They say adventures are never fun when you’re having one. Like most of the stuff they say, this little nugget contains some truth, but it’s not the whole truth.
There’s a certain yin and yang to adventure. A place were courage and fear intersect. It’s finding comfort in the uncomfortable, and knowing you’re in the middle of what’s going to make a dynamite story, if you survive it. This is one of those stories.
On the Path of Hurricane Matthew
My wife had taken an assignment on the southern east coast. We were staying right on the beach. Most of our time had been spent in Tennessee and parts of Southern Indiana, so a little beach time was a welcome change. We had everything figured out, housing, transportation, even her schedule was predictable because of the way the hospital rotated its travelers. Best laid plans of mice and nurses. Who would have thought a hurricane would hit the coast?
Evacuation
South Carolina Governor Niki Haley gave us adequate time to evacuate. She told us to get a hundred miles from the coast and batten down the hatches.
It was our first hurricane, so we listened like good citizens, and began battening. Everyone must have been thinking the same thing, because it was hard to find a hotel anywhere within a hundred miles. We even looked as far as Ashville, NC. It was leaf changing season though, and a weekend to boot, so no luck there. We decided, in true adventurer fashion, to head out with no scheduled destination. We headed northwest, and ended up in the North Carolina town of Lumberton, home of the LHS Raiders.
Seeking Refuge in Lumberton
On our first night we drank Hurricanes and got down to late 70’s soft rock classics. But then Lumberton got slammed by Matthew. He had reached a strong, and destructive category 3 by the time he reached us. The Lumberton river had flooded I-95 northbound, and another body of water had the southbound side flooded out.
The whole town lost power, and a few hours after that the hotel we were staying at lost water. There was no way to get gas, and only one grocery store was opened. Our 4G went blank, there was no wi-fi, and our cell service was in and out. We had time lapsed back to the 20th century.
Even in a Hurricane – Travel Nurses must work!
My wife had to be at work the next day, and the hospital was already running short staffed due to the storm. As all travel nurses know, come heck or high water (in this case, literally), you must be at work.
We tried leaving Lumberton that morning via a route figured out by the North Carolina State Police. Six hours later, we had made it five blocks when we were turned back and told there was no way out. I had some beef jerky, a pillow, and four beers. I was going to be fine. But my wife was having none of it. She had patients and staff depending on her, and she wasn’t going to let them down.
Finding a Way
We pulled into a parking lot where several people had gathered. My wife jumped out and started asking people if they knew of a route out of town. I kept telling her it was hopeless, but she was relentless. Eventually, she found a local who was telling another local how to get around the flood waters. The guy getting directions said we could follow him to highway 17, but he wasn’t sure if we could get south on it once we got there.
We drove through flood waters, mud, and down gravel roads. At one point, we even drove down a four-wheeler trail to avoid a washout. It took us two hours to go nine miles, and we were rerouted more times than I can count. Finally, we made it to highway 17. And yes, we could go south towards our destination.
I was in awe. Almost two thousand people were trapped in Lumberton, either because they had sought refuge there, or because they couldn’t make it any further down 95, but my wife, super nurse, had found a way out. She made it to work, and I celebrated her victory with beef jerky and warm beer. We were both at our best.
ETA TGN STAFF:
Please consult with your assignment hospital and/or travel nurse agency if you are in the path of a hurricane. Most facilities have some sort of plan for these occurrences and many will provide overnight accommodations for scheduled staff.
NEVER put yourself in a situation where you are disobeying local emergency personnel. You could put both yourself and others in danger.
Packing for a travel assignment can seem overwhelming, especially if you are a new traveler. It doesn’t have to be! Focus on keeping things simple and make sure you have your essentials covered. Remember, you’ll have limited space whether you are flying or driving to your assignment location, so you certainly don’t want to overpack. Stick to the essentials- you can always pick up other items upon arrival.
Pack these items carefully and be sure to put them in a place that you locate them easily, such as your purse or outside luggage zipper, or purchase a travel wallet necklace if you travel by air frequently. Be sure to bring your driver’s license, emergency credit card, birth certificate, and insurance cards.
2. Small Personal Items
Consider which items to pack carefully. Travel Nurse Across America’s Housing Director, Ashley, says she tells travelers, “Ask yourself do I want to take this or do I need to take it? Can I pick up an inexpensive travel version of this when I get there?” These can range from styling items such as a blow dryer to over the counter medications you can purchase when you arrive.
3. Electronics
We certainly live in an electronic age, so consider which electronics are essential. For example, if you are bringing a laptop it might not make sense to drag a TV with you. And of course, don’t forget the chargers!
4. Cooking & Kitchen Essentials
Start with those gadgets you can’t live without, such as a Crock-Pot or Keurig. Keep it simple and consider how much cooking you actually plan to do. Cups, plates, bowls, and utensils can take up valuable space, so consider finding a local dollar store or thrift store upon arrival and purchasing those items. They can easily be donated to a local charity after you finish your assignment.
5. Bed Items
A bed in a bag is a great option. They typically include a comforter, pillow shams, sheets, and pillowcases. If you have a favorite pillow, bring it. Consider investing in a mattress cover as well.
6. Bath Items
Keep it simple. Pack a minimum of 2 bath towels and two washcloths. You can purchase bath products such as shampoo, conditioner, and soap when you arrive.
7. Comfort Items
If you have an item from home that brings you comfort such as a blanket or framed photo, make room for it. It will make you feel more comfortable in your home away from home.
8. Medical Essentials
Make sure to pack any prescription medications you take, as well as pre-ordering additional scripts from your doctor. Consider packing a small first aid kit in case you have a small injury while traveling.
9. Clothing
Of course, you’ll need scrubs. Pack 2 or 3 pairs depending on your schedule. Check the weather of the city you are traveling to, and pack appropriately. It can be tempting to overpack, so if you feel your clothes will take up too much space, you can have them shipped to your destination. Don’t forget to include comfortable work shoes, a jacket, and an umbrella.
10. Pet Supplies
More and more nurses are traveling with their pets, so if you’re bringing a furry friend make sure they are microchipped if they get lost. Update their collar, pack any medicines they take, and don’t forget their favorite toy or bedding so they feel comfortable in their home away from home, too!
Remember to ask your questions, whether your agency is helping with your housing or you’re doing it on your own. This will prevent any last minute inconveniences from turning into last-minute expenses, so your travel assignment is an enjoyable adventure!
Travel nursing is a challenging, exciting and rewarding career choice, and every patient wants a professional who’s compassionate, smart, empathetic, calm and respectful – you all fit the bill. But even those nurses who are calm in stressful situations need to take care of themselves.
While job satisfaction is typically high in travel nursing, it’s still a stressful occupation given the nature of caring for others. You’re a community leader in a lot of ways, someone who creates positive change in so many ways.
Textbook tips for combating ‘compassion fatigue’ include ensuring a work-life balance, healthy eating and sleeping well, exercising, taking time for yourself, planning a trip, getting massages and pedicures, and talking to friends, family or a professional. Within their own circles, nurses will tell each other to set boundaries. Don’t work too much overtime, and be aware of signs of alcohol/drug abuse.
Here are 3 simple reminders to help travel nurses deal with stress:
Explore
If you work 12-hour shifts three days a week, that leaves four days to do fun stuff. What do you enjoy doing during that time? A recent article in Outside Magazine describes how many travel nurses incorporate adventure into their career. In fact, it’s a main motivator for some.
A 26-year-old nurse working in the ICU at the University of Utah Hospital describes skiing as her source of happiness.
“I can’t imagine working 9-to-5, five days a week, and only being a weekend warrior,” said Lucy Sackbauer. “I wanted to ski on Tuesdays when the rest of the world was at their desks.”
Travel nursing can definitely support your outdoor lifestyle. However, even if you’re not a big-time adrenaline junkie, getting out to enjoy your surroundings will increase those feel-good hormones. Going for a hike, joining a gym, and taking yoga classes are positive ways to de-stress and you’re likely to notice a difference.
Routine
Whether it’s a 4-week stint or 13, creating “normal” for you will help put balance in your life. We all need a work-life balance to maintain a sense of well-being.
On days off, are you scheduling how to productively spend time? Sleeping patterns, working out, cooking, reading, not drinking too much, cultivating gratitude are all things we need to pay attention throughout the days and weeks.
Socialize
Sometimes it’s tough to be around people, especially if you’ve given all your time and energy to dealing with patients, their families and doctors. Bonding with colleagues and meeting new friends will enrich life that much more.
Everyone needs time to recharge their batteries. Managers will often plan socialization or play for their nursing staff. Meals always bring people together, so organizing staff breakfasts or dinners is a great way to get to know your co-workers and bond. Concerts and sporting events in the area also bring people together.
Stress is one of America’s Leading Health Concerns
At the end of the day, let’s not forget that stress is one of America’s leading health concerns, which is why being proactive is so important. The American Psychological Association (APA) points to the fact the 51% of women and 43% of men in the U.S. experience the negative, physical effects of chronic stress.
In a column in the Huffington Post, David Freuedberg, the host of NPR’s Humankind, poignantly writes, “ Outnumbering physicians six to one, nurses spend more time with patients and in many ways they are the heart of American healthcare.”
Travel Nurse Across America provided this article.
A great travel nurse recruiter will be your advocate and make choosing assignments and moving as easy as possible.
No matter which agency you choose to travel with, your relationship with your travel nurse recruiter may be the most important factor in your travel nursing experience.
7 Signs of a Great Travel Nurse Recruiter
If you are getting ready to start your travel nursing career or considering changing recruiters or agencies, here are seven signs to look for in a great recruiter.
Industry Experience
The best recruiters truly understand what it’s like to be a travel nurse and will guide you through the process with ease. Good recruiters also document your specialties, interests, and location preferences in order to anticipate jobs for you, so you aren’t scrambling for one when your current assignment is almost over. Don’t be afraid to ask your potential recruiter questions about their industry experience. You can even look at their LinkedIn or Facebook profile prior to talking with them, so you know more about their personality before you even speak.
Thorough Communication
Especially if you are new to travel nursing, your recruiter will need to patiently walk you through your options while making sure you get everything completed before you arrive at your new assignment. A great recruiter will ensure you understand your benefits, housing, and insurance options while making sure you are ready for the next step. A good recruiter will have your best interests at heart and will seek to understand and solve any obstacles that can get in the way of you being on your way to your dream assignment.
High Level of Integrity
If something goes wrong at the hospital you are assigned to, or you have questions about your paycheck, you should be able to call, e-mail, or text your recruiter and get a prompt, honest response. A great recruiter will have your back, be your advocate, and make things right. Some agencies may even have additional resources available, such as specialists or clinical support who may know what you’re going through more than your recruiter would.
Personality to Match
Recruiters talk to people all day, and that’s not for everyone! The best recruiters truly enjoy talking with people and solving problems. A recruiter that finds meaning and enjoyment in helping nurses get the best assignments is the type of recruiter you want to work with.
It’s important to find a recruiter that understands your personality and is able to match your comfort level. Make sure you communicate when you prefer to be contacted, how often, and other important details, to avoid frustration later on.
Well Organized
Look for a recruiter that has tools in place to help you manage your documentation renewals, continuing education credits, and other license needs. They are there to help guide you through the process, whether it’s your first assignment or tenth.
Follow Up
If you never hear from your recruiter after you accept an assignment, consider this a red flag! A good recruiter will ask what type of communication you prefer (phone, e-mail, text), as well as how frequently you’d like them to check-in. The best recruiters will also check in with you after your first day to see how things went and if there’s anything you need.
Worth the Referral
Find a recruiter who makes you want to refer them. Nearly all travel agencies offer some type of referral bonus, but look for a recruiter that you want to refer other nurses to not only because of the great referral bonus you get but because you genuinely think they provide a travel nursing experience that should be shared.
Finding an ideal recruiter and developing a great relationship with him or her is the key to having a successful travel nursing career. Furthermore, a great recruiter relationship will pave the way for you to get the jobs you want and provide support before, during, and after each assignment.
If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:
A personal account of surviving Hurricane Irma as travel nurse US Virgin Islands. From preparation through the aftermath, a travel nurses personal account.
Travel Nurse US Virgin Islands
When I received the phone call from my recruiter telling me that I landed my first travel assignment in the Virgin Islands, I couldn’t believe it! My mouth fell open. I was excited, and couldn’t wait to share the news with all my family and friends.
Struggling with Doubts
Soon after, my feelings turned from excitement to doubt. I doubted how I would survive living in St. Thomas all by myself. How I would excel as a travel nurse US Virgin Islands with such limited experience. I questioned why God was calling little Tanisha from Missouri City, Texas to start her travel nursing career on St. Thomas, Virgin Island…
A Heavy Heart
The following Sunday, I came to church with a heavy heart and was greeted by extreme confirmation. Our Sunday school lesson was titled, “Beyond Doubt”, and my Sunday school teacher spoke on believing beyond what you can see. I felt like the lesson was made especially for me.
After class, my teacher pulled me aside and asked me how things were going. I broke down in tears and told her that I was feeling extremely doubtful about my upcoming move. She embraced me and reminded me that God is with me; it’s not my job to wonder why He called me, but to be obedient and walk into the new season of life with confidence that He will continue to provide. After church, she sent me a powerful message that got me through the next month of my life when I was feeling down, discouraged and extremely doubtful.
God calls ordinary people to do extraordinary things
Those words spoke to me louder than anything had in the past few weeks of my life as I was feeling overwhelmed and stressed behind all the work I was putting into starting my new journey. This message provided reassurance in a dark season of my life when I needed it the most. Anytime I started to feel unworthy I reminded myself, “God calls ordinary people to do extraordinary things that He might get the glory“.
Departures
As the days came closer to my departure, I became excited and eager to start my new assignment. When I finally arrived in St. Thomas, I remember having an overwhelming sense that I belonged there; that I was being sent with a purpose. I stepped off the plane and saw the following sign… The first two months of my assignment were filled with partying, boat trips, cliff jumping, island hopping and living on vacation all while wondering, “What am I here for? When will it be my time to be extraordinary?”
Travel Nurse US Virgin Islands: Hurricane Irma
The weekend of September 1st, we all received news that a major hurricane was expected to hit the island. Some of my fellow travelers grew worried, some began to frantically prepare and some even chose to evacuate the island. While “Hurricane Irma” was the talk of the town and everyone was in a complete uproar, I had peace knowing that THIS is what I was called for. Finally, it was my time to be extraordinary!
The day before the storm hit, I reached out to my closest family and friends and asked for their prayers. I knew I was being faced with a great task and that I needed all the support they could give. All of the island natives warned me that if the hurricane hit… it would be devastating. We were expected to lose water, power, phone service, and all means of communication. I warned my family that if they didn’t hear from me, don’t worry…I would be fine.
Going to Work Prepared
Tuesday night September 5th, I went to work fully prepared. I had a weeks worth of clothes, all my valuables, and food to last for a few days. That night I made my hospital bed and laid down. I was comforted with tons of encouraging words from my family and friends letting me know that they were praying for me. My Instagram and Facebook were overflowing with messages from people who I didn’t even know; everyone finally got word that Irma, the category five hurricane was headed straight towards me and there was nothing left to do but pray.
“When the lights go out, it will be your time to shine.“
On Wednesday morning, I woke up, prepared for work and walked to the unit to receive report. I was in charge that day and remember thinking, “Why me?” My mom texted me her prayer for that morning and said, “When the lights go out, it will be your time to shine.” I knew then that everything would be okay. Placing my phone in my pocket, I began my day. I rounded on my patients and made sure everyone’s needs were met. When I looked outside I noticed that the rain and wind began to pick up. Everyone gathered by one big window on the unit as we watched Hurricane Irma begin her wrath.
From Scary to Terrifying…
Things quickly escalated from scary to terrifying, so I decided to move my patients from their postpartum rooms to the Labor and Delivery unit for their safety. While transporting my patients I heard loud banging on the door coming from the emergency stairwell. I opened the door and saw other nurses transporting their immobile patients by their mattresses down the stairs to safety. I soon discovered that the windows on the floor above me blew out and the entire floor was forced to evacuate immediately.
The hurricane was blowing through the hospital. From that moment on, things were in complete chaos. We were in full crisis mode transporting patients, administering emergency medications, making life-threatening decisions in split seconds and doing everything we could to keep our patients alive.
Out of respect for my company, my hospital and my profession…I choose to spare the details of what went on that day. The hospital was simply filled with, “Ordinary people, doing extraordinary things.“
After the Hurricane
The days after the hurricane, I was forced to stay at the hospital because the roads were unsafe to drive home. There were huge trees, power lines and remains from people’s homes that filled the streets. I slept in the uninhabitable hospital and I began to wonder, “How would I ever survive?” Friday morning, the curfew that was placed on the island ended and I was finally able to return home. I feared going home alone with no water, no power and a limited supply of food; but I knew I had to. I had to get away from the hospital because it was no longer safe.
Going Home
When I finally went home, I opened the door to my beachfront condo to discover that the roof caved in, and it too was uninhabitable. I packed everything I could and went to my friend Veronica’s house. We began discussing our options and realized they were slim. My company canceled my contract and booked my flight home for Sunday morning, only to discover that the airport was destroyed as well. I literally felt trapped on the island, and paradise was starting to feel more like my worst nightmare.
With no running water, limited food, no roof, no cell phone service, no internet and people robbing at gunpoint for necessities; my fear finally set it. I became fearful for my life and overcome with emotion. That Saturday night, I sat on Veronica’s sofa and asked God to make a way…
An Unexpected trip to Puerto Rico
Veronica and I looking extremely rough but very happy to be making our way home.
Around six o’clock Sunday morning, Veronica looked out her window and saw a boat. Without hesitation, we packed everything we could and ran to the dock! With a quick confirmation from the captain, we were welcomed onboard and told that we were headed to Puerto Rico. Veronica spoke Spanish and had family in Puerto Rico, so we knew we would be just fine.
Once we made it to Puerto Rico, Veronica arranged for her family to pick us up at the marina and I instantly felt peace that everything would be alright. Her family treated us like royalty; they fed us, gave us warm showers and a safe place to stay for the night. When we woke up the following morning, they served us coffee and breakfast sandwiches. They told us they arranged for a driver to show us around town and I couldn’t believe it! Our evacuation was starting to feel more like a vacation.
After rationing our food for days, we were finally able to enjoy eating out, exploring the city and staying at our five-star resort. I owe Veronica and her family endless thanks for their kindness and hospitality. They were there for us in a time of need and reminded me that God will always make a way. Three days after being in Puerto Rico, I was able to fly home to Houston and be reunited with my family. Looking back on my experience in the Virgin Islands, I am so grateful that God saw fit to give me such a task. I hope my testimony serves as a lesson to you all: Go wherever God is calling you, and trust that He will provide!
Have you ever been a travel nurse during a hurricane? Contact us at content@thegypsynurse.com and let us help you tell your story. Travel Nurse in the US Virgin Islands? We would love to hear your tips and tricks!
Finished the travel nursing guide and are ready to look for an assignment?
With advancements in technology, more and more hospitals are using travel nurse video interviews.
Travel nurses often find themselves having to participate in interviews with nursing managers and HR professionals at a potential assignment location hundreds of miles away. Phone interviews are common, though we know body language speaks volumes. Technology can definitely help bridge that gap by using video to interview candidates. However, many people find video interviews to be intimidating and difficult to navigate.
Here are five tips to help you ace your travel nurse video interview and score your dream assignment.
Video interviews don’t have to be daunting or nerve-wracking.
1.) Is Your Environment Appropriate?
Think about what most in-person interview environments are like. You’ll usually find yourself in a quiet room with minimal distractions. You’re likely offered a bottle of water or coffee. Use a quiet room in your home, and if other people or pets are home, ensure you won’t be interrupted. Make sure you have water to sip on – nerves and talking can provoke thirst!
Test your camera and see what your backdrop looks like. If you’re comfortable showing off your collection of Star Wars figures or Cabbage Patch Kids, go with it — but a blank wall or a bookshelf is always safe. Make sure the room is well lit, and the interviewer will clearly see your face. Reserving a private room at a co-working space or your local library is also a great alternative.
2.) Test Your Technology!
One of the #1 things that can go wrong with video interviews is technology mishaps. Some blunders are unavoidable, such as a storm taking out your WiFi, but many can be prevented by testing your computer or smartphone, webcam, and audio tools. Make sure your device is fully charged, and check your internet speed with test videos to makes sure everything runs smoothly.
You can even ask a friend to do a test run with you on another computer, so you see how everything looks and sounds and determine where to place your webcam for natural eye contact. Look at the camera rather than your screen. Making eye contact over video can feel awkward at first, so remember not to overcompensate by staring.
3.) Find Your Zen
It’s completely normal to feel nervous before an interview. After all, your dream assignment could be on the line. Do whatever it is that helps you relax. Mediate, practice some deep breathing exercises, or do five to ten minutes of yoga beforehand to get centered. You can ask your recruiter for a few quality questions to ask and practice the routine with them.
One important thing to remember is the person interviewing you might be nervous too! An interview is a two-way street, and you are both assessing mutual fit. Be yourself and answer questions honestly and openly. Ask questions that help you determine if it’s the right job for you. Once you get into a good conversation, any anxiety will likely melt away.
4.) Dress To Impress
It can be tempting to dress down during a video interview since they won’t be seeing your entire outfit. Be yourself and dress as you would if you were going to an in-person interview. Even if no one sees how great you look, you’ll feel more confident, and that will shine through in your interview.
Make sure whatever outfit you choose doesn’t blend into the background. You don’t want to appear as a floating head on the interviewer’s screen! If you aren’t sure what to wear, err on the side of more formal, or ask your recruiter for suggestions. They are there to help!
5.) Body Language Matters
Some people speak with their hands more than others. It’s ok to make hand gestures, but make sure they stay within the video frame so they make sense with your speech. It’s appropriate to nod when you are engaging with something the interviewer says. Make sure you have good posture – it projects confidence and professionalism.
Finally, don’t forget to smile! If you seem scared or frozen in place, the interviewer might wonder how you’ll react in an emergency on the job, even if you’re just nervous about the interview. You know you’ve got the skills and confidence to be a great fit for any assignment, so don’t be afraid to let your confidence shine!
Nurse life, in general, can naturally wear a person down. You basically give all day in almost all ways—mentally, emotionally, and physically on top of socially and professionally.
On the rewarding flip side, you’re literally a lifesaver some days and a galvanized link between patients and the care they need to achieve the best outcomes.
Now add travel to the mix. New city, new people, new living space, new work environment—all of which come with a mixed bag of pros and cons, you know all too well.
The life of a travel nurse is a roller coaster, to say the least, and it’s important to acknowledge the real potential for burnout and to be intentional about self-care wherever you happen to be calling “home” for the moment.
Here are a few self-care action items travel nurses can prioritize and some ways to fit them into your exciting yet busy life.
Travel Nursing Self Care Tips
Do Nature Daily
The scientific health benefits of spending quality time in nature have become a big focus over the years, and it’s good to be aware of them.
When we say “daily” here, we’re not just talking about the outdoor adventures many of you love dearly, like ziplining, kayaking, hiking, or snowboarding. We’re talking about the health benefits micro-moments in nature provide the body and mind.
When considering the following, if you can keep your phone or laptop tucked away, give yourself bonus points. Disconnecting and being present will maximize these outdoor micro-moments.
Walk a few extra blocks on your way to the train or bus stop before or after your shift.
Bike to work or when meeting a friend for lunch.
Step outside during a break or have coffee at an outdoor café on your day off.
Open the windows of your living space to let natural light and fresh air in.
Get Some Zzz’s
Easier said than done, but it’s essential to physical and cognitive functioning—two things you need on the floor and your adventures. The National Sleep Foundation lists seven hours of sleep as the low-end range for adults aged 18–65 and over. Consistency is also key, so try to keep a regular bedtime routine.
For quick self-care, never underestimate the positive impact of a well-deserved nap. According to sleep expert Sara C. Mednick, Ph.D., a 15- to 20-minute power nap can reset the system and provide a burst of alertness and increased motor performance.
Stretch Yourself
There are tons of quick and simple yoga routines out there to incorporate into your week. Yoga can not only relax your body and mind; it can strengthen it too. Plus, you can double-down on the self-care here by doing a few poses in a park or on your rooftop deck.
If following a more guided practice is more your thing, check out these eight yoga workouts recommended by Men’s Journal. Session times vary, some are free, and others offer a free trial.
Feed Your Face
While every 12-hour shift doesn’t come with a quality meal break, you can make the most out of the time you do have to nourish yourself on the job.
Keep your fresh food cool and more enjoyable by investing in a decent insulated lunch bag.
Cook in bulk and freeze pre-portioned meals for when you need to grab-n-go.
Stash energy-boosting snacks in your purse or pocket for a quick nibble (mixed nuts, no-bake oatmeal bites, soy crisps, etc.)
By spending a little extra time focusing on self-care, this roller coaster life and career you’ve come to know and love can be even more fulfilling, and you can be an even better you for yourself, your patients, your friends, and your family.
Throughout you career as a nurse, chances are that you’ll probably have the opportunity to partake in a variety of retirement plans either by setting up one yourself or by working for different employers.
Some of the major areas capable of creating income for you when you retire will be discussed in detail:
401(k)
This is a plan established by your employer which enables you to have some money removed from your salary automatically and put into the plan. Many travel nurse agencies will match a percentage of the amount you deposit. This makes a 401K a great option for nurse retirement income as travelers.
401(k) plans permit you to put off paying your taxes pending when you begin to make withdrawals except if your employers offer a Roth option in which taxes are paid up front. In addition, some 401(k) plans allow you borrow funds from your plan assets however, you must wait to clock 59.5 years before you will be granted access to the money. If for any reason you wish to make some withdrawals before the age of 59.5, there are additional tax penalties that must be paid. Understanding the plan fully is very vital as well as knowing that taxes are only deferred to the future when not paid up front.
Pension
Luckily for some employees, employers set up a pension for you where money is paid in monthly. A pension provides an income stream in retirement and is also a wonderful addition to every account you own. A pension account is hugely beneficial but only a few companies still provide pensions, most of them don’t. There are lots of decisions to make prior to getting your pension. More often than not, you must decide if this income stream will last throughout your lifetime only or if you’d like to include your spouse in the plan. Unfortunately for travel nurses, pensions aren’t a viable option for nurse retirement income.
IRA
This is an individual retirement account which can be created and you get to deposit funds into it provided that you earn an income. There are limits on income which determines if you qualify to put in a contribution that is deductible. The IRA is very similar to 401(k) in that it has a Roth option which allows you deposit money into the plan after taxes have been paid and then grants you access to withdrawals that are free from being taxed in the future.
Social Security
Here’s how social security works; while working, you are paying money into the collection of funds continuously which entitles you to receive funds from the program every month when you retire. The age at which you can begin your social security income varies and the later you begin to withdraw, the higher you can earn. The standard age of retirement to earn benefits from social security is 66 years however, withdrawals can be made as early as 62 years or as late as 70.
Annuities
Annuities are very similar to pension and also a great means of generating a lifetime income stream for those without pensions. This comprises an accumulation and distribution phase where money grows and an amount is paid out monthly to the annuitant on the plan. The sum of money paid out is dependent on the amount of money accumulated inside of the plan and also on annuitant’s age.
Real estate
Real estate can also serve as another source of income when the income gotten from rent is more than the mortgage paid or if the mortgage has been paid off completely. This income stream will keep bringing in money for you and your family pending when you make a decision to sell off the property. Real estate that generates income is great provided that you’ve got the energy required to care for the property or you can employ somebody to help manage it for you.
Regular investment account
Having a regular investment account in addition to IRA and 401(k) can be of huge benefits. A general investment account is not affected by tax rules and is built in the conventional retirement plans. When you have some money invested outside of the plans that qualify for tax, it makes it possible for you to withdraw money before age 59.5 with no tax penalty. It will also provide you more flexibility around planning your tax and around when you are ready to retire.
Cash Value inside of life insurance
In addition to the death benefit, several permanent life insurance policies have a cash accumulation account which grows with time. The cash accumulation inside of life insurance policies grows on a tax postponed basis and although its growth is not as quick as money invested in the stock market, it’ll make a wonderful addition to your retirement plan. The assurances behind some of these policies give one the confidence that no market corrections will happen within the policies and so we can establish a more predictable future.
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Variable annuities and their underlying variable investment options are sold by prospectus only. Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. This and other information are contained in the prospectus or summary prospectus, if available, which may be obtained from your investment professional. Please read it before you invest or send money.
This article is sponsored by Travel Nurse Across America®
The travel nurse phone interview can seem intimidating, because it can feel harder to connect with someone when you can’t see them face to face. However, phone interviews are so common in travel nursing since assignments are all over the country. To make phone interviews easier, treat these conversations like a two-way street. Not only are they evaluating if you are the right fit for the assignment, you should assess if the hospital and position is the right fit for your needs, skills, and experience.
1.) Do: Dress for the Job You Want
It can be tempting to wear your pajamas and do your phone interview from bed. However, taking a shower, getting dressed and getting settled in a quiet place will do a lot to make you feel prepared and confident!
2.) Don’t: Express a Negative Attitude
If you’ve had former bad experiences at an assignment, or a co-worker you didn’t get along with, spare the details. A positive attitude should shine through in your interview. Be honest with your answers, but keep things as upbeat as possible. Focus on what positive came out of a bad situation.
3.) Do: Your Homework
Research what some common travel nursing interview questions are, and write out your answers in advance so you’ll know how you want to respond. It’s also a good idea to do some research on the hospital’s background. If it comes up in the interview, you’ll impress the interviewer.
4.) Don’t: Be Shy
It can feel awkward to brag about yourself, but this isn’t the time to be shy! Have you received any awards or promotions in past positions? Did you take the lead in a crisis situation on the floor? Be proud of your accomplishments, and talk about them!
5.) Do: Ask Questions
Show your interest in the assignment by asking questions about the job. Ask what some of the challenges or perks are about working at the facility, or the particular department. You can even ask, “Do you think I’m a good fit for the assignment?” Asking “Are there any reservations that you have about my ability to do this job that we can address now?” shows confidence and a proactive attitude.
6.) Don’t: Go Silent After the Interview
Chances are, if the interview goes well, you’ll hear back from your recruiter pretty quickly. Make sure to get the interviewer’s e-mail address and send a message thanking him or her for the opportunity to interview. It also never hurts to send a handwritten thank you note!
With proper preparation, travel nurse phone interviews don’t have to be stressful or something to dread. It’s a great opportunity to learn about new assignments, let your personality and experience shine, and find the perfect fit for your next travel adventure!
Travel Nurse Across America places registered nurses on multi-week travel nursing assignments in healthcare facilities across all 50 states. We offer our travel nurses a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid sick leave, travel expense reimbursement up to $1,000, all necessary licenses and certifications paid or reimbursed, day-one insurance, and multiple bonus opportunities. Whatever adventure you seek – exciting locations, higher pay or the opportunity to advance your skills – TNAA’s experienced recruiters are ready to help you grow your nursing career through travel nursing. For more information on assignments with Travel Nurse Across America, including EMR-related assignments, please, visit Travel Nurse Across America.
Happy Nurses Week 2025! We’re so grateful for all that nurses do—every single day. This week is all about you, and we’re excited to celebrate with a giveaway! Need more details? Visit our Facebook page.
