By Lirika Hart

October 2, 2020

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7 Benefits of Regular And Daily Physical Activity

Do you want to feel good, increase your energy, and even improve the quality of your life? Just engage in regular and daily physical activity. The different physical activities that you can do include power walking, jogging, running, swimming, dancing, and bike riding, just to name a few. Being physically active allows you to enjoy a variety of benefits. It may even add a couple of years to your quality life.

Here are 7 benefits you can reap from engaging in consistent and daily physical activity.

1. Keeps Body Weight in Check

 Being active enables you to be in great shape. It helps you keep excess fats away or maintain weight loss by burning calories. To burn more calories, consider increasing the intensity of the activity. Despite going to the gym, you can start doing some exercise while going to work. Let’s say, if you work in a co-working space that offers a place to leave your bike, you can definitely ride to the office. This will enable you to have some physical activity twice per day while going to and coming back from work. On the other hand, going to the gym regularly is an excellent way to stay physically active. But if you can’t squeeze time into your schedule due to work obligations or other personal reasons, just strive to remain active throughout the day. Use the stairs rather than the elevator and take a brisk walk during coffee and lunch breaks. Above all, remember consistency is the key to reaping the maximum benefits of physical activity.

2. Builds and Maintains Healthy Bones and Muscles

Consistent and daily exercise helps you build and maintain strong bones and muscles. Lifting weights and riding a bike coupled with sufficient protein intake can encourage muscle building. If you’re considering cycling as your go-to activity for maintaining your musculoskeletal health, you might be interested in investing in electric bike kits to integrate on your normal bike, which will give you a new cycling experience while you at the same time build your muscle mass and stamina.

With age, people experience loss of muscle mass and function, putting them at high risk of injuries and physical impairments. Consistent physical activity plays an important role in lowering muscle loss and improving your strength even as you age. It also helps you strengthen your bones and maintain bone density.

3. Boosts Mood

A host of studies show that regular physical activity can be a great mood booster. It can combat feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression by stimulating changes in the sections of the brain responsible for controlling anxiety and stress. It can also stimulate numerous brain chemicals, which may make you happier, calmer, and less anxious.

4. Brings Back the Spark in Your Sex Life

 Are you struggling to enjoy physical intimacy? In addition to increasing your energy levels, continuous and daily physical activity can improve how you feel regarding your physical appearance, which may add the much-needed spark to your sex life. On top of that, it may improve arousal for women and reduce the risk of developing erectile dysfunction for men.

5. Fights Off Life-threatening Health Conditions and Diseases

 Are you looking for ways to prevent or manage serious health problems? Being physically active increases the level of “good” cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein) and reduces unhealthy triglycerides. This leads to a smooth flow of blood throughout the body, which lowers your risk of heart diseases. Regular physical activity does an excellent job of preventing or managing a wide range of other health problems like stroke, arthritis, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, various forms of cancer, and high blood pressure. More importantly, it can boost cognitive function and bring down the odds of death from nearly all causes.

6. Source of Fun and Social Life Improvement

 Regular exercise adds fun to your life. It offers you an opportunity to relax in a style, explore the outdoors, or just participate in fun-filled activities. It can help you build a strong bond with your friends or family members, especially when you’re exercising together in a fun social environment. So start cooking lessons, sign up for a dance class, or get some electric bike kits for an enjoyable ride. Look for an enjoyable physical activity and have fun.

7. Relax and Enjoy Quality Sleep

 Are you always tired? Do you struggle to fall asleep? Physical activity can help you unwind and get sufficient, restful sleep. The energy depletion that happens when you exercise accelerates the recuperative process as you sleep. People with sleep disorders can benefit from being active all the time.

Key Takeaways

Regular and daily physical activity provides amazing benefits that can enhance your overall health. It increases the levels of brain hormones, which can guarantee you a happy feeling and better sleep. It can help you combat serious health conditions, achieve your dream body, and make your sex life better.

By Cross Country Nurses

September 30, 2020

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Will COVID-19 and the Pandemic Affect the 2020-2021 Flu Season for Travel Nurses?

This article provided by Cross Country Nurses.

Travel nurses are used to having more available opportunities during flu season, as most hospitals face a rise in patient census during this time. This year, however, hospitals will be facing a new challenge that will only exacerbate their nursing shortages: COVID-19. With COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continuing to rise nationwide, there are several variables that hospitals need to be prepared for, including the possibility that patients could be infected with both viruses simultaneously and be hospitalized more than once if they contract both viruses separately. Both scenarios have the potential to increase nurse demand this flu season. Hospitals are moving quickly to address these possibilities by securing the additional nursing staff they expect to require now.

Will COVID-19 Cause Hospitalizations to Increase During the 2020-2021 Flu Season?

Scientists and healthcare professionals are learning more about COVID-19 and how it affects patients by the day. As more information is gained, treatments for COVID-19 patients have improved and hospitalizations appear to have decreased and often been of shorter duration. That said, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has warned that flu viruses and COVID-19 are likely to be circulating at the same time this fall and winter. While no one can predict exactly how many people will be infected by any of these viruses, the logical conclusion based on this fact is that hospitalizations will increase this flu season compared to last, which according to the CDC, included tens of millions of cases and tens of thousands of deaths.

Will COVID-19 Restrictions Help Stop the Spread of Flu During the 2020-2021 Season?

Travel restrictions, social distancing, and the wearing of masks have all been shown to stop the spread of COVID-19 in numerous countries worldwide as well as communities here in the United States. According to some reports, countries in the Southern Hemisphere, who are already in the height of their flu season, are experiencing a lower number of flu cases compared to last year. Local health officials there point to widespread adoption of COVID-19 restrictions as the reason.

While this might give health officials here hope if people largely continue to embrace the restrictions, there is an important variable to consider in the change of weather that occurs during our flu season. Colder temperatures will likely lead to more people crowding together in indoor spaces without masks. Additionally, the symptoms of common winter colds, including coughing and sneezing, are likely to spread COVID-19 virus particles from infected persons, whether or not they know they are infected.

Why Travel Nurses Should Secure Their Flu Season Assignments Now.

With so many unknown variables this flu season, and with all they have learned about the resources necessary to treat COVID-19 patients, many hospitals are being proactive in seeking out the additional healthcare staff they expect to need in the coming months. Nurses, especially those with ICU, Med/Surg, Tele, and ED specialties, are currently in the highest demand and already being sought to fill anticipated openings. This is why we suggest travel nurses start searching for the assignments they want most now before those openings are filled. The sooner you act to lock down an assignment, the more likely it will be in the city and clinical setting that most appeals to you.

Ready to secure your travel nurse assignment for the 2020-2021 flu season? Search our Job Board for your next assignment!

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

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

By Go Healthcare Staffing

September 29, 2020

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What Are Travel RN’s Going to Look at this Fall/Winter?

This article was provided by Go Healthcare.

Usually, during fall, a large group of Travel RNs starts looking at their next assignment in warm climates such as Florida or Arizona.  BUT welcome to 2020 where nothing is the norm. 

Your fall assignment?

With the Virus not under control yet and a vaccine still unknown, picking your next assignment will leave you with many choices if you are part of the in-demand specialties.  Some but not all include ICU, TELE, and Med Surg to name a few.  Typically we have the mass migration of snowbirds, which is our oldest and most cared for a population when it comes to healthcare.  Now?  A lot are opting to stay put due to the Virus.

So what does this mean? 

If you add in the pending flu season with the Virus and states opening, this is a recipe for a large demand for healthcare professionals.  So travel nurses who usually go South may want to step back and look at their options.  Pay levels have increased across the states (minus Covid care which has subsided if you contracted the Virus on assignment).  The demand for certain specialties will reach an all-time high over the next few months even with a vaccine due to the rollout and people’s insecurity about taking a vaccine until proven 100% safe.  Travel RNs will have the opportunity of these options: to take an assignment where they could be near family for the holidays, receive better pay at a non-traditional winter location, or still choose to go to warmer climates.

This is a time when nothing is normal.  

Travel Nursing is no exception.  Be smart about your decision-making and do your homework.  More money does not always mean a great working environment.  Nor does warmer weather!

Have you started looking at your next assignment? Does it differ this year? Comment below.

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

September 22, 2020

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Seven Ways Travel Nurses Can Maximize Their Pay

This article was provided by Medely.

From picking up per diem shifts to going back to school, there are multiple ways for travel nurses to earn more.

No one goes into nursing to get rich – most nurses are answering a call to help others. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ensure you’re being paid well while providing care. There’re many different ways to increase your pay as a nurse, but we’ve put together some of our top suggestions. Some of these tips are easy to implement – others will take time, a personal investment, and drive.

If you’re here, it’s likely you’re already a travel nurse – or at least considering it. This is a great first step to maximizing your earnings. Travel nurses make 20% more than non-travel nurses on average. 

These tips assume you’re already working as a travel nurse. But enough preamble – let’s jump into our…

Seven tips to maximize pay as a travel nurse

Tip #1: Location, location, location

It’s true in real estate and it’s true for travel nurses. Whether it’s a local shortage of qualified professionals or just a higher cost of living, some markets simply pay better. Metropolitan areas typically pay better than rural ones. Non-hospital roles often pay better as well. 

Just be careful of the geographies that pay more because the cost of living is higher. You might wind up just spending that extra pay on higher rent and groceries.

Tip #2: Pick up per diem shifts while on assignment

Picking up per diem shifts is a great way to maximize your pay during the coronavirus pandemic. Many cities are still under fairly strict lockdown mandates and your options for fun and adventure are limited. If your contract allows for overtime, working an extra shift or two at your current facility is easy to do. But it’s probably better for your career to work with different facilities in your market.

Working extra shifts at different facilities isn’t just about more money. It allows you to grow your network by working with different staff and doctors. Not only that, but you’re also able to see how different professionals approach various procedures and how they provide care.

Your choice in a travel nursing agency may impact this. Some agencies don’t offer per diem work or allow you to work with another agency to book shifts. While some travel nursing tech platforms, like Medely, offer both assignments and per diem right in the same app.

While there are a lot of benefits to working per diem shifts while on assignment, there can be drawbacks too. It’s important to make sure you get enough time off and rest. Your patients deserve the best care you can give, not what little gas you have left in the tank.

Tip # 3: Take less desirable shifts

From TGIF to “Woo-hoo! Three day weekend!” most of us think of work as Monday through Friday day shifts. But weekends, holidays, and night shifts all typically pay better for the exact same work as a weekday shift. Not everyone can make these less-desirable shifts fit their day-to-day schedule or travel plans, but the benefits are clear. If it works for you, these shifts can earn you an average of a few dollars more per hour.

Tip #4: Maximize your tax benefits and travel perks

Travel nursing typically includes per diem stipends for lodging and meals. These are generally tax-free up to a certain amount, which is set by the General Services Administration (GSA) and differs by geography and time of year. 

How travel nursing agencies approach stipends can be wildly different. Some reimburse you for your actual expenses, up to the maximum. Others will offer a flat amount lower than the GSA recommendations for your location. And others, like Medely, offer the maximum tax-free stipend amount for your location on every assignment. 

Obviously this isn’t the only deciding factor in the agency you choose. But if you work as a travel nurse for the majority of the year, they can add up to a large amount of your income quickly.

Tip #5: Pursue a new specialty

It’s no secret that certain specialties pay better. CRNA and Nurse Practitioners are at the top of the list but come with an advanced degree requirement. ICU and ER nursing traditionally pay well – but they come with a higher stress level. And any change in specialty will require you seizing the right opportunity. Yet another reason for building your professional network is important.

But if you’re up for the challenge, the pay off is clear. The degrees, certifications, and experience can add up to a specialty that pays six figures instead of five. Speaking of getting a new degree…

Tip #6: Earn an advanced degree

Earning a master’s degree is the first step to becoming an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). It’s also the way to move into education, research, or climbing the ladder in healthcare administration. Each of these career paths holds considerable income potential, but they’re not for everyone. Not only do they require an incredible investment of time and money, but the programs themselves are rigorous and competitive. On top of that, several of these career moves will limit how much direct patient care you provide.

Tip #7: Get creative with facility and industry choices

Most people automatically think of hospitals and family practice when thinking of nursing – and certainly, that’s where many nurses work. But there’s plenty of work for nurses outside of that setting in both full-time roles and as side work. You can pick up shifts as an insurance nurse, tutor local nursing students, provide telehealth support, offer medical transcription or technical writing services, and much more. Not only can you earn extra income by working in these areas, but you might also discover something new that you’re passionate about.

Find the right balance for you

Whether you need a couple of extra dollars an hour or you want to move into a new tax bracket – the right choice will be different for everyone. 

Some of these choices are fairly simple. Picking up travel assignments in a better market or finding an agency that pays you better can maximize your pay with minimal risk. Working third shift or eating up your time off with per diem shifts may help you meet a temporary goal, but may not fit your lifestyle. 

Working around the clock can quickly lead to burnout. Providing medical transcription may bore you to tears. So don’t be afraid to try something and decide it’s not for you. No matter your choices, money is secondary to your health, happiness, and the level of care you give your patients.

We hope you found these tips for to help maximize pay helpful. Have you found any ways to help you maximize pay? Comment them below.

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

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

By Kevin Devoto

September 18, 2020

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Fun Tips for Travel Nursing

If you are a nurse looking to try something new and exciting, you should consider travel nursing! Travel nursing is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. As a Registered Nurse, you work with a travel nurse staffing agency that sends you out to travel to different hospitals that are lacking in resources and need extra nurses for certain periods of time. Contracts typically last around thirteen weeks and then you move on to another spot.

This provides an opportunity for nurses to continue the work they love while also seeing new places and meeting new people. With this interesting job comes unique circumstances, and you may find yourself looking for some help in figuring out how to best utilize those circumstances. Here are a few fun tips for anyone looking into travel nursing.

Take The Long Way

If you get a contract to work somewhere abroad, you can look for a fun way to get there. For example, if you know you will be working in Bermuda, you can make your way to that location on fun Bermuda cruises. This can help you settle into your travel routine while also giving you the mental legroom to switch from being at your home and in your home city to moving around. You can also engage in fun activities while on your cruise that can help you reduce any new job jitters. Sightseeing your way to your new job’s location could prove to be a fantastic way to get there!

Do As the Locals Do

Wherever you get assigned it is good to remember that people live there permanently. You are a tourist in their town. So, you should be respectful of that privilege. When locals see that respect, they typically will feel safe sharing neat spots around town with you that you may not have found on your own. The best local restaurants, hiking spots, surfing spots, and more are not going to be relinquished to just anyone and you must take this knowledge with respect and not overshare it on social media. Although it may seem annoying not to be able to share the knowledge of the sweet spots, you will find that your experiences are richer and help destress you from the potentially stressful nature of nursing as a job.

Create a Capsule Wardrobe

Capsule wardrobes are an interesting and clever way to have an easy to travel wardrobe that is versatile, classy, and can fit into one suitcase. As you begin your travel nursing journey you will find that less is more when it comes to packing. On your days off when you do not want to wear your work scrubs, you will not want to be rifling through your suitcase or hotel room drawers to find the best outfit. Instead, you can pick from a combination of a few well made, durable, versatile, and cute options for the weather and activities you have laid out ahead of you. Dressing to impress is easier when you have a few key pieces that all work together and fit you perfectly. This would be a great tip to put your travel nursing salary towards. Many people have discovered that investing in a few highly-priced items will benefit you in the long run as opposed to buying and replacing cheaper clothes.

Don’t Leave Your Furry Friend Behind

If you have a dog or a cat or another pet who you think is the only thing keeping you at home, then fear no more. Your furry friend can travel with you to your destination. Think of how much fun they will have exploring the streets of a new city by your side on your days off work. Your pet can also help you feel more comfortable as you adjust to the new life of travel nursing.

Travel nursing is currently blowing up as people realize they can travel, make money, and help people. It is a really cool way to meet new people and explore new places. You will certainly never be bored!

We hope you found these travel nursing tips helpful. Do you have any travel nursing tips to share? Comment them below.

By Medely

September 17, 2020

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6 Ways Technology Creates a Better Travel Nursing Experience

This article was provided by Medely.

Your mobile device might just be the key to getting the most out of your new assignment.

We live in a world where our cars drive themselves and our refrigerators tell us the weather and commute times. Well… they do if you can afford it. Think about it – what are the chances that you’d forget your phone when leaving on a 13 week travel assignment? There’s a better chance you’d forget your toiletries.

Technology is a vital part of healthcare as well. Whether it’s something as cool as a 3D printed cast or something as seemingly simple as a digital staffing platform like Medely, technology is creating better patient outcomes and simplifying our work lives – yes, even those frustrating EHR/EMR systems. 

Here are six ways technology can improve your travel nursing experience.

Your agency experience

From the moment you submit your application to a travel assignment until you collect your last paycheck 13+ weeks later, you will be regularly relying on your agency for all kinds of administrative tasks. This makes the agency you choose to book travel assignments through a critical choice in this experience. An agency’s level of tech adoption will impact how you apply, prove your credentials, accept your offer, clock in and out, and get paid. Look for an agency that provides digital tools for each of these aspects but still provides the level of support and interaction you need.

Your exploration

Most of us have at least heard the names Yelp and Travelocity. Knowing how to maximize travel tools makes getting to the new city a breeze and has you living like a local in no time. 

Pro-tip: If you fly regularly many travel sites will use a cookie to track you. They may actually show you inflated rates based on your need. Use incognito mode in your browser or a privacy-focused browser like Brave to avoid this.

Once you’re there, make the most of your time. Make sure you don’t spend 12 weeks in a city only to find out the best Thai restaurant is just around the corner. To do that, you need to have the same info the locals have. Using tools like Spotted By Locals, Showaround, and Eat With will have you up to speed in no time. From having a resident show you around to planning meals around non-touristy restaurants, there’s an app to fit your needs.

Your productivity

Productivity apps are nothing new. From complex workflow apps like Jira to simple note-keeping apps like Evernote, everyone has their favorite productivity app. Nurses are no different. Here are a few useful productivity tools for nurses:

  • Evernote (Android, Apple): Any list of productivity apps without Evernote on it is suspect at best. With the ability to quickly take and organize notes, set voice reminders, and file photos, it’s a must-have app. 
  • Epocrates (Android, Apple): This app that has been alive and kicking since the days of Blackberrys. Use it to quickly find drug safety information, drug interactions, and dosage calculators. The built-in Pill ID function lets you identify medication by shape, color, scoring, imprint codes, and more.
  • UpToDate (Android, Apple): This app puts reliable, peer-reviewed info within easy reach and is an invaluable resource. Use it to find information for primary care, pediatrics, OB/GYN, internal specialties, and general surgery. It also has well as over a hundred medical calculators and thousands of patient education articles.
  • Medscape (Android, Apple): The latest medical news, sorted by specialty, FDA announcements, and continuing education courses are all found in this app. Not to mention medical calculators and drug information.
  • MedPage Today (Website): This site specializes in covering breaking medical news and offers several continuing education options and articles.

Your credentials

Life’s uncertain. You could show up on your first day and find out the facility misplaced your credentials. Or maybe you’re in a pandemic and would rather pick up per diem shifts than explore a new city. Making sure you’ve got all of your credentials in one digital location just makes sense. Before leaving on assignment, scan or take a photo of each of your credentials. Give them a clear name, and upload them to a folder on a cloud service like DropBox or Google Drive. 

Technology Pro-tip: Don’t own a scanner? (because who owns a scanner in 2020?) Take pictures of documents in a well-lit location, preferably with natural light. Get as close to the document as possible, and make sure it’s in focus. A fuzzy, poorly-lit document pic won’t be very useful!

Your work experience

While you’re in a new city you’ve got access to facilities and doctors you don’t have at home. Each of them may do things a little differently or use technology you don’t have experience with. You’ve got a great opportunity to expand your network and your knowledge. Use your days off to pick up per diem shifts at different facilities. Clock some hours on a different EHR, work with professionals that use different methods, or just figure out what kind of staff you like working with. This is one place where your choice in agency and having your credentials ready matters. Not all agencies offer per diem jobs or allow you to pick them up while on assignment. So choose wisely and be prepared!

Your connection to others

Oh sure, you love Facebook for staying in touch with friends from college or high school. But social networks, when on a travel assignment, can be vital to your mental health. They’re not just for staying in touch with people back home. LinkedIn and Facebook groups for travel nurses or local professionals are a great way to find local networking events. Meetup is also a great way to find events for people who share your interests in a new city.

Do what works for you

Technology can impact all aspects of travel nursing. It helps you maximize your work experience (and pay!), explore new surroundings, stay connected, and ensures everything runs smoothly. Finding what works best for you may take some trial and error, but being ready to try a new app or service will enable you to tailor your travel experience to best fit your lifestyle and needs.

By Cross Country Nurses

September 10, 2020

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Turning Crisis Into Innovation

This article was provided by: Cross Country Nurses.

In the midst of any crisis, one of the best ways to cope is to seek out any silver linings in order to remain positive and optimistic for the future. Certainly, the world hasn’t experienced anything quite like the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which has undoubtedly brought disruptive changes, fear, and grief to the forefront.

Yet, as the world struggles to further contain the spread of COVID-19, there is an opportunity to learn from the past and look to a brighter future. This is true for healthcare leaders, who can take their learnings and experiences during the pandemic to drive both operational and quality of care improvements.

Technology and innovation have emerged as key areas in which the lessons learned from facing the COVID-19 crisis could help the industry thrive in the future.

Turning crisis into innovation

Due to the pandemic, healthcare leaders have looked to innovative technologies to help improve safer access to care, efficiencies, and speed of care delivery – even from afar. Health-focused tech companies are reporting surges in their business and noting many hospitals are now asking for emerging technologies to implement as soon as possible. Some of these include:

Mainstreaming of Telehealth

For the first time in more than 20 years, government officials, providers, health plans, and employers are recommending telehealth as the first choice for care, as opposed to an alternative – due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Before the pandemic, only 1 in 10 patients in the U.S. used telehealth, according to a J.D. Power survey. Now, health systems and private telehealth companies are seeing a dramatic increase in the use of telehealth – to the tune of digital visits climbing from 750% to 1,000% since the coronavirus became widespread.

Beyond the adoption of telehealth by providers, consumer opinions are changing as well. Almost three-quarters of patients polled for one recent survey said they’d consider using telehealth to be remotely screened for COVID-19 and two-thirds said the pandemic has increased their willingness to try virtual care.

In fact, a recent Cross Country Healthcare survey of healthcare leaders who indicated they were unprepared to handle the COVID-19 pandemic, 25% of them named “an effective telehealth service offering” as an area where they lacked preparation. And, with a surge in telehealth during the pandemic, many (50%) say they would have engaged more contracts and locums talent to boost their telemedicine capabilities.

These changes could be the turning point in telehealth utilization across the country, making virtual health visits mainstream and an easy alternative for receiving care for low-acuity needs. It could also be instrumental in providing much-needed services and improved access to care in rural communities.

Greater IT Strategic Planning

Strategic planning for enterprise-wide IT projects is a common practice among healthcare leaders. However, as many organizations accelerate their digital services, a greater need for additional long-term planning has emerged. As healthcare entities increase their focus on strategic planning for a post-pandemic environment, they have the opportunity to consider what technologies have worked, what challenges and risks they faced, and most importantly, what opportunities they have to move their organization forward utilizing innovative technologies.

A Move to Virtual Workspace

Many healthcare organizations are reporting up to a 50% increase in the number of remote workers they are supporting – this includes, providing virtual desktop interfaces, connectivity devices, and endpoint security. Operational planning is also needed to ensure enterprise IT systems support their virtual workers by providing a seamless flow of data.

This disruptive shift in technology resources and planning has created both opportunities and risks. While we don’t yet know the extent to which system vulnerabilities will be identified, the ability to support virtual teams on a large scale will rely on new and emerging recruitment and retention efforts.

Remote Patient Monitoring

Remote patient monitoring (RPM) has seen steady growth over the past two years, however, shelter-in-place orders have expedited that growth. Today, patients who are suspected of having COVID-19 can be closely monitored from afar, without bringing them to crowded hospitals. Further, other patients who require frequent contact with their doctors can maintain their conditions without leaving their homes.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Medicare coverage for RPM services was restricted to patients with one or more chronic conditions. In response to the current crisis, CMS has issued new regulatory policies around RPM – both for the duration of the pandemic and moving forward. Both the short-term and long-term, RPM is available for both acute and/or chronic conditions, providing an opportunity for further care innovations. In addition, CMS has outlined that RPM can be utilized for both new and established patients.

Better Access and Speed of Care Delivery

In communities across the country, fear of the COVID-19 virus continues to spread as fast as the virus itself. Patients are clamoring for advice from their providers who are working at warp speed to keep up with the demand. Many health systems have implemented call centers to help support patients and answer questions, with others are using self-triaging tools such as chatbots to help patients evaluate their symptoms before going to see a doctor.

In some instances, chatbots are equipped with answers to frequently asked questions, assessments related to COVID-19 symptoms, and opportunities to send messages directly to a physician. These innovations provide great hope for the future and the ability to evaluate patients, guide them through the care process, limit wait times, and avoid unnecessary emergency room visits.

The Age of Artificial Intelligence

Machine learning or artificial intelligence (AI) has produced tremendous benefits for healthcare providers by generating and analyzing patient, clinician, and health system data. It is already evolving at such a pace that it can now outperform humans on some specific tasks. The data intelligence it produces can help practitioners better predict, prevent, screen, and even diagnose disease.

Moving forward, big data also has the potential to help healthcare facilities and systems better predict key operational trends, such as patient volume, stay durations and care needs so they can better plan for clinical staffing. AI may soon replace the administrative tasks required by nurses, including ordering tests or compiling notes, but will also improve medical image analysis, screenings, and even support safer, higher quality care.

The next wave of innovation

Playing the role of an industry disruptor, technology and innovation have created the ability to build new, peripheral services to better support the healthcare sector. Products such as telemonitoring devices, home messaging services, and patient monitoring tools all have the opportunity to evolve and support patient care in the era of telehealth and AI services. These innovations present a whole new avenue for minimizing costs and improving access to care, during the pandemic and beyond.

We hope that you found this information on turning crisis into innovation helpful. Have you seen any ways your facilities/hospitals are turning this crisis into innovation? Comment them below.

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

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

By Soliant Health

September 4, 2020

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Tips for First Time Travel Nurses

This article was provided by: Soliant Health.

Being a travel nurse is one of the most exciting things you can do in your career, but the idea of working away from home can be overwhelming, especially if you’re doing it for the first time. If you’re ready to embark on your first assignment but aren’t sure what to do next, here are some tips to help first time travel nurses.

1. Get organized.

Travel nursing is an amazing way to see the county and learn a lot of new skills, but to make sure everything goes off without a hitch, you must have all your paperwork in order. Make sure your license, CPR, and any certifications are up to date and that you have all the required documentation.

2. Think about where you want to go.

There are so many wonderful places to be a travel nurse, but if it’s your first time, it’s best to pick a place that you know. It should be the next town over or a city you’ve traveled to in that past, but any sense of familiarity makes working away from home for the first time a little bit easier.

3. Be flexible.

You may not get your first choice, but your recruiter can help you figure out which jobs are available in your specialty. Sometimes, being more general about what you want helps. For example, if you’ve spent some time in Florida and know you’d be comfortable working there, instead of insisting on Miami, open up to the possibilities of Tampa or Daytona Beach, too.

4. Pack carefully.

Most travel nursing assignments are 13 weeks, so consider what you’ll need in that time. Remember, you’ll spend your days off exploring your new city, so come prepared. If you’re an outdoor lover, bring your hiking boots and backpack. Are you looking forward to exploring the city’s art and culture scenes? Bring along some comfortable walking shoes and your camera.

5. Don’t forget to make arrangements for the stuff at home.

For example, is someone going to get your mail for you? What about packages and other deliveries? Should you cancel the cable for the amount of time you’re going to be away? It’s essential to take care of these things so, when you come home, you don’t have a stack of bills or other problems to deal with.

6. Be confident in your skills.

It’s not easy being a travel nurse on a floor where everyone else has worked together for years. Most nurses are welcoming and ready to help travelers as they learn the ropes, but remind yourself that you deserve to be there and are a valuable part of the team.

7. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

You’ll have orientation at the beginning of your contract and learn all about the policies and procedures of where you’re working, and you’ll probably have a lot of questions. And that’s okay! It’s always better to clarify questions, especially when you’re new.

8. Be friendly.

Making friends with your co-workers is a great way to get comfortable with a new city and makes your time there more enjoyable. You can make lasting friendships through travel nursing that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Ask coworkers for recommendations about where to go and what to see while you’re in town, and ask them to join you for dinner or a night of dinner and drinks.

9. Where are you off to next?

Thirteen weeks might sound like a long time, but it flies by. Keep in touch with your recruiter to know what your options are. If you love where you’re working, see if you can extend the assignment for another 13 weeks. Or, maybe you’d rather try something completely different. Don’t wait until the last week of your contract to work it out.

10. Choose your travel nursing company wisely.

Soliant has thousands of travel nursing jobs in many specialties, all across the United States. To learn more, check out their website and get started on the next chapter of your nursing adventure.

We hope you found this information for first time travel nurses helpful, do you have any tips for first time travel nurses to share? Comment them below.

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 James Baxter

September 3, 2020

7574 Views

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7 Signs You Would Be Perfect For a Travel Nursing Career

For those who enjoy taking care of people and exploring new places, a traveling nurse’s career can be the perfect combination of life purposes and unique experiences. Becoming a travel nurse is an excellent opportunity to practice, discover other cities, and make decent money. Such a job is more useful and responsible compared, for instance, to the job of essay writer. So, it involves a higher wage and additional bonuses.


A travel nurse needs to have a relevant diploma and at least one year of work experience. You can get a job in different regions of the US and even abroad. Travel nurses usually deal with specialized agencies that help them find suitable positions. In the US, travel nurses are offered temporary and short-term appointments that generally last about 18 weeks. International travel nursing programs usually last up to two years.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a nursing career salary is over $ 70,000 per year. The duties of a travel nurse also differ according to specialization, type of medical facility, and work schedule. You may wonder, “How can I write my essay online about travel nurses?” Well, the profession of a travel nurse is not for everyone. Let’s find what personal qualities are needed for successful travel nursing career paths.

 travel nursing career

Flexibility and Empathy

Regardless of specific responsibilities, flexibility is the key feature for a travel nurse’s career. These nurses have to adapt very quickly to different medical institutions’ policies and, possibly, to the culture of another country. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the patient’s feelings. The nurse has to show concern and compassion, as well as provide sick persons with quality care. A good nurse has to understand and listen to each patient without judgment of a different set of values, attitudes, and religious beliefs.

Stress Resistance

A travel nursing career requires distinctive and strong character traits. Emotional stability is a skill that can be acquired. However, this takes time, experience, and patience. That being said, emotional stability should not be confused with a lack of empathy and compassion. The daily work of a travel nurse is associated with challenging situations. Given the constant psycho-emotional stress, the profession of travel nurses does not fit for faint-hearted people. So, it will not be easy for ambitious people to work in such a position.

Communication Skills

An ability to find a common language with the patients and their relatives is one of the crucial requirements of a travel nurse. It does not mean that she should always agree with the opinions of other people. A nurse’s communication skills can be manifested in different ways. A simple smile can give the patients a feeling of comfort as they know the nurse will surely take care of them. Perfect nurses also master other communication styles, and not all of them are verbal. It is necessary to communicate in a way that will make the patients feel at ease and confident that they are safe.

Fast Response

Oftentimes, nurses have to react in the event of an emergency to provide timely assistance and follow the attending physician’s orders instantly. When it comes to healthcare delivery, attention to detail is critical. Even in the busiest and hectic environment, a nurse makes sure that all the instructions, the correct dosage of medication, and accurate records are followed. An excellent travel nurse should be able to make decisions quickly. The nurse has to find an individual approach to each patient. She is often required to find creative ways to change the situation for the better.

Politeness

A good nurse should be a good psychologist. She needs to find ways to support sick persons, help with competent actions, and inspire them with encouraging words. It is known that the success of treatment much depends on the patient’s mood. An international travel nursing career requires an understanding of what is right and what is wrong from a moral point of view. Only open-minded and kind nurses can provide effective, culturally competent, and patient-centered medical assistance.

Critical Thinking and Responsibility

Critical thinking is the ability to assess reality objectively and draw rational conclusions. Thanks to this disciplined and patient-directed approach, the nurses can interpret data, prioritize patient’s needs, and accurately solve complex clinical problems. Although travel nurses most often act as part of the medical team, their work is autonomous in many cases. Their professional decisions are their sole responsibility.

Perfect Health

A travel nurse’s job is difficult not only because of the emotional but also physical stress. Frequent travel and irregular work schedules require good physical endurance. When assisting in a complex operation, the nurse has to stand in one place for a long time. Of course, some nurses’ positions require less strenuous physical activity, such as administrative. However, a nurse needs to be prepared for any workload to respond effectively to emergencies.

Conclusion

If you do not have some of these basic skills, you can still become a travel nurse by improving yourself in these areas. The main point is the desire to change and move forward. You can learn more about the moral and professional principles needed for travel nurses in the Ethics Code of the American Nurses Association.