July 14, 2021

6029 Views

8 Important Tips for Travel Nurses

Posted on July 14, 2021July 12, 2021 by Medical Staffing Options

This article was provided by Medical Staffing Options.

There are many incentives for travel nurses, including higher pay, new career opportunities, and the experience of traveling to various locations. Despite these advantages, travel nursing can take a toll on one’s emotional, physical, and mental health.

Whether you are an active travel nurse or are interested in taking your nursing career on the road, the following list can help make your adventures as a travel nurse a pleasant experience. The following information reveals 8 important tips for travel nurses.

1. Become Informed on Each State’s Licensing Requirements

Each state has its own rules as to whether new licensure is required for travel nurses. There is an agreement created by the National Council Boards of Nursing that allows nurses in certain states, deemed compact states, to practice in other compact states with obtaining an additional license.

Many states who are not part of this agreement normally allow for nurses to obtain a temporary license. To become informed regarding license laws, travel nurses should visit the Board of Nursing Website for each prospective employment opportunity.

2. Vehicle Care

With all the stress of life, it is easy to forget to properly maintain your vehicle. This is a critical concern for travel nurses, as they put extensive miles on their vehicles, which can result in extensive damage if not maintained.

Keep records of your regular vehicle maintenance, including oil changes, tire replacement/rotations, and check your fluids regularly. Neglecting to do so can result in costly damages to your vehicle.

Some travel nurses prefer to rent a vehicle, although this can be an expensive decision.

3. Don’t Overpack

This is one of the most common mistakes made by new travel nurses. It can be tempting to overpack in fear that you will not have enough items, but it will be a regrettable decision. Packing too many unnecessary items is not a feasible decision when moving every few months on average.

Important Things to Note:

If your things do not fit in your vehicle, leave them behind.
Only pack clothes that are relevant to your job location.
Find affordable, furnished housing options
Pack enough scrubs

One of the best tips for travel nurses is living minimally is the most practical and appropriate lifestyle for this career choice.

4. Avoid Tax Complications

Every state has different laws in place for state taxes. Be sure to keep financial records to avoid complications. One of our top tips for travel nurses is it is in your best interest to hire a tax professional to avoid complications.

5. Stay in Touch with Family and Friends

The sole complaint for many travel nurses is that life on the road can become lonely. This is not good for one’s emotional or mental health. To combat this issue, it is crucial that nurses keep regular contact with their family and friends back home. This can be achieved through regular phone calls, skype, zoom, or other virtual applications.

6. Be Sure to Consider Factors, Including Health Insurance

Reliable health insurance is a common complaint for many travel nurses. Lack of insurance opportunities and lapses in coverage can threaten one’s health and financial security.

The best way to avoid any issues with health insurance is to work with a staffing agency that provides its employees with coverage. The team of knowledgeable professionals at Medical Staffing Options provides travel nurses with full-time healthcare coverage, a rare benefit in the world of travel nursing.

This will provide you with peace of mind, knowing that wherever you may travel, your health coverage is secure.

7. Prepare For Politics

We’re not talking about the 2020 election, but hospital politics. 99.5% of the time, most hospital staffs are grateful for the help. Over the last year, staffing has been difficult because of a myriad of reasons – turnover or nurse burnout, to name a few. Travel nurses are able to bridge that gap, and the other nurses are happy for the relief. There might be one or two nurses who may harbor negative feelings towards travel nursing – the perception being hours or positions being stolen. That’s okay. All you need to do is the job you were brought on to do and excel. You know what they say, “Kill them with kindness.” You might be able to change their perception, but you may not. Just keep the lines of communication open and always be helpful to all staff.

8. Seek the Services of a Staffing Agency

Finding the right job opportunities can be difficult for travel nurses. If you are considering the transition to travel nursing or need help finding your next nursing opportunity, a recruitment agency that specializes in travel nursing can help.

Contact Medical Staffing Options Today for More Information

Travel nurses are in high demand, and there are employment opportunities around the country. Reach out to Medical Staffing Options (https://www.msotravelnursing.com/) today if you are interested in experiencing all that travel nursing has to offer. Let Medical Staffing Options connect you with the best nursing jobs available and provide you with the resources you need for success.

We hope you found these tips for travel nurses from Medical Staffing Options helpful and help you along your travel nurse journey. Are there any other tips for travel nurses we missed? Comment any tips you have for fellow travel nurses below.

By Hannah Quirk

July 13, 2021

12312 Views

Nurturing Excellence: Requirements for Neonatal Travel Nurses in NICU

Posted on July 13, 2021December 18, 2023 by Hannah Quirk

When I was in nursing school, I remember when I first discovered my passion for caring for babies. I was at a clinical in Pittsburgh, PA, at the women’s hospital, and I knew that NICU nursing was for me. It is all I have ever done since graduating from Duquesne University in 2016. I thought I had found my dream job, but then I began hearing about travel nursing. What if you can still be a NICU nurse, help families and their babies, and travel all over the country and explore on your days off? I was sold.

What does NICU stand for?

A lot of people ask me, “What does NICU stand for?” NICU is the neonatal intensive care unit. I have also had people ask me, “So, do you like change diapers all day?” The answer to that is yes, but being a NICU nurse is so much more than changing diapers. In the NICU, we see babies who are born at 23 weeks of gestation to about 40 weeks of gestation. Babies can stay in the NICU for a few days, weeks, months, or even years. We commonly see babies who are there for prematurity, which is often accompanied by many other complications. Babies who are not premature can also come to the NICU. Some of the most common diagnoses seen in the NICU include sepsis or infection, respiratory distress, heart defects, hypoglycemia, other blood sugar imbalances, poor feeding, genetic disorders, and many others. The babies that I have taken care of come in all different shapes and sizes. I have taken care of a one-pound newborn baby, and I have taken care of a thirteen-pound newborn baby.

Typical NICU assignment

A typical assignment for a NICU nurse can be anywhere from one to three patients, depending on their acuity. A NICU nurse is responsible for taking and recording all vital signs, monitoring the patients for any sudden changes, feedings, mixing milk and formula, administering medication, starting and maintaining IVs, changing out IV fluids, performing blood draws, educating family members, helping new mothers learn to breastfeed, being a patient advocate, and yes, changing diapers. Oh, and, of course, finding time to chart on your patients!

Each hospital is unique.

I have been travel nursing since 2018 and have taken six different assignments. Each hospital has been unique, with different policies and procedures, but the basics of NICU care have remained the same. Once you sign a travel contract, you have to complete the requirements as you would for any job. Some of the requirements include submitting your vaccination records, providing proof of a recent negative TB test, providing proof of a negative drug test, providing proof of any certifications such as NRP, and completing any modules or competencies that the specific hospital requires. It is usually a whirlwind getting everything completed, but you are never alone, and your agency will help you through it. Once you get to the hospital, you typically have one day of hospital orientation, including training on the hospital’s charting system. Then, you typically get two days on the unit to learn where everything is and how they do things.

Before becoming a travel nurse, you should be confident in your skillset, be open to learning new ways of doing things, ask questions if you do not know something, and be flexible, adaptable, and helpful. So far, as a travel nurse, I have worked both days and nights. I have worked many weekends. I have not gotten my first pick of my schedule. I have been floated to other units (including adults during COVID). And I have had many busy assignments. It is not always as glamorous as social media can sometimes make it out to be. However, it is so worth it! I have learned so much over the past three years. I have learned new skills, been exposed to many different cultures, worked with many different people and personalities, learned to speak up for myself, and learned not to sweat the small things. I have also visited nine new national parks, climbed Half Dome, hiked rim to rim in the Grand Canyon, tasted wine in Napa Valley, lived on the beach, went on a hot air balloon ride in the desert, and experienced more adventure than some people do in a lifetime. If you are interested in becoming a NICU travel nurse, do it! It will be the greatest experience you will ever have.

Are you looking for your next or first NICU travel nurse assignment? Click here to view open NICU travel assignments.

We hope you found this information on a day in the life of a NICU nurse helpful and informative. Keep an eye out for more articles on other travel nurse specialties. Are you a travel nurse who would like to share their story in a day in the life article? Please comment below or email our content department by clicking here.

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

START HERE

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

By Jackson Nurse Professionals

July 12, 2021

5773 Views

Let’s Talk About PTSD in Nursing

Posted on July 12, 2021March 22, 2022 by Jackson Nurse Professionals

This article was provided by Jackson Nurse Professionals.

There was a post on the Gypsy Nurse Facebook group from a travel nurse who felt frustrated about the misconception that nurses don’t experience post-traumatic stress disorder. She compiled a list of the traumatic incidents she’s experienced in her job that still haunt her today. Many other nurses liked and commented on her post, sharing their personal experiences and agreeing that PTSD in travel nurses doesn’t get the attention it deserves.

From our perspective, PTSD in nursing is a very real issue, and the existing conversation around it needs to become louder. Working as a travel nurse can mean you’re experiencing potentially traumatic and stressful incidents while being far from your support network at home, making the effects of PTSD compounded. PTSD not only affects your personal life, but it can also influence the number of medical errors made during a shift.

Understanding how PTSD affects nurses

If you’re unfamiliar with PTSD and the impacts it can have on travel nurses’ daily lives, it’s important to understand what it is. PTSD at its core is a severe, prolonged negative emotional reaction to a very difficult or frightening experience. Symptoms of PTSD include unwanted memories, nightmares, flashbacks about the event, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of always being on alert. Affected individuals may also avoid situations that remind them of the event and may have trouble sleeping.

While nurses are known to be resilient, mounting challenges in today’s healthcare environment and regular exposure to traumatic events can make it more difficult to bounce back. A survey of 248 emergency nurses showed that those who responded encountered some type of traumatic event on a routine basis because of their job. There may be a higher risk of PTSD for nurses working in certain care settings and in specific specialties.

Ways to prevent PTSD

While there is no guaranteed way to ensure that it will not occur, there are steps you can take to help prevent PTSD from developing. These include:

Try not to miss out on opportunities to make friends while on assignment at local hangouts, meetups, or even with your new colleagues.
Do you need to take time off to process a traumatic event? Nurses are usually expected to continue saving lives while mourning patients they’ve developed relationships with.
Even though it’s difficult and you may not want to, talk with colleagues, supervisors, friends, or loved ones about your experience.
You may need to limit your overtime shifts, schedule time specifically for yourself, and get comfortable asking for assistance when you need it.

If you’re living away from your close friends and family, other travel nurses may be the only ones who can truly relate and understand what you’re going through. Avoiding discussion around an upsetting or traumatic event can actually increase the likelihood that PTSD symptoms will manifest, so it’s important that you talk with those around you about how you’re doing and what you’re struggling with.

You won’t get over it, but you can get through it.

After experiencing trauma, you can’t avoid it as if it never happened. While it would be nice if it worked like that, there are several ways you can treat the symptoms. The National Center for PTSD says that psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is one of the main treatment methods for the disorder. Working with a professional to develop a treatment plan can help resolve the upsetting feelings and emotions around the traumatic event.

No aspect of healing from PTSD is easy. Daily life is flooded with scary, stressful, and anxious feelings even when nothing is wrong in that moment. Opening yourself up to negative feelings in a controlled way can help you begin to address those negative emotions while not overwhelming you for the entire day. The ADAA suggested this exercise: Set aside five minutes each day to be open to your negative thoughts and feelings. Then, if negative emotions occur during the rest of the day, you can take note of them but then choose to give them more attention during the next five-minute block.

Staying aware of the challenges you may face as a travel nurse keeps you one step ahead of any difficult event that may come your way. Stay empowered, travel nurses, and take care of yourselves. You’re our hero.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board and find your next assignment.

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

START HERE

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

By The Gypsy Nurse

July 10, 2021

3768 Views

A Discussion on Self-Compassion with Trish Hart, MBA

Posted on July 10, 2021March 22, 2022 by The Gypsy Nurse

Self-Compassion: You, Too, Deserve Tender Treatment with Trish Hart, MBA from Elite Learning Experiences on Vimeo.

It has been said that caring for others requires caring for oneself. Self-compassion is an essential component of self-care for nurses. Trish Hart, founder and stress management specialist for Hart Mind Body Solutions, explains how nurses can offer the same tender treatment to themselves as they do to their patients.

During this video you will learn why self-compassion is so important for travel nurses and travel healthcare workers.

What is Self-Compassion?

Self-compassion involves acting the same way towards ourselves as others when we are having a difficult time, fail or notice something we don’t like about ourselves. Instead of just ignoring our pain with a “stiff upper lip” mentality, we stop to tell ourselves, “this is really difficult right now,” and ask how can I comfort and care for myself in this moment?-Dr. Kristen Neff

At The Gypsy Nurse, we strive to make resources available for information on self-care and self-care techniques. If you would like to read more about self-care or more ways to care for yourself while caring for others, click here to see our articles on the topic.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to visit our job board. If you still need housing for your assignment or are looking for your next assignment, click here to visit our housing page.

By Amber Pickler

July 9, 2021

4328 Views

Eight Things To Do In Acadia National Park

Posted on July 9, 2021June 24, 2021 by Amber Pickler

Our mentors Meg and Ty recently visited Acadia National Park. The park offers many activities. There seems to be something for everyone. Meg and Ty put together 8 things to do the next time you visit Acadia National Park.

About Acadia National Park:

According to their website: Acadia National Park protects the natural beauty of the highest rocky headlands along the Atlantic coastline of the United States, an abundance of habitats, and rich cultural heritage. At 3.5 million visits a year, it’s one of the top 10 most-visited national parks in the United States. Visitors enjoy 27 miles of historic motor roads, 158 miles of hiking trails, and 45 miles of carriage roads.

Eight things to do during your visit to Acadia National Park:

↠ Visit Sand Beach

Sand Beach is a little beach. It is nestled between mountains and rocky shores. It is located on the east side of Mount Desert Island in Acadia National Park.

According to their site: “The beach is largely comprised of unique sand of shell fragments created by the pounding surf. The waterline can vary quite a bit because of the difference between high and low tide. The photo above shows this range by the wet area on the beach sand. Note: No pets are allowed on the beach from May 15 through September 15.”

The water stays pretty cold. It rarely gets over 55 degrees, so don’t plan on going for a swim.

↠ Watch the sunrise on Cadillac Mountain

Cadillac Mountain is the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard and the first place to view sunrise in the United States from October 7 through March 6. Cadillac Mountain is very popular for visitors to watch the sunrise. The view is breathtaking and is unlike any other. According to their site: “To the East, one greets the sunrise over Schoodic Peninsula on the mainland. There are several islands in between and immediately off the coast from Mount Desert Island such as Sheep Porcupine and Bald Porcupine. To the Northeast is the business district of Bar Harbor. To the North is Trenton. To the South is Islesford. To the Southwest is Southwest Harbor which is particularly beautiful in the late evening as the lights come on. To the West is Eagle Lake, Blue Hill Mountain and, of course, the setting sun. And, all around you is pink granite with forests of spruce and pitch pine combined with tiny subalpine plants (such as cinquefoil), squat, gnarled trees, wild blueberries, and various sized boulders.”

↠ Walk to Bar Island at low tide

Bar Island is a trendy place to visit during low tide. It is accessible on foot during low tide. Their website offers this information to help keep yourself safe: At low tide, the island becomes accessible by foot or an all-terrain type vehicle across a natural gravel land bridge. Visiting there will provide a spectacular view of Mount Desert Island with Bar Harbor in the foreground. Look for Bridge Street on the north or ocean side of West Street to gain access. Before going, check for the local times of low tide and allow yourself enough time to not get stuck on the island. Plan on having no more than a maximum of 1.5 hours before and after the low tide. Be sure to take a watch, cell phone, and wear hiking shoes or boots as they can be wet. Get ready for a wonderful and alternative nature fantasy tour within Acadia National Park.

↠ Take a drive on Park Loop Road

Park Loop Road is 27 miles and is the primary route for navigating through Acadia National Park by vehicle. There is a fee required. Along the 27 miles of the road, there are special places to pull off the road and enjoy the sites and scenery.

According to their website: “When traveling on the one-way section on the eastern side of Mount Desert Island during 2019, you may also pull over to the right side and stop or in the actual right lane itself unless posted otherwise. However, use extreme caution when exiting your vehicle, as another vehicle can appear at any time. And don’t be afraid to check out surrounding areas, but always use caution whenever near the shore, especially when near the high cliffs. Please note this update: The National Park Service has a plan in the works to not allow parking in the right lane in the one-way section of the Park Loop Road as of 2020. Please contact the National Park Service for more info.”

↠ Go on a hike (a few of their favorites are the Beehive Trail, South Bubble, and Gorham Mountain)

Acadia National Park has many options for hiking. Meg and Ty’s favorites are Beehive Trail, South Bubble and Gorham Mountain. While these are their favorites there are over 120 miles of trails. So, you have many trails to choose from. The trails range are categorized as Very Easy, Easy, Moderate and Strenuous.

On their website they offer hiking tips and they list each of their trails, again listed in the category of difficultness. They also provide information on each of the trails, making it easier to pick the best trail for you and your skill level.

↠ Visit the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse

Bass Harbor is a lighthouse in Acadia National Park. Their site states: The lighthouse was built of brick in 1858 on a stone foundation, stands 56 feet above mean high water, and is accessible by car off Route 102A. Parking is free and is open daily from 9:00 AM to sunset.

There are many things to do and see at the lighthouse. There are other buildings at the lighthouse as well. There is also a tree canopy to visit near the lighthouse.

The lighthouse is one of if not the most photographed lighthouses in New England.

↠ Explore the Schoodic Peninsula

The Schoodic Peninsula covers over 2000 acres of Acadia National Park; it is the only part of the park that is on the mainland. Because the peninsula is “less traveled,” it draws in passion about the region. To get to Schoodic Head, the site says: on the left side of the park road near West Pond Cove, a narrow dirt and gravel road leads to Schoodic Head, the highest point on the peninsula. Its 440-foot peak provides commanding views of Frenchman Bay and Cadillac Mountain to the west.

If you are interested in exploring the peninsula the park have an interactive Schoodic Region map. Below you will find information from their website on the map.

If you are using a desktop or laptop computer, be sure to use the interactive Schoodic Region Map to explore the area, as this is key to easy navigation. Just click on the actual locations on the map itself to access information and photos. Try clicking on all photos. The smaller ones will open to enlarged versions. Clicking the large photos will take you to another one in a series or back to the map for easy navigation.

↠ Relax by Jordan Pond or Eagle Lake

If you are going to Arcadia National Park to enjoy the water, there are many options, including Jordan Pond and Eagle Lake. Below you will find information from their website on each waterfront.

Jordan Pond is a glacier-formed tarn with a maximum water depth of 150 feet (46 m). There are steep inclines on the left and right sides (West and East). The water is exceptionally clear with an average visibility depth of 46 feet (14 m), but this has been measured as high as 60 feet (18 m), the most ever recorded in the State of Maine. Swimming is not allowed. However, non-motorboats such as canoes and kayaks are permitted. The kayak and canoe launch site is via the Jordan Pond North parking lot, a short distance from the restaurant. Carriage Roads are adjacent to the restaurant and pond area. Auto access to the restaurant is provided via Park Loop Road.

Eagle Lake, at 436 acres, is the largest freshwater lake in Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island. It has a maximum depth of 110 feet and an average depth of 50 feet. Fishing is allowed, but a license is required for Maine residents 16 years or older and nonresidents 12 years or older. You may gain access to the lake in Bar Harbor on the northern end off of Route 233. There are two parking areas on either side of the road.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Are you thinking Maine may be a great option? Click here to view jobs available in Maine.

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

START HERE

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

By AMN Healthcare

July 8, 2021

3669 Views

How To Leave A Stressful Nursing Shift Behind

Posted on July 8, 2021March 22, 2022 by AMN Healthcare

This article was provided by AMN Healthcare.

Perhaps now more than ever, whether you’re a travel nurse or a perm nurse, you’ve been stressed during and after a nursing shift. Everyone has those days when you can’t seem to stop for a bite to eat or even a bathroom break. Nursing stress is common and can easily lead to nurse burnout, but with these easy stress management tips, you will be feeling recharged in no time.

Tips for leaving a stressful nursing shift behind:

1. Unplug and relax

A quiet routine can quickly soothe your ruffled soul. Follow these tips to help you relax and unplug after a stressful nursing shift:

Pull out those homey touches you’ve brought with you, such as lavender-scented candles, eucalyptus bath salts, and your favorite robe and fuzzy socks.
Take a bubble bath, have a glass of wine, and binge on your favorite TV show.
Reward yourself with a delicious, light meal (chicken soup, salmon, salad, sushi), followed by a piece of dark chocolate as a healthy antioxidant reward.
Wind down with some deep breathing, meditation or yoga stretches, then unplug your electrical devices and get a good night’s sleep.

2. Soothe your aching hands, feet, neck, and back

Instead of popping a pain pill for your aching feet and joints, why not treat yourself to a rejuvenating massage or other treatment?

Professional massages often include aromatherapy, essential oils, a warm massage table, soft lighting, instrumental music, and gentle hands that can relax and restore your well-being. Get discounts and coupons via the local paper, Yelp, Groupon, or colleagues in the know.
Hot tubs, warm baths, or foot soaks with Epsom salts can be just the ticket for many nurses.
Stretching, swimming laps, yoga, and Pilates help, too. Turn to YouTube exercise videos for inspiration or a favorite low-impact exercise DVD.
Other pain relief can come from chiropractic treatment, acupuncture, physical therapy, and TENs stimulation.

3. Spa treatments — just for you, or with friends

Spend a half-day at a local spa for the ultimate stress relief after a stressful nursing shift. Just imagine yourself changing into a comfy robe, sipping cucumber lemon water, nibbling fresh fruit, and being queen or king for the day! Choose from various spa treatments, from mud baths and refreshing wraps to foot reflexology, massage, and revitalizing facials. Some spas offer exercise classes and healthy lunches. Day spas offer a great way to spend time with new friends, including other travel nurses and staff. Check the local hotels and medical spas for the best deals, and prepare to be pampered.

4. Think positive and laugh

Some reports say that kids laugh more than 300 times a day, shouldn’t they? The Mayo Clinic confirms that laughter boosts endorphins and relieves stress, among other physical benefits.

Go ahead and giggle over those funny cat and dog videos that everyone shares or other Animal Planet-type spots.
Browse through the funny greeting cards and read all the snarky Maxine jokes. It’s okay to chortle in the aisles.
When you or someone at work is grumpy, add a quarter to the “happy hour” jar for get-togethers.
Call, Skype, or Facetime your best friend and guffaw about your day, or reminisce about that last trip to Vegas.
Keep a gratitude journal and jot down what made you happy that day.

5. Find a relaxing escape

Travel nursing is essentially a working vacation, which means 1,001 places to discover during your time off. Ziplines, water parks, biking trails, zoofaris, and beaches perfect for strolling can reduce stress and replace nagging worries with memorable new adventures. Check out the local food and music festivals in your assignment city, visit a historical town nearby or take up a sport you always meant to learn. Or stretch your limits and try white water rafting, parasailing or skiing; the adrenaline will make you forget your woes!

When you’re on a nursing assignment, it’s easy to find ways to unwind and reduce your stress between nursing shifts. Don’t let nursing stress overwhelm you! Pamper yourself or explore new horizons. You’re worth it!

As a travel nurse your mental health can take a toll. Long and stressful nursing shifts, stressful patients and families, the list goes on. Click here for more articles on mental health and mental health tips.

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

START HERE

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

By Grace Hawkins

July 7, 2021

5780 Views

Tips to Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle as a Travel Nurse

Posted on July 7, 2021March 22, 2022 by Grace Hawkins

Travel nursing has many perks and challenges. And staying healthy while on the road is one of the most important of them. As a nurse, you can choose to work in different states, cities, and countries. You are constantly challenged with new organizations and are “on the move” many times throughout the year. Travel nurses face work-life changes when they sign up for different assignments. Therefore, it gets difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

But if you are already following a healthy lifestyle, staying healthy while traveling will be easy for you. And if you are someone who hasn’t found the time to acquire healthy habits, travel nursing might be the perfect opportunity to do so. All travel nurses can learn to manage stress, eat healthily and exercise while on the road with careful planning.

We have listed a few essential tips travel nurses can easily use to continue eating mindfully and maintain their health.

Always make a Plan

Anticipating the change helps and allows travel nurses to develop and prepare a plan. The plan can be as detailed as required, depending on the nurse. For example, with proper planning, it will be easy for you to identify nearby grocery stores and healthier restaurants near your assignment location. The travel nurses can even plan meals for their lunches and snacks to avoid the unhealthy foods in the cafeteria or restaurant. In the world of nursing, potlucks are pretty popular. If you are aware that potlucks can be a joint breakroom event at your assigned location, motivate other nurses to plan that as well.

Take CBD Supplements

A travel nurse schedule is a hectic one, with plenty of traveling and hectic work schedules. At such a time, CBD can be helpful. It is a stress reliever and helps to calm the mind. CBD can help promote the mental well-being of the travel nurse. It is widely used as an alternative to medication and relaxation therapies across different professions. You can buy CBD products like CBD oil, CBD hemp capsules from Weedsmart.

Drink Water

Drinking adequate water is essential. A healthy diet does not just end with food choices. Water helps in ramping up the metabolism when taken first thing in the morning. It also helps you feel full for a longer duration and helps in lubricating joints to prevent injury. Since nursing is a physical job, water is essential. Therefore, you need to drink adequate water throughout the day.

Follow a Routine

Following a routine is an efficient and good way of maintaining a healthy life. It is a practice that proved beneficial and fruitful for every person, whatever profession they might be. The schedule of the travel nurse is hectic and full of travel and duty that often leaves them fatigued and worn out. As such, it is important for you to follow a routine with healthy eating and regular exercise. Additionally, you should also resort to workouts. If the location you are traveling to doesn’t have a gym, carrying light weights, or other easily packable fitness equipment or a yoga mat can prove to be helpful. A good pair of sneakers can be a lifesaver at times. Also, a good run or jog in the morning or evening can equally prove effective. There are many free workout videos on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube to keep you fit and healthy.

Get a Fitness Buddy

If you have a friend who motivates you to stay fit, that’s an additional bonus. Teaming up with a friend is an effective way to stick to a healthy routine and diet as a travel nurse. You can have a long-time friend, a partner, family member, or even a co-worker at the new workplace as your fitness buddy. Additionally, this arrangement is a great way to strike up a friendship in an unfamiliar location. Like-minded people can help, motivate and encourage you to continue healthy habits, especially when you are beginning a new assignment. Working out with your buddy, swapping healthy recipes, sharing workout and fitness videos, or even scoping out nearby diet-friendly restaurants are excellent ways to keep each other on track.

Take Time for Yourself

As you already are aware, travel nursing can be stressful. Switching gear frequently is not easy and can also lead to setbacks. Hence, you should consider taking time off to help manage your stress. Fun activities such as continuing a hobby, going out sightseeing or exploring nearby places in your new location, and making new friends can help ease the stress. You can try out a relaxing activity like meditating, yoga, art, and journaling to help melt stress and anxiety. In addition to this, getting adequate sleep, taking time off from work, and prioritizing rest is vital in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Conclusion

Work as a travel nurse tests a person both mentally and physically. It is essential to maintain sanity and a healthy lifestyle to work and create a good balance between professional and personal life. We hope these tips help you put your health first and encourage you to continue to help others.

We hope you found these tips on living a healthy lifestyle helpful. If you would like to read more health and wellness articles click here.

By Go Healthcare Staffing

July 6, 2021

4406 Views

Read This Before Your Next Social Media Post

Posted on July 6, 2021June 17, 2021 by Go Healthcare Staffing

This article was provided by Go Healthcare.

By now, most of us have a presence or participate in some type of social media platform. The urge to social connect is powerful and even more so for a segment like travel nursing. Being active on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram shows that you are not alone; there are hundreds, in fact, thousands of Nurses just like you who share a “gypsy” soul and are traveling cross country from one 13-week travel contract to another.

Being able to connect can allow you to find a new assignment, perhaps a place to live, or simply connect with others while being a Traveler. The positives of being on social media are endless; however, there are a few reminders worth keeping in check before your next social post.

Stranger, danger? Do not let your guard down online. Be thoughtful and careful about what you share on social media. Keep a “digital border” with people you connect on the road or in social media groups. Although rare, there are bad actors who may take advantage of solo travelers. This tip is not exclusive to women.
Had a bad day at work? It may even be justified to vent about the hospital “dirty laundry” on social media groups, but Reminder #2 is: Do not bash employers in a public forum. Friendly reminder: social media is a public forum – yes, even groups that are supposed to be private. As tempting as it seems to vent to your peers, how well do you really know the thousands of members of a group? And who do they know? Rule of thumb: if you want to share how bad of an experience a travel assignment/hospital is to warn or help others, be constructive, be truthful, but leave out direct names of facility or employees.
Be a “Privacy Setting” expert. Understand your privacy settings on each of the various platforms. For your user profile, can everyone see everything you have shared/posted? Then ask yourself, “should they”?
Be HIPPA compliant. For selfies at work with #travelnurselife #nursemode (not vetted hastags), be cognizant of any posts or pics that can be considered violation. Don’t be THAT nurse. Some HIPPA violations on social media have had the best and even heartwarming intentions.
Watch your language & correct your spelling. In a social media world full of emoji oversharing, ALL CAPS no-holds-bar tirade, do your best to maintain a certain level of decorum. You are a nurse, the most trusted profession in our country. What you do and what you say matter both in person and online.

When used properly, social media IS a utilitarian tool to not only stay connected but to stay informed for travel nurses. The platforms have given everyone a place to gather and a place to share carefully. We hope you find these 5 tips/reminders useful before your next social media post.

“Just because you don’t share it on social media, doesn’t mean you’re not up to big things. Live it and stay low key. Privacy is everything”. – Denzel Washington.

If you are looking for housing for your next travel nurse assignment, click here.

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

START HERE

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

By The Gypsy Nurse

July 5, 2021

12806 Views

The Best Cities for Your Travel Nursing Career in 2021

Posted on July 5, 2021June 15, 2021 by The Gypsy Nurse

Life as a travel nurse is an adventure. Traveling from city to city, experiencing new cultures, gaining skills in your field while making a sustainable income to put toward nursing school debt—the perks are enticing. But, make no mistake, going from a stationary to a nomadic lifestyle can be a major adjustment for those who have lived and worked in one city for the majority of their professional lives. If you’re considering getting into travel nursing, it’s important to consider the best cities for travel nurses in 2021 and whether or not it’s wise to relocate.

If moving is on your horizon, it opens up a variety of questions—is it time to sell your home and buy a new one in a city fit for travel nursing? Or is renting more appropriate? Before you decide to relocate for your travel nursing career, think about some of these things:

Pros of keeping your home

You can rent out your home while you’re away and put extra passive income toward medical debt or other living expenses.
A house of your own can provide a source of stability in a dynamic lifestyle.

Pros of selling your home

With prices of homes on the higher end and interest rates low, you might get an impressive sum for your existing home.
You can use the money from your existing home to put toward a mortgage or rent payment in a more affordable area.

Pros of renting

Renting frees you from many financial obligations related to homeownership.
Lease agreements are less permanent, allowing for more flexibility to relocate and experience many different places and cultures.

Pros of buying a new home

Other cities may be much more affordable for homeowners. Compare an area’s cost of living to the prices of local homes for sale and your new salary to determine affordability.
Your home can be in a more central, practical location.

Know that many agencies offer temporary housing based on the job and location, which could play a major role in deciding the right travel nursing agency to choose and which cities are on your list of new potential homes. While you decide on where to live, think about the perks in some of these cities across the county:

San Jose, CA

With such a dense and diverse population, there is always someone to help and cure, making this city a hotspot for healthcare jobs. Keep in mind; this area is on the higher end of the cost of living scale; however, it also has the highest average base salary for nurses, making it affordable for some. Note that California is one of the fifty states expecting to see a shortage of nurses and the highest demand of travel nurses by 2025, so keep that in mind when considering a career.

Boston, MA

Did you know that Boston is home to the highest metropolitan salaries for RNs in the country? At $98,040 a year, this could be a great metropolitan area to relocate to for big-city lovers. It also has some of the highest numbers of nurses already employed. Boston is amongst the top places to raise a family, the best places for young professionals, and the best cities for outdoor activities in the US, deeming this a great place to consider planting roots.

Honolulu, HI

Shockingly enough, Honolulu tops the list of highest-paying salaries for registered nurses outside of California at just over $106,000 a year and is one of the most sought-after locations for travel nurses. Despite the high cost of living, Hawaii’s appealing geography, the potential for outdoor activities, and active lifestyle make it one of the most attractive places to take a travel nursing career.

Seattle, WA

Compared to cities in states with high costs of living like California, Seattle can be a more affordable place to live with similar lifestyle perks. Travel nurses who have lived and worked here also say that moving here has allowed them to bring home more money at the end of the day compared to other west coast cities and more time to spend with their families. This city is also on the list of best cities to invest in real estate in 2021.

Washington, D.C.

With some of the most esteemed medical facilities in the country, this can be a high-paying location for travel nurses with an average base hourly pay of approximately $40 per hour. D.C. also tops the list of best cities for young professionals, healthiest cities in America, and best cities for outdoor activities. Not to mention it has a plethora of sightseeing and learning opportunities at any museum or monument and plenty of other outdoor and indoor activities.

We hope you found these tips helpful. Are there any cities you think would be ideal for travel nurses this year? Comment them below.

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

START HERE

1. Become Informed on Each State’s Licensing Requirements

2. Vehicle Care

3. Don’t Overpack

Important Things to Note:

4. Avoid Tax Complications

5. Stay in Touch with Family and Friends

6. Be Sure to Consider Factors, Including Health Insurance

7. Prepare For Politics

8. Seek the Services of a Staffing Agency

Contact Medical Staffing Options Today for More Information

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