information available. 

Both aggregators make it easy to compare tickets by departure airport, destination, airline, benefits, and travel itineraries. Price trends are front and center, so you can quickly see whether flexing your dates a little can save you money.

When you find a deal you like, both sites will direct you to the airline’s website to book. If you sign up for Kayak’s email list, you’ll also find out about exclusive private deals.

Momondo

Momondo is a travel fare aggregator that’s owned by Booking Holdings Inc., the same company that owns Kayak, so you may spot similarities between the two sites. However, there are a couple of key differences:

  • Some flight tickets can be booked through Momondo’s partner OTAs
  • You can mix and match cheap airline tickets from different carriers to create custom packages
  • Momondo aggregates fares from more booking sites than Kayak, so you may notice different prices

Be sure to check out the partner site’s travel policies before booking. Momondo is an aggregator, not an agency, so it doesn’t manage reservations directly.

Hopper

Hopper doesn’t just do price comparisons; it does price predictions. The accredited travel agency says it saves customers an average of $65 on flights booked through its mobile-only experience.

For example, we pulled up a flight from Spokane, WA (GEG) to San Francisco, CA (SFO), and the lowest price was $30 cheaper than the same flight on Google Flights. However, Hopper suggested we wait before booking because, over the next month, it predicts additional price drops could help save an additional $138.

Hopper can alert you to pricing changes. It also enables mix-and-match flights.

Bookings on Hopper are backed by “Change for any reason” and “Cancel for any reason” policies with no additional fees. That said, reviews on TrustPilot are mixed; customers either love their experience with the app or hate it.

Southwest Airlines

A 2022 J.D. Power survey of 7,000 travelers ranked Southwest Airlines as the best airline in the country for economy and basic economy flights—but you won’t find it through any of the aggregator sites. As the world’s largest low-cost carrier, known for its low rates as well as its free checked baggage, it’s worth checking Southwest’s site directly.

Scott’s Cheap Flights

If you’re more interested in great flight deals—in the United States or abroad—and less committed to a specific destination, Scott’s Cheap Flights can be a great travel resource—as long as your nearby airports are supported by the site. Scott’s Cheap Flights has a limited plan available for free; if you’re a more frequent traveler, you may want to consider an upgrade.

Search early, check often, and be flexible

Airline prices in the United States have risen by 33% compared to 2021 this year. It can be worth the time to scope out cheap airfare prices, compare quotes, and try to find the best prices for flight tickets. We hope these tips help you find the bookings you’re looking for!

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 Jennifer Traub

December 5, 2022

1836 Views

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Finding Success as a Travel Nurse and Beyond

Let me start by saying I do not feel worthy of writing this yet. I am not a multi-million dollar earner or the founder of some life-changing startup. I hope to publish a book/article from a place of tangible success worthy of inspiring others. I have, however, accomplished various goals that, 10 years ago, seemed to be out of reach for me. Therefore, I wish to share my experience and insight with you in hopes you, too, could one day go for whatever it is you want in this life. You, too, may continue to build and climb and soak up everything life offers.

I remember growing up, always having big goals and dreams for myself.

Deep down, however, I doubted I could really get there. Not because I didn’t think I was capable but because I simply did not know how. Here I was, 23 years old, a new grad nurse, who did exactly what I was told to do. Get good grades. Get a good job. Yet I was struggling and living paycheck to paycheck, stressed out of my mind.

I always wanted to be successful but was often bombarded by negative thoughts; maybe it wasn’t in the cards for me. It’s easy to put yourself down when comparing yourself to those who are successful, isn’t it? You may find yourself saying, “I’m not smart enough. I’m lazy. I’m not as good with people as that CEO. I’m not attractive enough.” The list goes on and on, and I hear it from people on the regular.

What most don’t realize, however, is you are only viewing the end product of success. You don’t see the sleepless nights a famous author encountered writing shitty manuscripts. You don’t see the 4 practices a day a world-renowned basketball player went through refining their skills. You don’t see the countless “no’s” a salesman got before that one life-changing yes. I didn’t realize this until I was 27 and started rubbing shoulders with people who were multiple 6, figure earners. 

Money alone was never the goal for me. Accomplishment and financial freedom to live life on my terms was. I then learned success leaves clues. If I could emulate exactly what a mentor did in the areas I wished to succeed, I, too, could become successful. 

We all start from different levels of the totem pole.

Some are natural-born leaders. Artists. Athletes.

Some came out of the womb with a life purpose. I will say, however, the opportunity is available for all because hard work will always beat talent when talent doesn’t work hard.

We can learn this lesson from Michael Jordan, who didn’t make his sophomore basketball team in high school. It was then I realized these successful people were no different than me. The only thing that separated me from them was time and the fine-tuning of a set of skills I could also possess in the arena I desired if I were driven and patient enough.

I am by no means where I want to be in life, but for the past 8 years, I have been hard at work, growing and building what I feel defines success in my eyes.

And we all have our own definition of success. It is never right or wrong. Just simply the destination you choose to arrive at. I am not the product of luck or unusual circumstances but an innate drive to want the absolute best for myself. To me, there is no other way. Any other alternative is unacceptable.

My point in writing this is if you are getting in your own way of what you feel success is and what living life on your own terms means, it is exactly that.

Only YOU are in your own way. You’re an inspirational friend or a good book away from also inheriting the skills and ideas you need to make all of your dreams come true.

The question you have to ask yourself is, how hungry are you?

Is the pain of staying where you’re at greater than the pain of wanting to change? Think about a goal you’ve always wanted to accomplish but have not followed through on due to fear or lack of belief in yourself. There is no such thing as dreams out of reach. They are only out of reach because you decided they were. There is always a way to achieve what you want. And you will always find it if you desire it enough.

The longer you sit on the fence of your dreams, the more life will continue to pass you by. My biggest fear is being at the end of my life and having a bunch of “should haves” and “could haves.”

I would rather have the pain of failing than never trying in the first place.

Rewire the philosophies inside yourself that tell you you aren’t good enough or that life is too hard. That’s cowardly, and You’re stronger than that. Write out your goal, find a mentor, read relevant books, and implement a concise, structured plan to make it a reality.

What do you have to lose?

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 Nadine Westwood

December 4, 2022

3214 Views

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6 Great Reasons for Travel Nurses to Learn a Modern Foreign Language

Travel nurses often find themselves in unfamiliar territory. This can be both exhilarating and daunting, as they must adjust to a new country’s customs while providing top-notch patient care. While many travel nurses are already proficient in a second language, others may not feel as confident.

However, there are many good reasons for travel nurses to learn a modern foreign language, especially if they plan on working in a non-English speaking country. If you are looking for a great way to immerse yourself in the culture of your new surroundings, learning the local language is a great place to start.

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Greater Job Satisfaction

Job satisfaction is the key to a successful career. If you are unhappy with your job, you will likely burn out. It can harm your patients and your career.

However, if you can find a job that you are passionate about, you are more likely to stick with it for the long haul.

For example, learning French can help you to find a job as a travel nurse in a French-speaking country. This will allow you to immerse yourself in the culture and language, which can lead to greater job satisfaction. 

Learning French online with Lingoda’s experienced teachers can help you to reach your goals. You do not need to know the language, as you can move at your own pace and choose your schedule.

Improved Interpersonal Skills

Learning a foreign language can help you to improve your interpersonal skills. You will need to be able to communicate with people from different cultures and backgrounds. It will help you to become more understanding and tolerant of others. It can also help you to build strong relationships with your patients and their families.

Interpersonal skills are essential in any job but are especially vital for travel nurses. You will be working with people from all over the world. Therefore, you must build strong relationships with your patients and their families.

Enhanced Job Opportunities

There is a growing demand for travel nurses who can speak multiple languages. If you are looking for a way to stand out from the crowd, learning a foreign language is a great way to do it. Many hospitals and clinics are now looking for travel nurses who can speak the language of their patients.

This trend is likely to continue as the world becomes increasingly globalized. Therefore, learning a foreign language will give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs. It may even open up new job opportunities you would not have had access to otherwise.

Improved Patient Care

Your goal as a travel nurse is to provide the best possible care for your patients. It can be difficult if you cannot communicate with them effectively. Learning a foreign language will allow you to understand your patients and their needs better. It can also help build trust between you and your patients, as they will know that you are trying to learn about their culture and language.

The improved communication will also allow you to better understand the instructions from your patients’ doctors. It is important to ensure that you carry out their orders correctly.

Increased Cultural Awareness

Cultural awareness has become an important aspect of healthcare. Many diseases and conditions are more prevalent in certain cultures. Therefore, healthcare professionals must be aware of their patient’s cultural beliefs and practices.

With better cultural awareness, you can provide more culturally sensitive care. This is important, as it can help to improve patient outcomes. It can also help to build trust between you and your patients.

Also, cultural awareness can help you avoid making a cultural faux pas. This is important, as it can be offensive to patients if you are unfamiliar with their culture. It can also damage the trust that you have built with your patients.

It Delays the Onset of Dementia

According to a recent study, bilingualism can delay the onset of dementia by up to five years. Speaking multiple languages requires the brain to constantly switch between different rules. This process helps to keep the brain active and sharp.

In addition, the study found that people who speak multiple languages are less likely to experience cognitive decline as they age. Speaking multiple languages can help to protect the brain against age-related damage.

As a travel nurse, it is crucial to keep your mind sharp. The work environment and pressure require you to be able to make quick decisions in a dynamic environment. Therefore, learning a foreign language can help you to stay sharp and focused throughout your career.

In summary, there are many benefits to learning a foreign language as a travel nurse. With the correct language, you can open up new job opportunities, improve your interpersonal skills, and delay the onset of dementia. Learning a foreign language is an investment in your future that can pay off in many ways.

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!)