April 26, 2024

264 Views

Embracing the Adventure: Top 5 Benefits of Being a Travel Nurse in 2024

Posted on April 26, 2024April 26, 2024 by Medely

Medely provided this article.

In the dynamic landscape of healthcare, travel nursing continues to stand out as a rewarding and exciting career path. From flexibility to professional advancement to financial growth, being a travel nurse offers a multitude of benefits. In this post, we’ll explore the top five benefits of being a travel nurse in 2024 and why this profession remains an attractive option for healthcare professionals seeking adventure, growth, and fulfillment.

Top 5 Benefits of Being a Travel Nurse in 2024

Flexibility in location and assignments

One of the most enticing aspects of being a travel nurse is the flexibility it offers in terms of location and assignments. In 2024, with healthcare systems facing varying levels of demand and staffing shortages across different regions, travel nurses are in high demand nationwide. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 19% growth in registered nurse (RN) jobs between 2022 and 2032, with over 1M additional RNs needed by 2024.

This demand allows travel nurses to choose assignments in diverse settings, from bustling urban hospitals to smaller, rural clinics and care facilities, and everything in between. Whether you’re drawn to the bright lights of a big city or the tranquility of suburbia, being a travel nurse allows you to explore new places and cultures while making a difference in patient care.

Professional growth and development

Now more than ever, travel nursing offers an opportunity for professional growth and skill development. In 2024, with healthcare technologies advancing rapidly and new treatment modalities emerging, travel nurses have the chance to expand their clinical expertise and stay at the forefront of healthcare innovation.

By working in various healthcare settings and with diverse patient populations, travel nurses gain valuable experience and develop adaptable skills that enhance their marketability and career advancement opportunities. Plus, often, travel nurses are asked to float into different specialties when they arrive at their assigned facility so they can explore what they most love to do. Whether it’s mastering a new specialty, honing leadership skills, or learning innovative clinical practices, travel nursing empowers nurses to continuously evolve and thrive in their careers.

Competitive pay and benefits

In 2024, travel nursing remains a financially rewarding career choice, with competitive compensation packages and attractive benefits in cities across the country. Travel nurses often receive higher pay rates than their permanent counterparts, along with additional incentives such as sign-on bonuses, completion bonuses, and referral bonuses, and that trend continues this year. Furthermore, travel nurses may have access to comprehensive benefits packages that include health insurance, retirement plans, and continuing education assistance. These financial incentives not only reward travel nurses for their hard work and dedication but also contribute to their overall financial stability and well-being.

Work-life balance and adventure

As a travel nurse in 2024, you’ll enjoy a unique blend of work-life balance and adventure. With the ability to choose your assignments and schedule, travel nursing offers flexibility that allows you to create a lifestyle that suits your preferences and priorities. Whether you’re craving a temporary change of scenery, pursuing personal interests outside of work, or simply seeking adventure in your career, travel nursing provides the freedom and flexibility to make it happen. From exploring iconic landmarks and natural wonders to immersing yourself in new cultures and cuisines, being a travel nurse allows you to embrace adventure both on and off the job.

Medely can help you find your perfect travel adventure. Learn more here.

Making a meaningful impact

Above all, being a travel nurse in 2024 allows you to make a meaningful impact on patient care and healthcare. By stepping in to fill staffing gaps, relieve burnt-out nurses and allied health professionals, and support healthcare facilities in need, travel nurses play a vital role in ensuring access to quality care for patients across the country.

In fact, healthcare staffing shortages are expected to last in 2024, with one study estimating that over 6.5M health professionals in the U.S. will leave the workforce permanently by 2026, while only 1.9M are expected to fill the gaps. You can see that travel nurses can play an important role here.

Whether it’s providing compassionate bedside care, advocating for patient rights, or participating in community health initiatives, travel nurses have the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and communities alike.

In 2024, as healthcare continues to evolve and adapt to new challenges, the contributions of travel nurses remain invaluable in shaping the future of healthcare.

We hope you found these 5 benefits of being a travel nurse informational. We hope that if you are on the fence about a career in travel nursing, this article has helped you decide.

Are there any benefits of being a travel nurse that we missed? Comment what other benefits of being a travel nurse you have found while on your journey!

Want to use Medely to sign up for your next travel assignment? We’ve got you covered. Medely works with thousands of the best facility partners across the U.S.
Check out our app here.

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By Furnished Finder

April 25, 2024

388 Views

Travel Nurse Assignments Over the Summer–Popular Locations and Finding the Best Housing

Posted on April 25, 2024April 25, 2024 by Furnished Finder

Nurses are officially lining up their summer travel assignments, which means–it’s time to start looking for housing for the sunniest season of the year!

One of the best parts of being a travel nurse is taking advantage of beautiful locations during specific times of the year. Summer is often the prime time to find the perfect location assignment while everyone waits for rates to pick back up in the fall. If you are going to live in a dream location during the dream season, you might as well find the dream housing to perfect the experience.

Recently, we have been browsing Furnished Finder for housing and dreaming up the best places to stay this summer with the best amenities.

Here are a few of our favorite locations and housing listings:

Anchorage, Alaska

Alaska is a bucket list location for many travel nurses, and summer is a great time to go. The weather is mild, and sunlight is abundant. Most travelers try to avoid going this far north in colder months and aim for May to September for their Alaskan assignment.

An assignment in Anchorage promises abundant hiking, fishing, and outdoor adventures, ensuring a packed schedule. What better reward after a day of exploration than unwinding in your condo, basking in a stunning view?

Yes, that’s right–you can actually filter properties on Furnished Finder by amenities such as hot tubs and pools. Right now this Designer Downtown Condo with an amazing view looks like a great place to spend an Alaskan summer. Explore more properties in Anchorage.

Los Angeles, California

If a rugged Alaskan adventure isn’t your style, consider spending your summer in a trendy city like LA, which has many things to do.

We highly recommend using the “pool” filter for your summertime stay since you will want to take advantage of all the California sunshine. This listing at TenTen Wilshire comes with many luxury amenities, including a private gym and rooftop pool.

Plus, by booking a space that caters to traveling professionals, you will have better luck making connections and building relationships during your assignment. Explore more properties in Los Angeles.

Coos Bay, Oregon

Another place where it might be fun to live temporarily but not permanently is the Oregon coast. The cost of living can be a bit high, but taking a short assignment there for the experience is worth it. From fresh seafood to whale watching, there are many things you can only experience by staying in a coastal town for a while.

This Waterfront Home has the perfect, dreamy deck to enjoy an oceanfront cup of coffee every day of your assignment. There is also an in-unit washer and dryer and an extra bedroom for guests to come visit.

As a bonus, there is even an infrared sauna you can use during your stay. That’s something you definitely wouldn’t find on most hotel or homeshare websites! Explore more properties in Coos Bay.

Chicago, Illinois

If you want to spend the summer in the city without a ton of heat, Chicago is a great choice. Chicago winters can be brutal, so taking advantage of the nicer weather in this popular city is a great idea.

Chicago not only has great food, watersports galore on Lake Michigan, and amazing shopping spots but it is also known for luxury high rises. This Grand Plaza Condo has everything a travel nurse could dream of in a short-term unit. Why not spend the summer treating yourself and feeling on top of the world in one of the most fun cities in the US? Explore more properties in Chicago.

The Best Part

One of the most exciting things about travel nursing is the endless possibilities. From fun locations to bougie living spaces, you get to live a lot differently than if you were in a full-time job at home. Even if the location or job isn’t your favorite, it’s nice to get to experience different places and see what you enjoy or don’t enjoy. Spend this summer taking advantage of this opportunity–and splurge a little extra on a dreamy short-term rental as well. Start searching for your next rental on Furnished Finder today!

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By Geraldine Mills

April 24, 2024

407 Views

10 Practical Tips for First-Time Travel Nurses

Posted on April 24, 2024April 17, 2024 by Geraldine Mills

Not everyone knows about being a travel nurse, a unique life path. If this is your first time diving into this line of work, there are a few things that you should know so that you can make the most of it. In this article, we’ll cover different tips for first-time travel nurses that you can apply so that the start of your life as a travel nurse will be a smooth one.

10 Practical Tips for First-Time Travel Nurses

1. Do your research

When you think of being a travel nurse, the thought that occupies you most is the traveling part. However, there’s more to being a travel nurse than you should research first to ensure that you are appropriately prepared for the job.

Of course, travel is one of the first things that you should think about. Prepare all your travel documents, have a ready-to-go travel pack at all times, and so on.

If you’re working with a travel nurse agency and recruitment, look into the customer testimonials. They should have a positive reputation and a portfolio of travel nurses they’ve helped. Before you send your travel nurse application, though, don’t be afraid to interview the agency since if things don’t go well, you will have to clean up the mess in the first place.

Another thing that you should look into is the tax part. You can consult a tax professional about the different tax requirements, especially as you move from state to state.

2. Read your contract thoroughly

For first-time travel nurses, it is especially important to read your contract thoroughly. If you’re doing anything that involves a legally binding contract, make sure that you read through it thoroughly. Since it may be your first time, you might feel pressured to sign the contract and move on. However, you’re just setting yourself up for future frustrations.

Make sure to read through the contract terms. Some of the critical factors that you should be paying more attention to in the contract would be:

Assignment length
Requirements for the shift
Payment, compensation, benefits, and any travel reimbursements
Specific job responsibilities
Housing arrangements
Time off and sick leave conditions

If there are any terms in your contract that you want clarification on or want to change because they are not favorable to you, then bring them up with the representative.

3. Pack smart

If you plan to be a travel nurse for a long time, you must start mastering the art of packing for travel. For first-time travel nurses, it may seem strange to pay so little, but it’s unlike how you would usually pack for leisure. It would help if you were as intelligent and picky with what you pack as much as possible. Given that you’re traveling often, packing a lot of items all the time will be rough and time-consuming.

Stick to clothes, toiletries, and only a few shoes. Creating a list of the items you regularly need and use during your assignments can help you establish the core items you should pack.

Creating a standard list of your core travel items might take a while. Once you’ve narrowed that down, it’s a good idea to have a pack of items or toiletries to throw in your luggage and be ready to go.

4. Plan your housing

First-time travel nurses may choose to take agency-provided housing; your travel nurse contract should include terms of your housing if there are any. It should consist of details like:

Check-in and check-out times
The type of housing they provide
Furnishing availability
Cleaning items availability
Details on utilities
Parking situation
Laundry facility

Again, if you have any questions about the housing arrangements, you should talk to your recruiter to clarify the details. That way, you will know what your housing might not have and what you might have to buy when you get there.

Sometimes, they might not provide housing for you, or you may choose not to take agency-provided housing. In that case, you will have to make the arrangements yourself. What you should look for in your housing will depend on your stay there. The longer you have to be there, the more amenities you should want in your accommodations.

5. Prioritize self-care and work-life balance

When you are well cared for, that energy and proper self-maintenance will translate to better work performance as a nurse. While providing excellent service in your work is a good idea, that doesn’t mean you should forget your life outside of being a travel nurse.

Make the most of your ability to move around. During your downtime, get out of your accommodations and explore the area. You should dine out sometimes and hike on local trails if there are any.

Don’t forget to take care of yourself by eating healthy foods and adding some exercise time to your schedule whenever possible.

6. Bring your family along on your travels

While it might feel better to leave your family behind when you have temporary assignments, especially for first-time travel nurses, having your family along for your assignments might provide the emotional and social support you need, especially as you move from place to place.

Bringing your kids along is also a great way to expand their minds and let them experience new environments. While doing this might take much more work to arrange, it can be a great bonding point for everyone involved. Plus, you don’t always have to do it for every assignment.

7. Maintain an optimistic mindset

You might feel like since you’re a travel nurse, creating positive relationships with the people you work with is a waste of effort, but that sort of mindset can create unpleasant work environments.

Working with an open mind and a social approach will make you have a pleasant time at work, no matter how long you stay in a particular place. If you socialize and maintain that optimism, the job will be more enjoyable, and you will have new friendships that can make your work assignments less lonely.

8. Make new friendships

Talk to the people you work with. Please get to know them. No matter how short your assignment duration is, taking the time to socialize with your coworkers makes it a lot easier to spend your work days.

While many people don’t like small talk, sometimes it’s a great way to create a smooth working relationship without too much commitment on your part if you don’t want to. Plus, when you get along with the people you work with, the shifts go by slightly faster and easier.

9. Arrive early on your first day

The first impression you give to your new assignment can set a tone, at least for your first few shifts in the hospital. That’s why it’s a good idea to arrive early on the first day of your assignment. It’s a great way to get the lay of the land and how your shifts will go.

Aside from arriving early for your assignment, it’s also a good idea to arrive at your accommodations earlier—ideally a few days before your shift. That way, you have enough time to unpack and settle into your accommodations before the ball gets rolling for your assignment.

10. Plan your free time

Despite best intentions, sometimes, you can’t help but forget that you should be doing something during your free time. As mentioned before, it’s a good idea to make the most of your traveling as a travel nurse.

Explore the local hotspots and dining options. Join local events. These are the experiences that you should be doing with your new assignments. Instead of waiting until this happens, be more deliberate about it and plan your free time or schedule it just like you would with work.

Conclusion

The advice here should help prepare first-time travel nurses for the world of travel nursing. By applying these tips, the transition to this new and unique lifestyle should be a lot smoother, and you can soon reap the benefits and enjoy your life as a travel nurse.

Do you have any tips for first-time travel nurses? Comment any tips you think are helpful below.

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By AMN Healthcare

April 22, 2024

525 Views

Top 6 Advantages and Disadvantages of Per Diem Nursing Jobs

Posted on April 22, 2024April 12, 2024 by AMN Healthcare

AMN Healthcare provided this article.

Per diem nursing offers a unique blend of benefits and challenges, catering to individuals seeking flexibility and higher pay rates. Nicole T., a senior recruitment manager for AMN Healthcare, provides insights into the reality of per diem work, highlighting its pros and cons.

Pros of Per Diem Nursing

1. Flexibility: Per diem nursing allows you to create your own schedule, accommodating personal commitments and interests. There’s no pressure to adhere to minimum or maximum shift requirements, providing autonomy in balancing work and life responsibilities.

2. Higher Pay Rates: Compared to other nursing roles, per diem positions typically offer increased pay rates. This compensation reflects the flexibility and readiness required to fill critical staffing needs across various healthcare settings.

3. Variety of Settings: Per diem nurses have the opportunity to work in diverse healthcare environments, gaining firsthand experience and networking opportunities. This exposure can enhance clinical skills and pave the way for future permanent employment.

Cons of Per Diem Nursing

1. Inconsistent Schedule: Per diem nurses face the challenge of unpredictable shift availability, necessitating flexibility and spontaneity. While some thrive in this environment, others may find it challenging to maintain a work-life balance.

2. Lack of Benefits: Per diem positions often do not provide traditional job benefits such as health insurance and paid time off. However, higher pay rates and flexibility may offset this shortfall for some individuals.

3. Limited Job Security: The nature of per diem work results in fluctuating employment opportunities, leading to periods of high demand and downtime. This uncertainty may not suit those seeking stable, long-term employment.

Embrace the Opportunity

Per diem nursing offers a unique blend of freedom and challenges. If you value flexibility and potential earnings, consider exploring per diem positions through AMN Healthcare. Take control of your career and shape your schedule while maximizing your earning potential. Apply today to embark on a rewarding journey in per diem nursing.

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By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

April 19, 2024

564 Views

Understanding Travel Healthcare Bonuses

Posted on April 19, 2024April 16, 2024 by TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

TNAA-Travel Nurse Across America provided this article.

As you embark on your journey into the world of travel nursing, you’re probably already excited about all the fantastic experiences ahead—exploring new places, expanding your professional circle, and putting your nursing skills to work in diverse communities. One more reason to get excited? Earning bonuses!

Travel healthcare bonuses are a great way to increase your income. You can earn various bonuses on your travels. From sign-on bonuses to referral incentives, each type of bonus offers unique advantages for travel nurses embarking on travel assignments. Understanding the various bonuses available and how they impact overall income is crucial for maximizing your financial rewards.

4 Types of Travel Healthcare Bonuses

Sign-On Bonus

A sign-on bonus is a set amount that travel nurses receive when they sign a contract. These are distributed as either a lump sum (rare but not unheard of, especially for nurses with specialized skills or years of experience) or tiered payments throughout the assignment as certain milestones are reached. This may mean getting some of it at the beginning of your contract and then incrementally the rest of the assignment.

Completion Bonus

Completion bonuses are similar to sign-on bonuses. They are rewarded for successfully fulfilling the assignment terms, which means fully finishing your assignment before you receive your bonus.

Referral Bonus

Referral bonuses encourage travel nurses to refer qualified candidates to the agency or facility. Travel nurses can earn extra income by leveraging their network while helping expand their agency’s talent pool. These referral bonuses benefit travel nurses and agencies, making them a great way to boost the travel nurse industry and earn extra cash in your pocket. Some agencies cap how much you can earn through their referral bonuses, so talk to your recruiter or agency about your options. TNAA’s referral bonus is one example of a referral bonus program that allows you to earn recurring bonuses for every eligible referral, with no cap on how many referred travelers you can submit.

Retention or Loyalty Bonus

Retention bonuses are designed to encourage travel nurses to stay with the agency or facility. They are typically awarded at specific milestones, such as after completing a certain number of assignments, incentivizing loyalty, and fostering long-term relationships between travel nurses and agencies. Depending on what your agency offers, you can earn thousands of dollars just for continuing to travel with the same agency. TNAA is offering travel nurses up to a $10,000 bonus as part of their 25^th anniversary this year, plus other cash prize giveaways.

Tips for Navigating Travel Healthcare Bonuses

No matter how enticing a bonus may seem, it’s essential to carefully review the terms and conditions before committing to a contract. Here are some common stipulations you should be aware of:

Duration

Many sign-on and completion bonuses require a specified assignment duration. If you decide to leave before completing this timeframe, you may forfeit the bonus entirely or be stuck paying back what you’ve already earned.

Retention and loyalty bonuses likely also have a certain duration or number of assignments you need to complete before you can earn them.

Taxes

It’s important to understand the tax implications of your bonus. Typically, bonuses are considered taxable income, meaning a portion of the bonus will be withheld for taxes. Check with a travel tax expert to see how bonuses affect you come tax time.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for any bonus, you may need to meet certain eligibility criteria. This could include achieving specific performance goals, completing a set number of assignments, or maintaining a minimum number of work hours per week.

Check With Your Agency

As you decide which agency to secure your next travel nurse assignment with, do some research to see what kind of bonuses they offer travel nurses. With the right agency, you could be earning multiple bonuses at the same time, helping you generate more revenue on your travels.

We hope you found this article on understanding travel healthcare bonuses helpful. If you have any questions or comments about travel healthcare bonuses, please comment below.

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By Nadine Westwood

April 16, 2024

613 Views

Expanding Horizons: Why Travel Nurses Should Consider Home Care Opportunities

Posted on April 16, 2024April 8, 2024 by Nadine Westwood

The nursing field is always filled with many opportunities – both near and far. Travel nurses can even find themselves in parts of the country where their services are more than needed. One of the demands in today’s fast-paced world is home care opportunities. Many seniors are in need of medical care that pertains to the chronic conditions they may be dealing with.

In this guide, we’ll discuss why travel nurses can take advantage of these opportunities. Let’s get started with some of the reasons below.

Why Travel Nurses Should Consider Home Care Opportunities:

They meet a growing demand.

Needless to say, the demand for home care is growing. Travel nurses can take advantage of those opportunities – even if it means traveling to destinations that are hundreds or even thousands of miles away. Once you have moved to a new place and get settled in, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running and work with patients who are delighted to be in your care. Nonetheless, travel nurses will use the opportunity to fulfill the demand to get the experience they need to further their careers.

It provides them with flexible schedules.

Flexibility may be one of the best advantages of home care nursing. This is unlike the traditional structure offered by hospitals and clinics, where nurses work fixed shifts. Thus, nurses who work in home care will be able to create schedules that align well with their personal and professional lives. It will give them a chance to find that work/life balance, allowing them to spend more time off and work at times that will suit them best.

That time off can be used for them to get to know the community they’ve lived in. It can also provide them with the chance to pursue other opportunities, like higher education or talking with family online or on the phone (if they are far from them).

It will help them adapt to their skills.

Nurses with experience in a clinical setting can use home care to adapt to a set of skills useful in a slightly different setting. Those skills include assessment, critical thinking, and communication. The major difference here is that the home environment is more decentralized, allowing them more autonomy.

Still, they can manage medication and address any of their patient’s health concerns. At the same time, travel nurses can even help their patients live independently while placing a premier emphasis on their health.

Promoting growth – personal and professional

Nurses who work to provide in-home care services have a chance to grow in terms of their personal and professional lives. They can be able to pursue different avenues of nursing based on their experience in home care. At the same time, it also gives them a chance to grow personally by cultivating their ability to build a trusting and compassionate relationship with patients and their families. In short, they become better people both in the personal and professional sense.

Final Thoughts

Travel nurses should consider home care opportunities as a way to get experience, utilize their skills, and give them the fulfillment that they can get from a challenging but rewarding career. Even if it means going to places they have never been before, it gives them a chance to grow personally and professionally. With a growing demand comes more opportunities.

Every nurse who dreams of having a successful and rewarding career should take those opportunities when they are present. Is home care a good one for you? If the answer is “yes,” take advantage of it as soon as you can.

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By Victor Valle

April 13, 2024

539 Views

The Five Districts of New York and Me

Posted on April 13, 2024March 27, 2024 by Victor Valle

When working in New York, you may ask, “This is wonderful, but what else is there to do here after I finish working?” Well, that’s what I am here to do. I am here to tell you what we do in all five parts of the Big Apple.

The five districts of New York

The Bronx

First, we will start in my neck of the woods, the Bronx. The Bronx is the third district one would think of when they think of New York, right there after Manhattan and Queens. Though it is third place to others, to me, it is first place. Although mostly urban, this district is home to many parks and places where you can enjoy the culinary culture of New York.

Two of the most prominent and most recognizable places that are a must to check out are both the Bronx Zoo and the Botanical Garden. Both of these places represent the majesty of surprisingly how much nature we really see here. If you are an avid nature enjoyer, I suggest these two beautiful spots to have a good sense of city vs nature. While these places are beautiful, they could be a walk from where you are, and I bet one would be hungry after that adventure.

Well, have no fear, for the Bronx has many delis and spots one can go to satisfy their hunger. Although all districts have the famous chopped cheese and bacon, egg and cheese, the Bronx has them in spades and, in my opinion, the best. This brings up my favorite place to get sandwiches: the botanical market. If needed, it’s a great spot to get a sandwich and other groceries. My favorite thing to get from there is a beef patty when I am coming home from a trip, but if I want lunch, I’d get a chopped cheese mostly, original, I know.

Manhattan

Next up in our travels is Manhattan. Going here would have to be the first thought when one thinks of New York. Home to Times Square and many museums, such as a giant one being the Met or the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This museum is beautiful, with so much art and culture in the halls, and you very much have many sites and spots in Manhattan where you can see the beauty of New York in the way it truly is a melting pot of the city and nature.

This district also has Central Park (which is right next to the Met, so I say that could be a fun day). These are just a few of the examples of what spots to see in Manhattan. Well, that would be if you weren’t looking for a show from Broadway itself. Yes, this district is filled with many majesties that one can walk to and see.

With an abundance of parks as well, and as we look through all of New York, one can see there are many of these spots. The best part of this district is that the subway (although, as always, please pay attention to your surroundings) is ever accessible and is the go-to transportation for going to many amazing spots within the city.

Culinary-wise, the food scene in Manhattan is fairly New York, as one would see in the media. The spots are mostly American, Italian American, and Asian, with an abundance of mom-and-pop stores. Depending on where you are in Manhattan and in other spots, such as the financial district, it would be more expensive.

Queens

However, if you want the most diverse and worldwide food vibe, it would have to be Queens. Queens residents have plenty of options from almost all around the world, and there are also many things of nature and culture in Queens.

These places are the Queen’s Zoo, the Museum of the Moving Image if you are an avid enjoyer of media, the NY Hall of Science to enrich your mind more, the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, and many others show another facet of the natural and the city portions in one area. All of these areas, like how it is in the other districts, have the means to travel to and from within these areas if needed. As it is New York,, it is not a question o whetherof whether it is needed but when.

You can use these spots and the ability to travel around whenever it is possible. You don’t have to do all the spots to spend the day, but even one or two of these could be that day. Either when you’re taking your break, or you have the day off, you have many chances to go out to eat in a different part of the world or immerse yourself in the culture of New York and the people that inhabit it.

Brooklyn

When in Brooklyn, you are looking at a big city but also somehow a cozy city. As with all the other districts, you can go to many spots and, in a way, make them your spots. Staying in New York allows one to have a chance to become a New Yorker by being part of the culture that surrounds you.

Brooklyn is one of the districts that gives you this chance the most. With many spots focusing on the natural, the district is rich in warm coffee shops, flea shops, and many spots that are ma and pa, which are fully local. All of these allow one like yourself to feel like you can make this a real snug home. Although it is New York, cozy to us is not the same as everywhere else you. I trust will find your own definition.

Even going away from the notion of cozy we have here many activities and sights to see and travel when you want to. We have main contenders being walking the Brooklyn bridge, walking through prospect park, having a blast in coney island, taking a stroll the Brooklyn Heights Promenade and many more. This district is filled with picturesque moments which will catch your breath and look through it all.

The parks here are plenty and the spots to eat here are plenty, but I highly recommend you have the pizza here. All the districts have a debate on which district has the best pizza (Bronx, without a question for me), and Brooklyn has always been a top contender in this debate. While you are here, join that debate and come up with your own opinion.

Staten Island

Now, for our final stop on our trip through New York, We’re going to need a ferry ride, but as we get off, we see a district that the other four cannot compare to in terms of its architecture. Now, in New York, we make jokes about Staten Island because of its different vibe and look from the other districts.

It has a vibrant cultural scene and so many natural sites that once you’re there, you will feel like you’re in New York, but not at the same time. It has many spots that one can think of when they see New York, including pizza spots, bakeries, and foods from different cultures.

For pizza spots, I hear Joe & Pat’s, Denino’s, and Brother’s Pizza are absolutely delicious and a must-have there. If you are not in the mood for pizza, though, we have Bayou, Lakruwana, Sofia’s Taqueria, Banh Mi House, Kettle Black, Mandi House, and Goku Kitchen. All of these spots are so varied in their options, and the different cultures each represents that it would be great to try and always expand one’s palette.

Now, if you are the type for sweets, do not worry. You also have spots like Rispoli’s Pastry Shop and Alfonso’s and Cookie Jar, which will both satiate your sweet tooth and make you crave more. Getting away from food for now, like all of the districts, it does have its fine share of parks that give amazing views, such as Fort Wadsworth, Silverlakes Park, and Cloves Lakes Park. All of these parks here have beautiful sights and amazing trails to walk in, get away from certain thoughts, and give space to oneself.

As our travel together ends and we have taken a look at all five districts, I hope you feel more welcome and comfortable traveling to New York. It is a beautiful and massive place where you can find whatever you like and need with ease. Though it does have a reputation of being tough and it is not wrong it is mostly a place that when you give it respect it gives it..It’ll give you something. I wish you all luck where you land, and welcome to New York City!

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By Amber Pickler

April 11, 2024

11009 Views

What Questions to Ask the Facility During a Phone Interview

Posted on April 11, 2024April 11, 2024 by Amber Pickler

The phone interview with the facility isn’t just a time for the facility to get to know you; it is also a time for you to get information on the facility. This is important to know if the assignment and facility are right for you. Below, you will find nine things members of our Facebook group said are important to ask the facility during the phone interview.

Questions to ask the facility during a phone interview:

Nurse-to-Patient Ratio

It is always important to ask about the nurse-to-patient ratio. You do not want to go into an assignment where the nurse-to-patient ratio is too high. As you know, the nurse-to-patient ratio generally depends on your specialty and the facility/unit itself.

Scrub Colors

As you know, as a travel nurse, every hospital, even the different units in the facilities, often has its own color scrubs. Knowing this during your phone interview will help you plan for the assignment should you get it/take it. Our website offers a great resource for finding and entering a facility’s scrub colors. Search for the facility and enter the scrub requirements in the box.

Floating Policy

If you aren’t interested in floating often, it is important to know the floating policy at the facility you are interviewing. This way, there are no surprises once you are working the assignment.

Charting System

Not all facilities use the same charting systems, as you know. And as you know, the charting systems can and do vary significantly. You may not be familiar with the charting system, meaning one more thing to learn in an already short orientation period.

Length of Orientation

Speaking of orientation, it is important to ask how much orientation the facility provides to travel nurses during the phone interview process. Knowing how much orientation you will get before you take the assignment will mean no surprises when you start your assignment.

Do you use Block scheduling?

If you plan to go home on your days off or prefer to work your days in a row, this is important to ask during the phone interview. You can ask that it be written in the contract regardless. However, knowing if this is something they do or don’t do will help when deciding whether to take the assignment if it is of high importance to you.

Parking

Not all hospitals have on-site parking or charge for parking. Knowing this ahead of taking the assignment will help you make your decision and help to decide what exactly needs to be in your contract. If they charge for parking, you may ask for parking to be included in your Meals and Incidentals stipend on your contract.

Weekend and Holiday Requirements

As a travel nurse, the last thing you want is to get to the assignment and get scheduled to work every weekend or holiday if they fall during your assignment. This is another case where you can try to include it in there if you know before signing the contract.

Chances of Extending

You may want to extend if you enjoy the contract and the area. During the initial interview, this is a great time to find out if there is an opportunity to extend your contract should you want to at the end of your first contract.

We hope this list of questions to ask the facility during the phone interview has been helpful. Whether you are new to travel nursing or a veteran, we hope there is something for everyone. This list is not all-inclusive, and there are sure to be more questions you may feel are important to ask. If you think we missed important ones, please feel free to comment on them below.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

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

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By Anke Rueb

April 9, 2024

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The Future of Nursing: Trends in Specialization and Education

Posted on April 9, 2024March 27, 2024 by Anke Rueb

The Nightingale pledge all nurses take remains the same, but the practice of nursing is rapidly evolving. What will nursing and studying nursing look like soon? What are upcoming challenges and opportunities? Watching out for trends and developments can help nurses make the career decisions that are best for them personally.

Addressing changes in care and work environment

Changes in nursing care and education are often caused by outside factors. Nurses and nursing faculty must adapt to changes in the patient population and work environment.

Increased focus on geriatrics die to aging populations

The US population is already older than it has ever been, and the share of Americans that are 65 and older is projected to rise to 23% by 2050 (Population Reference Bureau). This will make the demand for nurses specializing in geriatric care rise further. Already, geriatric nursing is among the higher-paying specialties.

Trying to mitigate the nursing shortage

80% of nurses expect the shortage to get worse in the next five years. The aging patient population is only one of the reasons: A lot of nurses are leaving the profession due to retirement, occupational burnout, or because they prefer more flexible and lucrative roles like travel nursing.

Additionally, a shortage of nursing educators leads to qualified applicants not getting into nursing schools.

In short: Becoming a nurse is a very secure career choice and will remain so. Workplaces may continue to try and incentivize nurses to work for them and stay (e.g., through sign-on bonuses, improving benefits, and time off).

As the shortage of healthcare professionals also affects physicians, the demand for nurse practitioners is growing, and FNPs may have even broader autonomy in the future.

Increased focus on nurses’ mental health

We know that being a nurse is not only emotionally taxing at times but also demanding in terms of workload and stress levels. 4 out of 5 nurses experience a lot of stress. Workplaces are struggling to keep their nurses on board due to burnout. Awareness for this is rising and staffing levels will likely become more regulated.

On the other side, nurses themselves are becoming more aware and assertive in protecting their mental health. Nursing schools will intensify teaching self-care and awareness to help new nurses be resilient and informed.

Telehealth and blended learning: taking nursing online

Managing new ways of care delivery

Telehealth use rose steeply during COVID. Of course, there has been a decline since in-person visits are possible again, but levels have stayed higher than pre-pandemic. Being a telehealth nurse is not a separate nursing specialty, but the associated skillset is and will become more and more valued. In nursing education, teaching tech skills will need to be implemented more firmly. This includes growing areas like healthcare informatics, but also teaching about new issues like cultivating good “digital bedside manner.”

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, there are persistent disparities in who accesses video telehealth services. It will be important to look into the reasons and further focus on achieving health equity and not leaving patients behind while care is changing.

Leveraging the advantages of online learning

Even though online learning was implemented as an emergency solution in many places during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is here to stay. Online learning without relocation or commuting is less expensive and time-consuming, making going to nursing school more accessible. More flexibility makes it easier for travel nurses or working nurses to pursue a BSN part-time.

Moreover, nursing students’ learning styles are evolving. Most students are now digital natives, expecting and preferring video-based and flexible learning over traditional lectures. Online learning platforms already play a role in many students’ learning.

Schools will have to adapt and deliver their education in ways new generations are comfortable with. More schools will likely experiment with blended learning techniques in their curricula.

Use of AI and VR: integrating technology

AI can automate repetitive tasks to save time, which could help address staff shortages and improve care. Electronic health systems will likely develop, and more experiments will be run in the coming years on how to integrate AI in helpful ways. Maybe in the future, some of your colleagues walking around on the med-surg floor will be robots!

AI could also play a much bigger role in the education of new nurses. Tools like ChatGPT can assist in training by, for example, generating practice scenarios or virtually simulating patients to help students practice communication skills. The speed of evolving tech will require lots of attention in the near future, taking into account limitations as well as investigating opportunities to utilize AI in a helpful way.

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

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

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Top 5 Benefits of Being a Travel Nurse in 2024

Flexibility in location and assignments

Professional growth and development

Competitive pay and benefits

Work-life balance and adventure

Making a meaningful impact

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10 Practical Tips for First-Time Travel Nurses

1. Do your research

2. Read your contract thoroughly

3. Pack smart

4. Plan your housing

5. Prioritize self-care and work-life balance

6. Bring your family along on your travels

7. Maintain an optimistic mindset

8. Make new friendships

9. Arrive early on your first day

10. Plan your free time

Conclusion

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