May 17, 2021

10937 Views

Top 5 of the Most In-Demand Travel Nurse Specialties

Posted on May 17, 2021January 16, 2023 by Karl Murphy

When it comes to the topmost in-demand travel nurse specialties, there are two things to look out for. One is the demand for nurses’ services in that field, and the second is how much they get paid. It follows the economic rule of “The higher the demand, the more the price.” This article brings you the top in-demand travel nurse specialties and what makes them so special.

5 Most Sought-After Travel Nurse Specialities

Travel nurses are registered nurses who work in short-term roles at hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities globally. They help fill gaps in areas where there are nursing shortages. An independent nursing staffing agency employs them instead of a single hospital.

According to Trusted Nurse Staffing, knowing the nursing specialty in demand would help you choose the direction to take your nursing career. This is why we put together the best five options to help you decide.

1. Intensive Care Nurses

Intensive care (ICU) nurses are the most sought-after in nursing specialties. The need for ICU nurses increased due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Generally, the high demand for nurse practitioners in this specialty is because they have experience with:

Severe accident cases
Significant and delicate surgeries
Trauma and other life-threatening situations

To become an ICU nurse, you must pass the NCLEX-RN and get licensed in the state where you practice. You must have at least one year of clinical experience and have BLS/CPR and ACLS certifications. Meeting these requirements qualifies you as a Critical Care Registered Nurse, and you can work in:

Pediatric ICU
Cardiac care unit
Telemetry units
Neonatal ICU
Progressive care units

2. Telemetry Nursing

Due to the shortage of ICU beds, and the increased need for progressive care, there’s high demand for telemetry nurses. Nurses working in this specialty constantly monitor patients experiencing cardiac, respiratory, or renal issues. They are quick to act and communicate effectively with healthcare providers.

If you can accurately assess a situation and act accordingly, then consider telemetry nursing. To become one, you must possess:

RN license
ADN or BSN degree
ACLS, BLS, and PCCN certifications

3. Emergency Room Nursing

This specialty is in demand because emergency room nurses are among the first to attend to trauma patients when they arrive at the hospital. Hospital ERs are always filled with diverse types of ailments and need proactive nurses. If you are not afraid of past-packed action and split-second decisions, consider this specialty.

To become an emergency room nurse, you must have the following qualifications:

A year of experience in an acute care facility
ACLS, PALS, and BLS certifications
NIH Stroke certification

If you desire to distinguish yourself during the application process, it will help to have or take part in the following:

Emergency Nursing in Pediatrics Course
Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)
Trauma Nurse Core Course
Crisis Prevention Training

4. Labor and Delivery Nurses

There is an increased need for labor and delivery nurses. While many see it as a satisfying and fulfilling career choice, not everyone has what it takes to be one.

The required qualifications to become a labor and delivery nurse include:

Possessing an ADN and BSN
Passing the NCLEX
Having BLS, ACLS, PALS, and NRP certifications
Being experienced in electronic fetal heart monitoring
Having a one-year experience in an acute care facility

5. Operating Room Nursing

Operating room nursing is both high in demand and offers a good salary. This is because they are needed in hospitals and surgical centers, day-surgery centers, and clinics. To be an OR nurse, you need to be highly skilled and keep operating rooms clean and sterile always.

Also, nurses working in this specialty are patient advocates and pay key attention to their safety. To qualify for this position, you must:

Earn an ADN or BSN
Obtain an RN license in the state you work
Have clinical or OR experience
Have BLS and ACLS certifications

Conclusion

The opportunities available to travel nurses are vast. Whether you are a specialty nurse looking to diversify or increase your pay, there’s something for you. All you need to do is find your perfect fit, such as with online dating. So, feel free to begin today.

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By Amber Pickler

May 16, 2021

12242 Views

Handling Anxiety as a Travel Nurse

Posted on May 16, 2021September 8, 2022 by Amber Pickler

Anxiety. As a nurse, no one wants to talk about it, but it’s something most nurses carry around with them. Adding travel on top of anxiety can make it almost debilitating at times. It can hinder your job performance as well. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, “Anxiety disorders are real, serious medical conditions – just as real and serious as physical disorders such as heart disease or diabetes. Anxiety disorders are the most common and pervasive mental disorders in the United States.”

Finding ways to manage your anxiety is key not only in your job but also in your life. Below you will find some ways other travel nurses have found helpful for managing anxiety.

Tips for Managing Anxiety:

Better Self Care

Taking better care of yourself can go a long way to help with managing anxiety. Diet can either make your anxiety better or worse.

These foods may help to keep your anxiety at bay:

Fermented Foods
Cherries
Kiwi
Seafood
Avocado
Beans and Legumes
Plain Greek Yogurt
Whole Grains
Milk
Pumpkins

Anxiety can make it more difficult to sleep. Your anxious worry about life and its problems may keep your brain from settling down, and the disruption of sleep is likely to keep you feeling more on edge the next day. Anxiety and sleep disruption go hand in hand.

Change Specialties or Type of Facility

Your travel nurse specialty may be a trigger or even a cause of your anxiety. If your anxiety worsens when you are at work, or even the thought of going to work causes you to feel anxious, it may be time to start looking into a new specialty. You may even need to consider changing the type of facility you work at. If you work in a hospital, maybe you should try a clinic. If you work in an LTC facility, maybe corrections could be for you.

Counseling or Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is the most common therapy used with anxiety disorders, according to the Help Guide. In this type of therapy, the person learns to recognize and change thought patterns and behaviors that lead to troublesome feelings. They also state that “Anxiety disorders differ considerably, so therapy should be tailored to your specific symptoms and diagnosis. If you have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), for example, your treatment will be different from someone who needs help for anxiety attacks. The length of therapy will also depend on the type and severity of your anxiety disorder.”

Exercise

Exercise has been proven to release endorphins. Typically, these endorphins can boost your mood and energy. It can also help with managing anxiety. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, “Scientists have found that regular participation in aerobic exercise has been shown to decrease overall levels of tension, elevate and stabilize mood, improve sleep, and improve self-esteem. About five minutes of aerobic exercise can begin to stimulate anti-anxiety effects.” Exercising doesn’t have to be complicated or strenuous. It can be a simple workout that you enjoy doing.

Relaxation or Breathing Techniques

Many people use yoga for relaxation. Others find meditation relaxing, and it helps when managing anxiety. There are many breathing techniques out there. While one may work for someone, it may not work for someone else. However, the most common types are shown in the picture below.

See a Doctor

It may seem like a no-brainer. However, many people, travel nurses included, avoid the doctor. When it comes to mental health, your doctor may prescribe you medication to help manage anxiety. Medication may be your best bet if you have tried other techniques and they haven’t worked. A chemical imbalance may cause anxiety, and medications can help change certain brain chemical levels.

We hope that you found these tips for managing anxiety helpful. Every person and their anxiety is different. Therefore, one person’s techniques may not work for someone else. It is important to find what works for you. If you suffer from anxiety and have found ways that help you when managing anxiety and feel they could help others, please comment on them below.

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By The Gypsy Nurse

May 15, 2021

9902 Views

Job Limbo

Posted on May 15, 2021May 3, 2022 by The Gypsy Nurse

Guest Post By: Kelly Korb.

So you’re still waiting for your next adventure….?

Maybe you’ve just finished your first assignment.

If you have, congratulations! Maybe you’ve finished your 6th, 7th, or 8th assignment. It’s been a few days, perhaps maybe a few weeks, but the question remains. Where am I going next? You’ve reached out to your recruiter, and they say they’re still diligently being proactive in locking you into a place. Some places perhaps haven’t even responded yet to your submission. It happens, and I know how frustrating and nerve-wracking it can be. You’ve entered what I call “job limbo.” So in the meantime, what do you do?

PRN work?

Do you still have any connections from any previous jobs? Do you know a nurse friend who works in a great environment? Are they looking for PRN employees? Why not pick up a few extra shifts if you are able? I still work PRN, where I was previously employed, and it definitely helps keep everything sharp. Just be sure to check with the manager/supervisor regarding the PRN requirements, as they vary from place to place.

Relax.

No, seriously, relax! Enjoy the time off! The plan that get-together with your friends you’ve meant to arrange. Start that book (or Netflix) series you’ve heard everyone ranting and raving about. We, nurses, are busy in the throes of our job. Enjoy some much-needed and deserved “you” time.

Don’t panic.

It’s all good! Something will come up! Some facilities respond to submissions in as little as a day. Others may take up to a few weeks. With both of my assignments, it took about 2 weeks before I got a phone interview. It’s a process that can’t be rushed, and trust me, freaking out and panicking isn’t going to help anyone.

Don’t settle.

So you nailed a phone interview! Your mind is thinking, “ok, I’m ready for this! I’m going to take it!” My advice would be to proceed with caution. My recruiter sent me a crisis rate offer, which means they’re basically looking to hire nurses ASAP. The package and the job looked excellent on paper, but when I listened to what the job really entailed, I realized it would not have been a good fit. I know how tempting it is to jump on the first interview you get after going through a spell without a nibble, but I believe it’s better to wait perhaps a little longer than to sink your teeth into something without really knowing all the details.

Job limbo can be highly frustrating because I know firsthand that nurses don’t like to sit idly. We have to be busy, busy, busy because downtime causes us to become antsy. Stay positive, stay in touch with your recruiter, stay positive, and remember that the best is yet to come!

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By Janet Warton

May 15, 2021

6009 Views

Why You Should Prioritize Your Mental Health During the Pandemic

Posted on May 15, 2021January 16, 2023 by Janet Warton

The recent situation in the world has seen unprecedented levels of worry and fear spread amongst people, fearful for their health and for their future.

Exact Impact?

The exact impact of the situation is still unclear; will we recover economically? What will the so-called ‘new normal’ look like in real terms, in malls and workplaces across the US? How will we truly get back to normal if there is such a thing?

These are huge questions and, whilst many people remain either confined to their home or at limited capacity for living their lives, they are given far too much time to contemplate the answers. That, in turn, could lead to a new problem across the US, in the form of a mental health epidemic.

In recent years, awareness of mental health issues has risen considerably, with celebrities such as Chris Evans able to open up about their struggles and help those who fight demons on a daily basis. The importance of mental health is even being taught at the university level. Case in point, Maryville University notes how those with a psychology degree are taught the links between sound mental health and learning success, which showcases just how important it is to stay in shape mentally.

In other words, an individual’s ability to learn and develop is severely impacted by any issue around their mental health. That is why, during these testing times, it is vitally important to keep on top of your own mental wellbeing and your ability to cope with the constantly changing outside world.

The current situation has seen a severe increase in the potential triggers for an individual’s stress and that can result in a vicious circle. In their article ‘Problems Cause Stress and Stress Causes Problems’, My Secure Advantage examined how psychological worries can eventually turn into physical problems such as stomach cramps; the same can be said for mental health. The problem produces stress, the stress produces a problem, and it the problem becomes cyclical. Placing yourself in harm’s way by worrying and being anxious not only affects how you think and act but can lead to pain and other physical symptoms.

Physical manifestations of mental health issues are one aspect to be concerned about, but another key issue is the potential for mental health sufferers to go beyond anxiety and worry and become a suicide risk. It is one of the biggest killers of young people around the world and although Ohio State University showed mental health visits can reduce the risk of suicides, the recent situation has made face to face communication much harder, further increasing the risk. This is another firm reason why it is important to look after your mental health as much as feasibly possible during the pandemic.

Steps to keep your self focused

There are some basic steps you can take to help keep yourself focused and able to cope mentally. The first is to ensure you have a routine, something that brings structure to your day. If you are not working, there is every temptation to languish in bed until lunchtime and maybe not dress properly for the day; avoid this. Make sure you get up at a set time and factor in some daily tasks to add an element of routine. Eat well because your diet is just as important as any other aspect of your lifestyle. It is fine to have the odd burger and chips here and there, but do not make it the norm; try to eat as you would if you were living your best life.

Exercise

Exercise is important, even if it is a run around the yard or a routine followed at home. Exercise produces positive endorphins that promote mental wellness, so you should feel better after a workout. Also, and this is crucial if you live alone, set up a buddy group. Make sure you have human interaction to discuss issues, or to distract yourself. Try to keep busy too; having a distraction from the constant flow of bad news is a good way to keep yourself well. Maybe binge on a box set, get into a new video game or try to redecorate a room or two. If you are kept busy and focused, you can avoid falling into your own anxiety and stress.

Finally, try to avoid the news as much as possible.

Keeping up with current affairs via the internet or friends is great, but watching frightening headlines all day long will only exasperate any worries you might have.

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!)

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By Amber Pickler

May 14, 2021

6409 Views

Top Items to Collect While Traveling That Don’t Take Up Space

Posted on May 14, 2021April 22, 2022 by Amber Pickler

As travel nurses, you get to visit new places every 13 weeks or more. While taking pictures and making memories are great, sometimes you want something to collect from each place. The key to these collectibles is to keep them small because you are traveling so frequently. Here is a list of the top items that travel nurses in our Facebook group collected from the cities of their assignments.

Top travel nurse items to collect that don’t take up space

magnets
key chains
shot glasses
coffee mugs
ornaments
shirts/hooded sweatshirts
local artists artwork
postcards
stickers
charms for bracelets (Pandora)/jewelry
smashed pennies
pins

Magnets

Magnets make great collectibles because they don’t take up much room except on the refrigerator! They are usually easy to find if you visit truck stops or gas stations along highways.

Key chains

Again, key chains make great collectibles because they are often small. While you may not use them for day-to-day use, you can keep them hung on key hooks or just put them away to look at and reminisce on your travels.

Shot Glasses

Shot glasses are great because they are small and don’t take up much room. Because of this, they can be displayed out as décor pieces. They are often not very costly either.

Coffee Mugs

Coffee mugs can be tricky because they can take up some room. However, if you always keep a few with you and rotate the ones you take with you on an assignment, you won’t have to worry about that. Starbucks even has mugs with each state on them and pictures of landmarks and such from each state.

Ornaments

Ornaments are great because they can be displayed on a tree each year to remind you of the places you have visited. They can also be packed away until needed again. Or if you like to keep a tree out all year, you can have them out to reminisce all year long!

Shirts/ Hooded Sweatshirts

Shirts and sweatshirts are great because not only are they collectibles, but you can wear them. Again, you can rotate the ones you bring with you on assignment. They are often found at gas stations along highways.

Local Artist’s Artwork

This is a great idea! You can take the pieces with you and decorate your temporary housing with them. If you worry about remembering where it came from, you could always write the hospital or city of your assignment and the year of your assignment on the back of the piece. Many times, these pieces are found at flea markets, farmer’s markets, and possibly malls.

Postcards

Top Items to Collect While Traveling That Don't Take Up Space — Photo by Christopher Flynn on Unsplash

Postcards are great because you can write on them, such as your favorite thing about that assignment or city. They are also great because they take up so little space. You could buy a photo album and place them in it or store them in a box.

Stickers

Stickers are another great option as a collectible as a travel nurse on the road. Some of the nurses in our group said they had made scrapbooks out of the stickers they have collected through their travels. If that isn’t something you want to do, you could keep them in an album or something similar as well.

Charms for bracelets (Pandora)/Jewelry

Another great option is charms for a bracelet. While it may eventually fill, you could get another bracelet. Bracelets and jewelry take up very little space. Pandora is just one option for charms and charm bracelets. This option also lets you be creative because you can pick a charm that reminds you of something you love about a city or state you have had an assignment in.

Smashed Pennies

Smashed pennies are a great option because they really take up very little space. You could easily put them in a container altogether that isn’t very big as well. This option also is more detailed than some of the others. Typically, a penny smashing machine gives you options of designs, and those designs usually have the city and/or state on them.

Pins

Pins are great because you can put them on a bag, hat, or really anything that you want to. You could also take the backs off and place them on a corkboard as a display piece. The options you get with pins are almost endless. Pins are a fun thing to collect!

Remembering your adventures is an important aspect of travel nursing. These are just a few things that travel nurses have collected along their travels. There are many more, but these options are easy to take with you on the road and really don’t take up a lot of space. Some of these things are probably no-brainers, but some you probably never even thought about.

What travel nurse items do you collect? Post in the comments!

Want more information on Travel Nursing?

Check out our Travel Nurse Guide

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By HealthTrust Workforce Solutions

May 14, 2021

5450 Views

A Thankful Nurse

Posted on May 14, 2021May 19, 2021 by HealthTrust Workforce Solutions

This article was provided by Healthtrust Workforce Solutions.

“Melissa L., ICU R.N., is thankful for the support of HealthTrust Workforce Solutions and HCA Healthcare throughout COVID-19. Although Melissa was afraid at the start of the pandemic, Melissa was comforted as HealthTrust and HCA Healthcare provided exceptional resources and proper PPE. Melissa’s compassion for her patients grew throughout her time treating COVID-19 patients during the pandemic. She truly learned the importance of spending quality time with her patients and making every encounter meaningful, which led to a deeper appreciation for her role as a nurse.

Aside from the positive support from HealthTrust Workforce Solutions and HCA Healthcare, Melissa is thankful for how every nurse leaned on one another and provided support to each other during COVID-19. Melissa’s advice to new nurses is to put all of their fears aside and to know that they are going to make a difference in the lives of many patients, who will ultimately make a difference in their life as well.”

We hope you found Melissa’s story encouraging and helpful. Are you a travel nurse who would like to share their story, tips, or advice for other travel nurses? Comment below, submit an article via our user blog here or send an email to content@thegypsynurse.com.

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!)

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By CareerStaff Unlimited

May 13, 2021

5550 Views

Top 5 Destinations for Travel Nurses this Summer

Posted on May 13, 2021May 19, 2021 by CareerStaff Unlimited

This article was provided by CareerStaff Unlimited.

Summer is upon us again! And even though we’re not quite back to normal given the health risks still posed by COVID-19, widespread vaccinations are helping to open up travel across the United States.

Of course, for many nurses, traveling never really stopped, with travel nursing demands and compensation reaching new highs as a result of the pandemic. This summer, more nurses will be able to safely travel again, not just because they’re urgently needed to deliver care, but for the personal fulfillment and professional development that travel nursing offers.

There is a large variety of travel nursing jobs available to meet pretty much any type of interest. Love hiking and the outdoors? Choose an assignment on the West Coast and get access to its amazing forests and national parks. If you prefer a city break, you may want to take an assignment in an urban area like Dallas, Boston, Chicago, or Orlando — they’re always in need of qualified nurses!

As one of the nation’s leading travel nurse recruitment companies, the team at CareerStaff understands better than most, where nurses are needed more than ever. With that in mind, let’s take a peek at the hottest travel destinations for nurses for summer 2021 — and some lesser-known cities that have a lot to offer.

Destination #1: Maine.

Maine’s appeal to summer travelers is no secret! The coast and historic towns are often overrun with vacationers from Boston and New York during July and August. Yet, for those willing to go off the beaten path, the Pine Tree State offers a huge amount of wilderness to explore. There’s also some amazing seafood to be found, and the coast is chock full of historic lighthouses that look great on Instagram!

> Underrated Summer Spot: Westbrook, Maine.

As with most states, the bigger cities in Maine have many opportunities in hospitals and medical centers. But for nurses looking to build career experience at skilled nursing facilities, smaller cities like Westbrook offer another enticing option. Close enough to Portland and the coast to offer easy access to shopping and nature, communities like Westbrook offer a great way to enjoy the Pine Tree State away from the summer crowds of tourists.

Destination #2: Florida.

If you’re dreaming of spending the summer at the beach, it’s hard to go wrong in the Sunshine State. From almost anywhere in the state, you’ll be within a short drive to the coast. You’ll also have easy access to world-famous attractions like the Florida Keys, Everglades National Park, and the recently re-opened Disney World. And as one of the most populous states, there is no shortage of available travel nursing jobs in Florida!

> Underrated Summer Spot: Hialeah.

You don’t have to live in Tampa or Miami to have easy access to the beach from pretty much anywhere. But if you still want to be close to the city, consider choosing a suburb like Hialeah. You’ll enjoy a wider variety of job opportunities, as well as easy access to the rich variety of dining, shopping, and picture-perfect beaches in and around Miami and Fort Lauderdale.

Destination #3: California.

Like Florida, California is already a popular summer destination, luring travelers to its famous beaches, resorts, theme parks, golf courses, islands, forests, and parks. There’s also exceptional dining for those who choose to live near an urban area and lots of family-friendly activities for those traveling with (or to be close to) loved ones.

> Underrated Summer Spot: Lancaster.

Located about an hour north of Los Angeles, Lancaster is big enough to offer all the amenities of urban living while also offering easy access to the beaches of Southern California. It’s also a relatively short drive to all the state’s major national parks (like Yosemite, Joshua Tree, Sierra, and Death Valley) and even Las Vegas.

Destination #4: Kentucky.

With lots of green spaces, historic architecture, and a home-grown arts scene in many communities, Kentucky is an underrated gem with much to offer summer travelers. You can spend your free time exploring the state’s wineries, camping at Lake Cumberland, or visiting Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park and its amazing white-sand lakeshore, which wouldn’t be out of place in the Caribbean.

> Underrated Summer Spot: Louisville.

There’s almost always a lineup of great travel nursing opportunities in Kentucky’s largest city. Louisville is home to a number of major health employers and hospital systems. Skilled nursing and long-term care facility assignments are usually available, and the affordable cost of living means you’ll have some lucrative options for spending your housing stipend.

Destination #5: New Mexico.

If you love hiking or camping, it’s hard to beat the Land of Enchantment, where picture-perfect vistas can be found all around. It’s also great for those who prefer their summers to be a little less scorching; the elevation in the high desert means many campsites are subject to cool breezes and brisk showers, even in the heart of summer.

> Underrated Summer Spot: Albuquerque.

New Mexico’s biggest city has the most to offer in terms of urban amenities. It’s also a short drive to the iconic scenery of Taos and the historic charm of Santa Fe — two great road trip ideas for adventurous travel nurses. If you’re seeking new travel nursing opportunities, CareerStaff Unlimited has jobs across the United States! Visit CareerStaff.com to learn more or see what assignments we’re offering right now.

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!)

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—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

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By Favorite Healthcare Staffing

May 12, 2021

7042 Views

10 Reasons Why Traveling is More Important Now Than Ever

Posted on May 12, 2021January 16, 2023 by Favorite Healthcare Staffing

This article was provided by Favorite Healthcare Staffing.

Traveling is more than just visiting exciting places and trying new foods; it is an investment in yourself! With lifelong benefits on your physical and mental health, travel has so much to offer and can give you a new perspective on life. Travel nursing is the best way to experience these benefits first-hand.

2020 was a tough year for travel, to say the least. Nurses and healthcare providers fought tirelessly to get the pandemic under control and hit pause on taking normal travel nursing assignments. The good news? As the world opens back up again, it is time to get back to traveling! Here are the top reasons why traveling is important.

Why Is Traveling Important as a Nurse?

1. Traveling pushes you out of your comfort zone

Exploring new places will challenge you to learn more about yourself and break out of your comfort zone. The more you travel, the more confident you will become. When visiting a new location, push yourself to try something new, like rock climbing or horseback riding! Make it your goal to experience something different everywhere you go.

2. Traveling lets you experience new cultures

While traveling around the country or the world, you get to experience new cultures and understand the way others live. Travel can help change your perception of other people and is an eye-opening opportunity. New cultural experiences can change your life!

3. Traveling helps you unwind

Sometimes in this crazy world, we need to take time for ourselves to relax and unwind. Traveling is a great outlook for those who need to get away. Take advantage of the opportunity to press pause on your life back home and enjoy a true getaway. Don’t be afraid to relax and give yourself a break. You deserve it!

4. Traveling creates memories that last a lifetime

As you visit new and exciting locations throughout your trips, stay curious about the world around you. Try new things and enjoy the time you have with the people by your side. Make connections around the country and keep those memories alive! You will make memories that will last a lifetime.

5. Traveling makes you focus on the present

We live in a world full of technology that often distracts us from slowing down and appreciating what is right in front of us. During your travels, it is important to take pictures as a keepsake from your journey, but sometimes it’s worth it to put your phone down and soak in the sights and sounds of the environment around you. Take a moment at each new location to focus on being present. You won’t regret it.

6. Traveling helps you appreciate your home

After a long trip, you are filled with memorable experiences from the places you visited. You feel refreshed and full of new knowledge and ideas! Oftentimes, traveling will help you love and appreciate your home more than ever. You’ll come home with a brand-new perspective on life and can apply this to your everyday routines back home.

7. Traveling builds meaningful human connection

When traveling, sometimes it is not just about sightseeing and eating wonderful food. It’s also the perfect way to meet new people, learn about their culture and upbringing, and make lifelong connections. Traveling will change your misconceptions and prior judgments. You will always have a special bond with the people you meet on your travels.

8. Traveling allows you to explore your tastebuds

With the ability to travel around the world, you’ll have the opportunity to try all kinds of food! Food is more than just a means to fulfill your hunger. Think of it as the best way to fully immerse yourself in a new culture. Don’t be afraid to explore your taste buds and try dishes you have never heard of. You may even try to recreate the dish when you return home!

9. Traveling helps you learn something new

Language is our primary way to communicate with the individuals around us. When we travel the world, there can often be language barriers that make it difficult to communicate. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn new phrases in a different language. This will help you experience new cultures from a unique perspective!

10. Traveling keeps you healthy

Traveling is a good way to escape from your stresses at home and improve your overall mental and physical wellbeing. The long-term health benefits of traveling are huge! Traveling can give you more energy, reduce stress, keep you active and challenge your brain. Seeing new places is the perfect way to keep your mind and body healthy. Maintaining good health is important to be able to care for others.

Travel Nursing After the Pandemic

As the pandemic continues to slow down and crisis jobs become few and far between, it’s the perfect time for travel nurses to get back to taking on new travel contracts around the country. Now that the world is slowly opening again and more of the population is getting vaccinated every day, it is becoming easier for nurses to get back to experiencing the thrill of travel!

Molly Cooper, Director of the Travel Department at Favorite Healthcare Staffing, discussed the benefits of travel nursing and why traveling is important.

“Traveling as a nurse is important to expand your skills and knowledge and will overall help you advance in your career. Travel nurses are lucky and get to experience all sizes of hospitals and different types of units. They gain new life experiences while enjoying the flexibility of travel contracts.”

Becoming a travel nurse is a great way to improve your skills as a nurse and dive deeper into your career as you travel across the country. So why should travel nurses go back to regular travel contracts? Cooper said, “It’s the best way to get back to our ‘normal lives! Everyone is trying to get adjusted to life after the pandemic, and what better way to do this than to explore the country as a travel nurse!”

How can you find travel contracts?

• Stay up to date with your nurse staffing agencies. They will be able to provide contracts that best suit your needs!

• Keep in touch with a recruiter. They will be your go-to and can send you in the right direction of the kind of contract you’re looking for. A recruiter will also save you a ton of time when having to go through an onboarding process!

• Always follow nursing agencies on their social media platforms. This is a simple and easy way to find your next assignment!

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By Medely

May 11, 2021

5593 Views

An Interview with Angie Nasr, Medely Co-Founder, and CNO

Posted on May 11, 2021April 14, 2021 by Medely

This article was provided by Medely.

Her journey to better healthcare staffing

Currently, Medely is honoring Inspirational Women. And, what better way to celebrate than with a woman and mother who made the transition from full-time DON positions at multiple facilities to co-founding a new company.

I enjoyed sitting down with Angie Nasr, former DON and current CNO of the Medely healthcare staffing technology platform and marketplace. She and her team work to build a better way to connect per diem and assignment professionals with ASCs, hospitals, clinics, and facilities in need.

An Interview with Angie Nasr, Medely Co-Founder, and CNO — Angie Nasr, CNO and Medely Co-Founder

Mary Rose Avila: Thank you for meeting with me today, Angie. I appreciate you taking your time to fill us in a little bit on your journey to where you are today and your plans moving forward.

Angie Nasr: Thanks, glad to be here.

MRA: To start, can you tell us a bit about your background and history?

AN: Sure. I am a registered nurse, and I graduated from Loyola University in Chicago with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I took my first job at UC Irvine, actually in the NICU. After transferring to UCLA, I was soon worn out from working nights, weekends, and holidays and looked for a job that better fit my preferred schedule. I signed with an agency to pick up shifts until I figured out my next move.

I ended up taking a job in an outpatient surgery center, my first time working with adults. I was thrown in the fire, which is a great learning experience, and was soon made the Director of Nursing. The Doctors and facility leaders expressed great confidence in me and my abilities, although I felt somewhat unsure I was prepared to take on this elevated role.

But, it made me learn really fast, and I am a very resourceful person by nature. I knew how to leverage our resources, often using Google. Additionally, I reached out to DONs and other healthcare leaders in my network to draw on their expertise and insights. Over several years, I moved onto larger facilities and really learned the ropes at multiple Outpatient Surgery Centers. But, I always had an issue with adequate staffing for our cases. I continually had to call other nurses that I knew of to work shifts and cases we couldn’t cover for staffing.

Making the Transition

MRA: I can probably imagine that one of the most significant issues with finding staff was your time. Because, as I imagine, every second you’re on the phone or trying to connect is the time taken away from your cases and your patients. As you discovered the need for better methods using technology, how did you help Medely launch? What was it like in the beginning?

NS: It was a transition and labor of love, for sure. My co-founders and I worked for a year to launch Medley. I still had my full-time job and would work nights and weekends setting up the clinical operations infrastructure. I was screening and onboarding Nurses to the tech platform and marketplace during my lunch hour. The work was hard, but it was so rewarding to see the vision become a reality.

I would perform all the in-person interviews [for the healthcare pros] after work to ensure they were competent, experienced nurses. We started with positions in surgical services, primarily Circulating, PACU, and Pre-op RNs, as those were the most in-demand. Soon we expanded to Surgical Techs and several other positions in the ASC setting.

Finding Inspiration

MRA: As you know, Medely is celebrating Inspiring Women. In asking many Medely staff who their personal Inspirational Woman is, several said you inspire them! How do you feel about that?

NS: Well, I’m shocked and honored! I would have thought of a celebrity or someone who won the Nobel Peace Prize or even a more famous person. I feel sort of floored that they would name me!

MRA: Who would you say inspires you?

AN: My personal Inspiring Woman, and I know it sounds cliche’, but I would say, my Mom. She came here from a foreign country and worked my entire childhood. I remember Mom always being such a hard worker, even to this day. No job was too big or too small for her, and she taught me the value of being an independent woman.

Moving to the future

MRA: What’s your favorite thing about Medely? And, finally, where do you see Medely heading into the future?

AN: For me, my favorite thing is just seeing this dream come to fruition and that facilities now have a way to book someone easily. It’s something we never had at our fingertips. Before, I would have loved to sign up for this tech app and dive right in. That’s a huge opportunity to have that on-demand workforce. Of course, I love how to customize it, build a favorites list, and book short or longer-term jobs. It really allows healthcare professionals to come into a facility and bring new ideas, culture, and practices with them.

Our vision for Medely will continue to evolve as a technologically advanced workforce management platform. We will continue to focus on the customer experience and provide a simple way for facilities to book pros. Likewise, pros get to earn more while experiencing the freedom and flexibility they deserve.

MAR: I think that makes a lot of sense. I certainly appreciate your time and have learned a lot myself.

AN: Thanks for the opportunity to share my story!

Angie Nasr had a long journey from an RN looking for a flexible work-life balance to a new DON, quickly learning the ropes to the CNO of one of the largest on-demand healthcare platforms available. Other women can learn from her experience by working on their terms or taking the dive as a leader in a growing company, despite all their other obligations.

We hope you enjoyed reading this interview with Angie about her transition from nurse to CNO. Do you have any questions about the transition that wasn’t answered here? Comment them below.

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5 Most Sought-After Travel Nurse Specialities

1. Intensive Care Nurses

2. Telemetry Nursing

3. Emergency Room Nursing

4. Labor and Delivery Nurses

5. Operating Room Nursing

Conclusion

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Tips for Managing Anxiety:

Better Self Care

Change Specialties or Type of Facility

Counseling or Therapy

Exercise

Relaxation or Breathing Techniques

See a Doctor

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Maybe you’ve just finished your first assignment.

PRN work?

Relax.

Don’t panic.

Don’t settle.

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Exact Impact?

Steps to keep your self focused

Exercise

Finally, try to avoid the news as much as possible.

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!)

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Top travel nurse items to collect that don’t take up space

Magnets

Key chains

Shot Glasses

Coffee Mugs

Ornaments

Shirts/ Hooded Sweatshirts

Local Artist’s Artwork

Postcards

Stickers

Charms for bracelets (Pandora)/Jewelry

Smashed Pennies

Pins

Want more information on Travel Nursing?

Check out our Travel Nurse Guide

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