By Go Healthcare Staffing

June 14, 2018

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Travel Nurses – Have Your Ever Considered Any of These 3 States for Your Next Assignment?

This article is sponsored by Go Healthcare Staffing.

Travel Nurses – Have Your Ever Considered Any of These 3 States for Your Next Assignment?

When you talk to Gypsy nurses about interesting travel RN assignments, many will often mention some of the more common destinations: California, Florida, New York, Colorado and other well-known hot-spots.  These areas are all great places to experience a travel nursing assignment and offer wonderful things to do and see during their time off.  However, sometimes it’s nice to try something different in life; eat at that exotic restaurant, see that “Indie” movie or taste that crazy-looking cocktail that comes in a Mason jar!  Well, the same can be said for travel nursing.  Sometimes it’s worthwhile to try a city or town that’s off the beaten path, or a state that you wouldn’t immediately thing of as a “go-to” assignment.  Oftentimes, just like going to that little “hole in the wall” restaurant, you can be surprised beyond your wildest dreams as to the quality of the experience and how much enjoyment you can receive from doing the unexpected.

In this spirit, the team at Go Healthcare Staffing has put together for your Gypsy consideration the following 3 states that we suggest that you try a travel nursing assignment in.  We feel each one has its own special charm and quality to offer, with sights and experiences you may never forget.

Missouri: Nicknamed the “Show Me State”, Missouri is in the heartland of the country.  When many people think of Missouri they automatically think of rolling plains, wheat and cornfields.  While that is certainly a part of the story of Missouri, that is not the whole story…in fact, far from it.  Believe it or not, Missouri is actually the 18th most populous state in the Union and contains two major urban centers – St. Louis and Kansas City.  Missouri has a tremendous cultural heritage for visitors to enjoy including the musical styles of ragtime, Kansas City jazz, and St. Louis Blues, two different types of barbecue (St. Louis-style and Kansas City-style)!, beer brewing (Anheuser-Busch), and sports teams (professional and college).  For the history buffs and sightseers, Missouri is known as “the Gateway to the West” and played a critical role in the expansion of the USA westward during the 1800s as symbolized by St. Louis’s Gateway Arch landmark and many other historic sites across the state.  Overlooked by many, Missouri actually has a very diverse natural landscape.  With the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers running through it, the state has fertile farmlands, wide plans, expansive forests, rolling hills and the Ozark Mountains in the south – more than enough to keep the outdoorsy types happy.  For a list of travel RN assignments on the Gypsy Nurse Job Board in Missouri, visit here.

next assignment

Wisconsin: Located in the North-Central US, Wisconsin is the 23rd largest state and the 20th most populous, so lots to see and do!  Bordered by 2 of the Great Lakes (Lake Michigan, Lake Superior), Wisconsin has a very diverse geography that makes it a wonderful destination for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, sailing and water sports.  More of a city person?  Milwaukee is a great destination.  Known for its historic beer brewing history, Milwaukee is known as the “Beer Capital of the World.”  If you enjoy imbibing on traditional “American” beers (Miller®, Pabst®) or like to experiment with craft beers, Milwaukee is the place to be.  And if you’ve worked up an appetite after you’ve quenched your thirst, Milwaukee offers a wonderful selection of restaurants across the city to suit almost every palette.  Don’t forget to try the wide variety of Wisconsin’s cheeses while you’re there – Wisconsin is also known as the “Cheese Capital” of the USA and for good reason.  With the advantage of huge dairy lands, Wisconsin uses all that “Cow Power” to produce dozens of different types of cheeses for cheese lovers across the country.  So, consider Wisconsin for your next assignment – click here for a listing of current Gypsy Nurse Wisconsin travel nurse assignments.

Indiana: Not too far south of Wisconsin is the “Hoosier State” – Indiana.  Are they crazy about basketball here?  Yes, but that’s far from the only thing this great state has to offer visitors.  Indiana is an amazing array of small towns, rural areas and cosmopolitan cities.  For those that enjoy spending time in nature, Indiana has a tremendous amount of state parks, trails, lakes and historic sites to enjoy the scenery and unsung beauty of the state.  In particular, adventurous folks might enjoy the Indiana Cavern’s – Indiana’s longest cave and its newest “Showcave” where visitors can view spectacular sites including ice-age bones, underground rivers and incredible rock formations.  For above-ground fun, Indiana has a surprising number of wineries and local vineyards, along with top-notch golf courses, theatres and gambling casinos. For city fun, Indianapolis is Indiana’s largest city and offers everything the urbanite would enjoy – fun nightlife, excellent restaurants, great shopping and a thriving arts scene.  For a listing of The Gypsy Nurse’s current travel nurse assignments in Indiana .

We hope this overview of Wisconsin, Missouri, and Indiana have piqued your interest in trying some “non-traditional” states for travel nursing.  If you’re interested in finding your next travel nursing assignment, visit The Gypsy Nurse job board here where there are hundreds of great jobs across the country just waiting for you!

By Gifted Healthcare

June 12, 2018

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Hidden Gems Across America

Gifted Healthcare provided this article.

Why not try a travel nurse contract in one of these travel nurse hidden gem locations across America? Summer is the best time to be a travel nurse. With a sense of adventure in the air, visiting new places is a top priority. You’ve heard all about opportunities in major big cities, but if you want a unique experience, check out these hidden gems across America.

Travel Nurse ‘Hidden Gem’ Locations

Gulf Shores, Alabama

travel nurse hidden gem locations alabamaIf you’re looking for white sands and sea turtles, Gulf Shores has what you need. This beach community boasts the most beautiful, picturesque sights for your Alabama travel assignment. Opportunities to see bottlenose dolphins are closer than ever with wildlife kayak tours setting out daily or hop on board a boat tour to get the full sun and surf experience.

On land, there are hundreds of restaurant options that let you keep your toes in the sand. From specialty seafood to gluten-free options, beachside cafes will keep you satisfied. For the adventurous palate, try some oysters fresh from the Gulf of Mexico.

For the most unconventional beach fun, take a class at Sand Castle University, where you can learn to make extraordinary sand sculptures. If you’re starting a new assignment and want to bond with your co-workers, this can be your first group trip you’re sure to remember.

Taos, New Mexico

For travel nurses who don’t leave home without their animal companion, Taos, New Mexico, is regarded as one of the most pet-friendly cities in America. This city has a comprehensive guide of trails, restaurants, and hotels where dogs are welcomed as guests.

travel nurse hidden gem locationsWhether you walk on two feet or four, Taos has a stunning variety of outdoor experiences for you to discover. You can float down the Rio Chama ending the day at the Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa. This would be a great spot to visit if you’re traveling with your spouse. If you’re looking for more excitement, on your next day off, check out a white-water rafting trip down the Taos Box in the Rio Grande Gorge.

If the spirit of travel nursing inspires you, check out the native American nomadic culture of the southwest. Nomads bring a sense of community wherever they roam, much like travel nurses provide their patients in any new setting. For a more modern take on culture, head down to the Taos Plaza. Here you’ll find coffee shops, boutiques, and a farmer’s market complete with flowers, pastries, organic produce, herbs, and music. This is a perfect spot to recharge and find a souvenir from your assignment.

Oklahoma City, OK

Oklahoma City is full of hidden gems. If you want to bring out your wild west travel nurse side, check out the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Nurses traveling with younger kids will love the rodeo artifacts and Children’s Cowboy Corral. For more family fun, visit the OKC Zoo and go “behind the scenes” to get up close and personal with the wildlife (as if nursing wasn’t wild enough!).

If you’re traveling with your spouse, Oklahoma City has a whole host of couple’s night-out activities. If you are on the day shift, spend your evening in The Paseo, OKC’s arts district, full of dozens of galleries for you to explore. On the first Saturday of the month, you can check out the free gallery walk events featuring art receptions, discounts at restaurants and shops, and a fun street scene.

Manteca, CA

Manteca is the crossroads of California, located just over an hour east of San Francisco and Sacramento. Discover endless attractions, events, and entertainment – from golf courses to street fairs. Travel nurses with a creative side can enjoy a walking tour of beautiful city murals. If you’re missing your hometown team while on assignment, play like the pros at Big League Dreams.

Climb aboard historic railroads. Take a day trip that winds through the scenic valley and coast, through vineyards, mountains, lakes, and rivers. If you want to explore more out of town, drive to San Francisco. See the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in person. Snap a quick photo to post in the Gypsy Nurse Facebook group, and you’ll be the envy of all our travel friends with the click of a button.

No matter where your summer travels take you, there is always something unique to see/do. Additionally, if you’re looking for someone to explore with, join our Gypsy Nurse Network and schedule a group event!

Where are you heading this summer? Do you have tips for a specific location? We’re always seeking content contributors. Just get in touch!


Find your Next Great Travel Nurse

Adventure


By Gifted Healthcare

June 5, 2018

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Top Ten Items For Travel Nurses

Sponsored post from Gifted Healthcare:   

top 10

Being on the road week after week takes So. Much. Energy. Staying organized and on top of things can easily fall to the wayside when you’re adjusting to an unfamiliar workplace with new co-workers and patients. Luckily, there are ways to make these transitions a little easier and with the right supplies, the ‘travel’ part of travel nursing can be so much easier! Here are the top ten items for travel nurses that will help your adventure be more about pursuing your passion, and less about dumping out your suitcase trying to find your phone charger and toothbrush.

Top 10 Items for Travel Nurses

Travel Cubes

If you check out one item on this list, go for these. Travel cubes come in sets with different sizes. You can keep your scrubs all in one accessible place, which is perfect if you’re juggling 8 to 12 hours shifts with exploring a new town. You can open and place into drawers, making it easy to access the contents and then easily repack. Using the cubes also helps prevent your clothes from being wrinkled (double win!). When not in use, the cubes can be folded compactly and stored. The largest one also makes a good laundry hamper in a pinch.

Packable Daypack

My favorite part of exploring a new area is taking day trips to explore my new surroundings. When I go, I don’t want to haul ALL my luggage with me so with a smaller go-bag, you can take just the essentials and enjoy the sights and sounds of a new environment. Plus, this bag folds up into a small pouch and takes up very little room in your suitcase.

Electronics Organizer

Sometimes after a long day, you want to curl up with your tablet and read or scroll Facebook endlessly until you doze off. That’s hard to do without charged electronics. This organizer will help you remember to pack all the appropriate chargers and allows you to find them with ease.

Hanging Cosmetics Organizer

As it turns out, having things visible and easily accessible can reduce moments of frustration in your day. Much like the other organizer, this can streamline your day and save you time.

Quick Drying Towel

As satisfying as a long shower can be after a shift, going to dry off with a damp towel is not fun. With a Turkish towel, you’ll never have to worry about finding it still wet. Folded or rolled up, this item is also much more compact that the standard bath or beach towel. Outside the house, they can also be used for many purposes. Coming in an assortment of beautiful colors, many use them as a shawl, a neck pillow, swimsuit cover up, or even a blanket. They get softer with each wash, but remain durable, lightweight, and fast drying.

Packable Raincoat

For rainy climates, get obsessed with this incredibly lightweight raincoat. It fits stuffed up into one of the pockets and no bigger than the size of a fist. It’s the perfect go-to for outdoor adventuring.

Portable Phone Charger

“Oh I’m so glad my phone died while I was at work” said no one ever. This compact brick can hold up to seven full battery charges, just attach your phone’s USB charger and you’ll have no problem staying connected. With two USB ports, you can even look out for a coworker in need of a quick recharge.

Insulated Water Bottle

As someone who loses water bottles like it’s my day job, this is one I’ve held onto for years. It’s sleek design fits in most side backpack pockets or even some medium to large sized purses. It insulates hot drinks for up to 12 hours and cold ones up to 24. Plus, the designs are so trendy, they always get a lot of compliments on the road or in the breakroom.

Lightweight Shoes or Sandals

Having the right shoes makes every situation better. You can pay less attention to the blisters caused by those cute but uncomfortable flats, and more to the adventures of travel nursing. These shoes are lightweight and easy to slip in even a small suitcase or backpack. The sandals are great for long walks or even hiking that will make you forget about the last 12 hours you spent running around helping patients.

Mindful Travel Journal

Last but not least, it’s important to reflect on your amazing travel nurse experiences. This journal gives prompts on how to notice your surroundings better and promote de-stressing and gratitude.

Whether you’re packing for your next assignment or looking for a gift for your favorite travel nurse, these items for travel nurses can let you focus more on helping your patients while having fun on the road.

By The Gypsy Nurse

June 4, 2018

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Travel Nursing: 6 Reasons It’s The Most Underrated Job in Healthcare

Guest post by Sandy Getzky:

Television is filled with shows about the medical profession. But more often than not, it focuses on the doctors. If you think about it, you’d be hard-pressed to identify any medical show centered on nurses. It’s not that there is none. It’s just that it’s extremely rare. Because nursing as a whole is a very underrated job.

It may just be fiction, but it plays a part in the recognition that nurses get for what they do. Although it’s hard to admit, nurses are generally underappreciated and nursing is an underrated job. They’re often looked down on because they’re not doctors. Just as overworked, although not as glorified.

Read on if you’re looking to learn more about nursing as a profession. You’ll realize that it goes beyond taking orders from doctors, checking blood pressure, or getting blood samples from your arm.

The job can be as flexible as you prefer.

underrated job

As a nurse, you can work full-time or part-time, depending on your availability. You can work for as little as four hours to over twelve hours in a day. Your weekly schedule might consist of working only during weekdays, or you can choose to work also on weekends.

Not just that, but you can also work during the shift you prefer. You can work in the morning, or in the evening. Nurses are needed all day every day, so there isn’t just one set of work hours for nurses.

The job is highly flexible, giving you plenty of options if your working hours are unstable.

The pay is good.

The median pay for nurses is around $70,000. And that’s just for registered nurses in general practice. It varies depending on which state you’re in. The highest paying states are California, Massachusetts, and Hawaii.

You can choose to specialize in a certain field. It’s even preferred. This gives you an edge over the others. And in turn, you can demand higher pay for your specialization. A certified registered nurse anesthetist can earn as much as $135,000 per year.

As a bonus, there’s always room for improvement. You can work your way up and get even better pay as a result.

You can work anywhere.

underrated job

Nursing can be practiced anywhere. It’s a global profession. You can practice it in any state, in any country around the world. You can study in America, and practice in Asia. All you need to do is take and subsequently pass the necessary licensure exam in the region, and you’ll be allowed to practice.

There are even nurses who choose not to be tied up to a specific hospital. Others choose to become a freelance consultant. They don’t report to a single clinic or hospital. Instead, they go directly to their clients for appointments.

You can choose your own career path. There are options available depending on what fits you.

Demand is high.

Nursing, as part of healthcare, will always be needed hence the constant need for nurses. And with the ever-growing population, the number of nurses required is also increasing. Every day, more and more people are getting sick and requiring treatment. And the first line of interaction they get is through nurses.

There are a lot of countries in Europe that have a high demand for nurses. Even in North America, especially in Canada and several states in the USA, the need for more nurses just keeps growing.

Rest assured, you’ll find an opening somewhere if you choose to look.

It is never boring.

It’s a highly engaged profession–centered on delivering service to patients. Every single day, you encounter different people with different needs and different personalities. You won’t end up doing the same routine day in and day out.

Aside from the patients, you also get to interact with other professionals in healthcare, such as doctors, physical therapists, and radiologic technologists, among others. They are just as diverse as the patients nurses deal with.

In addition, patient ailments and symptoms greatly vary. You can treat two people with the same diagnosis and still have two different prescribed treatments.

It is highly rewarding.

Finally, nursing is one of those professions where the reward is almost instant. As is generally the case in healthcare. Nurses get to see their patients get better or get the results they need. Some take years to improve, but nurses get to see their journey through.

Nurses don’t just deal with abstract concepts or figures, but with something more concrete: lives of people are at stake.

This is also why, as rewarding as it usually is, the downside is equally traumatic. When you deal with people’s health and lives, the stakes are high. A single mistake can cause permanent damage to a patient. Or worse: permanent loss.

Nursing is not for the faint of heart. It demands great sacrifice and a lot of emotional strength. Tragedy can strike at any time, and nurses have to be strong enough to face them when it strikes.

There’s a lot to love about nursing.

Equally, there is also a lot that needs to be changed. It is a constantly demanding profession. You won’t always be at your best. But every day will require it from you. Anything less would cost someone their health, or worse, their life.

As Ariel Jacoby once said: “Becoming a nurse is one of the most selfless acts a person can undertake. In a society of so many different races, cultures, customs, and beliefs, nurses are a universal gift to all, and the dedicated work that they do and kindness they deliver on a daily basis should serve as a reminder of the fundamental humanity inside us all.”

That quote beautifully sums up what nursing is. Nursing transcends classifications. It doesn’t care about stereotypes. As long as you are someone that needs treatment and care, nurses are there to help you.

So if you’re thinking about getting into the profession or making a career out of it, just make sure it is something that you really want. Otherwise, you might just end up resenting it. Think about your decision thoroughly. It is a high risk, high reward industry after all.

Do you agree that travel nursing is an underrated job? Do you have more reasons why it is an underrated job? Comment your thoughts on why travel nursing is an underrated job below.

Sandy Getzky

Travel Nursing: 6 Reasons It’s The Most Underrated Job in Healthcare

is the executive coordinating editor at The Global Nail Fungus Organization, a group committed to helping the 100+ million people suffering from finger and toenail fungus. Sandy is also a registered Herbalist and member of the American Herbalist’s Guild.

By Andrew Ferguson

May 26, 2018

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Neither Chicago nor New York – Food for the Travel Nurse

Since there is no need for a nurse to eat food, drink water, or use the restroom while at work, food is an important component of off-time activities. For my nurse, a good pizza finds its way onto our menu regularly.

One of the great parts of travel is all the different experiences waiting around every corner. We’ve been lucky enough to meet many interesting people, try some great food, and explore some awesome places. Most of these experiences have been better on the road. Besides the fact we probably wouldn’t have had them, I don’t think we would have paid the right kind of attention to these moments back home.

Exception; our hometown’s pizza.

With all due respect to the tomato soup in a bread bowl that is Chicago-style pizza, and its soggy cousin in old New Amsterdam, Southern Indiana Una style pizza is hands down the world’s best pizza.

As soon as you regain your composure and pick up any objects you may have thrown; I hope you will allow me the opportunity to make my case. It tastes good. Not enough? Since I know how seriously nurses take their nourishment, I’ll try and do better. Low expectations and measured patience will ensure you won’t be disappointed.

Una pizza has a thin but sturdy crust. It’s sometimes referred to as a cracker crust, but this is a little misleading. It’s got a crunch, but not a crumb’s everywhere, can’t eat it in the library type crunch. It’s enough to support its toppings, but not so much as to remind one of the elves baking in trees. It’s like a crisp, unleavened bread.

The sauce is a simple one. With a few variations, it’s basically tomato paste, water, salt, and oregano. It’s the perfect catalyst to carry the pizza’s inherent deliciousness. It doesn’t have so much going on that it takes away from the rest of the flavors, but it is certainly good enough to stand on its own.

The toppings are fresh. I don’t mean freshly pre-cooked at the factory or prepped at the facility. I mean fresh as in veggies cut at the parlor the morning of, and meat cooked on the pizza. A lot of restaurants even shred their own cheese. This is where the structural greatness of this pizza comes to bear. The crust and the toppings cook in unison for about twelve minutes in a scorching brick oven.

There’s no need for pre-cooked ingredients or buy in bulk pizza crusts. Most pizza joints (just about all chain restaurants) use meats that are cooked and then frozen because of the difficulty of evenly cooking the toppings and the crust. I worked at one of these places in high school, and it was possible to eat all the meats straight out of the plastic bag it arrived in. What’s on your pizza?

People travel for the experiences, for the adventure, and the opportunities for growth awaiting them at their next destination. Nurses are a little more special because they care for those in need along the way. They make a difference in the lives they touch. A special demographic deserves a special pizza. So, the next time you find yourself somewhere around Evansville, IN, stop in and get one of these magnificent pizzas. Tell them I sent you. Actually, don’t. They have no idea who I am. The pizza’s going to be good regardless, but you’ll probably look silly mentioning my name.

By The Gypsy Nurse

May 23, 2018

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The Anatomy of a Road Trip for the Travel Nurse

Building the road trip can be an exciting part of travel nursing.  The pieces and parts of the trip all combine to make up the anatomy of the road trip.  But what goes into it isn’t always how it works out in the end.

My most recent road-trip was a long one.  Traveling from the Louisville KY area to Eureka California it was nearly 2500 miles.  I had two routes that I could contemplate; the northern route via I 80 which would allow me to stop in and visit with my recruiter and the more southern route via I40 which would take me through the middle of the country.

Due to the nature of our business, we rarely get to meet with our recruiter or our company in person.

Knowing this I choose to take the Northern route…knowing that it would take me through some pretty remote parts of the US. If you have ever driven through Nebraska, Wyoming or Northern Nevada, you’ll understand what I mean when I say remote!

Don’t get me wrong; all of these states have their unique charms and if you have never driven this part of the US, I highly recommend it at least once.  Take a friend along, it will lessen the boredom when you have no cell service and the radio is only 3 stations…all country music.

Making Connections along the way was a mission for this trip.

I had planned an overnight stop in Omaha Nebraska where my current company Triage Staffing is located.  I met up with my recruiter Jason Sagehorn at a local place called Jimmy’s Egg for breakfast.  I’ve met Jason previously and we had a great time catching up on personal stuff and finishing up some last minute paperwork for the upcoming job.

After meeting with Jason, I set up a meeting with Atlas MedStaff.  Atlas is one of the sponsors for the 2013 Gypsy Nurse Brunch/Luncheon happening in Las Vegas in October.  When I realized that they were in Omaha, I couldn’t resist meeting with them in person.  The crew at Atlas met (and treated) me for lunch at Joe’s Crab Shack. We discussed the business of travel nursing, some of the ups and downs and of course the upcoming events in Vegas. I wish that I’d had more time with this group as they were a ton of fun to visit.

We also scheduled a Meet & Greet at the Cheesecake Factory after our business lunch.  Joe Smith from Travel Tax was in the area and came out to meet with us.

From Omaha, I traveled on to Cheyenne WY. It was late when I finally arrived and I can’t tell you if there is anything fun or interesting to see/do in Cheyenne because I basically ended up sleeping then hitting the road again…onto Salt Lake City.  In SLC, I met up with a fellow Gypsy Nurse Andrea.  We chatted for a bit but I had arrived a day earlier than expected and she was at work…

The final leg of the trip ended up much longer than I’d expected.

I had planned on taking 2-3 days for the remainder of the trip and ended up instead traveling the rest of the route in one fail swoop.  I just kept thinking… ‘I can make it to Reno…it’s only x miles’ then it was ‘gosh…I’m just not tired, let’s see how far I can get tonight’.  

So, I’ve arrived in Eureka California and have had a couple of days to relax and settle in before I start work on Monday.  It’s not the road-trip that I planned and I wouldn’t recommend traveling from SLC to Eureka in one ‘fail swoop’ but it was the trip that it was….

Sometimes even the best-laid plans go awry…

**My camera decided to stop working on this trip which deterred me from doing much sightseeing along the way.  There were several spots that I normally would have stopped and gotten out to explore and take a few photo’s but it all seemed futile without my camera.

By Focus Staff

May 22, 2018

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Fear of Becoming a Travel Nurse? Here’s What You Should Know

This article is provided by: Focus Staff.

By 2022, more than 1.1 million new nursing positions are expected to be created [1]. For travel nurses, this presents even more opportunities in a field that is already in high demand.

fear of becoming a travel nurse

Have you considered working as a travel nurse, but have fears that are holding you back? It’s definitely the time to put them to rest. To help you, here is a quick look at the most common fears associated with travel nursing and what you should really know about them.

Adapting to a new work environment:

When you are working as a travel nurse, you are essentially starting a new job with each move. Fortunately, the basics of nursing care are the same all over the country. This means your biggest challenge will be learning where everything is and the protocols of each hospital. Go into each job with a plan to fit in by being friendly, working hard, and making it clear that you are there to help. When you do this, others are more likely to embrace your presence and help you adapt to your new environment.

Adapting to a new unit:

It’s not unusual for travel nurses to be floated to a variety of different floors while on assignment. Thus it is worth mentioning again that the basics of nursing care are universal. If you are considering becoming a travel nurse, it’s a good idea to join the float pool at your current facility. This will increase your comfort level in areas that you may be somewhat unfamiliar with, such as pediatrics, oncology, or postoperative care. When you are working, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Remember, you are there to help, and most other nurses will appreciate that and be glad to assist.

Feeling lonely:

Travel nursing does have the potential to be lonely, especially when you first arrive at a new assignment. Fortunately, once you start working, you’ll start to develop new friendships. Until then, keep busy by exploring the area, working out, reading, and doing other things that you may not have the time to do at home. Another way to beat potential loneliness is by traveling with a buddy nurse.  You’d be surprised, there are many traveling groups and forums online specifically for traveling nurses to the network which helps tremendously in this area.

Missing family and friends:

There is no doubt that you’ll miss your friends and family while traveling. Thanks to technology, it is easy to stay in touch, whether via phone, text, email, Skype, or social media. You can also invite them to visit your new city. After all, you won’t be working every day, and you’ll have time to explore the city with them.

Finding a place to live:

In some cases, the agency you work with may already have a plan in place. In other cases, you may be given a housing allowance and the opportunity to choose your own home base. Plan ahead, making certain your home is close to your assignment, as well as in a safe neighborhood. Again, many traveling forums give insight into housing options at any given facility or area so you aren’t alone in finding a good place to rest!

The “what-ifs”:

Considering the possible what-ifs can make you crazy. What if you don’t like an assignment? What if you get sick? What if a family member gets sick and you need to go home? In many situations, your agency will have policies in place concerning most of your possible what-if situations. Reviewing those policies may put your mind at ease. In most cases, these potential fears never materialize. Don’t let something that will probably never happen to prevent you from a great opportunity.

[1] According to American Nurses Association.

By The Gypsy Nurse

May 2, 2018

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From Detroit to the Western Slope: What I Learned During My First Travel Assignment

As a twenty-something Detroit native, I like to consider myself a typical Midwestern type. Though I love everything about where I grew up, I started to feel unsatisfied.  After two years in Labor and Delivery (LD) and 4.5 years as an RN… I was ready to start traveling.  I made the decision just like I make most decisions in my life, quickly and without too much forethought.

When it came to choosing my travel company, I hopped online and did a little research. I contacted two companies by days end and had spoken to one recruiter. I suppose you could say it was love at first chat. The recruiter that contacted me was polite, seemingly driven, and very organized. We talked for about 40 minutes and he answered all of my questions without hesitation.  The next day I told the recruiter I was ready to move. Two weeks later I accepted my first travel assignment in Grand Junction, Colorado; I was to move in four weeks.  How big of a deal could it be to pack my apartment, quit my job, and move across the country? (my naivety is almost laughable).

I would like to note that while everything was a bit busy, it was completely manageable. Now finishing out the extension of my first contract, I would like to give tips and tricks I have picked up on my first travel assignment that I feel have been useful.

Phone Applications

1. EveryDollar:

I am terrible with maintaining a budget but I wanted to make sure I could put away some money before my move. I started to use “EveryDollar” to track my spending and maintain a budget of sorts. Easy to use and super helpful.

2. Hotel Tonight:

I used this during my drive across the country. I didn’t make a set plan of how far to drive each day I just did as much as I could. Using this app helps find last minute hotels in your area that are available.

3. CamScanner:

This is a lifesaver! Allows you to take a picture of your documents, convert them to PDF and mail them to your recruiter. I use this app religiously.

4. Airbnb/VRBO:

Since I had NO CLUE about anything regarding the Western Slope, and I am a little hesitant to use Craigslist as a single female, these apps made finding a living arrangement seamless.

5. REI National Parks:

I guess this is more for the explorers out there: this app is great for looking up hiking/biking/climbing trails and reading other explorer’s input on where to go/what to see. Being in Western Colorado, I have used this app a lot!

Starting at a new Hospital

Orientation:  

Being a traveler, you don’t have the history you may have had as staff, and you only have 13 weeks to prove your competence. I asked a lot of questions about the charting system and their Fetal Heart monitoring program (LD specific). Familiarized myself with policies I felt would be important and made sure I followed up with my management.  I familiarized myself with the OR and the scrub techs I would be working with. Have a good flow in the OR (especially in LD) is really important, especially in STAT situations.

Alone in a new town

I think the best thing I did was start to explore the town before I moved. I had seen that there was a climbing gym in the area (something I had really wanted to get into) and I signed up to join. It wasn’t too hard to meet people there.  I also found it super helpful to go to the local REI and see if they had any outdoor group events coming up.

I have mastered the art of sitting and enjoying a meal alone, making small talk with strangers and trying new things without someone to join. To me, however, the best part of this job is the ways you meet new people and how quickly they become your family.

My first travel assignment has been one I’ll never forget! A lot of learning, a lot of laughing, and I have met some incredibly gifted and wonderful nurses. I am so excited to start my next contract, and share more knowledge with you guys: my gypsy family!

About The Author:

Author: Janelle Edwards, RN is a Labor and Delivery Nurse (LD).

By ONESTAFF MEDICAL

April 6, 2018

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5 Destinations for Travel Nurses to Cross Off Their Baseball Bucket List

This article was provided by OneStaff Medical.

Opening day of the major league baseball season just passed and that makes this an exciting time of year for baseball fans. If you’re a travel nurse who loves America’s pastime, the travel assignments you accept during the summer can put you in the same location as some of the nation’s most famous ballparks. So whether you want to support your favorite team out on the road or simply take in the famous locations that make baseball great, keep these five destinations in mind when considering your travel nursing options.

1. San Francisco

Home to the San Francisco Giants and AT&T Park, the Bay Area hosts several exciting places to visit. On the baseball front, AT&T Park has been host to plenty of recent baseball history and the park itself offers stunning views of the bay. Watch a game from the stands or grab a kayak and paddle out into McCovey Cove beyond right field. You may just catch your most unique home run ball ever.

2. Boston

Fenway Park and the Green Monster in left field are iconic Boston staples, but this stadium is chock-full of history. In fact, Fenway Park is 105 years old and it’s lost none of its ability to generate excitement over that time. Take a seat in the stands and feel the ghosts of past greats around you.

3. Baltimore

Oriole Park at Camden Yards first opened in 1992 and its sleek retro design revolutionized the way baseball stadiums were created while inspiring the look of parks like Comerica Park and Citi Field.

4. Chicago

The Windy City is the first location on our list to feature two major league ball clubs, but when people think of iconic stadiums, the Cubs’ Wrigley Field takes center stage. Nearly as old as Fenway Park, Wrigley is known for its famous ivy-covered outfield walls. Don’t forget to throw the opposing team’s home run ball back if you have the nerve. Wrigley is also famous for its weekday games, a great opportunity depending on your assignment schedule.

5. New York

Don’t worry, New Yorkers, we haven’t forgotten you or Yankee Stadium. Perhaps the most well-known franchise in all of the American sports, the New York Yankees call this Bronx citadel home. Stroll through Monument Park and soak up the history of all the greats that have worn this uniform. Much of baseball’s lore is steeped in pinstripes.

That’s our list. Now we want to hear from you. Which stadiums are on your bucket list and where would you like to travel to watch a game?