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By Amber Pickler

April 24, 2022

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Elevate Your Style and Comfort: Top Picks for the Best Medical Scrubs for Men

If you search online for men’s scrubs, your results will be primarily shopping links. At the same time, roughly 330,000 male nurses are working in The United States.  Many scrub companies claim that their scrubs are unisex. However, many men find this to be untrue.  Those deemed unisex tend to be boxy and aren’t as comfortable as those specifically for men.  They also don’t offer the extra pockets, specific material, etc., as men’s and even women-specific scrubs. 

We have put together a list of the top 14 brands of men’s scrubs as voted on by our Facebook network group.  We hope that with this list, you can find the perfect scrubs for you!

men's scrubs
Photo provided by: Mark Hernandez

Top 13 Men’s Scrubs

FIGS

FIGS offers many options of scrubs for men to choose from.  They offer Core scrubs that come in many varieties.   At FIGS, they pride themselves on providing more than a uniform. They make every set with Technical Comfort™— the conviction that design, performance, and comfort are mandatory.

FIGS proprietary fabric technology is made from the finest materials and core-spun for maximum durability to withstand the demands of your day without sacrificing comfort.

Cherokee

Core Stretch

Men’s V-neck top features a double chest pocket with a pencil stitch, back yoke, double-needle topstitching, and side vents. Center back length: 29.”

Infinity

Comfortable, stylish, and durable, this set can endure the longest of shifts. Stay fresher longer thanks to CERTAINTY® Antimicrobial Fabric Technology! 

– CERTAINTY® Antimicrobial Fabric Technology inhibits the growth of bacteria, yeast, and algae which minimizes odors and stains due to bacteria and prolongs the useful life of the garment

Barco One

Barco offers a couple of varieties of scrubs for men.  They offer high-performance and sustainable fabric. Their Men’s V-Neck Zip Pocket Solid Scrub Top offers a zippered pocket that secures your phone, badge, or other important items with specific details designed to meet the needs of the “Healthcare Athlete.”  They also offer the Grey’s Anatomy line as well.  The Grey’s Anatomy scrub line has different styles of shirts and pants.

Winks

Winks brand offers the WonderTech scrubs for men.  It’s easy to stay comfortable throughout your workday with the WonderTECH Men’s V-neck Scrub Top! This top is made with unique stretch fabric that keeps you cool when you are warm and keeps you warm when it’s cold. Two roomy lower pockets and a chest pocket with a pen slot provide you with plenty of room to stay organized and keep up with accessories.

Carhartt

Carhartt has been around for years as workwear for men and women.  Specifically, workwear for the outdoors.  So, it is no surprise that they offer great scrubs, especially for men. 

Keep essential tools close at hand in this men’s V-neck scrub top. The vented build features two easy-access double pockets on the front plus a pen slot on the sleeve. A fast-drying polyester blend provides light stretch for a natural range of motion on the job.

Landau

Landau has been a familiar brand in the scrub industry for years.  While Landau offers other collections that are considered Unisex, they offer specific ProFlex scrubs for men. Count on the Landau Proflex Men’s V-Neck Scrub Top for a great fit and durability! This great-looking top is made with a soft blend of stretch fabric for superior comfort and flexibility. Spacious pockets make it easy to stay organized and carry around your favorite accessories.

Dickies

Dickies may only offer one variety of men’s scrubs, The Xtreme Stretch. But they offer great benefits; they have 4-way stretch, they make it possible for you to move effortlessly, they are soft and have a cool feel, they have a flattering drape, and they are easy to care for.

FIT Scrubs

FIT scrubs offer a large variety of scrubs for men.  They also have some new styles that will be released this summer.  An ED Trauma Tech/Paramedic created FIT scrubs.  They are made of silver fibers that are permanently antimicrobial – and up to 99.99% effective against MRSA, Staph, and Pneumonia. The other cool benefit is that the fabrics never smell from sweat odor!

Aviator Scrubs

Aviator describes their scrubs as (1) Durable (2) Wrinkle Free (3) Stain Repellent (4) Colorfastness (5) Multi-pockets (6) Versatile (7) A Professional look.  They offer Specialized Scrubs With Exclusive and Patented Pockets and Features! Just for Health Care Professionals!  They offer different varieties of both pants and tops.

BeneFIT

BeneFIT offers 3 varieties of scrubs for men.  Including; Stealth, Helix, and Light Protection.  With the 3 varieties, there is bound to be a type that works for you.  Below you will find some information on each variety of scrubs.

Stealth

Stealth. If you are familiar with our regular Helix line, this is the same thing except NO LOGO’s and ALL SOLID (no black sides). This line is specifically designed for those who have to abide by strict policies/rules.

Helix

Helix (Mid-Protection). If you are familiar with our Light Protection, you can attest to the level of quality we infuse within our products.

Light Protection

Light Protection, the world’s first athletic fit scrubs designed with less-messy medical roles in mind. But for those Medical Professionals working in the messier Healthcare Professions, don’t worry. We have your Heavy Protection line in the works!

Koi

Koi has 3 different types of scrubs for men.  These include koi Classic for Men, koi lite, and koi Stretch for Men.  The benefits of each are listed below.

Koi Classics

  • Breathable and ultra comfortable
  • Luxuriously soft and silky against your skin
  • Microfiber stretch satin fabric that moves with you
  • Fade-, shrink- and wrinkle-resistant for easy care
  • Microfiber Stretch Satin: 97% Polyester, 3% SpandexTwill
  • Rib Trim: 95% Polyester, 5% Spandex
  • Tees: 60% Polyester, 40% Cotton

Koilite

  • Lightweight, soft and breathable
  • Performance stretch
  • Moisture-wicking
  • 100% polyester dobby stretch, rib trim: 95% polyester, 5% spandex

Koi Stretch for Men

  • Stretch for comfort and easy movement
  • Super soft yet durable
  • Easy care, no ironing
  • 55% cotton, 42% polyester, 3% spandex brushed twill

Jaanuu

Jananuu offers 3 different collections of scrubs for men as well.   They offer Classic, Kent, and Dempsey collections.  Each collection has its own benefits. 

  • The Classic collection is a scrub style that stands the test of time.  They are elevated basics, and they are available in all sizes, all fit for all medical professionals.
  • The Kent collection is a sportier style of scrubs that is ultra-comfortable, flexible, and are built to last.
  • The Dempsey collection is a more professional scrub.  They are crisp and classic.
  • These are the top 13 brands of Men’s Scrubs as voted on by male nurses in our group.  There are other brands out there, but these seem to be the favorites! 

Looking for compression stocking or nursing shoes?

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

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

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Since just recently joining The Gypsy Nurse, I have had so many questions answered about the world of travel nursing. This has been an excellent resource!
—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

By Kevin Devoto

April 23, 2022

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How Travel Nursing Brings Financial Stability

Financial stability two words every adult loves to hear. It’s hard out there in the working world. Every day you show up to your job, trying to earn a living and hopefully still be able to set money aside for yourself for the future. For some jobs, that’s easier to do than others. Some give you that opportunity, while other jobs make it seem impossible. Travel nursing gives you the former. Whether you’re just starting to figure out your future career plans or looking to do a complete career switch, read below to see how being a travel nurse can bring you your own financial stability.

Income vs. Expenses

There are several factors that go into becoming financially stable, but, in a nutshell, having financial stability means the income you are earning is greater than your expenses and any money going out. Now, of course, earning this amount of income may happen for some weeks or months, but it needs to happen for a steady amount of time in order to have freedom with your finances. Travel nursing does just that. In general, no matter where you decide to travel for work, the pay will be much better for you than simply working and living in one set location. Better pay means a better opportunity for you to pay off any debts you may have. Perhaps you took on student loans to help attain your nursing degree. The sooner you pay both of those off, the sooner you put that money into your savings. Maybe you want a nice little nest egg, or maybe you want to start investing in stocks or rental properties. Whatever you decide to do, that extra income will open a world of possibilities toward increasing your financial stability.

On top of your income being higher than a non-travel nurse’s, your expenses are also less. Now, you may be asking, how is that possible? Well, with some companies, those travel expenses are paid for. Normally it would cost quite a lot for gas or plane tickets or a new apartment every few months, but because companies want and need travel nurses, sometimes those expenses are covered. Some companies even offer a daily budget to pay for food.

Once you add all of that up, it’s easy to see how most of your big expenses would be cut in half or disappear entirely. So, all in all, your expenses would go down while your income is going up. These are the exact things you need in your life to set you up for solid financial stability.

Benefits Are Good

Another thing I want to touch on are the benefits for travel nurses. You don’t have to work hundred-plus-hour weeks or not have a life in order for financial stability to happen. Travel nurses are given many benefits for doing what they do. Health insurance is generally provided. You are in the healthcare field, after all, and while you can shop for your own health insurance if you like, the hiring company usually provides their own insurance option. A 401k and bonuses are included as part of being a travel nurse, with some employers even matching up to a certain amount of your 401k. Time off, as well as an all-around flexible schedule, are also part of the benefits of the job. There are no boring nine to five schedule options you have to suffer through.

Final Thoughts

No matter who you are or what your background is, we all want financial stability. Travel nursing gives a lot of opportunities for that where, unfortunately, not a lot of other jobs do. It is a very rewarding and beneficial option for those looking to feel more stable with their money.

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:

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 TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

April 22, 2022

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3 Qualities of a Great Travel Nurse Recruiter

TNAA Healthcare provided this article.

Your relationship with your recruiter is arguably the most important relationship you’ll have in your travel nurse career. And for some agencies, it’s the only connection point you’ll have with that company. You’re putting a large part of your life in their hands, so you’ll want to make sure you and your recruiter mesh well together. Here are three qualities you’ll find in great recruiters who focus on building relationships instead of just adding another traveler to the list.

Qualities of a Great Travel Nurse Recruiter:

1.   Excellent Listener

Your recruiter should be asking questions and wanting to know about you upfront. Tell them why you wanted to become a nurse, what you enjoy about it, and why you wanted to start traveling. Once your recruiter gets to know you a bit, they should be plotting how to get you closer to hitting the personal and professional goals that you hope to achieve through this new career.

2.   Knowledgeable Guide

On the Travel Nurse Process

If you’re preparing for your first assignment with a company, your recruiter will need to thoroughly walk you through each step to ensure you get everything completed before your first day of work. A great recruiter will make sure you understand your options, from the assignments you want to apply for to your benefits, housing, and insurance choices. If they don’t have the answer to a question you have, they should at least know how to get you in touch with the right person for the problem.

On the Travel Nurse Market

The travel nurse market is constantly fluctuating. A specialty in demand one month can see a dramatic drop in need the next month. Your recruiter should be educated on the current state of the market, which will help them be a transparent communicator. When they see changes in the market, they should coach you on how to be flexible and adaptable within your current position or start pulling new assignments that would fit you better.

3.   Personable

Last but certainly not least, your recruiter should be personable. Talking with people is a big part of their daily job, and that’s not a task everyone can handle! Great recruiters genuinely enjoy talking with their nurses and helping them land the best assignments. Do a little digging on the recruiter you want to work with to see if they make a good fit for you. One way to find out more about them is by looking up reviews or seeing if they have an agency bio.

Your relationship with your recruiter is one that helps launch your career as a travel nurse. Take your time and do your research to find the recruiter you can trust as you pursue a career that moves you.

We hope this article on the 3 qualities of a great travel nurse recruiter helps you on your travel nurse journey. Do you have any other qualities you should look for in a recruiter? Comment them below.

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

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 TheraEx

April 21, 2022

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5 Ways to Succeed as a Travel Nurse

PRN Healthcare provided this article.

Travel nursing is a great way to live out your passion in your nursing career as well as your lifestyle! Nursing isn’t an easy career and adding travel doesn’t always make it any easier. However, when taking the right approach, becoming a travel nurse can prove to be one of the best decisions you have ever made. Let’s dive into some ways to succeed as a travel nurse!

Do Your Research

5 Ways to Succeed as a Travel Nurse

The first step to succeeding as a travel nurse is understanding where you want to travel. Is it time for a change? Researching possible areas to work is extremely important and can only be determined by you. Some tips to choosing the right location are to pick an area you want to visit, a place where you have family or friends nearby, or a location you feel you can make the most difference. One of the best ways to get excited about a new contract is work in an area you can’t wait to go!

In addition to location, you have to research other factors such as cost of living, and potential hospitals that interest you. Cost of living may be a major factor in deciding your location. Although you may get a higher rate, it may not counteract how much you will spend on day-to-day purchases. During your research you may find a hospital that peaks your interest. Finding the right hospital may be enough to outweigh the choice of location. It’s all about what you want to get out of your travel contracts!

What Matters Most to You

5 Ways to Succeed as a Travel Nurse

Understanding what you want to get out of your career is an essential way to succeed as a travel nurse. There may even be multiple factors that play into your desired position. Do you care more about how much you make, or is location the most important factor? If you care more about income, look into the states with higher average salaries for nurses. If location is what drives you, pick places you are passionate about.

There is no wrong answer, it depends on what drives you to succeed in your career. Whether it be pay, location, or something else, knowing what you desire is a great way to succeed as a travel nurse.  

Be Prepared

succeed

So, you made your decision on what contracts you want to apply for. Now you have to look into everything that is required of those positions. Do you need to gain a license for a position in a new state? If you have to relocate for your position, do you need new temporary housing? When choosing a contract, getting the proper license before would be beneficial and save some time in the compliance and placement process.

When you get to the point of finally moving to the area where your new assignment is, you have to decide what to bring with you. Remember, most travel nursing contracts are 13 weeks. Time goes by faster than you think so it’s not necessary to take everything you own with you. The best way to decide what to pack is to research the climate of the area you’re going to work in and start with the essentials. What clothes you need, and what items are necessary to bring with you.

Prior to your first shift it’s important to research the facility you will be working at. Try to look into the culture of the workplace. Reaching out to nurses already staffed at your facility is a great start, and be prepared to learn the culture as you continue your shifts.

Flexibility is Key

succeed

Flexibility is a very important trait employers and recruiters look for when hiring a travel nurse. Although your recruiter is working on finding the best possible contract to fit your needs, this position doesn’t always exist. The willingness to accept contracts that fill most, but not all, of what you want is great way to show your recruiter you want to keep a long-term relationship. You have to remember you are filling a gap in staffing so showing some flexibility is a really great way to succeed as a travel nurse. This being said, you still have the power in the positions you take. Remember what matters most to you and be flexible in the areas you can.

Bring an Eager to Learn Attitude

succeed

As a nurse, learning is something you will never stop doing! We’re not just talking about how to do your job or how to treat patients, but also how a facility runs. As a travel nurse you will be placed in your position for shorter periods. This means you will consistently have to adapt and readjust to a new environment. For example, different facilities handle patient situations differently. If you receive feedback from a patient or family member, listen to them and stay professional. You may only be a temporary employee of the facility, but you are still representing them. The best way to handle these situations is to talk to your supervisor and ask for feedback from them before responding to the patient.

Travel nursing is an exciting career path. Taking steps of doing research, preparing for contracts, being flexible, and continuing to learn will be important in your success. Don’t shy away from reaching out with any and all questions to your recruiter and account manager. After all, we are here to make sure your contract goes as smoothly as possible!

We hope these 5 tips to help you succeed as a travel nurse help you along your way. If you have any tips to share please comment them below.

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

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 Furnished Finder

April 20, 2022

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How Travel Nurses Are Earning Extra Money While on Assignment

There is so much to consider when you’re looking for your next travel nurse job on The Gypsy Nurse. However, have you ever considered making extra money by renting out your place back home when you’re away on your next assignment?  

Can you see yourself earning an extra thousand or two every month while you’re traveling? 

Knowing that everybody’s living situation is different and that it may not be right for everyone, think about this: your place can be earning you money while you’re on assignment.  

If you have a space that will be vacant while you go to another city to work, why not let it start working for you?  

I like that I can get help with my mortgage while also giving fellow travelers a safe and clean place to stay. – Trudy R. 

I’m a travel nurse and have listed and rented out my condo while I am on the road. Love the platform. So easy to screen potential renters.  Judith L. 

I’m very familiar with the traveling lifestyle (I’m also a travel nurse), and I love being able to help other travelers while I’m away working. It just makes sense, and I didn’t like that my place just sat there for 3 months while I was gone anyway. Win/Win. Angie M 

Travel Nurses make the best landlords.

Travelers make the best landlords because they know what they’re looking for. You pretty much just need to set up the space for yourself since you’ll be renting to others with the same housing requirements you need when you’re on the road.  Plus, you don’t even have to own the actual property as sublets are fine, too… as long as your lease doesn’t prohibit subletting.  

No booking fees.

On Furnished Finder, there are no booking fees, and you keep 100% of the rent. Here’s a free guide to becoming a landlord which answers most of the basic questions you might be asking yourself (How much can I get for rent? Can I screen the tenants beforehand? Where do I get a copy of a lease? What happens if their contract is canceled? Should I have homeowners insurance?…) 

There’s a lot to think about, but if you think that you might want to start hosting travelers yourself, feel free to have a conversation with someone at Furnished Finder to see if it is right for you. And for a limited time, Furnished Finder is giving Gypsy Nurse travelers a code for 10% off the listing fee.  Use FFTRAVEL at check out.    

We hope you found this article on how travel nurses are making extra money while on assignment helpful. Do you rent out your home while you are on assignment to make extra money? If you would like to share your story, comment below.

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.

Good luck & safe travels!  

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 AB Staffing Solutions

April 19, 2022

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Timeline of a Travel Nurse: Expressing Interest through Orientation

AB Staffing Solutions provided this article.

When it comes to the timeline of a travel nurse from expressing interest to orientation, there are a lot of steps, but they all lead to an exciting new job. The best part is that even if the position isn’t perfect, you’re there 13 weeks and can let your recruiter know if you’d like to extend your stay, if possible, or look for another opportunity. While we’d love to meet every one of the items on your wish list, and we try hard to do so, there are times when the need for your skills is greater in a different place, or there are simply no positions currently available. Working closely with your recruiter and knowing what you want will help us find the best place for you.

Where does the timeline of a travel nurse begin?

If you’re new to travel nursing, remember that the timeline of a travel nurse begins and ends with your recruiter. Begin the search process by researching travel nurse agencies and, like with so much of the rest of our lives, asking friends and colleagues for referrals. Then it’s time to call to inquire or apply online.

The recruiter will ask questions like these to get to know you.

  • In which state(s) are you willing to work?
  • How many years of nursing experience do you have?
  • Are you traveling with family or pets?
  • What is the hourly or weekly rate you’re looking to earn?
  • When are you available?

This gives you an idea of the style at the agency and if their opportunities align with your career aspirations. Once you decide to work with an agency, the recruiter will ask you to complete a profile that includes contact information, resume, skills checklist, and certifications. They then send your profile to clients on your behalf.

Phone Interview

Once accepted, the recruiter will set up a phone interview with the facility, or they may automatically offer you the position. This is the time to ask questions specifically about the position and the facility. If declined, the recruiter will continue the search if you so desire.

Credentialing Process

When you accept an offer, you will then go through the credentialing process. You will be asked to provide documents like a driver’s license, certifications, immunization records, urine analysis, fingerprinting, and a background check. Once this is completed, your recruiter will review the contract with you, and you will sign it or ask any questions you may have.

Where will you live?

The next step is finding a place to live during your contract. Reach out to your housing department, if your agency has one, to help you find your home away from home. You may be able to stay at onsite housing or at the facility’s contracted hotel. You may opt, like some travelers do, to bring your own RV or use a short-term rental. It really depends on where you are located as to what is available for housing, so being flexible is key.

Your first day-

On your first day, your recruiter will send you reporting instructions for orientation. We encourage our travelers to reach out to their recruiters with feedback and questions. We want to understand how we can improve the experience for you. Of course, we want to know if there are challenges as well as the good news from every assignment you have with us.

Contract extension-

If the facility would like to extend your contract, your recruiter will reach out to you about 4 weeks before your initial contract ends to give you the option of staying. You may choose to stay or decide that you’d like to go somewhere else, and your recruiter will go back to work to find you another assignment.

As you can see, the timeline of a travel nurse begins and ends with your recruiter. We are here to support you through the process, understand what’s happening once you’re placed, and find your next assignment for you. Happy Traveling!

Are you looking for your next travel nursing assignment? Click here to view our job board. Are you looking for housing for your next travel assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

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

April 18, 2022

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Taking a Break From Travel Nursing

While travel nursing can provide adventure and reward, it can also be taxing. Though the day-to-day in each assignment may be similar to a traditional nursing job, hopping from one assignment to the next is anything but normal. Over time, you may become exhausted from all the packing, moving, and readjusting that each contract might bring, especially if you leave little downtime between each new job. If this describes you, it may be time to take a step back from this kind of work. Below are some suggestions to keep in mind as you go about taking a break from travel nursing.

1. Determine the Length of Your Break.

There are no hard and fast rules about how much time you should take between each assignment. Only you know how long is long enough. However, as you are making this decision, you should consider how long you can survive without pay because travel nursing jobs typically do not provide paid time off. Additionally, no work can mean no medical insurance, depending on your personal circumstances. If you are new to travel nursing, it might be wise to speak with an agency advisor for some sound advice around break lengths between contracts. Alternatively, you can speak with other travel nurses to see what they do. No matter what length of time you decide on, make sure it’s worthwhile and truly allows you to accomplish the following steps. 

2. Focus On Things You’ve Been Neglecting.

Rest

This is not a suggestion; it’s a plea! It’s important to unwind no matter what job you have. In the healthcare field, it’s even more essential. You likely know from experience that nurses often work long hours. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, lengthy work weeks and travel nursing contracts seemed to be a packaged deal. Taking a break from this line of work should include adequate rest. This can look different for each person. Determine for yourself what would be the best form of R&R for you. Are you in need of a relaxing vacation? Do you want to catch up on some zzzs? Or could you use a trip to the spa? Whatever you decide, be sure not to confuse rest and relaxation with recreation. 

Recreation

While different from rest, recreation is just as vital. You’ve heard the saying, “All work or no play makes you dull.” The same is somewhat true if all you do is work and sleep. You have to make time to let loose. Once again, only you know what that looks like for yourself. It’s easy to spend your entire break vegging out in front of the TV. There’s nothing wrong with making some time to do that, but you probably don’t want to spend all of your allotted time for recreation between assignments glued to your couch or bed. If you’re an active person, make some time to try a workout class you can’t normally attend. If you’re outdoorsy, find the nearest incline and put on your hiking boots. The sky’s the limit! 

Responsibilities

If your assignments often involve long work weeks, it’s easy to put off important things and neglect responsibilities at your home base. Due to back to back contracts, you may have pushed duties like household chores, car maintenance, and scheduling appointments on the backburner. Now is the time to take care of those responsibilities. When you are ready to begin work again, you want a fresh start, not lingering tasks. To avoid overwhelming yourself while you’re trying to recuperate before heading back out into the field, it would be helpful to make a realistic list based on task priority. Be sure to balance your time between these responsibilities, rest, and recreation. Don’t beat yourself up if there are things you don’t get around to. 

3. Plan for the Future.

Remember that you will have to return to work at some point, whether it’s to another travel nursing job or a different position in healthcare. If you haven’t already thought about it, it’s important to come up with a plan of action.

If you’re intending to return to travel nursing long-term, will your previous living/lodging arrangement continue to work for you, or will you need to explore other options? Some nurses have their own home or apartment but take advantage of whatever lodging provisions their staffing agency offers or utilize other housing options while on assignment. Alternatively, some have turned to mobile living. If that’s something you are considering, be sure to count the cost. A traditional mortgage will not do the trick. If your savings aren’t enough to foot the bill, you may need to apply for a personal loan to finance your tiny living space.

There’s no shame in taking a break. In fact, it’s healthy. Listen to your body and mind as you try to navigate work/life balance as a healthcare professional. The beauty of travel nursing is that opportunity always awaits!

We hope you found this article on taking a break from travel nursing helpful. Have you taken a break from travel nursing? If you would like to share some tips, comment them below.

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:

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 Hannah Dennis

April 17, 2022

6647 Views

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Jobs Fill Your Pockets, but Travel Nurse Adventures Fill Your Soul

The End of My Travel Nurse Adventures….or so I thought

Travel Nurse Adventures

Last year I decided to stop travel nursing. I accepted a job in Dallas, TX. After falling in love, I couldn’t leave after my contract had ended. It was so exciting, though because—I put my name on a lease, bought furniture, signed up for cable and internet; these were mundane, everyday tasks that I hadn’t been able to do during my travel nurse adventures, and they thrilled me. I envisioned myself as Joanna Gaines.

My overpriced apartment was going to be ridiculously cool and farmhouse chic. I had fancy artwork on the walls and trendy pots of succulents (they were fake, of course. RIP to all the plants I ever touched). I proudly displayed candy in clear glass jars on my bar and hung patio lights on my porch. I was convinced that I would be so very content because I was finally in one solitary place. The problem was my solitary place turned into solitary confinement.

I was alone and standing still for the first time in years.

And I felt hopelessly smothered and constricted. It felt like I was gasping for breath, but the air wouldn’t come. I succumbed to the depression that I been subconsciously running from for years. I was unable to lift the weight of my body from the solace of my bed. The curtains that Jo-Hannah Gaines had carefully color-matched and picked out were drawn completely shut to block out the light. The couches that Jo-Hannah Gaines had excitedly bought were unused and collecting unfolded laundry. The flowers that Jo-Hannah Gaines picked out to add that perfect final touch were falling apart and rotting. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t eat. I cried. I slept. I stayed in solitary confinement for weeks.

After much encouragement from my family

I sought out a doctor. It was hard for me to tell this stranger that I was trapped in my own head and couldn’t get out. I felt so ashamed of myself walking into that appointment. I was formally diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder and prescribed medication to take daily. They told me it would take 4-6 weeks to see a change, but one concept had changed: I finally had hope.

Weeks later, a co-worker said she had noticed a change in my demeanor. She told me about a woman who had grown to face challenges head-on and with a positive attitude—a woman who found it important to uplift others as well as herself. She described someone happy to motivate and teach others and encouraged teamwork and togetherness. It was strange, though, because she described me as someone I couldn’t imagine ever being again: myself.

I stopped for a second to evaluate my life and noticed it had leveled out. I kept my apartment clean, and I was cooking meals for myself. I had started complimenting others to make their day. I realized my self-worth had returned and that I had set a higher standard for myself and the people I chose to let in my life. I was delighted to find that I was becoming Hannah again. That wasn’t enough, though. I had stabilized my life, but deep down inside, I felt like I wasn’t living it—I still felt numb, like something was missing.

So, I signed a travel contract.

It was the beginning of new travel nurse adventures. While driving to my assignment, I decided on a whim to take a detour to Shenandoah National park. I had excitedly rolled my windows down to let the park’s crisp, cool air fill my car with the sweet smells of forest and rain. I looked in the rearview mirror to see my dog, Hank. He was happily hanging his head out of the window for better views, and I decided we deserved a quick pit stop.

I pulled off the road onto one of the scenic gaps the park offered and immediately gasped. The beautiful, green landscape of the rolling mountains and winding rivers had physically taken my breath away. Wildflowers of every color had bloomed alongside the mountain, and butterflies were happily fluttering between them. I inhaled deeply. It was my first true deep breath I had been able to take in months. It was the kind of a deep breath that stretched all the way down to the bottom of my ribcage and held its place until it caused my belly to poke out. It felt as if my chest was going burst from all the pressure. On exhale, I felt such a rush of happiness that it made my heart physically ache. It was the inexplicable feeling of my soul reawakening.

One year later and my depression is still with me.

I’ve been able to accept that I will always have an ugly demon lurking in the dark depths of my mind waiting for its chance to take over again, but I also have a better understanding of what keeps it at bay. Looking back at the past year, I realized I needed to stop travel nursing to see just how broken I had become. I needed my depression—my demon—to rear its ugly head so that I could face it head-on. However, if I had never gone back to the travel nurse adventures, I would have never been able to fully recover from my darkest point and reawaken my drive for living life.

I’ve chosen a job that can fill my pockets, but most importantly it can fill my soul with adventure.

I think that’s all I can really hope for in this life. That and my acceptance letter to Hogwarts.

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By Amber Pickler

April 16, 2022

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National Parks to Visit in the US

As a travel nurse, you have the opportunity to visit places you may never have before. We have put together a list of some of the top national parks to visit in the US to get you started. This is not the full list, just a start. Keep an eye out for future articles on more national parks to visit. They are listed below in no specific order.

Yosemite

Location: the western Sierra Nevada of Central California

Yosemite National Park is one of the United States’ top parks/forests to visit.   According to Wikipedia, Yosemite is “internationally recognized for its granite cliffs, waterfalls, clear streams, giant sequoia groves, lakes, mountains, meadows, glaciers, and biological diversity. Almost 95% of the park is designated wilderness.”

Yosemite is a great park to visit with your family or friends who are up for an adventure.  Yosemite has, on average, about 4 million visitors each year. 

Yellow Stone

Location: Parts of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho

Yellow Stone was the first national park in the United States and attracts around 4 million visitors each year.

Yellowstone is probably most famous for Old Faithful geyser.  That is just one of many of Yellow Stone’s geothermal features.  The park is also famous for its wildlife.  Yellow stone represents many types of biomes. However, the subalpine forest is the most abundant.

Grand Canyon

Location: Arizona

The Grand Canyon is a well-known park. It is larger than the size of Rhode Island.  It attracts nearly 6 million visitors each year.  According to Wikipedia, “Even though It is not the deepest canyon in the world (Kali Gandaki Gorge in Nepal is much deeper), the Grand Canyon is known for its visually overwhelming size and intricate and colorful landscape.”

There are numerous things to do while you visit the Grand Canyon.  These include just site seeing, hunting, hiking, mule rides, rafting, and many other activities.  There seems to be something for everyone when visiting the Grand Canyon. 

Kings Canyon National Park

Location- Fresno and Tulare counties, California

Kings Canyon National Park is one of the least visited parks, with just under 700,000 visitors each year.   Known for its gorgeous views, many people enjoy taking their time to sightsee the park.  Hiking and site seeing are 2 of the most enjoyable things to do while visiting Kings Canyon National Park.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Location- parts in Tennessee and North Carolina

There are so many great sites to see in the Great Smokey Mountains that many suggest you take at least 3 days to see as much as possible.  The wildlife, wildflowers, lakes, trails, historic sites, and waterfalls are just a few things to see while you visit. 

The smokey mountains bring in about 12.5 million visitors each year.  Making it the most visited national park.

Joshua Tree National Park

Location- Southeastern California

The Joshua Tree National Park has 2 deserts and encompasses a total of 790,636 acres.  The park’s climate is a hotter desert-like climate.  There are 9 established campsites within the park.  Hiking trails are a big hit in the park as well, and there are trails of different lengths.  These are just a few things you can do when you visit this park.

The Joshua Tree National park brings in almost 3 million visitors a year.  The total visitors more than doubled from 2013 to 2019. Awareness of the wildflower bloom in the spring has brought increased visitation.

Mammoth Cave National Park

Location- Kentucky

According to their website, The Mammoth Cave National Park offers: “Rolling hills, deep river valleys, and the world’s longest known cave system.” The website also states that “Mammoth Cave National Park is home to thousands of years of human history and a rich diversity of plant and animal life, earning it the UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve title.” 

The Mammoth Cave National Park brings in about 2 million visitors each year.  About 500,000 take tours of the caves.

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska

Location- Alaska

Because of the location of this park, you are guaranteed to see many animals you won’t find in other national parks, including puffins, bears, whales, and even eagles.  There are many things to do and see.  The areas within the park vary as well.  These include glaciers, fjords, salmon streams, and glaciers.  The park offers tours on their tour boats.

According to Wikipedia “The park and preserve cover a total of 3,223,384 acres (5,037 sq mi; 13,045 km2), with 2,770,000 acres (4,328 sq mi; 11,210 km2) being designated as a wilderness area.”

A little over 500,000 people visit Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve each year.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Location- Hawaii

Established in 1916, this park is home to 2 active volcanoes Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. In 2018 parts of the park were closed due to explosive and toxic ash smoke from Kilauea.  The park had mostly opened in 2020.   According to Wikipedia, “The park provides scientists with insight into the birth and development of the Hawaiian Islands and ongoing studies into the processes of volcanism. For visitors, the park offers dramatic volcanic landscapes, as well as glimpses of rare flora and fauna.” 

This park like Glacier Bay is very different from other national parks because of its location.

A little over 1 million people visit the park each year.  This is a great indication that the park is really a great place to visit considering the location and that you cannot just get in a car and travel to it.

Rocky Mountain National Park — Colorado

Location- Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park sits on over 250,000 acres in Larimer / Grand / Boulder counties in Colorado.  The main features of the park include mountains, alpine lakes, and a wide variety of wildlife within various climates and environments, from wooded forests to mountain tundra. 

The park offers a wide variety of activities.  These include hiking, rock climbing, mountaineering, and bouldering.  Fishing is permitted within the park, and there are 4 different types of trout in the park.  These include rainbow, brook, cutthroat, and German brown trout.

During the winter the most of Trail Ridge Road is closed. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t activities to do during these months.  Snow-shoeing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and backcountry skiing are all activities you can do at the park in the winter months.

The parks draws in over 4.5 million visitors each year.

Olympic National Park — Washington

Location- Washington’s Olympic Peninsula in the Pacific Northwest

The Olympic National Park has many activities to do all year round.  The park has a network of hiking trails.  You will need to plan for more than a weekend trip due to the size and remoteness of the trails.  Boating is available on Ozetta Lake, Lake Crescent, and Lake Quinault.  You can raft on both Elwha and Hoh Rivers.  Backpacking along the beach is also an option.  The Length of the coastline makes for a multi-day trip.

During the winter months, the park has a ski and snowboarding area that offers ski lessons, rentals, and inexpensive lift tickets. The small alpine area is serviced by two rope tows and one Poma lift. A large amount of backcountry terrain is accessible for skiers, snowboarders, and other backcountry travelers when the Hurricane Ridge Road is open

The parks draws in over 2 million visitors each year.

These are just a small number of national parks in the United States. There are many more. However, we hope this list has helped you find one near you or your next assignment. have you visited any national parks? Did they make our list? If not, comment them below! We would love to feature them in future articles.

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

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

Discover new travel nurse jobs, subscribe to customized job alerts and unlock unlimited resources for FREE.

Since just recently joining The Gypsy Nurse, I have had so many questions answered about the world of travel nursing. This has been an excellent resource!
—Meagan L. | Cath Lab