May 24, 2023

42590 Views

Furnished Finder: Your Ultimate Solution for Hassle-Free Living Spaces

Posted on May 24, 2023December 18, 2023 by Furnished Finder

Furnished Finder, the recommended housing platform of The Gypsy Nurse, is an excellent resource for travel nurses because 1) you go direct to the property owner and 2) you don’t have to pay expensive booking fees, and 3) every landlord is verified for traveler safety.

One important thing to note is that the housing market is changing, so you may have to do things a little bit differently. Monthly furnished rentals are in such demand right now that they are not staying on the market for very long, making it harder for the travel nurse who needs to secure housing on short notice. In a post-covid environment, many companies have made moves towards a remote workforce which makes it easier for remote workers of all types to pick up and move to different cities. Knowing that traveling nurses are competing for monthly furnished housing more than ever before, here are 3 things travelers should do to shift the odds in their favor:

Start Early

The one thing that is guaranteed to add more stress to your housing search is time, specifically the lack of it. Of course, you may not always know where you are going a couple of months out, but as soon as you’ve settled on an assignment, start aggressively searching for housing immediately. Nobody likes that ‘I’m running out of time feeling, so when at all possible, start searching for travel nurse housing as early as possible. In fact, Furnished Finder has a Stipend Calculator that allows travelers to better understand housing costs in different cities before they go, which may ultimately help you decide which job you want to take. The worst-case scenario is for you to take an assignment and feel blindsided by the housing cost in that city. Know before you go! Take the time to do the research now so there aren’t any surprises later.

There are two ways to start your Furnished Finder housing search. You can Search The Map, where you can see all the listings and reach out to them directly, and/or you can submit a Housing Request. Housing requests are great because you fill out a short form, and landlords will reach out if their property may fit your criteria – perfect for the traveler who is short on time but still wants to get the ball rolling on their travel nurse housing search.

Text or Call

While you can send any property owner a message and chat with them directly, many Furnished Finder listings also provide their phone number, where you can text and/or call them directly as well. With the high email burden that we all carry these days, sometimes landlords respond better via text message! If landlords aren’t getting back to you as fast as you would like, go ahead and shoot them a text or call as well.

Dig Deeper

Here are some more recommendations to make Furnished Finder work for you. The first one is to keep scrolling past your availability date. (I don’t mean to say ignore the listings that match your timing, but in this scenario, the expectation is that you’ve already contacted all “those listings). The reason you shouldn’t stop once you reach your move-in date is because if you keep scrolling, you’ll find another section of housing options labeled “Contact for Availability.” With all the demand, sometimes landlords forget to update their availability, so they wind up in the “Contact for Availability” section (where travelers have been known to find some great properties!). Knowing that travel nurses typically stay about 3 months at a time, you can connect with landlords midterm. Although they may have a tenant right now, they may have an opening coming up soon where you can secure it even before it becomes available on the map!!

Fill out your Traveler Profile! Landlords want to see who they’d be renting to, and a blank profile can be a big turn-off. On the flip side of that, we also encourage landlords to fill theirs out as well!

Get the E-Book! This e-book is essential for any new travel nurse and is extremely useful to the most experienced vet! It covers topics like these and more: Interview Strategies, Negotiation Tactics, Credentialing, Housing Tips, How to Avoid Scams, Hospital Orientation, and Planning Your Next Assignment.

FAQs about Furnished Finder

How does Furnished Finder work?

Furnished Finder is an online rental platform that helps people find furnished accommodation in their desired city. To get started, simply search for your destination, and the website will provide you with a list of furnished properties, all complete with amenities such as furniture, linens, kitchenware, and more. Once you’ve selected a place, you can easily inquire with the landlord and book your stay.

How much does Furnished Finder cost?

Unlike other rental platforms, Furnished Finder never charges booking fees, so you can save more money to use on your rental. That typically can save you 10-15% on your rental amount!

Is Furnished Finder safe?

Furnished Finder is a platform that helps people find furnished accommodations. It is a safe and secure platform with an easy-to-use interface. All of the properties listed on the platform are verified to ensure they meet safety standards, and the site offers various tools to help make sure you find exactly what you’re looking for in your search for furnished accommodation. It also provides the option to contact landlords for more details about their listings so you can feel comfortable with your decision before signing a lease.

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 Furnished Finder

May 23, 2023

32438 Views

Navigating Safety: Assessing Furnished Finder for Travel Nurse Housing

Posted on May 23, 2023December 18, 2023 by Furnished Finder

In the past, one of the most challenging aspects of working as a travel nurse was finding safe and affordable short-term rentals that offered fully-furnished accommodations. Fortunately, more landlords have realized the advantages of renting to travel nurses, and websites like Furnished Finder make it easier than ever to secure traveling nurse rentals in cities across the country.

However, the convenience of finding properties online can potentially expose travel nurses to online housing scams. While listing websites practice their due diligence when it comes to preventing and identifying fraudulent rental properties, travel nurses also need to be armed with the right knowledge and know-how to spot potential scams. This guide will help you avoid scams and get matched up with trustworthy landlords and ideal housing opportunities.

Common Housing Scams

Typically, housing scams fall under three main categories: the fake ad, the spoof ad, and the identity theft ad. Usually, the fake ad will only include a few blurry images and very little information about the property. Remember that landlords are running a business and looking to earn rental income, which means that a legitimate landlord will really want to sell their rental and show it in the best light possible. If the ad is short on details, it is probably fake. Move on to other options and take the time to report any suspicious ads so that other travel nurses don’t fall victim to scams.

The spoof ad can be a little harder to spot.

In this case, they typically use professional images that really catch your eye, but there tends to be something about the listing that seems too good to be true. Perhaps you have been looking at comparable properties, and they are listed at much higher prices. If the landlord is offering a lot of space and other amenities for a bargain basement price, beware. Rental prices in the same area should be pretty consistent…

Identity theft ads

With identity theft ads. A scammer has stolen the landlord’s identity and is posing as them to try and convince potential renters to send them money. This type of scam won’t be as obvious right up front but listen to your instincts if something feels off or you don’t feel completely comfortable with the interactions between you and the landlord.

Remember, scammers will always have an odd story about why they can’t show you the place, and they’re building urgency with each interaction with the ultimate goal of you sending money to secure the property. Once that money has been sent, there is no way to get your money back (even if you use popular payment sites like Zelle or Venmo).

Landlords can also be victims of scammers as well.

The best thing they can do is have a tenant screening system and stick to it every time. A common online landlord scam is where a scammer pretends to be a foreign student who is shipping their car. They’ll send you a check for more than your move-in costs, but you’re supposed to send the ‘extra money’ to a car shipping company. The bottom line is “the bigger the story, the bigger the ruse.” Don’t fall for it.

Watch for these Housing Scam Red Flags:

1. A dramatic storyline.

If they are stuck overseas, need to rent out the property ASAP due to an illness, or offer up some other heart-wrenching reason that is meant to evoke a sympathetic response, ghost the poster immediately. Legitimate landlords should already have a simple and straightforward process for both parties involved.

2. Landlord is unable to meet in person.

Even if the owner lives in another state, they should have someone nearby managing them. You should always be able to meet the landlord in person if you want to. A scammer may agree to meet in person at first, but you will find that they always come up with an excuse to cancel, which usually involves a sob story.

3. Unusual communication hours.

Have you noticed that the landlord only seems to send you emails at 2 in the morning? While they might be night owls, there is a good chance that they are actually located overseas and running a housing scam.

4. Poorly written emails and European spellings.

If their emails are full of misspellings and grammatical errors, it is difficult to decipher what they are trying to say. This is a major red flag. Also, take note of any European spellings, such as the additional “u” in words like colour and labour, or maybe they use the word “revert” instead of “reply.”

5. They want you to wire funds.

There are plenty of ways to instantly make secure payments from your smartphone or computer in today’s digital world. There is no reason to ever wire money, especially to someone you don’t know. Scammers will try and pressure you into sending a wire transfer because it means that you won’t be able to get your money back. Even then, you can still get scammed on Venmo and Zelle, so be sure who you’re speaking to is really the owner of the property. (Don’t be fooled by fake passports either – commonly, the identity they use will have a fake passport as well).

6. They are using high-pressure sales tactics.

The faster a scammer can get you to commit to a property, the less time you have to notice and consider some red flags that might be popping up. Oftentimes, they will tell you that others are ready to rent the property, and you have to move fast. Most reputable landlords are happy to go through the application and verification process so that both parties are comfortable moving forward and set up for success. If you are feeling rushed and uncertain, trust yourself and move on to another listing.

Don’t get so stressed that you make a bad decision and don’t forget that hotels are your friend! You can always grab an extended-stay hotel when you arrive to give you time to meet the landlord and view the property.

Tips for Avoiding Housing Scams

First and foremost, begin your housing search with an established company that screens the hosts. Furnished Finder, who also owns TravelNurseHousing.com, is familiar with the needs of travel nurses and the challenges they face when it comes to avoiding scams which is why every landlord on FF must pass a background check before their listing goes live. Verifying the landlord’s identity is a time-consuming and expensive process for a housing site. Still, it is also one reason Furnished Finder is probably the highest-regarded travel nurse housing site in the industry.

In case you find housing somewhere else and want a second opinion to make sure you’re not speaking to a scammer, you can even submit a free owner verification report from Furnished Finder as well. This is the same report they use to screen their landlords on their site, but they don’t charge the traveler a dime.

You can also do some sleuthing of your own

Using Google Maps and Google image search. Take a few moments to find the property on Google Maps and verify that the street view of the property matches the images of the property listing. You can also take the images and run them through Google image search to see whether these same pictures have been used on other listings and are part of a scam.

While scammers continue to become more sophisticated, there are steps you can take to identify and avoid being taken in by a fake landlord looking to steal your money and your personal information. Be aware of the different types of housing scams, look out for red flags, and follow our tips for avoiding scams. To learn more about this topic and start searching for the right rental for your next travel nurse assignment, visit Furnished Finder today.

We hope that these tips for avoiding housing scams help you on your travels! If you are looking for more tips for travel nurse housing, The Ultimate Travel Nurse Housing Resource for the Renter and Landlord includes great information for travel nurses looking for housing.

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 TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

May 23, 2023

1404 Views

Everything Your QA Department Can Help You Do

Posted on May 23, 2023May 23, 2023 by TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

TNAA-Travel Nurse Across America provided this article.

Licenses, screening, and immunizations – oh, my! With each travel nurse assignment comes a mountain of compliance requirements. If you don’t have help through your travel nurse agency, staying compliant for each assignment feels like a chore. However, if your travel nursing agency has a QA department, you have a valuable resource at your service. Your quality assurance team should have the know-how to help you navigate the many compliance aspects of this career seamlessly.

Assignment Compliance

First, let’s give a quick breakdown of what compliance requirements you can expect for each travel nurse assignment.

Drug screening & background check
- Licensing (if you’re up for renewal or taking an assignment in a non-compact state)
- Up-to-date certifications
- Up-to-date immunizations

Now that you know what to expect, you can see it’s a lot, especially when each agency and healthcare facility requires a little something different. Imagine all the research it will take to find a place that offers what you need for each compliance piece, scheduling the appointments, and filling out, collecting, and keeping up with all the paperwork. It’s easy to see how helpful a quality assurance (QA) department can be.

But, while lots of agencies have a QA component, it’s important to do some digging into it. Some agencies might give you a list of what you need to have but then say you’re on your own. Others might have recruiters pull double duty to handle assignment compliance or outsource to third parties. And some agencies might have a dedicated, in-house department, so you know you have someone you can call at a moment’s notice when you need help with a compliance requirement (especially when hospitals have last-minute requests just days before an assignment begins).

The Role of Quality Assurance

Compliance is an ongoing process, and all travelers have to meet the necessary compliance requirements mandated by healthcare facilities and regulatory bodies in order to take and stay on assignment.

QA specialists can play a crucial role in verifying credentials, licenses, immunizations, certifications, and any other prerequisites necessary for a successful assignment, as well as helping you schedule appointments, keeping track of paperwork, sending timely reminders for renewals, and assisting you with any necessary updates. Some agencies will even help you obtain the licenses and certifications needed and will pay the fees or reimburse you for them. Check with your agency’s QA team to see what they offer.

Beyond the initial compliance requirements, the quality assurance department serves as a consistent support system throughout your travel nurse assignment that can address any concerns or challenges that may arise regarding compliance and help you navigate through them effectively.

How Can You Make Compliance An Easier Process For Yourself?

By leveraging the expertise and support of your travel nursing agency’s quality assurance department, you can simplify the process of a travel nurse career. When embarking on a new travel nurse assignment, if your travel nurse agency has a QA department, establish open lines of communication with them. Promptly providing them with all the necessary documentation will allow them to verify your compliance status efficiently and get you on assignment more easily. This department should allow you to focus on providing exceptional patient care while your compliance needs are expertly managed.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

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 Galaxy Healthcare

May 22, 2023

2947 Views

How to Land Travel Nurse and Allied Health Assignments in 2023

Posted on May 22, 2023May 22, 2023 by Galaxy Healthcare

Galaxy Healthcare provided this article.

While the demand for travel nurses and allied health professionals positions has decreased since the pandemic, there is still a healthy demand with more job openings and higher rates than there were pre-pandemic.

There are plenty of benefits to working local and travel assignments with agencies, including flexibility, traveling to new places, higher pay, and shorter contract commitments. Do you want to land the perfect local or travel assignments in 2023? Here are some tips to help you have the most success.

Look for the Right Recruiter Relationship

Good recruiters should be your biggest advocate and a guide for landing you great travel assignments. From the submittal process to the potential contract extension process, your recruiter will be the person who is there for you throughout your travel career. They will work with you to ensure you are getting the assignments you are looking for, along with any other topics you may need guidance on during your assignment. That is why finding a recruiter or a handful of recruiters that prioritize you is so important.

Not all agencies have the same opportunities or consistency, so it can be beneficial to find a couple of recruiters you trust at different agencies to increase your odds of finding the best assignments for you. Once you have found a recruiter or handful of recruiters, make sure you are building a strong relationship with them, as it can lead to great benefits. If you have a strong relationship with your recruiters, then it will be easy for you to be honest with them for the best outcomes.

Choose the recruiter that is willing to have the hard conversations with you and is extremely transparent. The recruiters that keep you at the front of their minds are the ones who are continuously communicating with you, guiding you through the process, and looking out for potential assignments for you at all times.

Communication & Preparation are Key!

After choosing the right recruiter, be as communicative with them as possible. Provide them with everything they need to match you with the right assignments and have you ready to go so you can be one of the first candidates submitted. Ensure all your credentials are up-to-date and shared with them. Come up with a game plan for what they should do when the role you are looking for opens. Do they have your permission to submit it when it opens? Do they need to text or call you to confirm? Make sure you can respond timely so they can give you the best shot.

If you are working with multiple recruiters and agencies, make sure you keep them up to speed on anywhere you are submitted or change in your status. This ensures you are not double-submitted to the same facility, which is frowned upon in our industry and can hinder your ability to land the assignment you want. It also prevents anyone from wasting time and maintains a good relationship for the future if you want to work with them.

We all know that healthcare professionals have very busy schedules, but if you are searching for a new assignment, then communicating with your travel agency and being available for them is a key part in landing great assignments. If you stand out as an uncommunicative candidate, then you might miss out on additional opportunities. Recruiters are willing to work with your schedule. Just let them know if something has changed!

Flexibility.

We know that flexibility is not always possible due to various life circumstances. But if you can be flexible in certain areas and are able to keep an open mind, it opens the door to more opportunities for you. Especially during the summer months when there are fewer orders, you may want to consider what items to be flexible on to maintain consistent work. This can ensure you are qualified and ready to go when the industry picks up again seasonally in the fall and winter months. Even if that means doing PRN work or working shorter contracts, just communicate with your recruiter and see what options they have.

When you are able to be flexible, you can learn about locations that you may not have known or thought about or specific positions that you are qualified for but have not considered. Ask about what locations have the best cost of living or what local contracts may be available in your area. You may be surprised at what opportunities exist that you haven’t heard about because of your stricter preferences.

Still, Looking for Competitive Pay Packages?

While some rates are continuing to decrease as the market shifts, ask your agencies if there are any additional programs going on that can incentivize you to work with them. Some of these could be hire-on bonuses, completion bonuses, scrub reimbursements, etc. Consider the full offering, and don’t assume there isn’t more to offer than the pay package itself.

If you are looking for a higher pay rate than what you are seeing reflected on a job listing, you could potentially be making more than what you see upfront, depending on what incentives the company offers. Make sure you are looking out for these opportunities and asking questions!

In Summary

The healthcare staffing industry is one of the largest and fastest-growing industries across the country. It can be hard to see with some of the extremes the pandemic brought to the industry that there is still a strong opportunity today in comparison. As with everything in life, evolving and recognizing how to have success in the current market is very important. If you know you want to continue your travel healthcare career, consider the above advice. There are plenty of options as a healthcare professional, and you have to decide what is best for you and your career. It’s okay if you decide you are hanging up your traveling hat. Just be sure to do the research, be open-minded, and find the experts who can guide you along the way.

3…2…1….blast off!

The Gypsy Nurse job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

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

Join Now

By Furnished Finder

May 20, 2023

88772 Views

Navigating Housing Stipends: Calculators and Insights for Travel Nurses

Posted on May 20, 2023December 19, 2023 by Furnished Finder

When you are working as a travel nurse, it can be a little tricky to figure out how much to budget for housing. The area of the country, the season you are in, and the number of short-term rentals available in the area will all affect how furnished rentals are priced. This can make it especially frustrating for new travel nurses to figure out what to pay for their short-term rental.

Housing Stipend Calculator

Luckily, Furnished Finder has a tool that makes comparing all of the housing costs in a certain area easy. The Housing Stipend Calculator gives you a great breakdown of what is available in the area, how common certain amenities are, and what average rates are for private rentals versus renting a room.

This is especially helpful because it gives you a breakdown of the types of rentals travel nurses are actually looking for. Most websites cater to either traditional renters and have prices based on unfurnished units with a long-term lease, or they are priced for vacationers and only offer a nightly rate that adds up quickly for long stays. With this tool, you can compare fully furnished spaces with monthly rates listed and short lease terms available as the standard practice.

How much to spend on short-term housing?

Most experienced travel nurses will recommend spending a maximum of one-quarter of your monthly income (aka one paycheck) on your short-term rental. This allows you to allocate three-quarters of your income towards savings, expenses back home, or fun! For most, this is a manageable amount that will allow you to live comfortably while also securing safe, comfortable housing.

Now when it comes to deciding what a truly fair price is for the area you will be living in, some of it will depend on your personal preferences. For instance, if having a washer and dryer in your unit is a non-negotiable, your idea of a fair rate may be different than someone who is willing to make trips to the laundromat.

What is the cost of living in your facility?

Square one is looking at what pay packages in the area are looking like for your specialty. Unfortunately, the pay that hospitals are offering may not line up well with the cost of living in the area they are located. Ask your recruiter(s) for a ballpark range in the city where you are looking, and loosely base your housing budget on that.

Then make a list of what you really want in your housing options and a list of non-negotiables. These may change as you move through your search, but it’s a good idea to have a rough idea of what you really want in your living space.

Plug the city into the Housing Stipend Calculator.

Next, plug that city into the Housing Stipend Calculator and see if your preferred amenities, the pay rates for the area, and average housing costs line up. I like to make sure there are at least five or six spaces easily within my budget because housing can fill fast. Don’t bank on scoring the one “budget” space after you secure your travel nurse assignment, so make sure you have several options that would work.

Adjust your expectations on your budget, if necessary.

Along the way, you may need to adjust your expectations or your budget. Sometimes, you may find that pay rates for the area simply don’t line up with what you would like to pay for housing and the amount you need to pay for all of your expenses back home. Don’t feel defeated–this just means it’s not the right time to travel to this particular city or state. Broaden your search, and the right travel nurse assignment at the right price is sure to roll around eventually.

At the end of the day, it’s difficult to set a specific price range that you can expect to pay for short-term housing across the country. Plus, every person will have their own idea of what ideal housing consists of. Set your expectations, adjust as needed, and take every hiccup as a learning experience for next time!

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

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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 Uniti Med

May 18, 2023

3872 Views

Five Tips for Making the Most of Your Experience in a New City as a Travel Nurse

Posted on May 18, 2023June 26, 2023 by Uniti Med

Uniti Med provided this article.

Traveling to a new city as a travel nurse can be both exciting and overwhelming. It’s an opportunity to explore a new place, discover its unique culture and attractions, and meet new people.

Here are five ways to make the most of your experience in a new city!

Research the city before you go –

Before you travel, it’s a good idea to research the city. Look up the main attractions, popular neighborhoods, and local traditions. You can also find information on public transportation, local events, and dining options.

Livability <– You can find data-driven rankings, editorial listicles, articles, and more. Search by state to narrow down your options.

Try local cuisine –

One of the best things about traveling is trying new foods. Each city has its own unique cuisine, and trying local dishes is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture. You can research popular restaurants or markets in the area or ask locals for recommendations.

Need help finding the best spots?

Yelp <– Search for local restaurants and read reviews from others. You can filter by cuisine type and location.

Join a tour –

Joining a tour is an excellent way to see the city and learn more about its history. You can choose from a variety of tours, including walking tours, bike tours, or bus tours. Many tours also offer local guides who can provide insider tips and recommendations.

Looking for a great resource to find the perfect tour?

TripAdvisor <– Offers a wide range of tours and activities in different cities. You can search by destination, activity type, and rating and book directly through the platform.

Meet locals –

Strike up a conversation with the locals you meet along the way. Not only will you get to know your new city, but according to a study, talking to people you encounter throughout the day makes you happier.

Be open to new experiences –

Finally, the most important tip for traveling in a new city is to be open to new experiences. Try new foods, explore new neighborhoods, and embrace the local traditions. Traveling is all about stepping outside your comfort zone and experiencing something new.

By researching the city before you go, trying local cuisine, joining a tour, meeting locals, and being open to new experiences, you can make the most of the journey and create lasting memories.

Happy travels!

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 Medical Solutions

May 17, 2023

3783 Views

6 Types of Nurses Who Should Seriously Consider PRN/Local Travel Contracts

Posted on May 17, 2023May 17, 2023 by Medical Solutions

Medical Solutions provided this article.

The flexibility and adventure of traditional nursing and allied travel are undoubtedly enticing. But what happens when your contract ends or you find yourself with some free time? PRN/local travel combines the flexibility of working on an as-needed basis with the adventure of exploring new regions around you. Whether you’re looking to pick up more shifts or you just want more control over where and how you work, PRN/local can be just the thing to help get you where you want to be, both in life and location.

Wait, what’s the difference between traditional travel and local travel?

Traditional travel contracts involve longer-term assignments in new locations, typically ranging from 13 weeks to a year or more. Travel nurse agencies, such as Medical Solutions, generally provide housing accommodations or stipends, travel reimbursements, healthcare insurance, retirement plans, and other fun perks and benefits, like rewards programs or exclusive retail discounts.

On the other hand, PRN or local travel contracts involve shorter-term assignments within a local region that can range from single, as-needed shifts to a few weeks of coverage, depending on the facility’s needs. It offers greater flexibility in the hours you work and the ability to choose assignments based on availability and personal preferences, but they generally don’t include housing arrangements or full benefits packages (although that really depends on the agency or organization you work through!).

What types of nurses should travel locally?

Many types of nurses may consider PRN positions depending on their circumstances, career goals, and personal preferences, but PRN/Local contracts are perfect for:

Parents that need flexible schedules

Whether you’re a new parent (congrats!) or a seasoned parent veteran (mad respect), you don’t have to miss those school concerts, sporting events, or important moments with your family.

Retirees looking to scale back

Ease into part-time work without being tied down to a fixed schedule or extensive work hours. PRN allows you to stay active in the nursing profession part-time and maintain your skills.

Clinicians in-between contracts

Even if you don’t sign a contract right away, it’s comforting to know you can always fly home and pick up as many PRN or Per Diem shifts as you want!

Clinicians in or returning to school

You need time to devote to studies and equal parts time to work. Local travel gives you a chance to gain experience in different healthcare settings or specialties without committing to a full-time role.

Full-time clinicians seeking extra income

You’ve got big financial goals, and PRN can help you get there–it’s a great way to stay busy and earn some supplemental income on your days off or during your free time.

Want to travel but can’t commit to far distances.

Sometimes you just can’t commit to an extended period away. But commitments close to home shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a travel career your way!

There are so many reasons you may want to pick up a PRN/local travel contract, but the best part is knowing you can create your own work-life harmony while still helping healthcare facilities struggling with staff shortages or seasonal fluctuations.

Getting started is easy!

Some PRN organizations, like Matchwell, allow you to skip recruiters and agencies altogether, making it extremely easy to dip your toe into local travel and schedule your work your way!

How does it work? Simply head to the Matchwell site to set up your account and upload documentation, then peruse through their extensive online marketplace for job postings that meet your criteria and preferences. Choose from local acute and post-acute, per diem, PRN, block schedule, or even full-time opportunities close by. Then, once you find a perfect match, you can connect with the hiring manager directly. Jobs are added daily, so check back often for fresh opportunities nearby.

If you’re a nurse with a passion for adventure and a desire to make a positive impact, PRN travel nursing might just be the perfect fit for you!

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

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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 RNnetwork

May 15, 2023

5255 Views

Travel Nurse Pay Pitfalls — And How to Avoid Them

Posted on May 15, 2023May 15, 2023 by RNnetwork

RNNetwork provided this article.

There are many factors that go into the decision to accept a travel nurse job, but one of the first questions most nurses ask is: How much will I get paid? However, the answer to that question isn’t always as clear and simple as it should be.

When you receive an offer from a travel nursing agency, it’s important to ask clarifying questions and dig deeper to make sure you understand what you’re getting. Not all offers are created equal, and you may end up disappointed if you don’t know exactly what you’re signing up for.

Here are three common travel nurse pay pitfalls and how to avoid them.

1. An offer that isn’t really an offer

Once you’ve shown interest or have spoken to a recruiter, some agencies will send you a letter that looks like an offer — look closely because it may not be. Instead, it may just be a generic pay package that doesn’t take your personal preferences or situation into consideration.

“Sometimes nurses think an email they received is an offer, but it’s generic to everyone,” says Michele Kluger, a senior recruiter with RNnetwork. “I hear this a lot, and I recommend they send me the letter. I can help them clarify what it means, and then we can calculate what they’d actually earn with RNnetwork.”

RNnetwork works diligently to come up with a compensation package that’s customized to each nurse’s situation. Senior recruiter Chris Georgiou says it may take a few extra minutes on the phone with your recruiter, but by the end of the conversation, you’ll know exactly what you’re going to get paid.

“It’s best to be as specific as possible,” he says. “That way, you know exactly what you’re going to earn for that specific assignment.”

2. More hours than you signed up for

It goes without saying that before you accept an assignment, you should read the offer thoroughly. One issue that comes up again and again, Kluger says, is you were quoted a weekly pay that looked attractive but was higher only because you ended up working more hours than you anticipated.

Some agencies may not be as transparent as they should be in this regard, and you’ll only discover this after you begin your assignment. Kluger gives an example of someone who began working for another agency: “The nurse didn’t notice, and it wasn’t clearly communicated, that the wages being quoted were for a 48-hour work week rather than a 36-hour work week.”

You may be making the promised weekly pay, but you’ll be working more hours than you planned to earn it.

3. Overdoing the non-taxable reimbursements

Travel nurses’ paychecks, at their most elemental level, are comprised of three buckets: hourly, taxable wages; per diem; and housing (or housing reimbursement). Per diem and housing are non-taxable reimbursements but are still part of the total compensation package. RNnetwork offers a custom compensation package whereby nurses can work with their recruiter to determine how they’d like to split up their compensation into these buckets.

For example, some nurses choose to take a higher hourly taxable wage, then a lower stipend and/or per diem. Another nurse may choose a lower hourly taxable wage but a higher housing and per diem. In either scenario, the gross compensation is the same. The only difference is how much of your compensation is taxable vs. non-taxable reimbursement.

Some agencies may try to entice you with offers of lower taxable wages and really high non-taxed compensation to inflate your take-home pay. Be wary of this: Accepting an excessively low taxable hourly wage — what Kluger refers to as a “babysitter’s” wage — could set you up for tax penalties later on. RNnetwork is committed to never going below a reasonable hourly wage because we don’t want to expose you to higher risk down the road if you were audited by the IRS.

Open and honest is best

There are a lot of factors that come into play when considering travel nurse pay and how it works. It may initially seem confusing, but when you connect with an experienced recruiter, they should work diligently to be transparent, open, and honest — and help you to secure the perfect job with the best compensation package possible.

To learn more about travel nurse pay, check out RNnetwork’s Travel Nurse Pay Guide, view today’s travel nurse job openings, or call us at 800.866.0407 to speak to a recruiter.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

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 Jogan Health

May 13, 2023

3735 Views

Nervous Nursing: How to Manage Stress as a Rookie Travel Nurse

Posted on May 13, 2023May 13, 2023 by Jogan Health

Jogan Health provided this article.

With a looming staffing shortage on the horizon and a high demand for temporary placement, it is no mystery that more healthcare professionals are flocking to travel nursing. After all, in recent years, the job has provided professionals the opportunity to gain wide and varied experience quickly, offered them a chance to see different cities and towns, and helped organizations quickly cover gaps in their roster.

Moreover, travel nursing has become an effective solution to healthcare provider burnout. A source of recurring work and a gold mine of experience, it can be one of the most rewarding choices a healthcare provider can make. If you’re an HP who has recently chosen travel nursing as your career, it is normal to feel nervous about your first day. Here are some ways to help manage that stress as a rookie travel nurse.

Study Up

In the weeks or months leading to your first assignment, it’s a good idea to research the cities and facilities where you will be working. A staffing agency can help you filter out facilities that don’t meet your criteria and ensure you end up with the team that suits your skills. You can also do this yourself, using online ratings and speaking with other providers who have worked there. There is an urban myth that accruing true, consistent experience as a travel nurse is hard, but with a little research, you can get positions at the right facilities and compile a list of references from the best organizations all over the country.

Preparation is Key

The day before you begin working at your new facility, make sure to lay out all your necessities, including your equipment bag, your uniform, ID badges, and any documentation you might require. Being in a rush on your first day is the last thing you want, so make it as easy as possible for yourself. If you’re big on breakfast, make something that is easy to reheat, so you don’t have to spend a ton of time frantically putting together a meal. If you’re not a big fan of the first meal of the day, don’t skip it. You’re going to need the energy! Instead, opt for a nutritional shake or a cereal bar with plenty of protein. Remember to take a water bottle. Staying hydrated can help with energy levels and general wellness.

It Pays to Be Kind

One of the biggest sources of anxiety for first-time travel nurses is the potential demeanor of the facility’s on-site team toward traveling providers. While there is no surefire way to tell if the atmosphere at your new workplace will be friendly, it pays to lead with kindness. In most situations, other providers will base their reactions on your skills, not your role in the healthcare industry. If you are still nervous, there are staffing concierge solutions available that can help you vet a facility or hospital. However, every service has its limits. In the end, the best way to test out whether a position is right for you is to jump in, feet first. If the experience doesn’t live up to your expectations, remember that you’re a travel nurse. None of this needs to amount to a long-term commitment to a team or facility. The fact that you can give a test run to organizations – and even entire specialties – is a strength, not a weakness!

Exercise Your Curiosity

When you arrive at your new workplace, don’t be scared to ask questions. It’s better to confirm verbally and publicly something that seems obvious than find out later that you’re not equipped to perform a task because you assumed incorrect information. Travel nursing is about providing consistency to organizations that need coverage, so do your best to remain informed of their procedures and workflow so that you can best help the existing team.

Focus on the Fun

Don’t forget that half of your title is nursing, but the other is traveling. Don’t be afraid to explore the new city or town you work in – it’s one of the reasons many travel nurses seek out the role in the first place! Meet new people, explore parks, and visit museums. Fully immerse yourself in new cultures and experiences during your time off, and your shift won’t feel so overwhelming when it does come back around.

Final Note: Confidence is Everything

Remember that being a travel nurse is no less important than being a local nurse. Your role might be slightly different, but you are just as necessary for the proper functioning of an organization. So, tackle your first day with confidence! Use your strengths, be honest about your weaknesses, and collaborate with your team to compensate for them.

As we mentioned previously, travel nursing provides a balanced opportunity. On the one hand, you have access to relatively consistent work. On the other, you can see new places. You’ve made the right choice, so remind yourself of all the personal reasons why this works for you. Then, go out and do what you do best! We’re rooting for you!

We hope you found these tips for rookie travel nurses helpful. Do you have any tips to share with rookie travel nurses? Comment them below.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

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

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FAQs about Furnished Finder

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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Common Housing Scams

The spoof ad can be a little harder to spot.

Identity theft ads

Landlords can also be victims of scammers as well.

Watch for these Housing Scam Red Flags:

1. A dramatic storyline.

2. Landlord is unable to meet in person.

3. Unusual communication hours.

4. Poorly written emails and European spellings.

5. They want you to wire funds.

6. They are using high-pressure sales tactics.

Tips for Avoiding Housing Scams

You can also do some sleuthing of your own

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

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Assignment Compliance

The Role of Quality Assurance

How Can You Make Compliance An Easier Process For Yourself?

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Look for the Right Recruiter Relationship

Communication & Preparation are Key!

Flexibility.

Still, Looking for Competitive Pay Packages?

In Summary

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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Housing Stipend Calculator

How much to spend on short-term housing?

What is the cost of living in your facility?

Plug the city into the Housing Stipend Calculator.

Adjust your expectations on your budget, if necessary.

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Here are five ways to make the most of your experience in a new city!

Research the city before you go –