March 6, 2023

3682 Views

Becoming a Travel Nurse: Steps To Get Started

Posted on March 6, 2023March 6, 2023 by AMN Healthcare

AMN Healthcare provided this article.

A travel nursing career offers numerous advantages, including excellent compensation, the opportunity to travel the country, and the fulfillment that comes from assisting patients in a variety of settings. However, there may be a lot of you who are wondering how to become a travel nurse.

We’ve made it simple to understand the procedure, so it doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate just starting out in nursing. You’ve come to the right place if you want to learn how to work as a travel nurse.

Who are travel nurses?

Travel nursing originated as a response to a nursing shortage in the late 1970s and spread throughout the subsequent decade. Travel nursing has developed into a lucrative career for nurses worldwide in recent years.

To summarize, travel nurses are registered nurses who are deployed to various hospitals and other healthcare facilities as replacements for permanent nursing staff. They are employed by travel nursing agencies.

When the facility is simply short-staffed due to expansions, seasonal increases in the patient count, or other factors, travel nurses are utilized on a temporary basis to assist. Travelers can also provide assistance during labor disputes or natural disasters.

Derick J., BSN, RN, CCRN, who travels with Onward (AMN) Healthcare, says that travel nursing requires flexibility.

He stated, “I like that we have the flexibility you won’t find in many other fields.” I just need to get my license and talk to my recruiter if I want to go somewhere specific. If I work for three months and decide I want a break, I simply wait until I’m ready to accept my next contract. There are a lot of friends in other professions who lack this flexibility. They can’t just take a month or two off like we can because they have to work a 9-to-5 job.

Other fantastic benefits of becoming a travel nurse include free housing paid for by the employer, comprehensive health insurance plans, travel reimbursements, 401(k) retirement plans, free continuing education, and numerous other benefits.

Five Steps to Becoming a Travel Nurse

It is now easier than ever to become a travel nurse thanks to agencies like AMN Healthcare that have simplified the application process. With the steps below, we’ve also taken the guesswork out of learning how to become a travel nurse. Learn how to get started in the field of travel nursing by reading on.

Step 1. Get Your Nursing Degree

If you want to work as a travel nurse, now is the time to study for a nursing degree. A registered nurse with a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) is also more marketable than a nurse with only an associate’s degree (ADN) or diploma. For instance, the majority of large academic teaching hospitals and ANCC Magnet hospitals require BSN-holding travel nurses.

Step 2. Pass the NCLEX

After receiving your nursing degree, it is time to study for and successfully complete the NCLEX-RN exam. The NCLEX was created by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) to assess nursing school graduates in the United States and Canada. The exam is administered using computerized adaptive testing (CAT) technology, and the NCSBN provides a variety of testing resources and frequently asked questions. After you take the test, you will receive your results in about five days.

Step 3. Obtain an RN license

Congratulations on passing the NCLEX! It’s time to get your RN license now. You will need to provide documentation to your state board of nursing before you can take the test. Although the procedure varies from state to state, it typically entails submitting an application, providing fingerprints, and passing a criminal background check. Your RN license number will be generated once your state board receives confirmation that you passed the NCLEX, and then you can start working as a nurse in your state!

Step 4. Get out there and gain experience as a nurse

After meeting all of the educational requirements, the final preparation step for becoming a travel nurse is to gain some clinical experience in the real world. Onward Healthcare’s experts on new graduates say that you can start applying for travel nursing jobs after just six to nine months of experience. But keep in mind that you won’t be able to start your first assignment with a travel nurse agency until you have one year of experience. Even more, nursing experience may be required in some facilities or specialties.

Step 5. Talk to a recruiter

If you’re interested in starting a career as a travel nurse. You can easily get on the road right away. Take it from Derick, who says his recruiter helped him become a successful travel nurse:

Derek stated, “Finding a recruiter who really understands you, what you’re looking for, and is willing to do what they can for you is one of the most important things in traveling.” I’ve been extremely fortunate in that my recruiter has always tried her best to fit me into an assignment. She has collaborated with me brilliantly.”

Your personal recruiter will get to know you and your requirements after you apply to our travel nurse agency. They will also help you find assignments that are right for you and walk you through the next steps to get you working.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for an upcoming assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

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 Staffmax Healthcare Staffing & Recruiting

March 5, 2023

3176 Views

Writing Your Novel; “My Ticket To Travel Nursing”

Posted on March 5, 2023March 5, 2023 by Staffmax Healthcare Staffing & Recruiting

Staffmax Healthcare Staffing and Recruiting provided this article.

Article was written by: Julie Hesseltine, RN, CNO, and Sr. Recruiter for Staffmax.

The New York Best Sellers is a list I have always wanted to be on. I was certain that I had a wonderful book hiding in the attic of my mind, just waiting to be thrown onto a computer screen and shared with the world. Everyone would want to read it. I could then retire and simply sit at my computer or under a tree by the pond watching the ducks and listening to the birds chirping as I wrote my next and then another. However, I realized that not everyone wanted to read my first book. But it has been one of the most incredible books I have ever written because of all that it contained.

After months of hesitation and talking things over with friends, family, and one trusted dog who listens to everything you have to say, all the while writing the pros and cons on paper, the decision has been made. It is time to give up that trusted full-time job, hit the road, and start traveling. After talking to several recruiters, at least that is narrowed down to a few for the time being. But what should be done in the meantime? Having given the professional notice of four weeks, what needs to be done in order to start?

It was a decision that may have been made well over a year ago or something you had thought about for years, but in order to make things as easy as possible for the future, it is time to gather your documents and write your book. A book? Today, it is time that you write your own book!

The title for your new book is simply “My Ticket to Travel Nursing.”

In life, as we know it anymore, there is always that hidden sense of urgency, and this book is going to throw away the need for anxiety and last-minute phone calls. This book is special; you will write two copies because one is your backup! Each page and each chapter have probably already been written. Oh, and you will also want to have a couple of additional backups to your book stored on external hard drives too.

What is this book?

A book of documents, everything, and anything related to travel nursing. What materials are needed to create this masterpiece? A binder, plastic sleeves, paper and printer, and time. Now, gather everything that a recruiter is going to request from you. One document in each plastic sleeve, and keep things orderly. Be certain that you have also taken a digital picture to keep on your phone or to be uploaded to the external hard drive.

Here is a list of all that will be contained in your book;

Resume; Kept up to date with no time gaps with the facility names and city, and state of each place you work.
References; You will always have a list of at least 2 charge nurses and supervisors with their phone numbers and email addresses from each facility you work
Immunizations; These documents will have, at a minimum, your Covid, Flu, MMR, Varicella, Hep B, and Tdap information. These may be copies of the actual vaccinations, pharmacy receipts with the lot and expiration numbers, or titers.
TB Testing; State laws require different tests as well as timeframes in which the test can be done. Individual agencies will also let you know what is acceptable.
Copy of your driver’s license, social security card, and all of your nursing credentials; BLS, ACLS, etc.
Copies of your continuing education that you have been able to complete for future license renewals.
Copies of any licensing information sent in for individual licenses
Copy of your License Verification.
Copy of your College transcripts or a copy of your diploma
Copy of your marriage certificate and divorce papers
Copy of your assignment contracts so you can go back and review

Your book has been written

Now that you have managed to gather all of these, insert them in a protective plastic sleeve, and save them in your binder, your book has been written. Make sure there are two; one goes with you on all of your travel adventures, and the other stays home in a safe place. In each book, tape that external drive to the book so that you have your book saved electronically too.

The greatest part about your book is that it changes with every travel contract you take. Each new assignment and each contract means you get to add to your book. While this book will never be on the New York Times Best Seller list, this book will chase away the anxiety of not having documents when you are on the road. Time is of the essence, and when it is time for a travel adventure, nobody has time to look for all of that other stuff.

Now, it is time to start on that novel about your Adventures of Traveling.

We hope you found this article on Writing Your Novel, “My Ticket To Travel Nursing,” helpful. Are there any other items you would include in your “My Ticket To Travel Nursing” novel? 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.

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 AB Staffing Solutions

March 3, 2023

2900 Views

What Type of Settings Can you Work in as a Travel Nurse?

Posted on March 3, 2023April 10, 2023 by AB Staffing Solutions

AB Staffing Solutions provided this article.

Making the decision to become a travel nurse can be exciting and scary at the same time. While you will be using skills in your specialty, you will also be moving to a new place and experiencing a new culture. Working as a travel nurse means you can explore places that you’ve always wanted to visit and expand your knowledge and experience in your specialty. For our travelers, it is an adventure and a lifestyle they enjoy, but not everyone wants to work in a hospital. If that’s you, keep reading. In this article, we explore travel nurse positions that are outside a traditional commercial hospital setting.

Work as a Travel Nurse Outside a Hospital

According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, only 60% of nurses are employed in hospitals. Where else can you work as a travel nurse? From state or commercial medical facilities to elementary schools or correctional facilities, you have many options outside a hospital where you can put your skills and experience to work.

At AB Staffing, our Recruiters do their best to find you a contract in the type of facility and/or geographic area of your choice. While we can’t guarantee a perfect match, we offer various positions across the United States, including the West Coast, East Coast, and even Alaska.

Indian Health Services (IHS):

There are currently positions open on the Navajo Reservation in IHS clinics. As a travel nurse in these facilities, you will be asked to have an open mind and respect the culture of the Native American people. Our travelers tell us it is an amazing experience to work in this community and get to explore their culture and scenery while there.

Clinical Research Hospital:

Work as the liaison between researchers and volunteer patients to gather data, ensure quality control standards are met, and make sure patients are treated well. As a clinical research nurse, you are part of potentially groundbreaking changes to how diseases are treated.

Clinics:

This non-bedside position is a great opportunity for nurses who are skilled at acute care but tired of short-staffed and/or fast-paced hospital settings. Clinics tend to be specialty based for outpatient procedures, cardiology, or oncology.

Correctional Facility:

If you’re a Psych or Corrections Nurse looking for a new opportunity, this is an in-demand non-hospital position. While you will have more autonomy than in other settings, you will also be treating patients with a range of ailments, from minimal to serious. You may be the person responsible for deciding to send an inmate to a hospital or other facility to manage their care. While working at a correctional facility can be demanding, it can also be rewarding, with patients expressing gratitude for the care that they hadn’t received previously.

Government or State Hospital or Clinic:

Nurses are also in demand in government or state hospitals and clinics. These are facilities funded by the state or municipality (city, county) where mentally ill patients are receiving care. They may be mandated to be there or not have the resources for private hospital care.

Elementary School:

In this type of setting, you will assess students during school hours to determine if they need additional intervention. You may also be testing hearing and eyesight, teaching nutrition classes, and could be traveling to multiple schools in the area to help students.

As with nursing in general, these non-hospital travel nurse positions will build your current skills and experience and, in many cases, will keep you on your toes with the variety of work with patients. When it comes to working as a travel nurse, there are a lot of options, and we are here to guide you along the way.

Check the AB Staffing Job Board for open positions. We have travel and local pay rates for these settings and would love to speak with you further about working with us.

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

Join Now

By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

March 3, 2023

34366 Views

How Long Can a Travel Nurse Stay in One Place?

Posted on March 3, 2023June 29, 2023 by TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

Travel nurses, by nature, are gypsies, nomads, and adventurers. Whether it’s visiting off-the-beaten-path locations, like the country’s largest rocking chair, or attempting to visit all the National Parks, travel nursing is all about experiencing something new. However, what happens when 13 weeks in one location just isn’t enough? You can extend your contract. How long depends on you.

Contract Extension 101

There are many reasons a travel nurse extends his or her contract: they love the facility and their coworkers, the location is amazing, or they want to avoid the stress of job searching. Whatever the reason, there are things you should know.

It’s Convenient

Extending your contract is convenient. There’s no phone interview, no physical, and no orientation. You’re already acclimated. While it’s easy on you and the hospital, it also uses less of your agency’s manpower to send in all your documents, so it seems like a no-brainer if you like where you are to try to extend. There are also plenty of opportunities to make some additional money. Many agencies offer a bonus for extending your contract. It never hurts to ask, and you don’t want to leave money on the table.

How Does it Impact Taxes?

Good question! Taxes are inherently complicated, and it’s always best to seek tax advice from certified tax professionals. However, we’ve compiled some basics you and your tax accountant should know. For a thorough breakdown, check out NATHO’s most recent travel tax FAQs.

While the IRS has set up specific guidelines for those traveling from home temporarily, they have not set up hard-and-fast rules for the healthcare travel industry due to the highly nuanced and unique scenarios found in this industry. We strongly recommended that your accountant understand these nuances.

We also recommended that you ask your travel nursing agency how they assist travelers in maintaining tax compliance.

Tax Home

A tax home, simply put, is the location of your regular employment. According to NATHO, if you have more than one regular place of employment — hello travel nurses — your tax home can be where you regularly live but will be subject to this 3-factor test: You perform a portion of your business in the vicinity of your home and use that home for lodging while doing business in the area.

You perform a portion of your business in the vicinity of your home and use that home for lodging while doing business in the area.
You incur living expenses (mortgage, rent, utilities, etc.) at your home that are duplicated while you are on assignment Away From Home.
You must meet at least one of the following three criteria to meet this third factor:
- • You have not abandoned the area in which your historical place of lodging is located;
- • A member or members of your family (spouse, children, domestic partners) are living at the location; or,
  
  • You use the home frequently for your own lodging.

Source: NATHO Travel Tax FAQs, Traveler Version

If you meet all 3 factors, you are deemed to have maintained a tax home and will be eligible for non-taxed reimbursements. Which, for travel nurses, can be a big deal. That includes subsidies like per diems, housing stipends, or travel reimbursements. These only achieve tax-free status when they are expense reimbursements, not earnings, since they would be duplicate expenses due to you maintaining a proper tax home. For even more on this topic, we suggest reading this article.

What Happens When A Travel Nurse Stay in One Place is too long?

We spoke to Jean Cook, CFO of Travel Nurse Across America, about tax compliance, and she gave pretty good advice. “Pretend you’re the IRS. From their viewpoint, you’re receiving a reimbursement due to duplicate expenses,” she said, “and if you stay for 1 year in one area, the IRS deems you as having moved there.”

There are many myths regarding the minimum distance you can take an assignment to maintain your tax home and reimbursements, but according to Jean, they’re just myths.

According to NATHO, “The IRS has not provided clear guidance in this area, except that a traveler needs to be far enough from his/her tax home so that it would be unreasonable to go home, rest and return to work the next day. In considering what is unreasonable, the IRS looks at individual facts and circumstances, paying close attention to travel time, the actual distance, and the traveler’s intentions.” This opens up the issue of assignment distance versus reasonable commutable time, and very much dependent on each traveler’s unique situation: traffic can make a 50-mile commute take longer than 3 hours, a 50-mile commute may take less than an hour, or a person could take back-to-back assignments within the same geographical region which could trigger an audit. There are just too many variables that make it difficult for the IRS to provide clear guidelines.

What Does This Mean For Me?

That depends on your personal and professional goals. Once that 1-year mark hits, your reimbursements become taxable. It’s essential to sit down and think about the implications of staying somewhere longer than 1 year ahead of time.

Finding a Great Tax Accountant

As mentioned above, it’s crucial that your tax accountant should understand all the nuances and your specific tax situation. Any healthcare travel professional can put themselves at risk of triggering an IRS audit and incurring tax liabilities if they’re deemed not to have met guidelines. Ask them some questions; if they don’t know or don’t have the ability to find out confidently, they may not be the best tax account for you.

Are they familiar with temporary assignments?
Are they familiar with travel taxation rules?
How confident are they with multi-state taxation?
Do they feel confident in handling your specific situation?

So, how long can a travel nurse stay in one place? It depends entirely on their goals and desire to receive tax-free reimbursements.

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 Advantage Medical Professionals

March 2, 2023

3180 Views

Home Sweet Home: Securing the Best Housing Option for Your Next Travel Nursing Assignment

Posted on March 2, 2023March 2, 2023 by Advantage Medical Professionals

Advantage Medical Professionals provided this article.

Travel nurses can hold widely varying opinions about most aspects of travel nursing, and they usually jump at the chance to share those opinions or offer advice. Whether it’s about the interview process or the best brand of scrubs, almost any topic is seen as an opportunity for friendly debate amongst new and seasoned travelers alike. However, it seems virtually all travel nurses agree on one thing – finding short-term housing during their travel assignment can be one of the most stressful parts of the process. There are usually several factors to consider that can vary wildly depending on your own unique sets of circumstances, like finances, timing, and the rental housing market in the area you plan to work (just to name a few). Securing the perfect place isn’t an exact science, but the nuggets of wisdom provided below will help you assess your unique situation and find the best possible “home away from home” during each travel assignment.

1. Consider booking an extended-stay hotel or short-term VRBO rental for the first week or two of your assignment.

This will help you get a lay of the land and better familiarize yourself with the area first, rather than putting a considerable deposit down on an apartment sight unseen. It will also give you a chance to get settled into the routine at your assigned facility and make 100% sure the assignment is a good fit for you without the three-month rental contract you just signed looming over your head.

2. Divide & Conquer.

Finding a colleague or roommate to travel with will allow both of you to save some serious cash since you’ll be splitting rent and other housing expenses. If you don’t personally know of anyone, try reaching out to travel nursing groups on social media or asking your recruiter if they can connect you with other nurses who are starting their next travel assignment around the same time and place as yours.

3. If you have travel companions, pick a place that fits everyone’s needs.

Whether you’re planning to travel with a roommate, spouse, pet, or child, make sure you focus your housing search to only include places that welcome and have the proper accommodations for your travel companion(s). There are a number of websites that allow you to filter for pet-friendly stays, such as BringFido or Homeaway.

4. Be brutally honest with yourself when booking your long-term housing for your travel assignment.

Ask yourself what makes the most sense given the commute to the facility, your shift schedule, amenities offered, and your normal living habits. For example, staying in an apartment in the middle of the city because it’s close to the hospital might be great – however, street noise or ongoing construction projects during the day may prevent your much-needed sleep if you’re working nights if you tend to be a light sleeper. You may not always find the “perfect” place that checks all your boxes with every assignment, but weighing these pros and cons carefully will go a long way in securing a place you’re comfortable and happy to put your feet up at the end of a long shift.

5. Educate yourself about the advantages and disadvantages of agency-provided housing.

Some travel nursing agencies and healthcare facilities provide their own housing or have partnerships/referral programs with housing rental companies. This may sound like an easy, convenient solution to securing a place to stay during your travel assignment, but there are several important factors you should consider before taking an agency up on their housing offer.

Disadvantages of agency or facility-provided housing:

In most cases, the agency gets a commission from the housing company for every rental they book or refer – to maintain profit margins. The housing company usually charges an increased rate to the referred tenants to offset this extra cost. Simply put, it usually ends up in higher rental costs for nurses like you.

The housing conditions, layout, and/or location may not be acceptable for your needs or comfort level.

Advantages of agency or facility-provided housing:

Saved time because you don’t have to spend hours finding housing on your own
No credit checks since the lease will not be in your name

6. Consider alternative housing options.

Staying in an RV or cabin is an economical option that has become an increasingly popular choice for career travelers. Websites like Campspace are a great resource for finding RV parks, cabins, and campsites with varying levels of amenities for campers or glampers alike to live comfortably. If you don’t have access to an RV, no worries! Sharing platforms like RVShare allows you to find and rent RVs or campers directly from locals in the area you’re traveling to for your nursing assignment. Another way to save money on housing costs AND help a fellow traveler is by looking to websites like Trusted Housesitters, which connects travelers with locals in a given area who are looking for house sitters or pet sitters.

7. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

It’s an unfortunate truth but a very real one –there are scammers in almost every industry who figure out how to scam hardworking, intelligent people out of their hard-earned money. Some of these grifts are obvious, but some scammers still manage to find increasingly clever ways to mimic legitimate business practices so closely that it’s nearly impossible to detect before it’s too late.

Some red flags to look out for:

The price doesn’t match up with the images or amenities listed. If the property is noticeably underpriced compared to other properties in the area and/or the images or amenities included in the rental listing seem abundant for the price, it’s possible the property is uninhabitable or doesn’t exist at all.
- The landlord/leasing agent pressures you to send money. Avoid sending money or providing banking information until you can tour the residence in person. Even reputable rental properties ask for a credit card to put on file ahead of your check-in date, so make sure they’re able to point you to documentation that outlines their payment terms, fee schedule, etc., before doing so. Also, use a credit card that includes fraud/travel purchase protection if at all possible.
- Trust your gut feeling. Like most situations, you’re better off listening to your gut or intuition when something just doesn’t feel right, even if you can’t quite put your finger on the reason why. Don’t be afraid to say no, and keep looking for a place that feels right.

8. A picture can be worth a thousand dollars.

Do a thorough walkthrough of the entire residence the very first day you move in. Also, make sure you capture time-stamped photos of any existing damage to the residence along the way, even if the damage is minimal. Doing this will go a long way in protecting yourself from being unjustly charged for the damages later.

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

By Amare Medical Network

February 28, 2023

2649 Views

Battling Burnout: Take Time to Care for Yourself

Posted on February 28, 2023March 1, 2023 by Amare Medical Network

Amare Medical Network provided this article.

By Jaclyn Neilly, BSN, BA, RN, Director of Clinical ServicesatAmare Medical Network

Burnout almost feels like lip service at this point, right? We are mucking through the day, shift after shift, just getting by. Shells of our former selves for the most part. Some of us have left the bedside or the profession altogether in hopes of gaining some small sense of humanity back. Some way to feel connected again, grounded.

For years nurses have been facing increasing demands in their profession.

These demands came to a head during the COVID-19 pandemic in a way no one saw coming. Nurses were asked to do more: more physically, more emotionally, and more mentally than ever before. We go into this profession to help people, but who is helping the nurse?

It goes without saying that happiness comes from within, or at least that is what we have been taught. How do we achieve happiness? What fills up the proverbial “cup” within? For some of us, it’s a simple human interaction; for others, it may be that daily latte. Whatever it may be, it is crucial to serving yourself first as someone tasked with caring for others. How will you care for someone else when you are running on empty?

Operation Happy Nurse

One resource Amare Medical Network recommends to its nurses is Operation Happy Nurse (OHN). OHN was created by a nurse looking for a community to connect to during a difficult time. This online community is available to all nurses free of charge. It was meant to help cope with the stress and burnout of the profession by offering a community focused on improving overall mental health. OHN has partnered with other organizations to have multiple resources available for the nursing community. They have a book club, nutritional support, playlists, discussion boards, a blog, stress management podcasts, hotlines for immediate help, and fitness, yoga, and meditation regimens to help combat burnout.

Our mental health is so essential and needs to be taken seriously.

No matter how you cut it, it’s time to start putting ourselves first. Go get that facial, massage, or Botox! Take that trip, call that friend, and be grateful! Go to yoga, go for a run, and move your body in a way that serves YOU. There is no wrong answer.

Amare Medical Network cares for the people we work with and work for. It is our purpose, and if it’s yours, we would love for you to check out our job board when you look for your next travel assignment.

We hope you found this article on battling burnout helpful. Are you battling burnout? What are you doing to care for yourself? Comment 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.

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 Anders Group

February 27, 2023

1692 Views

Phone Interview Tips for Travel Nurses

Posted on February 27, 2023February 27, 2023 by Anders Group

Anders Group provided this article.

Written by: Angie Chung from Anders Group.

When searching and applying for assignments as a travel nurse, one of the most important steps is the facility interview. Interviews are the best and only time to showcase your skills and truly get a feel for the position you are applying to prior to starting. Since most travel assignments are out of state, interviews typically occur over the phone. There are so many frustrating factors when conducting a phone interview. To overcome this disconnect, we want to provide some interview tips and important questions to ask during your interview.

Scheduled vs. Unscheduled

Usually, the facility will coordinate with your recruiter to schedule a time that works best for you and the facility’s hiring manager. In some cases, this prearrangement does not occur, and the facility may call you without prior notification. If you are submitting to travel assignments, you must be prepared to answer any unknown phone numbers, as they could be an unscheduled interviews. If your interview is pre-arranged, make sure you are completely available. There might be multiple candidates being considered, and the facility may select someone else to fill the role before you are able to reschedule. If the facility calls without coordinating a time, answer when you are available and able to be present. If you are distracted, or there is a lot of background noise, this could make the first impression and overall call a negative experience. Let the call go to voicemail, and call them back as soon as possible.

Phone Reception

Make sure you have stable phone reception. Static, cut sound, or a call breaking up during an interview will be frustrating for both you and the interviewer. This can leave a negative first impression that you definitely want to avoid.

Keep Your Personality Bright

As the interview is not conducted in person, it can be very difficult to show yourself off. Be energetic and make sure the facility can feel your enthusiasm for the role. You want to let them know that you are enjoyable to work with. Try to avoid speaking with a monotone voice and animate your tone!

Be Your Biggest Advocate

This is your time to shine! Display your eligibility and the skills you have to offer. Let them know why you are fit for the role and highlight the strengths and values you believe you can bring to the team. If a detailed job description was provided, point out how you meet each qualification.

Ending the Call

Before your interview ends, make sure to ask some questions that you have prepared in advance. This interview is critical for you to understand the position and facility to see if it is a good fit. As the conversation seems to come to a close, end the call by asking when to expect an offer or if you would be the right traveler for their team. After your interview, immediately contact your recruiter to let them know how it went. At Anders Group, we want to hear how your interview experience flowed so we can immediately follow up with the facility and push for an offer.

Asking Questions During an Interview

Asking thoughtful questions allows you to understand the position and signals to the interviewer that you are genuinely interested in the role. It also gives you the opportunity to address any areas of concern you may have regarding the assignment.

Here are a couple of necessary interview questions:

Why is there a travel need?
What would the day-to-day be like for this position?
What are the most important skills needed?
Could you describe the ideal candidate?
What would be my approximate hours/schedule each week?
How many people are on the team?
What is the patient ratio?
What mentorship is provided?
Are you okay with my days off during ___?
Do you have any areas of concern about my ability that I may help clarify?

Phone interviews don’t have to be a frustrating and negative experience. Preparing yourself for any situation and being your biggest advocate can prove to be the best way for you to nail the assignment you want. Although there is a huge disconnect during phone interviews, you can make the experience great!

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

Join Now

By RTG Medical

February 25, 2023

1416 Views

Top Travel Destinations for Summer 2023

Posted on February 25, 2023February 25, 2023 by RTG Medical

RTG Medical provided this article.

Six Must-See Cities for Your Summer 2023 Healthcare Travel Assignment

As the winter season slowly comes to an end, it’s time to start planning your next travel assignment for the summer of 2023. If you’re a healthcare professional who loves to explore new places while pursuing your career, then your next travel assignment in a beautiful new location might be just the thing you need. Here are six cities that are must-visit travel destinations for your summer 2023 travel assignment.

Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska and is known for its beautiful scenery, outdoor activities, and wildlife. With long daylight hours during the summer months, you’ll have plenty of time to explore and enjoy everything Anchorage has to offer. Take a scenic drive on the Seward Highway, go fishing for salmon, hike to a glacier, or watch for whales on a boat tour. Anchorage also has a great food and drink scene, with plenty of local breweries and restaurants that serve fresh seafood.

Bayfield, Wisconsin

Bayfield is a charming town located on the shores of Lake Superior in northern Wisconsin. It’s the perfect destination for those who love outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and kayaking. You can also take a boat tour to the Apostle Islands, a group of 22 islands that are known for their pristine beaches and unique rock formations. Bayfield is also home to several wineries and orchards, so be sure to try some locally-grown fruit and wine during your visit.

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is a historic city that is known for its museums, universities, and sports teams. During the summer months, you can take a stroll along the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile walking path that takes you through some of Boston’s most historic sites. You can also visit the Boston Common, the oldest public park in the country, or catch a Red Sox game at Fenway Park. Boston also has a thriving food scene, with plenty of seafood restaurants and local eateries to choose from.

Telluride, Colorado

Telluride is a small town nestled in the mountains of southwestern Colorado. It’s a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of hiking, biking, and rock-climbing opportunities. You can also take a scenic gondola ride to the top of the mountain, where you’ll have stunning views of the surrounding area. Telluride is also known for its music festivals, so be sure to check the schedule and catch a show during your visit.

Wilmington, Delaware

Wilmington is a small city located on the Delaware River, just a short drive from Philadelphia. It’s a great destination for those who love history and culture, with plenty of museums and historic sites to explore. You can also take a stroll through the beautiful Brandywine Park, which is home to several gardens and a zoo. Wilmington also has a great food scene, with plenty of local restaurants and breweries to choose from.

Nomad, Washington

Nomad is a small town located in the eastern part of Washington state. It’s a great destination for those who love the outdoors, with plenty of hiking and fishing opportunities in the surrounding area. Nomad is also known for its wineries, so be sure to take a wine tour and sample some of the local vintages. If you’re visiting in August, be sure to check out the North Central Washington Fair, which features live music, rodeos, and carnival rides.

These six cities are must-visit travel destinations for your summer 2023 RTG Medical travel assignment. Each of these cities has its own unique attractions and culture, so be sure to choose the one that best suits your interests. From the beautiful scenery of Anchorage to the historic sites of Boston, there’s something for everyone in these amazing travel destinations.

Join other healthcare travelers and partner up with a top staffing agency!

Join tons of other healthcare travelers who have found jobs in locations they’ve always wanted to travel to! These amazing destinations have something for everyone, from the stunning scenery of Anchorage to the historic sites of Boston. We have helped tons of healthcare travelers find jobs in locations they’ve always wanted to travel to! If you’re ready for the adventure of a lifetime, reach out to a healthcare travel agency today!

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

February 24, 2023

1692 Views

Avoid Housing Surprises When Traveling!

Posted on February 24, 2023February 24, 2023 by Furnished Finder

Some surprises are great – like a surprise birthday party, a surprise visit from a friend, or even a surprise day off! But when you’re a travel nurse, the type of surprise you don’t want involves housing! You have so many changes when you’re going from place to place and facility to facility that a housing surprise can often bring unwelcome stress to your situation. We’re here to help by offering a few ways to avoid housing surprises when finding your next monthly furnished rental.

Check Furnished Finder for your housing needs.

First things first, make sure you check out Furnished Finder for your housing needs. The site offers nothing but monthly furnished rentals and discounted hotels perfect for your needs. This way, you won’t have to sift through housing that doesn’t fit your monthly furnished needs. You won’t fall in love with a property only to find that it’s available on weekends only!

Be upfront with the property owners.

Next, be upfront about what you are looking for when you begin communicating with property owners. If you have non-negotiables or must-haves, let those be known right away. This way, you won’t get all the way to the point where you are ready to sign a lease only to find that your requirements aren’t met, and you’re sent back to square one.

Let the property owner know your reason for travel and who you will be traveling with. This may seem like unnecessary information to share, but if you are traveling with a spouse, partner, or friend, and the property owner knows about this, they can make sure that there are enough supplies, bedding, etc., for multiple people. This is also a great time to ask specific questions about things that will make your stay easier. If you work nights, a coffee maker is probably a must! Ask the owner if there is one, so you don’t have a surprise caffeine-free stay!

FaceTime!

More often than not, stays are reserved without visiting the property prior to the move-in date. This can be for multiple reasons. You may not actually be in the new city until your contract starts, or there may be a tenant in the property that can make seeing the property tough. In this case, to ensure you aren’t met with any unwelcome housing surprises, ask the property owner if you can FaceTime with them to see the property! Even if it’s just from the outside, if the unit or home is occupied, it will give you a better feel of the neighborhood, the vibe, and the landlord!

Speaking of landlords…call them!

We live in such a digital world that it’s easy to do everything over text and messaging. If you want extra certainty, though, pick up the phone and call the property owner to really get a feel for them and their property. You can get to know them and ask questions that come up in conversation that you might not have thought of before.

Use Google Street View!

You may be going to an area of the country you have never been to. While this can be exciting and bring lots of new adventures, you may also know nothing about the different areas of town! We know you will want to be close to your place of work, but you also don’t want any surprises when it comes to the neighborhood or your surroundings. Because, after all, safety is the priority! Visit Google maps, type in the address, and click on street view. This will allow you to “walk” around the neighborhood and get a good feel for the area.

Our final word of advice to avoid any unwelcome housing surprises when it comes to your housing situation – ask questions, questions, and more questions! Our site is great because you get to connect directly to the property owner – take advantage of this! Ask them if there is a secured entrance, the neighborhood vibe, the facilities, their policies, etc.

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

Join Now

Who are travel nurses?

Five Steps to Becoming a Travel Nurse

Step 1. Get Your Nursing Degree

Step 2. Pass the NCLEX

Step 3. Obtain an RN license

Step 4. Get out there and gain experience as a nurse

Step 5. Talk to a recruiter

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

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

Related Posts

Charting Your Course: Travel Nursing Requirements, Skills, and Key Insights

Step #25 Travel Nurse Contract – 2 Weeks to go…

15 Great Ideas to Celebrate Nurses Week

Categories

Hot Jobs

Recent Articles

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

The title for your new book is simply “My Ticket to Travel Nursing.”

What is this book?

Here is a list of all that will be contained in your book;

Your book has been written

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

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

Related Posts

5 Rookie Mistakes Made In Travel Nursing

How to Make Your Travel Nurse Stipend Stretch Further

How to Market Yourself as a Medical Traveler to Get the Job You Want

Categories

Hot Jobs

Recent Articles

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

Work as a Travel Nurse Outside a Hospital

Indian Health Services (IHS):

Clinical Research Hospital:

Clinics:

Correctional Facility:

Government or State Hospital or Clinic:

Elementary School:

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

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

Related Posts

Mental Health in the Medical Field

4 Great States for Travel Nursing in Fall 2020

Creative Ways for Travel Nurses to Show Appreciation to Coworkers at the End of Their Contract

Categories

Hot Jobs

Recent Articles

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

Contract Extension 101

It’s Convenient

How Does it Impact Taxes?

Tax Home

What Happens When A Travel Nurse Stay in One Place is too long?

What Does This Mean For Me?

Finding a Great Tax Accountant

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

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

Related Posts

8 Important Tips for Travel Nurses

NursesEverywhere: Nurses Celebrate!!!!

What Do You Find Frustrating About Travel Nursing?

Categories

Hot Jobs

Recent Articles

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

1. Consider booking an extended-stay hotel or short-term VRBO rental for the first week or two of your assignment.

2. Divide & Conquer.

3. If you have travel companions, pick a place that fits everyone’s needs.

4. Be brutally honest with yourself when booking your long-term housing for your travel assignment.

5. Educate yourself about the advantages and disadvantages of agency-provided housing.

6. Consider alternative housing options.

7. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

8. A picture can be worth a thousand dollars.

Related Posts

What Healthcare Travelers Should Do in a Post-Pandemic Job Market

When Should I Take Time Off as a Travel Nurse?

How to Search for Housing as a Travel Nurse

Categories

Hot Jobs

Recent Articles