February 15, 2020

11797 Views

Frequently Asked Friday: Finding Love as a Travel Nurse

Posted on February 15, 2020January 26, 2023 by Amber Pickler

Dating and relationships can be tough for anyone but throw being a travel nurse into the mix, and it can feel impossible. Changing locations every 13 weeks makes it difficult to date around. Is it even possible to find love or a relationship as a travel nurse? Is it possible to find it while you are on a travel nurse assignment?

One of the top questions in our Facebook network group is how you date or find love being a travel nurse. So, we have put together some of the top answers to that question.

Tips for Finding Love as a Travel Nurse:

Dating Sites

While these have been looked down on in the past, now they are the way of the dating world. Over 1500 dating apps and sites are looking to draw single men and women to their products and match them with one another. While not every match will be a love connection, it is a great place to start searching for love or a relationship while working as a travel nurse.

Get out and mingle

Just getting out and exploring your new city could lead to finding a relationship. It can also help you find friends, which could help ease the loneliness while on assignment. Finding things to do in the area of your newest assignment will help you find others as well.

Traditional Dating Scenarios aren’t the only way

Hearing stories of how others met their significant others can make us believe that the traditional ways of dating are the only way to start a relationship. That is far from the truth. Sometimes when you aren’t really looking, things fall into place. You may find a relationship while you are on vacation from your travel nurse job.

Put yourself out there

Putting yourself out there is one of the best things you can do to help find love. Whether that means physically going out or signing up for a dating site like Bumble or an online community like Meetup.com. Like the post above states, put yourself out there and let whatever happens happen.

Find Happiness with yourself

Enjoy the journey. And along that journey, you may find someone. Finding happiness within and with yourself is a great piece of advice. You should be happy with and love who you are before you try to find love. Many find love when they aren’t looking, and as the post above says, do what makes you happy, and the rest should fall into place.

We hope that these tips on finding love as a travel nurse help you along the way! Here are a couple more articles on love as a travel nurse.

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 Accountable HealthCare Staffing

February 14, 2020

4725 Views

Coronavirus: Interim Guidance for Healthcare Professionals

Posted on February 14, 2020November 10, 2023 by Accountable HealthCare Staffing

This article provided by Accountable HealthCare Staffing

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has posted interim guidance for Healthcare Professionals in regards to the coronavirus. They may be helpful when assessing patients with respiratory symptoms. The guidance includes clinical features and epidemiologic risk. Also, check with your facility’s Clinical Leadership regarding internal policies for dealing with potential coronavirus cases.

Barbara Sverdlik, DNP RN CENP
Vice President, Clinical Services
Accountable Healthcare Staffing, Inc.

Interim Guidance for Healthcare Professionals

Updated February 2, 2020
Limited information is available to characterize the spectrum of clinical illness associated with 2019-nCoV. No vaccine or specific treatment for 2019-nCoV infection is available; care is supportive.

The CDC clinical criteria for a 2019-nCoV patient under investigation (PUI) have been developed based on what is known about MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV and are subject to change as additional information becomes available.

Health care providers should obtain a detailed travel history for patients being evaluated with fever and acute respiratory illness. CDC guidance for evaluating and reporting a PUI for MERS-CoV remains unchanged.

Criteria to Guide Evaluation of
Patients Under Investigation (PUI) for 2019-nCoV

Patients in the United States who meet the following criteria should be evaluated as a PUI for 2019-nCoV.

Coronavirus: Interim Guidance for Healthcare Professionals

The criteria are intended to serve as guidance for evaluation. Patients should be evaluated and discussed with public health departments on a case-by-case basis if their clinical presentation or exposure history is equivocal (e.g., uncertain travel or exposure).

Recommendations for Reporting, Testing, and Specimen Collection

Updated February 3, 2020

Healthcare providers should immediately notify both infection control personnel at their healthcare facility and their local or state health department in the event of a PUI for 2019-nCoV. State health departments that have identified a PUI should immediately contact CDC’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at 770-488-7100 and complete a 2019-nCoV PUI case investigation form available below.

CDC’s EOC will assist local/state health departments to collect, store, and ship specimens appropriately to CDC, including during after-hours or on weekends/holidays. At this time, diagnostic testing for 2019-nCoV can be conducted only at CDC.

Testing for other respiratory pathogens should not delay specimen shipping to CDC. If a PUI tests positive for another respiratory pathogen, after clinical evaluation and consultation with public health authorities, they may no longer be considered a PUI. This may evolve as more information becomes available on possible 2019-nCoV co-infections.

For biosafety reasons, it is not recommended to perform virus isolation in cell culture or initial characterization of viral agents recovered in cultures of specimens from a PUI for 2019-nCoV.

To increase the likelihood of detecting 2019-nCoV infection, CDC recommends collecting and testing multiple clinical specimens from different sites, including two specimen types—lower respiratory and upper respiratory. Additional specimen types (e.g., stool, urine) may be collected and stored. Specimens should be collected as soon as possible once a PUI is identified regardless of the time of symptom onset. Additional guidance for collection, handling, and testing of clinical specimens is available.

Interim Healthcare Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients Under Investigation for 2019-nCoV

Footnotes

¹Fever may be subjective or confirmed

²Close contact is defined as—

a) being within approximately 6 feet (2 meters) of a 2019-nCoV case for a prolonged period of time while not wearing recommended personal protective equipment or PPE (e.g., gowns, gloves, NIOSH-certified disposable N95 respirator, eye protection); close contact can occur while caring for, living with, visiting, or sharing a health care waiting area or room with a 2019-nCoV case – or –

b) having direct contact with infectious secretions of a 2019-nCoV case (e.g., being coughed on) while not wearing recommended personal protective equipment.

Data to inform the definition of close contact are limited. Considerations when assessing close contact include the duration of exposure (e.g., longer exposure time likely increases exposure risk) and the clinical symptoms of the person with 2019-nCoV (e.g., coughing likely increases exposure risk as does exposure to a severely ill patient). Special consideration should be given to those exposed in health care settings.

³Documentation of laboratory-confirmation of 2019-nCoV may not be possible for travelers or persons caring for patients in other countries.

⁴Category also includes any member of a cluster of patients with severe acute lower respiratory illness (e.g., pneumonia, ARDS) of unknown etiology in which 2019-nCoV is being considered that requires hospitalization. Such persons should be evaluated in consultation with state and local health departments regardless of travel history.

⁵For persons with travel to China within 14 days that are being regularly monitored by local health departments or referred for evaluation from border screening, testing for nCoV can be considered at the discretion of the health officials for all persons with illnesses with fever and lower respiratory symptoms (those hospitalized and those not hospitalized).

Additional Resources:

Page last reviewed: February 3, 2020
Content source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Division of Viral Diseases

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

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

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By Cross Country Nurses

February 12, 2020

5763 Views

Why You Should Bring Your Travel Nurse Partner Along on Your Next Assignment

Posted on February 12, 2020May 19, 2021 by Cross Country Nurses

This article provided by: Cross Country Nurses

Are you a travel nurse who is thinking about bringing your travel nurse partner on an assignment, or wondering whether that’s even possible?

Well, first of all, it’s totally possible and secondly, we highly recommend it! The process and logistics of traveling together become easier when you have a recruiter you know and trust, and who knows you, as well. Just tell your recruiter you want to travel with your partner and he or she will try to find a facility with openings for both of you. It’s easier than you may think.

There are a number of reasons to bring your partner with you when you travel, but when your partner is a travel nurse, the reasons only multiply.

Here are some of our favorites that you might not have considered before:

You Can Explore New Cities and States Together

If you and your travel nurse partner typically travel separately, it can be hard work to keep your bond as strong as you’d like it to be. Plus, you’re seeing all kinds of new things and having new experiences that you probably wish you could share with him or her. Well, when your partner travels with you, you can! During your downtime, you can explore the coffee shops, bookstores, bars, art galleries, parks, sports and concert venues and so much more, together. You may even want to create a unique hashtag that you can use to organize your photos by each new travel location on social media.

Homesickness Will Become a Thing of the Past

Travel nurses are drawn to exploring unknown territory, when it comes to both clinical settings and geographic locations. Unfortunately, sometimes a downside to that can be loneliness. You begin to miss the loved ones you leave behind, especially if you are on assignment somewhere without much to do. When your significant other comes with you on assignment, however, you’ll have so much less to miss about being home. Additionally, loneliness has been shown to have negative effects on your physical and mental health, so bringing your significant other has health benefits, as well.

Your Assignment May Be More Successful

This is probably obvious, but if your partner is with you on assignment, you aren’t missing them throughout the duration of your contract. This means you’ll probably be in a good mood, getter better sleep and make smarter choices when it comes to eating and exercise. Or maybe the opposite is true: you’ll eat tons of restaurant food and never have time to exercise! But the point is, you’ll be happier and that will carry over into your work life, which means your assignment will definitely be more successful.

You May Be Able to Double Your Housing Stipend

If your partner is also a travel nurse, you may be able to double your housing stipend if you both work for agencies that provide them. Why not rent a swanky apartment in a hip area of town and be within walking distance to all the action? Or maybe you just want to live somewhere with more square footage or in a more luxurious building or neighborhood. If splurging on a fancy apartment isn’t really your thing, you could use the opportunity to save some extra money but putting one of your stipends in the bank. The rules regarding housing stipends can vary between agencies, so make sure you clarify your options with your recruiter before you sign a lease.

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

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

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By Titan Medical

February 10, 2020

4535 Views

How to Become a Local When Travel Nursing

Posted on February 10, 2020May 19, 2021 by Titan Medical

This article provided by: Titan Medical

As a traveler, you likely find yourself moving to new locations quite frequently. Finding new hobbies and go-to errand stops can be difficult to pin down, but with these tips and tricks you’ll be fitting in with the locals in no time!

Visit Restaurants

Want to really get to know the culture and vibe of the city you are staying in? Check out the local “hole-in-the-wall” restaurants. Those spots alone can say a lot about what the natives are passionate about. Sometimes restaurants hold cooking classes or trivia nights and those would serve as great opportunities to meet new people.

Local leagues

No better way than to take some of your hobbies and turn them into an opportunity to meet new friends. Whether you’re into softball, volleyball or gaming, there are always seasonal leagues you can consider joining to get involved and meet new people with your same interests.

Social Media

How to Become a Local When Travel Nursing

Often times when following social media pages, they will share suggested local events and happenings in the area. This could be anything from a food truck event, to a craft fair, but regardless the specifics, these local get-togethers serve as a great way to meet new friends and immerse yourself into your new temporary home.

Volunteer

Typically, animal shelters, festivals, food pantries, etc. are looking for volunteers to assist in daily tasks that require extra sets of helping hands. Volunteering is not only a solid resume builder, but it also is a way to get involved in the community and make new friends. So, during your next adventure consider volunteering, you’ll gain a confidence boost as well as meet new friends while helping!

Daily Necessities

Before leaving for each new adventure, take time to locate grocery stores, banks and pharmacies that will be nearby to where you’re staying. It is also important to consider using a pharmacy that has multiple locations and can usually be found anywhere you go. This will help the convenience of prescription pick-up so you don’t need to change the location each new place you go.

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

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

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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!”

—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

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By The Gypsy Nurse

February 8, 2020

12722 Views

Lessons Learned in Travel Nursing

Posted on February 8, 2020May 10, 2021 by The Gypsy Nurse

A recent discussion on the Gypsy Nurse Network asked our members about “Lessons you’ve learned” in travel nursing. The poster wanted some tips and advice on what to look for and be aware of. The members gave some great feedback so I’ve summarized it here for you.

1. Get your pay in writing and know how to calculate your OWN take home pay. Get your taxed and non taxed $$ amounts prior to telling the agency if your interested or not.

2. Have a list of questions to ask during your interview.

3. Have a nest egg in the bank. You never know when a contract might be cancelled, an emergency at home or a myriad of other things that could cause you to need an emergency fund.

4. Do research on the hospital. What have other travelers
thought?

5. Do not let someone bully or pressure you into a job.

6. Never believe 100% of what you are told in interviews.

7. Have your time requested off written into your contract. Weddings, vacation, special events, etc.

8. Once on assignment BE SWITZERLAND

9. Expect the unexpected. Nothing is ever like you expect.

10. Trust your gut.

For me, each contract is a lesson as I go…. I’ve learned so much and still have so much more to learn. This isn’t a complete list. I recommend that you read through and follow our Travel Nurse Guide for even more details.
Do you have tips or lessons that you’ve learned along the way?

Please share them in the comments below!

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By Jessica Smith

February 5, 2020

6813 Views

10 Signs of a Great Travel Nurse

Posted on February 5, 2020May 19, 2021 by Jessica Smith

Travel nurses are nurses who are free to live and practice in different places within the country to fill in short term employment gaps. They are usually paid an excellent salary and can take up assignments according to their preferences. Travel nurses may take up short-term or long-term contracts at the time of their hiring.

What it takes to be a travel nurse

To become a travel nurse, you need to have at least 1.5 years of clinical experience and valid licensure in the state where you plan to work. Some countries also provide multi-state nursing licensure. However, not every nurse is suitable to become a travel nurse. Great travel nurses seem to have similar characteristics that make them outstanding at what they do. Here’s a list of these traits:

1. Flexibility and Adaptability

Travel nurses are required to move between patient homes, hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities. You need to continuously engage with unfamiliar people, work overtime as well as night shifts, and work in some unconventional circumstances. You might also have to work in various departments like women’s health, crown pediatrics, intensive-care room, and so on. The more flexible you are to adjust according to the needs of the patients and the healthcare facilities, the more likely you are to thrive in this career.

2. A Love For Travel

Travel nurses are naturally required to embrace an appetite for travel and adventure.

You have to undertake a lot of travel, which means you may have to stay away from friends and family for an extended time. An understanding spouse and adventurous offsprings can make your job a never-ending family adventure. The best part is that you are getting paid to travel!

3. Strong Work Ethic

As a travel nurse, you have to demonstrate a strong work ethic. It means performing your job to the best of your ability. Cultivate self-discipline and practice punctuality. Develop the habit of being on time for your shifts. Acting with integrity, that is, behaving consistently, is equally essential. Also, discipline, dedication, and determination all contribute to your work ethics.

4. Confidence

A travel nurse has to be confident in her abilities. Working in different places and with unfamiliar people should not make you reserved or timid. Instead, you should possess the ability to put yourself out there and be confident. This does not mean that an introvert cannot become a travel nurse. It merely means you should not hang back from taking up your turn as a leader.

5. Professionalism

Professionalism in nursing requires you to help patients and co-workers, listen actively, and communicate compassionately. Dressing appropriately and grooming yourself can make you look reliable and trustworthy. Keep your nursing knowledge up-to-date so that you can offer advice and guidance in case of emergencies. Be confident and accountable for your actions and admit your mistakes when you make them.

6. Excellent Communication Skills

A travel nurse should be able to communicate efficiently to his/her recruiter about the kind of jobs they’re looking for and also to team members once they get placed. Fostering relationships with the patients as well as the co-workers is extremely important to perform the job efficiently. Communicate openly with your colleagues and participate in making informed decisions as a group.

7. Desire To Learn

Traveling around the country from one assignment to another allows you to practice and learn in various healthcare facilities. You will be continually exposed to innovative techniques, modern technologies, and new ways of doing things. An insatiable desire to learn will benefit you greatly in diversifying your skill set and area of expertise.

8. High Emotional Intelligence

Keeping your emotions in check can benefit you greatly as a travel nurse. Your job can bring you joyful highs or traumatic lows. You should possess a high level of emotional intelligence to deal with such scenarios. Recognize and accept your emotions and know how they can affect you. Patients often look up to your emotional strength to aid them along.

9. Endurance

Like any other job, there may be times when you have to work with people who don’t align with your personality. However, the most sought-after nurses are those who handle their patients and colleagues with compassion and care. This job is a people-centric profession, and endurance is indispensable. A travel nurse should possess an optimistic outlook and a calm disposition at all times.

10. Patience

Patients frequently look upon the nurse for advice, knowledge, and emotional support. Therefore, you must maintain tolerance and patience when it comes to your patient’s feelings and emotions. A travel nurse has to have the heart and ability to communicate with warmth and empathy. You should be prepared to handle the patient’s questions, doubts, and oddity with patience.

Whether you’re already a travel nurse or planning to become one

This definitive checklist will help you understand what you need and why. You may have to work harder to develop the skills that you lack. Travel nursing is an excellent choice for nurses looking to travel to new and exciting places, build your resume, and earn additional monetary benefits.

If you would like to read tips from fellow Gypsy Nurses? Here are a couple great articles written by fellow travel nurses:

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!)

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

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!”

—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

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By ONESTAFF MEDICAL

February 4, 2020

5167 Views

Be Your Own Advocate: 8 Self-Care Tips for Smart Travel Nurses

Posted on February 4, 2020January 16, 2023 by ONESTAFF MEDICAL

This article provided by: OneStaff Medical

As rewarding as the nursing profession can be, most nurses acknowledge that it can also be very stressful.

Self-Care Tips for Travel Nurses

In one study by the American Nurses Association, for example, 82% of nurses who responded agreed they were at significant risk of workplace stress. By the same token, 68% reported that they put their patients’ health, safety and wellness before their own. A significant 56-57% reported frequently working through breaks and/or arriving early or staying late to accomplish their work, and 51% reported having musculoskeletal pain at work.

“The results show there is room for improvement in nurses’ health, particularly with physical activity, nutrition, rest, safety and quality of life,” note the study authors. “Now is the time to educate nurses and employers on the importance of nurse self-care. Nurses give the best care to patients when they are operating at their own peak wellness.”

With that in mind, here are some suggestions for being your own best advocate when it comes to caring for your own physical, mental and spiritual health as a traveling nurse.

Remember the obvious.

Exercise regularly, fuel your body with nutritious foods, get plenty of sleep and immediately address any health issues that could be dragging you down. And never underestimate the power of a great massage.

Develop coping strategies.

Figure out what most triggers your workplace stress, and devise ways of dealing with it. You might take short breaks that involve walking outdoors, meditating, deep breathing, eating a protein-rich snack or venting to a (non-workplace) friend. You might take a restorative power nap during your lunch break. Or, you may start declining job categories or locales that seem to cause you undue stress.

Schedule in breaks.

Instead of taking back-to-back assignments, you may want to stagger them so you have time to ground yourself and rest in between. Working away from home can take a greater level of planning and organization, and you may need time to regroup, revisit your goals, see family and friends and take care of personal business before moving on to your next job.

Be mindful about how you spend time and energy.

That means sometimes saying no to experiences and adventures (in and out of work) that are bound to stress you out, bring you down and/or sap your personal resources.

Compartmentalize.

Try not to worry about workplace concerns when you’re at home, and to disregard personal issues while you’re at work. Everyday rituals may help you emotionally disconnect: For example, you may wish to listen to empowering music or podcasts on your way to work and work our immediately afterward. “The minute you walk into your home, remind yourself and give yourself permission to stop thinking about work, and begin being present and mindful that you are home,” advises clinician Maria Baratta in Psychology Today.

Make your home a retreat.

Create a haven of rest and comfort in your room or apartment with ultra-comfortable bedding, relaxing music, candles, cushy patio furniture, a TV or computer that offers entertainment options, a fridge full of your favorite food and drink, etc. Then stay in, pamper yourself and recoup when you have a particularly tough day at work. Note: Time spent in nature can have the same restorative effect.

Keep in close contact with friends.

After a tough day at work, your buddies can remind you that you’re far more than your job description. A good friend will listen to you vent while helping you keep everything in perspective.

Seek professional help.

If you think you’re in danger of professional burnout, see a therapist who can help you manage your stress and develop coping mechanisms.

We hope that you find these 8 great self-care tips helpful in your travel nurse journey. Here are a few more articles with great self-care tips:

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

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

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—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

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By Jennifer Traub

February 3, 2020

6822 Views

5 Things All Travel Nurses Should Consider Before Quitting a Difficult Assignment

Posted on February 3, 2020May 19, 2021 by Jennifer Traub

Let’s face it. When hospitals are calling in travel nurses, it is usually because they are in dire need of extra help because they are so short staffed. This could put you in some not so favorable working conditions and make for a difficult assignment, that may make you want to pull your hair out. The motto I use when I get a job in facilities such as these is, “You could do anything for 13 weeks.”

If that internal reassurance is still not getting you through, you may want to consider a few things before you call it quits.

Check the hospital system rules

First, you need to see if quitting your current assignment will affect your potential for getting another job in the same hospital system. For instance, if you are working for an HCA hospital, it is possible you may not be able to get another job with another HCA hospital for an extended period of time. This limits your options in finding work as a traveler.

Reread your contract

Second, you need to reread the fine print in your contract. Some agreements with the hospital you are working for clearly state you will need to pay money upfront if you choose to end your contract early.

Search for Resources

Next, see if there are any resources that can help you get through the remaining weeks of your contract. You already went through orientation and the whole process of acclimating to a new facility and city. It’s a shame to throw away all of that time and energy if there are ways you could salvage your deteriorating mindset. Reach out to management and see if you could get patients that are more conducive to your skillset or if there are more team members who could

Buddy up with other travelers

These nurses have the same mindset as you, so therefore you are all in this together. Confide in another traveler you trust about how you’re feeling. I don’t know too many other travelers who wouldn’t help another nurse who was struggling.

Treat yourself and do fun things in the city you’re in

Finally, make sure you treat yourself and do fun things in the city you’re in. We have a very difficult job and self-care should always be a priority. If you’re not taking care of yourself, you sure as heck can’t take care of anyone else.

I hope these tips have helped give you some insight and/or motivation to keep plowing through your difficult assignment. Sometimes a traveler needs to call it quits despite all of these recommendations because they don’t feel safe working on the unit they’re on or because of other various reasons. That is OK too. You’re a contract employee, and one of the benefits of that is having the freedom and flexibility to work when and where you choose to.

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

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

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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!”

—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

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By GHR Travel Nursing

January 31, 2020

5964 Views

Five Things to Avoid in Your Travel Nurse Job Hunt

Posted on January 31, 2020May 19, 2021 by GHR Travel Nursing

This article provided by: GHR Travel Nursing

Just because travel nurses are sought after and in-demand, don’t think you have your next job in the bag just yet. With some preparation, polishing and self-reflecting, your next job search can be your most seamless yet.

Read about five of the most common mistakes nurses make during the job hunt.

Outdated resume

One of the first points of contact between you and a recruiter will be your resume. Because of this, it’s very important to make sure your resume is up-to-date and showcases your relevant skills in a clear and professional manner.

When it comes to displaying your experiences and background, use concise and common language. Make it as easy as possible for the end user and be sure to list all nursing credentials, education and your current position. If there is more than three months between two jobs, explain the gap.

Recruiter Sarah G. encourages candidates to show off in their resume.

“You’re the only one who knows your experience, credentials and accomplishments,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to show off and brag about yourself a little. Put your best foot forward.”

Limiting yourself to one work environment

From the fast-paced shift of an ER nurse, to working at a small rural community facility, there are a variety of facility options out there. One of the best parts about being a travel nurse is experiencing many work environments.

That being said, to take true advantage of the assortment of facilities available, keep an open mind. Don’t be too particular about your facility needs and be open to try new things. Take advantage of the options in the healthcare field and don’t be afraid to branch out to discover what exactly you like, or dislike, in a facility type. You never know what excitement or challenges a new environment will bring until you try it!

Sloppy online presence

In today’s world, it is very common for hiring managers or recruiters to check out your online space during the screening process. When your name is Googled or searched on Facebook, make sure the results yield a positive online presence.

It’s always best to make sure your social profiles have tight privacy settings. You don’t need a recruiter finding your Instagram page which contains photos of you in compromising settings or situations.

If your social profiles are not private, be sure to portray your best self at all times. Avoid offensive memes, oversharing, and conversations around religion or politics. Additionally, keep in mind that anyone on your current friends or followers list could potentially have an impact on whether or not you land a job. You never know what mutual connections you may have!

Lack of interview prep

Even though your training, skills and education is desirable, it’s still important to knock any phone screens or interviews out of the park. With a little time and effort, it’s easy to set yourself apart from other candidates with quality preparation.

Before speaking with a recruiter or manager, make sure you learn all you can about the position or facility to which you’re applying. If you have friends or colleagues who have experience in the role and/or company you’re applying for, pick their brain to gain insight and knowledge. A little research can go a long way.

Additionally, make sure all necessary paperwork is handy and ready to be distributed. The hiring process can move pretty fast. If and when you’re hired, you’ll thank yourself for having all licenses, resumes, credentials and certifications in one place. The recruiter will greatly appreciate it.

Unfocused on next opportunity

Another great bonus of working in the nursing industry is knowing it shouldn’t take long to find a new job. Whether you’re looking to relocate to another area of the US, or try out a new facility, your next opportunity is right around the corner. Always have your sights on your next gig because 13 weeks will fly by.

During your current travel nursing assignment, start thinking about what you want your next position to be like. Hash out your wants and needs, and determine the best next step toward meeting your long-term career goals. You will never regret being one step ahead. And when the time to move on approaches, work with a recruiter to start the process.

GHR Travel Nursing wishes you the best of luck in your job hunt!

We hope that these tips help you in your job hunt, if you would like more information on travel nursing our Travel Nurse Guide is a great resource.

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

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

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!”

—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

Join Now

Tips for Finding Love as a Travel Nurse:

Dating Sites

Get out and mingle

Traditional Dating Scenarios aren’t the only way

Put yourself out there

Find Happiness with yourself

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

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

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Interim Guidance for Healthcare Professionals

Criteria to Guide Evaluation ofPatients Under Investigation (PUI) for 2019-nCoV

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Interim Healthcare Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients Under Investigation for 2019-nCoV

Footnotes

Additional Resources:

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You Can Explore New Cities and States Together

Homesickness Will Become a Thing of the Past

Your Assignment May Be More Successful

You May Be Able to Double Your Housing Stipend

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Visit Restaurants

Local leagues

Social Media

Volunteer

Daily Necessities

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What it takes to be a travel nurse

1. Flexibility and Adaptability

2. A Love For Travel

3. Strong Work Ethic

4. Confidence

5. Professionalism

6. Excellent Communication Skills

7. Desire To Learn

8. High Emotional Intelligence

9. Endurance

10. Patience

Whether you’re already a travel nurse or planning to become one

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

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

Related Posts

Emergency Fund for Newbies

Travel Nurses with Unsupportive Friends and Family: How to Deal with It

Criteria to Guide Evaluation of
Patients Under Investigation (PUI) for 2019-nCoV