March 22, 2022

56610 Views

Top 10 Travel Nurse Housing Sites

Posted on March 22, 2022August 8, 2023 by Host Healthcare

Host Healthcare provided this article.

Authors: Megan Patek & Brett Seeburger, Host Healthcare Housing Specialist

You’ve secured your next travel nurse assignment, but have you determined your place of residency? If housing is still a pending item on your checklist, don’t fret! With so much change in such little time, the thought of finding somewhere to stay for the duration of your assignment can be a little overwhelming. Between contributing factors from cost to commute, four-legged friends to roommates, how do you begin your search for somewhere to stay that will fit your requirements?

The fact of the matter is that furnished short-term housing can be difficult to come by. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to find a place that not only fits your needs but can feel like a home away from home while on assignment. Host Healthcare has you covered with all the best resources to help you find your next residential setup. In addition to a dedicated housing department to assist healthcare travelers with finding a place to stay, Host Healthcare takes note of which housing option sites and resources are most reliable so that you, the traveling nurse, feel ready to take on a new city.

In no particular order, here are our top 10 recommended travel nurse housing sites for you to explore:

Furnished Finder

For those looking for short-term, furnished housing, Furnished Finder is one of the best options. Not only do they offer competitive prices, but they also provide property verification to eliminate the worry of scammers. Using Furnished Finder, you can perform a background check on any residential property you are interested in and gain access to property owner ratings. You can even check out what other listings property owners have rented out. There are no hidden fees with Furnished Finder as they provide you with the direct contact of the property you wish to rent, so you may book directly through the homeowner. Furnished Finder is geared towards helping travel nurses discover furnished homes, apartments, and even single rooms that fit their every need. They even go the extra mile by providing city guides to help both new and well-seasoned travel nurses get familiarized with their new location.

Airbnb

The most well-known company in short-term rentals, Airbnb, goes beyond short-term vacation rentals. The platform also serves as one of the best resources for travel nurses to find housing when on assignment. With extensive options to filter your search, you can find the exact needs you are looking for in a short-term home. Airbnb also offers the most accurate availability listings when looking for specific dates to book. Because Airbnb properties are typically owned and managed by independent homeowners who can dictate their own pricing, there are certain fees to be aware of when searching for homes on the platform. For example, cleaning and service fees may come attached to your booking reservation. There are, however, in most Airbnb bookings discounted rates for monthly stays. Airbnb is a must-start website when looking for your short-term home.

VRBO

A very useful alternative to Airbnb, VRBO offers many of the same searching features, along with clarity in when your future home is available and whom you are renting from. Like we noted for Airbnb, VRBO allows property owners to determine pricing for their rental property, which includes fees for cleaning and service. All fees will be communicated prior to booking your reservation. However, it is important to note that there are far fewer monthly discounts offered on VRBO than there are offered on Airbnb.

Transplant Housing

A temporary housing website built just for traveling nurses? You bet! Transplant Housing prides itself on its ability to provide unparalleled comfortability in knowing that these homes are strictly open to travel nurses on assignment. Considering the lifestyle of a travel nurse, this platform connects healthcare professionals to homeowners who truly understand the constant shifts in this profession and the uncertainties that come with being on a traveling contract. They help take the hassle out of travel nurse housing so that you can focus on the job that awaits you!

Zillow

You may associate Zillow with purchasing a home, but did you know that Zillow actually has its fair share of short-term leases? Like other platforms, with Zillow, you can filter your search by price, location, house amenities, and even the style of home you are looking for to fit your preferred aesthetic. Before you start your search, we must tell you that the only way to find short-term or furnished housing is through the keyword bar. Once you’ve found a property that looks promising, you will want to read the description on the rental to help determine if it is the right fit for you.

The Gypsy Nurse Facebook Group

A Facebook page created for traveling nurses by traveling nurses. Could it make more sense for travel nurses? The Gypsy Nurse community is filled with travel nurses who are open to sharing their experiences traveling and working in different facilities across the country. Created to equip travel nurses with useful insights and tools they need to navigate the experience, this Facebook page built by Gypsy Nurse provides a caring community of both nurses who are renting out their homes and nurses who are searching for housing. For those who would rather avoid communicating with landlords who may not completely understand the nature of this unique travel profession, the Gypsy Nurse Facebook Group lets you do just that. By joining this Facebook page, you are instantly connected to a host of travel nurses who may even be looking for somewhere to stay in your area.

HotPads

A smaller subset of Zillow, Hotpads primarily offers rental opportunities rather than homes and apartments available for purchase. This housing platform allows you to edit all the same filters as Zillow, making it a simplified process for traveling nurses searching for their next place to stay. Hotpads gives users the ability to search for a variety of furnished options, whether that be a specific style of townhouse, condo, apartment, or even house. Although Hotpads is connected to Zillow, Hotpads provides unique listings different from what’s available on Zillow. To start searching for properties, create a profile, add your favorite listings to your account, and begin reaching out to landlords to make easy, seamless connections.

Kopa

Kopa has built a great platform to find flexible short-term housing, whether you are looking to sign a month-to-month contract or plant seeds and book a year-long stay. With rental opportunities in over 100 different cities across the United States and the platform continuously adding move-in ready homes, apartments, and rooms for rent daily, Kopa is a perfect avenue for travel nurses to explore. The platform allows you to control your entire rental experience electronically. You can speak with hosts, book your stay, and pay for your rental all through Kopa’s website. Whether you are taking an assignment in San Francisco or New York, Denver or Dallas, Nashville or Seattle, Kopa has move-in ready spots awaiting your arrival. Get a head start and begin exploring the hidden gems found on Kopa.

Landing

As a travel nurse, you already have a lot on your plate. If you want to skip communicating with flighty landlords, avoid possible scams, or prevent getting locked into a lease that’s not fit for your situation, Landing may be a great option for you. To get access to Landing properties, a membership is required. A year-long membership costs $199, however, when you partner with Host Healthcare, you can score quite the deal. When you become a travel nurse with Host Healthcare, the team of trusted housing specialists will help you apply a $250 discount code to your reservation.

Once you’ve completed your new member sign-up with Landing, you will get access to more than 35,000 fully furnished, WIFI-ready, pet-friendly apartments. You will be able to book and pay for your furnished apartment conveniently through your profile online or through their app. A 24/7 hotline that you can call or text gives you a sense of ease while checking in, living, and checking out of your Landing home.

Apartments.com

Say goodbye to third-party servicing fees and hello to countless apartments across the nation right at your fingertips. Apartments.com is a very reliable website whether you are searching for a townhouse, condo, or any other type of apartment-style of housing. Aside from the never-ending listings on tap, a major advantage of using Apartments.com is that you will be working with the apartment complexes or real estate agency directly. However, one disadvantage of using Apartments.com is the lack of short-term housing options. Many of the options available on the platform are listed as 12-month leases, so before you start your search, be sure to apply the appropriate “short-term” filter in the lifestyle tab. Once you have the proper setting selected, start exploring a variety of suitable apartments for your upcoming travel nurse assignment.

Oh, The Places You’ll Go

Travel nursing is an exciting career path filled with opportunities, challenges, and adventures not everyone will experience. Whether you are about to start a 3-month or 12-month assignment, it’s important that you feel at home in your new city. Leave it up to the short-term housing experts at Transplant Housing, Landing x Host Healthcare, Airbnb, and so many others to help you settle into your new home away from home. It’s the least we can do. After all, you are out there saving lives.

We hope this article on the top 10 housing sites for travel nurses was helpful in your housing search. Do you have any housing sites you use that we didn’t mention here? Comment those housing sites 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 powered by one of the housing sites: Furnished Finder.

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

START HERE

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

housing sites

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By Amber Pickler

March 21, 2022

5951 Views

Tips for Working a 60 hours a Week Contract

Posted on March 21, 2022May 3, 2022 by Amber Pickler

Since the pandemic started, there has been an influx of crisis-type contracts with less conventional hours. One of those being contracts that have more hours required per week. How do you handle that many hours a week of work, though? Members of our Facebook group have asked for tips and advice for working a contract with so many hours. We have put together some tips to help get you through these 60 hours a week contracts.

Get rest- Stick to a sleep schedule

This tip may seem crazy, but working that many hours you need to make sure you get plenty of rest. It can be easy to come back to your housing and try to unwind and spend time awake, but you may regret not going to sleep and getting the rest your body needs. A sleep schedule is critical. According to The Mayo Clinic, sticking to a sleep schedule of no more than 8 hours and being consistent is important. The number of hours of sleep you can get based on the number of hours you are working may not be 8 hours. However, if you can go to sleep and get up consistently at the same time will help you feel rested.

Eat a healthy diet-Meal Prep

While junk food may seem like an easy route to take with working so many hours, the carbs and sugars that come with those types of food can make you feel sluggish. Meal prepping on your day off or when you have a little downtime will help keep the temptation of fast food or junk food down. There are many easy methods for meal prepping for travel nurses with not a lot of time. A crockpot or InstantPot can make cooking a lot easier. For these types of meal prep, you can easily combine all the needed ingredients into zip lock bags and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to make the meal. Then it will be as easy as dumping them into the crockpot or InstantPot.

Healthy Snacks

Healthy snacks will help you make it through your long shifts. There are many options for healthy snacks; it really will depend on your taste. Some healthy snacks that will help curb your cravings during your long work hours could include; trail mix, jerky, Greek yogurt, almonds, peanut butter and apples, string cheese, or fresh veggies and fruit.

Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated during your shift will help keep you going. According to Healthline, “If you don’t stay hydrated, your physical performance can suffer.” While you may not look at working your shift as “physical performance,” it very much is. You are on your feet and moving for 12+ hours each day. Staying hydrated will make your shift easier to complete, and you won’t feel as sluggish, as dehydration can affect your energy level and brain function. While you may not get the total 8-8oz servings of water recommended, it is important to drink water during your shift.

These are just a few tips to help you get through your 60 hours a week contract. Many of our Facebook group members said they work, eat, sleep and repeat. Knowing that, in the end, they were making very good money. So, if you keep that in mind, it may make the days and hours go a little easier. We hope you found these tips for working a 60 hour a week contract helpful. Have you worked a 60 hour a week contract? Do you have any tips to share with those considering a 60 hour a week contract? Comment them below.

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

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

START HERE

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

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—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

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By Paula Snyder

March 20, 2022

10813 Views

How Travel Nurses Can Maintain a Healthy and Affordable Diet

Posted on March 20, 2022March 20, 2022 by Paula Snyder

Guest Post By: Paula Snyder

How Travel Nurses Can Maintain a Healthy and Affordable Diet

As a travel nurse, you know that maintaining a healthy and affordable diet is not easy. You may know all about the vacuum packed, plastic wrapped food that’s served as breakfast, lunch, or dinner on the plane. On top of poor quality, the portion sizes never seem to touch the edges, leaving you forever opening your wallet for even more overpriced bite-sized morsels. Depending on where in the globe your plane is touching down, you might also have to deal with poor quality food at your destination. However, with a bit of planning, you can make wiser food choices and keep your energy levels high for the adventure that awaits at touchdown.

It’s not uncommon to reach an exotic destination and have the desire to head to the nearest Golden Arches of McDonald’s through fear of foreign foods. I admittedly raise my hand in guilt. But it was this one time I traveled for 32 hours straight, and all I craved was my creature comforts and then to pass out in my hotel bed. However, if you’re a travel nurse or hold another important job that requires intense periods of focus, commitment, and energy, you can’t afford to make the mistake of eating poor quality food.

Here are some tips for maintaining a healthy and affordable diet as a travel nurse.

Research The Local Cuisine Ahead of Time

The beauty of our modern day lives is that there’s just so much information available at your fingertips. Think of all those that traveled to your destination and have already blogged about their experience in detail. Dedicated foodies will shuffle about the globe for the sole purpose of tickling their taste buds by exotic cuisine, and I think they might just be onto something.

Search for recommendations on the best restaurants and special diet options if you’re a vegetarian or vegan. As a travel RN, make the most of these moments in transit by carrying out this important research to avoid a headache later. Think about it. Even if you find just two good restaurants, you’ll be sorted for the often turbulent first few days in a new town or city. I’m sure the owners of those two restaurants will love having you as a repeat customer – breakfast, lunch, and dinner!

Take Your Own Snacks

This is painstakingly obvious but often overlooked in the chaos of packing for your trip. Taking the time to plan and prepare healthy portable snacks at home and throwing into your hand luggage is the perfect way to set foot on your travels. Think of cacao energy balls, homemade muesli bars, or high protein options. Protein is the key to keeping fuller for longer and removing the temptation to buy overpriced airline food. I’ve even noticed some budget airlines charging more than eight times the price of supermarket items!

Take Your Own Supplements

While most of your nutritional needs should come from fresh, whole foods, they’re not always available when you’re on the go. While traveling, I’ve always topped up my daily intake of vitamins and minerals through supplement form. You can get your supplements at a health store or from reputable online distributors, such as Zen Spirit. Some of my staple supplements are:

Multivitamin – once a day supplement covers all bases
Vitamin C – to keep immunity in check
Chlorophyll or spirulina – supports all round glowing health and a healthy digestive system
Vitamin B Complex – especially vital if you’re a vegetarian or vegan as vitamin Bs are mostly animal derived
Matcha green tea – A powerful dose of antioxidants. I’ve even gone so far as buying empty gel capsules and filling my own on-the-go matcha supplement! You can do this with any powdered superfood.

When you’re on a travel RN assignment and you reach the end of a tiresome day, you can be confident that you’ve bumped up your mineral intake.

Find Out Where The Locals Shop

This is important, especially if you’ve traveled to a country where tourism is booming. There’s just so many tourist traps when it comes to dining out and often prices are dramatically inflated. Kick back in a local café and people watch for a bit. Try to pick up on the eating habits of the locals versus the tourists, as I guarantee you they will be vastly different.

You can even ask some locals where the fresh food markets are and prepare your own meals. This will save you mega bucks as a travel nurse, and ensure that you’re getting the freshest varieties of all the local delicacies.

You’re allowed to let some habits slide, provided your overall eating habits while traveling veer towards the healthy side. You’ll notice a huge improvement in your overall energy when you dedicate time to selecting the right nutritionally dense foods. This will set you up for a much more enjoyable time away from home on your next travel nurse assignment.

Want more information on travel nursing?

Check out our Travel Nurse Guide

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By Jenny Hart

March 19, 2022

2482 Views

What to Look for in Your Short-Term Home Rental?

Posted on March 19, 2022March 7, 2022 by Jenny Hart

If you are a travel nurse, then you know that finding a short-term rental can be a daunting task. Not only do you have to worry about the location and size of the home, but you also need to make sure that it has all of the amenities that you will need while on assignment. When looking for a short-term rental, it’s important to consider the other necessities. For example, how close is the rental to the hospital? Is there a grocery store and other conveniences within walking distance? If you will be driving, is there parking available? These are all things that you will need to take into consideration when making your decision.

Short-term rental must-haves

Consider these options when you are looking into short-term home rentals. Everyone will have different needs, but use this list as a guide when you are about to take on a new assignment.

Close proximity to the hospital, restaurants, and grocery stores

When looking for a short-term rental, be sure to consider the location. If you’ll be working near a certain hospital or in a specific city, try to find a rental within close proximity. This will save you time during your commute and allow you to explore your new surroundings more easily. If you’re close to your hospital, you may be able to walk or bike there. If not, a short commute by car or public transportation will help to mitigate added stress. The closer your rental is to the hospital, the less time you will spend commuting. If you have to commute for more than 30 minutes, it’s going to add a lot of unnecessary stress to your already hectic schedule. Look for rentals that offer shuttle services or are located within walking distance of public transportation.

It’s no secret that travel nurses work long hours and often leave their shifts exhausted. Because of this, a short-term rental that is close to everything you want will make a huge difference in your overall mood. After your shift, you may be too tired to cook, so a grocery store with ready-made food can be a lifesaver. If you live close to restaurants, then delivery services like Instacart and DoorDash can deliver groceries or food to you most hours of the day. Close proximity to parks or other areas where you can enjoy fresh air and nature. Nursing is stressful by design, and it’s essential to be able to go outside and unwind after a long day (or week).

Washer, dryer, and other appliances

The life of a travel nurse is hectic. This means that everything in your rental should help to make your life as easy as possible. Look for short-term rentals that come with a washer and dryer. You’ll find that you probably won’t have the time or energy to go to a laundromat to wash your scrubs and other clothes. In addition, look for rentals that come with other appliances, like a microwave and dishwasher. This will help to cut down on the amount of time you spend cooking and cleaning. It’s easy for dishes to pile up, laundry to go unwashed, and unhealthy food to be eaten when you’re working long hours. Look for rentals that offer appliances that can help you keep up with your chores.

Home office

Most travelers are not off on solo adventures and need to consider home perks for their spouse and families. For many spouses, that means having a home office to conduct your business. In my experience, my significant other usually has an office to work in if we are traveling to most major cities (because he works for a large company), but it is always nice to have your own space. If you need to work from home occasionally, it’s helpful to have an office area in your rental. This way, you won’t have to set up and tear down a workspace every day.

Look for a rental that comes with solid WiFi services. It’s especially important to ensure that your data is protected if you are dealing with private matters related to your job. You’ll need to have competent malware protection to help with that. Other home office must-haves are a standing desk (so you’re not sitting for hours!), an aerodynamic keyboard to protect your wrists, hands, and fingers, and a large monitor to take some stress off of your eyes.

Pet-friendly accommodations

Many of us travel nurses have someplace that we leave our furry friends—from family to friends to significant others. For long assignments, it may seem impossible to be away from your pet for that long. Because of this, look for pet-friendly housing. Short-term rentals are already hard to come by but adding a space that allows for pets makes it even harder. Be prepared to pay an additional fee if you’re bringing Fido along for your assignment. Working long days may also leave you needing either a dog walker or doggy door to keep your dog entertained during the day. Bringing pets along can make your trips less lonely, but you’ll need to look for rentals that have fences or are in close proximity to a dog park or dog walkers.

Parking

If you have a car, make sure the rental has parking available. This is especially important if the rental is located in a city. You don’t want to hunt for a parking spot after pulling an all-nighter or move your car every 12 hours so that you don’t get a ticket. Easy parking should be a must when you are on your travel assignments.

Short-term rentals for nurses are becoming increasingly common.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the need for travel nurses has increased exponentially. It’s becoming easier to find short-term rentals that are meant for travel nurses due to supply and demand. Landlords also realize that travel nurses are less likely to cause any kind of issues due to their demanding work schedule.

It’s important to find a place that meets your needs so that you can have a successful and enjoyable experience while travel nursing. Do you want to live with roommates? Are you bringing your dog along on the adventure? What about a home office so that you can relax and take care of all of your administrative tasks? Use this list as a guide to know what to look for as you begin your search for the perfect house. Do you have any short-term home rental tips to add? Share them in the comments below. And be sure to check out our other blog posts for more information on travel nursing.

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By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

March 18, 2022

2760 Views

3 Traveler-Approved Hikes to Ease the Mind

Posted on March 18, 2022March 18, 2022 by TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

TNAA Healthcare provided this article.

There’s nothing quite like taking a hike. According to Statista, 57.81 million Americans went on a hike in 2020, up from 49.7 million the year before. The pandemic got many of us outdoors more because it was something to do. In 2022, Canadian doctors even prescribe passes to national parks for patients who would do well to spend more time in nature. So, if a break in nature sounds like something you need, here are three traveler-approved hikes to ease your mind when life gets too stressful.

1. Colchuck Lake, WA

hikes — Colchuck Lake Trail, Washington State

The hike to Colchuck Lake in Washington state is an eight-mile roundtrip, but it’s worth the views and the serenity you’ll find at the lake. You’ll gain 2,300 feet on the trail and wander through dense forests and across creeks and log bridges. But the moment you reach the edge of the lake surrounded by massive peaks is a moment you’ll want to freeze in time. Give yourself a well-deserved break and take in the gorgeous scenery.

2. Delicate Arch, UT

Delicate Arch, located in Arches National Park, is a well-known landmark in southern Utah. To some, it looks like a chiseled piece of art, and for others, it lives up to the nickname “Cowboy’s Chaps.” However it inspires you, Delicate Arch isn’t a structure you want to marvel at from afar. You can get right up to it with a 3-mile roundtrip hike, which takes about 2 – 3 hours to complete. The most important thing on this hike is to be wary of the weather. Icy days and sunny days make the trail harder, and rangers have had to rescue people who didn’t fully prepare for the journey.

If you want something a little less challenging, take the half-hour walk to the Delicate Arch Viewpoint to still get an up-close, but not as personal look at this Utah gem.

3. Torrey Pines, California

3 Traveler-Approved Hikes to Ease the Mind — Sunrise at Broken Hill at Torrey Pines State Reserve near La Jolla, California.

At Torrey Pines, you get the beach and the wilderness all in one. Choose from eight miles of trails to find something suited for you. Guy Fleming Trail, just .7 miles, takes you up close to the Torrey pines, the country’s rarest pine tree. This trail also offers beautiful views at outlooks, where you can see wildflowers in spring or migrating whales in winter. Razor Point Trail at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is 1.4 miles and guides you to views of badlands and ravines, and the Beach Trail delivers you to the California coast where you can bask in the sun.

If you haven’t been on these hikes, we bet they’re on your list now! But, there’s something else that should be added to your list of traveler to-dos, too.

Mental Wellbeing Resources With Your Travel Nurse Agency

Check in with your agency to see what mental wellness resources they offer. Doing something you love like hiking is awesome, but it doesn’t hurt to see what other professional services are available to you as well. Whether your company has an Employee Assistance Program, access to online therapy, a Chaplain Assistance Program, or something else, make the move to ask. Even if you don’t use these services now, you’ll know they are available when you’re under a mountain of stress and could use a helping hand.

We hope you found this article on 3 traveler-approved hikes to ease the mind helpful. Are there any activities that you enjoy doing to ease your mind during your travel nurse assignment? 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:

START HERE

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

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

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“Since just recently joining The Gypsy Nurse, I have had so many questions answered about the world of travel nursing. This has been an excellent resource!”

—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

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By Lirika Hart

March 17, 2022

2774 Views

8 Secrets to a Good Night’s Sleep When Feeling Fatigued

Posted on March 17, 2022November 10, 2023 by Lirika Hart

Without any doubt, sleep has a direct influence on your mental state and physical health. If you fail to get proper sleep, it will make you emotionally imbalanced, lower your daytime energy, reduce productivity, and drastically affect your overall health. Your brain, heart health, mood, creativity, vitality, and immune system can undergo adverse effects due to a poor routine.

Despite understanding the importance of sleep, many people toss and turn all night. Actually, getting a good night’s sleep becomes impossible when you are tired, have unhealthy daytime habits, or if you accidentally awake at 3 a.m. Do you also struggle for a sound and peaceful sleep? Trust me; you can get better control over your sleep quality than you probably realize.

Experiment with the given tips to enjoy better sleep at night, improve your thinking style, and significantly boost your health. These sleep strategies will help you stay energetic all day!

1: Keep Your Room Comfortable

Keep your bedroom comfortable! Please do not keep your television there as it can be a big distraction to your sleep. When you are in bed, put an ultimate effort to avoid responding to phones and emails. The bed needs to be a motivation for sleeping, not for wakefulness.

Furthermore, your room ambiance also affects sleep quality; ensure that you keep it as comfortable and soothing as possible. Ideally, you can go with a quiet, dark, calm environment; these features promote sleep onset.

2: Consider Exercise An Important Part Of Your Routine

Going for a walk will not just cut your weight down; it will also support you for a good sleep at night. Regular exercise activates the hormones that help in natural sleep, such as melatonin. Exercising close to bedtime can be more effective and hormone-stimulating. However, morning exercises that expose you to shining daylight can improve your natural circadian rhythm.

So, workout helps you in every way!

3: Follow Sleep Rituals

Bedtime rituals that you used to follow in your childhood can contribute to adulthood and late age.

Our mother used to tuck us in a bed and read a story for us; this pacifying ritual helped us quickly fall asleep. This sleep ritual signals the mind and body that it is sleep time. So, continue these rituals and read a book, drink a warm glass of water, take a bath, and listen to calming music to welcome a peaceful sleep time.

4: Eat—But Not Too Much

An empty stomach is distracting enough and keeps you awake, and the same is the case with an overly full belly. Do not eat a heavy meal before two to three hours of bedtime. If you feel hungry, eat small healthy snacks to satisfy yourself till breakfast.

5: Avoid Alcohol And Caffeine

It is okay to have snacks before bed but do not make wine and chocolate the part of them. Chocolate and alcohol act as stimulants, make you less sleepy and disrupt sleep during the night.

6: Buy Some Sleep Supporting Products

Another secret to peaceful sleep is using CBD capsules, drops, or products for better and faster sleep. If you’re wondering where to get these kinds of items, then try researching online CBD stores. There are many sleep supplements, goods that offer tinctures, pain relief, and vapes that are manufactured with natural ingredients to make it possible for you to sleep longer and better. These sleep-tight solutions also help you in several other ways, such as maintaining your beauty, skin repairing, workout recovery, and multiple other ways.

7: Don’t Overthink Or Stress

The bills, your to-do list, and other daytime worries can bubble up in your mind at night. Wind down yourself before bed because such thoughts can give stress and anxiety. Stress is a stimulus that boosts up fight-or-flight hormones that act as a sleep barrier.

Learning relaxation activities can promote good sleep and reduce daytime anxiety. You can practice deep breathing exercises to calm and relax promptly.

8: Get Your Check-ups

Snoring, an urge to move your leg moving, a burning pain in your chest, stomach, or throat are sleep disruptors. If these symptoms prolong—make you sleepy during the day or keep you up at night, visit your doctor for a check-up.

Our Summary

A night with a tight sleep can give you a happy and blissful morning, but we all know that falling asleep earlier and longer is not something easy.

Well, instead of getting worried or using sleep pills, you can try the above eight secrets to get a better night’s sleep.

We hope you found this article on 8 secrets to a good night’s sleep when feeling fatigued helpful. Have you found ways to get a good night’s sleep as a travel nurse? 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:

START HERE

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

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

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“Since just recently joining The Gypsy Nurse, I have had so many questions answered about the world of travel nursing. This has been an excellent resource!”

—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

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By Medical Edge Recruitment

March 16, 2022

4335 Views

Tips for Every Type of Traveler

Posted on March 16, 2022March 9, 2022 by Medical Edge Recruitment

Medical Edge Recruitment provided this article.

Written by: Gabriel Velez, Recruitment Consultant, Medical Edge Recruitment

Travel contracts and jobs are both exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time! It is an opportunity to travel anywhere, make more money, see new things, or help in areas that need nurses. When it comes to deciding where to go, there are a few factors you need to consider, especially if you are new to travel nursing.

For those new to travel

“Wow, you are making how much?”

“You are traveling to another beach this weekend?”

“Your agency gives you bonuses just for completing a contract?”

These are probably things you or a friend have said if you are a first-time traveler or interested in contract work. Traveling is an exciting opportunity, but if you are new to it, it can also be an intimidating or daunting task to go somewhere far from home, even if it is for a job you do every day. For those just starting out or exploring the scene, it’s best to stay within your state and only a couple of hours away. Most facilities or contracts will consider anyone commuting 60 or more miles for their work as a traveler. Going to a neighboring city or even across the state can be a great way to get a feel for travel while also staying in an environment that is still “homey.” This is one of the best ways to dip your toes in for the experience!

For those looking for the most money

Money is a driving force for almost everyone. Whether you are looking to build your savings, provide for your family, or are a “treat yourself” type of person, money is very important. Traveling contracts are almost always a higher rate than local contracts. It is crucial to investigate what is being offered in your contract. Is the agency giving you a pay package that is based on 48 hours of work, but the facility caps you at 36 hours a week? Ask questions as to how often you are being paid. Ask if stipends are in addition to your pay or if the contract being presented includes it, making it seem like more money than it really is! More money is always tempting, but the best thing to do is to take a travel contract that is high pay and low risk. Sometimes what’s being presented is high pay and high risk.

Additionally, with high-paying contracts, research how much the area costs. If you are paying for housing, it’s nice to find a high-paying job, but not if your hotel, Airbnb, or housing takes half of it. Furthermore, if everything in the area is expensive (i.e., food, entertainment, etc.), is it worth taking that job just because it pays 10 dollars more per hour than another location?

For those looking for an adventure

Travel nursing is a fun way to vacation! For those that like to work hard and play hard, travel contracts are a good way to find adventure and make money at the same time. As a recruiter, it is so fun to work with adventure-seeking nurses. We work across the nation and have facilities all over the country for those that know what they are looking for. Want to work 3 days a week, and the other 4 be at the beach? Done. Want to go somewhere that’s warm during the winter but has a great city life? We can do that! Plan a vacation and work at the same time as your contract!

All in all, recruiters should be doing what is best for you and your success. We are here because we care about our nurses. Our mission is to find you money, adventure, or a comfortable place that makes you prosperous. Nurses have a tough job, one that is selfless and rewarding, and nothing brings us more joy and fulfillment than taking something stressful like job hunting off your plate!

Need help finding a travel nurse adventure?

Medical Edge Recruitment is the premier travel nursing recruitment agency specializing in providing top talent to clients in the healthcare industry. We connect clinical and allied providers to their ideal opportunities, focusing on building long-lasting relationships through honesty and transparency. In travel nursing, bigger does not always mean better. While we have an extensive network of job opportunities, our experienced team is dedicated to making a personalized provider experience a priority. There are a lot of moving parts in getting set up for a new assignment, but we take care of all the details along the way. Adventure awaits; let Medical Edge Recruitment show you where to go next!

We hope you found this article on tips for every type of traveler helpful. Do you have any tips to share with fellow travelers? 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 assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

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

START HERE

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

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“Since just recently joining The Gypsy Nurse, I have had so many questions answered about the world of travel nursing. This has been an excellent resource!”

—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

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By Favorite Healthcare Staffing

March 15, 2022

2023 Views

A Beginner’s Guide to Budgeting for Travel Nurses

Posted on March 15, 2022March 1, 2022 by Favorite Healthcare Staffing

Favorite Healthcare Staffing provided this article.

Being a travel nurse certainly has its perks. From exploring new cities, meeting new people, and trying new foods, travel nursing adds many valuable benefits to your life and career. As you move from one contract to the next, you may also find that your income fluctuates. That’s why it’s important to budget your money wisely. Keeping track of your expenses doesn’t have to be a daunting task. We’re here to share our top five budgeting tips for travel nurses!

1. Create a Budget Breakdown

The first step to learning how to manage your money is to create a budget breakdown for yourself. This will help you keep track of your money and see specifically how it is being used. You will want to understand how much income you earn on a monthly basis, as well as how much you spend on things like food, entertainment, and any other extra activities. Establish your needs versus your wants and think about how much money you need to set aside for each category.

An easy way to keep track of your spending is through an app called Mint. Mint is a user-friendly budgeting tool that helps you understand the full scope of your spending. Through the app, you can sync all your accounts in one place, such as checking and savings accounts, bills, loans, investments, and more. Mint will also automatically track and categorize your spending, so you don’t have to! Use the separate categories to set spending limits on areas of your choosing, and Mint will notify you once you start to approach those limits. Tracking your finances has never been easier!

2. Utilize the 50/30/20 Rule

The 50/30/20 rule is a staple when it comes to budgeting. First, you need to calculate your monthly income after taxes have been taken out. Next, divide your income into three segments—50% of your income should go toward needs, 30% on wants, and 20% will go to savings or paying off debt. This method ensures that your needs and wants are met while still setting money aside for your savings account.

3. Research Free Things to Do

While on a travel nursing assignment, one of the best ways to save money is to find activities that are free to do during your time off! Parks, museums, hiking trails, and local events are always fun options and are typically free or have a low cost. Make sure to do your research by utilizing Google, Yelp, Trip Advisor, and social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. These sites will give you a list of all the best things to do and sights to see in your area. If you utilize this tip, it can quickly become a budget-friendly way to help you explore the city you’re visiting!

4. Learn How to Meal Prep

Some of us spend more money on eating out at restaurants than we’d like to admit. A good way to break that habit is to meal prep! Find a few recipes that you would like to have during the week, make a list of everything you need for your meals, and head to the grocery store to purchase enough ingredients that will make leftovers last for a few days. If you aren’t prepared to dive straight into cooking a week’s worth of food, meal prepping can even be as simple as skipping your daily Starbucks run and making your coffee at home instead. While planning your meals ahead of time requires more preparation, it will save you time and money in the long run!

5. Find Coupons

It’s no secret that couponing is a great way to save money, but what’s the best way to get your hands on those deals? Make couponing a breeze by utilizing a tool called Honey! Honey is a browser extension that you can download for free on Google Chrome that automatically searches the internet for valid coupon codes. This takes the stress away from spending time searching the internet and testing different coupon codes that don’t end up working. An additional perk is that Honey will also notify you if you already have the best available deal.

Another great way to find deals is through Groupon. Groupon is a virtual coupon book that finds the best deals in any location, whether you’re looking to grab a bite, go shopping or go on an excursion. They also provide customer reviews on their site to make it even easier for you to find great local businesses. One more resource to keep in mind are local newspapers, as they will often have their own set of coupons listed for restaurants and other activities in the area.

Getting started with budgeting might be a little intimidating, but with these five tips, it should give you a good grasp on how to get started! To make things less overwhelming, you can even try to implement the tips above one step at a time. This will help you ease into properly budgeting your money as a travel nurse. Along the way, you may even discover some new methods that work for you! Have more budgeting tips? Share them with us in the comments 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:

START HERE

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

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

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

“Since just recently joining The Gypsy Nurse, I have had so many questions answered about the world of travel nursing. This has been an excellent resource!”

—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

Join Now

By CareerStaff Unlimited

March 14, 2022

2721 Views

Spring Cleaning: How to Update Your Nursing Resume to Become a Travel Nurse

Posted on March 14, 2022May 31, 2022 by CareerStaff Unlimited

CareerStaff Unlimited provided this article.

It’s that time of year again! Spring is in the air, and with it comes the urge to clean up and organize our homes. This same principle can be applied to your nursing resume. If you’re looking to become a travel nurse, now is the time to update your resume and make sure it’s as polished as possible. Whether you’re a new nurse or have been in the profession for a while, learn what should be included in your resume to become a travel nurse.

1. Update your nursing experience

Start by making sure that all of your nursing experience is up to date. It’s best to use a clean format with simple headers, no graphics, and an easy-to-read font.

Along with your education, be sure to list your experiences in reverse chronological order, so recruiters see your most recent experience at the top. This will show recruiters and hiring managers that you have recent and necessary skills and experience required for the travel assignment. Most facilities and organizations require you to have at least two years of nursing experience in your specialty before you qualify to become a travel nurse.

2. List your specialties, certifications and state licensures

Make sure that your name and any relevant certifications and degrees are listed at the top. You’ve worked hard to achieve them, so display them where they’re most visible. It’s important to include this information at the top of your nursing resume for recruiters and hiring managers to see your qualifications and the states you’re able to practice in, which will determine which travel assignments are the best match for you.

3. Include relevant training

Continuing to grow your skills and experience are also important. In addition to listing your nursing experience and certifications, you should also include any relevant training you have received. This can be anything from a basic life support course to more specialized training.

4. Highlight your skills

When updating your resume, it’s important to highlight both your soft skills and hard skills. Your soft skills, like adaptability and excellent communication skills, can indicate how you work as a professional, while your hard skills can distinguish you as a specialist. This can be done by using bullet points or short phrases to describe what you are good at and your relevant experience.

5. Update your computer skills

It’s also important in today’s world to have strong computer skills. This is especially true for nurses, as many hospitals and clinics use electronic medical records (EMRs). Be sure to list out the computer charting skills systems you’ve worked with on your resume. This will help you stand out to recruiters and hiring managers and show that you are able to use the latest technology.

6. List your honors and awards

If you have received any honors or awards, be sure to list them on your resume. It’s best to make sure these are relevant to the travel assignment you’re applying for, but this will also show recruiters and hiring managers that you are a high-achieving nurse.

7. Update your contact information

One final thing to update on your resume is your contact information. This includes aspects like your name, address, phone number, and email address.

Make sure that all of your contact information is up-to-date and accurate. This will ensure that recruiters and hiring managers can easily get in touch with you.

8. Proofread your nursing resume

Once you have updated your resume, be sure to proofread it carefully. This will ensure that there are no mistakes and that it looks professional. If possible, ask someone else to proofread it for you. This can help catch any errors that you may have missed.

Updating your nursing resume is a necessary task if you want to become a travel nurse. It provides the opportunity to showcase your achievements, successes, and skills. With these tips, you can make sure that your resume is up-to-date and ready for you to apply for your next travel nursing assignment.

If you’re looking for a travel nursing opportunity, consider CareerStaff Unlimited. We offer a wide variety of travel nursing assignments available in locations across the United States! Sodon’t’t wait; update your nursing resume and become a travel nurse today!

We hope you found this article on how to update your nursing resume to become a travel nurse helpful. Do you have any tips to share with fellow travel nurses? 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:

START HERE

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

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

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

“Since just recently joining The Gypsy Nurse, I have had so many questions answered about the world of travel nursing. This has been an excellent resource!”

—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

Join Now

Oh, The Places You’ll Go

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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Close proximity to the hospital, restaurants, and grocery stores

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2: Consider Exercise An Important Part Of Your Routine

3: Follow Sleep Rituals

4: Eat—But Not Too Much

5: Avoid Alcohol And Caffeine

6: Buy Some Sleep Supporting Products

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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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