TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE FOR TRAVCON 2025 CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS TODAY!

By Kevin Devoto

November 1, 2021

4504 Views

ADVERTISEMENT

How Travel Nurses Can Get In Their Daily Vitamins

Life as a travel nurse moves quickly. You’re constantly traveling to new places, and life can feel hectic. This means that sometimes the most important health practices are neglected. When health is put in second place, illnesses and injuries often occur that require time off to recuperate. Because your profession revolves around you being present and alert to help others, your health is also important to maintain. With this being said, getting in your daily vitamins is a great way to maintain your energy, ward off illnesses, and to keep your body strong.

Why You Need Vitamin D

Vitamin D keeps bones and teeth healthy by making sure enough phosphorus and calcium are absorbed. It is also important for adults, especially those with intense jobs such as working in the health industry. Dental problems and broken bones can take a lot of time away from helping others. In addition, vitamin D protects the immune system. This is important for everyone, especially during flu season, but it is especially important for those who are regularly around sick people.

Why You Might Be Missing It

Ever since the widespread use of sunscreen, many people are vitamin D deficient. This may seem like a strange connection. However, the reasoning is that humans manufacture their own vitamin D but need the sun to do it. When sunlight hits your skin, a chemical process begins that results in vitamin D production. This will not happen when sunscreen blocks the natural UV rays. Vitamin D is often one of the neglected nutrients, but that can easily be remedied. If you are wondering how to increase vitamin D levels quickly, there are a number of ways to accomplish it.

The Easiest Way to Get Enough Vitamin D

Many are afraid to be in the sun for even a few minutes, but in reality, all it takes to provide yourself with a sufficient amount of this nutrient is to spend up to half an hour in the sun at least twice a week without sunscreen. After half an hour, you should have produced enough and can then apply protection to avoid sunburn. This is the quickest and easiest method to increase vitamin D levels. Obviously, it is also the cheapest. This is why vitamin D is often referred to as “the sunshine vitamin.” If this is not possible for some reason, or if you live in a northern climate where sunlight is scarce in winter, a UV lamp can have a similar effect. These lamps are also good for those who tend to suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Other Ways to Get Vitamin D

If sunlight is not a good option for you, there are other sources of vitamin D. In generations past; people would often keep a bottle of cod liver oil in their refrigerators and have a spoonful of it every morning during fall and winter. It’s true that most of them stayed healthy through flu season but tasting oil that came from a fish’s liver first thing in the morning is not the most pleasant way to start the day. Thankfully, this oil now comes in capsule form. Choose a “burpless” formula, or you may end up tasting that oil throughout the day. You can also regularly eat certain foods to replenish your vitamin D supplies. These foods include mushrooms, cold-water fish like tuna, and eggs, including the yolks. There are also some common foods supplemented with vitamin D such as milk.  

Conclusion

Vitamin D is one of the most important nutrients for humans and one of the easiest to obtain. Try taking a break to sit outside on the next sunny day or if you happen to travel to a warm climate as a travel nurse. Not only will you be making your own vitamin D, but you will also be less stressed when you return to your responsibilities.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Have an assignment but haven’t secured housing yet? 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

October 30, 2021

120590 Views

ADVERTISEMENT

Immerse Yourself in Chilling Tales: Scary Hospital, Ghost, and Haunted Stories

Travel nurses travel all over the country. They see many things, from monuments to mountains, but many see and hear things they never expected while traveling. You often hear stories of strange or scary things happening in hospitals. Many hospitals hold their own scary hospital stories.

Working at a new hospital every 13 weeks, they regularly see the circle of life, and some have said to experience things from the afterlife. Below are some scary hospital stories from the members of our Travel Nurse Network group.

Night shifters, we do not recommend you read these at night.

Scary Hospital Stories

Scary Hospital Stories from Travel Nurses

1.) The Running Water

Once when I was working in an LTC facility, I was walking down the hall speaking to a CNA when all of a sudden, we heard the loud sound of water running in the bathroom. All the patients were in bed already, so I turned to her and looked like what is that? We walked to the bathroom, which you could only enter by key, unlocked the door, and went in. The lights were out, so we turned them on.

The tub water was running full blast into the tub. No one was in there. I walked over and turned the faucet all the way until the water stopped running.

I said why is this water running, everyone’s in bed. The CNA said strange stuff happens in that bathroom and on the floor all the time, including lights turning on and off and stuff moving around or turning on in that particular bathroom.

What’s weird was I heard the water turn on as I was standing near that bathroom and know no one walked in and the handle had to be turned all the way to the right to turn it off.

– Lolita

2.) They’re Still Here

I was working in an ICU and had a patient who would only repeat what was said to her, and was with her all night. One time I went into the room, and she started telling me all the ways she died. “I died because of a narcotic overdose; I died because I took too much insulin. I died on a sunny Sunday afternoon,” etc. Then later, she looked up at the ceiling and said, “They’re all still there.” I ran out of that room as fast as I could. Another time I had a blind patient who kept asking me what time it was all night long. One time I went in to check on him, and he says to me, “It’s the witching hour.” It was 3:33. I walked out.

– Courtney

3.) The Man in The Room

I had a patient admitted into a room at about 0130. He was alert and oriented. He was rolled in on an ER gurney and started freaking out about “him”. Can’t we see “him”? That he’s not going to stay in that room, and he needs to be as far from that room as possible. We switch his room assignment and get him settled. Later in the morning, I asked who “he” is. He says that we need to have the room exorcised. “He” is apparently a very angry dead mid 40’s male.

He didn’t like another man in “his” room. That room was always really cold. Summer or winter. The lights used to come on for no reason…

– Susan

4.) Til Death Do Us Part

scary hospital stories

I worked at an LTC facility as a night shift aide about 14 years ago. I worked a hall I had never been on before. It was like 1 am, and I saw an elderly guy walk out of a room, down the hallway, and leave the facility. I went to that room, and the resident was awake. Asked her who she was talking to, and she told me her husband always came to visit her late at night. I went to ask the other aide on the floor about it, and they told me the resident was 102yrs old and her husband had been dead for like 20-30 years. Swear on my life that it was an actual person leaving that hall. I could even describe his outfit and hat. Needless to say, I didn’t work that hall much anymore

– Kayleigh

5.) Come Play With Us Katie

I worked at Cincinnati Children’s, and there is a little girl who appears at the bedside of dying children the day before they pass and tells them it’s going to be okay. They even mentioned her as a household name in orientation.

In Indy, at a children’s hospital, we had a patient pass in surgery, but her room was haunted. A little African American boy saw her one night and said, “She looks like me and has one of these and one of these”, pointing to his central line and GT. She also had a central line and GT.

Here in CO, I just stayed at the Stanley Hotel. It’s the hotel that inspired The Shining. Steven King stayed there and felt like his bartender was a ghost and saw two little girls on the 4th floor when there were no other guests. I woke up every 20 minutes to nothing. And had a sock on my perfectly made bed and a luggage tag and earring on my SPOTLESS bathroom. The next morning I bought a book about the hotel hauntings, and my hotel room was in it. Apparently, things go missing in one part of the hotel and show up later in my room. ? They also have a wounded veteran donated flag that has a spot that has started to fade into a silhouette of the original owner of the hotel.

– Katie

6.) Have a Good Night Doctor

I got called in one night for a bad case in the OR, and we were in the middle of it, and I saw a guy in surgeon garb walk past the OR door and continue on towards a dead end. We were at the end of the hall. I walked to the door and couldn’t find anyone. Yelled out hello, and still no one. I had heard that there was a ghost of a surgeon in the OR.

– Melinda

7.) Don’t Swoosh Her

Worked in an LTC where a cute little man would be clear over on one side of this twin bed, and when I asked him to scoot over so he didn’t fall off, he said he didn’t want to swoosh the little girl laying next to him. I guess there used to be kids in this place at some time.

In the same hall, residents would see a lady in black who would go into rooms, and within a day or two, that resident would pass. I didn’t like working in that hall at night!

– Easter

8.) Laughter is Not Always the Best Medicine

I was eating alone in the cafeteria one night, maybe at 1 am. I walked out to the hall to get on the elevator and heard a little kid laughing. No one was anywhere around. I asked security to walk around and look. There was only EVS down there with the doors locked, nowhere near that hallway

– Kari

9.) The Car Accident

scary hospital stories

I was working an ICU assignment in a small hospital in Wilkesboro, NC, and my patient, who was in the process of dying, started yelling about a car accident and specified survivor man vs woman at the same time there was an MVA coming into the ED where one of the passengers died we were all freaking out!!

– Juan

10.) He Liked My Energy

When I posted on FB that my bedroom lights kept coming on & off, a friend who “sees things” said it was a recently deceased little boy. Unbeknownst to her, I’d worked in hem-onc that week (I float in a peds hospital), and a little boy had died just before my shift. A few days later, I was taking a pic of a curtain I’d made in my daughter’s room, and there were 2 orbs dancing on my screen. My friend said one of them was the boy. She said he liked my energy…

-Maria

11.) LTC Stories

I worked LTC and have tons of scary hospital stories.

  1. The facility was built where a playground used to be. A little boy died there in the ’30s. Residents who were blind or had Alzheimer’s would regularly “see” a little boy. They always described the exact same kid in the same clothes.
  2. I had a 90-year-old resident with dementia who hadn’t spoken in years. She was actively dying. She looked behind me and said, “Okay, I’ll see you tomorrow. I love you.” She died exactly 24 hours later.
  3. There was a resident who never used her own bathroom to have a bm. She always went to the room across the hall. After she passed, people would swear they saw someone going into the room across from hers. Even years later from people who didn’t know the story.

I could go for hours. Ha ha

– Debra

12.) The Land of Enchantment

There are Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi Natives who work and go to the GIMC hospital I work at. Hear about the skins walkers the most! Also, the floor I work on is haunted for sure. In one room, I heard computer keys typing. I was in the room alone. Got up to see where the noise was coming from, and the noise stopped. I sat down, and it started again. I asked a coworker, and she freaked and said yes, an old coworker always did her homework for her masters in that room. She was killed in a freak car accident. ??.

Everyone seems to have heard the computer keys and knew, too, bc I said something another day about room 9, and they were like, “Aww man, it’s her again”. There are ghosts of little children and a surgeon that roam the floor, and moaning is heard from room 5. I have heard and thought I have seen a little girl by room 5 and thought a patient was in the room one night and learned no one was there. I was very freaked out.

They have hired a native Medicine man to come to pray and way safe on the floor too. ?. Also, a cup moved 3 times in the apartment we were in last. Swear! The husband said it, and I was like, lie! And then he started recording, and it did it again. The counter was dry. Something for sure is different on native land in NM.

– Alyssa

13.) The Call

Back when I was a PCA, I worked at mercy hospital in Mt Airy ( which is no longer there). We always had odd stuff happen, but the best was one night we got a random call upon my unit ( I worked on the 5th floor Tele side, and the other side was oncology) from a room on the floor below us. The thing was, on the 4th floor, that side had been closed for a long time, and there was no one down there. The other side was a small rehab. So we get this call, no one is in that room. So I and a few others go down and to that side of the hall. We find the room and walk in to find no one there. It was being used for storage, and there was no call light or phone it that room. No one could explain it.

Other than that, we had call lights that would go off when no one was in that room. We just figured it was a ghost.

Oh, 1 more story. I’m sensitive to the paranormal, and not long after I started working there on nights, the elevator, 9 times out of 10, would open right as I was about to push the button. This happens a lot and only to me. Every time I would step on and say thank you, ghost. – Karin

If you would like to read more scary hospital stories from travel nurses, click here. Have any scary hospital stories of your own? Post them below!

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 Amber Pickler

October 29, 2021

4619 Views

ADVERTISEMENT

Paranormal Activity: Travel Nurse Edition

It is that time of year again. Spooky season! We all love a great paranormal activity story! As travel nurses and healthcare workers, you know first hand that many hospitals and facilities exhibit paranormal activity. We went through a few posts in our Facebook group and found some stories of paranormal activity we wanted to share with you!

Paranormal Activity

“You scared the little boy away!”

One of my two jobs was working in a nursing home that used to be the old 3 story hospital. Code pad to get elevator controls to work. One night door alarms went off on the 3rd floor; no one should be up there. 2/3 of the staff went upstairs on each end of the halls; nurses went up the elevator. Pt in w/c was found at the top of the stairwell, wheels ready to go off. We got pt safely back to the first floor and asked how he got up to the 3rd floor; he couldn’t reach code pad. He said, “the little boy stood on my knee and put the code in; he was here to take me home” (wasn’t the first time “the little boy” showed up).

The same patient was admitted at the hospital (my other job), so I took him. I walked into his room in the middle of the night; he yells at me, “YOU SCARED THE LITTLE BOY AWAY” Not on my watch, little man. The next night I came into work and found out he had passed about 30 minutes after he asked the CNA to go get the little boy because he was ready to go. When seen the little boy would “take them home” – Kelly Emmons

FEMA Hospital

There was an old run-down hospital that was abandoned and turned into a covid FEMA hospital. I worked there for 8 weeks. Every night I would walk by this unit that was at one point open but now closed, and I would see a lady completely thin as a rail wearing a gown and walking across the hall from the patient rooms to the sitting area where there was a TV. Only the guide lights were on, so it was dim but not dark down that hall, but I know what I saw.

Also, the elevator would randomly stop and open on the same haunted floor, sit there for a minute, and then close and not move until you hit floor 4 again. – Travel RNJ

Black figure

Sooo this is in LTC. I’m a daylight nurse but picked up a night shift. So, I’m walking down the hallway doing rounds, and I hear running water in the very last room. Meanwhile, the residents that were in that room were unable to ambulate (late-stage dementia) anyways; I went into the room and heard the running water; it was in their bathroom the water was on full blast. I thought to myself someone must have left it on after caring for one of the girls. Well, I walked back up the hallway, and something made me turn around, and the light flickered down by their room. I decided to walk back down, and the pt who NEVER EVER moves was Laying sideways in her bed, blanket drug across the room, and the light next to her bed was on.

So, I called up the hallway and had one of the aids come to assist me. We get her readjusted. I’m freaked out at this point. But I gotta job to do so I carry on. I walked up to the other end of the hall, and all of a sudden, me and the aid heard a scream. It’s from the first room on the hallway. We went into the room, and the resident is FREAKING saying, oh my god, it was black. He’s coming for me; it’s coming for me. Scared to death, he was saying a demon or something was coming for him. One of the coworkers was outside smoking at the time, and she said without knowing what was going on, she saw a black figure crawl into “homies” room. It scared her so bad she died out her cigarette and ran back into the building.

I’ve never worked another night shift on that hall again. There is an ominous feeling when it’s night. – Brook Brice

Whistling

One time I had a dying patient. Her daughter was with her, so I would administer the proper meds and do care but left them to their privacy otherwise. I was at the nurse’s station charting and another CNA, and I heard someone whistling a wedding tune down one of the hallways. All of the residents down that hallway had dementia and were not able to whistle. We confirmed everyone was comfortably sleeping. Then the daughter came out of the room 20 mins later and stated her mother passed 20 minutes ago. I told the daughter about the whistling song, and she said she thinks her dad came to get her mom to help her cross. So sweet –Christina Knorr

Have you experienced paranormal activity as a travel nurse? We would love to hear your stories! Comment them below.

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

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

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

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

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

By Dan Matthews

October 26, 2021

6118 Views

ADVERTISEMENT

How to Get the Most Out of Your Travel Assignment

As a travel nurse, you are making a big difference in every community you visit. The care you provide is without comparison, and it always leaves a lasting impression. While helping people is the goal, you must enjoy the experience as much as your patients, so creating and recording great memories is a must.

To help you get the most out of your travel assignment, we have several tips for how you can improve the communities you visit, have a bit of fun, and remember it all for years to come.

How to get the most out of your travel assignment

Help The Community

As a travel nurse, you are not only providing medical assistance, but you are helping the world as a whole. As you may know, there is a great nursing shortage on the horizon as many healthcare professionals retire and our population grows older. This shortage will greatly impact patients living in rural areas who already have to travel great distances to see a physician. As a travel nurse, you are part of the solution, but the opportunities for assistance in the communities you visit doesn’t have to end there.

One way that you can create lasting memories in these communities is by volunteering when you are off the clock. One way to do so is to call a nonprofit organization and ask how you can help. While not every organization will need assistance, many will be thrilled to have you onboard while you are in town.

That is just one of many ways you can lend a helping hand. You can also visit a website like VolunteerMatch, which can connect you with organizations that need assistance, or you can ask colleagues who have visited the area in the past for ideas of places you can contact. By helping these communities, you will remember why you got into nursing in the first place, and you’ll remember the people you meet and the adventures you had for years to come.

Don’t Forget to Have Fun

While you are traveling, don’t forget to have a little fun. A great way to pass some time is by taking a jog around the new neighborhood or hiking in the local, national park. Not only will you see amazing sights that you can photograph and remember forever, but by being out in nature, you can also relax from the busy workday and melt some stress.

After a day of activity, take the time to enjoy some of the local cuisines. This is a chance to try some dishes that you have never had before. If you fall in love with a dish, ask for the recipe. By cooking it when you are back home, you will remember the great time you had in that specific location. If you are traveling with your spouse, don’t forget to take some time out for a date night that could involve dinner made with the recipe you brought back from your travels or a slideshow of photos from the trip.

If you are visiting a city far away, take some time to try some of the activities that you don’t have in your hometown. For instance, if you are near a beach, then try surfing or scuba diving. If you are visiting a town that happens to have a county fair that weekend, go and enjoy some rides, games and meet some new people. You’ll always remember that town for the fun you had there.

Document Your Adventures

While the experiences you have in the places you visit will be fun at the moment, if you visit many different locations during your travels, it can be difficult to remember all of the special times.

One way that you can remember the places you’ve been is by taking pictures, or better yet, buy t-shirts and mugs with memorable places pictured right on the front. You don’t have to use these items every day, but during those times that you go through your closet or cupboard, you will remember the fun you had back in the day.

Another great way to memorialize the places you have been is by documenting all of your fun experiences in a journal. Whenever you go somewhere new, write down what you saw and who you met, and most importantly, notate how you felt during those experiences. You can read those entries at a later time or regale your children with your awesome adventures.

There is no denying it. As a travel nurse, you are a true hero, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your travel experiences. Take the time to meet new people, help the communities you visit, and have a little fun. You deserve it!

We hope you found these tips for getting the most out of your travel assignment helpful. Are there any tips for getting the most out of your travel assignment we missed? Comment them below.

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

October 25, 2021

5724 Views

ADVERTISEMENT

Taking Your First Travel Nurse Assignment During the Pandemic

This article was provided by TNAA Healthcare.

You feel like you were called to work in healthcare, but maybe you need a change of scenery to combat pandemic fatigue. Or, maybe traveling is something you always wanted to do, and the pay makes travel nursing even more enticing. For those eager to travel, here is what you should know and what you can do during your time as a staff nurse to have the best start when you become a traveler.

Why Experience is Important

Travel nurses are there to fill an immediate need, so hospitals count on them to be qualified, confident, and flexible – especially when facing the intensity of the pandemic. Travel nurses are expected to hit the hospital floor with their heads held high. They don’t need to be walked through weeks of orientation. Instead, they’ll likely only have a few shifts to adjust to their new hospital and unit before they are put to work.

The last thing you want to worry about as a travel nurse is your skillset. While you’re working as a staff nurse, get as much experience as you can by expanding your skillset to make yourself more marketable, learning where to find supplies on your own, or being courageous enough to ask questions. This should help ensure a successful start as a travel nurse.

How to Prepare Yourself Mentally

The pandemic has intensified stress for healthcare workers. This strain is why some staff nurses turn to travel, but there are other potentially stressful situations you have to prepare for as a travel nurse. While you get to meet new people and experience new places, you’re likely also traveling without your immediate support system of close family and friends. For this reason, you’ll need to work on your coping mechanisms and truly understand what helps you destress.

Do your research

Knowledge is power. Research the hospital, unit, community, COVID-19 trends, and housing options before deciding to take an assignment. Knowing what to expect ahead of time can make you feel more comfortable when everything around you is new.

Build your community of support

Build a community of support near and far. With each travel nurse assignment, find your partner on the unit who you check in with day-in and day-out. Connect with other travelers to explore your new town. Have calls with friends and family back home as often as possible. Keeping and establishing these connections can keep you from feeling alone.

Take time for yourself

Don’t forget to take care of yourself in the middle of caring for your patients. This might mean you say ‘no’ to an extra shift (which means you’re saying ‘yes’ to extra sleep or more time for adventure).

Remember your ‘why’

Having a solid reason for becoming a healthcare traveler can keep you focused when you’re having a bad week. Your ‘why’ might be supporting your family, taking a major vacation, or meeting a savings goal. Whatever it is, let it help you keep your eye on the prize.

How Your Travel Nurse Agency Can Set You Up For Success

You’ll want your travel nurse agency to be there to walk you through every step of your new life as a healthcare traveler. There’s a lot of change and adjustment in the beginning!

Your recruiter

Work with your recruiter to get an appropriate first-time assignment. You might want your first assignment to be at a similar type of hospital or unit as your staff job to ease into your life as a traveler. But, don’t worry – your recruiter should be able to help you meet career goals step-by-step with each assignment.

Agency resources

When you have a question or feel stressed, your agency should be there for you. See if your agency has a clinical services team, so you can talk to someone who understands the difficulties of the job. Ask if your agency has mental wellness resources available through an Employee Assistance Program, Chaplain Program, or insurance, so you know that you have benefits you can fall back on when you need them most.

Becoming a traveler is exciting and also a huge adjustment. To have the best start, develop your skills, do your research, and see how a travel nurse agency can be an anchor for you as you embark on a new journey.

We hope you found these tips for taking your first travel nurse assignment during the pandemic helpful.

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 Amber Pickler

October 24, 2021

13284 Views

ADVERTISEMENT

Tales from the Road: Scary Travel Nurse Stories

Haunted Hospitals? Stories of hospitals being haunted or having strange things happen in them have been around for years. As travel nurses, you have more opportunities to experience these. Our Gypsy Nurse Facebook group frequently has posts from people that experience these things. We have put together some of our favorites scary travel nurse stories!

Scary Travel Nurse Stories:


An old TB Hospital.. the perfect source for scary stories

scary travel nurse stories

Stories of old TB Hospitals (also known as sanatorias) being haunted have been around for years. TB Hospitals became common in the United States in the early 20th century. It is really no wonder that these hospitals have become known for having strange things happening in them. This is most likely because of the number of deaths from the disease.

The disappearing surgeon

Tales from the Road: Scary Travel Nurse Stories

Surgeons spend many hours a day in operating rooms, so it is no wonder the surgeon stays where he is familiar. Many areas of hospitals tend to be creepy during the night. The OR, which is typically not open in the middle of the night, is one of those places.. add to seeing this, now it is probably the creepiest part of this hospital.

Hospice floor turned loft..

scary travel nurse stories

While not all patients who stay in inpatient hospice facilities pass away while there, hospice facilities experience many deaths. So, it is no wonder people may experience some strange things in these facilities after re-purposing for other uses.

The little girl in a red dress..

Tales from the Road: Scary Travel Nurse Stories

Little kids are often seen playing or entering rooms in pediatric hospitals or on pediatric floors. Perhaps they aren’t done playing yet.

Flying surgical instruments..and whispering names

Tales from the Road: Scary Travel Nurse Stories

Because of their age, older hospitals are most often the source of these stories. More people died of communicable diseases and infections in the past due to the lack of medicine that we have today. This may be a cause of these strange things happening.

90 year old’s mother..

scary travel nurse stories

Older patients and patients who are dying often see loved ones that have passed.. this may or may not be the cause here. Either way.. super spooky!

Random call lights

Tales from the Road: Scary Travel Nurse Stories

Random call lights going off with no patients in the room are popular among stories of haunted hospitals or hospitals having strange things happening in them.

The little boy that runs the halls

Tales from the Road: Scary Travel Nurse Stories

Another child running and playing. What sticks out is that some of the staff actually has seen this. Most stories you hear only involve other patients seeing the child or children.

Do you have a scary story from your time as a travel nurse? Tell us about it in the comments below!

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

By Maddie Torres-Gypsy Nurse Correspondent

October 23, 2021

9645 Views

ADVERTISEMENT

Collapsible Home Essentials for Travel Nurses

Research has shown that moving is one of life’s most stressful events. As a travel nurse, moving—and its close cousins, packing and unpacking—can happen frequently and without much notice. In order to mitigate the stress and work of moving without losing the creature comforts of home, we’ve put together a list of staples for travel nurses looking for affordable, practical—and collapsible—must-have items. Even better, all items are currently available on Amazon.

Collapsible Home Essentials:

GreenForest Folding Desk

This two-tiered desk makes for the perfect at-home office. There is absolutely no assembly required, which makes the item well worth the $200 price. Because if we’re being honest, nobody really wants to spend an entire evening attempting to put together an IKEA desk with over four hundred pieces. Perhaps the best part of the desk’s design is that its second tier can be used for storage or decoration. From a travel perspective, the desk can be neatly folded quite compactly, when not in use. It’s available in “espresso” brown with black metal legs.

SAMMART Collapsible Dish Drainer with Drainer Board

If you have been on the hunt for a foldable drying rack set, then look no further. The grey tray pops open for divided sections to dry dishes and silverware. It’s compact in nature and won’t take up too much vital countertop space. At just $13.86, it is a steal and is both BPA free and dishwasher safe. While not in use, it collapses flat to be stored anywhere. The reviews are promising with most of the customers giving the item a 5-star rating.

Travel Foldable Electric Kettle

Both tea and coffee drinkers alike can rejoice with this product, as they will no longer have to be caffeine-deprived when on the road. It comes in four different colors, and although it seems a bit pricey at $45.89, it can be used anywhere in the world due to its dual voltage. Water will boil within 3-5 min, which is perfect for all of you “non-morning people” travel nurses who have an early shift. Both the handle and the power chord are detachable and fold neatly into its included case.

Ruff’n Ruffus Portable Pet Playpen and Carrying Case

Your loveable pets don’t have to be left behind with this convenient folding playpen for pets of almost all sizes! Starting at only $38.97, the playpen is spacious enough for your pets to move around but also folds down flat, fitting neatly into its provided carrying case. The playpen is water-resistant, so it is ideal for either a cozy afternoon at home or a picnic in the park. Due to the playpen’s flexible structure, it may not be as suitable for bigger, more rambunctious pets, however those of you with small to mid-size dogs will find it a great option.

Crenics Collapsible Travel Cup

These flexible, silicone cups are perfect for travel nurses on the go. For the reasonable price of $20.99, you get two cups, two reusable straws, and a hook that latches onto a bag or backpack for easy transportation on any camping or hiking trip. It can also be used at work for people who are particularly clumsy and often find themselves knocking things over on their desk. The button lid at the top ensures that the cup can be knocked over and even flipped upside down without spilling.

AmazonBasics Foldable Bed

Rated the #1 Best Seller in bed frames on Amazon, this foldable bed frame is a staple for those who put quality sleep above all else. The price varies depending on size, but it’s available starting from $71.13 for a Twin. Thankfully, it does not require assembly and provides extra storage underneath for the inevitable miscellaneous items accumulated over time. When you’re ready to pack everything up and move on to the next place, the bed folds easily to be stored or moved. A mattress is not included but can also be purchased through Amazon.

Giantex Folding Mattress

The unique trifold design of this mattress makes falling asleep anywhere as easy as counting sheep. It’s perfect for camping trips, yoga, or overnight visitors because it can be folded, propped up like a couch, or laid flat on any floor. The memory foam mattress is especially plush, which always makes for a good night’s sleep. Your back will thank you. It comes in three sizes ranging from Twin to Queen, and boasts promising reviews.

Fabric Floor Couch Lounge

Lounging while watching TV has never been so comfortable. The 5 reclining positions of this couch allow for maximum relaxation. Its ergonomic design is ideal for Netflix binge-watching, gaming, or even a quick nap. It comes in 8 colors and is under $200. Even better, the sub-polyester fabric is easy to clean and difficult to wrinkle.

We hope you found this list of collapsible home essentials helpful on you travel nurse journey. Do you have any collapsible home essentials that you have found and would like to share? Comment them below.

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

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

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

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

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

By Jennifer Traub

October 22, 2021

5378 Views

ADVERTISEMENT

Finding the Right Travel Nurse Recruiter for You

There is a lot of buzz around picking the right recruiter for a travel assignment. As a nurse who has been a traveler for more than 5 years, here are some tips I have picked up on how to choose the perfect one.

Their approach shouldn’t be “salesy”

You are not buying a car, so a recruiter’s approach shouldn’t be “salesy.” They do not need to “pitch” you. The assignment and the criteria you need speak for themselves. I find it ingenuine if you are being approached with sales tactics, and I wouldn’t want to work with that person.

Choose a reputable company

I would find a recruiter working for a reputable company. Onward Healthcare, Prolink, and Host Healthcare are some of my personal favorites. I have worked with these companies for multiple contracts and have always had good experiences.

Maximize your pay package

A recruiter should look to maximize your pay package. You are traveling away from home and uprooting your life. I think it is important for a company to consider and accommodate you with travel expenses and potential interim travel expenses if possible.

You should be able to have a good rapport with your recruiter

You should be able to have a good rapport with your recruiter. They should be a partner and a friend. Chances are, you will need some guidance when on assignment at some point. Whether it being you decide you need health insurance or you didn’t receive your paycheck. A good recruiter should be receptive and accommodating. They should be able to resolve your issue or point you in the right direction to someone who can. A recruiter who neglects to answer your texts or calls means they are only out for the money and do not have your best interest at heart.

We hope you found these tips for finding the right travel nurse recruiter for your helpful. Do you have any tips for finding a travel nurse recruiter? Comment them below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you have the assignment but need housing? 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 Medely

October 21, 2021

7391 Views

ADVERTISEMENT

Highest Paying Travel Nursing Specialties

This article was provided by Medely.

Think about the reason you went into Nursing… It probably wasn’t for fame and fortune, was it? Instead, most Nurses we talk to found their way into this field because they want to make a difference in the world and have an aptitude for giving care to those in need. Nursing is just one of those fields that attract bright individuals who’d like to leave the world a little better than they found it. It may sound idealistic, but it’s true.

That being said, you can still earn a great living while you’re at it.

Nursing is often a labor of love, but it does involve a good amount of labor. And Nurses deserve to be compensated for their work, as well as the years of training, education, and practice that have gone into making them the medical powerhouses they are today. General practice Nursing is already a lucrative career choice. And if you choose to specialize, you can earn even more.

So let’s take a look at some of the most highly paid Nursing specialties out there and what they involve to see if one might be a good fit for you. Keep in mind that the salary for each will vary depending on when and where you decide to work.

Labor, Delivery and Infant ICU RN

Up to $7,614* per week for travel assignments (California), or $190 per hour

Education: ADN minimum, BSN preferred

L&D Nursing and NICU Nurses are not typically the same people, but we’re counting them both here because they are one of the highest-paying nursing specialties.

Labor and Delivery Nurses’ primary responsibilities involve:

  • Caring for patients during pregnancy.
  • Assisting the birth-giver and the family during labor.
  • Working alongside the doctor to provide initial care to the infant after delivery.

They monitor both the infant and the birth-giver for signs of complications and illness during labor and the postpartum period.

NICU Nurses are responsible for caring for sick infants in an intensive care setting. They monitor infant vital signs, administer medications, and keep infants clean and fed until discharge.

In addition to a Nursing degree, L&D Nurses should have the following certifications: RNC-BC, C-EFM, and C-ELBW. In addition, NICU Nurses need RNC-IC and CCRN-Infant.

ER RN

Up to $6,238* per week for travel assignments (California), or $156 per hour

Education: ADN or BSN acceptable

Emergency Room Nurses treat patients in need of urgent and immediate medical care. They must be quick on their feet and may handle a high degree of stress. Different ERs often provide further services, and ER Nurses may choose to specialize in pediatric, geriatric, cardiac, or trauma-related emergency medicine. ER Nurses should feel comfortable handling a variety of patients that may come their way.

ER Nurses will perform triage, administer medication and other treatments, monitor vital signs, assess vital signs and patient status, document, collaborate with emergency physicians to plan patient care, and communicate with patients and their families.

ER Nurses should have the following certification: CEN.

Oncology RN

Up to $6,429* per week for travel assignments (Iowa), or $161 per hour

Education: ADN minimum, BSN preferred

Oncology Nurses are experts in general care but work primarily with cancer patients. Because many cancers affect different parts of the body, RNs working in Oncology may specialize in treating specific iterations of the illness, and their duties will vary.

In general, day-to-day tasks include:

  • Administering medication.
  • Monitoring patient pain and comfort levels.
  • Educating your patient about care and treatment options.
  • Collaborating with the patient’s physician to provide adequate care.

Oncology Nurses must also possess a high degree of emotional intelligence as they will often need to communicate difficult news and provide added emotional support while at the bedside.

Oncology Nurses should have the following certifications: OCN, and either CPHON, CBCN, BMTCN, AOCNP, AOCNS, CPON, or AOCN, depending on specialty.

Cardiac Cath Lab RN

Up to $5,970* per week for travel assignments (Arkansas), or $149 per hour

Education: ADN minimum, BSN preferred

Cardiac Nurses primarily assist with cardiac catheterization, but their expertise extends more generally into cardiology. Nurses in this discipline provide care to patients with long-term or acute illness in the heart and significant valves. They may be especially active during cardiac surgical operations.

Cardiac Nurses perform diagnostic tasks during heart surgeries, including identifying blockages and assisting with other cardiac surgical procedures, including angioplasties, pacemaker installation, and stents.

Cardiac Nurses should have the following certifications: CMC and CV-BC.

Medely’s Highest Paying Nursing Specialties

Medely offers travel and per diem positions to qualified Nurses who want to live their best lives and make a difference while doing it. Medely’s job options include many of the specialties listed above, in states across the country — and the pay is excellent! Nurses working a travel position as a Telemetry RN in Iowa, for example, can take home as much as $5,970 per week. Visit us today to see if we have your dream job listed.

More into the mental side of things? Learn more about finding psychiatric travel positions in our other article: Psychiatric Nursing Jobs.

*All rates shown are posted weekly payments for positions listed for September 2021. Rates may vary depending on date, position, and location. Check Medely travel rates for current earning potential.

We hope you found this article on the highest-paying travel nursing specialties helpful. If you think we missed any please comment below.

Are you looking for your next assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for your next 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