By Medical Solutions

November 18, 2022

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The Best Reasons to Be a Healthcare Traveler Again

Medical Solutions provided this article.

When you think back to the heart of why you started healthcare traveling, what lights your fire the most? Is it the chance to broaden your clinical knowledge? Enjoy a taste of true work/life balance. Or to wander coast to coast? 

Your care journey to date has been as inspiring and unique as you are. Which is why you deserve a rewarding career that helps you reach big goals and achieve lifelong dreams – whatever they may be! Traveling can help get you exactly where you want to be, both in life and location. 

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It’s time to get back to the heart of it all and remember your “why.” Nursing or allied health traveling can help you: 

Move at Your Own Pace

Work 13 weeks and take 4 off. Work 8 weeks, take another 3 off! Traveling lets you conjure up a flexible work lifestyle without sacrificing career security. You can work at your own pace with confidence, knowing your career is still cared for with: 

  • Benefits up to 4 Weeks Between Assignments

Traveling literally gives you room to take a step back and breathe! Your day-to-day can be highly stressful and emotionally taxing, which is why it’s important to pencil in some guilt-free “me” time. With Medical Solutions and our sister company, Aureus Medical Group, your benefits are active for up to 4 weeks between assignments. 

  • Varying Contract Lengths

Travel contracts are available in all shapes, durations, and sizes, but you choose assignments that best support your needs and goals. Need to be in a specific region at a specific time of the year? Let’s make it happen – search through hundreds of jobs across the country today. Considering the occasional contract for some supplemental income? No problem – your recruiter is here for you anytime you need them. Want the flexibility of travel but need to stay close to home? Hold tight – something exciting is in the works!

Whether it’s per diem, PRN, strike, a 13-week contract, or an extension, you’ll find career freedom in the flexibility of healthcare traveling. 

“I hadn’t been home for a major holiday in two years because I was working as a perm staff. But after I started working as a traveler, I got to be home with family for the holidays.” – Mariah T., BSN, RN – Stepdown/PCU

Shake up a Tired Routine

Picture the year ahead: you could spend the summer in Seattle, check out Fort Worth in the fall, then beat the winter blues down in Palm Beach. Each new assignment (and everywhere in between!) is a chance to branch out from the same old routine. Most importantly, traveling gives you the flexibility to take breaks when you need to between contracts or arrange to be near loved ones for important events. 

So hike that mountain trailhead, follow your inner foodie, or take a day trip with a new friend – traveling helps you try things you might never experience at home. 

“I’ve been able to visit some unique locations and stay at places that I otherwise may not have traveled to, like an Airbnb horse ranch in Montana that’s run by adults who have disabilities. It was such a great experience.” – Abigail M., BSN, RN – ER

Invest in Yourself While Helping Communities in Need

Each new assignment is an opportunity to advance your clinical knowledge, learn from other inspiring clinicians, and go where help is needed most. From soft skills, clinical skills, knowledge of protocols, state laws, and so on, everything you learn on assignment adds to your ever-growing list of abilities.

  • Expand Your Skillsets

Challenge yourself to adapt and grow as you work in different facilities and acuity levels, from nonprofits to trauma centers to community hospitals, in both urban and rural settings. Learn new technologies and strengthen your communication skills as you experience firsthand how different healthcare systems function across the country. 

  • Help Those in Need

You were called to care for a reason, and traveling helps you find new, rewarding ways to help patients, hospitals, and communities in need. You could be a fresh face for an understaffed, small-town community hospital or much-needed support for first-time travelers in a large unit. You could even provide medical support to kids with serious illnesses at a life-changing summer camp!

  • Advance Your Education

Thinking about pursuing another degree or certification? The flexible nature of travel can help you take those extra steps in your education journey. You have more time to devote to these professional goals and passions without placing your career on hold.

“I was able to complete my practicum while traveling because my recruiter at Medical Solutions always had my back. He was able to find me assignments around Miami for 10 months so I could be near my clinical site.”  – Cindy W., RN – ICU/PACU

Where Will Care Take You Next?

If you’re dreaming of a change of pace but want the flexibility and security of an in-demand career, travel with Medical Solutions! Jobs are available in every corner of the U.S., with new openings added each day. You can quick apply now to connect with a member of our team, search for jobs here to get a feel of what’s out there, or call 1.866.663.3548 to get in contact 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 Medical Edge Recruitment

November 16, 2022

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Managing Your Medications While Hustling as a Travel Nurse

Medical Edge Recruitment provided this article.

Written by: Melissa Reeves, Recruitment Consultant, Medical Edge Recruitment

You are a travel nurse; you work long hours on your feet taking care of others; it is your passion. You know you are strong – you can do this; after all, this is what you signed up for, but you did not ask for a medical condition, consuming more time than you have.  The hassle of scheduling time for doctor appointments and pharmacy lines is already daunting; factor in working a demanding career requiring you to travel often, sometimes changing states, and it can quickly become overwhelming.  Some who take daily meds, especially those prescribed controlled substances, may wonder if travel nursing is even an option for them.  Many seasoned travel nurses who require daily medication have shared these tips for managing medications while on assignment as a travel nurse.

Managing medications while on assignment as a travel nurse

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Research the state you plan to travel to

The first thing you must do is research the state you are planning to travel to; each state has different laws in place regarding prescription medications.  Depending on the medication, you may find there are limitations to where you can travel.  Some states have laws that are more relaxed than others.  Some limit your prescription to 30 days at a time, with refills pending doctor visits; some states do not accept paper prescriptions at all and might require the prescription be written by a doctor from that same state. The bottom line, know the laws in the state you are planning to travel to and make sure you have a plan before accepting a contract in that state.

Utilize telemedicine

Many nurses who travel regularly say that telemedicine appointments are the most useful tool when traveling with health conditions. Try an app like Push Health or Circle Medical to help find a doctor who can see you through an online visit.  There are other apps like Health Warehouse, an online pharmacy that will deliver right to your door. Using an app to find a doctor, schedule online visits, and get prescriptions is a new era in healthcare and could be the best way for you to minimize the challenges that come with managing your health while traveling to different states.

Some travelers prefer to seek treatment from one doctor they trust and who is familiar with their treatment plan. They say to have an open discussion about the demands of your career and ask what your doctor offers their patients who travel for work. Find a doctor who can accommodate you with virtual visits and 90-day prescriptions.

Choose a pharmacy chain.

Another helpful tool is to choose a pharmacy chain available in all the states you will be going to, like CVS or Walmart, making it much easier to transfer your prescriptions from state to state using the same pharmacy. Whatever chain you are looking at, be sure that the pharmacy takes your insurance. For example, CVS doesn’t take Blue Cross Blue Shield, but Walgreens does. Also, be careful because some chain pharmacies will not accept your prescription from an online doctor or telehealth app, be sure to check with your pharmacy first.

Even with these tips, some travelers will tell you that the medications prescribed to them are so regulated that nothing seems to work, and their only option is to have someone they trust to pick up their prescriptions and mail them.  This is not always a good idea; there are laws restricting the types of medications that can be sent in the mail; always do thorough research into the policies and procedures of each state.

Do your research and figure out which combination of these tips works best for you. 

Your healthcare needs should not limit you.  Accept the fact that you might not be able to go to every state, and you may have to make a trip home a few extra times a year to get the care you need.  Your health comes first, and without that, you will not be able to take care of all those who depend on you.

We hope you found these tips for managing medications while travel nursing helpful. Do you have any ways of managing medications while you are on an assignment that we didn’t mention? Comment them below.

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 a personalized provider experience a priority. There are a lot of moving parts in getting set up for a new assignment, but we take care of all the details along the way. Adventure awaits; let Medical Edge Recruitment show you where to go next!

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

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

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

By TheraEx

November 14, 2022

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Simple Holiday Recipes for Travel Nurses

TheraEx Staffing Solutions provided this article.

Being a travel nurse during the holidays can be a challenge. With the holidays fast approaching, many travel nurses won’t be able to join their families and loved ones on Thanksgiving or Christmas this year. The loneliness that one normally feels on a regular day somehow gets magnified on holidays if you’re not surrounded by those that make you feel like home.

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Wherever you may find yourself as a travel nurse during the holidays, you want to make it feel like home or as close to home as possible. This holiday season, you’re probably thinking that the last thing you want to do is to spend time after a long shift stressing over what to cook. The holidays get crazy, and you need quick and easy meals to prepare after your shifts, so we put together this list of some delicious and easy meal ideas to help you out.

Simple holiday recipes for travel nurses:

Healthy Fall Salad

Gone are the days of bland and boring salads! This easy-to-make Autumn Apple Salad is loaded with lots of fresh and healthy ingredients while not skimping on any of the flavors. It comes together in less than 15 minutes and is the perfect way to start any holiday celebration.

Autumn Apple Salad (With A Maple Vinaigrette) – House of Yumm

Turkey & Stuffing

Short on time? This recipe allows you to enjoy eating turkey without spending hours basting and supervising it. Not only are these roll-ups tasty, but they are also easy to prepare. Pair with the below stuffing recipe (if you prefer homemade), and you’ll be in for a treat!

Turkey and Stuffing Roll-Ups – Life In The Lofthouse

A holiday staple and favorite of many, this Easy Sausage Stuffing recipe comes together quickly and with minimal steps.

Easy Sausage Stuffing – Primavera Kitchen

Mashed Potatoes

There’s almost nothing that the ever-so-glorious slow cooker can’t accomplish, and once you master the power of dumping your ingredients into it and walking away, you’ll never look back. These slow cooker mashed potatoes are the perfect holiday side with minimal effort required. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 7-8 hours the night before, and you’ll be off work with a warm holiday meal waiting for you.

Creamy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes – Café Delites

Rolls

These easy, fluffy, and rich dinner rolls are perfect for serving with your holiday meals. Ready in around 30 minutes, they are the perfect everyday dinner roll that can be made in a cinch. Brush with melted butter for an extra special treat!

30-Minute Dinner Rolls – Kylee Cooks

Mac and Cheese

Another fabulous dish made in the slow cooker, this mac and cheese is sure to be reminiscent of one of your childhood favorite comfort foods. Not only is it easy to prep in 10 minutes due to not needing to boil the noodles before slow cooking it, but it is creamy, tender, and absolutely delicious.

Easy Crock Pot Macaroni and Cheese – Suburban Simplicity

Dessert

Everyone knows it’s a must to end every holiday celebration with a sweet and delicious treat. In less than 5 minutes, you can make a cake in a mug that will satisfy your sweet tooth without the hassle of having to wash what feels like a million dishes.

Snickerdoodle Mug Cake – Five Heart Home

Pumpkin Mug Cake – The Country Cook

As hard as it may seem, just remember that holidays are a time to celebrate, be thankful and cherish life’s little moments. Just because you’re on a travel assignment or working through the holiday doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun and eat delicious meals while making new cherished memories. We hope you found these simple holiday recipes helpful, do you have any simple holiday recipes as a travel nurse? 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:

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

By Medely

November 12, 2022

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24+ Interview Questions to Help You Find a Great Travel Nurse Assignment

Medely provided this article.

A new travel assignment means big changes for any travel nurse or allied professional—new responsibilities, a new work environment, a new community, new place to call home. Before you commit, get the information you need to feel confident you’ll enjoy the travel nursing assignment and finish it with satisfaction and enthusiasm to keep going.

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Lots of travel nurses and allied pros are attracted by the financial incentives since the rates they earn at a medical facility are typically higher than staff nurses. But high pay isn’t the only thing that matters. Many professionals choose travel nursing jobs to gain experience, upgrade skills, work in rural environments, or reclaim control of their personal and professional lives. Or they just want to choose a winter assignment in a new part of the country.

What goals and interests drive you to be a travel nurse—and does this assignment match? Here are 24 common travel nurse interview questions that Medely often recommends to healthcare professionals before they meet with a hiring manager.

Travel nurse interview questions to ask during your interviews:

Get to know the community.

It’s hard to focus on work when your living arrangements are in disarray, and your support network is non-existent. Before you pack the car and go cross-country, your interview with the hiring manager is a great opportunity to get a local’s perspective and insights.

  • What is the community like? For example, is it a good fit if you have a family, love the arts, or like to spend your downtime outdoors?
  • Is it hard to find housing nearby? What neighborhoods would they recommend?
  • What types of activities are popular this time of year?
  • What kind of weather should you prepare for?
  • What popular apps do locals use to find events, meet people, or buy used items?
  • Is there anything that tends to surprise people who are new to the area?

You’ll also want to ask about the cost of living. Rent may not be top-of-mind since travel nursing agencies often arrange accommodations or offer a housing stipend to pay for private housing or a hotel. However, the impact of high grocery or entertainment costs can skewer your budget if you aren’t prepared.

Learn about the work you’ll be doing

Your travel nursing assignment contract should clearly explain your responsibilities and expectations for you as well as the healthcare facility and the travel nursing agency you’re working with. However, since we’re talking about your day-to-day work, make sure you’re clear about the things that are most important to you.

For example:

  • How many hours can you expect to work per week?
  • What will your role be, and what types of cases will you be working with?
  • What is the medical facility’s standard nurse-to-patient ratio?
  • What’s the orientation process?
  • Will you need to attend a shift with Employee Health before starting?
  • Are there any modules or online training materials that need to be completed before starting?
  • Do you need to book any extra credential requirements?
  • What are the COVID-19 vaccine requirements?

Ask about the healthcare facility’s operations.

When you work somewhere for a month or more—the most common travel assignments last for 13 weeks—you want it to be a workplace where you can have an impact on patient care and feel supported along the way. Ask questions to gain a better understanding of how the department operates as well as the amenities available.

  • What is the parking situation? Is it available for free or at a cost? How far away is it?
  • What are the uniform requirements? Are scrubs provided?
  • Is there a cafeteria or kitchen available for meals?
  • What is the facility’s policy for breaks? And do nurses typically take their breaks?
  • How is the scheduling done?
  • Are travelers often floated? If so, to what units?

Make sure your requirements are covered.

Hopefully, you feel positive about everything you’ve learned about the travel nursing assignment so far! The last topic is to talk logistics—to confirm the details that fit your particular needs so you can avoid surprises.

  • What start date works best for both of you? (Let the hiring manager know if you have any flexibility.)
  • Are you able to take time off for pre-existing commitments?
  • Are there other commitments that might impact your availability, such as another job?

Ready for your travel nursing interview?

Once you’ve worked through your list of questions and are satisfied that a particular assignment checks all the right boxes, prepare for your move and start looking forward to your first day!

We hope you found these travel nurse interview questions to ask during your interviews helpful. Do you have any other questions that should be asked? Comment them below.

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 Nurse First Travel Agency

November 11, 2022

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7 Things to Consider When Looking For Travel Nurse Housing Rentals

Nurse First Travel Agency provided this article.

Travel nursing is a great career choice because it allows nurses to travel across the country or even around the globe. This job also offers flexible hours and the chance to earn extra income from home.

However, finding the perfect travel nurse housing rental isn’t always easy. You want to choose a place with good amenities, such as a pool, gym, laundry facilities, etc. Also, you don’t want to pay too much for rent.

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Here are five things you should consider when searching for travel nurse housing rentals.

How Do Travel Nurses Find Housing? 

Travel nurses often find themselves looking for affordable housing while working in a different city. While many travel nurse agencies out there specialize in providing housing for travel nurses, most aren’t very good at it. They usually just hand over a list of apartments or houses that they’ve found. This isn’t ideal because it doesn’t allow you to pick what works best for you.

However, there are agencies out there that do a better job. These agencies actually work directly with landlords and property managers, allowing them to make sure that the properties are safe, clean, and well-maintained. In addition, they’ll take care of everything for you, including finding you a roommate if necessary.

The downside is that these agencies charge a fee upfront. Some charge up to $1,500 per month, while others charge around $500 per month. But, depending on how much money you want to spend on rent, this could end up being a small price to pay.

3 Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Next Housing

1. Location

The location of your accommodation is important. Is it near public transportation? Are there good restaurants nearby? What are the crime stats like? Does it have a pool? How much does rent cost? These questions can help you determine whether or not a certain area is worth considering.

2. Amenities

If you end up choosing a house or apartment, make sure that it offers amenities that you’ll actually use. For example, do you really need a dishwasher? Will you actually cook meals there? Can you store luggage safely? Make sure you know what you’re getting into.

3. Safety

Safety is another factor to take into consideration. Some places are safer than others. Ask around to see how safe a neighborhood seems. Also, check online forums to see if anyone else has been robbed or assaulted while staying in a particular area.

7 Tips for Finding Travel Nurse Housing

1. Ask about security deposits

Most landlords require a security deposit ranging anywhere from $500-$1000, depending on where you live. Make sure you ask about it upfront. You don’t want to find out later that you’ve been charged too much.

2. Check references

Your landlord may provide references for previous tenants, but it’s always best to check online. If you find anything suspicious, you’ll know immediately. Ask around and find out what people think about the property manager and ask friends and family members if they’ve heard anything about the landlord. If there are many negative ones, it might mean that the landlord isn’t very trustworthy.

3. Find out about pet policies

Some properties allow pets; some do not. This is something to consider before signing a lease. If you plan on bringing your dog along with you, be sure to let your landlord know ahead of time so he/she can prepare accordingly.

4. Research Local Amenities

When searching for furnished housing rentals, one of the most important things to research is the neighborhood itself. Look for areas that offer amenities such as grocery stores, restaurants, parks, etc. These are often considered “must haves” when moving to a new city.

5. Know what you’re paying for

It’s easy to get caught up in all the excitement when searching for an apartment, but you should also keep track of what you’re spending. Don’t sign a lease without knowing exactly how much you’re spending. 

 6. Do an inspection

Before you sign any paperwork, make sure that you inspect the place thoroughly. Look for things such as mold, leaks, and other potential problems. Don’t forget to look under sinks and behind appliances.

7. Consider Extended Stay Hotels

Extended-stay hotels are typically located near airports or major highways. They offer guests many of the same amenities as regular hotels, such as free Wi-Fi, cable TV, laundry facilities, and roomy suites. These hotels often feature kitchenettes, making it easy for travelers to cook meals or keep snacks handy.

While some travelers prefer the convenience of staying in one place for several days, others enjoy the freedom of being able to move around town without having to worry about finding a hotel. Extended-stay hotels make traveling easier for both types of people.

With a little planning, you can find an extended-stay hotel that suits your needs. Check out our guide to finding the best extended-stay hotels.

Conclusion

Finding travel nurse housing can be difficult, especially if you have no experience doing so. However, once you start looking, you’ll quickly realize that this type of accommodation doesn’t come along every day. Take advantage of these tips and tricks to help you find the perfect place to call home.

Traveling is fun, but it’s also stressful. There are so many different aspects to consider, but if done right, you can find the perfect home away from home!

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

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

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

By Triage Healthcare Staffing

November 9, 2022

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New Year Travel Assignments: Why You Shouldn’t Sleep on Finding One Now

Triage Healthcare Staffing provided this article.

The new year seems so far away, but the reality is that it will be here before you know it. The time of year between Thanksgiving and New Year’s flies by for travel nurses, recruiters, and onboarding specialists, which means waiting to find a travel assignment that starts in January can leave you without a job come the first of the year. If you’re considering taking the holidays off and jumping back into the job market in January, here are a few reasons you should button up your new year positions now.

Why It Can Be Difficult to Find a New Year Travel Assignment

There’s one simple reason why finding a travel assignment in January can be difficult—many travel nurses plan to take time off during the holidays and then get back into the swing of things after the new year. Sounds like a great idea! And it is. Being able to completely customize when you work is one of the greatest perks of travel nursing.

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However, because it’s something that a lot of travel nurses do, it can be harder to find a job right after the holidays. The market is flooded with travel nurses looking for new travel assignments, and recruiters are swamped trying to find their established travel nurses a job. So, if you’re thinking about switching to a new recruiter or agency, right after the new year is not the time to start. If you wait too long to start your January job search, you might be left out entirely and stay out of work longer than planned.

When To Look for a New Year Travel Assignment

It might seem too early, but the time to look for a January travel assignment is actually in October or November, before Halloween or Thanksgiving. If you’re planning on switching to a new agency or recruiter, you should start even earlier because you’ll need time to create your profile or make sure you find a recruiter that you vibe with. (Side note: this is where a Kamana profile is a huge benefit for travelers. The universal Kamana profile can be sent to any agency or recruiter, meaning you’re already ahead of the game.) When you start making these connections before the holiday season begins, you’ll have a better chance of finding a travel assignment where you want to go.

Having something lined up before the holidays allows you to still take time off, but without worrying about what you’re going to do when January rolls around. It also lets you go through the compliance process over a longer period of time, which is important. The folks at your agency, your facility, or even the labs where drug tests are processed like to spend time with their families during the holidays, which can sometimes slow things down. Remember, they’re people, not robots!  

Tips for Finding a New Travel Assignment

Luckily for travel nurses who want to take time off during the holidays, a few things can help them find assignments.

  • Be flexible. Remember that everyone wants to go somewhere warm in cold, dreary January. So, if you’re willing to take assignments in northern states, you’ll probably have an easier time finding one.
  • Start early. Like we said before, getting your January assignment buttoned up ahead of time means you’ll have less competition for the available jobs.
  • Keep your skills current. If you’ve taken off more than a few months, finding a new assignment can be a challenge. It’s not a bad idea to pick up a PRN shift each week at a facility near your home. This keeps your skills current, which makes you a more attractive candidate to facilities.

Looking for a travel nurse agency that will treat you with honesty and candor? Triage Staffing listens to what you want and then shoots you straight. So you can make the decision that’s right for you. To connect with a Triage recruiter, apply for travel nurse jobs on the Triage website.

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 Ariel and Oscar - That Travel Nurse Couple

November 8, 2022

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Coping with Loss While on Assignment

It’s no secret that leaving the comforts of home, family, and loved ones for travel assignments across the country is no easy feat. I think so many people have this preconceived notion that travel nursing is easy, but in reality, being away from all the things we hold so dear can truly have a huge impact on the way we function in our day-to-day lives. What can make these moments even more difficult is having to deal with the loss of loved ones while traveling on assignment.

This month marks 1 year since I (Ariel) unexpectedly lost my father. I’ve debated writing about this topic, but I think, despite how difficult it may be, it could help someone else who may be walking along that same bumpy road I call grief.

Since it’s been about a year, I’ve learned a thing or two about grief and coping with loss. I hope if anyone reading finds themselves in this incredibly difficult situation, these words will bring you comfort and help you along your healing journey.

grief

Forgive yourself

First and foremost, you have to forgive yourself. I spent many months feeling guilty for not being home when my dad passed away. I was half a country away when I got the call, and I can’t tell you how heartbreaking it felt to be so far away from home in such a life-altering moment. I spent the next day flying home, trying my hardest (unsuccessfully mostly) to hold back the tears. It’s not like you ever know how these moments in your life are going to go, but I had to do a lot of work in the following months to just forgive myself and not feel guilty. I felt guilty for many things, but mostly for not being home.

I came to find that these feelings of guilt were normal in the coping process, but only to a certain extent. I allowed myself to feel those feelings but learned I couldn’t let myself stay there for long. You have to forgive yourself in order to move on. Loss is hard enough as it is, don’t make it harder by blaming yourself for things you can’t change. Remember, your loved one wouldn’t want you to hold on to those feelings of guilt either.

Take as much time as you need

Every time I think about the months after my father’s passing, I feel so thankful that I was able to take as much time off of work as I did. We had to end our contract at the time a couple of weeks earlier than originally planned and flew home without a return ticket. I know this isn’t realistic for everyone’s situation, but if it’s possible for you, do it. The freedom travel nursing has given us made it possible to take the time I needed to process my grief.

I will be honest, in the early weeks after his passing, the thought of going back to work and seeing patients who reminded me of my dad really made me doubt if I was ready to go back to work. I gave myself the time I needed until I felt ready, and I am so thankful that I did. I’ve said this before, and I will say it again, but nurses are notorious for putting ourselves last. This was the first time in a long time I decided to put myself first, and I think it was the best thing I could’ve done for myself and my mental health. If you ever find yourself in this situation or something similar, please remember that it’s okay to take all the time you need. It doesn’t make you selfish, lazy, or anything other than someone grieving the loss of someone special. You can’t take care of others if you haven’t taken care of yourself first.

Coping with Loss While on Assignment

Surround yourself with support

This is a huge one and something that I didn’t realize I needed until I did. When you’re going through something as devastating as a loss, you oftentimes feel very alone. While your best friends and family may not always know exactly what you’re feeling or going through, their support is essential in your healing.

Lean on them, and don’t feel guilty about that, either. If they offer you a hand, take it. It may even be a good idea to consider taking travel assignments close to home or close to your support system in the months after experiencing your loss. Remember that you will have days when you may feel totally alone with your grief, but you aren’t.

Therapy is not just for when things get bad. I think there’s a common misconception about when to go to therapy; it seems a lot of people think therapy is a reactive intervention rather than a proactive one. Therapy can be a fantastic tool all the time, but especially after experiencing a loss.

Coping with Loss While on Assignment

When you are on assignment, it can seem hard to prioritize mental health. However, nowadays, there are so many easy ways you can speak to professionals via video chats, phone calls, or even over text. I’ve personally used BetterHelp for a long time but found it especially helpful after my dad’s passing. It helped to gain some outside perspective, and it was also nice to have sessions in the comfort of my own space. Consider therapy, too, if you have experienced a loss. Even if you feel you are processing your emotions and grief appropriately, it doesn’t hurt to talk to professionals too.

Trust the process

Know that grief is not a linear process. For some ridiculous reason, I was under the impression that grief went from one stage to the next in a step-by-step fashion. I learned pretty early on that this was absolutely not the case. I found myself going in and out of all stages of grief many times, sometimes multiple times in one day. I still have good days and bad days even now, a year later.

The sooner I learned to trust the process and just let my feelings flow, the easier it became to process my grief. I also learned that there’s really no “end” to a loss. You won’t ever reach a point where you can say, “Yep, I’m all fixed and healed now!” That’s not to say that things don’t get better, but rather, it’s a new reality that you learn to live with.

Loss is truly one of the hardest things, if not the hardest thing, we have to go through as human beings. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, and it’s moments when life doesn’t feel fair or real. But if there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that we will all experience loss. We see it as nurses, and we will deal with it as human beings. I wish there was a magic potion or special recipe we could make that would ease the pain that comes with loss, but the truth is time, patience, love, and forgiveness are your best friends during these difficult times.

It can be really hard, but remember, your loved one wants you to be happy. They want you to live your life to its fullest and not spend your time living in sadness and regret. Honor them by being happy and trusting that you carry them with you everywhere you go.

Lastly, I will leave you with a quote that has helped me a lot throughout my healing journey when I felt as though my grief was too much, and I saw it as a negative thing.

“Grief, I’ve learned, is really just love. It’s all the love you want to give but cannot…Grief is just love with no place to go.”

-Jamie Anderson

We will all face grief at some point in our lives. But how do you cope with loss while on assignment? Ariel has some advice. Read it here.

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

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

By Advantage Medical Professionals

November 7, 2022

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The Unexpected Perks of Travel Nursing During the Holidays

Advantage Medical Professionals provided this article.

It’s no secret that work/life balance and flexibility are two of the major benefits of travel nursing, and it’s a perk most travel nurses aren’t shy about taking advantage of. One of the most popular tactics for leveraging this benefit is taking extended breaks between travel nursing contracts during the summer or winter holidays rather than anxiously hoping and praying their current supervisor grants their multiple requests for time off.

However, this trend can work both ways – nurses who are willing and able to work during peak holiday times can also use this trend to their advantage when it comes to landing their travel nursing assignment of choice – and the winter holiday season is no exception.  

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Location, Location, Location

With the influx of PTO requests coming in from their staff nurses, healthcare facilities tend to lean on nurse staffing agencies to fill those gaps, creating more open travel nursing needs overall. You can leverage this opportunity to cross items off your travel bucket list, visit long-distance family members and friends, or even “migrate” to an area more aligned with your climate preferences.

Who Says You Can’t Control the Weather?

Okay, we still have no control over the weather, but you CAN choose where you end up working based on your climate preferences. Here are a few of our favorite places to work and play for the holidays 

If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas

  • PennsylvaniaRace snowmobiles through Allegheny National Forest, saddle up for a winter horseback ride through the Pocono Mountains, or head to the Bethlehem Christmas Market for a one-of-a-kind holiday shopping experience.
  • Utah – Surround yourself with snow, mountains, and skiing in Park City and Arches National Park, or check out the majestic Ice Castle Display in Heber Valley.
  • Colorado – In addition to the ice skating and skiing in Evergreen Lake, Vail, or Crested Butte, Colorado also boasts over 25 hot springs throughout the state. If shopping and dining are more appealing than hitting the slopes, Fort Collins is worth visiting as well.   
  • West Virginia – Go hiking and sledding in Blackwater Falls State Park; if hitting the slopes is more your thing, you can go skiing or snowboarding at Snowshoe Mountain or Canaan Valley.

For those who like it hot (or at least warm)

  • Texas – Plenty of nature trails for hiking & biking throughout the state (Big Bend State Park); the Dallas/Fort Worth metro area or the Riverwalk in San Antonio both have an abundance of museums, shopping and pedestrian areas great for exploring solo or meeting new people.
  • Louisiana – Lots of shopping, dining, and sight-seeing in New Orleans’ French Quarter, the Annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival in north Louisiana, and home to some of the best fresh Gulf Coast seafood you can find  
  • Florida – Its status as a tourist state makes this one of the more traveler-friendly locales with coveted attractions like Disney World, Augustine’s historic district, or one of their many beaches (check out the Cocoa Beach Surfing Santas on Christmas Eve!)
  • South Carolina – Charleston, Myrtle Beach, or Hilton Head Island have less severe winters. Coupled with state parks and historical sites throughout the area, there’s something there for everyone.

Increased Earning Potential  

In some cases, pay packages for travel assignments during the winter holidays can trend slightly higher.

Of course, this does vary by facility based on their needs and supplemental staffing budget. A few levers facilities/agencies can pull to make pay packages more appealing to secure nursing staff throughout the holidays:

  • Higher bill rates due to higher demand – e.g., flu/COVID season, planned staff nurse PTO needs for winter vacations, visiting relatives
  • OT/Guaranteed hours – Due to increased frequency of unplanned staffing gaps due to emergencies, illness, vacations, etc.
  • Holiday bonuses/increased holiday hourly rate – Some facilities employ one or both tactics for incentivizing nurses to voluntarily cover holiday shifts (varies per facility).

Gaining a New “Home Away from Home”

Reconnect with family/friends – If you have family members or long-distance friends living nearby, use these few months to reconnect and spend more time with them!   

Make new connections (professional & personal) – Most healthcare facilities find ways to take part in holiday traditions like decorating, exchanging Secret Santa gifts, or organizing a potluck. Just because you’re there as a traveler doesn’t mean you shouldn’t join in on the fun! Even if you feel like an outsider at first, engaging in these festivities with the staff nurses (and other travelers) is a great way to build camaraderie and form lasting friendships.

Looking to meet new people outside the facility? Even the smallest of communities have an uptick in holiday-centric events, allowing you plenty of opportunities to meet and mingle with the locals and fellow travelers.

Spiritual opportunities & volunteerism – Travel nursing assignments create the perfect opportunity to discover new places to worship or volunteer. There are many valid and important reasons for sticking with the same church or volunteer organization in your hometown, but exploring new avenues to do this during your travel nursing assignment can be a refreshing experience, especially during the holidays.

We hope you found these perks of winter travel nursing during the holidays helpful and that your holidays are great wherever you are celebrating this year!

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

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

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

By The Gypsy Nurse

November 4, 2022

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The Perks and Rewards of Being a Travel Nurse

Traveling is an opportunity to see new places, meet new people, and experience different areas. What’s better than being able to travel and work and get paid top dollar for it? Being a traveling nurse! Travel nursing has become more popular since the pandemic for many reasons. With high-paying contracts, flexibility, and growth opportunities, nurses who take on travel assignments in other places have many new rewards than traditional nursing roles.

Any type of nursing is a rewarding career, and the possibilities can be endless. If you decide to take on being a travel nurse, you will see it offers many rewards for both your professional and personal life.

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Opportunity To Experience Environments

By taking on new assignments as a three or six-month contract, you have the opportunity to live in a completely new place and experience different hospital settings. As a traveling nurse, you can pick different cities and locations to move to temporarily. This allows you to try different living styles and see what you like and don’t like. You can learn to take public transportation and explore the buzzing nightlife in a city. Or you can enjoy the sunshine in Florida and the desert in Arizona.

Most hospitals around the United States offer contracts, so if there are places you have always wanted to visit, now is the time to do it. You can discover new restaurants and activities along every destination you travel to. This is especially important if you are unsure where you want to live long term. Experiencing different places to live will help you decide where you want to put your roots down permanently.

Ability To Learn New Skills

By working in various hospitals, you will meet many new people and, more importantly, learn new techniques that will help you advance your career. Each assignment you take will present you with unfamiliar challenges and learning experiences. That said, each assignment should incrementally offer more pay and responsibility. You will be building your resume and skill set along the way, allowing more flexibility in what you can ask for.

When being a travel nurse, you have to be able to adapt to different situations quickly. You may get transferred to a different unit, and you need to be prepared to tackle any obstacles that come your way. The benefit of this is you may gain more awareness about what parts of the job you enjoy and what specific areas you want to focus on. This is great if you plan on furthering your education down the road and need to pick a specific discipline like pediatrics, emergency medicine, or geriatric care. The professional and life skills you earn as a traveling nurse are endless, providing much insight into your career aspirations.

Maximizing Your Earning Potential

As a travel nurse, you can make significantly more because you fill an urgent opening requiring flexibility. In addition to the hourly wage, you receive housing stipends. You will need to have somewhere to live while traveling unless you have family or friends you can stay with. Your options are renting an apartment monthly, Furnished Finder, Air BNB, or staying in a hotel. The length of your contract, location, and personal preferences will determine the best fit for you.

With a larger income, you will have the opportunity to make smart money decisions and hopefully accumulate savings. With the extra funds, you may pay off your student loans, pay for your master’s, or save for buying a home. A smart move to consider is purchasing a home while making extra money. You will then have a “home base” to live in when you are not assigned to a traveling contract, and you can rent it out when you are away. This is a smart investment and a great way to maximize your salary as a traveling nurse. With your extra income, research how much house you can afford to see if you can comfortably purchase a house or condo. Investment properties are a great way to start building a financial portfolio and secure your future assets.

Meeting New People

A perk of being a traveling nurse is getting to meet people all over the world. While working, you will be able to make new friends through your co-workers and, hopefully, create long-lasting relationships. Also, you will get to experience new cities where you will meet people. Even once you leave an assignment, having a place you can always visit is a fun perk! Lastly, as a nurse, traveling or not, you will get to help others daily and show that you care.

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!)