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

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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

By RTG Medical

March 29, 2023

2456 Views

Night Shift Travel Assignment: Tips for First-Time Travelers

Posted on March 29, 2023March 29, 2023 by RTG Medical

RTG Medical provided this article.

Working the night shift can disrupt your daily routine, even when you’re not traveling. Typically lasting between 8 to 12 hours, night shifts can be daunting for first-time night shift travel nurses. However, there are steps you can take to thrive during those long night shifts.

Tips for working a night shift travel assignment:

Stick to a Schedule

To ensure a smooth transition to your first night shift as a medical traveler, you must mentally, emotionally, and physically prepare yourself. Preparation should begin well before the day of your assignment. Planning ahead is crucial to give your mind and body ample time to adjust to your new schedule. To reset your circadian rhythm, gradually alter your sleeping patterns in the weeks leading up to your travel assignment.

If you struggle to maintain a sleep schedule during daylight hours, there are a few items you can invest in to help ensure a peaceful slumber. Since sunlight exposure signals the brain to stay awake, consider purchasing blackout curtains or a sleeping mask to help remove distractions. Additionally, try using white noise apps to drown out any background noise that could interrupt your rest. To further improve your sleep quality during the day, you may want to try incorporating some of these tips:

Establish a pre-sleep routine: Just like with nighttime sleep, establishing a routine can help signal to your body that it’s time to rest. Consider taking a warm bath or reading a book to wind down before sleep.
Keep your bedroom cool: A cooler room temperature can promote better sleep, so try keeping your bedroom between 60-67 degrees Fahrenheit.
Practice relaxation techniques: If you find yourself feeling stressed or anxious before sleep, practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help calm your mind and body.

Working the night shift makes it even more crucial to prioritize sleep. Your success in this role is dependent on maintaining a steady sleep schedule. Irregular sleep patterns can weaken your immune system, impair your memory, and impact your ability to focus.

Maintain a Consistent Meal Schedule

Changing your sleep and eating routines can be quite challenging, particularly because your body has a natural rhythm for hunger, just like it does for sleep. Despite this, it’s vital to prioritize proper nutrition when working night shifts. Preparing healthy, well-balanced meals and snacks can help sustain your energy levels and promote good health.

To stay energized during your night shift, consume a well-rounded diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. These superfoods will provide the necessary fuel to get you through the night. Avoid giving in to the temptation of vending machine snacks, which are often high in sugar and processed. Although these snacks may provide an initial energy boost, they will inevitably lead to a crash. In addition to a well-rounded diet, you can follow several other tips to stay energized during your night shift. Here are a few:

Take breaks: Giving yourself time to rest and recharge during your shift is essential.
Avoid caffeine late in the shift: While caffeine can provide a quick burst of energy, it can also interfere with your ability to sleep once your shift is over. If you need a pick-me-up later in the shift, try drinking water or eating a piece of fruit instead.

Prioritize Self Care

For medical travelers, especially those working night shifts, self-care is crucial when adjusting to a new schedule. Taking care of your mental health should be a top priority. As you settle into your new routines, make sure to set aside time for yourself and enjoy your days off. When beginning your night shift travel assignment, remember to prioritize self-care.

While caffeine is a beloved pick-me-up, moderation is essential. Consider drinking water to enhance focus and energy without experiencing a caffeine crash. Furthermore, water is vital for brain function and overall health. The amount of water you should drink depends on factors such as your diet and exercise routine. However, adults should drink between 9 and 13 cups of water daily.

It’s natural to experience downtime while working the night shift, but keep it from leading to inactivity. With a little creativity, you can exercise during your shift. Consider walking around the unit, using stairways, or doing some light cleaning to keep your body moving and combat fatigue.

Although it might feel daunting, don’t shy away from night shift travel assignments. With careful planning and preparation, you can smoothly transition into your ever-changing schedule.

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:

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

By Medely

March 28, 2023

2125 Views

Rental or Hotel? 8 Ways To Find The Perfect Home For Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment

Posted on March 28, 2023January 3, 2024 by Medely

Medely provided this article.

Once you have a travel nurse assignment lined up, you can focus on the next big decision: figuring out where you’re going to live. As part of a compensation package, travel nurses may be able to stay in company housing or receive a housing stipend.

Many travel nurses and allied professionals prefer the flexibility, comfort, and savings of finding accommodations on their own. And luckily, the housing reimbursement means you have options! Should you look for a rental property, or is a hotel stay the best choice for you?

First, consider your high-level requirements. These might include:

Location. Maybe you need easy access to several facilities where you’ll be picking up per diem or travel nursing assignments, or you prefer to stay outside of the city.
Budget. Finding accommodations that are cheaper than your housing stipend—maybe with a roommate or two—enables you to cut your housing costs and reach your financial goals more quickly.
Features. Access to different amenities can help you make the most of your downtime.
Family. Traveling with a spouse or kids can greatly impact the amount of space you’ll be looking for.
Pet policy. If you travel with an animal, easy access to a yard or park may be essential for your new place.

With your particular preferences in mind, you can compare your priorities with the available housing options.

Housing options: furnished rentals vs. hotels

The pros and cons of furnished rentals vs. hotels

Undoubtedly, your experience with accommodations will vary—every property is different. However, we’ve broken down the usual expectations into potential pros and cons.

Staying in a furnished rental

Pros:

✅ More cost-effective

✅ More home-like feel

✅ More space

✅ Potential access to a yard

✅ Location in a residential area

✅ Full kitchen

✅ More likely to have in-suite laundry facilities

✅ Can be found in many different neighborhoods

Cons:

⚠️ Some rentals are only for short stays

⚠️ Some rentals are equipped for people on vacation, not professionals

⚠️ Fees can be unpredictable

⚠️ Quality of accommodations can be unpredictable

⚠️ Property management can be unpredictable

Staying in a hotel

Pros:

✅ Short term or long-term options available

✅ More amenities, like an on-site gym or pool

✅ Continental breakfast

✅ Housekeeping services

✅ More consistent quality standards

✅ On-site help in case of problems

✅ On-site parking

Cons:

⚠️ More expensive

⚠️ Less space

⚠️ Less comfortable

⚠️ Less privacy

⚠️ Not typically in residential areas

⚠️ May not be close to residential services (i.e., parks, grocery stores)

There is no right option for a travel nurse—some prefer hotels, others prefer furnished rentals and some plan for a combination of both. For example, you may be:

Looking for a place to live. Book a short-term vacation rental for a few weeks while you get to know the city, learn about different neighborhoods, and get recommendations from colleagues.
Waiting for a furnished rental. A hotel can be a stress-free option while you wait for long-term accommodations to be ready.
Focused on work. A long-stay hotel, with all of its amenities, may be a solid option for your whole assignment if you don’t want the responsibility of a rental property.

As you’ll see from the list below, furnished rentals and hotels are two distinct categories, but there are a lot of ways for you to customize your experience. Check out these eight ways to find a suitable property during your next travel assignment housing option.

1. Airbnb — Monthly Rentals

One of the most recognizable brands for vacation rentals, Airbnb has created a category for furnished housing options that are available for 30+ days.

While you can’t apply filters to the monthly rental search results, you can use Airbnb to find various types of rental properties, from condos to guest suites to detached houses. Airbnb acts as an intermediary, offering some degree of protection to both owners and renters—but it is important to look at previous feedback and ask questions that may come up.

Airbnb also makes it easy for you to:

Browse listing information and pricing without any commitment
Check out reviews and ratings to feel more confident about your expectations
Communicate directly with the property owner or manager about any questions you may have

Pricing on Airbnb can be more competitive than on other short-term rental sites, but the service fees can also add up. It’s also important to check cancellation policies; they vary by property and can be quite strict.

2. Furnished Finder

A popular site for travel nurses and other medical professionals, Furnished Finder is a niche site that helps travelers find a house, room, or apartment for 30+ days. It’s built with professionals like you in mind rather than catering to the vacation market.

While Airbnb serves as a bit of a mediator, Furnished Finder makes the connection, and there’s a lot less crowdsourced information from an established community. For example:

Information about properties isn’t verified
There’s a review and ratings feature, but it doesn’t seem to be widely used

With this more hands-off approach, it’s up to you to sort out the lease agreement and rental payments with the owner. In exchange, you’ll save on booking fees and markup—Furnished Finder charges the owner a fee for listing the property, but there are no fees for you as a renter.

3. ShortTermHousing.com

Website

ShortTermHousing.com specializes in providing flexible lease options to workers on the move. One branch, in particular, is focused on connecting healthcare professionals with furnished properties for travel assignments, and they say they tailor their offerings to meet your needs. This includes housing options that are close to medical facilities or in a safe and peaceful location that can help you recuperate.

While it’s free to browse the site, you need to submit a housing request to the company itself in order to confirm what’s available and book a rental. This means that the search and booking process may take extra time. And, while you can ask about specific needs or requests, there’s less up-front visibility into each property.

4. Preferred Corporate Housing

Website

For an even more hands-off approach than ShortTermHousing.com, there are no listings on the Preferred Corporate Housing (PCH) website. Instead, you contact them directly, complete their intake form, and they’ll get back to you with potential rental options.

PCH can be a great option if you just don’t have the extra bandwidth to research a new community and find a place to live. They offer professional management with ongoing support, compile all expenses into one bill, and meet set standards for accommodations wherever your rental is, so you’re left with a lot less guesswork.

5. Extended Stay America

If you’re working long hours and don’t want a home to maintain, Extended Stay America might be the perfect medium! Extended Stay America offers a hotel experience for long-term business travel—whether you’re there for a few nights, a few weeks, or longer.

Locations typically offer perks you’d expect with a hotel stay, such as:

Continental breakfast
Housekeeping
On-site gym
A loyalty program

Each suite includes a kitchenette, and they have pet-friendly rooms if needed.

There’s also something to be said about being in a “shared” environment where staff is always nearby if something comes up. Plus, with standardized facilities, there’s a lot less guesswork about what you can expect.

6. Zillow.com

The most popular real estate website in the U.S., Zillow.com, is known for buying and selling homes—but they also have a category for rentals that can be filtered based on location and amenities (i.e., furnished).

What makes Zillow.com a good option for travel nurses is that many of their listings are managed by corporations or property managers rather than individual owners, which can add an additional layer of reliability and professionalism to your experience.

Using the “Agent Finder” feature, you can also reach out directly to property managers in an area if you’d like help with your search.

7. Tripping.com

Website

Tripping.com is an aggregator that searches numerous accommodation and travel websites, including vacation rental marketplaces such as Vrbo and FlipKey (but not Airbnb). It’s an easy way to quickly get a sense of what types of properties are available in a particular area.

Tripping.com is generally not ideal if you’re looking for a rental to cover your whole travel assignment. It’s better used for stays of one or two weeks, maybe to cover a short assignment or to have somewhere to stay while you find something longer term. While the vacation rentals it features are typically furnished, they aren’t necessarily equipped or priced for stays of 30+ days.

When you click on a search result, Tripping.com directs you to the partner site that hosts the listing. This means not only that rental conditions will vary from one listing to another but also that the policies and protections are different for each site.

8. Facebook Groups

Facebook groups are the “Wild West” when it comes to quality and protection and may not be the top choice for travel nurses and allied pros. However, there are countless traveler—focused groups. Facebook can be a good source for information and direct feedback—just proceed with caution.

To find a group, search for:

The location you’re going to and travel nursing housing.
Your specialty and travel nursing (i.e., med surg travel nursing)
Travel nurse networking groups (i.e., Travel Nurse Housing from The Gypsy Nurse or Nurses Renting to Travel Nurses)

Your home away from home

Travel nursing assignments can push you out of your comfort zone—new facility, new city, new challenges. Whether you choose to stay in a furnished rental or a hotel can shape your day-to-day experience and ability to recharge when you’re not on shift. We hope the suggestions above help you explore your housing options.

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

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!)

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

By Medical Edge Recruitment

March 27, 2023

2533 Views

Reflecting on Life as an ICU Nurse During COVID-19: Mental Health

Posted on March 27, 2023January 30, 2024 by Medical Edge Recruitment

Medical Edge Recruitment provided this article.

Written by: Christine Purviance, BSN, RN, Director of Clinical Services at Medical Edge Recruitment

It has been just over three years since the first case of COVID-19 landed in the United States. Hospital admissions and total cases are trending down, and our lives seem to have returned to normal. Those who were unaffected have their sense of normalcy back—schools are open, mandates are lifted, and travel is unrestricted. A few more seasons and the pandemic will become another chapter in our history books that we will tell our grandchildren about, for most.

Public Perception

Nursing – a job once derived from compassion, caring, and respect quickly turned into a political narrative with false accusations of deceit at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. With so many false truths and accusations across social media, and the world, nurses took the brunt of the emotional attacks. We were accused of killing the same patients that we were so desperately trying to save. We would have given anything to show the public the reality of the crisis we were facing. Some of us were called liars when we tried to tell our loved ones that COVID was real and that we were witnessing death daily. “You signed up for this” were the words spoken to us as COVID penetrated hospitals while we begged for more PPE.

Our Reality

While most of the world dismissed that COVID existed, we were zipping up body bags like it was trending. We felt uncertainty and fear—we feared infecting our children, husbands, sisters, brothers, and parents, and uncertainty if we would get infected ourselves. We learned quickly that death was impending when patients made it to the ICU. Ventilated, sedated, paralyzed, prone. Each patient started to look the same. For what felt like an eternity, we cared for the same patients for weeks and sometimes months as they slowly died alone.

I remember it like it was yesterday; after having three days off, I came back to find that the unit I worked on had lost three-quarters of our critically ill COVID patients. They had all been on our unit for over a month. We had been doing everything we could for them while they fought for their lives, hooked up to endless monitors and life-saving equipment. For weeks, a dozen medications seeped into their veins–pumping their hearts just enough to sustain life, receiving high doses of sedation, continuous pain medications for comfort, and drug-induced paralysis in hopes they could oxygenate better. Nothing helped. It was at that moment when I saw how many patients we had lost despite our best efforts that I realized the devastation COVID-19 would have on so many lives and that we would never be the same.

Our backs had always hurt, but now our souls and hearts hurt, too. With the need for nurses increasing dramatically, hospitals scurried to find anyone who could work. We were overworked and undervalued; many of us felt like we were just another warm body to our employers. A pizza party does not fix the trauma someone experiences when they see hundreds of lives die in their care. Where was the support from our employers during such a traumatic time? Why did so many nurses lose their benefits and PTO? The lack of support we experienced is just scratching the surface of the real impact the pandemic had on nursing. While many of us had turned to travel nursing to earn a fair and decent wage, thousands of us have left patient care for good because we have finally realized our worth. It’s time we share our truth and gives others the real nursing perspective during COVID.

Perspectives from former COVID ICU Nurses

Amanda, RN

“I would not have become a nurse if I knew a global pandemic was in the future,” Amanda, an ER and ICU nurse, says. Amanda has been a nurse for four years and enjoyed her work pre-pandemic. Amanda describes her mental health as good before COVID. She was hardly anxious and really enjoyed being a nurse. Fast forward, Amanda describes how she had to start taking antidepressants during the pandemic, is a very anxious person now, and turned to alcohol a lot during the pandemic. “It was so surreal. It almost felt like we were soldiers going to war to fight this unknown and dangerous virus. I saw so much death and suffering; it was exhausting, overwhelming, and traumatic.” She says that one of the hardest things for her and her colleagues was the skepticism that non-healthcare workers had regarding COVID. “It felt like a slap in the face. We were stacking bodies on top of each other, holding our patients’ hands as they died alone.” Amanda left the bedside three months ago and says it was the best decision she ever made.

Lisa, RN

Lisa, a former ICU local travel ICU nurse, exclusively took care of critically ill COVID patients during the pandemic. “It was surreal, heartbreaking, and one of the most difficult times of my life,” she describes. She isolated herself from her mom, husband, and friends as she “witnessed death several times per day, nearly every day.” Lisa sought help during the pandemic for nightmares and intrusive thoughts from a therapist who provided coping mechanisms like self-regulation techniques, journaling, meditation, and self-compassion. Lisa says, “my mental health is definitely not what it was pre-pandemic, but I am much better now, maybe even stronger.” Lisa encourages others to not wait to seek help. She suggests finding a therapist, a self-help book, or a resource that works for you. “When your mental health improves, a cloud is lifted…healing begins from within through the practice of self-compassion.” Lisa left the bedside in February of 2021 to pursue higher education.

S.M., RN

S.M., an ICU, OR, and PACU nurse, describes working as a nurse during the pandemic as “crazy!” S.W. had been a nurse for 12 years when the pandemic started. When asked about how she felt about her employer, she states she feels like politics got in the way of patient care. She describes her mental health as good prior to the pandemic, but now she feels that she has more depressive days. After working through the pandemic, S.W. has not considered leaving the bedside and still loves what she does.

Resources and Help

The data and evidence on how COVID impacted the nursing profession, and mental health is limited, likely due to the recency of the pandemic. However, according to a recent survey [AS1] of critical care nursing burnout and mental health during the pandemic, 44% of critical care nurses experienced moderate-to-severe depression and anxiety, and 47% were at risk for having post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Of the nurses surveyed, 84% experienced moderate levels of burnout and moral distress. COVID-19 has impacted every nurse across the globe in one way or another.

Many of us are doing well, but some of us are still struggling. If you, or anyone you know, needs mental health support, it is never too late to ask for help. Mental health therapy has never been more accessible and can be done from the comfort of your own home through virtual appointments. Below is a list of mental health services available for anyone:

Free Crisis Text Line
BetterHelp
Mental Health America
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): These programs often offer a set number of complimentary counseling or mental health services. Check with your health insurance to see if your benefits include an EAP.

Moving Forward

The realization of our value after the pandemic has shifted nurses’ attitudes across the nation. From travel nursing for adequate pay to remote nursing jobs with less liability, thousands of nurses have left their role, left nursing altogether, or pursued higher education. The future of nursing is uncertain, given the evolving impact of the pandemic, but we hope that sharing our reality and experiences can open the minds of those who weren’t in our shoes. The need for nurses is great, but the need to support and retain our existing nurses is greater.

References

Guttormson JL, Calkins K, McAndrew N, Fitzgerald J, Losurdo H, Loonsfoot D. Critical Care Nurse Burnout, Moral Distress, and Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A United States Survey. Heart Lung. 2022 Sep-Oct;55:127-133. doi: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2022.04.015. Epub 2022 Apr 29. PMID: 35561589; PMCID: PMC9050623.

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:

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

By StaffDNA

March 25, 2023

2051 Views

Travel Nursing with Families

Posted on March 25, 2023March 25, 2023 by StaffDNA

StaffDNA provided this article.

There have always been non-traditional travel nurses, but in the last few years, more and more families seem to be trying to figure out life on the road. The work-from-home and homeschool options have drastically increased since 2019, so a lot of the things that held families back in the past are no longer an issue. Whether you are traveling with babies, older kids, or other family members, there are a variety of ways you can make it work!

Tips for Travel Nursing with Families:

How to Handle Childcare

The easiest way to work as a travel nurse with kids is to have a spouse or other family member who can stay home on days you work. And with so many adults working from home, either full or part-time, it’s much easier to create a childcare plan that works for everyone.

The other option is to aim for a location where you can extend for longer. This way, you may be able to find a school or daycare program for your child in that location. Bigger cities are great for this style of travel because if needs dwindle at your first job, there are likely other jobs available within that metro area.

If you find a good spot where you plan to stay long-term, you could also look into hiring a nanny. This gives you the added flexibility of using them if you need childcare outside of work hours. For example, if mom and dad need a date night, having a nanny makes it much easier to sneak away!

School on the Road

Travel nursing with toddlers and babies may seem like the easiest option, but with so many districts offering online school, it may even be possible to travel with your school-aged child. There are so many resources for online schooling, and it may be less work on your end than you would think. Local homeschool groups are also popular, and they’re easy to find via social media or a quick Google search.

In addition, many places offer classes specifically geared toward homeschooled kids. You can often find local gyms that offer Homeschool PE, groups that facilitate outdoor learning, or programs for fine arts. And don’t forget that increased income from travel nursing can give you the opportunity to treat your family to experiences they may not otherwise have.

Making Friends in Each Location

Another big concern for parents considering traveling with their families is how to ensure their kids are making friends and learning how to socialize with other children their age.

This takes a little more leg work on the parents’ end, but it is possible! Kids who travel can still participate in activities like sports, dance, or gymnastics, depending on the length of your contract. Another great way to meet families is to look for local mom groups in whatever area you are moving to. Simply search the city name and “moms” on Facebook to see if there is a local group. These groups will often have ideas for places to go with your kids, or they may host meetups where you can connect with other families.

The other benefit of helping your kids meet friends in new places is it gives them the opportunity to create a network across the country. Who knows what camp and other opportunities may exist in the future when they have friends in every time zone?

Don’t Be Afraid to Reevaluate

Travel nursing with your family doesn’t have to be forever! Talk with your family and partner about what you want your travel experience to be like. Do you have specific places you want to live? Are there financial goals you want to meet? Is there a time in the future when you know you’ll want to settle down?

No matter what your reasoning is, it’s good to reevaluate your plan from time to time. Travel nursing with a family can certainly add stress to your life, and you may reach a point where the positives do not outweigh the negatives. If it’s time to go home, don’t feel bad! You still had an experience that many families won’t ever get to have, and you should be proud you made it work.

But until then, adventure awaits!

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. There you can search for what you are looking for in housing.

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!)

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

By Uniti Med

March 24, 2023

2892 Views

5 Things to Look for in a Travel Nurse Recruiter

Posted on March 24, 2023March 24, 2023 by Uniti Med

Uniti Med provided this article.

When it comes to finding a travel assignment, a good travel nurse recruiter can be a valuable asset in helping you navigate the process. They have the pulse on all the hot jobs, what licensure you will need for each job, how to land that dream travel assignment, and more. However, not all recruiters are created equal. Here are 5 things to look for in a travel nurse recruiter to ensure that you find the right fit for your travel assignment needs.

5 things to look for in a travel nurse recruiter:

1. Communication Skills

A good travel nurse recruiter will have excellent communication skills. They should be able to walk you through the process, the job requirements, and any other pertinent information clearly and concisely. They should be responsive and timely in their communication with you throughout the process. They should work closely with you and know the best way to communicate with you so that the process keeps moving and you aren’t waiting on them because they emailed you when text is your preferred communication.

2. Focus on Your Needs

Focusing on your needs and goals throughout the process is important so that you get the travel assignments that you are looking for. They should take the time to get to know you and your career aspirations and work with you to find job opportunities that align with your experience, skills, and career goals. Even knowing the path you want to take and how you want to get there is important for them to know. If you are traveling to pay down school loans, then they need to know that to get you the highest-paying assignments. If you want to travel to a warmer climate, they will need to know that so they are not pitching you jobs in Iowa during the winter.

3. Attention to Detail

A travel nurse recruiter who pays attention to detail can be a real asset. They should be able to review your resume and licensure and provide you with feedback on how to improve your chances of landing that dream assignment. If you do not have everything needed for that dream assignment, they should be able to create a travel assignment path that will get you to your goal assignment. They should be able to ensure that all your contracts are buttoned up and have correct start dates.

4. Industry knowledge

A good travel nurse recruiter will have a solid understanding of the industry that they are recruiting for. They should be up to date with the latest changes in the industry and understand the specific skills needed and qualifications required for each assignment. A recruiter who understands the industry will be better equipped to explain why certain assignments aren’t open, why more positions are available in certain areas, and how to equip you to be the right candidate for the assignment you are looking for.

5. Ability to build Relationships

Travel Nurse recruiters must be able to build strong relationships with their candidates, client managers, hospitals, and more. They need to be able to create a rapport with candidates and understand their motivations and career aspirations. Similarly, they should be able to build relationships with candidates to understand what they are looking for in an assignment, why they travel, and what type of experience they are looking for with travel. Relationships play a key role in getting what you want out of traveling, so don’t be afraid to ask them how they work with their teammates at the office.

Finding the right travel nurse recruiter can be crucial to the success of you landing that dream assignment. Communication will be key on both sides of the relationship. Generally, enjoying talking to your recruiter will not only help you enjoy traveling more but also help you be more successful in your travel career. If you are looking for a new travel nurse recruiter, keep these 5 things in mind to help you find the best fit.

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:

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

By The Gypsy Nurse

March 21, 2023

10936 Views

Find Your Perfect Fit: Tips for Travel Nurse Housing in Short-Term Furnished Rentals

Posted on March 21, 2023December 18, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

Whether you’re an experienced travel nurse or planning your first travel experience, after you take that job, there’s one decision that can make or break your assignment; furnished travel nurse housing!

You can easily get overwhelmed online and dump a ton of time calling on fruitless ads, which leaves you frustrated…and no closer to finding a suitable property to stay in. This type of stress, sometimes called “housing fatigue”, increases daily until you secure properly furnished travel nurse housing for your upcoming job.

In the past, your travel nurse recruiter may have handled your travel nurse housing, but many travel nurses are now electing to take the travel nurse housing stipend to have more control over where they stay. If you’ve ever been stuck in subpar housing for 13 weeks, you know this! Also, since you can pocket the remaining tax-free stipend dollars, most travel RNs realize the importance of taking a more significant role in choosing their housing.

Is it really that hard to find your own furnished travel nurse housing? Not necessarily. It can just take a lot of time. Remember that you’re looking for short-term travel nurse housing, which can feel like looking for that “needle in a haystack”! On top of that, you need it furnished, with utilities included, in a safe and convenient area that’s pet friendly and within a reasonable budget compared to your stipend. Now, the pool of available travel nurse housing options in your area has suddenly shrunk to next to nothing. Be prepared to keep digging…but where do you start?

Here are 5 tips to help you find furnished travel nurse housing

1.) Beware of Craigslist.com and “too good to be true” offers – they usually are!

Do you just jump on Craigslist and start making calls? You can certainly find real housing options on Craigslist, but it comes at a cost. Frankly, you really can’t trust everything you read on Craigslist. If you’re a member of the Gypsy Nurse Travel Nurse Housing Group, you see it somewhat frequently; someone will post the too good to be true housing offer they found on Craigslist, asking if it’s real.

Thankfully, other members will step in and tell them to steer clear because it’s a scam. (If you’re not already a member of the popular Gypsy Nurse Travel Nurse Facebook Group and Housing Group, we encourage you to join. They’re a great way to learn from fellow travelers across the country).

2.) Be cautious in checking out potential landlords online

When fielding emails from potential landlords online, remember these three rules:

Use your intuition it’s usually right.
Make sure the images match the price If the images are incredible, but the rent is grossly underpriced, it’s most likely a scam.
Never send money Scammers are cyberbullies preying on desperate travelers. (You can get some other tips on recognizing a Craigslist scam Here and tips from The Gypsy Nurse Here).

3.) Vacation Rental Websites

Vacation rental websites are an excellent resource to consider. Some of the most popular are HomeAway, VRBO, and Airbnb. You can find some great housing options on these sites; for the most part, they keep scammers away. You punch in a city or a state, and you’ll be able to view tons of vacation rentals. Like any site, you’ll need to filter out the properties that don’t make sense for you…like that 6-bedroom mansion that sleeps 18 people.

Most likely, you’re looking for a reasonably priced studio or 1 bedroom near the hospital where you’ll be working. Once you narrow your search results down a bit, you’ll need to dive into the availability of each property. This is usually where the proverbial asterisk or caveat in your search rears its ugly head; since most of the vacation rentals can be booked online in advance, finding a place that can host you for your entire 13-week stay can be challenging…but not impossible.

When contacting property owners on these sites, operate with the 10% rule in mind; only 10% of the property owners you contact will actually respond. Knowing this, try sending out many availability requests to make VRBO/HomeAway/Airbnb work for you.

4.) Traveling Healthcare Rentals: Monthly Furnished Travel Nurse Housing Without Booking-fees.

By now, you’re probably pretty familiar with vacation rental sites like HomeAway, VRBO, and Airbnb, and many of you may already have used sites like these to secure travel nurse housing in the past. They can certainly work out in a pinch, but knowing that your contracts are typically 2-3 months at a time, booking vacation rentals for travel nurse housing can rack up the extra fees.

Travel Nurse Housing - Furnished Housing

Furnished Finder, the official housing partner of The Gypsy Nurse, has over 40,000 listings on their map and is typically the most affordable monthly furnished housing platform since there are no markups to rent or booking fees to inflate the cost. Furnished Finder property owners are specifically looking for traveling nurse tenants, so you’re usually speaking to a landlord who knows how to set up their property to meet the unique needs of the traveling healthcare worker.

Safety is top on the list for every traveler, which is why Furnished Finder verifies the ownership and background checks of every landlord that lists on their platform. Travelers also want to ensure that they make their stipend stretch as far as possible, which is why Furnished Finder has a Stipend Calculator that helps travelers plan out their housing. You can search for housing on The Gypsy Nurse or through Furnished Finder directly. Safe travels and happy renting.

5.) Extended Stay Hotels

Extended-stay types of hotels are also heavily utilized by travel nurses either as a bridge between traditional housing or as the housing solution itself. Some travelers like the amenities hotels provide, like breakfast, housekeeping, and fitness centers, and most hotels will take animals up to 60 lbs. Also, most of these hotels have kitchens, which can save money on food when you travel and provides an extra touch of home while you’re away from work. In addition, hotels provide you flexibility on the backend compared to an apartment should your assignment be canceled unexpectedly.

Travel nurses can receive large prenegotiated rates for extended stay type hotels. TGN recommends Furnished Finder’s Hotel discounts for short stays in between contracts. Hotels are an important part of the housing equation for the travel healthcare industry, so make sure you’re getting the best rates possible!

You have a lot of choices to make after you accept your assignment, many of which can determine your travel experience over the next 13 weeks. Use all the resources available to you and be smart about how you spend your time and money when it comes to travel nurse housing.

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.

Search Travel Nurse Housing

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

By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

March 20, 2023

1738 Views

Insights From Experienced Travel Nurses on Navigating Today’s Job Market

Posted on March 20, 2023March 20, 2023 by TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

TNAA Healthcare provided this article.

Travel nursing is constantly evolving. With several factors affecting the industry, travel nurses must be adaptable, organized, and constantly communicating with their recruiter to get the jobs they want. As you look for your next assignment, hear from experienced travel nurses who share their best advice for navigating the current job market.

Advice From Experienced Travel Nurses

Leah R.

“Definitely make sure your file is completely done. Jobs are still filling fast, so once they post, it’s important that your recruiter is able to submit you right away. Also, have that conversation with your recruiter on what parameters you have for being submitted so they can get you in ASAP instead of waiting for you to get back to them and risking the job filling in the meantime.”

Dylan L.

“I would say definitely be open and flexible to different types of units other than what you would usually work in. If you qualify for the job and it’s in a location or hospital that you’re interested in, go for it. Some of my favorite contracts ever were in units that I wouldn’t have picked for myself, but my recruiters found because they were in hospitals that I had my eyes on!”

Ally F.

“Be flexible. Prioritize your needs, whether that’s money, location, shift, etc. Start looking early, and be patient. Most importantly, don’t be discouraged. The jobs ebb and flow. It’ll work out.”

Melissa L.

“I was actually asked to step in as the interim clinical educator at my current assignment. And I will do an extension like this as well because of the job market.”

Angie N.

“Flexibility is a must. Also, right now, hospitals are looking at who can work and not make many demands. If you have to have a set schedule for a variety of necessary reasons, that’s ok. But if a set schedule is just because you only want to work ‘XYZ,’ then some managers are not calling – or if extensive time off requests are added to the contract. There are 40-120 nurses applying for the same position through many companies, and most managers I have talked to are looking for the ones who can be there when needed. Having said that, take the time off and set your schedule. We have earned it!!! Just be aware and be flexible because it may take you a little longer to get the jobs. Don’t give up!!

“Make sure when you accept the job to get everything done quickly and efficiently so your file can be cleared by the hospital and you can start when you are supposed to. I have been doing this for 10+ years and have yet not to find a job!”

By staying in communication, being open to different types of assignments and locations, and adapting to changes, travel nurses can stay competitive in the industry and enjoy a fulfilling career.

We hope you found these tips from experienced travel nurses for navigating today’s job market helpful.

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:

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

Nurse Registration
Obtaining Work Permit

By The Gypsy Nurse

March 18, 2023

45323 Views

How International Travel Nursing Works

Posted on March 18, 2023March 31, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

International Travel Nursing can be a complicated and time-consuming process. If you are looking into International Travel nursing, we recommend allowing yourself a minimum of 6 months to prepare and obtain the required certifications, visas, and licensing. The information below is not a conclusive listing. It is a small representation of some steps needed to obtain a nursing position internationally.

Canadian Travel Nurse Resources:

Completed application form and two recent passport-size photographs
Your present and previous passport or travel documents and those of any family members accompanying you
Copies of your birth certificate
Payment of processing fee ($150 CND per person)
Your educational certificates
Letters of reference from present and past employers
An offer of employment
Employment Validation (Labor Market Opinion) from Human Resources Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) 1
Registration with the College of Registered Nurses of BC or the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of BC (Provisional Registration will also be sufficient)
A medical examination by a designated medical practitioner on Canada’s designated medical practitioner’s list. A list of Practitioners can be obtained from Citizen and Immigration Services Web site: www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/medical/index.asp.
Note: Medical instructions will usually be sent to you after you submit your application to the Canadian Consulate/Embassy; however, it is recommended that the medical be conducted as soon as possible after the date that the application for a work permit is submitted to the Canadian Consulate/Embassy.
“Application for a work permit” (IMM 1295)
“Document Checklist” (IMM 5488)
“Original receipt form” (IMM 5401) or payment receipt for fees paid online.

The whole process can take anywhere between 8 and 16 months to complete.

UK Travel Nursing Resources and Steps

The first step is the IELTS academic test. IELTS website: www.ielts.org.
Requirements for EU/EEA/overseas nurses and midwives (via http://www.nmc-uk.org)
English language requirements. Since 1 February 2007, our requirement for overseas-trained applicants to register is to achieve an overall score of 7.0 in the British Council’s International Language Testing Scheme (IELTS).
Pre-registration education. AEIs providing either the Overseas Nurses Programme (ONP) or the Overseas midwives program must ensure that applicants have submitted a copy of their IELTS test scores before accepting them as students.

Applying for registration. Applicants must take the IELTS test before registering and submitting their scores as part of their registration. The NMC will then independently confirm this score.

Complete Mandatory package

The initial package is pretty straightforward and includes an application request form, a form to accompany your birth certificate, a form to accompany your registration certificate, and an accompanying passport.

Application request form
Please check your personal details and make any necessary amendments.
Complete the information about your IELTS exam.
Most people will apply for Registered Nurse–General, so please tick the appropriate box.
Forms to accompany your birth certificate, registration certificate, and passport
You are required to provide notarized/certified copies of your birth certificate, registration certificate, and passport. Please read the attached link on the requirements for certifying documents accepted by the NMC.
Please note that your registration certificate MUST be the original nursing certificate that you would have received when you first licensed as a registered nurse.
At this point, you will need to make payment to the NMC for your application. The current fee is £140 and is payable directly to the NMC. The easiest way to pay is by credit card over the phone, and the NMC contact number is +44 207 333 9333. Alternatively, you can send a cheque along with your mandatory forms, but you need to ensure that it is written in UK pounds (so you will need to request this from your bank, and there are usually fees involved for this).
Application Form
- Personal Details – please check all your contact details are correct and make any necessary changes.
- Primary and Secondary education – all years of school education before university need to be included, typically between 12-14 years.
- Professional Education and Training – clearly list all nursing-related training.
- Declaration of Good Health by Occupational Health Dept/Medical Practitioner – This section needs to be fully completed by your doctor and stamped with the doctor’s official stamp. If the doctor has no official stamp, they will need to write a letter on official letterhead. The letter
- must include the applicant’s name and PRN, a state he/she doesn’t have a stamp, be signed, dated, and attached to the application form.
- Reference Forms
- Registration Authority/Licensing Board Declaration of Good health and character
Apply for a visa under one of the following:
the Work permit holder or Tier 1 – General skilled visa routes
You may be required to complete the Overseas Nursing Program (depending on which tier visa you qualify for).
- http://intsupport.glam.ac.uk/onp/

Other Resources

There are other options for working overseas as a US Registered Nurse. The option that I chose was to work with the US Department of Defense. The DOD has nursing positions in international locations such as Germany, Belgium, Italy, and Japan. The process, although slightly easier, is still a mound of paperwork and forms. You can start your DOD search by going to https://www.usajobs.gov/.

If you are accepted for a position with the DOD, please contact me, as I have some additional resources that could be helpful as you transition into a DOD position in nursing.

The entire process, from filing my application to arrival in Germany, took about 8 months for me, but I know others only took 3 months. Demand plays a large part in this.

Are you an international travel nurse? Do you have any tips to share for those considering international travel nursing? Comment them below.

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!)

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