November 21, 2025

355 Views

Young, Skilled, and Restless? Travel Nursing Could Be Your Perfect Fit.

Posted on November 21, 2025November 12, 2025 by ONESTAFF MEDICAL

So, You’re Wondering: Is Travel Nursing Right for Me?

You’ve put in the hours, earned your stripes, and now you’re asking the big question: What’s next? If you’re a nurse with two-plus years of experience, the answer might just involve a suitcase and a sense of adventure.

Travel nursing isn’t just a job—it’s a lifestyle. And right now, with hospitals juggling overstaffing and understaffing like a circus act, travel nurses are the MVPs keeping the show running. Here’s why this could be your best career move yet.

What to Expect When You Hit the Road

1. Freedom & Flexibility
Imagine swapping rigid schedules for the ability to choose where and when you work. Want to spend winter in sunny Florida and summer in the Pacific Northwest? Done. Travel nursing lets you design your own map.

2. Competitive Pay (Yes, Really)
Travel nurses often earn more than staff nurses—sometimes a lot more. Add housing stipends, travel reimbursements, and tax perks, and suddenly your paycheck looks like a vacation fund on steroids.

3. Professional Growth
Every assignment is a crash course in adaptability. You’ll master new systems, meet diverse teams, and build a résumé that screams “experienced and versatile.” Employers love that.

4. Adventure Factor
New cities, new cuisines, new friends. Your Instagram will thank you. And let’s be honest—life’s too short to wonder what the beach in California looks like in January.

Is Travel Nursing Right for You?

Ask yourself:

Do you thrive in new environments?
Are you ready to embrace flexibility?
Do you want to accelerate your career while exploring the country?

If you answered “yes” to any of these, travel nursing isn’t just an option—it’s an opportunity.

Why Start Now?

With two years of experience, you’re in the sweet spot: seasoned enough to hit the ground running, young enough to enjoy the ride. Overstaffing trends mean hospitals are leaning on travelers to fill gaps quickly. That’s your chance to step in and shine.

Top Myths About Travel Nursing—Busted

Myth: “I’ll feel isolated.”
Truth: Travel nurses often have strong support networks, plus agencies like OneStaff make sure you’re never flying solo.
Myth: “It’s only for thrill-seekers.”
Truth: It’s for anyone who values flexibility, growth, and financial freedom.
Myth: “I’ll have to move constantly.”
Truth: You choose your assignments. Want to stay in one city for a year? Totally doable.

How to Get Started

Partner with a Trusted Agency
OneStaff Medical specializes in making your travel nursing journey seamless—from finding the right assignment to supporting you every mile of the way.
Get Your Paperwork Ready
Licenses, certifications, and a sense of adventure—check!
Pack Smart
Pro tip: Your favorite coffee mug makes any new place feel like home.
Check Out Our “Beginner’s Guide” for More Details
We have a handy page for all the details on getting into traveling healthcare here. Check it out, if you still have questions, just reach out!

Ready to see where travel nursing could take you?
Start exploring open assignments across the country on The Gypsy Nurse Job Board. Your next adventure is just one click away.

By Titan Medical

November 4, 2025

706 Views

Working Through the Holidays: A Travel Healthcare Worker’s Guide to Navigating the Season

Posted on November 4, 2025October 30, 2025 by Titan Medical

For many, the holidays are a time to relax, reconnect, and recharge. But if you’re a travel healthcare professional on assignment during this time, you may be facing a different reality: working when others are off, being away from home, juggling shifts with travel, and still giving your all to your patients!

It’s a unique experience, and with a careful mindset and smart preparation, it can also be a deeply rewarding one. Below are some of the most important things to consider if you’re working through the holidays while also making the most of them.

1. Recognize the Dynamics of Holiday Healthcare

The holidays bring increased patient volume (think: seasonal illnesses, accidents, family visitors, holiday travel) and often decreased staffing or more pressure on units. As a travel nurse, your role becomes even more critical in filling these gaps.

Tip: Remember that your contribution is especially meaningful during this season. Being on assignment when many are off is a kind service and it matters!!!

2. Plan Ahead (Both Professionally and Personally)

Before you accept or begin a contract that covers the holidays:

Ask about the holiday schedule: days off, shift changes, and how floating is handled.
Clarify start and end dates so you know where you’ll be over key holiday dates.
On the personal side: schedule calls with loved ones, plan for how you’ll celebrate (or modify your celebration) given your assignment.

3. Create Your Own Traditions, Wherever You Are

Being away from home doesn’t mean skipping the holiday vibe. Consider:

Light a small tree or hang decorations in your housing.
Find local holiday events such as community tree lighting, local markets, and festive concerts.
Work with your unit to participate in holiday potlucks or staff celebrations. It helps build connection and eases the “away from home” feeling.

4. Set Boundaries & Commit to Self‑Care

Working through the holidays can blur lines between home and work. Be intentional:

Block calendar time for rest, for calling home, for doing something that recharges you.
If you’ll be working a shift on a major holiday, decide ahead of time how you’ll celebrate or mark the occasion (even in small ways).
Prioritize sleep, nutrition, hydration!! Especially when shift demands escalate.
Self‑care isn’t optional; it’s essential for maintaining your best performance and mental health.

5. Leverage the Travel Advantage

There are unique perks for travel nurses during the holidays:

You may qualify for premium pay or holiday differentials depending on the contract.
You get to spend a holiday season in a different city or state, which can mean fresh local experiences and memories!!
The bonds you form with fellow travelers on assignment can become meaningful support systems during times when friends/family are far.

6. Communicate With Your Recruiter & Facility

Clear communication is key:

Let your recruiter know your preferences (time off during specific holiday days, rotating shifts you’re willing/unwilling to take, etc.).
At the facility: ask about holiday staffing plans, on‑call expectations, policies for floating. You’re stepping into a setting already tracking heightened demands—clarity helps you arrive prepared.

If you and your recruiter are aligned on expectations, your holiday assignment has a higher chance of being a positive experience!

7. When You’re Not Working the Big Days — Make Them Yours

If your assignment skips major holiday dates (e.g., you have those days off), you still can make them special:

Travel locally nearby for a day trip or experience you otherwise may not have time for.
Host a virtual call with family/friends and plan to open gifts or share a meal “together” from afar.
Reflect on what you’re grateful for: the flexibility of travel nursing, the opportunities you’ve had, and being part of patient care when it matters.

The holidays as a travel healthcare worker can be challenging, but they don’t have to feel like a sacrifice. With the right preparation, clear communication, and self‑care mindset, your assignment can be a unique chapter filled with new friendships, meaningful care, and personal growth!

And if you’re not looking to work through the holidays this year, maybe you need a break or want to wait for a post‑holiday contract — we’ve got something special for you!! At Titan Medical Group, we’re offering a referral bonus of up to $1,500 if you refer a friend or a colleague who starts a contract with us. So even if you’re choosing rest now, you can still stay connected, earn, and support fellow travel healthcare professionals!!

Whatever your plan this season, working or waiting, we salute your dedication. Here’s to meaningful care, new experiences, and finding your place (even if it’s away from home for a moment).

Whether you’re working through the holidays or planning your next break, the perfect travel assignment is waiting. See what’s available now. View Open Travel Jobs

By Phoebe Lyman, for Titan Medical Group

By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

October 27, 2025

709 Views

The Perks of Travel Nursing

Posted on October 27, 2025October 20, 2025 by TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

Ready to take your nursing career on the road? Travel nursing is so much more than a career—it’s a lifestyle that lets you build your work around your goals, explore new destinations, and grow your skills in ways a permanent position can’t.

From mountain towns to coastal cities, each assignment is an opportunity to immerse yourself in a new community, meet diverse teams, and gain experiences that make you a stronger, more adaptable nurse. Plus, with control over your schedule and assignments, you can avoid burnout, build lasting professional connections, and create the kind of career—and life—you actually love. Read on to discover the perks of being a travel nurse.

Top Benefits of Being a Travel Nurse

Flexibility

Imagine being able to plan your life around your priorities, not a fixed schedule. As a travel nurse, you’re in full control. You decide when to take your next assignment and how long to stay in between.

There’s no waiting for time-off approvals or getting caught up in management changes. When your contract ends, you can choose to extend, relocate, or take a break. That kind of freedom gives you control over your work-life balance—something every nurse deserves.

Adventure

Travel nursing lets you live like a local in places most people only visit as tourists. You’ll dive into the culture, try new foods, and get to deeply experience the local scene—all while growing in your career.

Many travelers discover that their favorite destinations are the ones they never expected. Each 13-week assignment brings the chance to live, learn, and fall in love with somewhere new. Stay open to places that aren’t on your travel list—you just might find your next favorite destination!

Growth

Every new hospital, unit, and team you work with adds another layer to your professional experience. You’ll learn from diverse clinical settings, strengthen your adaptability, and build leadership skills that make your resume shine.

That adaptability doesn’t just make you a better traveler—it makes you a stronger nurse wherever your career takes you next.

Less Burnout

With control over your schedule and environment, you can avoid the burnout that affects so many in healthcare. You can take extended time off between contracts, explore hobbies, and truly rest—without the stress of mandatory overtime or hospital politics.

Community

Travel nursing may sound independent, but it’s far from lonely. You’ll join a network of recruiters, clinicians, and fellow travelers who share advice, friendship, and encouragement from assignment to assignment.

And when you travel with TNAA + TotalMed, you gain award-winning support—the kind that makes sure you can focus on the experience, not the logistics.

Find Out if Travel Nursing is Right for You

Curious if becoming a travel nurse is right for you? Join one of TNAA and TotalMed’s free monthly webinars, built for healthcare professionals exploring the idea of taking their career on the road. You’ll get a breakdown on everything you need to thrive as a travel nurse and start your travel career with confidence.

Do these perks sound good? Visit our job board to find your next travel nursing adventure and take control of your career and lifestyle.

By Fusion Medical Staffing

October 10, 2025

983 Views

The Ultimate Travel Nurse Self-Care Checklist

Posted on October 10, 2025September 30, 2025 by Fusion Medical Staffing

It’s no secret that life on the road as a travel nurse can be incredibly rewarding — and exhausting. Between jumping into new assignments, working long shifts, and navigating life away from your usual routines, it’s easy to let your own needs slide to the bottom of the list. But here’s the thing: travel nurse self-care isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity.

Taking care of yourself helps you stay balanced, energized, and ready to show up fully for every assignment. That’s why we created this travel nurse self-care checklist with simple, doable ways to put yourself back on your own priority list.

The Ultimate Travel Nurse Self-Care Checklist

Why self-care is important for nurses

As a nurse, you pour so much of yourself into caring for others, but self-care is just as important. The long hours, physical demands, and emotional weight of the job can take a toll if your own needs are repeatedly pushed aside.

By prioritizing self-care, you protect your health, prevent burnout, and keep hold of the energy and compassion that drew you to nursing in the first place. The TL;DR is that when you take care of yourself, you’re better able to take care of your patients.

Top factors that can affect mental health

Travel nursing opens the door to amazing opportunities to grow, explore, and make an impact, but it also comes with challenges that can weigh on your mental health. Adjusting to new facilities, teams, and communities is exciting and can be stressful at times. Constant relocation means tackling housing logistics and finding your rhythm in new places, all while being away from loved ones. It’s not unusual to feel lonely or a little overwhelmed, and when you add in the emotional weight of caring for patients, stress and anxiety can creep in.

The good news? Recognizing these challenges is the first step in handling them. With the right support systems and self-care strategies, you can stay grounded, resilient, and ready to thrive no matter where your journey takes you.

Self-care checklist for nurses

Nursing is all about giving — your time, energy, compassion. But to keep showing up fully for your patients, you’ve got to make space for yourself, too. Here’s a simple checklist to help you stay grounded, energized, and supported.

Physical health

Taking care of your body is the foundation for everything else. When you’re rested, nourished, and moving regularly, you’ll feel stronger and prepared for whatever your shift throws at you.

Stay hydrated
Pack snacks and meals that fuel you
Prioritize quality sleep
Stretch or move to shake off tension
Schedule regular health check-ups

Emotional health

Your job is emotionally heavy at times, so it’s important to process feelings and celebrate the wins (big or small) that remind you why you chose travel nursing.

Practice deep breathing exercises
Journal or jot down thoughts to clear your mind
Lean on coworkers, friends, and family for support
Pause to recognize your impact
Practice gratitude

Mental well-being

A healthy mindset keeps you resilient through challenges and change. Protecting your mental well-being means giving yourself permission to step away, recharge, and enjoy life outside of work.

Set clear work-life boundaries
Listen to audiobooks, podcasts, or music on your commute to de-stress
Try mindfulness, meditation, or prayer — whatever grounds you
Make time for hobbies that light you up
Seek counseling or mental health resources when needed

Social and connection self-care

Connection is fuel, too. Relationships give you belonging, laughter, and the reminder that you’re not alone in the hard stuff.

Stay connected with loved ones
Plan time off or mini breaks to recharge
Connect with other nurses
Give yourself permission for guilt-free fun and relaxation

At the end of the day, self-care practices are all about giving yourself the same compassion you show to your patients every day. Whether it’s staying hydrated, taking time to connect with loved ones, or simply allowing yourself a moment to breathe, small steps can make a big difference in how you feel. By practicing self-care, you’re not only protecting your own well-being — you’re also making sure you can continue to bring your best, most compassionate self to the people who need you most.

By The Gypsy Nurse

September 12, 2025

1026 Views

What Starbucks Drink Matches Your Nursing Specialty?

Posted on September 12, 2025September 15, 2025 by The Gypsy Nurse

As a nurse, you’re always on the move–just like your caffeine fix. Whether you’re scrubbing in for a long shift, triaging patients in the ER, or floating between assignments, there’s a Starbucks drink that perfectly matches your specialty. So, what’s your go-to order? Let’s find out!

Emergency Room (ER) Nurse – Espresso Shot(s)

Adrenaline-fueled, fast-paced, and always ready for anything–you need purse, unfiltered energy. The ER runs on quick decision-making, and so do you. A straight-up espresso shot (or two… or three) is the only way to keep up with the chaos.

ICU Nurse – Nitro Cold Brew

Cool under pressure, sharp, and always alert–the Nitro Cold Brew is your ICU soulmate. It’s smooth, strong, and packed with caffeine to keep you going during those critical moments when every second counts.

Labor & Delivery (L&D) Nurse – Caramel Macchiato

Sweet, comforting, and a little extra–just like you! L&D nurses bring new life into the world and create an unforgettable experience for patients and families. The Caramel Macchiato is the perfect mix of strength (espresso) and warmth (vanilla & caramel), just like your caring touch.

Med-Surg Nurse – Classic Pike Place Roast

The backbone of nursing specialties, Med-Surg nurses handle it all. You need a reliable, no-nonsense coffee that fuels your long shifts. Enter the Pike Place Roast–a Starbucks staple, just like you are to every hospital you work in.

Pediatric Nurse – Cotton Candy Frappuccino

Fun, creative, and full of energy, you make hospital stays a little less scary for the kiddos. The Cotton Candy Frappuccino (a Vanilla Bean Frapp with raspberry syrup) is bright, playful, and as sweet as your bedside manner.

OR Nurse – Flat White

Precision and skill are your trademarks, and so is your coffee. The Flat White is bold yet smooth, with just the right balance of espresso and velvety microfoam–perfect for an OR nurse who values control and consistency.

Telemetry Nurse – Iced Shaken Espresso

You’re monitoring rhythms and staying ahead of changes, so your drink has to keep up. The Iced Shaken Espresso is refreshing, strong, and full of life–just like your nursing skills.

Psych Nurse

Soothing, thoughtful, and always there to listen, you bring calm to even the most stressful situations. A London Fog Tea Latte–with its gentle Earl Grey tea and cozy vanilla notes–is the perfect match for your comforting presence.

Travel Nurse

Versatile, adventurous, and always ready for something new, travel nurses are like the Pumpkin Spice Latte–a seasonal favorite that thrives wherever it goes! Whether you’re embracing fall in New England or sipping your PSL by the California coast, you bring excitement wherever you land.

So, what’s your perfect match? Next time you grab you Starbucks fix before a shift, try the drink that embodies your specialty! And if you’re looking for your next assignment, TGN has the perfect job to go with your coffee order.

—————————-

By Meg and Ty Dewitt

September 9, 2025

1484 Views

Work, Play, Explore: Why Travel Nurses Love Rapid City

Posted on September 9, 2025September 2, 2025 by Meg and Ty Dewitt

Rapid City:

Rapid City, South Dakota, has everything you could want in a travel nursing contract: easy access to nature, a welcoming community, a great hospital system, and the perfect blend of small-town charm with the amenities of a city.

Known as the “Gateway to the Black Hills,” Rapid City lives up to its name. Within an hour’s drive, you’ll find jaw-dropping hikes, caves, mountain lakes, historic landmarks, and plenty of opportunity to spot wildlife. On your days off, you’ll never run out of places to explore.

Must-See Attractions for Rapid City Travel Nurses:

Custer State Park: Custer State Park is one of the crown jewels of South Dakota. The scenic Wildlife Loop Road offers incredible viewing opportunities of bison, elk, pronghorn, and burros, while hiking trails lead to granite spires, crystal-clear lakes, and panoramic views from peaks. Whether you’re driving Needles Highway, kayaking, or simply enjoying a sunset over the prairie, Custer delivers endless ways to recharge between shifts. A few of the best hikes in the area are Cathedral Spires, Sunday Gulch, Black Elk Peak, and Lovers Leap Trail.

Badlands National Park: Just about an hour from Rapid City, the Badlands feel like stepping onto another planet. The jagged cliffs, striped rock formations, and prairie make it one of the most unique landscapes in the U.S. In the Badlands, you can watch bighorn sheep climb along the ridges in the morning, hike through colorful canyons by day, and enjoy a sunset that paints the whole horizon in pink and gold by night.

Wind Cave National Park: When summer temps start to rise, head underground! Wind Cave is one of the longest and most complex cave systems in the world. Take a ranger-led tour and explore fascinating formations like boxwork and frostwork. It is the perfect place to cool off in the summer.

Nearby Lakes: There are several lakes within an hours drive from Rapid City. If you are looking for a place to swim, paddleboard, or fish, check out Pactola Lake, Sheridan Lake, Sylvan Lake, and Center Lake, just to name a few.

Spearfish Canyon: Only about 45 min from Rapid City, this limestone canyon is filled with lush greenery, waterfalls such as Roughlock Falls, Spearfish Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and hikes like Devil’s Bathtub and Iron Creek Trail. The drive is absolutely stunning, but if you want to explore a little deeper into the canyon, you can rent UTVs at Spearfish Lodge to take the road less traveled.

Historic Landmarks:

Only 30 minutes from Rapid City, Mt. Rushmore features the carved faces of four U.S. presidents. You can also enjoy nearby trails, a museum, and evening lighting ceremonies. Not far from Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial is still in progress. It honors the Lakota leader and Native American heritage, with a cultural center and museum that add meaning to the visit.

Explore Nearby Towns:

Hot Springs is the perfect low-key day trip. Soak in the Moccasin Hot Springs mineral pools, explore the charming downtown, and cool off at Cascade Falls, a natural swimming hole surrounded by greenery.

Known as the “Heart of the Hills,” Hill City is a cute little town with great access to the Mickelson Trail, a scenic 100-mile trail perfect for biking or walking. Rent a bike, grab a coffee, and spend the day cruising through the pines.

Devils Tower National Monument: Just a couple of hours from Rapid City, Devils Tower rises straight out of the prairie and is something you have to see in person. It’s a sacred place, a climber’s challenge, and a great spot for a day trip hike.

Downtown Rapid City: Rapid City might not be the largest city, but it is packed full with activity and life. There are always local events throughout the week in the square, including live music, movie nights, and plenty of great restaurants and shops. A few restaurant recommendations downtown are Kathmunda Bistro, Toastique, The Sour, and Independent Ale House. If you want to try some local coffee shops, check out Ridgeline Roasters, Essence of Coffee, and Dixon Coffee.

For travel nurses, Rapid City really does have the best of both worlds and the perfect balance of work and play. With weekend adventures filled with hiking, wildlife, and iconic landmarks, it is easy to see why this destination leaves a lasting impression.

Ready for your next adventure? Rapid City is more than a stop on the map; it’s a chance to grow in your career while exploring some of the most stunning landscapes in the country. If you’re looking for a contract that blends rewarding work with endless adventures, Rapid City should be at the top of your list.

So, You’re Wondering: Is Travel Nursing Right for Me?

What to Expect When You Hit the Road

Is Travel Nursing Right for You?

Why Start Now?

Top Myths About Travel Nursing—Busted

How to Get Started

Related Posts

Travel Nurse Housing Tips We Say on Repeat

Decoding Radiology: Understanding the Roles of CT, X-Ray, and MRI Techs

Floating During a Travel Assignment

Categories

Travel Healthcare Jobs

Recent Articles

1. Recognize the Dynamics of Holiday Healthcare

2. Plan Ahead (Both Professionally and Personally)

3. Create Your Own Traditions, Wherever You Are

4. Set Boundaries & Commit to Self‑Care

5. Leverage the Travel Advantage

6. Communicate With Your Recruiter & Facility

7. When You’re Not Working the Big Days — Make Them Yours

Related Posts

How Staffing Agencies Work for the Benefit of Travel Nurses

Breaking Stereotypes: Nursing Portrayals in Today’s Media and Their Impact

10 Questions to Answer Before Taking an Assignment

Categories

Travel Healthcare Jobs

Recent Articles

Top Benefits of Being a Travel Nurse

Flexibility

Adventure

Growth

Less Burnout

Community

Find Out if Travel Nursing is Right for You

Related Posts

Top 8 Reasons Nurses Choose Correctional Travel Assignments

Will COVID-19 and the Pandemic Affect the 2020-2021 Flu Season for Travel Nurses?

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Location for a Travel Nursing Assignment

Categories

Travel Healthcare Jobs

Recent Articles

The Ultimate Travel Nurse Self-Care Checklist

Why self-care is important for nurses

Top factors that can affect mental health

Self-care checklist for nurses

Physical health

Emotional health

Mental well-being

Social and connection self-care

Related Posts

How Travel Nurses Find Balance

How Social Media Affects Mental Health

What You Might Be Missing Online

Categories

Travel Healthcare Jobs

Recent Articles

Emergency Room (ER) Nurse – Espresso Shot(s)

ICU Nurse – Nitro Cold Brew

Labor & Delivery (L&D) Nurse – Caramel Macchiato

Med-Surg Nurse – Classic Pike Place Roast

Pediatric Nurse – Cotton Candy Frappuccino

OR Nurse – Flat White

Telemetry Nurse – Iced Shaken Espresso

Psych Nurse

Travel Nurse

Related Posts

The First Year Isn’t the Hardest Year

5 Steps to Reaching Your Fitness Goals This New Year

Why Travel Nurses Must Take Time for Themselves (And How You Can!)

Categories

Travel Healthcare Jobs

Recent Articles

Rapid City:

Must-See Attractions for Rapid City Travel Nurses:

Historic Landmarks:

Related Posts

Enjoying New York City’s Lesser Known Magic During A Winter Assignment

From Arizona to Alaska: The Ultimate Travel Nurse Bucket List Landmarks Edition

Get Some Fresh Air in the Rocky Mountains

Categories