Page 145 – The Gypsy Nurse

March 12, 2020

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How to Plan a Trip with Friends

Posted on March 12, 2020May 19, 2021 by Rebecca Siggers

Deciding to travel is one of the most blissful decisions in life that has the potential to change your life for the better. Traveling gives a respite from the mundane aspects of daily life and provides a chance to rediscover yourself and find your true calling. Everyday life can be strenuous, and the toll of working in an office can get to you after some time.

Traveling opens up the horizons of your potential and expands your mind to knowledge that is unattainable through any other means. The experiences and adventures you go through while traveling can become the most significant life lessons and will help you for the rest of your life. Experiencing the diverse cultures of the world opens you up to understanding the world in a new light, and the people you meet can become lifelong friends.

The guidebooks of a destination, travel advice, and social media blogs of travelers are beneficial in providing valuable insights that aids in planning. However, it may be overwhelming with a vast amount of information available for prospective travelers. This article is a guide for those wondering how to plan a trip with friends.

How To Plan A Trip With Friends

1. Choose The Perfect Destination

Selecting an apt destination should be among the first decisions that you make while planning for a trip with friends. You can make a list of possible destinations with friends and then choose from them. Every individual in your travel group will have different interests, and you must select a destination that satisfies everyone’s taste to make sure that everyone enjoys the trip.

2. Choose Your Travel Buddies

As you will be spending plenty of time in each other’s company, choose the friends you want to invite to the trip carefully. Clashing with your travel buddies is avoidable if you choose your companions that enjoy each other’s company and have compatible personalities and travel habits.

People who are chill and laid back tend to be more cohesive with the rest of the group. Constant communication will ensure that you can resolve any issues before they reach a boiling point. Ultimately, everyone will need to compromise on certain things sometimes so that everyone enjoys the trip.

3. Select The Travel Date And Duration

Discuss with your friends on a good date to start your travel well beforehand. Everyone will have their work and commitments which they have to sort out as they cannot work while on the trip. It is also vital to decide the duration of the trip as it helps in planning out the trip with destinations and activities. You may find it harder to find a date where everyone is available if you are traveling with a large group.

4. Decide On Your Budget

Planning the date and duration of your trip will allow you to estimate the budget requirements for the trip. You will need to discuss with your travel group to get an idea of how much everyone is willing to spend on their trip for planning purposes.

The preferences of your group will also make a massive impact on the budget as some prefer backpacker hostels and others prefer single suites in hotels. Even though it may be awkward to discuss budgets, it is essential to ensure that everyone is happy and on the same page.

5. Transportation

Part of the charm of traveling lies in the traveling itself as much as in reaching the destination. You can decide on the form of transportation according to your destination and budget.

If you are traveling by flight, train, or bus it will be wise to book tickets well before the date of travel to obtain tickets at a lower price. You may also use your car for traveling as a group if you use roof racks for carrying the luggage, leaving the inside of the car available for your friends.

Conclusion

Going on a trip with friends can be full of fun and hilarious moments. Your travel adventures will help you in understanding your friends better and strengthen your bonds. Traveling exposes you to a plethora of obstructions and challenges, and when you work together to find a solution, these issues can become glorious memories.

Traveling is also extremely beneficial for mental and physical health as you tend to have plenty of exercises while traveling that you do not have the opportunity to do in daily life. The lack of stressful routines is also advantageous for mental health, and you get to do what you love to do the most.

Traveling has something for the taste of every person, and figuring out what you want to do will help in planning your trip better. It is paramount that you sit with your friends and make a plan for the activities and schedule for your trip. Careful planning allows you to avoid a plethora of issues and ensure that you do not have to stress on last-minute decisions.

Proper preparation and communication will ensure that your group stays enthusiastic about the trip and that everyone enjoys the trip. It is important not to pack your trip full of activities as it will prevent you from enjoying each moment to the fullest as you will always be hurrying to the next activity. It would help if you also did prior thinking on choosing the destination, the activities, mode of travel, and the friends you wish to take along with you.

We hope these tips to help plan a trip with your friends help while planning your next trip! Do you have any other suggestions? Comment them below.

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By Elizabeth Barletta

March 11, 2020

4776 Views

Best Seaside Countries to Visit with a Toddler this Winter

Posted on March 11, 2020January 16, 2023 by Elizabeth Barletta

Traveling with a kid is one thing, but doing it with a toddler is a whole other experience and most of the parent can confirm. After you managed to survive flying with a toddler, you will be occupied with entertainment for the rest of your vacation. It might be a little bit more exhausting, but you can still have the best vacation.

Experience tells us that an important aspect is for you to make sure that there is enough time and space for you guys to explore, given the fact that your pace will be slowed down significantly. But hey, look the bright side, you will have the chance to actually slow down and enjoy the surroundings. And that’s the first thing you should come to terms with when adapting to how to travel with a toddler.

It’s winter and you want to escape to a nice and warm vacation on the seaside, having already found the answer to the “when can baby swim?” typical question. This is the perfect time to find out what are the best places to travel with a toddler

Thailand – One of the Best Places to Travel with a Toddler

Best Seaside Countries to Visit with a Toddler this Winter

If you are wondering where to travel with a toddler in early winter, this should be your first option. Give your toddler an amazing experience on the islands of Thailand, where they can touch base with a different culture, see the elephants (without the riding part, of course) and maybe visit some of the temples they have to offer

The beaches have plenty of sand and shells to be collected by the little one, and one of the best things is the calm water in which you can all play for hours. Make sure you are aware of the places that require taking malaria pills in the event that your toddler is having difficulties in swallowing pills.

Croatia – an Amazing Experience for the Entire Family

Continuing our list of best places to travel with a toddler, we reach Croatia. Everyone is aware of the stunning coastline and beaches that Croatia has to offer. This place definitely has to be on your list of best places to travel with your toddler, where you can explore the Klis Fortress in Split.
Another good idea would be for you to try the islands of Hvar and Korcula where you can enjoy the stunning beaches or the beautiful promenade that has a stroller accessible path with a little playground along the way, just in case you need a break.

Cancun, Mexico – The Dream Holiday

We continue our list of best places to travel with your toddler with this silky gem of Mexico, where you can grab a lounge chair and enjoy the Caribbean Sea at one of their finest hotels.
You can visit places like the Mayan ruins and many unforgettable nearby destinations. When the sun goes down you can try Captain Hook dinner cruise which is an epic adventure for the whole family, having dinner in an exact replica of 18^th-century galleon vessel

San Sebastian, Spain – All You Need

Another great destination that is perfect as one of the best places to travel with a toddler is Spain. If you’re wondering where to travel with a toddler and at the same time enjoy a nice and quiet beach, you will love this place. Here you will find a stunning beach: La Concha. Being located straight in the city, La Concha is basically a protected bay, with huge strips of sand and small waves.

Make sure that after a long day at the beach you go out to dinner and enjoy some delicious pintxos (Basque for tapas) that are part of the city’s famous foods

Turks and Caicos Islands – Island Fun for the Entire Family

Located nearby the Dominican Republic, this archipelago of 40 coral islands is a top choice for the best places to travel with a toddler, especially for the family-focused resorts where every member of the family can be accommodated and everyone can have a great time.

Here you can put to use those hacks for travel mums and maximize your time spent relaxing on the beach. Maybe go on a quick boat ride straight to Little Water Cay where you can observe endangered rock iguanas or just admire the mangroves

Palm Springs, California – Pampering for Everyone

Of course, in this list of best places to travel with a toddler, California couldn’t be entirely absent. It’s a popular destination that offers you a whole range of attractions, starting with those stylish mid-century hotels that have giant swimming pools right by the palm trees for everyone to enjoy.
Why not hit the family-friendly water park of Omnia Rancho Las Palmas Resort, where there is hiking galore, museums and even dinosaur fun.

Conclusion

To end this journey of travel with a toddler tips, we want to underline the fact that you have to take into consideration that your trip will have a much slower pace than you are used, and you should take this as an advantage and an opportunity to enjoy the surroundings more.

Don’t forget to do your homework carefully when preparing the suitcases and make sure you have all the medication, clothes and toddler accessories needed so that you can stay relaxed. You now have plenty of the best places to travel with a toddler to choose from.

What places have you visited with your toddler and what experiences can you share with us and the other parents that are planning their first adventure? Share them in the comments below!

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 TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

March 9, 2020

5790 Views

Travel Nursing, the Coronavirus & What You Need to Know

Posted on March 9, 2020December 27, 2023 by TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

This article provided by TNAA

This is a pandemic. To be clear, we’re talking about the misinformation surrounding coronavirus. Between the mask-buying panic and the rapidly-evolving disease itself, it’s essential to take a step back. First and foremost, a “pandemic” label won’t change infection protocol. And you, a smart and capable nurse, know what to do.

Here’s What We Know About COVID-19

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by a new coronavirus. It’s part of a large family of viruses that are common in people and animals that, in rare cases, can lead to severe respiratory problems, kidney failure, or death. So, what’s new? Typically, animal coronaviruses don’t infect people.

There’s still so much to learn about this new disease — namely, how easily it spreads. According to the CDC, it’s thought that person-to-person spread happens via respiratory droplets among close contacts. And, as a nurse, caring for patients can put you in close contact.

Healthcare personnel are situated squarely on the front lines caring for patients with confirmed infection with coronavirus disease, COVID-19. Naturally, that brings an increased risk of exposure, but, as you were trained, following infection prevention and control guidelines can minimize your risk of exposure.

Protecting Yourself in Real-Time

As a travel nurse, you’re in a unique situation away from what’s familiar. Except, that’s not entirely true. Your education, training, and skills transcend any physical location. Trust what you know. Every nurse has heard the adage, “follow the protocol,” and that holds. Adhering to CDC recommendations for infection prevention and control is critical.

Know the Policy: Check with your nurse manager or charge nurse to ensure you know your facility’s isolation protocol. Do they have a particular floor designated? Airborne Infection Isolation Room? Assess and triage patients with symptoms and risk factors for COVID-19 to minimize exposure risks.
Don’t Skimp on Protocol: Complete each and every step before or after all patient contact or contact with potentially infectious material. This goes for hand hygiene too.
Practice With PPE: If it’s been a while, practice! Check out this quick guide from the CDC for proper don, use, and doff PPE.

COVID-19, Influenza & Preventing the Spread

Although COVID-19 is attracting a great deal of attention, the flu isn’t taking a back seat. While both of these infectious respiratory illnesses can look similar, the flu is impacting Americans more than COVID-19. As of February 15, the CDC estimated at least 29 million fell ill with the flu. So whether it’s the novel virus, one of the current flu strands, or a cold, here’s how you can prevent the spread:

Stay Home: Restrict outside activities, except for getting appropriate medical care and avoid using public transportation.
Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands, cover your sneezes, and avoid sharing personal items. As nurses, you know this, but make sure you’re practicing it in your own home.
Communicate With Your Agency: If you cared for a patient infected with COVID-19 and are reporting symptoms, your agency needs to know.

How Agencies Are Reacting

Rest assured, as much as you see news about Coronavirus and Influenza; your agency teams are too. In fact, most agencies are actively communicating with NATHO and the Joint Commission. All potential exposures need to be worked through with local and state health departments using CDC guidance. Read CDC Guidance for healthcare professionals here.

Remember Ebola? Luckily, a lot of people do and used that to shape present-day responses. In fact, EPIC pushed out an update in January to help clinicians identify factors for a fast and effective diagnosis. You can read about their work with the CDC to update workflows here.

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 Brittany Greaves

March 8, 2020

7435 Views

5 Tips When Volunteering Abroad

Posted on March 8, 2020May 19, 2021 by Brittany Greaves

Giving of your self and time is a big commitment. Here are some tips from a fellow volunteer travel nurse on volunteering abroad.

5 Tips When Volunteering Abroad

Stay open minded, positive, and flexible.
There is no such thing as ‘over-packing’.
Do your Research.
What you put in, is what you get out.
Your way, isn’t always the BEST way.

• Be & Stay Open

Honestly, you never know what can happen. You may triage kids using a Clorox Wipes Canister as your desk, water may run out, or your truck may catch a flat and your team has to trek up a mountain with all your water and supplies to successfully open your clinic for the day.

Regardless, if you stay open, positive, and flexible you can make it through anything! Being in impoverished countries things are going to be completely different than what you’re used to but embracing and adapting is what your already good at as a travel nurse so use it to your advantage. Keep Calm and Nurse On!

• You Cannot Over-pack

Coming from the Queen of “Oh crap I forgot that” – I’m notorious for having to pray someone brought extras. So don’t be like me, prepare and pack accordingly. You have to remember most of the time what you use at home is not available in these countries, so if you need it you should bring it. Sunscreen, clothes, medicines, snacks, etc. — make a list and pack the essentials. I always end up leaving and donating most of what I brought to orphanages or the host organization. So I rarely go home with even 1/2 of my luggage.

– Research

Don’t be naive, do your research. You don’t need to complete a dissertation on the country you’re going to but be mindful and aware – from culture/customs, language, and safety, to things as simple as weather and WiFi. There are certain things that make your trip run smoothly if your somewhat knowledgeable of the area you’re going.

A big help for me was practicing a little bit of the common phrases in the native dialect just in case I got lost or needed help and no one spoke English. You’re not going to know or remember everything but a little respect for the country and its people, goes a long way. Also look into the organization or group your traveling with.

As travelers we have access to so many various networks there are plenty of options for finding good organization/group fit for your volunteering abroad needs.

• What you put in is What you get out

These trips really tug at your heart strings, face it as nurses were little saps on the inside anyways! I journal throughout my trips because medical missions give you more than just the ‘feel goods’ -your truly tested mentally spiritually and physically. From Haiti I learned Strength, Russia I learned Independence, and Africa I learned Love. So, put your time into getting to know the people, the country, and yourself through service. Try and learn the language, eat the food, dance and sing with the children. Listening to your patients or staff stories is one of the most eye opening dialogues you can share. The you who left, if your lucky will not be the you that returns. Embrace the differences and attempt to submerge yourself into the new. You will thank yourself, trust me.

Your Way Is Not Always The Best Way

As travelers, we know the “well at my home hospital” type of people. Don’t be that nurse. Your way is not their way and that’s for good reason. Most hospitals or clinics in third world countries do not have the resources, supplies, access, or education to support most westernized medicine practices. So, instead of pushing what you know – listen, listen again, then observe.

You may come up with a solution or change that can effectively be implemented in their setting, but you have to understand all the variables and background before offering suggestions that are unsustainable. Stay humble, you can stand to learn a bit too.

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By The Gypsy Nurse

March 7, 2020

14565 Views

I Was Your Nurse Today: A Letter to Patients

Posted on March 7, 2020February 25, 2022 by The Gypsy Nurse

I was your nurse today.

The following was written by one of our Gypsy Nurse Network group members Becky Tracy.

An open letter to patients everywhere.

Sometimes as Nurses, we don’t take the time to explain everything, or we’re rushing in and out with a myriad of tasks that need our attention. Becky’s words could have been written to any number of patients from any number of nurses…

You think that I’ve given up on your family member. That I’m just letting him die.
What you don’t know is that I left your room to cry in the break room because my heart breaks for him. – I was your nurse today.

You’ve told me you are suicidal and you think I’m judging you.
What you don’t know is that I’ve been in your shoes and I truly understand. – I was your nurse today.

You’re embarrassed to tell me you overdosed.
What you don’t know is that I lost my friend to an OD and would give anything to see him again. – I was your nurse today.

You’re mad that I made you reposition in the bed, causing you discomfort.
What you don’t know is that I just want to keep you safe from skin breakdown. – I was your nurse today.

You’re flustered that I’m pushing juice down your throat, poking you with needles, and pushing meds down your IV.
What you don’t understand is that your blood sugar is massively low and I’m trying to protect you. – I was your nurse today.

You’re upset that you’ve only seen a nurse a few times in the last 12 hours.
What you don’t know is that I have a patient in critical condition that needs tending to. I have a new patient that just arrived on the floor. I was just punched in the face by a confused patient.

At this moment I feel like I haven’t been able to give you the attention that I would like to and now I feel like I’m a failure. – I was your nurse today.

I don’t always know the answers but I’m always searching. Always learning. Always listening and observing. Each day I come in with a stethoscope around my neck, a badge on my shirt, and my heart on my sleeve. There is no difference between you and I. I’m a person with problems. I am no better or less than you.

The only difference is that I was your nurse today.

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By Beatrice Beard

March 6, 2020

5596 Views

Five Steps To Becoming A Travel Nurse

Posted on March 6, 2020May 19, 2021 by Beatrice Beard

Travel nurses are nurses who aren’t tied down to a single hospital or medical center but who travel across the country all year long, providing their services at different locations. Each new assignment will be for a matter of months, so on average, a travel nurse will probably work at 4 different locations in a year. There are great reasons to want to be a travel nurse from being able to travel, gaining a more varied experience and understanding of the field, earning more money and breaking up routine to keep things fresh. With that in mind, let’s look at five steps towards achieving the travel nurse dream.

1. Become Qualified

A travel nurse, naturally, is already a fully qualified nurse. “Whilst the basic nursing qualifications are all that are technically needed to be a travelling nurse, in general, you will want more than simply the minimum associate’s degree and 1-year experience”, explains Terrence Kelly, nursing writer at WriteMyx and BritStudent. Bachelor’s or Master’s will help you stand out and having a few years under the belt can greatly increase your likelihood of finding constant work. You definitely want to know that you’re in great shape from a qualification standpoint because you don’t want there to be any risk of not finding work as you travel. Researching how the job market is feeling will also help inform your best strategy here.

2. Ensure Licensing Is In Order

One of the problems with working nationally is the fact that nursing licenses do vary depending on where you are in the country. This will really limit you if you aren’t aware of it ahead of time. The eNLC license applies to lots of states and if you hold it and live in a state that uses it, that’s a great start. However, every time you set your eyes on another destination, make sure to research the licensing policy in order to make sure you can get licensed if you need to.

3. Decide Your Financial Goals

Money may not feature heavily in your motivation for setting out on the travel nurse path, but you can be sure that it’s going to be a vital part of what you are doing. “Travel nurses can actually expect to make more money than average settled nurses, which can be very appealing to prospective candidates. But the way in which you make that money will vary agency to agency and is very much worth consideration”, explains Sarah Gabriel, health blogger at 1Day2Write and NextCoursework. Depending on the agency you will need to decide what makes the biggest difference to you from a compensation standpoint. Is it 401k, housing, perks like rental cars, travel stipends or other benefits? You need to decide this and seek it out.

4. Find And Join An Agency

Your agency will be the thing that will facilitate you getting what you want. The agencies organize their network of nursing agents and allow you to see the positions across the country that best match your skills and your goals. Once you are signed up to an agency that you like, things will become a lot simpler and you will be able to organize your life better. A word of advice, however: don’t jump at the first agency that seems basically right. You need to ensure that you do thorough research, read reviews, talk to people at agencies and see what is best.

5. Get Ready To Go!

Once you’re at an agency and actually signing up to a job somewhere across the country, that’s when it will likely hit you that it’s actually happening. Moving around like this requires a certain mentality and a certain ability to always be prepared for what is to come. This means anything from packing well to researching where you will be living and getting ready to adapt to the area. Just remember, it isn’t meant to be easy, so don’t worry if you feel like you’re struggling.

Conclusion

Being a travel nurse can be incredibly rewarding in a personal, career and financial sense. Knowing firmly what you want and going out to get it backed up by all the relevant qualifications and licenses is what it’s all about, so do that and you should have a great time exploring the country!

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 Cross Country Nurses

March 5, 2020

3928 Views

4 Ways for Travel Nurses to Stick to a Healthy Eating Plan

Posted on March 5, 2020January 16, 2023 by Cross Country Nurses

This article provided by Cross Country Nurses

Healthy food choices are a breeze when you plan ahead!

Healthy Eating Really is Possible for Travel Nurses with a Plan!

Probably the most important part of a healthy eating plan is consistency, and for travel nurses who are always on the go, this can prove a difficult goal to achieve. Your routine is disrupted and rearranged every few months, which can make it easy to fall into the trap of eating whatever’s most convenient. If you’re wondering how to stay on track when you move from assignment to assignment, here are some tips you may want to try.

Create a Routine and Stick to it!

Before you start your next travel assignment, do some thoughtful research. Map out grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and restaurants that offer the kinds of choices that work best for your unique dietary concerns. Decide what days you are going to shop when you are going to cook and then stick to that plan! You may want to consider purchasing an air fryer or crockpot to help you cook things more conveniently. Make sure you bring some to-go containers to bring your meals to work so you aren’t tempted to eat something bad for you.

Meal Prepping

Nobody likes to eat super healthy all the time, but you probably know what foods will keep you looking and feeling good that you can tolerate on a regular basis without getting bored. A common combo is some kind of protein and veggie combination, like grilled chicken and salad or a turkey burger patty with steamed veggies. These items are easy to cook, and you can change up the taste by using a variety of herb and spice combinations to keep your taste buds tantalized. Spend a day cooking and then divide the portions into individual containers to grab and go for each day of your workweek. Meal prepping is a great way to save time, money and calories that you could otherwise spend going out to a restaurant or eating in the cafeteria.

Healthy Snack Are a Must

Travel nurses know better than most that a regular lunch schedule isn’t always possible, so it’s important to identify your favorite healthy snacks and keep some on you at all times. Whole fruits and sliced veggies are full of necessary vitamins and minerals and are easy to eat while you’re multitasking. There are also numerous options for boxed or canned snacks on the go but be careful of the hidden fat and calories many of them contain. Typical culprits include granola or protein bars, energy drinks or fruit juices and snack dips. Always make sure to check the label for ingredients that might surprise you.

Download a Calorie Counting App

When you’re trying to create and maintain a healthy eating routine, one thing is certain: math never lies. Download any of numerous available fitness apps currently on the market and you will know exactly how many calories you are consuming on any given day or during a single meal. Many of these apps, like MyFitnessPal, will alert you when something is too high in one of the three macronutrients of carbs, fat, and protein or when a meal is just generally high in calories. This is a great way to examine what you actually eat and ways you can reduce the overall calorie count that you may not have considered otherwise. Plus, many of these apps will let you connect with friends and encourage each other on your healthy eating journey.

Ready to devour your next travel adventure? Choose from one of these delicious new opportunities on the menu.

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

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

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By Go Healthcare Staffing

March 4, 2020

4621 Views

Coronavirus: What is it? How Do You Protect Yourself?

Posted on March 4, 2020May 19, 2021 by Go Healthcare Staffing

This article provided by: Go Healthcare Staffing

Coronavirus: What is it?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), coronaviruses are a group of viruses that can cause illnesses from a cold to something more severe. They are spread through animals and humans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC ) say that this new coronavirus is labeled “SARS-CoV-2” and the respiratory disease that it causes is called “coronavirus disease 2019” aka. COVID-19. What is currently being understood about the current disease, COVID-19, is based on information from other similar coronaviruses. Yet, since it is new there is still more testing and information to gather.

The WHO and CDC on the spread of the disease

It is possible that it can be spread through coughs or sneezes from someone who is infected, especially if they are in close distance to them. Someone may be more likely to get infected if their immune system is weak, i.e. if they are sick.

It looks like COVID-19 is being labeled as a “community spread”, in certain affected areas, meaning that there are individuals who have been affected in that area who are unsure how/where they got it.

Symptoms

Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath
Difficulty breathing

Prevention

Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Refrain from touching eyes, nose, and mouth as much as possible
If you feel sick, stay home
Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing using a disposable item such as napkins and tissues. After use, throw out the item(s) immediately

If you suspect you are infected the CDC says…

Stay in your home, and isolate yourself in a room away from other people and animals
Call your healthcare provider and tell them you may be infected with the disease
Do not share any used personal items like utensils, cups, bedding, etc.; after usage be sure to clean thoroughly.
Wash your hands!
Wash any surfaces that you use on a daily basis

The virus currently isn’t a pandemic, yet there are many who are anxious about it. As healthcare professionals, it is important to gather accurate information/stay up to date and counter stigma.

Written by: Randy Holloran, Randy Holloran is the current President of Go Healthcare Staffing. Prior to that Randy led Cirrus Medical Staffing to the Inc 5000 as President after selling his online firm, Nursetogether to Cirrus. Randy is also a former Board Member of NATHO.

References:

CDC- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

WHO-https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

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By CareerStaff Unlimited

March 3, 2020

5391 Views

Where Will Travel Nursing Take You This Summer?

Posted on March 3, 2020May 19, 2021 by CareerStaff Unlimited

This article provided by CareerStaff Unlimited

From the chance to work a temporary assignment before committing to a full-time job, to diversifying your nursing portfolio by working in a new setting or facility type, travel nurse assignments offer many benefits to RNs, LPNs, and LVNs across all specialties and experience levels.

But maybe the best incentive for this exciting career option is the chance to mix the pleasure of travel with your passion for working as a nurse — and getting paid to visit some great destinations across the United States, too!

And what better time to plan a travel assignment than during the summer months, America’s favorite time to travel. Though they’re not all the same duration, most travel nursing opportunities are full-time, 13-week engagements, or about three months in length. In other words, it’s about the perfect length of time to get away for the summer!

So, our question to you is: Where will you travel this summer?

If you live in the Midwest, you might fancy spending the summer in a beachside town in California or the Carolinas. Or if you’re a city dweller looking to get out and explore nature, you may prefer to bask in the scenic beauty of the Great Lakes region, the Rocky or the Appalachian Mountains, or the Pacific Northwest.

Either way, no matter where you live, travel nursing is the perfect way to seize the advantage of your value as a nurse to enjoy a unique and unforgettable life experience.

You are Valuable

And make no mistake, you are valuable: Nurses are in demand across the United States like never before, and facilities are increasingly relying on travel agencies to provide nurses for temporary assignments. These travel nurses are often called upon to fill in for permanent staff members who may be on vacation or sick leave, during seasonal spikes in utilization, or to help rural facilities find specialists who may be in short supply in their local area.

And because travel nurses are in such high demand, most agencies will cover the expense of your transportation and housing. You should also choose an agency that provides guaranteed hours and competitive pay and benefits (like full medical, vision, dental and life insurance). And be sure to ask about additional perks like local gym membership discounts, assignment and loyalty bonuses, and reimbursement for continuing education classes.

Why Work a Travel Nursing Job This Summer?

In other words, travel jobs are a great way to build career momentum while helping facilities ensure continuous, high-quality patient care for their communities. But there’s much more to it than that. Travel nursing also has a particular appeal to the adventurous types — those who love the idea of getting away for the summer (or any other season) and seeing different parts of the country.

For these folks, travel nursing is even more than an adventure and a chance to explore. Because they’re longer than a standard weekend trip, travel nursing jobs provide a unique opportunity to live like a local for a few months. That means you’ll have plenty of time to hit up every museum or art gallery, dine at every chic restaurant, explore every shopping hotspot, hike every trail, hear all the hottest acts in the local music scene, or however you like to spend your time.

Home away from home

And because of their extended nature, travel nursing assignments often become a home away from home, and a chance to make new friends or even spend time with family or old acquaintances who live in other states.

So, don’t be surprised if you find yourself visiting your travel nursing destination again in the future! Some travel nursing agencies will even be happy to re-match you with a facility where you’ve already worked since you’ve not only already proven your value but have already learned the ropes there. If things work out, your assignment could even be a new summer tradition or a new home — some travel nursing assignments can even turn into full-time jobs.

On the other hand, many nurses prefer the variety of traveling to a new destination with each assignment. Particularly for those looking to build career experience, travel nursing provides a great way to diversify your portfolio by working in a larger variety of facility types, learning new systems and procedures, gaining experience with different technologies, and so on.

So, where will you travel this summer?

CareerStaff can help you choose! We staff travel nursing jobs in many of America’s vacation hotspots, including Florida, Colorado, New England, Washington State, California, and even Alaska and Hawaii! Contact us today to learn more about our amazing selection of assignments, and the great benefits we offer to travelers.

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

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