By Kathy Timbs

April 18, 2018

24419 Views

Travel Nursing as a Single Parent

Posted on April 18, 2018May 20, 2021 by Kathy Timbs

Guest Post by: Kathy Timbs.

Traveling as a Single Parent

When I first thought of traveling as a single parent, I had to take into consideration my 14-year-old. How was I going to be able to school her? Where would we stay? What would she do when I was at work? I researched these questions for about 6 months. Went on the Travel Gypsy Facebook page and started asking questions. I read what other parents did. There were a lot of nuclear families and only a few single parents at first. Then, as time went by, I found more. I found other single parents doing exactly what I wanted to do. I reached out to them via messenger and made friends. They gave me a lot of advice, from schooling, to how they actually did it.

My first assignment as a single parent was close to home.

I could stay there and just go to and from work. Just to try it. In my second assignment, I was lucky again, and it was where my aunt and uncle lived. My third assignment was in Virginia and I was from Texas. I was so nervous! Made tons of phone calls and spoke to a few people on Airbnb for the perfect place. I got all the homeschool stuff ready and got her registered online through Khan academy and Google classroom. I figured I could have her write papers about what we saw and I could grade them.

Car Loaded

In August, my daughter and I loaded up the car with what we thought we needed. It was very full! I got her withdrawn from regular school(look at your state’s requirements) and started on her homeschool path. We got a Texas flag and decided to take pictures with it at all the states we saw. I thought that would be neat for a scrapbook later.

Housing

I looked at Airbnb and found us a basement apartment in a family home, I was so nervous and excited all at the same time.

We started our trek across many states. I made it a point to stop in every state for a cave tour, museum tour, or just a picnic. It was giving us quality time that I lost with the monotony of the grind back home. We were seeing a different side of each other. We were building a stronger bond, knowing we had to rely solely each other. It’s a different type of reliance. At home, we have the safety of family to help, but now it’s just us.

Once we arrived and got moved into our new home, we looked at where we were and what there was to do in the area. We started local at first and as time went, we expanded our horizons to other states. I don’t mind driving, so if I had a few days off we would travel up to 8 hours away. We wanted to see the leaves change colors. We wanted to see the mountains and valleys. Just see the beauty around us.

I have always had an open mind and a heart to explore. I wanted my daughter to have this also. We have seen 17 states so far! We decided to get her a bracelet from Brighton. The reason why we chose Brighton is that they have charms for every state. That became “our thing”. She would get a new charm for every state we visited together. It was a neat day trip to pick them out and we could talk about what we did in each state. She kept a list of all the states we visited and we would go every six weeks and buy them($12-20 apiece including the spacers).

It has been a blessing to us!

My daughter has learned more about geography and history than any book could ever give her. It has built a bond between us that is stronger than we could have ever hoped. She has been able to complete her Freshman year 3 months early!! She would do her schoolwork while I worked. Her schedule is synched with mine. She knows that on days I work, once I leave, it’s time to buckle down. I would FaceTime her on my lunches for math tutorials if she needed it. She was able to see that she can be an independent learner and thrive! It was actually better for her since she struggled with reading. Now, she knows she can do it at her own pace so that stress was lifted and she excelled!

Socializing

People ask me, what about dances and prom? I tell them that she never really wanted to do them, but, she also makes friends through local churches that have teen programs. So, options are still available. This next trip, she is joining a travel basketball club! So, she will make friends and get to play a sport.

Traveling as a single parent with a child may need some extra work, but I would not change this lifestyle for anything in this world! All the positive that was given to our family and watching my daughters’ self-esteem grow was worth all the sacrifices!!

By Host Healthcare

April 12, 2018

7628 Views

10 Healthy Meal Planning Tips For Travel Nurses

Posted on April 12, 2018November 28, 2023 by Host Healthcare

This article is provided by Host Healthcare

As a travel nurse, you are always on the go. From traveling between assignments to the fast pace work responsibilities, your days can be jam-packed. One of the things that suffer during busy days is eating healthy meals. Lack of healthy meals could lead to fatigue, lack of concentration, and more serious conditions like obesity. That is why we created these 10 healthy meal planning tips for travel nurses.

Identify Healthy Meals.

The first step to eating healthy is knowing what to eat. Healthy meal planning tips for travel nurses start with knowing healthy foods to eat. There are plenty of websites or magazines you can read to find healthy recipes. In addition, ask your other nurses what healthy foods they eat.

Planning.

After you know what to eat, the next step has a meal plan. Having a plan of what you will eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks will help you from eating a bunch of junk food. If you need assistance, there are apps and calendars to help you plan your meals accordingly.

Cook At Home.

Being a travel nurse, you might not have every cooking tool you have at home. However, cooking at home is a great way to eat healthily. Cooking at home allows you to make sure the ingredients are healthy. In addition, you can control your portion sizes instead of eating a large plate of dinner out.

Pack Your Meals.

Bringing your meals to work will ensure you have healthy meals and snacks to eat during your shift. Packing your meals ensures you don’t eat something quick in the cafeteria that provides no nutritional value.

Take Your Time Eating.

Did you know it actually takes a few minutes for your brain to tell your body it’s had enough food? Other benefits of eating healthy include better digestion and greater satisfaction with our meals.

Drink Plenty of Water.

While water isn’t a meal, drinking water is very important in planning and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Studies have shown that drinking water has a major effect on energy levels and brain function. So be sure to drink your eight 8-ounces glasses of water per day.

Have Plenty of Snacks.

This is the biggest thing that gets in the way of eating healthy—everyone snacks. As a travel nurse, you are running around throughout the day. Be sure you bring plenty of snacks to your shift. Great snack ideas include fruits, vegetables, almonds, baked sweet potato chips, or healthy bars.

Portion Control For Eating Out.

It’s unrealistic to think you will eat a home-cooked meal for every meal. It’s okay to eat out. But when you do, make smart choices. One of the easiest ways to eat healthily is to box half your entrée before getting to the table. This will help you not to eat large portions of food.

Know How Much You Should Eat.

Everyone’s body is different. The way we metabolize the food and beverages we consume is different. That’s why it’s a good idea to know how much to eat and track what you eat. Use a site like Super Tracker or Choose My Plate to understand how much you should be eating based on yourself.

Give Yourself A Cheat Day.

As a travel nurse, you aren’t expected to eat clean meals every day. Cut yourself some slack. If you’ve had a tough week or going out with friends, don’t feel like you must eat veggies while drinking water. You’ll be surprised when you give yourself one day that you end up eating well the other days of the week.

Hopefully, after reading this article, you have a good idea of healthy meal planning tips for travel nurses. These tips are not one size fits all. Be sure you tailor these suggestions to your dietary preferences, lifestyle, and schedule to have easy meal planning and a healthier diet.

By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

April 5, 2018

10755 Views

Five Reasons Why EMR Conversions Make Great Travel Assignments

Posted on April 5, 2018January 16, 2023 by TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

This article is sponsored by Travel Nurse Across America®

Guest Post By: Brittany Bennett

Over the years, EMR conversions have become a very popular reason to hire travel nurses. Facilities across the country are changing or upgrading their EMR systems and require an increase in staffing to perform these changes and get everyone trained on the new system. One of my very first travel assignments was an EMR conversion. I had no idea what to expect and was nervous enough being a newbie to travel nursing. Little did I know, it would be one of my better contracts and the knowledge learned would assist me in many other assignments and areas of my life. While working EMR conversions can come with challenges, here are five reasons why they just may be one of your greatest travel assignments.

Strengthening your resume

It’s no surprise that being able to operate more than one EMR system comes in handy as a nurse. We are already some of the best multi-taskers in the business, and being able to go from job to job while easily adapting to a different computer program makes you even more marketable for future jobs. With the market becoming more and more competitive for desirable locations and pay, being able to list a knowledge base of several EMR systems and completion of conversion assignments may give you a boost above another applicant.

Learning a new skill

Travel nurses are regularly referred to as adventure seekers. We like challenges and welcome new information. If you are already familiar with an EMR system, then life will just be all the easier for you. While permanent staff are stressed out and possibly struggling with changes, your presence will be doubly valued and you may be asked to be a resource or even placed in a position of supervision during the conversion. If the system is new to you, classes are required during your contract and often take the place of bedside hours worked during that time. During my first EMR conversion, I had two and a half weeks of classes and limited bedside hours. Getting paid to learn a new skill and taking a break from patient care can be very nice!

Opportunity for better pay

EMR conversions can be demanding. You are balancing patient care along with the system conversion and it is no doubt a high-stress environment for everyone working, especially during a “go-live” shift. Because of the extra strain on the staff, hospitals will sometimes offer incentives for their permanent staff and pay their travelers a higher rate than a non-conversion assignment. Conversions are also more popular in higher-paying states like California or Massachusetts. While the pay may not be a deciding factor when considering an EMR conversion, a little extra cash for off-day adventuring never hurts.

Make more travel buddies

During my first EMR conversion assignment, I was one of 10-12 travel nurses in the emergency department where I was working. This made for instant new friends and travel partners. Hospitals going through EMR conversions need lots of additional staff and you have a better chance at not being the only traveler in your department (been there, done that) by working a conversion. Permanent staff members are also fun friends (I’ve made some great ones!), but fellow travel nurses tend to understand the lifestyle a little better and are almost always up for exploring the temporary surroundings.

Great food!

Let’s be honest here. I don’t know a single nurse who would turn down free food. Funny yes, but what’s better than the sudden appearance of a delicious pizza, sub sandwich, or chocolate during a crazy shift? The hospital and management know the staff is under pressure, and they are typically good at showing up with or sending in food during those times. Sometimes even the physicians and/or staff purchase food for the shift or organize a pot luck meal. It’s a nice perk, even if it isn’t the first or last thing you think of when deciding on an assignment.

As mentioned, EMR conversions are not without challenges or issues. Travel nurses must be ready to take on the demands of such an assignment. Showing up with a positive attitude and readiness to learn or help teach is a necessity in these types of jobs. If you have ever considered or are considering working an EMR conversion, I urge you to try it at least once. The advantages far outweigh the bad stuff and you won’t be disappointed.

By Gifted Healthcare

March 30, 2018

13957 Views

Tips for Traveling with Pets on Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment

Posted on March 30, 2018May 19, 2021 by Gifted Healthcare

This article is sponsored by Gifted Healthcare®

Pets on Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment

There are many things to consider when making the jump to your next travel nursing assignment, especially if you’re a dog or cat parent. Recent events have shown how tragedy can strike a furry friend if his or her owner is not well-informed or prepared to travel with a pet.

Whether traveling by car or by plane, before embarking to your next travel nursing destination with your furry companion check out these tips and must do’s to make your traveling experience seamless, and most importantly, safe for you and your furry BFF.

Road Tripping To Your Next Destination

1.) Do a test run –

If your cat or dog isn’t used to going on car rides, go for a short ride to see if they behave well or are prone to getting car sick.

2.) Get a pet seat belt –

They can be a distraction for the driver, and they can get seriously hurt if they aren’t restrained during an accident.

3.) Have your pet’s information handy –

Better safe than sorry, make sure you have an ID tag on your pet’s collar during the drive, and that you have their health history in case of an emergency.

4.) Keep them hydrated –

Don’t forget to bring cold water in the car for them. They can get dehydrated way faster than humans.

5.) Your pet needs bathroom stops too –

Don’t forget to walk your dog or cat at the service station so they can relieve themselves and get some exercise. This will keep them calm and your car clean!

Flying With Fido

1.) Do your research –

Flying with dogs and cats is getting harder and harder each day. Every airline has a different policy on weight restrictions, breed restrictions, carrier size, etc. This is especially true if you want your animal to fly with you in the cabin. Before purchasing your ticket for your next travel nursing assignment, be sure that your pet is in the clear to fly with you.

2.) Find a TSA and airline approved carrier –

Unless your pet is a service animal, he or she will need to travel in a carrier. Make sure the carrier you purchase will be approved at TSA and at the gate. If you have the time, you should even bring the carrier to a desk agent before flying to double-check you’re in the clear.

3.) Talk to your vet –

If you think your pet will be very anxious or could get aggressive during the travel process, ask your vet if there’s any form of tranquilizing medicine you can give him or her. The less anxious your dog or cat is during the flight, the better travel experience you will have as well.

4.) Prepare to pay the fees –

The only way to avoid an airline fee when traveling with an animal is if they are a service animal or emotional support animal (ESA). Be prepared to pay anywhere from $150-250 per pet when flying with them.

5.) Purchase ID Tags –

Be sure to attach all of your contact information to your pet’s carrier and to their collar.

6.) Walk your cat or dog before flying –

Remember, not every airport has a pet relief area.

7.) Always keep your pet’s safety in mind –

Every airline has different policies, but these can be interpreted differently by different members of the crew. Trust your instinct, and if instructed to do something with your pet that seems unsafe, ask to speak with a manager.

Arriving At Your Destination

Phew, you made it to your new home with your pets! It’s now time to find a place to stay that’s comfortable for you and your pets.

1.) Find a pet-friendly hotel –

You’d be surprised how many pet-friendly hotels you’ll find these days in every city. Though most charge you a one-time pet deposit, a select few like the Aloft do not. Be sure to do your research before booking a room if they have any restrictions on the weight or number of animals per room.

2.) Make sure your future home takes pets –

Double and triple check with your Airbnb or your landlord if he or she is okay with you having pets.

3.) Prepare to pay hefty deposits –

Pet deposits vary in every city and by every landlord. From $100 per pet to even $500 per pet. Be sure to do your research and ask questions to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

4.) Update your pet’s information –

Plenty of pet owners forget this crucial part. Make sure to get your pet updated ID tags and update their microchip information in case they wander off outside the house.

You and Fido are now all set to head over to your next travel nurse assignment. Bon, voyage!

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

START HERE

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

By Gifted Healthcare

March 28, 2018

7618 Views

Yoga For Travel Nurses

Posted on March 28, 2018May 20, 2021 by Gifted Healthcare

This article is provided by Gifted Healthcare®.

Whether you’re a travel nurse in Missouri, or on assignment in Texas, you’re on your feet for long hours throughout the week. Being on your feet for prolonged periods of time can cause anything from back pain to tension in the neck. Although good tennis shoes and the occasional break can help relieve your feet while on the shift, there’s nothing quite like a good yoga practice.

Find relief, both for the body and the mind, by practicing these yoga poses that release stress and pressure from the lower back, stretch the spine, and melt away soreness in the legs. They’ll be the best few minutes, or hours, you’ve ever invested in yourself. You can thank us later.

Before diving into the first pose, start with a good yoga breath to begin releasing any stress you’re carrying and to clear your mind. Check out these asana breathing tips if you’re new to yoga.

1. Yogi Squat

The yogi squat may not be your favorite pose but it has multiple benefits! First, it’ll elongate your tired spine, it will also open your hips, stretch out your calves, and finally, aid with ankle mobility. If you’re not super flexible, you can also add a block for you to sit on and be more comfortable.

2. Supine Twist

A supine twist will open the lower back and ease up tension in the shoulders. The twist will detoxify the spinal column and rinse the spine with fresh, new oxygenated blood. Additionally, this pose helps with your digestion.

3. Happy Baby

As a travel nurse, you’ve probably noticed that after a long day at the hospital, your spine is what hurts the most. This pose not only opens up your hips but also relieves and massages any pain you may have on your back.

4. Cat-Cows

Standing for long periods of time can begin to compress your spine. With cat–cows, you’ll be able to stretch and elongate your column and relieve any pressure. Don’t forget to put thought into your breath as you’re working through this asana flow, this will add extra soothing benefits to your travel nurse yoga practice.

5. Upside-Down Forward Fold

There’s nothing quite like a good forward fold. However, in this yoga session, we’re trying to relieve any pressure on your legs, ankles, and feet. Similar to plow, the upside-down forward fold will help you stretch out your lower back and hamstrings, while not putting any strain on your neck.

Take a few minutes out of your day to do a few or all of these poses. Not only will the breathing clear your mind, but the poses will also soothe your aching body. While travel nursing can be exhilarating, it will also cause you mental and physical stress – keep things fun by taking some time for yourself and stretching out those tires muscles.

PS: Don’t forget that your breathing, is just as important as the poses you’ll be doing! Additionally, feel free to modify any pose to your body’s needs; maybe you need a little more stretching, or perhaps you need a little less. Listen to your muscles and joints.

Namaste!

By trustaff

March 8, 2018

7947 Views

How to Resolve Issues With Your Recruiter

Posted on March 8, 2018May 20, 2021 by trustaff

This article was provided by trustaff.

The relationship between a nurse and their recruiter is essential for a great experience during your travel nursing career. But every relationship isn’t perfect—you might experience some growing pains now and then it can be hard enough to address issues with the people closest to you, so how can you go about addressing your concerns with your recruiter? We’ve put together some tips that can help!

1. MAKE A LIST

When you’re approaching such a tender subject, it might be difficult to communicate your honest thoughts and feelings. It’s pretty easy to get caught up in thinking about what the other person might be feeling. Take a few minutes to write it all down.

Make a list of the issues you are having or the concerns that are frustrating you. Add in what you are looking for in a great recruiter. Do you need someone that has a similar personality? Or someone that is easily reachable? The list will help you approach the subject with your agency and communicate what you need clearly.

If you’re not exactly sure why you’re not gelling, ask yourself these questions to help get you started:

Are your personalities just not clicking?
Do they communicate enough with you?
Do you feel like they have your back?
Are they providing you with all the details you need?
Do you feel like they are listening to you?
Are they considering your priorities?
Have they taken the time to break down the contract with you?
Are they checking in on you regularly?

2. SCHEDULE A TIME TO TALK

Next, send an email to your recruiter and get a specific time and date on their calendar. Scheduling out the call ahead of time gives you much needed, uninterrupted time to really talk through all your concerns and work out a system that works for both of you. The last thing you want is to get all ready for this not-so-easy conversation and not have enough time to really talk it out.

3. TALK IT OUT WITH RECRUITER

Speaking to your current recruiter about your concerns is beneficial for both of you. The conversation gives your recruiter the opportunity to learn how they can help serve you better. Every nurse is different and so is every recruiter. If you’re not getting what you need from the recruiter you have, the best way to get there is by letting them know and allowing them the opportunity to try and do better.

Some recruiters are more experienced than others and may not have nailed down how to really develop a relationship with their nurses yet. This conversation could be a great experience for them to learn how they can improve and make sure their nurses are getting the travel experience they deserve. By communicating openly about what you want and need, you are creating a stronger relationship that will be mutually beneficial for you both.

4. FOLLOW UP WITH AN EMAIL

Immediately after your phone conversation, follow up with an email to your recruiter that summarizes what you two just talked about. Outline the conversation and any agreements that you two came to during the call. The email will create documentation that you tried to address your concerns with the recruiter and can help hold them accountable down the road.

IF ALL ELSE FAILS, REQUEST A NEW RECRUITER

After you’ve addressed your concerns and you are still aren’t getting what you need from your recruiter, it may be time to request someone new. Any agency you’re working with will be happy to help you find a recruiter within their company that is a better fit for your needs. Give the agency a call and request to speak with a recruiting supervisor. They can help match you with someone that best fits your needs.

When you hop on that first phone call with a new recruiter, go through that list you made in step one. They should know:

1. Your expectations: What does your recruiter need to do to gain your trust? How often do you want updates? What information do you need from them to be successful?

2. Your priorities. What means the most to you in a travel nursing career? What is important to you? Are you looking for some interesting locations? Do you need experience or training in a specific field?

3. Your preferences. Where do you want to go? What type of facility are you looking for? What size of city?

4. Your non-negotiables. Do you need a job in a specific town because your spouse is being transferred? Do you need pet-friendly accommodations? Think through what you can’t live without and let your recruiter know.

When you break it down for them in detail, you can develop a relationship with your recruiter that will be infinitely more beneficial to you both.

Every agency wants their nurses to have great travel experience and if you’re not, they will do everything they can to help you get there. Express your concerns as best as you can and you won’t regret it.

By Titan Medical

February 12, 2018

8998 Views

Dream Destination or Close to Home. How Do You Decide?

Posted on February 12, 2018May 20, 2021 by Titan Medical

This post is sponsored by: Titan Medical Group ®

Being a travel nurse can be an exciting and rewarding yet sometimes overwhelming experience. With each new assignment, travelers have complete control of their next destination. Sure, your staffing agency may have a specific hospital or clinic looking for help, but your destination city or state is up to you!

While proving helpful for travelers trying to stay in a specific area because of family or other circumstances, being a traveler is also a straightforward and effective way to find new dream destinations. Opportunities are endless for those who want to keep moving. While each traveler’s destination and preferences will differ, each traveler also faces similar choices when making a decision.

Do I choose a close-to-home location or choose your dream location?

Of course, the proposed job offer has to be an appealing one. Oftentimes, being away from home can be a difficult task. Traveling to a job that leaves you unhappy and dissatisfied isn’t going to make the home separation any easier. Make sure that the hospital or clinic of your choice is one that you can be successful at.

If the circumstances at home aren’t exactly return-worthy, finding a placement that makes you happy can create a sense of home for you. Happiness and success are key! Making your dream location a great option.

Even though the atmosphere of your destination job is essential, so are the pay and benefits. It’s important to show your worth and take jobs that reflect it. Traveling to Hawaii, for example, because you’ve always wanted to go there is an exciting experience, but keep in mind the cost of living there is exorbitantly high. When the ends justify the means, it’s easy to continue traveling and find jobs that reflect your worth.

Another important factor of traveling is finding both popular tourist destinations and hidden hometown treasures. Of course, you went to Sea World in San Diego, but did you try Machete Beer House while you were there? You might visit Music Row in Nashville, but wouldn’t you like to see the wildlife in Radnor Park? More times than not, the destination’s hidden gems are more exciting than their well-known tourist attractions. Find them!

The healthcare profession is obviously rain or shine; but, do you prefer it sunny and hot or a little chilly? The weather in any destination affects your stay, and sometimes your mood as well! Visiting Texas in the summer will be HOT, while visiting North Dakota will be absolutely frigid in the winter. Whether a place has mountains or beaches with sand, be prepared for what you’re traveling to!

Of course, the most important deciding factor is your family and your friends. So many travelers want to stay close to home to see their grandkids or be close to their parents; it’s a tough decision to decide between visiting a new exotic place or staying in your hometown for the time being. The nice part is, being a traveler provides you with the opportunity to go somewhere new whenever it fits into your lifestyle!

While these factors are important to consider, they rank differently in each traveler’s decision-making process. The ultimate goal is to be happy and successful! So, dream location or staying close to home?

About Titan Medical Group ®: In 2001, Brian Wilke founded Titan Medical in Omaha, Nebraska. Since then, we’ve become one of the top healthcare staffing agencies in the Midwest because of our uncompromising values and our dedication to filling positions with the best healthcare professionals available.

Those professionals include the best in the fields of nursing and allied health. They work at various healthcare institutions—from leading national and regional medical centers to traditional hospitals, specialty care clinics, and other centers of care.

By Andrew Ferguson

February 10, 2018

8562 Views

Adventures in Travel Nursing

Posted on February 10, 2018May 20, 2021 by Andrew Ferguson

I like to quote famous people in my writings. For this article, I’d like to cite a famous author, Hunter S Thompson, who once said, “Buy the ticket, take the ride”. Which, if you think about it, is exactly what travel nurses do. They take the chance of adventures that a lot of people can’t bring themselves to take. The rewards are off the hook, but even so, it takes some bravery, and a lot of gumption to step into the arena.

An assignment can fly by quickly, or it can seem like a lifetime. This can depend on how you feel about your latest job, but a lot of it has to do with how much you like the new town you find yourself calling home. So, therein lies the rub.

How do you handle a dud assignment, when all you want is to earn a living and get your adventures on?

If it’s a situation at work, that’s probably a case for you and your recruiter to handle, or you need advice from a fellow travel nurse. I’ve seen my wife come home in tears, so I know how bad things can get, but I’m going to stick to my area of expertise for this article, and stay out of the hallowed halls of the hospital.

So, the town your working in rolls up its sidewalks at 7:30, and everyone’s over sixty, or under twenty, depending on which demographic you choose to hang with (or in this case, not hang with). It can be rough when you don’t enjoy your temporary hometown. You can’t enjoy your off days, it makes it hard to get anything done, and you feel like you made a huge mistake.

We are a travel nurse family, and that can be a different animal then the single travel nurse, or a family without young children, but some of the following suggestions can be used by anybody that finds themselves in this situation.

1.) Never underestimate how much time you can kill improving yourself.

I’m not implying anyone reading this article needs an exceptional amount of betterment, but I also don’t think anyone doing this kind of work is afraid of a little personal growth. As a matter of fact, I’d say that it’s one of the reasons most of you are doing it. Take advantage of a bad situation, by reading, listening to lectures, or working on a new skill.

2.) You know you’ve always wanted to learn a new language.

You’re a traveler after all. Maybe you’ve always been interested in taking your nursing career in a new direction or starting an exercise program. You could try meditation, take up yoga, or learn to bake. A boring town gives you just the excuse you’ve been waiting for to investigate these opportunities. I would encourage anyone who is, or is with a travel nurse, to start taking pictures and writing down all the cool stuff you’ve seen and done. Sites like the Gypsy Nurse are always looking for new contributors, and if you’ve ever read anything by me, you know they’ll publish anybody!

3.) Remember too, that anonymity is your friend on the road.

Sometimes we’re held back from trying something new or taking adventures by how we think our friends, or family will react to it. Nobody likes feeling judged or being embarrassed, but it helps when the people doing the judging are ones you’re likely to never see again. Try it, and if you succeed, brag. If you fail, learn from it, and move on. Be fearless, and you’ll never be bored.

By ONESTAFF MEDICAL

February 2, 2018

8465 Views

4 Tips For Coping With Travel Nursing Stress

Posted on February 2, 2018May 20, 2021 by ONESTAFF MEDICAL

This post is provided by: ONESTAFF Medical ®.

Travel nursing can be an amazingly rewarding profession, but no one ever said it wasn’t stressful. Let’s be honest, nursing, in general, can be very stressful, and when you throw in a relatively foreign environment and the logistics of travel nursing, the stress can really ramp up.

No series of tactics will ever take all of the stress out of travel nursing, but there are strategies that can help you ease the burden and make nursing and the travel associated with it just a little easier. Employ these tips today to get back to what you really love about travel nursing.

* Plan ahead. Like, way ahead.

There are a whole series of potential concerns related to travel nursing, particularly if you’re relatively new to the game. To make the most of your travel experience, it pays to plan — and pack — for your trip long before you need to so nothing is forgotten in the last-minute rush. Lean on your staffing agency to help you answer any remaining questions you may have and follow this guide for making the most of your first few days in your new location.

* Remember your place.

Being a nurse means often being around people and their loved ones during incredibly stressful times, and it’s not uncommon for people to lash out at you when things turn difficult. As tough as it can be at the time, remind yourself that the situation, not you, is the source of the stress and that their anger/anxiety is not personal in any way.

* Take a break.

Easier said than done? It shouldn’t be. You’re allowed breaks, and using them can refresh you to come back to your patient care with more vitality. Use your lunch break and don’t be afraid to take a 10-minute walk around the building to vanquish stress when things get too hectic. You’ll be better for it.

* Don’t forget the physical.

Lowering your stress level is about more than simply thinking happy thoughts. There’s an entire physical aspect as well. Eating well and getting a good night’s sleep form the building blocks here, but don’t forget to schedule stress-relieving activities that you enjoy as well. Yoga, Pilates, or a quick run with a friend can all help relieve your stress and give you something to look forward to at shift’s end.

Finished the travel nursing guide and are ready to look for an assignment?

Traveling as a Single Parent

My first assignment as a single parent was close to home.

Car Loaded

Housing

It has been a blessing to us!

Socializing

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Identify Healthy Meals.

Planning.

Cook At Home.

Pack Your Meals.

Take Your Time Eating.

Drink Plenty of Water.

Have Plenty of Snacks.

Portion Control For Eating Out.

Know How Much You Should Eat.

Give Yourself A Cheat Day.

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Strengthening your resume

Learning a new skill

Opportunity for better pay

Make more travel buddies

Great food!

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Road Tripping To Your Next Destination

1.) Do a test run –

2.) Get a pet seat belt –

3.) Have your pet’s information handy –

4.) Keep them hydrated –

5.) Your pet needs bathroom stops too –

Flying With Fido

1.) Do your research –

2.) Find a TSA and airline approved carrier –

3.) Talk to your vet –

4.) Prepare to pay the fees –

5.) Purchase ID Tags –

6.) Walk your cat or dog before flying –

7.) Always keep your pet’s safety in mind –

Arriving At Your Destination

1.) Find a pet-friendly hotel –

2.) Make sure your future home takes pets –

3.) Prepare to pay hefty deposits –

4.) Update your pet’s information –

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

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

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1. Yogi Squat

2. Supine Twist

3. Happy Baby

4. Cat-Cows

5. Upside-Down Forward Fold

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