December 22, 2020

10185 Views

2020 Deals and Discounts for Frontline Workers

Posted on December 22, 2020November 10, 2023 by trustaff

This article was provided by Trustaff Healthcare.

I think we can all agree, 2020 has been the year of the healthcare worker. Countless companies are showing their support for frontline employees by offering exclusive discount programs for you to treat yourself or just to make your days a little easier. We’ve compiled this list of top discounts that travel healthcare professionals won’t want to miss!

Adventure Gear

One of the biggest names in outdoor wear is The North Face and they’re offering a huge discount of 50% off for all frontline healthcare workers! The 50% off deal is good on most non-sale items in their stores and online. They’re also offering 10% off any outlet purchase. This deal goes through the end of 2020 and can be used more than once! No better time to get yourself a new pair of hiking boots or a warm coat.

Another big name in adventure gear is Helly Hansen, and they too are offering a steep 50% off discount for healthcare professionals. If you need some new ski or hiking gear, now is the time! Their discount is good through December 31^st, 2020.

Shoes, Shoes, Shoes!

A very important piece of being a nurse is making sure you have a great pair of comfy kicks for your long shifts. Many big shoe brands have stepped up for healthcare pros. Nike, Asics, Adidas, Puma, Reebok, and Under Armor all have deals from 20-40% off for frontline workers. Shoes are important! Grab a pair (or two) that will have you strolling through those 12-hour shifts in comfort.

When you’re not working, brands like Ugg, Hunter, and L.L. Bean can outfit you for every day with comfy slippers, warm boots, rainy day attire, and more with 10-24% off!

Apparel

It’s can be such a refreshing feeling to take off your scrub uniform and change into everyday clothes. Here are some brands that want to help you enjoy your days off in style.

Lululemon is offering 25% off for healthcare professionals! Nothing yells comfort AND fashion quite like Lulu. Time to treat yo’self!

A great pair of jeans also goes a long way. Levis and Madewell are offering discounts on your next favorite pair of jeans! (& more!) Whether you plan to wear them in 2020 (the year jeans went almost extinct) or save them for 2021—make sure you grab this offer.

Meals and treats

Throughout all of December, Starbucks is offering a free tall hot or iced coffee to all healthcare frontliners! Whether you need the pre or post-shift caffeine kick or just a quick treat, Starbucks has your back. Simply ask about the offer when your order.

Making meals as a travel nurse can seem almost impossible with a busy schedule and long shifts, but Home Chef is offering 50% off a meal kit to make your life just a little easier when it comes to eating healthy. They send you everything you need for a full meal and simple instructions to get it done. We hear they’re delicious!

Your agency may have even more deals!

Check with your recruiter; your agency may have their own discounts for just about anything you may need for your travel assignment. Whether it’s transportation, housing, attractions, gym memberships, and more—they’re there to make your assignment easier and reward your hard work!

Many of the discounts listed here are valid not only for travel nurses and techs but for any frontline workers! Be sure to share these tips with your friends to help spread the love. Check with each individual retailer linked above for full details on how to redeem your discounts. We all appreciate everything you have done this year and are so thankful to have passionate and caring healthcare professionals keeping us healthy into the New Year.

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

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By MedPro Healthcare Staffing

December 21, 2020

5308 Views

WHO Announces New Exercise Guidelines and Amount People Should Be Getting

Posted on December 21, 2020May 19, 2021 by MedPro Healthcare Staffing

This article was provided by: MedPro Healthcare Staffing.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued new weekly physical activity guidelines to maintain a healthy lifestyle as we approach the new year.

WHO has advised adults to tally 150 minutes, or roughly 2.5 hours, of moderate to vigorous physical activity each week, including those with chronic conditions or disabilities. For those aged 64 and over, racking up 150-300 minutes of moderate activity, including 75-150 of vigorous exercise, can help reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and even early death.

The organization had previously stated it was a necessity to garner 150 minutes of moderate exercise. Or at least 75 minutes of intense exercise each week, but that was recommended for healthy adults.

On the other end of the spectrum, young adults, children, and adolescents should all be getting up to 60 minutes of moderate or vigorous exercise-per-day. These activities should include cardio-based exercises like jogging, biking, and rowing, but also strength-enhancing workouts too.

As COVID-19 continues to surge, it is important for individuals to not only abide by social distancing protocols but also put in the necessary time to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Especially those at risk, like people with chronic heart conditions and metabolic or respiratory issues.

Our healthcare professionals work hard enough to help us stay healthy, so finding time to help themselves can sometimes go overlooked. Traveling nurses are always on the go and tend to work long hours. Finding some ‘me’ time isn’t necessarily out of reach. However, this requires some proper planning to fit it into busy schedules. That said, here are a few tips for our travel nurses and allied professionals.

Train Your Mind and Your Body Will Follow

It is important to not only document your progress but to celebrate it as well. You need first to understand the benefits of physical activity and how it can improve your quality of life. As any healthcare industry professional will tell you, physical activity is not only great for one’s physique but great for the mind as well. Next, incorporate exercise into your daily routine and track your time spent, distance covered, and progression. We know that finding time for physical activity is difficult when travel nurses are putting in 12+ hour shifts, but if you can’t find time before- or after a shift, incorporate your movements into your daily routines! Write down your perceived barriers or obstacles and come up with a plan to conquer them. Lastly, note the benefits of your activities, shed any insecurities, and recognize all you have achieved as you progress.

Incorporate Your Peers

We could all use some motivation and encouragement. That said, bring your fellow healthcare professionals into the mix, stay active together, and learn new things. Consider carving out some time during the day for quick 5-10-minute bodyweight routines, like air squats, pushups, sit-ups, and v-ups, to name a few. Taking a break with a coworker to knock out some exercises, scaling a flight of stairs, or taking a brisk walk in the parking lot are a few great ways to keep moving! Sharing activities improve our interactions with our peers and help build friendships. In fact, just two minutes of exercise before critical thinking sessions can enhance and boost the mind.

Consider a Home Gym

Sometimes when people see the phrase, ‘home gym,’ they think this needs to be a $1,000+ job in completely overhauling a room, garage, cellar, etc., but that is not the case. One can carve a section out of a room and incorporate a few kettlebells, free weights, stationary bike, rowing machine, or yoga mat. This allows you to exercise on your time and have a safe space to do it as well. Personal space makes for improved efficiency and shifts your mentality to exercise more of a lifestyle than a perceived obligation.

Plus, you will not have to wait in line to use the equipment! Although some travel nurses are bouncing from location-to-location, it does not mean you do not qualify to ‘own’ a home gym. You can incorporate movements using readily available items, like squats with water bottles or two-liters, using towels to do various stretches in improving flexibility, or even doing some jumping jacks or air squats in an area that will allow for it.

Advance Your Career at MedPro Healthcare Staffing!

Healthcare companies are looking for travel nurses and allied professionals now, more than ever! We are among the top staffing companies in the country. And we offer our Explorers what no other company can, the MedPro Experience! To find out more, APPLY or call us at (800) 866-8108.

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

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

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By CareerStaff Unlimited

December 19, 2020

5349 Views

Great Gift Ideas for Nurses this Holiday Season (and Beyond)

Posted on December 19, 2020January 16, 2023 by CareerStaff Unlimited

This article was provided by CareerStaff Unlimited.

As we cap off a challenging year, the holidays can seem less like a season of giving and celebration and more a time of cold weather and surging hospitalizations. And because you don’t have time to shop but still appreciate the value of a thoughtful gift, we’re helping kickstart the process with a rundown of some of the most popular holiday gift ideas for nurses.

Even if you come across this article after Christmas has come and gone, a gift can make a huge impression any time of year (and particularly this year, when burnout and compassion fatigue are at all-time highs). Take a look, and you may discover a new way to cheer up a friend, colleague, co-worker, or another hard-working nurse who could use a simple thank you.

Great Gift Ideas for Nurses

Hand sanitizer and accessories.

When it comes to catch-all gifts that almost every nurse can appreciate, you can’t go wrong with an extra supply of hand sanitizer. It’s relatively inexpensive, and you can easily order large quantities online. And have it sent gift-wrapped to any nurse you know—no matter where they may be living or working at the moment.

Totes, bags and backpacks.

From extra clothes, shoes, and scrubs to notebooks, PPE, badges, and more. A good bag or backpack is considered an essential accessory for most nurses. If you want to go big, a higher-end backpack or tote bag won’t come cheap. But is likely to be a cherished gift for years to come.

Scrubs and sweaters.

Many guides offer the idea of fashionable or extra-durable scrubs or winter-weather sweaters as excellent gift ideas for nurses. And yes, these are standards in the gift lineup. But before you make the purchase, make sure you know the recipient of your gift will like the style (or, say, the Harry Potter themes) of the item you’re choosing for them!

Shoes.

Nurses are on their feet all day, every day, and shoes wear out all too quickly. If you know a nurse well enough to know their size (and that they may be in need of an upgrade), a pair of new shoes is a great gift idea. For reliable comfy, and orthopedically sound shoes that are slightly high-end, Hoka walking shoes and Dansko clogs are widely beloved by nurses.

High-quality socks.

One of the most perennial gift ideas for nurses is a pair or two high-quality, purpose-designed socks. Compression socks are maybe the type of socks for nurses we hear about the most. Designed to promote blood circulation and support the Achilles heel, these are socks that offer not just noticeable comfort but durability, too.

Stethoscopes and accessories.

Many healthcare workers already have a favorite stethoscope or a system of using what’s available. So think twice before venturing into this gift idea. On the other hand, you could do worse than offer an upgrade for this important, use-it-every-day item. If you choose to buy a nice model (like a Littman and MDF), consider adding a travel case and personalized identifier, too.

Massagers.

The daily grind takes its toll! After a long shift, few things are as relaxing for sore feet — or low spirits — then a post-work massage. And there are quite a few affordable devices that fit that bill, too. You can choose from deep-kneading foot massagers, exfoliating scalp massagers, portable shiatsu massagers for the shoulders, and lots more.

Personal protective equipment.

This is a no-brainer in the Covid era. But while PPE items like masks, gloves, and goggles may not be the most original or exciting gift ideas for nurses, they’re likely to be greatly appreciated, nonetheless. That goes double if you’re springing for quality, re-usable, and stylishly simple items.

Oximeters.

Especially in Covid-19 treatment, many nurses are required to continuously check patient O2 levels. Having their own oximeter could be a game-changer not only in day-to-day convenience but as personal insurance against unforeseen challenges of dealing with scarce supply.

Quick meal ideas.

In many areas, restaurants are closed, and some nurses prefer to avoid the risks of delivery service. An easy-to-use meal prep device like an instant pot can help tired nurses whip up fast, nutrition-focused meals quickly at the end of a long day. Meal subscription services like Blue Apron and Home Chef offer the chance to cook inventive pre-made meals.

ANA membership dues.

If you know a nurse who isn’t a member of the American Nurses Association (ANA), consider a gift subscription via a local state association. Membership is less than $30 per month. It offers benefits like access to CEU credits and conference tickets. As well as the chance to add a voice to the cause of promoting better workplaces for nurses.

Still haven’t found the nursing gift idea you’re looking for? How about scented candles for aromatherapy or a quality coffee maker? A FitBit can help your friends turn work steps into fitness goals. Silicone rings have become popular substitutes for jewelry in facilities where diamond rings and other items are off-limits.

Taking it one step further, there are many great gifts for nurses on Etsy. With options like cute sanitizer holders, badge holders, water bottles, keychains, travel nurse gear, and lots more — even a hand sanitizer bracelet! And visit the CareerStaff Blog for more great gift ideas for healthcare workers and other career tips and job alerts.

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By Cross Country Nurses

December 18, 2020

4747 Views

Why Nurse Practitioners Can be a Secret Weapon During the Third Surge

Posted on December 18, 2020November 28, 2023 by Cross Country Nurses

This article was provided by Cross Country Nurses

Nurse practitioners may prove a dauntless force in the effort to quell COVID. These providers bring an unmatched lineup of traits that make them particularly suited to the task. Healthcare leaders may find that in the face of rising COVID cases and warnings that the third wave (which could be the worst yet) is upon us, the nurse practitioner is a critical part of the solution.

Nurse practitioners are particularly well-positioned to help healthcare organizations in the battle against COVID for myriad reasons. Once relatively limited, the nurse practitioner scope of practice has vastly expanded and now encompasses various healthcare settings, clinical skills, and educational training (AANP). But that’s not all. Here’s why nurse practitioners can be the secret weapon leaders need to navigate the third surge.

Extensive Clinical Skillset

Nurse practitioners’ ability to provide patient care has expanded over the years. Their growing clinical autonomy and extensive skillset couldn’t be more timely – as the relentless coronavirus pandemic compounded with a growing physician shortage makes nurse practitioners invaluable for healthcare. NPs can assess and diagnose patients, order, perform, supervise, and interpret diagnostic and lab tests, initiate and manage treatment, prescribe medication, and counsel and educate patients and families.

Delivery of Specialized Care

While nurse practitioners who are generalists are essential in providing comprehensive care for patients with and without COVID, those who specialize may be exceptionally valuable in battling the pandemic during this time. NPs who hold specializations in acute care, cardiac care, pediatrics, gerontology, and behavioral healthcare are in high demand and can fortify healthcare facilities in the face of a third wave.

Telehealth Services

The widespread adoption of telehealth during the pandemic has expanded nurse practitioners’ ability to deliver virtual care, reducing the risk of viral transmission while ensuring uninterrupted access to care for many Americans. Telehealth has shown to be particularly effective for isolated patients or in rural areas, and telehealth may prove to reduce morbidity and mortality during the COVID outbreak.

Crisis Management and Leadership Capabilities

Nurse practitioners can be instrumental in managing crises and leading staff through a third surge. A recent study found that NPs trained in responding to and preventing emergencies and safety crises reported high levels of crisis leadership efficacy (The Journal for Nurse Practitioners). Further research shows ICU advanced practitioners demonstrated improvement in leadership, self-confidence, teamwork, and medical crisis management with crisis training (The Journal for Trauma and Acute Care Surgery).

Relaxed Licensure and Expanded Range and Scope of Practice

Regulatory flexibility in response to the coronavirus has expanded nurse practitioners’ ability to care for patients. States have waived and suspended certain practice requirements for NPs regarding collaboration and supervision. This grants the most NPs autonomy of practice. Further, some governors have urged boards to license volunteer, inactive, retired, or out-of-state professionals, increasing health leaders’ access to NPs.

An Expanding Workforce

There are nearly 300,000 NPs in the nation, with tens of thousands of NPs in the educational pipeline (AANP). The vast majority of these providers prescribe medications, work full time, and accept Medicare and Medicaid patients. Nearly half hold hospital privileges. The sheer numbers of NPs make them a formidable force in the fight against COVID.

Rigorous Training and Background

The rigor and extent of nurse practitioners’ education and training cannot be understated. They are licensed, independent practitioners who hold master’s or doctorate degrees and board certification. Health leaders can be assured that nurse practitioner training is designed to equip providers to deliver safe, high-quality, patient-centered, and cost-effective care.

Versatility Across Healthcare Settings

Today’s healthcare leaders use nurse practitioners at hospitals, clinics, private practices, Veterans Affairs, Indian Health Care facilities, emergency rooms, urgent care sites, nursing homes, schools, colleges, public health departments, homeless clinics, home health, rural health facilities, critical access hospitals, and nearly every other healthcare setting.

Cost-Effective Care with Comparable Clinical Outcomes

Research over several decades has shown that nurse practitioners are cost-effective providers of high-quality care (AANP). Comparisons of salaries, productivity, and hospital profits show favorability. Studies show similar clinical outcomes and consistencies in treatment practices, prescribing behavior, and health status between physicians and nurse practitioners (Health Affairs).

Patient Satisfaction

Studies have shown that patients who saw nurse practitioners reported higher satisfaction levels with their care, especially regarding time spent on consultation, screening, assessment, counseling, and patient follow-up (Health Affairs). Researchers attribute this to the patient-centered approach of the NP training, often focused on social and cultural sensitivity and care coordination. These characteristics can be incredibly valuable in the fight against COVID.

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By Furnished Finder

December 17, 2020

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Bringing Holiday Cheer to Your Short Term Rental

Posted on December 17, 2020May 19, 2021 by Furnished Finder

As a travel nurse working a holiday contract, it can be hard to make your space feel homey and special during this season. You definitely don’t want to spend a ton of money investing in decorations that you likely cannot take with you, and you may not have a huge circle of friends to celebrate with. However, you can still make the holidays feel special in their own way and bring a little extra cheer into your short term rental over the holiday season.

Involve Your Housemates

If you have roommates, consider organizing a small gift exchange or doing something fun like filling each others’ stockings. Have each person make a small list of stocking stuffers they would enjoy, or even do something simple life gift cards or cozy socks (everyone likes socks, right?). This will bring a little extra cheer to the household and, if you have enough people to do it Secret Santa style, add some extra fun when you are guessing who has each other.

Get Creative with Decorations

For decor, you can check out places like Dollar Tree or similar shops to find cute holiday items that you can donate afterward. The great idea is to set a small budget, say $20, and see what you can create with that amount of money. Even some tinsel and a few holiday candles can go a long way.

Use Perishable Decor

Items like real pine wreaths or garland, homemade potpourri, a poinsettia, or even a small Christmas tree can be used to make your short term rental not only feel festive but smell great as well! You can buy these items to spruce up the place and feel less wasteful knowing they were one-time-use regardless.

Have Your Own Christmas Movie Night

Whether you are renting a room or have an entire space to yourself, take a night and have a cozy night in all to yourself. Grab a cozy drink, bundle up in some Christmas pajamas, and find your Christmas favorites on Netflix or Hulu. Just setting aside time for yourself like this can make the season feel special in its own way.

Arrange a Long-Distance Gift Exchange

This activity is fun because you could do it with several different groups. Travel friends, family back home, or old college friends could all have fun with this idea. Use a website like Elfster to create a Secret Santa gift exchange. Participants can put in their address and wish list, and the website will automatically draw names for everyone. Then, each person has to order the gift online and send it directly to their person! An even more involved idea would be to host a Zoom chat where everyone opens their gifts live and tries to guess who had them.

Embrace New Traditions

Working as a travel nurse during the holidays can be an adjustment, especially in your first year. Try to remember that this likely won’t be forever, and eventually, you will be able to look back on these unique memories and reminisce on this chapter of your life. Even though your holiday cheer might be a different style than usual, you can still have a fabulous holiday in your home away from home.

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

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

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By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

December 15, 2020

3193 Views

Dealing With Stress This Holiday Season

Posted on December 15, 2020May 19, 2021 by TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

This article was provided by: Travel Nurse Across America

For many people, the holiday season is one where they get to take some time away from work. However, this isn’t always the case for health care travelers. Due to just how important their work is, many times they’ll need to work over the holidays. This can be stressful enough, but throw COVID-19 into the mix and many travelers are as stressed as they have ever been.

That’s why it’s especially important to know how to best deal with all this extra stress this year. Of course, working with an agency with a dedicated support team that’s there to help you will be a big plus. But, there’s also some things you can do on your own as well. Additionally, there’s even ways you can get involved in the holiday season so you don’t feel stressed about missing out!

Stress Relieving Tips

1. Take Care of Your Body

It’s important to take care of your body when you want to avoid and get rid of stress. Working as a travel nurse can be a quite physically demanding job, and now with COVID-19, many nurses are finding themselves having to work long hours with little time for breaks. This tends to lead to more stress, which then can make you feel pretty exhausted, both mentally and physically.

As such, it’s good to do as much as you can to help your body out. Things like eating healthy, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough sleep are all key for reducing stress and feeling good. Even just taking some time to refocus with some deep breaths can help you stay centered and calm, especially during those super busy shifts.

2. Unwind on Your Downtime

Another useful way to reduce stress is by using your time away from work to relax and enjoy yourself. For instance, your time off can be great for either exploring a new hobby, or getting back into an old one. Having something you that you enjoy doing is very helpful for relaxing and reducing your stress levels. Just taking some time to chill out and watch a show or movie can do the trick as well!

3. Treat Yourself

Practicing self-care is also a nice way to relieve stress, and that includes being kind to yourself. It’s been a rough year, so there’s nothing wrong with getting something nice for yourself. After all, if there’s one person who knows you best, it’s you! Even small treats can go a long way in helping you feel less stressed out.

Tips like these can help you feel less stressed from having to work during the holidays. But what if you feel a bit stressed or sad about being away during the holiday season? Don’t worry! There’s also some things you can do which’ll help you get to celebrate the holidays with those you care for, even if you’re far apart.

Celebrate the holidays even if you are away

1. Using Tech to Your Advantage

2020 has seen people make a lot more video calls than ever before since it’s been hard to have in-person meetings. However, planning out time to talk to your friends and family is a lot easier (and less stressful) than having to set up holiday travel plans. Something that you might want to do aside from just calling on the holidays is planning special holiday party calls. That way, you all get to celebrate together like you usually would, despite being away from each other.

2. Send Holiday Postcards

A very common holiday tradition is for people to send out holiday cards to those that they know. If you’re out on an assignment, you might wonder how you can do something like that as well. Enter the holiday postcard! Instead of sending a single type of card to everyone, why not send them special postcards from the area you’re currently at? Not only is this a fun, unique twist on the usual holiday card, but it also lets you show them you’re thinking of them even when far away.

3. Connect with Coworkers

Just as you might be away from home for the holidays, so will many of your coworkers, especially those that are also travelers. So, why not spread a bit of holiday cheer and celebrate with them? For instance, why not try doing a special virtual holiday potluck, where everyone tries out a recipe given to them by someone else? Or, you can organize a secret Santa where the gifts are sent to everyone, and then open them all on a call together

Even though this year is a bit different than those before, that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate the holidays and yourself in the process. Remember to try and take care of yourself, and don’t be afraid to get creative with how you celebrate the holidays this year!

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 Hannah Dennis

December 12, 2020

26213 Views

Travel Nursing With Pets

Posted on December 12, 2020April 29, 2024 by Hannah Dennis

Hello fellow gypsies!

I want to introduce you to the main man in my life:

Mr. Hank E. Hankerton. Yes, he’s a doggo. I know you’re gonna ask about his middle name, but he’s not even told me what the “E” stands for (and apparently never will.)

Since day one, Hank has been traveling with me, and while we like parks, traveling with him isn’t always a walk-in one. This shouldn’t dissuade you, though!

Hank and I are here to help! There are three huge points you need to consider when deciding whether to travel with your pets or not: their health, the trip, and your housing.

The first comes as a bit of a no brainer

—you know if your pet is healthy enough to start traveling to new places every 3 months, but there are aspects you don’t think about until you’re in the situation. I always travel with a copy of Hank’s medical records and a 6-month supply of any medication he may need. This is helpful because if something were to happen (hello, ingested rubber band ball incident of 2015), you would have medical records on hand to provide to the veterinary professionals to help make things a little smoother.

Always mention to your personal vet where your next travel nurse assignment is taking you and how long you’ll plan on being there. My vet has recommended a different type of vaccination or a change in monthly flea/tick/worm protection based on the area we’re traveling to and the time of year we’ll be there. Also, since she knows we’ll be out of the area, I can call her with any small concerns, and she will happily give me medical recommendations or call prescriptions into a local pharmacy if Hank needs them.

This is such a wonderful convenience, but you should always have a local emergency vet in mind should something major happen. While we were in Colorado, we had to go to the emergency vet (twice) because Hank has this thing about eating things that aren’t food. Knowing who I needed to call and where I was driving saved me so much precious time getting Hank to the emergency room when he was desperately sick.

If you aren’t sure where to look, ask your new co-workers. People love talking about their pets, and they usually have great veterinarian recommendations.

Secondly, you need to consider the trip.

I’ve loved traveling all over the country with Hank. We get where we need to go, but we take fun pet-friendly detours that help break up our drives. If you plan your road trips, you can find cool detour attractions that will increase your drive’s entertainment and provide a good energy outlet for your pet. Hank and I have stopped at national parks, roadside attractions, and even Las Vegas!

Parks are easy to find on websites like DogFriendly.com. They can give you a great idea of places you can take your pets in the area you’re currently in.

For my trips, I always have these necessities in my car: a beach towel, my handy-dandy squeezy water bottle, one week’s worth of food, a collapsible bowl, baby wipes, and Hank’s medical records.

Overnight stays can get a little tricky, but I’ve never had an issue staying with Hank at La Quinta Inn and Suites. They don’t charge pet fees, and they’re super budget-friendly for a one-night stop on the way to your destination.

Lastly, you have to consider housing.

Short-term, furnished, wallet-friendly housing is hard to find anyway but add “pet-friendly” on top of that, and you’re looking for a needle in a haystack.

I search on AirBNB or other rental services for housing that falls within my budget/desired area and message owners directly to explain my situation. Some people stand firm on their decision to allow no pets, but some will make exceptions. It never hurts to ask. It also helps to do a search on Facebook for housing groups.

Many places I’ve traveled have their own local version of a “for rent/sublet/roommate search” group that you can join, and don’t forget to join The Gypsy Nurse Housing group on Facebook! There are tons of great options and suggestions from your fellow travel nurses!

If nothing else works out, Hank and I have stayed in an Extended Stay Hotel before for 4 weeks. It wasn’t a bad experience, and many times your travel companies have group rate discounts that you can provide if you ask your recruiter (hint: they can be great resources).

The key to a good pet travel experience is keeping your pet’s normal routine. Hank and I move frequently, but he knows that when I put my scrubs on, it means it’s time for dinner and goodbye treats! If you have a pet and you’ve been considering traveling, I say do it! For me, not having Hank with me isn’t an option. He’s my best friend, and I’m his. I’m so happy we’ve been able to emBARK (hah!) on this travel journey together, and I hope you and your furbaby can have the same amazing experiences.

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 Wendy Ladd

December 12, 2020

4936 Views

Surviving and Thriving: Tips for Travel Nurses

Posted on December 12, 2020May 19, 2021 by Wendy Ladd

I was struck this morning by this quote from Maya Angelou, “my mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” It really made me think about how I am living my life.

I’m a survivor

I have always said, “I am a Survivor” and been proud of it! I identify as a survivor because I have been knocked down and picked myself back up so many times. I did this the best way I knew how, by doing everything myself and choosing habits that made me feel safe. Habits that no longer serve me or allow me to be powerful.

I want to thrive

I have survived many things in my life beginning with my birth as a two-pound premie. I thought these events made me who I am. As I started to think about this quote, I realized these events do not make me who I am. I no longer want to survive, I want to thrive.

I found it important to look up the definitions:

To survive: is the act of surviving under adverse conditions; in my case: divorce, jobs I didn’t like, menopause, you get the picture.

To thrive: to grow or develop and is characterized by success.

Survival Mode

As I dove deeper into the meaning of surviving and thriving, I realized that I was so entrenched in survival mode, I didn’t even see that there was another way to live. I listed the things I do when I am living in survival mode. The list is long! I blindly put one foot in front of the other trudging through each day. Happy to have made it through another day. I am often exhausted at the end of the day, thinking there has to be another way.

I became comfortably uncomfortable, doing the same thing day, in day and day out, because I was comfortable. What I was doing no longer worked for me. I wanted my life to be different. Yet, I couldn’t seem to change.

After all, I was surviving, right?

As I read the descriptions of these words in dictionaries and articles on surviving, I saw that the act of surviving was really meant to provide basic life needs: such as food, clothing, and shelter. Having the skills necessary to maintain life. If I could provide those things for myself and my family, I considered myself successful. After all, I was surviving, right?

Research equates surviving with barely getting by, a daily grind, feeling unfulfilled, feeling like you are drowning so much in problems that even a simple act of survival feels like a win.

It gets even deeper—survival is fueled by fear; it is always hustling to be able to get by, it is the fear of running out, fear of not having enough, fear of losing everything. Knowing that if you do what you have always done, you will be OK. This was me!

The horizon in survival mode is small and closed up.

You are only able to focus on the next thing to be done. Survival means taking the path of least resistance, living from a place of lack, and feeling stuck. When I am in survival mode, I fear failure and see it as wrong. This way of thinking keeps me small and afraid to grow. I am reacting to people and challenges, so I push them away. I find myself complaining and blaming others for my circumstances. All these things I realize have become so embedded in my daily life.

In survival mode, I surround myself with negative people and experiences because it is what I know. I am lonely and isolated because it is hard to reach out for help and support when times are tough, and in survival mode, times are always tough. I have learned that I don’t need anyone. I’ll do it myself.

Survival means I am afraid to step into my power because I am afraid of the unknown. This is not the kind of life I want to lead!

To thrive is to be healthy, to flourish.

To thrive means to make steady progress, to grow healthy and strong. To live your best life. To think and live abundantly and joyfully. Thriving is a choice. Choosing to thrive pushes you outside your comfort zone. You can choose to live a life of optimal wellbeing, including having compassion for yourself and self-care. It means no longer reacting to situations but taking the time to respond instead.

Thriving means taking 100% responsibility for myself and my actions. It means seeing “failure” as a step to success. It means getting to know myself, finding my strengths, and acknowledging my accomplishments. It means welcoming change and challenges into my life. It means surrounding myself with positive people and things that make me happy. It means choosing connection, looking for the good in life, and giving back.

What can we do to go from surviving to thriving?

Own it! Realize that you have been living in a place of survival because life knocked you down and you picked yourself back up again. Set an intention every day that you want to thrive.
Be honest about your feelings. Name them. Feel them in your body. Then let them go.
Journal about 5 things you are grateful for every day.
Celebrate your wins: at the end of each day, focus on what went well.
Move your body for at least 30 minutes every day.
Find more opportunities to be in the “zone.” Find your “flow” activities, those activities where you are fully engaged and hours go by without you even noticing. These activities could be dancing, hiking, painting, singing, playing a game or an instrument, reading a book, or writing. Do these activities several times per week.

Like Maya Angelou, if we find things we are passionate about, have some compassion for ourselves, laugh a little, and have a little style, we can learn to survive and thrive.

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By Medely

December 11, 2020

4164 Views

Navigating the Holidays as a Travel Nurse

Posted on December 11, 2020May 19, 2021 by Medely

This article was provided by Medely.

Navigating the Holidays, 2020 Edition

The songwriters tell us this is the most wonderful time of the year. And it can be – but many of us wind up redefining “wonderful” as “stressful.” Travel nurses are no different. Balancing life on the road with seasonal expectations and obligations can make navigating the holidays that much more difficult.

Add in a global pandemic and increased healthcare needs across the board this season… and yeah. Stressful sounds a little more realistic than wonderful.

So what are your options? How will you do all the things this holiday season?

Know your limits.

That rhetorical question we just asked? You can’t. You can’t do all the things – at least not if you want to stay sane and healthy. Step one in navigating the holidays is realizing your limits. Here’s a couple things to keep in mind:

To thine own self be true.

No one will know you better than yourself. So before you start taking random advice from a blog, take some time to rest and reflect to figure out what you really need and want this holiday season. Knowing this should make evaluating your priorities and plotting your holiday plan a little easier.

While you’re resting and reflecting, now is a great time to take stock of your emotional and mental health. It’s been a tough year. And while we have some tips on staying positive, don’t be afraid to ask for help from family, friends, or a professional if you need it.

Have healthy, open conversations.

It’s also important to check in with your household and other family and friends to know what they’re expecting or planning this holiday season. This year is bound to look a little different due to the pandemic. Good, open communication will help reset normal expectations or obligations as everyone adjusts to the reality that is 2020.

Okay, so you’ve figured out how you want to celebrate the holidays and what those closest to you are expecting. So what’re your options? Obviously, this list can’t be exhaustive, but what follows are some of the main options for travel pros.

Exploring your holiday options:

Travel somewhere fun.

Whether you have relatively few holiday obligations or your family can travel with you, this is an excellent possibility if you find the right assignment. Do you live in a veritable ice cave and want to go somewhere warm? SoCal is always looking for new travel professionals. Ever wanted to see the tree and go ice skating in Rockefeller Center? Consider an assignment in NYC. Maybe getting away someplace new or exciting is precisely what 2020 calls for. Make sure to check that whatever activities you’re excited about are still happening this year and make a plan to do them safely, but if you’re going to travel for work anyway, make it fun.

Make a difference.

Or maybe fun isn’t what you need this year. You know how crazy the end of the year can be in healthcare. And it’s like that everywhere – especially during a pandemic. Cases are spiking across the country and many places are incredibly short-staffed. Consider finding a hard-hit location where you can truly make a difference in patients’ lives this holiday season. The gift of care you give may turn a traumatic moment into an almost forgettable memory for someone. Not to mention, you’ll be reducing the stress of the facility staff and scheduling personnel. As a healthcare professional you’re likely already wired to want to help, and giving to others is often exactly what our heart needs.

Maximize your earnings.

Those of us with kids or teens in our lives know that their wishlist only gets more expensive. So if avoiding holiday debt (or paying off what you’ve already spent) is a priority, look for travel or local assignments that are paying more this season. Additionally, you can volunteer to pick up the holiday shifts for a better hourly rate. And with lots of facilities needing help, you can also pick up per diem shifts either in your home or travel market in your downtime.

Stay home.

It’s been a long, challenging year for all of us. Maybe navigating the holidays means merely staying home and spending some time with those closest to you (safely, of course). If your finances can swing it – taking a few weeks off to thoroughly soak in the holiday cheer may be the best option for you. Of course if your finances can’t swing it but you’re in a healthy market for per diem shifts, you can stay home and keep working. Just make sure you take time for yourself and the things that are most important to you and your loved ones.

So what’s the right choice?

Your priorities are one of those questions that only you can answer. Navigating the holidays is never easy, especially for someone who spends so much time on the road. Taking time to know what’s truly important to you is key, as well as setting expectations with your family and friends. Whatever you do, please keep yourself, the ones you love, and your patients as safe as possible. You’re in healthcare; you know the drill: Stay in your bubble as much as possible, mask up, and stay distant or outdoors when you can’t.

And from all of us at Medely to you, Happy Holidays!

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

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Your agency may have even more deals!

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Great Gift Ideas for Nurses

Hand sanitizer and accessories.

Totes, bags and backpacks.

Scrubs and sweaters.

Shoes.

High-quality socks.

Stethoscopes and accessories.

Massagers.

Personal protective equipment.

Oximeters.

Quick meal ideas.

ANA membership dues.

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Involve Your Housemates

Get Creative with Decorations

Use Perishable Decor

Have Your Own Christmas Movie Night

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