By ONESTAFF MEDICAL

February 8, 2021

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16 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day

This article was provided by OneStaff Medical.

It has been almost one year since the world changed due to COVID-19. And we are coming to a close on the ‘first’ Holidays in a pandemic. 

Up next is Valentine’s Day. 

Many Healthcare workers are putting in long, exhausting hours day in and day out to help combat the pandemic. Some may even be living away from their loved ones over the Holiday. 

So how can you safely celebrate Valentine’s Day with your Valentine?

Don’t worry. We did some research for you and found 16 ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your special someone in person and virtually.

Together on Valentine’s Day

If you will be together with your Valentine, here are pandemic-safe activities you can do together in the comfort of your own home!

  • Get your knowledge on and have an at-home trivia night with other’s virtually (Jackbox, Houseparty)
  • Become a mixologist and take a virtual cocktail with Liquid Lab
  • Crank up the tunes and have a dance party for two
  • Have a board game night (save the stress and leave Monopoly out of this)
  • Find a fancy recipe online and make a nice meal together 
  • OR have a ‘Nailed It’ style bake-off to see who will be on deck to make next year’s Christmas Cookies
  • Get outside and go on a hike to take in the fresh air together (& pump up those endorphins ;))
  • Look into your future together and create a couples vision board
  • Travel around the world from the comfort of your home virtually

Long Distance Love

Being part of a long-distance relationship is already difficult, even more so during the holiday of love. If you’ll be celebrating your love from a distance, here are some fun activities you can still do together from your own homes. It may not be the same as being in person, but you can still create memories that last. 

  • Call your significant other right away in the morning, and before you go to bed, so you are the first person they talk to when they wake up and the last person before they go to bed
  • Order each other food to be delivered to one another and eat together via video chat
  • Eat cake by the ocean (Literally or via Zoom background)
  • Stream a movie or binge-watch your favorite show at the same time via Netflix Party
  • Play virtual games together via Jackbox, gaming console, Snapchat Games
  • Mail Letters to each other leading up to Valentine’s Day
  • Send one another Valentine’s Day Care Packages

Whether you are spending the day together or apart, you can certainly make this holiday one to remember. Take a little extra time out of your day to make sure your significant other feels loved and appreciated. Happy Valentine’s Day!

By Gifted Healthcare

February 3, 2021

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8 Things Every First-Time Travel Nurse Should Know

This article was provided by Gifted Healthcare.

Travel nursing is an excellent way to see new places, meet new people, and gain valuable clinical experience.

If you’re an RN that wants to become a travel nurse, GIFTED Healthcare wants to help you prepare for your first assignment. That’s why we’ve created a list of things that every first-time travel nurse should know.

Read on for 8 tips to help you have an amazing start to your travel nursing career!

Organize & Prepare

Finding a great travel assignment is much easier if you’re organized and prepared. Make sure your records, license, and any other relevant documents are up to date.

All travel nursing companies interview and screen their applicants. Being prepared for your interview will increase your chances of getting the assignment you want. 

Note: Most travel nursing companies do not place RNs with less than one year of clinical experience.

Be Flexible

Many RNs choose travel nursing so that they can practice nursing on their terms. However, due to their lack of experience, first-time travel nurses don’t always get the assignment at the top of their list.

Try to remain open-minded about the locations, environments, and facilities in which you’re willing to work. You can be more selective once you have travel nursing experience under your belt.

Communicate with Your Recruiter

At GIFTED, your recruiter is here to help you with any issues you have related to your assignment.

Before your assignment begins, your recruiter can help you find housing. During your assignment, call your recruiter immediately if any serious problems arise regarding living arrangements, your paycheck, or your schedule.

Feel free to check in to let your recruiter know how things are going during your assignment. You are not alone – we are here to support you!

Avoid Too Many Distractions

Travel nursing is a fantastic way to get out of your comfort zone and experience new things. But it’s important to set yourself up for success on your first assignment.

Consider choosing a location close to home or a place where you already have a network of friends or family. Ensure your living arrangements won’t expose you to stressful circumstances, like a lack of sleep or safety.

Do your best to minimize distractions so that you can perform well and enjoy your first assignment.

Packing: Be Strategic

Packing for any trip can be stressful. But there are plenty of ways to make packing for your assignment easier.

Keep in mind that most travel nursing assignments are 8 to 13 weeks long. Make a list of the essentials, and try to stick to it. Think about items you can buy once you arrive at your new location, like shower curtains, trash cans, and other household items.

Packing efficiently will make it easier to settle into your new home, giving you more time to prepare for your first day.

Day One: Make a Great First Impression

Making a great first impression will help you excel during your first assignment.

Arrive early on your first day to show initiative and familiarize yourself with the facility. Or, go the extra mile and ask to tour your unit before you’re scheduled to start your assignment.

Making the right first impression will help you make a smooth transition into your new environment, benefitting both you and your coworkers.

Be Friendly

Before you arrived, the staff may have been pushed to their capacity. Remain aware of this when you enter your new assignment, and do what you can to show you’re there to help.

As a first-time travel nurse, don’t be afraid to ask questions. If a coworker is helpful, show gratitude. Talk to your teammates about their hobbies and favorite restaurants in town. Or, bring everyone snacks or coffee before your shift.

While some staff members will be happy for the extra help on the floor, others might take longer to warm up to you. Whether you love all your coworkers or get along with a few of them, treat everyone with the same level of respect.

For more strategies on settling in, read GIFTED’s tips on adjusting to new facilities as a travel nurse.

Give It Everything You’ve Got

Travel nursing requires commitment. Once you’ve settled into your new assignment, prepare yourself to give it your all.

No matter where you travel, the location of your new assignment is worth exploring. Be open-minded, learn about the local culture, and get involved in local activities that you truly enjoy. Plan a day trip, invite your loved ones to visit, and make new friends!

Also, dedicate yourself to learning everything you can at work. Hone your skills as a travel nurse and take advantage of the fantastic opportunities that travel nursing offers.

Do you have any tips for first-time travel nurses? Comment them below.

Begin Your Travel Nursing Adventure with GIFTED Healthcare

From travel to per diem assignments, GIFTED Healthcare provides nurses with exceptional, high-paying career opportunities.

Apply now to join the GIFTED Family today!

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 Luke Smith

February 1, 2021

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Remote Work Considerations for Travel Nurses

The healthcare industry often goes through periods of difficulty, and the COVID-19 pandemic has certainly been one of the most challenging. Travel nurses are essential contributors to the front line of this crisis, often providing care to those who have difficulty accessing it. However, it has also become increasingly important to curb unnecessary travel and physical contact.     

As a result, some nurses have begun to consider alternative ways to provide their expertise. One of the safest career avenues to explore at this time is remote working thanks to digital innovation.

The Market

We live in an increasingly technologically enhanced world. This means that there are more digital tools that can help us react to this period of crisis with innovation. It has also resulted in an increasing number of full-time or hybrid remote nursing positions.

For those who intend to remain in traditional patient practice, telemedicine is often the most appropriate choice. It allows travel nurses to maintain their trusted relationships with the community through methods that most have access to. It’s also more conducive to providing long term care — not only can they monitor the physical symptoms of issues such as chronic pain, but also signs that could suggest a change in patients’ psychological condition. Video calls help to give a venue for open, safe discussion about anxiety and depression, which is especially important at this time in which many are feeling isolated.    

Away from strictly care-based work, travel nurses can engage in more varied roles. Many schools are halting on-campus lessons, and as such, nurse educators can pass on their expertise via e-learning platforms. There are also opportunities in legislative fields that may require travel nurses to make assessments on insurance denials and review evidence in the appeals process. The market is growing, and travel nurses who can use their expertise in an agile way are increasingly demanding.  

Practicality

Although remote opportunities are growing for travel nurses, there are still several inconveniences when it comes to practicality. Not everybody is well set up to work from home, and as a result, many will require additional investments to function remotely.

Therefore it’s important to look into:

  • Private Space

Nurses with families need to make certain they have a spare room or private space to work in. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) still requires compliance from medical professionals wherever they happen to be working. Make sure consultations cannot be overheard and that physical records are locked securely away.

  • Connectivity

No matter the scenario, nursing employers should arrange for a connection on their network. Otherwise, remote nurses need to ensure that they have a reliable high-speed internet connection. Quality care can’t be provided if patients suffer interruptions during consultations or have trouble sharing data.

  • Support System

Working from home can be a stressful, isolating experience for those more used to having frequent contact. Nurses can help combat this by arranging regular communication with colleagues, particularly with those who work from home. This can also be a vital source of assistance when reviewing difficult health conditions.

Security

As previously mentioned, HIPAA compliance should be maintained even in a home environment. Additionally, HIPAA should also be evaluated from a cybersecurity standpoint when evaluating the eligibility of remote work. Risks of private information being breached can be higher when working away from a facility, so it’s important to look into:

  • Protecting the Cloud

Most travel nurses will already be familiar with how the cloud can make their work easier. However, it can also be a target for cybercriminals. To avoid this danger, use a strong password strategy. Adopt a password manager where possible, and enable two-factor authentication to make it more difficult for others to access stored files.

  • Understanding the Risks

It is well known that users’ behavior is what usually allows cybercriminals to infect networks. Nurses should seek to educate themselves on how to recognize the popular techniques — such as phishing and malware infection — and how to respond effectively.

  • Securing Networks

While it is less likely that cybercriminals will target your home network, public networks are a different matter. If you must work from public wifi in a coffee shop or co-working space, utilize a robust virtual private network (VPN) platform to avoid data breaches.

Conclusion

The world is changing, and with it comes innovative opportunities for travel nurses. Remote working can be a safer option during this pandemic and can open up new professional avenues. However, it’s also important to ensure that all the practical necessities are in place and that security is treated with paramount concern.

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 Helen Birk

January 29, 2021

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How to Manage Your Professional Development as a Travel Nurse

Travel nursing is a demanding career, and healthcare institutions are always searching for the best-equipped nurses in terms of education and experience. The health sector is rapidly changing as new technologies evolve at a high pace. The travel nurse who trained more than ten years ago may find themselves overtaken by technology. 

It is important for the travel nurse to continually advance their profession through continuous education. Work demands can prevent travel nurses from advancing their skills, but wise planning can help them manage their professional development.  

E-learning 

Travel nurses are always on the move working from one state to another or internationally. The travel nurse might not consistently follow their coursework in a traditional college because their practice will demand they travel for anything between 3 weeks to 12 months or more. 

The best remedy for their professional development will be e-learning to help them earn continuing education credits. Resources for e-learning can be available through a wide range of programs like workforce development, medicine, practices, training videos, and audios. 

The travel nurse can register for an online course in an accredited college. To help them organize their study in the least stressed way, the travel nurse can use the best study apps and install them on their phones or computer. 

Join in-service training

Many health institutions offer in-service training for their staff from time to time. The training equips them with the latest practice knowledge and the new rules and regulations affecting the industry. You can continue studying with the help of external services that include coursework help from the EduBirdie team, online tutors, etc., and keep practicing to enhance your nursing skills. Sharing work with professional medical writers will ease the burden on you, and it will ensure that your studies and practical training with a good hospital continue uninterrupted. Lab reports, coursework writing, medical essays, and much more – it’s all possible with a good academic writing service.

The health workers also learn about the latest technology available for the health industry and how to use it to benefit the patients and staff. If there are fresh discoveries of disease-causing viruses and bacteria, the staff is taught about the new developments and how to handle patients infected with the new disease. In-service training keeps the health workers updated with information and technology to help them better their performance. 

Travel nurses can take advantage of in-service training to help them in their professional development. If the training takes place when they are working in the institution, they can request to be enrolled in the in-service training course. 

Take short courses during breaks

Travel nurses may not be able to attend regular courses while working, but they can register for short courses during their breaks. The travel nurse may not continually be working as the other nurses in permanent employment. 

They can take advantage of their break and enroll in a short course that can take a few weeks to complete. They will earn a certificate for the course and advance the next time they get another break. 

Many travel nurses complete a second degree by attending college during breaks and keeping themselves updated with the latest technology in the nursing practice. 

Volunteering 

The travel nurse might not earn any salary during the volunteering period, but it helps their professional development. Each working environment is unique, and the nurse will handle different categories of patients. The technology available in certain centers of health could be better than what the travel nurse is used to. 

Through volunteering, the travel nurse gets the chance to access and use the best technology, which they could not have access to if they were seeking employment in the institution. The travel nurse will refine their skills and build greater confidence in their practice. They will also have the chance to work closely with some of the best doctors in the industry. 

Conclusion 

Professional development is critical in today’s competitive world. When a travel nurse is better trained, they gain more opportunities in their career path. Many employers seek workers who better understand the latest technology in their field and know how to use it in their practice. When the travel nurse improves their education, it does not just benefit them as individuals. It also benefits the thousands of patients they handle during their career life.  

If you are a travel nurse looking for Continuing Education opportunities we have great news! The Gypsy Nurse and Elite Learning have partnered to bring Registered Members of TheGypsyNurse.com 20% off Nursing CEs! Click here for more information.

Finished the travel nursing guide and are ready to look for an assignment?

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

By Chaunie Brusie

January 27, 2021

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COVID’s effect on Travel Nurses and Healthcare Workers

As a travel nurse during the pandemic, you may find yourself feeling burned out, stressed out, depressed, anxious, or a combination of any or all of those things. We want you to know that you are not alone!  Our friends at berxi recently surveyed healthcare workers on the frontline of the pandemic.  Below you will find that data.   

The survey was conducted because they wanted to know how COVID-19 has affected healthcare workers’ mental health and well-being. In October, they launched a national survey asking healthcare providers how their mental, emotional, and physical well-being is compared to this time last year. As you can probably imagine, the results were troubling. Here are some of the key findings their survey revealed.

According to their survey, 84% of healthcare workers experience burnout, and 30% feel sleep-deprived. Read on to find out what else the data revealed.

The State of Healthcare Workers Mental Health in 2020: Survey Results

Healthcare workers are overwhelmingly burned out.

The survey found that a startling 84% of respondents reported feeling at least mildly burned out from work. This may not be completely surprising, considering that 3 of the top 5 causes of their stress had to do with the current COVID-19 pandemic and being overworked. Here’s a list of the top 10 stressors that respondents identified:

  1. Fear of Getting COVID-19
  2. Long Hours/Shifts
  3. General State of the World
  4. Fear of Spreading COVID-19
  5. Family Responsibilities/Issues
  6. Lack of Support From Leadership
  7. The Election
  8. Lack of Job Security
  9. Conflicts With Coworkers and/or Managers
  10. It’s Not the Job/Career They Thought It Would Be

The state of their mental health has significantly deteriorated.

Just about half (48%) of survey respondents reported that their mental health is worse now than it was this time last year. This was particularly true for more than half of the nurse practitioners (54%) and mental health professionals (53%) they surveyed and for half of all occupational therapists and nurses.

On top of that, just about half of the respondents admitted to crying at work at some point over the past year. When they broke it down by profession, they discovered that 67% of nurse practitioners, 52% of nurses, and half of all mental health professionals reported shedding tears in the workplace.

Despite all this, only 12% of all healthcare workers started psychotherapy over the past 12 months to help them cope with work-related stress. (That said, the data doesn’t reflect the number of respondents who were already in therapy.)

Sleep Deprivation

Adding fuel to the fire, 68% of respondents said they’ve been getting less sleep over the past 12 months than they did last year. A closer look at the data revealed that a whopping 86% said they’re getting 7 or fewer hours of sleep each night. On top of that, 30% admitted to getting 4 or fewer hours of sleep a night. It’s unclear from the data whether the respondents’ lack of sleep is causing their burnout or is, in fact, the result of it. Regardless, what is clear is that our healthcare workers are struggling right now – and it’s taking a toll on their health.

Female healthcare workers seem to be struggling more than male healthcare workers.

Overall, female healthcare workers seem to be struggling more than their male counterparts. When asked about their psychological well-being, half of all women surveyed said that they feel worse about their mental health, compared to only 36% of men. In the same vein, a little over half (54%) of all women admitted to crying at work over the past year versus 22% of men. Additionally, 49% of female and 40% of male health providers surveyed have thought about leaving their jobs.

Older healthcare workers are struggling as well

Older healthcare workers aren’t faring well, either. A little over half (52%) of respondents who identified as being 45+ years old felt that their mental health is worse now than it was this time last year; that number jumped up to 66% percent of respondents above 60. (This is compared to 48% of all healthcare workers of all ages.) Additionally, 55% of respondents aged 45 years or older said they’ve considered quitting, changing careers, or retiring altogether. Again (and perhaps unsurprisingly), that number goes up to 71% of providers above the age of 60.

Their work performance is suffering & they’re thinking of quitting.

While the stats on healthcare workers’ mental health are troubling on their own, the news gets even more concerning when you look at the impact it’s having on their job performance. For example, 1 in 3 healthcare workers feels like they’ve been making more mistakes at work over the past year. Additionally, half have considered either retiring, quitting their jobs, or changing their careers altogether.

Again, if you are feeling the effects of the pandemic, you are not alone. Self-care is important any time, but it is especially important during the pandemic. Here are some great articles with advice and tips on self-care.

As always, if you have any tips or advice for those working on the front line of the pandemic, comment them below. And thank you for all you are doing during these times.

By Favorite Healthcare Staffing

January 26, 2021

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21 Destinations You Must Visit As A Travel Nurse

This article was provided by Favorite Healthcare.

2020 is finally over, which means it is time to start checking off cities on your travel nursing bucket list! Favorite Healthcare Staffing has chosen our Top 21 Travel Nursing Destinations for 2021 that we know you will love. See what cities made a list and start exploring the country!

Boston, MA

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Home of and the Boston Red Sox and the Boston Tea Party, this Northeastern city is the perfect location for history buffs. Step back in time as you stroll the cobblestone streets and visit some of the city’s best American History museums. This city also boasts impressive architecture and plenty of parks to play in. Boston has everything you could want in a destination!

Worchester, MA 21 Destinations You Must Visit As A Travel Nurse

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The first city to invent the monkey wrench! How clever! With beautiful fall leaves in the Autumn, multiple science and history museums, Worchester (not to be confused with Worcestershire sauce) is a great destination to visit.

Minneapolis, MN

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One of the major cities that forms Minnesota’s “Twin Cities,” Minneapolis experiences all seasons during the year. Cold and snowy winters, but warm and sunny summers. There are many cultural landmarks to check out in Minneapolis, a city that can unlock so much!

Tucson, AZ

destinations

Tucson has an outstanding performing arts scene with multiple galleries and museums. The city’s dynamic multicultural heritage radiates and is front and center. Tucson is also celebrated for its sensational beauty with the Sonoran Desert, which covers this region with incredible cacti.

Chicago, IL

destinations

Home of big silver, aka “The Bean.” Chicago is the center of the United States and is also known as the “Windy City.” With many museums, sightseeing, and amazing nightlife, there is no way you would not love the hustle and bustle of this city.

Davenport, IA 21 Destinations You Must Visit As A Travel Nurse

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Davenport is located right next to the Mississippi river! This city is green because of its massive number of parks – over 50 local parks to visit! Activities can include biking, walking, and outdoor events, all located right in Davenport.

Kansas City, MO

destinations

Kansas City, home of the 2020 Superbowl Champions and the famous KC BBQ! The city is constantly growing as a travel destination. Great shopping, beautiful Italian inspired fountains throughout the city, and one amazing art district will make you never want to leave.

St. Louis, MO

21 Destinations You Must Visit As A Travel Nurse

The Hill, The Arch, and The Cardinals all call St. Louis, Missouri, their home. Visit the city’s biggest attraction, the St. Louis arch, for unique views of the city. Make sure to take a trip to other popular tourist spots, like the Anheuser-Busch Brewery and St. Louis Art Museum.

Detroit, MI

21 Destinations You Must Visit As A Travel Nurse

Snowy Detroit, right in the center of the great lakes and across the way from Canada, is a great spot to travel to. The large presence of the auto industry gave the city its nickname, Motor City. Detroit is also the perfect place for music lovers as it’s the birthplace of Motown. Groove your way through D-Town!

New York City, NY

21 Destinations You Must Visit As A Travel Nurse

New York City is the city that never sleeps. With museums galore, shopping, and thousands of restaurants, you will never be bored at this destination. As one of the world’s major melting pots, it is guaranteed that you will always have something to do. Make sure to take a trip to the other boroughs of New York – The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island – each unique in its own way!

Denver, CO

21 Destinations You Must Visit As A Travel Nurse

Denver, Colorado – The-Mile-High City – is the perfect blend of urban life and outdoor adventure.  The city not only boasts top-notch craft breweries and a thriving music scene but is also conveniently situated near Rocky Mountain National Park – a traveler’s dream come true!

Cincinnati, OH

21 Destinations You Must Visit As A Travel Nurse

Located right across the state line of Kentucky in Southwest Ohio lies the city of Cincinnati. History lovers will want to visit some of the city’s popular museums, including the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, the American Sign Museum, and the Cincinnati Art Museum. Be sure to also take a trip to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, which is the second oldest zoo in America.   

Cleveland, OH

21 Destinations You Must Visit As A Travel Nurse

Cleveland’s 78 square miles are jam-packed with quality attractions. You will not be disappointed by the city’s top tourist attraction, the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Spend your days exploring the most popular destinations like the Cleveland Botanical Garden, West Side Market and the Cleveland Metroparks. Sports fanatics should also catch a baseball game at Progressive Field, home of the Cleveland Indians Major League Baseball team.   

Houston, TX

21 Destinations You Must Visit As A Travel Nurse

Houston’s sprawling city is the perfect location if you love to shop and is home to the Galleria, one of the best shopping malls in the state. Visitors can learn where the phrase, “Houston, we’ve had a problem” comes from taking a trip to the Space Center Houston. Let’s not forget about the cuisine. If you are a fan of Tex-Mex, put Houston at the top of your list!

Knoxville, TN

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As Tennessee’s third-largest city, Knoxville is sometimes overlooked, but we promise you will want to put this city on your list! Knoxville’s charming downtown is easy to navigate and is filled with quaint shops and even better food. Nature lovers will feel right at home with the city’s proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains.

Lexington, KY

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Lexington Kentucky, best known as the city of the Kentucky Derby, is the “Horse Capital of the World.” Enjoy the breathtaking views of farmland that stretches for miles and make sure to visit Kentucky Horse Park, home to the International Museum of the Horse.

Centralia, IL

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Centralia’s downtown is the perfect mix of old and new with plenty of historic architecture, as well as new and modern development. The Illinois Theater is a wonderful spot to catch a movie on a Sunday afternoon. You can also check out some of the many local parks that allow you to fish and attend different sporting events.

Durham, NC

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Home of the Blue Devils basketball team, Durham has become a must-visit destination for basketball fans. Explore all this city has to offer, including a vast number of restaurants, top universities, and a diverse culture where you can learn more about the history of Durham.

Buffalo, NY

destinations

One of the biggest cities in the United States consists of an art district to keep your creative juices flowing. The city’s growing restaurant scene will help you explore new tastes, and the historical sites will teach you more about the city. Tour some of Buffalo’s parks, gardens, and theatres that are scattered throughout the city.

Oklahoma City, OK

destinations

As the capital of Oklahoma, OKC is the main star of show. Ignite your taste buds by visiting popular breweries in the city. You also won’t want to miss out on other major landmarks, such as the Skydance bridge. For those looking to dance the night away, look no further! Oklahoma City has a vast nightlife scene. You won’t want to miss out all this city has to offer.

Las Vegas, NV

destinations

Most people visit this city for the Las Vegas Strip – home of more nightclubs, casinos, and replicas of major world landmarks than you can count. There is always some form of entertainment in Las Vegas, and, indeed, you will never be bored! There’s no other place in the world like Las Vegas, which makes it a must-see destination.

What do you think of our list of must visit destinations? Are there any we missed? Comment the destinations you think need to be included on this list below.

By Krucial Staffing

January 22, 2021

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Packing a Go-Bag for Your Next Travel Assignment

This article was provided by Krucial Staffing.

What goes into packing a Go-bag? Recently we took to Instagram to ask our frontline workers what items they absolutely could not live without during an emergency assignment. Boy, did we enjoy reading the answers! Among the most popular responses were common “must-haves,” such as masks, scrubs, comfortable shoes, and proper identification. Other responders gave us a chuckle by replying with some not-so-obvious items, such as peanut butter and Siracha sauce. Many people suggested packing the adequate number of undergarments for those “just in case” moments when life gets busy and you need a clean pair. A few other “essentials” included peppermint oil, a coffee maker, laundry detergent, and a Brita water filter.

Although most items can be purchased once you reach your destination, it’s important to come as prepared as possible. Here is a list of items healthcare workers suggest:

Go-Bag Packing List:

Personal Items:

  • Toiletries (shampoo/conditioner, body wash, toothbrush and paste, etc.)
    Money (Cards and/or cash)
  • Vitamins and Medicine
    Feminine Products
  • First-Aid Kit and flashlight

Identification needs:

Attire:

  • At least a week’s worth of scrubs
  • Comfortable shoes (bring a backup pair)
  • Extra undergarments
  • Masks, masks, and more masks

Go-Bag Comfort Items:

  • Photos of friends and family
  • Bath salts, compression socks, and melatonin for relaxation
  • Books, games, or puzzles for entertainment during your days off
  • Favorite blankets or pillows from home
  • Electronics (e.g., Firestick, Kindle), chargers, and headphones
  • Snacks (for your travels and the first couple of days before getting settled in)
  • Pen and Paper for notes
  • Water bottles and thermal cups/mugs for hot/cold drinks
  • Nightlights (hotel rooms can be hard to navigate)

Hopefully, this list will help you be prepared for your next assignment. Whether it’s your first or fifth assignment, it is vital to have a well-packed a go-bag.

Did we miss anything on the list that is essential for a go-bag? Please leave a comment below to help others.

By Katherine Rundell

January 20, 2021

8603 Views

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Top 6 Books All Travel Nurses Should Read

Whether you are an experienced traveling nurse or only just beginning to consider this healthcare career option, there are some fantastic books available that can help guide you and provide invaluable information. Here are 6 must-read books all travel nurses should add to their reading list.

1. ‘Hitting The Road: A Guide To Travel Nursing’ By Shalon Weddington

If you’re wondering whether or not becoming a traveling nurse is the right option for you, then you should definitely make sure that you check out Hitting the Road. In this 2010 updated version of the book, Weddington provides practical information for those about to embark upon travel nursing. A retired travel nurse herself, she shares her decades of experience with readers. She provides detailed information on a range of topics, such as tax strategies, international travel, finances, and listings of travel staffing services. There are even some self-assessment quizzes to help you decide whether or not travel nursing is the right option for you.

2. ‘I Wasn’t Strong Like This When I Started Out: True Stories Of Becoming A Nurse’ By Lee Gutkind

Even if you absolutely love being a travel nurse, there are inevitably bound to be days where it can feel like a struggle, and when you may begin to question how to keep going. I Wasn’t Strong Like This When I Started Out is the perfect book when you need a little support and inspiration. In this book, Gutkind shares a range of true stories from a variety of nurses as they share their experiences. The book is filled with stories of nurses who discuss their struggles and how they were able to keep going during the hardest of times.

3. ‘The Nurses: A Year Of Secrets, Drama, And Miracles With The Heroes Of The Hospital’ By Alexandra Robbins

If you’re looking for a book that really examines what it is like to be a nurse, then look no further than The Nurses: A Year of Secrets, Drama, and Miracles with the Heroes of the Hospital.

“This book covers a range of topics which nurses encounter in their jobs and indeed, throughout the course of their careers. Robbins was able to follow four real-life nurses over the course of a year at four hospitals, as well as interviewing many others. The result is a book that authentically captures the drama, courage, and sisterhood of nursing,” says Nathan Mitchell, a journalist at Academized and OXEssays.

4. ‘The Truth About Travel Nursing’ By Kyle Schmidt

In The Truth About Travel Nursing, Schmidt offers an insight into the world of travel nursing from the recruiter’s perspective. A former travel healthcare recruiter himself, Schmidt provides helpful information, including offering advice about how to compare travel services and the compensation packages that they offer.

5. ‘Travel Nurse’s Bible (A Guide To Everything On Travel Nursing)’ By David Morrison

If you are thinking about becoming a travel nurse or have just embarked upon your journey, then Travel Nurse’s Bible (A Guide to Everything on Travel Nursing) is a must-have resource. Morrison uses his 14 years of experience as a travel nurse to provide useful need-to-know information for every aspiring or practicing travel nurse.

“The book covers some really important topics, such as detailed instruction on how to get started on your journey as a travel nurse, the qualifications you need, as well as the key personality traits you need to have. It’s a really useful resource for anyone at the outset of their travel nursing career,” says Jennifer Ackles, a writer at Custom Writing and Dissertation Help.

6. ‘Fast Facts For The Travel Nurse: Travel Nursing In A Nutshell’ By Michele Angell Landrum

Although this book is particularly suited to those thinking about beginning a career as a travel nurse, it’s also filled with valuable information and tips for those already practicing. An experienced traveling nurse herself, Landrum provides helpful advice on how to better prepare yourself for assignments and how to successfully negotiate assignment contracts, as well as ways to increase your pay and improve your benefits.

Conclusion

Being a traveling nurse is a rewarding and challenging job. With these books, however, you’ll be better equipped to face any challenges which come your way. The next time you’re traveling to your next assignment, take along one of these books to help inform and inspire you.

Do you have any books to add to the list? Any you have read that you think other travel nurses would love? Comment them below.

By Kashan Muhammad

January 19, 2021

8552 Views

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Top 6 Nursing Jobs That Are Highest Paid

Nursing certainly is a noble profession; what could be more divine than serving humanity by giving all required assistance to serve people irrespective of their color, caste, creed, and financial background.  But this certainly doesn’t mean that a professional cannot make his ends meet once after joining the profession. Contrary to popular belief, nursing jobs are in high demand due to the presence of lucrative opportunities within the healthcare setting.

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Clinical Nurse Instructor

The clinical nurse educator is in charge of preparing and supporting professionals associated with the healthcare industry. They primarily improve healthcare training prospectuses and are generally responsible for supervising new nurses and students in the clinical setting. It is generally opted by the specialists who are fascinated with teaching. It is estimated that a clinical nurse educator makes around $110,211 every year. It’s an exciting field for those who want to pursue their passion for teaching while remaining an active healthcare practitioner.

Nursing Administrator

The prime job description of this job also requires training nursing authorities – by mixing their knowledge in healthcare education with professional skills – in view of managing and tackle executive challenges and regular clinical accomplishments within a healthcare facility. On average, this job employee takes home at least $101,255 every year. It’s an exciting field with substantial growth prospects.

Family Nurse Practitioner

A professional practitioner is one who brings professional care in light of family-focused training and methods to people of all age brackets – from childhood to old age – they often support professional doctors in conducting the routine analytic tests, recommends medicine and treatment plans, and are regularly in touch with the patients and their associates. It’s also a lucrative field that approximately gives $101,361 yearly.

Medical-Surgical Nurse Manager

They are mandated to provide course and managerial error to respective surgical care teams. The academic members have often warned that this job is quite stressful and has some baggage as it’s considered quite stressful. Relatively high from other nursing jobs, nurses associated with it usually make around $102,678 yearly.

Nurse Practitioner

They are in charge of taking care of each part of patient care, leading, interoperating tests such as X-rays, and making treatment plans with patients’ families. It requires the individual to be a master of all; the nurses need to consider every aspect of the healthcare treatment in consultation with patients and their families. On average, a practitioner takes home at least $106,636 yearly.

Pain Management Nurse

They are often stationed at a hospital’s oncology unit or care unit to assist the therapeutic teams and patients in detecting the cost of the patient’s pain and then formulate a treatment plan accordingly. Due to their significant role in the entire healthcare process, the nurses associated with this field are highly demanded in the industry; they are among the highest-paid nurses as they receive around $107,377 every year.

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