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By The Gypsy Nurse

September 19, 2022

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A BRIGHT SPOT IN HEALTHCARE: TRAVEL NURSES REPORT HIGHER JOB SATISFACTION

New Study Shows 30% are more satisfied today than before the pandemic;

85% plan to continue their travel nursing careers

BOCA RATON, Fla. – September 19, 2022 – Burnout, turnover, and low morale have all taken a heavy toll on the healthcare profession in recent years. But for travel nurses, the pandemic appears to have increased resilience and galvanized the community, according to a recent survey. The study, Voice of the Travel Nurse reveals that 85% of travel nurses intend to continue in their careers. In measuring their satisfaction levels, 50% are as satisfied today as they were pre-pandemic; 30% say they’re more satisfied today.

Voice of the Travel Nurse was conducted by an independent research firm and commissioned by The Gypsy Nurse, the largest and most active online community of travel nurses in the world. The organization provides a variety of career resources to more than 500,000 followers and members across its digital channels. More than 1,000 travel nurses were surveyed.

“We commissioned this study to gain a more thorough understanding of travel nurse perspectives,” said Steve Curtin, CEO of The Gypsy Nurse. “By knowing what drives – and erodes – their satisfaction, we can provide better resources to the travel nurse community, and to the healthcare facilities and staffing agencies relying on these professionals for critical roles.”

Curtin will present the findings in detail on September 20 in Las Vegas at TravCon ’22, the yearly conference for travel health professionals. (More details on the conference are below.)

Additional Report Highlights

  • Current satisfaction: 79% of travel nurses are satisfied or very satisfied with their current role.
  • Compensation: Competitive pay attracts travel nurses to the profession, but once they’ve established themselves as travelers, factors other than money take on greater significance in retaining them.
  • Satisfaction drivers: Flexibility and the ability to make a difference in multiple healthcare settings are among the top factors contributing to travel nurses feeling fulfilled in their work.
  • Other contributors: Healthcare facilities in which travel nurses work and staffing firms that arrange their contract assignments also contribute to satisfaction, with facilities having a slightly more substantial impact.

Room for Improvement

The study pointed to several areas for enhancement. For uncommitted travel nurses – those who are uncertain or unlikely to continue their travel nursing careers – they noted the following areas as troublesome:

  • Patient ratios: 33% are dissatisfied with patient-to-staff ratios.
  • Treatment: 33% are unhappy with how they’re treated compared to staff nurses. More than one-quarter (27 percent) are dissatisfied with how they’re treated by hospital staff.

Communication is a central issue as well. Among committed travel nurses – those who plan to continue working in travel – only 64% received regular communications from their healthcare facility. When rating their experience with staffing agencies, 72% noted their agency keeps them informed regularly.

Making Meaningful Change

Curtin noted that while cultural changes cannot happen overnight, leaders should begin work now to identify issues so they can rectify them. “Organizations that take time to honestly evaluate their work culture and make necessary improvements will attract more talent,” he said. “It’s imperative for travel nurses to be viewed – and treated – as part of the core team, not a separate group. Leaders who integrate travel nurses into their organizations and keep them informed on key issues will enhance their culture and attract the best talent in the travel community.”

As nursing shortages are expected to increase sharply in the near future, Curtin emphasized that recruiting and retaining nursing staff is a shared responsibility among healthcare organizations and the broader community. “All of us must advocate for safe work environments, better communication, and greater recognition for current and future nurses. To build a workforce that can support our healthcare requirements moving forward, educational institutions, government agencies and the private sector must all work with the healthcare community to advance the nursing profession.”

About The Gypsy Nurse

The Gypsy Nurse is the world’s largest community of travel nurses with an audience of more than 500,000 members across multiple channels including TheGypsyNurse.com and TravCon, the leading healthcare traveler conference. The organization builds awareness of travel healthcare career options and offers travel healthcare professionals the knowledge, tools, and social connectivity required to build successful careers supported by a community of like-minded professionals.

Earlier this year, The Gypsy Nurse acquired TravCon, the yearly conference for travel healthcare professionals. TravCon ’22 will be held at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas from September 18-21. The conference is the largest in-person gathering of healthcare travel professionals in the United States. It enables attendees to earn continuing education credits, connect with other healthcare professionals, and be recognized for their contributions and work over the last year.

For more information on TravCon ‘22, visit https://travcon.org/. For more information on The Gypsy Nurse, visit https://www.thegypsynurse.com/

# # #

For a full copy of the report and/or interviews with Steve Curtin and travel nurses:

Maureen Carrig

maureen@carrigcommunications.com

650/520-0780

travel nurses report travel nurses report

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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 TheraEx

September 19, 2022

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How to Achieve a Work-Life Balance as a Travel Nurse

TheraEx Staffing Solutions provided this article.

Working as a nurse can be exciting and rewarding. Nevertheless, every nurse who has ever been on staff at a hospital or medical facility knows how stressful and demanding their job can be at times and how easy it is to fall victim to burnout. Many nurses find that their unpredictable work schedules and rigorous job duties prevent them from maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Travel nursing offers nurses the chance to escape from their day-to-day routine and allows them to explore new opportunities in different locations across the country. In addition to engaging in new workplace experiences, travel nurses also have the opportunity to enjoy a new and exciting lifestyle while exploring new activities and adventures.

There are a handful of small changes you can implement to help improve your work-life balance as a travel nurse gradually. We have a few tips to help you get started.

How to Achieve a Work-Life Balance as a Travel Nurse

Choose Travel Nurse Assignments That Suit Your Needs

The best part about travel nurse assignments is that you get to decide what will be the best assignment for you. Whether it’s location, desirable working hours, or high pay, there will always be an assignment that fits your needs. Think about what matters the most to you. Why did you decide to become a travel nurse? Was it to make more money, explore new fun and exciting locations, or create meaningful memories with your friends or family? Choose assignments that will help you achieve these goals.

It’s also important to note that it is okay if your needs change over time. You might miss family (if you decide to travel on your own and they stay back at home) and want an assignment closer to home. Or you might have an adventurous streak and want an assignment in a region with plenty of activities and things to do.

Set Limits and Stick to Them

Most nurses go into healthcare because they have an innate yearning to help people, but it’s also important to place reasonable limits on yourself while doing so. Try to do your best each day to stick to a set schedule and leave when your shift is done. While there will always be patients to care for, your personal time is just as valuable. By actively maintaining a set daily routine, you can go a long way toward establishing a healthy work-life balance that will leave you feeling less stressed at the end of the day.

Leave Work at Work

In your profession, there will be many times you are exposed to situations that will stick with you and will weigh heavily on your emotions. On any given day, a nurse may play a part in a particularly tragic or emotional situation, and those situations can affect you long after your shift is over. In order to have a happy home life, you will need to do your best to block out work events after you leave for the day. If you spend all night dwelling on the what-ifs and could-have-beens, not only will your home life suffer, but you’ll also feel mentally drained.

Create a Bucket List and Take Time for You

One of the easiest ways to improve your work-life balance is to build time for yourself into your schedule. Create a bucket list of the things you would like to do and pick assignments that will help you complete them. Maybe you’ve wanted to go whale watching in Alaska, watch the sunset on a Florida beach, or explore a California amusement park. Maximize your off-hours by doing things you enjoy and bring you a sense of adventure or relaxation. Most nurses want to do what’s best for their patients, so it’s time to start thinking of yourself as a patient and focus on giving yourself what you need to live a fulfilled, happy, and healthy life.

Just remember that one of the greatest perks of being a travel nurse is being in charge of your career and the decisions you make. You can come and do your job and leave when your contract is over without having to worry about the stresses of a permanent job. This alone is a huge step in taking care of your mental health and allows you to enjoy a healthy work-life balance.

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 The Gypsy Nurse

September 19, 2022

8809 Views

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The Voice of The Travel Nurse



Insights from over 1,000 travel nurses on the state of their profession

As the world's largest community of travel nurses with an audience of over 500,000 members, The Gypsy Nurse is positioned like no other organization to tap into the attitudes and beliefs of travel nurses.

The Voice of The Travel Nurse is an unprecedented study that was commissioned by The Gypsy Nurse to allow travel nurses to directly express their thoughts regarding their profession: what they like, what they don’t like, and their plans for continuing in the nursing profession. Conducted in conjunction with a leading national market research firm with over 1,000 combined online respondents and live interviews, The Voice of The Travel Nurse helps us understand their unique perspectives more clearly.

The data in this report will challenge current assumptions regarding the travel nursing industry; among other insights, this study sheds light on:

  • The fact that travel nurses are more satisfied than staff nurses, and why
  • Despite talk about pay in the travel nursing field, other factors can influence satisfaction more
  • How hospitals and staffing agencies can better support and retain nursing talent

Please download your copy of the complete Voice of The Travel Nurse Report below by filling out our request form below:

Name(Required)

Thanks for your interest in “The Voice of The Travel Nurse” report.  Please email us at Marketing@TheGypsyNurse.com if you would like further information about this report, or advertising opportunities with us or our travel nursing community.

Download Full Report

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 Nurse First Travel Agency

September 17, 2022

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The Top 3 Picturesque and Highest Paying States for Travel Nurses

Nurse First Travel Agency provided this article.

Travel nursing is an exciting career path for those wanting to get out of their comfort zone. Not only does it provide flexibility, but it allows you to see the country while you’re at it. Travel nurses are often paid more than regular nurses and are given a stipend for lodging as well. Many companies even provide bonuses and allow nurses to choose their own schedules. The average time for a travel nurse assignment is 13 weeks, and before venturing out on that journey, it’s time to decide where to go. Some nurses already have a place or a list of places in mind. It all comes down to narrowing down the pros and cons of each place to find that ideal location. Other nurses choose travel nurse locations by finding where they can best apply their skill set to the maximum value, and this might fall into states all over the country. To find that sweet spot, look at the top 3 highest paying states for travel nurses!

The Top 3 Picturesque and Highest Paying States for Travel Nurses

1. California

California holds three major hospitals that are likely to be hiring. These include Kaiser Permanente, which owns 38 hospitals throughout the state; Dignity Health which operates 32 hospitals; and Sutter Medical Foundation, which runs 19 hospitals.

The Golden State is a top destination for nurses thanks to its booming economy and picturesque landscape. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurses in California make an annual wage of $106,905 and an hourly wage of $51.41. Pay rates tend to be higher in Northern California as the cost of living is one of the highest in the United States. However, the opportunities for nurses are endless in California, from big urban centers like Los Angeles and San Francisco to the rural areas in the north and south. Whatever your nursing needs, California has something to offer.

2. Hawaii

If you’re looking for an exciting and exotic location to work as a travel nurse, Hawaii should be at the top of your list! The mean annual wage for travel nurses in Hawaii is $98,080, and the hourly wage is $47.16. It is important to note that the cost of living in Hawaii is quite high, and one nurse suggested taking a housing stipend to save money. Luckily, with the size of Hawaii, it is likely better to go to less tourist-heavy locations such as the Big Island over Maui or Oahu instead of Kauai.

The hospitals in Hawaii are top-notch and offer a unique experience for nurses. Whether you’re looking to work in a tourist-heavy environment or a more rural area, Hawaii has something to offer everyone. With its diverse landscape, culture, and climate, Hawaii is the perfect place to travel nurse!

3. Oregon

Oregon has something for everyone. Whether it be the theater culture in Ashland, foodie-friendly portland, the natural beauty such as the Oregon Coast, or hiking Mt Hood, with its vast beauty and artistic cities, Oregon draws in a lot of travel nurses. The state holds a mean annual wage of $91,080 and an hourly wage of $43.79.

In order to be a travel nurse in Oregon, you must have an RN or LPN degree. If you’re coming from outside the state and don’t hold an Oregon nursing license, you may apply for one by examination or endorsement, depending on the stage of your career. It is possible to handle your license verification needs online, but as the nurse, you will still need verification from the original state of licensure. If you take the endorsement route, you will pay $195 plus $52 for fingerprint processing. Nurses who have been out of practice for a while may need to take a reentry course.

Ready For Your Next Adventure

If you’re ready to choose your next assignment, consider one of these states.

Hawaii is a great destination for those who want to step out of their comfort zone and explore new cultures. If you’re looking for a more relaxed vacation spot, consider spending some time in California. If you’re more of a nature person, Oregon has you covered with a heap of hikes and waterfalls.

No matter what your interests are, there is a great U.S. state waiting for you to explore. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next vacation today!

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 AMN Healthcare

September 15, 2022

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The Travel Nurse’s Guide to Central Florida

Palm trees, sunny days, world-class theme parks, and a wide variety of natural attractions—are just a few of the many things that have people flocking from all over the world to visit Central Florida.

The Central Florida region is generally considered the Orlando metropolitan area, located in the middle of the state, making day trips to nearby cities and beaches a breeze. The cities of Tampa, Daytona Beach, Ocala, Winter Park, Kissimmee, Lakeland, and many others are all easily accessible from this area.

Travel nurses working in Orlando and the surrounding suburbs can enjoy a variety of assignments at top-rated hospitals and medical facilities, competitive nurse salaries, unique experiences at famous amusement parks, delicious restaurants, gorgeous lakes, and a bustling downtown area, complete with lively bars and nightlife.

American Mobile has taken the guesswork out of working as a travel nurse in Central Florida by creating this comprehensive guide to help make the most of your next assignment in the Sunshine State. Here you’ll find everything you need to know about living and working in the Orlando area.

Lifestyle Benefits for Travel Nurses in Central Florida

The City of Orlando is nicknamed “The City Beautiful,” and it’s no wonder why. The city is home to distinct architecture, hundreds of lakes (the largest of which is Lake Apopka), towering skyscrapers, and plenty of walkable areas to explore by foot or bike.

There are countless benefits to taking a travel nurse assignment in Central Florida, including an affordable cost of living. According to data from Payscale, as of mid-March 2022, Orlando’s cost of living is 5 percent lower than the national average, with living expenses coming in at 6 percent below national averages.

Most major travel nursing agencies, such as American Mobile, offer several housing options to accommodate their travel nurses in the Orlando area. You can choose free, company-arranged housing close to your assignment facility or accommodations you find on your own if you opt for the housing stipend.

Since you’ll be saving money on living expenses and enjoying competitive compensation, travel nurses can enjoy an elevated lifestyle. Spend your day:

  • Relaxing on a nearby beach (be sure to check out Cocoa Beach – just an hour from Orlando);
  • Strolling through the botanical gardens and arboretums, biking on the West Orange Trail; or
  • Paddleboarding or kayaking on one of the area’s many lakes. Lake Eola Park is a fan favorite located in the heart of downtown Orlando. It features a sidewalk that circles the lake and is nearly a mile long, making it a perfect track for a run or energizing walk. The lake’s famous swan-shaped paddle boats are a must-do for anyone looking for a fun and memorable activity.

Live like a local in Central Florida by working hard and enjoying a laid-back yet active lifestyle!

Facilities for Travel Nurse Assignments

Travel nursing is an excellent way for nurses to expand their skills, experience, and clinical knowledge by working in some of the nation’s top healthcare facilities and learning from other talented nurses, physicians, and healthcare professionals.

Central Florida is a hot spot for healthcare, and it’s home to several notable health systems and medical facilities, including:

Regional Medical Centers

Several major medical centers can be found throughout Central Florida, and assignments are available in most nursing specialties, including ER, ICU, Med-Surg, L&D, and oncology, to name a few. There is also one Level 1 trauma center in this area. Patients range in all ages and acuity levels, and travel nurses can gain excellent clinical experience as they work with patients with various conditions.

Teaching Facilities

Central Florida is home to a top teaching facility that is highly rated and nationally ranked, making it an excellent place for any traveler looking for their next nursing assignment.

Children’s Hospitals / Pediatric Facilities

This area has three pediatric facilities, all members of the Florida Association of Children’s Hospitals. And there is a Level III neonatal intensive care unit.

Nursing Homes / Long-Term Care Facilities

According to U.S. News & World Report, 72 licensed nursing homes are in the Orlando metro area.

Outpatient Clinics and Medical Practices

From internal medicine and pediatric offices to surgery centers, infusion centers, and cardiac catheterization labs, travel nurses can find a number of outpatient jobs in the Orlando area.

job board

Things to do in Central Florida

Top Activities & Experiences:

Known as the “Theme Park Capital of the World,” there is no shortage of fun and adventure to be had while working as a travel nurse in Orlando. Perhaps the most iconic of them all is the Walt Disney World Resort. There’s nothing more magical than that famous set of mouse ears. Here, you’ll find:

Looking for an experience that brings your favorite cinematic experiences together? Look no further than Universal Orlando Resort, where travel nurses can explore both lands of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. If you need a break from amusement parks, be sure to check out Universal City Walk, which is an attraction in and of itself. This modern attraction features a variety of restaurants, shops & family shows.

The other main Central Florida theme parks include:

  • SeaWorld
  • Discovery Cove
  • Legoland
  • Busch Gardens (Tampa)

Another fun fact: Orlando is also referred to as the “Hollywood of the East” due to the multiple movie studios that can be found throughout the city.

Not really into theme parks? Not to worry. Orlando offers plenty of other attractions, experiences, and fun things to do that don’t involve rollercoasters and animated characters. First up on our list:

  • ICON park is located on 20 acres in the heart of Orlando’s International Drive. Here you’ll find over 40 restaurants, The Wheel at ICON Park — a 400-foot-tall observation wheel, SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, Madame Tussauds Orlando, and Arcade City.

Are you an adventure seeker? Consider:

  • Go-karting
  • An escape room
  • Indoor skydiving
  • Axe-throwing

All of these activities can be found around the International Drive area. There are also airboat rides and alligator tours. And speaking of animals, a visit to Orlando isn’t complete with a trip to the Central Florida Zoo. You’ll feel like you’ve entered a jungle as exhibits are nestled among lush, green tropical foliage. The zoo has 23 acres of native gardens and more than 500 animals, including an insect zoo, a reptile house, a children’s area with animals that kids can feed and pet, and a splash playground for those hot days.

Don’t forget to check out the city’s fun shopping venues, get dressed up, and head out to an event hosted at the Orlando Museum of Art or the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

All About the Eateries

Now that you’ve worked up a healthy appetite with all of those activities, it’s time to explore the most delicious food Orlando has to offer. Lucky for travel nurses, you’ll never run out of a new place to try during a typical 13-week assignment!

According to restaurant research firm The NPD Group, there are over 7,000 restaurants in Orlando, Daytona Beach, and Melbourne. Cuisine types vary throughout different neighborhoods and regions, with a wide variety of international flavors to be sampled. From traditional Southern BBQ to mouth-watering Cuban cuisine, there’s something for every food lover here.

To get you started, here are some of the yummiest dishes to try at some of the most popular restaurants in Orlando, including culinary delights that have been featured in magazines, blogs, articles, and “most famous” lists:

  • Pizza Bruno – Named to Conde Nast Traveler’s “21 Best Restaurants in Orlando.” House favorite is the Crimson Ghost pie which is adorned with mozzarella, soppressata, basil, and Mike’s Hot Honey.
  • Hunger Street Tacos – Born out of the pandemic, this spot has the most delicious tacos and quesadillas, made from scratch using imported blue Oaxacan corn.
  • Wine Bar George – This Disney Springs staple isn’t just for tourists. Locals love coming here for its extensive wine list and fun weekend brunch.
  • Winter Park Biscuit Company – Vegetarian or plant-based diet? This will be your place. Every single thing on the menu—including the sauces—is plant-based.
  • Kabooki Sushi – Go there for the super-fresh sushi, sashimi, and the famous omakase experience, which includes a chef-selected, multi-course dinner.
  • The Ravenous Pig – Its legendary charcuterie boards will have you coming back for your fix of meat and cheese on the regular.
  • Knife and Spoon – John Tesar of TV’s “Top Chef” fame is the chef at this Ritz-Carlton gem. Known for its strip and rib-eye steaks and slightly-spicy creamed spinach.
  • Domu – Sure, there may be a line out the door at times, but there’s a reason for it. House-made noodles, fluffy buns, and craft drinks are just a few of the stand-outs you’ll enjoy at this fun spot.

And don’t forget the theme park food, which is another category entirely! Just a few of our must-haves: the Dole Whip icy treat from Magic Kingdom Park, Granny’s Apple Fries at Legoland, and the Butterbeer at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios.

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 ONESTAFF MEDICAL

September 14, 2022

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How to Know It’s Time to Switch Travel Nursing Staffing Agencies

Onestaff Medical provided this article.

As a travel nurse, having a good relationship with your staffing agency is a key part of your success. Not only will your agency help you get the travel nursing assignment you’re looking for, but they’ll also be your best advocate as you move from hospital to hospital.

Sometimes, however, this relationship can turn sour and may no longer be helping you work toward your goals. Not every staffing agency will be a good fit for you, and you might need to switch agencies if you find this to be the case. If you’re unsure what red flags you should look out for, here is how to know it’s time to switch travel nursing agencies.

How to Know It’s Time to Switch Travel Nursing Staffing Agencies

When Is It Time to Switch Travel Nursing Agencies?

There can be many indicators that your relationship with your travel nursing agency isn’t working out. In general, if you aren’t happy with your current agency and feel that your needs are not being met or heard, it’s time to begin the process of moving on.

You Aren’t Presented Many Options for Assignments

It’s likely time to look for a new travel nursing agency if the one you’re currently working with doesn’t have any job options that align with your goals. Many travel nurses have specific career goals in mind, such as expanding their areas of expertise, trying different nursing specialties, and even traveling to new places for work.

Whatever your career goals are, your agency should have enough opportunities and assignment options available for you to explore. That way, you are more likely to find an assignment you’re excited about.

The Recruiters are Pushy or Rude

Dealing with someone that is pushy or rude is never a good situation. Unfortunately, this can happen with recruiters from time to time, as well. Feeling pushed into taking on a new contract or location that you are not comfortable with will likely lead to a bad experience.

If you feel that your travel nursing recruiter is pushing you to do things you are not comfortable with, they may not be looking out for your best interests. Your relationship with your recruiter is a two-way street, so if your needs and wants are not being heard, this is a sign that your agency may not be the right one for you.

You Can Never Get Ahold of Someone

To be successful, you need to be able to reach your recruiter and get a response in a timely manner. If communication is lacking from your staffing agency, this is likely a sign of a larger organizational problem. You deserve a certain level of service from your recruiter and agency. If you aren’t getting the communication you need, it might be time to consider another agency.

Many recruiters make a habit of checking in on their nurses a few times throughout the course of their contracts. The most critical times to speak with your recruiter are near the very beginning and the end of your contract. During these communications, your recruiter will make sure that things are going well in the new role and help set you up for success as you discuss potential upcoming assignments.

Outside of those two crucial time periods, you may hear from your recruiter a few times. However, if you are unhappy with the level of correspondence, you can always discuss your concerns with your recruiter. Your recruiter is here to support you on your travel nursing journey. Proper communication is necessary to ensure that problems can be resolved in a timely manner and that you are happy throughout your travels.

Documents or Paperwork Are Missing or Late

Just like lack of communication, missing or delayed paperwork can be a sign of a larger organization issue. Getting documents to the hospital you signed a contract with is a vital step to making the contract successful. Late documents can delay the start of your contract, causing you to miss out on shifts and money. Missing paperwork is an even bigger problem and contracts may be canceled entirely for this mistake, leaving you without a job.

Compliance can be a long process for both you and the agency. Hospitals have different requirements and expectations for this process. Because of this, most staffing agencies are aggressive about collecting the documents needed for compliance from you at the early stages of planning new contracts.

If your agency is not asking for your credentials and any required documents they don’t already have, reach out to them and ask about the next steps so your contract is not affected or canceled.

Your Recruiter Doesn’t Put Your Best Interests First

Finally, one of the most important red flags you should look out for to know when it’s time to switch travel nursing agencies is if your recruiter doesn’t put your interests before there’s. Some recruiters are just looking to complete a sale; getting you to say yes to an assignment means more money in their pocket, which can be a primary motivation for some.

If you find yourself in a situation where your recruiter is pushing you to say yes, it’s likely time to ask yourself if they are really meeting your needs or helping you to achieve your goals. If the answer is no, it’s probably best to start looking for another agency that will make you a top priority.

3 Tips on How to Leave a Staffing Agency

Leaving a travel nursing staffing agency can cause a lot of anxiety for some people. It’s never an easy thing to do, especially if you need to tell your recruiter that you are unhappy with their performance. To ensure success, consider these tips to help you quit your travel nursing agency.

1.      Be Polite

You owe it to the recruiter and the agency you are working with to be polite. Even if they have not been kind to you, it’s important to be the bigger person. No matter what has happened, the agency has been a stepping stone to get you where you are. Respecting them as people is the best way to leave the situation with your reputation still intact. The last thing you want to do is burn bridges that may affect you later in your career.

2.      Be Honest

Anything less than honesty helps no one in difficult situations. If there are problems with the agency you are working with, document them and discuss them with your recruiter. It’s best to give the agency your detailed reasons for leaving, since giving feedback can potentially spur positive change for that agency now or in the future. Also, remember to stick to the facts when leaving, and try to keep your emotions at bay.

3.      Be Realistic

If you know it’s time to switch travel nursing agencies, be realistic about the things you want to be different when negotiating a contract with your next agency. While a lack of communication is a fair reason to move on, expecting the new agency to be in constant contact with you about positions is not necessarily realistic. Balance what you want with what you can reasonably expect to get.

Changing travel nursing agencies is not something that should be taken lightly. Consider your wants and needs, what your family needs, as well as your own career goals when making the right decision.

Our recruiters at OneStaff Medical are to help if you’re looking for your next travel nursing agency. Contact us today at 877-783-1483 to learn more!

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.

Sources:

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 RNnetwork

September 13, 2022

2180 Views

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2022: The State of Travel Nursing

RNNetwork provided this article.

Travel nursing is in a state of transition in 2022. Throughout the pandemic, COVID-related hospitalizations combined with staffing shortages and provider burnout led many hospitals to increase travel nurse usage to meet demand. But as hospitalizations surged, so did the cost of travel nursing contracts — and many nurses experienced an unprecedented period of demand and high compensation for their services. However, as COVID-19 trends toward endemic status and hospitalizations subside, that trend is changing.

Travel nursing: Then and now

Eleonore Ruffy, Vice President of RNnetwork, says that travel nursing was a regular, steady business prior to the pandemic. “Hospitals staffed approximately two percent of their nursing positions with travel nurses,” Ruffy says. “Here at RNnetwork, we had roughly 8,000 open positions nationwide at any time.”

However, as the COVID-19 pandemic surged — especially surrounding the Omicron variant in December 2021 and January 2022 — demand for travel nurses soared. COVID highlighted the value of nurses but was also a tipping point, according to one industry expert.

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“COVID patients were treated largely by nurses. So, as the hospitals filled and nurses treated those specific patients, demand spiked. Compounding the issue, nurses began to get very burned out from the experience, and many left their permanent positions or left the profession altogether,” Ruffy says. “At its highest, contingency nurses accounted for an estimated nine percent of total contingency staffing. Here at RNnetwork, we peaked at 55,000 open positions nationwide. As you can imagine, when supply didn’t increase, bill rates and pay rates went up dramatically at that time.”

Industry data suggest the average pay for travel nurses increased from $1,706 per week in December 2019 to around $3,290 per week in December 2021. The travel nursing industry doubled in size over the last year. And in 2021, travel nursing revenue tripled to an estimated $11.8 billion, up from $3.9 billion in 2015.

As COVID-related hospitalizations decrease and relief funding tapers, some experts predict the travel nursing “bubble” may burst. Ruffy acknowledges the demand reduction but says demand and pay are still much higher than pre-pandemic levels.

“It has dropped down, but it’s still much higher than before COVID,” says Ruffy. “We have more than 20,000 open positions. And while hospitals are making incremental adjustments to pay, rates are still much higher than pre-pandemic rates.”

Traveler and permanent staff rapport

In addition to demand and compensation, the pandemic impacted other areas of travel nursing, including increasing the tension that sometimes exists between permanent staff and travelers.

“There are challenges to travel nursing,” says Ruffy. “And some got better, and some felt more intensified during the pandemic.”

“Long-term relationships can be harder to forge as you’re seen as the new provider and have to learn new systems and processes with new team members. Sometimes a stigma exists if someone is not a permanent nurse, and that stigma was exacerbated during the pandemic. As travel nursing compensation increased, that gap widened.”

“However, in areas like Florida and Arizona where the census changed a lot during the year, facilities have been very traveler friendly,” says Ruffy. “Facilities in these areas have historically been more accustomed to having travel nurses. They are more welcoming, as a result, and tend to give a better experience overall because they have been more used to having temporary staff.”

Ruffy hopes that the pandemic-driven demand for travel nurses will help make it standard practice for more areas and contribute to friendlier work environments.

“As more and more facilities have gotten more comfortable using travel nurses, the experience has been enhanced,” says Ruffy.

Travel nursing outlook

As for the outlook for the travel nursing market, Ruffy is optimistic.

“I think the outlook is still very bright for travel nurses. Even though COVID seems to have settled, demand and travel nurse pay is still higher than pre-pandemic levels, and there is a really good opportunity for nurses who are interested in the travel profession to get in,” says Ruffy. “Travel nurses today may not expect to earn peak crisis pay, but they’re also not going to experience the challenges of peak-pandemic demand, either.”

We hope you found this article on the state of travel nursing in 2022 helpful. Do you agree with what we have said? Share your comments on the state of travel nursing and what you are seeing 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.

Interested in travel nursing? We can help you find your first (or next) travel nursing job. Call us at 800.866.0407 or view today’s travel nurse job openings.

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

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

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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 Krista Berge

September 10, 2022

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The Signs and Warnings I Saw: My Husband’s Suicide

I wish I could give you a comprehensive checklist or even a flow chart on warning signs of suicide.  Wouldn’t it be nice if you could easily make the next move based on what someone says, does, or even insinuates right there in print?  I would even color code it for you too.  But I can’t.  My heart hurts that I can’t offer you any of that, and I am guessing if you’re reading this, your heart hurts too. But I can tell you what happened to us. I can be brutally honest and tell you where I missed it…the “it” that maybe would have kept him alive another day, year, or 50 years.

Losing Brian to suicide four years ago was my worst nightmare and still is. 

I would desperately lay awake every night for years, trying to avoid the scenario of him taking his life. I would ask him directly and also in roundabout ways if he was going to do it.  I reached out to family and close friends. I made all the doctor’s appointments and went with him.  I was honest about how bad things were getting in the sense of the “lows” coming more and more often.  I removed weapons from our home, searched our cars regularly, counted pills, and watched to make sure he was actually taking the medications (once we decided to go that route).  During the first six to eight weeks of any medication, he was not left alone for a single second. My world revolved around him, his safety, his health, and our children. 

August 16th, 2018

On August 16th, 2018, with our four children watching, Brian attempted to take his life and succumbed to his injuries a few days later.  I was asked countless times “what happened” by hospital staff, interviewed by police, questioned by family, you name it. All of whom were hoping maybe I could trace back to what ultimately led us to his devastating death. The untraceable lines of mental illness and suicide are murky and blurred with my tears to this day. 

So that’s where I will start.  Mental illness is a tricky thing because you can’t actually see it. What makes it even more mortifying is there actually weren’t many concrete signs at all for us in the thick of it.  Even as an RN, I was taught that people who are suicidal do have clear signs.  Some of those include giving away items, making comments about death, fixating on dying, etc.  It didn’t look like that at all for us, though.  It was not a black-and-white illness for us but also what mental illness is?

So here is the hard truth…..I missed it

I admit it, and I have to live with it.  I missed how much pain he was in.  He didn’t speak of wanting to die constantly but more of the frustration of having to live. I didn’t see they were one of the same. He wasn’t sure why he had to have this disease when God could just take it away.  He wasn’t sure why the 3rd and 4th medications he tried weren’t working.  He wasn’t sure I would stick around to fight this with him.  The lies crept in and because he appeared healthy and kept working…so many of us didn’t actually think it was that bad.  I grew complacent in a way and was also starting to think this was how life would be from now on.  

The hopelessness

I missed the hopelessness he felt daily and for years.  I missed the exhausting tone in his voice throughout the day.  I missed the emptiness in his eyes in family pictures. With me being so task-oriented, it meant we would keep moving forward.  I would check search histories to make sure he wasn’t trying to look for ways to end his life. There were honestly only a few moments Brian expressed suicidal ideation, and each was met with a specialized doctor’s care. So on to the next doctor that was recommended to us.  On to a less chaotic job and schedule.  On to the next medication.  On to the next bone-broth recipe.  On to the next minute, hour, and day of keeping him safe. And it worked for a little bit…or at least I thought it did.  

suicidal

I remember the few specific times he spoke of wanting to die, and each time was how we (the kids and I) would be so much better off.  I called him selfish.  Ugh, I hate to admit that, but I did (crying as I write this).  I asked how he could ever think of doing that to us.  Just like that…I cut the only lifeline he felt he had in me.  He wasn’t selfish.  Not. One. Bit. I guilted him further and told him I would never get past him taking his life.  I told him I would never recover.  So he felt even more hopeless.  Without knowing, I heaped on even more guilt and shame.  He was hopeless, and I unknowingly confirmed it.  

Self-sabotage

One other clear sign I missed was self-sabotage.  I knew what suicidal ideation looked like, so if he wasn’t expressing it…we were in the clear. He was doing anything and everything he could to feel better.  Some were great ideas, and others were not.  I did not notice this was him grasping just to find something, anything at all, to alleviate the pain.  I made the mistake of thinking he was trying to hurt me.  But the opposite was true.  He was doing whatever he could to make the pain stop, so my pain of watching him struggle would also stop.

In our last conversation, he told me he had tried everything. Before trying multiple medications, doctors, and psychiatrists, he even tried going vegan, healing his gut, working out, meditating, constantly praying, and seeing Christian counselors, you name it.  Yet he said nothing was working.  I didn’t recognize the hopelessness in his voice.  I became frustrated because, of course, we hadn’t tried EVERYTHING.  In my mind, it was time to call the doctor again and go back to the drawing board that day like we had so many times before.

Invisible suicidal signs and unspoken words

Obviously, I wish I could tell you I saw the invisible signs and heard the unspoken words, but I can’t.  Some days the “what ifs” cloud my mind, and I dream of doing that day all over again.  I hurt when insults are hurled like flaming arrows that if only I loved him harder, didn’t encourage medication, or had Baker Acted him; he would still be here.  All that is left now is for me to tell you where I missed it…where I missed the hopelessness. 

There is so much I can’t tell you about that day or Brian’s illness. But I can tell you there is always hope.  I can tell you the thoughts that we would be better off without you are NOT true.  I can tell you to please stay and fight another day.  I can tell you that you matter. We are not better off without you in the world.  We are better because you are in this world.  Please stay, and I promise we will hear what you’re not saying.  

Please, if you or anyone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental illness, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. You can also contact the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741).

Krista has written many articles for us on mental illness and suicide. If you would like to read more of her story, you can find it here. You can find Krista on social media as well, she is on Instagram and Facebook.

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 Kevin Devoto

September 9, 2022

2088 Views

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Surviving Night Shifts as a Travel Nurse

Being a nurse is challenging. With the worldwide nursing shortage, many professionals have turned to travel nursing for a bigger paycheck and increased work flexibility. While there are substantial benefits to travel nursing, it can be exhausting. Night shifts that were already hard can feel almost impossible for many nurses. If you’re a travel nurse scheduled for a midnight rotation, here are some tips to make it easier. 

Stay Nourished

First, you can make your overnight shifts easier by staying nourished. Food is fuel, and your body will need enough to make it overnight. Whether working in the emergency room or a nursing home, you need a good nutrition plan. Don’t leave your temporary housing without a meal packed or a plan to get one. If your body is low on cellular energy, you’ll get sleepy easier, and the hours will stretch. Something as simple as keeping granola bars or protein cookies in your scrub pockets will keep you nourished and awake throughout the night.

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If you don’t have the time to grab food, protein shakes, or supplement smoothies will be your best friends. These drinks give you the nutrients your body needs on the go, allowing you to make the most of your time. While a protein shake isn’t an optimal replacement for food, it’s better than skipping meals. Nutrition systems like Thrive include caffeine in their products, which gives you a boost throughout your shift. Thrive reviews are generally positive, with many people seeing an increase in long-lasting energy during their workday. By improving your nutrition, you can make your night shift easier. 

Curate a Sleep Schedule

The second way to make your night shifts easier is by curating a sleep schedule. When your shift ends, it can be tempting to go hang out with work friends or try to get housework done. While there’s nothing wrong with either of those things, having a sleep schedule is vital to your health as a night shift nurse. If you can, try to head for bed as soon as you can following your shift. Your off-duty tasks will still be there when you wake up, but you can’t function at work without proper rest. 

One crucial part of setting a sleep schedule is having a bedtime routine. It can be hard to fall asleep when you’re adjusting your circadian rhythm to a nocturnal schedule. Having a routine before bed can help make winding down after work easier. For instance, drinking the same cup of tea, taking a shower, or listening to white noise every day before bed will help cue your brain that it’s time to sleep. If you know you have difficulty falling asleep after work, try creating a bedtime routine along with your sleep schedule. 

Occupy Your Brain

The third way you can make your night shifts easier is by occupying your brain. Depending on your placement, you may have periods where you have little to no activity during the night. During these slow times, it’s easy to get so relaxed that you start falling asleep. Of course, you can’t exactly take a nap on the clock. Rather than getting in trouble, do things during your shift to keep your mind busy. 

If you’re allowed to use your phone during slow times, play a game that keeps you thinking or listen to a podcast while you do your routine charting. For placements with stricter phone rules, bring a sudoku or crossword book with you to work. Simple additions like these can keep your brain working so you don’t get too sleepy during your shift.

While night shifts will always be challenging, these tips can make them easier. You can survive your midnight shifts by taking care of your body as much as you care for your patients.

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