Think about the things you want to have with you when you’re traveling for your job. What about what you need to have with you? Do the two lists have anything in common? It’s important to pack what will make you comfortable, but if you’re starting a job as a travel nurse, here are some travel nurse essentials you need.
1. Medications and Supplements
Make sure you pack an adequate supply of whatever medications you need or take regularly. If you take long-term prescriptions, make sure you have enough to cover your stay plus some extra. If you’re not taking any prescription medication but take something over the counter like allergy medicine, bring a good supply of that too. This applies to supplements as well. While many medications and supplements can be found in any grocery store, convenience store, or pharmacy, it can be better to make sure you pack what you need, especially if you buy your supplements online and don’t want to ship them to a new address every few months. For example, if you take high impact endurance coupon, you can buy a larger amount of it at once, so it lasts longer instead of buying it monthly while you’re on the road.
2. Important Paperwork
When you go on vacation, you bring some form of ID with you, whether your driver’s license or passport. When you travel for a longer period of time, there are other documents you’ll need to bring with you too. You should pack whatever documents you need for your work, such as your travel nurse contract and your nursing license. Bring along copies of your social security card, birth certificate, and any other credentials you think you might need. You don’t need the originals, and if possible, you should keep these in a safe place at your home base or somewhere else safe like a safety deposit box.
3. Climate Appropriate Supplies
When you accept a travel nurse position, you’ll be assigned a location. Once you know where you’re going to be working, you can do some research on the area. What is the climate like? How often does the weather change? This will help you figure out whether you’ll need to pack rain gear, sun protectant, or cold-weather clothing. Knowing these things will provide you with an easier time packing. If you know in advance that you’ll need sweaters and heavy coats, you can adjust the rest of your packing accordingly.
4. Space Saving Storage
You can purchase space-saving items such as packing cubes and vacuum storage bags. Packing cubes don’t reduce the space your things will take up in your luggage, but they will help you organize your things most efficiently and maximize the use of your available space. On the other hand, Vacuum storage bags are meant to reduce the size of certain items so you can store or pack more. You can fill them with bulky but soft items such as pillows, sweaters, and quilts, then vacuum out the air and compress the items, so you have more room to pack. They’re also made of waterproof materials like plastic, so they’re good at keeping fabric items dry.
5. Electronics
Electronics are ubiquitous in this day and age. If you’re a travel nurse, bring along your phone, laptop, and chargers so you can keep in touch with your friends and family you’re living far away from. You can also use them to familiarize yourself with the place you’re living and working in. Additionally, some travel nurse agencies will provide you with appliances like televisions in your living space. However, if one of those isn’t provided, you’ll still have access to videos and media through your devices.
When you travel for work, make sure you have what you need to live away from your home base for an extended amount of time, but don’t overpack. Think about how you’re traveling and where you’re going to figure out what you’ll need and what you’re able to bring.
We hope you found this list of 5 travel nurse essentials to pack helpful. Are there any other travel nurse essentials to add to the list? Comment them below.
If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:
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“Since just recently joining The Gypsy Nurse, I have had so many questions answered about the world of travel nursing. This has been an excellent resource!”
At the age of 23, I had moved over 1,000 miles away from home, on my own– my car packed to the brim– to a place where I truly didn’t know a soul. I had 2 years experience as a medical surgical nurse, and was headed to a hospital where they told me not to linger around outside..
I knew nothing about NOLA.
[Mind you, I grew up in the middle of nowhere with virtually no neighbors, surrounded by amber waves of grain, and had never really left] I was TERRIFIED. I had cried for an entire week before my departure date. Dramatically saying goodbye to everyone and everything as if I were being shipped overseas against my will.
Constantly wavering back and forth over my decision to dive into the unknown.
I remember gripping the steering wheel down the driveway with the most exhilarating feeling I’ve ever had. I pretended to cry one last time, but I couldn’t. It was just me, myself, and the open road– My fears suddenly shifted to pure adrenaline and excitement! I was going to be a travel nurse in New Orleans!
To say that New Orleans completely changed my life would be an understatement.
I had never felt so free. I got my first apartment on my own. I met many incredible people that became lifelong friends. I fell in love with jazz and the southern storms. I danced like nobody was watching. I learned the streets like THAT was my job. I immersed myself into the food and culture, and learned as much as I could.
New Orleans was also the first place I forced myself to go to a restaurant by myself; shaking with my heart beating out of my chest– I ordered a glass of red wine, drank it fast, and left. I learned so much as a travel nurse in New Orleans.
But I did it.
What I’m getting at is this:
I can’t imagine what kind of person I’d be today if I had never made that first move to be a travel nurse in New Orleans. All it took was taking one easy step, saying “what’s the worst that could happen?” Picking up the phone.. and letting go. Suddenly, a whole new world was opened up to me. One that I literally couldn’t even imagine before. I was hooked. There was no going back to my previous way of merely existing.
When I finally left for my next destination, after 6 months of learning, growing, expanding through the challenges (and a whole lot of memorable nights).. I cried all the way through Louisiana and Mississippi. Being a travel nurse in New Orleans had been such a profound experience.. I couldn’t even describe it. I didn’t know whether to be happy or sad.
I even remember my Facebook post:
“Until next time New Orleans “
No picture. No real words. I was speechless. Funny, it’s taken me 4 years to put this all into words, but sometimes you don’t even realize the impact something, or someone, or some moment has on you– until you’re able to look back with a new set of eyes.
Now here’s why I’m sharing today–
For the past few weeks, the thought of New Orleans has been popping up DAILY for me, (there’s a reason they say NOLA lives in you forever)..
And NOW I’ve figured out why.
It’s the feeling of absolute freedom.. of exhilaration.. of feeling SO alive in the moment I could cry.
My soul remembers.
It’s a personal guidance call to face my fears AGAIN. To level up. To just take one step into the unknown, to remind myself why I’m here, and what life is supposed to feel like. It’s a challenge to get to a whole new world and way of life that I can’t even imagine right now.
The best part is– every time I’ve ripped the band-aid off and just done whatever it is.. It’s ALWAYS paid off.
And what I’ve come to find is this:
The fears are always going to be there. The reasons NOT to do something are going to outweigh the reasons to do it when you’re skeptical or scared or doubtful.
It’s important to remember that your brain WILL try and stop you. That’s it’s job.. to protect you from straying from your personal status quo and level of comfort.
Wavering back and forth over a big decision..? Totally normal. That’s your heart and brain arguing over what’s best for you.
But when and if you can push past those thoughts and have COURAGE.. THAT’S when YOU take control and when the REALLY GOOD stuff flows in. That’s when you learn more about yourself and grow.
That’s when LIFE happens.
You then teach yourself that it’s ok to follow desires, it’s ok to take risks, it’s ok to listen to the heart once in a while..
And you’ll wonder why you waited so long to live.
P.s I’m simply sharing in the hopes that someone who is on the fence of choosing between comfort and something big and scary… that they choose the scary one. Take the chance. Opportunities don’t remain the same forever.
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“Since just recently joining The Gypsy Nurse, I have had so many questions answered about the world of travel nursing. This has been an excellent resource!”
After contending with the coronavirus for almost a year, travel nurses both need—and deserve—some R&R. Although international travel may not be safe yet, there are plenty of destinations within the United States that would make a perfect getaway. Treat yourself to beautiful vistas, spectacular weather, and sensational events.
January
In the month of January, escape the freezing temps by visiting idyllic Jekyll Island, Georgia, for a coastal getaway. The high temperature in January is in the low-60s, which means fairly uninterrupted beach time without the usual summer. As an added bonus, the island hosts an event called Island Treasures, which is a sort of hide-and-seek game where locals and visitors search for hidden glass globes similar to those fishermen once used to mark their nets.
February
Art lovers can rejoice in a vacation to Seattle, Washington, in February during the city’s Museum Month. Over 40 museums and cultural institutions participate in the event where admission is half-price. Visit exhibits like MoPop, the Seattle Aquarium, or the Seattle Art Museum, which have surely been on your bucket list for years.
March
If you’re looking for a quaint and cozy vacation during the month of March, then visit Newfield, Maine, during the maple season. Check out the famous sugarhouses and walk-through tiny cabins scattered in the woods as the scent of sugar wafts in the air. Try visiting on Maine Maple Sunday for free tastings.
April
Although the annual Jazz and Heritage Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana, was canceled this year due to the pandemic, it plans to reopen in April 2021. The event includes live music from both local and nationally known artists. Enjoy local foods like crawfish beignets and alligator sausage po’boys to get an authentic taste of the bayou.
May
Looking to vacation somewhere a little more mainstream? Consider Louisville, Kentucky, in May for the annual Kentucky Derby. While the weather can sometimes be finicky, the event is a great excuse to put on your most elaborate hat and sip a mint julep while watching the horse races. Tickets are reasonably priced and give you access to vendors to buy cigars, drinks, foods, and to place a wager on your favorite horses.
June
In June, travel to Temecula Valley, California, to experience the Balloon and Wine Festival. Start your day with a sunrise hot air balloon launch, and then enjoy wine tastings, craft fair art exhibits, or wine barrel racing. The warm weather is inviting but not overbearing, making it the perfect time to sit outside while sipping on wine or local craft beer.
July
A hidden gem to visit during the month of July is Mackinac Island, Michigan. The relatively small island can only be reached by ferry, and upon arrival, you’ll find that there are no cars or chain hotels. It is the perfect destination for quality time outdoors if you want to hike, horseback ride, or relax on the beach by the Great Lakes.
August
Visit the nation’s largest state fair in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during the month of August. Go on your favorite carnival rides or indulge in an assortment of foods served on sticks (like pickles or macaroni). It’s a fun time for kids of all ages.
September
Visiting San Francisco, California, in September is a great option because the city experiences one of its warmest and driest months. Take a stroll—without a large number of tourists—on the Golden Gate Bridge or go on a whale watching tour to see the migrating blue and humpback whales.
October
For something a little spookier, visit Salem, Massachusetts, in October for the annual Haunted Happenings Festival. There are parades, costume balls, ghost tours, haunted houses, and movie nights, all at the very location of the original Salem Witch Trials. If you are a bit of a history buff, make sure to check out the Salem Witch Museum or the Salem Witch Trials Memorial to learn more about the infamous witch trials.
November
If you want to escape the cold, November is a great month to visit Key West, Florida. Temperatures are in the high 70’s and low 80’s. There are plenty of aquatic activities to take part in besides enjoying the beach—you can rent a kayak, snorkel, or rent a boat and sail around the open waters. At the end of the day, enjoy a drink at Sloppy Joe’s, one of Ernest Hemingway’s favorite spots.
December
Enjoy the snow and ski season with a trip to Sun Valley, Idaho, in December. With picturesque and pristine mountains for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling, Sun Valley is an ideal winter getaway. And when it is time to warm up, the area boasts incredible naturally occurring hot springs. Rent a cozy cabin and snuggle up by the fireplace after a long day embracing the outdoors.
Fun in New York all year
If you are a thrill seeker and are looking for adventure and excitement, New York is a great assignment location any time of the year! There is so much to do and see in New York that it makes a great location for an assignment. If you are looking for excitement, there are many options. New York City is full of exciting things to do. You could try indoor skydiving at iFLY Westchester, go on a ghost hunt at the Ghostbuster’s firehouse, take in a game at one of the many sports stadiums in the city. You can also enjoy the hustle and bustle of Time Square. If relaxing is more your style you could spend some time in Central Park. If you are looking for more outdoor adventures, while in NYC, you can watch & listen to the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, admire street art in Bushwick, and of course, you could always take in a show on Broadway. New York really is a great place to consider for your next assignment for any adventure.
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“Since just recently joining The Gypsy Nurse, I have had so many questions answered about the world of travel nursing. This has been an excellent resource!”
Crockpots or slow cookers are great for travel nurses and travel healthcare workers. You typically have to throw the ingredients into it and set it to cook for hours while you are at work. As such, we have put together some easy crock pot recipes for our travel nurses.
1/2 pound dried spaghetti noodles 1/2 a box, cook according to package directions
8 oz. pkg. mozzarella cheese, grated (reduced-fat or regular)
Instructions
Add the chicken, sea salt, garlic powder, pepper, tarragon, onions, and mushrooms. Pour over the chicken broth. DO NOT ADD THE CREAM CHEESE OR SPAGHETTI YET. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours without opening the lid during the cooking time.
Cut the cream cheese into squares and add the slow cooker, cover. In the meantime, cook the spaghetti according to the package directions.
After the cream, the cheese has had some time to melt. Take 2 forks and shred the chicken. Stir the sauce and chicken together. Add the cooked and drained pasta. Stir. Add the mozzarella cheese over the pasta and sauce. Cover for about 10 more minutes or until the cheese has melted. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutritional values are approximate. Please use your own calculation if you require a special diet. Values below are for 1/8 of the recipe.
Prep Time- 10 mins Cook Time- 6 hrs Total Time- 6 hrs 10 mins
Ingredients
1 15- oz. can black beans
1 15.25- oz. can corn undrained
1 10- oz. can Rotel tomatoes undrained
1 package ranch dressing mix
1 tsp. cumin
1 Tbsp. chili powder
1 tsp. onion powder
1 8- oz package light cream cheese
2 chicken breasts
Instructions
Drain and rinse the black beans. Place chicken at the bottom of the crock pot, then pour out the whole can of corn (undrained), Rotel tomatoes, and black beans on top of chicken.
Top with seasonings and ranch dressing mix. Stir together.
Place cream cheese block on top. Cover with lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
After the cooking time is over, take chicken breasts from crock pot and shred and add back to the chili. Stir together and enjoy!
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and chopped onion until cooked. Add in the minced garlic, salt, basil, and oregano, and stir. Cook for 1 minute
Add the beef mixture, diced tomatoes, pasta sauce, and water into the slow cooker. Stir until combined. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
Turn your slow cooker on high and add ziti or penne noodles, and stir. Cover and cook for 20-30 minutes, or until noodles are of desired consistency.
Sprinkle shredded Mozza on top {and parsley if desired}, cover, and cook until cheese is melted. This will take about 15 minutes.
Prep Time- 10 mins Cook Time- 6 hrs Total Time- 6 hrs 10 mins
Ingredients
1-pound lean ground beef
salt and pepper
1 bell pepper chopped
15 ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 cup jarred salsa I used mild
15 ounce can corn drained
3 tablespoons taco seasoning I use this easy recipe
2 ½ cups water or low sodium chicken broth I used one 14.5 ounce can chicken broth plus enough water to total 2 ½ cups
12 ounces shell pasta shapes whole grain or white
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and season with salt and pepper—Cook the meat, often stirring, until browned. Transfer beef to slow cooker.
Add the bell pepper, crushed tomatoes, salsa, corn, taco seasoning, and broth or water. Stir.
Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
Stir in the pasta. Cook on high for 10-20 minutes. Pasta cook time will vary by the slow cooker. Begin checking for doneness at 10 minutes.
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth (32oz container)
8 ounces cream cheese (cubed)
1 (20oz) bag of frozen cheese tortellini
3-4 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
Add the browned, chopped, and drained sausage, broth, both cans of diced tomatoes, and cubed cream cheese to your slow cooker.
Please give it a good stir and cook on LOW for about 4 hours or until the cream cheese has completely dissolved.
Stir in the spinach and frozen tortellini and cook for an additional 30 minutes or until the pasta is done to your liking.
Serve immediately and store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Recipe Notes
The tortellini will continue to cook if left in the crockpot to warm, so it’s best served right away with any remaining stored in the fridge for later.
You can also use the refrigerated tortellini, just keep in mind that it may cook a little bit faster.
Feel free to add anything else to the soup that you’d like. You can add a little minced garlic to the sausage while it’s browning if you have it on hand. You can also add cayenne or red pepper if you like it spicy.
We hope you found these crockpot recipes helpful. Do you have any easy crockpot recipes you would like to share? Please comment on your favorite crockpot recipes below.
If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:
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“Since just recently joining The Gypsy Nurse, I have had so many questions answered about the world of travel nursing. This has been an excellent resource!”
Be honest. You’ve considered traveling as a medical professional, but the thought of leaving the comfort of your home, a steady job, family, and friends, gives you the sweats a little. It’s fine, we understand. But how do you feel about regret?
Take it from this young lady, Kahla (pronounced Kay-lah), a registered nurse who “leaped” as a first-time traveler in the middle of a pandemic: “I just have always known that it was something that I wanted to do and I knew that if I didn’t go for it, I would look back later in life and regret it,” she said.
On How She Got Here:
Kahla is one of those rare breeds of humans who knew what she wanted to be when she grew up straight out of high school. Anatomy and physiology classes had her dreaming about scrubs and stethoscopes, so she knew she wanted to be in the medical field.
Deciding what program to take, Kahla considered what she wanted in patient care. “Did I want just to go around and talk to people for five minutes and then not see them again for a couple of days,” she thought, “or do I want to work 12-hour shifts with the same people and actually get to know them and interact with them?” From there, she chose the ladder and began working toward a career in nursing.
While researching the medical field and deciding which nursing route to take (always researching with this girl), Kahla came across a travel nurse job listing. “I might have even been looking at ‘highest paying nursing jobs,’ and travel nursing was on that list,” she said. Pff, ain’t no shame in that game!
Generally, hospitals and medical facilities require a traveler to have two or more years of experience under their belt. Why? For many reasons, but one of which being, they need you to hit the ground running basically day one. You’re only there for three months, and they can’t afford one of those months to be spent on training.
Due to the pandemic, however, several healthcare systems around the country eased their requirements, so travel medical pros who had less than two years of hospital experience could assist.
You can see where “lucky” would be an odd way to describe Kahla having the opportunity to travel before most, but it gave her a jump-start she’s admittedly thankful for.
“Honestly, I was getting burnt out with my first job, and I was just kind of tired of some of the things that were going on there,” she said. “So I just was like, ‘You know what? Screw it. Why not now?’” After that, she took her first contract assignment.
On Connecting with a Recruiter:
Even “newbies” in the medical travel world know that options probably won’t be a problem once you put your feelers out there. Usually, getting your phone to stop ringing is the issue.
Jill, a social media recruiter at Triage, contacted Kahla via Messenger. After texting back and forth for a while, they hopped on a call that Kahla describes:
She was just super personable, social, and cared about me more than getting me to travel. I’ve had many phone calls with different recruiters where they answer [the phone], and they’re like, ‘okay, where do you want to go, and what’s your specialty?’ They didn’t ask any life questions. With Jill (and Robyn), I felt as if I was talking to my friends. I need that personal connection—to know that they have my best interest in mind and aren’t just trying to give me a job to get money.
On Choosing an Assignment:
Every travel nurse has their reason for experiencing the travel life—most have a few. It’s really about prioritizing your reasons and choosing assignments based on that hierarchy. For Kahla, her priority when it comes to picking an assignment is location, location, location.
“I feel like a lot of people right now will just go wherever the highest-paying job is, but I try to find a hospital in an area that I want to visit, usually because I have friends or family there,” she said. “But, when it comes to specific contracts, definitely the specialty!”
During her search for an assignment in Florida, she was sent positions for specialties she had no experience with, such as neuro.
“I’m like, ‘me and neuro? Ha!” she laughed. “I’m just not a neuro person—so, specialty is a big one for me and so is a shift.”
We’re telling you, we’ve found a unicorn with this one. Kahla prefers…wait for it…the night shift! In fact, she loves it. Yes, we know (and so does she), at almost 24, she’s probably better equipped to handle the “nightlife.” But, it’s not just that, she claims. Aside from it working better with her lifestyle, she also likes “the flow of work a lot better.”
“We definitely still have busy nights,” she explains, “but it’s nice to actually get time to sit down and talk to your patients if they’re still awake, or just sit down and talk to your coworkers instead of running around with a million people around you.”
So young, yet so wise, Kahla shares a couple of interview tips she has used, or plans on using:
“Right now, it’s self-explanatory why they need travelers during the pandemic with COVID,” she said. “But, when it dies down, I’ll start asking—trying to figure out what I’m getting myself into.”
On the Travel Life:
It’s been a long-standing rumor (and we say rumor because we aren’t there to bear witness) about perm staff treating travelers with, perhaps, a bit of jealous disdain. Thankfully, Kahla says, “for the most part, everyone’s pretty welcoming and helpful” and here to shed some light on the topic:
I’ve heard that’s one thing that holds many people back from travel nursing because they’re afraid of getting the worst assignment on the floor with the worst patients. But, for the most part, that really hasn’t happened to me. If it does happen to me, I’m a one-day-at-a-time type of person. I think, ‘tomorrow’s a new day; I can do this for 12 hours.’ I don’t really let it get to me. I’m not going to let that hold me back from continuing to travel and live the life I want to live.
Many-a-traveler has told us their favorite aspect of contract assignments can stay out of “workplace politics.” Bad attitudes? Take it with a grain of salt. It’s their problem, not yours. Boo-yah!
“It’s nice just not to have to be attached to something; you can just do your job and get out,” she said.
Kahla works hard to live the life she’s always dreamed of, including taking care of herself mentally and physically. This go-getter is also a part-time fitness coach (holy tenacity, Batman).
“If I didn’t work out and live the healthy lifestyle that I do, I think I would lose my mind,” she said. “Especially with nursing—I’m a firm believer that we have to take care of ourselves before we can do anything else and take care of others.”
We 100% agree.
The best part about the #TravelNurseLife? “One is obviously traveling,” she laughed. “Two, it definitely pays more. I feel like, as nurses, we do not get paid enough for what we do; but as a traveler, I feel like I’m making what I deserve.”
Cheers to that, friend!
On Where to Next:
Kahla is now finishing up her second assignment in sunny Florida and wondering, “where to next?” You’d assume with all the research this gal does; she’d have the next 30 years planned, right?
“I kind of had a plan, but I’m learning that plans don’t always go as planned,” she said. “So, I do, but I don’t; I’m more so kind of just doing it and going with the flow.”
With COVID-19 shutting the world down (something nobody thought possible), we’ve all learned the same lesson about plans. They’re nice to have, but sometimes the plan has to be to go after it.
Follow Kahla on her IG (Walkerk.fitRN) for some motivation, travel nurse tips, and a smile that will brighten your day.
Are you a staff nurse with travel nursing plans? What holds you back from making these travel nursing plans a reality? Comment them below. Are you a travel nurse that had travel nursing plans for years before making the leap? What finally made you put those travel nursing plans into reality? Comment those below as well.
Finished the travel nursing guide and are ready to look for an assignment?
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“Since just recently joining The Gypsy Nurse, I have had so many questions answered about the world of travel nursing. This has been an excellent resource!”
Looking after your mental health is important for your whole wellbeing. The restrictions and changes to daily life as a result of the coronavirus pandemic have led to increased feelings of anxiety, isolation, stress, and worry in some cases. Luckily, there are steps you can take to assess and improve your own mental health so that you can stay healthy.
1. Acknowledge Your Feelings
Talking about your feelings can enable you to feel listened to and supported. As a result, you are less likely to feel lonely or overwhelmed by negative emotions. It can also encourage others to open up to you in return.
2. Look After Your Physical Health
Looking after your physical wellbeing will also help to improve and maintain a healthy mental state. Make sure that you are getting some exercise every day. Simply going for a short walk each day can help you stay physically active. You could also exercise outdoors with a friend or relative, whilst following physical distancing rules. Regular exercise can help to boost your self-esteem, improve your concentration, and sleep.
It’s also important to ensure that you are eating well. Aim to eat three nutritious, balanced meals each day, as well as drinking plenty of water. Limit your alcohol consumption and avoid relying on alcohol or drugs to cope, as these will do more damage to your body in the long run.
3. Create New Routines
The coronavirus pandemic has meant that regular routines have been significantly changed. With so many changes, the ‘new normal’ can sometimes feel very challenging.
“Daily routines can help provide us with a sense of achievement and stability. Try to create new routines for yourself and your family. As far as possible, try to separate work and school time from your family time. Try to incorporate aspects of your usual routine, such as a gym class, into your new routine by joining an online class instead,” suggests Rose Johnson, a health writer at Writinity and Researchpapersuk.
4. Stay Connected With Friends And Family
Although restrictions and social distancing measures may prevent you from meeting up with family and friends in person, it’s still possible for you to stay connected. You may want to schedule virtual coffee dates with friends via video chats, join an online group, talk to friends and family on the phone, or even meet outdoors whilst maintaining social distance. It’s essential that you maintain your social network and connections as these will help you to feel well, safe, and provide an outlet outside of the pressures of work for you to reset your mental state.
5. Take Time To Yourself
Between the demands of a stressful job and other responsibilities, it can be easy to forget to set time aside for yourself. Remember to be kind to yourself and set aside some breaks where you can have some ‘me time.’
“Whether you just take a few minutes to do some meditation or breathing exercises, go for a quick walk alone or read a book, it’s important to give yourself time and listen to your body. You could also take up a hobby. This will help boost your self-esteem and allow you to forget your worries,” says James Rosenthal, a blogger at Draftbeyond and Last Minute Writing.
6. Ask For Help
Everyone gets overwhelmed from time to time. During the coronavirus pandemic, with increased worries about our own health and those of our friends and family, it can sometimes be difficult to cope. When you are the one caring for others, it can be difficult to carry the burden and worry. It’s important to know that you can reach out and ask for help if you’re struggling. Talk to your family and friends, or seek help from a health professional or an online or phone chat support service.
Conclusion
Being aware of your own mental health and taking steps to sustain and improve it are essential, particularly during challenging times such as the pandemic. Acknowledge your feelings, ensure you stay connected with friends and family, and look after your physical health to promote a healthy mental state. If you are struggling to cope, remember that you can always ask for help. Above all, be patient and kind to yourself.
If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:
Discover new travel nurse jobs, subscribe to customized job alerts and unlock unlimited resources for FREE.
“Since just recently joining The Gypsy Nurse, I have had so many questions answered about the world of travel nursing. This has been an excellent resource!”
It is probably no surprise that nursing is one of the most dangerous jobs in America. There may not be a lot of heavy lifting or machinery involved, but when you are working with sick people, the chance of getting sick yourself is very real. And, every day, nurses come in contact with a variety of bacterial dangers, from COVID-19 to the flu.
As a traveling nurse, you must be aware of the current dangers and the steps you need to take to avoid contracting these diseases yourself. Here are some tips to stay healthy as you help others in need.
Viral and Bacterial Dangers
The most significant viral danger of today is COVID-19. Those that are most affected by the coronavirus are the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions, and these are the groups who will most likely need a traveling nurse. Pair this with the fact that 60% of nurses have worked through the entire pandemic, and you can see that as a medical professional, caution is absolutely necessary.
As nurses are in constant contact with sick individuals, they must take all necessary preventive measures to avoid exposure. Wear your gloves and wash your hands immediately after working with patients and sanitize any tools used in the process. Avoid shaking hands and unnecessarily touching others, and keep your hands away from your face. Studies have also shown that the scrubs you wear can easily spread bacteria as well, so wash them on a daily or weekly basis.
Of course, COVID is only one of the thousands of bacterial and viral dangers that travel nurses can face every day. Every year common viral infections from hepatitis to HIV affect thousands of people around the world, so nurses are right there in the thick of things. Viruses can infect the system quickly and spread immediately, so nurses and the public alike should keep surfaces clean, use sanitizer, and avoid unnecessary contact.
Preventive Measures
There is a wide-ranging list of bacterial dangers that can affect traveling nurses, and some threats have evolved to the point that they are resistant to current antibiotics. Such bacteria can be found anywhere from soil and water to the air that we breathe. These infections can be very dangerous and cause a plethora of ailments. Some of the more dangerous are Clostridioides difficile, which can cause inflammation of the colon, and Drug-resistant Candida, which can infect the bloodstream.
Because these diseases can be incredibly difficult to treat, it is in your best interest to avoid getting sick in the first place. Make sure that you are always current on your shots, including necessary vaccines for influenza, hepatitis, measles, mumps, and more. It also doesn’t hurt to take helpful supplements that can fight off potential sickness, including vitamin C, E, D, and Zinc.
As a nurse, it is also necessary to eat well with foods that will boost your immune system, such as citrus fruits, nuts, especially almonds, broccoli, and other supercharged vegetables. Along with a healthy diet, you need to have a healthy lifestyle that includes two to three hours of moderate exercise every week. Exercise will keep your body in check and is great for working off the stress that a day of nursing can provide.
If You Get Sick
In the case that you end up feeling sick, you need to inform your employer and take time off until you are better again. The sad fact is that 83% of healthcare workers continue to work even when they are ill, and that is bad news. Not only do you need to care for yourself, but it is the health professional’s responsibility to the patient to provide a safe and disease-free environment.
With that said, you are allowed to take time off, and in some cases, it is the law for the company to allow you the time away that you need. This is especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic, and some travel nurses are even opting to stay extra safe by avoiding work altogether during this time to instead live with family, so they are not as much at risk.
While recovering from sickness, it is important to take it easy and get plenty of sleep. When you get the rest you need, your body produces infection-fighting antibodies that heal your ailments and work to prevent future issues. Don’t try to work through the sickness and make things worse. Instead, heal so you can come back better than ever.
The life of a traveling nurse is not an easy one. There is plenty of stress, constant activity, and dangerous environments. But nothing can be more rewarding. Stay up to date on current viral and bacterial ailments, take the proper precautions, and continue to be a source of light for those in need.
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One of the greatest perks of being a healthcare traveler is seeing what different country areas have to offer. Of course, it’s a no-brainer to visit the must-see landmarks like the Grand Canyon, Mountains, Blue Ridge Parkway, and the list goes on and on. If you are looking for a unique experience or just feeling a little weird, these are the most unique places to visit while on your next assignment.
Oh, our “dearly De-Pinted” gone too soon but not gone forever? At the Ben & Jerry’s Original Factory in Vermont, you can visit their Ice Cream flavor graveyard, where they pay homage to their ‘failed’ flavors. Love a de-pinted flavor? You can help resurrect it from the grave by voting on the online poll for the flavor you wish to see back in the ice cream aisle. (vote here) If you’d like to pay your respects, visitation to the flavor graveyard is available with their factory tour.
Stonehenge but make its cars, because why not? This Nebraskan replica was initially created for the summer solstice of 1987 and hasn’t moved since. If you can’t get to Europe anytime soon, this is a great substitution and will be a fine addition to your Insta Feed.
Travel back in time via neon lights and see what you can discover at this non-profit dedicated to collecting, preserving, studying, and exhibiting Las Vegas neon signs. Their main collection has more than 200 unrestored signs, which are illuminated at sunset. Alas, another Insta-worthy visit.
Move over, Jurassic Park! East of Los Angeles and North of Palm Springs, you can find two ‘life-size’ dinosaurs. Walk the dinosaur trail and enjoy the Wafflesaurus truck to enjoy the Cabazon Dinosaur experience fully. A perfect little day trip.
Meet Alaska’s finest four-legged athletes, the sled dogs, and puppies of Husky Homestead. Book a tour to learn all about this rural lifestyle from a four-time Iditarod Champion, Jeff King, and meet the pups in front of the sled.
Adventure through an enchanted trail and discover magical caves, incredible rock formations, and some stunning views. When you reach Lover’s Leap, you best believe you’ll be looking at SEVEN states. An all-around magical experience in nature and a great day trip for any season.
No car, no problem on Mackinac Island as the preferred mode of transportation is a horse-drawn carriage. Party like it’s the 19th century and live lavishly at the Grand Hotel, where meals are an event, and you can enjoy traditions such as Afternoon Tea in the parlor and finish your day with nightly dancing. Bask in the simplicity of no cars, no chain restaurants, stunning nature, and beautiful Victorian Architecture.
Travel Nurses are in a unique position as they travel the country from assignment to assignment. You can see all the country has to offer, the popular tourist destinations, and the unique places, not well-known parts of the country. It’s all for you to discover.
If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:
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“Since just recently joining The Gypsy Nurse, I have had so many questions answered about the world of travel nursing. This has been an excellent resource!”
If 2020 has taught me anything it’s how important and rewarding it is to travel, especially with my dog, to new places that provide their own unique experiences. Much as you all do traveling the world from assignment to assignment!
Although my version of traveling with my dog may be different, there are still a lot of similarities if you travel with your dog!
Diamond the Service Dog
Diamond is my Service Dog and I’m convinced she’s stayed in more Airbnb’s & hotels than any dog I’ve ever met and that’s mostly because she’s a working girl. But don’t let the service vest fool you, she gets to vacation too. And, oddly enough, there are plenty of establishments that will allow dogs on your vacation/long term housing both with and without a deposit. Best advice tip is to DO YOUR RESEARCH! Almost all pet policies will be on their website even for Airbnb/VRBO. If for some reason it isn’t, pick up the phone and get in a conversation! As most of us know, in the Travel Nursing world, policies and procedures can and do change constantly.
Having everything you need
Coming from a swat/tactical background, I was taught that having everything you need equipment-wise ready and together is imperative to completing a solid plan. And, that means being prepared for all things, maybe even being over prepared, if necessary. After enough of the wise jokes from friends about “packing for two” and my always growing BRILLIANT ideas, I got Diamond her own luggage. When I say luggage, it’s a tactical over the shoulder bag that you can find on Amazon, yes, links to all contents are below.
Proper Identification
Although her vest has any and all information about both her and me, I still made sure her bag had her name and my phone number on it as well. There are a lot of serious details to her bag that most wouldn’t think about. What if there’s an emergency and I was somewhere else while she was resting in my hotel room? Who would know to evacuate her if a waiver/notification sheet at the front desk was never asked of me to fill out? Your dog’s safety is just as important as the safety they provide, and it is our job to provide them with everything they need to stay safe. Without thumbs, they most certainly need our help. With that in mind, having a seatbelt and harness for your dog is extremely important for their well-being and yours. If they aren’t secured and an accident occurs, what could happen is a chance I’m just not willing to take.
Is your co-pilot anxious for any variety of reasons?
Diamond suffers from some storm anxiety, so although I try to monitor the weather conditions for our drives, sometimes we just can’t control the weather. In Texas, we can experience all seasons in one day. What has worked for Diamond is CBD treats/oils. I purchase ours locally and use the oil dropper on food and hard treats on the road or on those times when she may be without me for a while. These can be purchased legally and even online with shipping!
Quick breaks along your road trip for water, playtime, or potty is an excellent way to not only stretch their little legs but ours as well! Make it fun! When mapping out your trip to your next assignment/destination, see what local dog-friendly stops there are! Lots of restaurants, patios, truck stops, and even some stores are dog friendly, and they LOVE it when you stop in with your pawtner!
Traveling with your dog for a full 13-week assignment will, of course, look much different than our typical week trip for Diamond and me. But hopefully, you’ll have taken a couple of TREATS from our travels for your own!
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“Since just recently joining The Gypsy Nurse, I have had so many questions answered about the world of travel nursing. This has been an excellent resource!”
