By The Gypsy Nurse

November 24, 2025

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How Healthcare Travelers Can Score the Best Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals

For healthcare travelers, staying on the move means every purchase needs to have a purpose. Whether it’s a purchase for your assignment, tech to keep you entertained while on the road, or items that make your temporary home feel more cozy and homelike. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are perfect opportunities to save, but finding and navigating all the deals can feel a bit overwhelming. Here’s a guide full of tips to help you snag the best bargains this holiday season.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday Shopping Tips:

1️⃣ Plan Ahead and Make a List

Start by deciding what you really need:

  • Travel Essentials: luggage, packing organizers, travel-size pillows
  • Assignment Needs: scrubs, shoes, a stethoscope, compression socks
  • Tech & gadgets: headphones, tablets, smart devices)
  • Self-care & wellness items (skincare, cozy blankets, on-the-go fitness gear)

Making a list helps keep you focused and can prevent impulse buys. This is helpful for travelers trying to keep their packing load smaller.

2️⃣ Subscribe for Early Access

Many retailers offer exclusive early access to Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals to their subscribers! Be sure to sign up for the following brands’ newsletters:

  • Travel gear brands: (Away, Antler, Herschel)
  • Scrubs and assignment gear: (FIGS, Jaanuu, Clove)
  • Tech and wellness retailers

Early access means you don’t miss out on high-demand items.

3️⃣ Use Price Tracking Tools

Leverage online tools designed to get you the best deal:

  • CamelCamelCamel: Tracks Amazon price history
  • Honey: automatically applies coupons at checkout
  • Rakuten: Offers cashback on online purchases

These tools help you compare prices, see past discounts, and avoid fake sales.

4️⃣ Look for Bundle Deals

Many retailers offer holiday bundles that give extra value for a single purchase. Examples for healthcare travelers:

  • Scrubs, compression socks, and shoes
  • Luggage sets with packing cubes and travel accessories
  • Skincare kits and wellness bundles

Bundles often save more than buying items individually, perfect for packing light.

5️⃣ Check for Specialty Discounts

Some brands and platforms give extra savings to healthcare professionals:

  • ID.me: verified nurses and healthcare professionals can get discounts on tech, clothing, and more
  • Rakuten & Honey: Extra cashback for healthcare and essential workers during major holiday sales

Always verify eligibility early so you can apply codes at checkout.

6️⃣ Shop Early (and Strategically)

High-demand items sell out very fast. For healthcare travelers:

  • Shop for bulk or essential items early.
  • Prioritize products that are a need or will make your assignment easier (ex, shoes, luggage, tech).
  • Leave the want purchases for Cyber Monday if you want more variety.

7️⃣ Set a Budget and Stick to It

Holiday sales can be overwhelming. Protect your savings:

  • Set a budget of how much you want to spend before you start shopping.
  • Create a list of your wants and your needs.
  • Remember, whatever you buy has to fit when you pack up to move on to your next assignment.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday can be game changers if you shop strategically. With the right planning and price tracking, you can score deals that make life on the road easier, more comfortable, and even a little luxurious.

By Favorite Healthcare Staffing

August 28, 2024

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How to Maintain Relationships While on a Travel Assignment

Favorite Healthcare Staffing provided this article.

We know that being away from loved ones during a travel assignment can be hard at times. However, there are many easy ways to stay close and connected while still being far apart in distance. Here is our list of tips on how to maintain relationships while you’re on a travel assignment.

Tips on how to maintain relationships while you’re on a travel assignment:

relationships

Stay in consistent communication. 

Even though you can’t talk face-to-face when on a travel assignment, you’ll always be able to pick up the phone and give your loved ones a call. If you’re not big on phone calls, you can also text, video chat, and email. A good way to stay in communication is by having a set day or time that you talk to one another so that you make it a part of your routine.

Give the person you’re thinking about a call when you’re either on your way to work and have a long drive, when you finish working a shift, or even during your lunch break. No matter when you choose to talk, at least you’ll be able to catch up and chat.

Try to make it fun by creating traditions.

A fun way to distract yourself from the fact that you’re away from your family and friends is by creating traditions. The day or night before you leave for an assignment, you could make it a tradition to spend the day together doing your favorite things. Other fun traditions include having a special date night, taking a short trip once you return from a long assignment, or even just watching a show together but separately while on your assignment.

Use social media to stay connected.

relationships

A fun and easy way to stay connected with loved ones is through social media. If you’re on an adventure and want to be able to share the moment, send them a Snapchat so they can see what you’re up to! You can also just send posts that you see to one another to show that you’re thinking of each other. If you’re not a big social media user, you can also stay connected by playing games together, such as Words with Friends!

Plan surprises

A thoughtful way to show that you’re thinking about your family, friend, or partner is by surprising them. If it works out for you, you can either surprise them by traveling to see them or even by sending them a simple gift. Either way, they will appreciate the effort that you put into making them happy.

Have a set plan

It’s crucial to have a set plan when traveling on assignments. Have a specific date of when you will be returning home, as well as when you’ll travel to see each other if that is an option. If you aren’t too far from home, you can even plan a few days off to travel back to see your loved ones. Many people think that travel nurse assignments have to be far away from home, but they can actually be closer than you might think. This can benefit you greatly if you’re prone to getting homesick.

Set expectations

Setting expectations is also very important to remember when maintaining relationships on travel nurse assignments. Know that it can be hard at times to be away from your family or partner. However, you just need to remember that it is only temporary and that you will get through it. It’s also important to know that being a travel nurse on assignments means that you have to be flexible with not only your schedule but your approach to connection as well.  As long as you’re aware of what travel assignments entail, you’ll have the best time on your adventures, making memories that last a lifetime.

We hope these tips help all travel nurses maintain their relationships while they’re away on assignments. How do you maintain your relationships while on assignment? Are there any more tips for maintaining relationships that should make our list? Comment them below. You can also search our open jobs if you’re looking to book your next travel nurse assignment!

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

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

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

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

By Titan Medical

June 30, 2024

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Considerations to Keep in Mind as you Navigate the Travel Process with your Recruiter!

Titan Medical Group provided this article.

Greetings from your friendly Clinical Team at Titan! As you embark on the journey of finding your first or next assignment, it’s imperative to ensure that your chosen placement aligns not only with your clinical and professional skills but also with your personal needs. Here are some considerations to keep in mind as you navigate the travel process with your recruiter!

Things to keep in mind as you navigate the travel process with your recruiter:

travel process

Perform a self–assessment:

Take time prior to the job hunt to assess your skills, experiences, and personal preferences. It is crucial to be honest with yourself, acknowledging both your strengths and areas for improvement, as well as the environments where you excel! Maintaining this self-awareness greatly enhances your ability to find the ideal job match, personal satisfaction, and success!

  • Evaluate your skills and competencies (clinical, technical, interpersonal).
  • Assess your overall knowledge regarding the clinical setting and regulatory guidelines.
  • Evaluate your professional goals.
  • Identify your personal interests and values.
  • Seek feedback from peers.

Clinical Experience:

Next, focus on clinical experience. This is the cornerstone of your practice. Whether you’re a seasoned nurse, a proficient lab specialist, or a skilled respiratory therapist, your competency in your profession is invaluable. When considering a travel assignment, prioritize options that align with your clinical strengths and interests. While travel is exciting, it is not the time to try a new clinical setting. Choosing contracts that match your recent and relevant experience will not only set you up for success but is crucial for safety and optimal patient outcomes.

  • Update your resume to showcase your most recent experience.
  • Update a skills checklist pertinent to your experience within the past 2-year cycle.
  • Are you trained and proficient in any advanced procedures or technology?
  • Knowledge of protocols, guidelines, and best practices in the area of specialty.
  • Update any new or renewed certifications.

Professional Development:

travel process

Although your clinical experience holds significant importance, it’s essential to reflect on your entire professional journey. Professional tenure encompasses the array of skills and knowledge you have acquired over the course of your career. This aspect is pivotal for fostering communication skills, leadership attributes, critical thinking and problem-solving, flexibility, and adaptability. These are all qualities that are imperative to your success as a travel healthcare professional.

  • What professional conferences or continuing education did you attend?
  • Do you hold memberships with any professional organizations?
  • Have you been involved in any professional research or publications?
  • Have you participated in professional/process improvement initiatives or committees? (Ex. Mentor, Pathways to Excellence, Unit Based Council, etc.)
  • Create and keep up-to-date a professional portfolio with licensure requirements, continuing education, awards, and acknowledgments.

Assignment Match:

Finally, assess your personal needs and remember your “WHY.” Working as a healthcare professional presents many demands and challenges. It’s vital to remain cognizant of your personal needs and mental health. Finding a position that accommodates all these requirements is an important step in ensuring the right match! This looks different for all of us, so consider factors such as the ones listed below to ensure the contract you choose will align with your personal goals and work-life balance.

  • Facility size (trauma level, bed number).
  • Location (housing, transportation, entertainment, and tourist attractions).
  • Patient population (Adult, Pediatric, LTC).
  • Orientation requirements.
  • Your personal scheduling needs.
  • Floating requirements.
  • Access to Continuing Education.
  • Professional Development opportunities.

At Titan, we understand the importance of high-quality placements and clinical excellence, not only for our clients and the communities we serve but also for YOU! We hope this provides a little guidance and support as you reflect on your experience, evaluate your goals, and find that perfect match!

We hope you found this article on things to consider when navigating the travel process with your recruiter helpful. Are there any other things to consider when navigating the travel process with your recruiter that we should add to the list? Comment below.

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

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

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

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

By KPG Healthcare

January 15, 2024

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Navigating the Future for Travel Healthcare Professionals Seeking Assignments in 2024

KPG Healthcare provided this article.

As we step into 2024, travel healthcare professionals find themselves at the intersection of opportunity and adventure. The landscape of healthcare is ever-evolving, and for those seeking new travel contracts in the United States, this year promises an array of exciting possibilities.

In this blog, we will explore key insights and strategies for navigating the dynamic world of travel healthcare in 2024.

Tips for Travel Healthcare Professionals seeking assignments in 2024:

travel healthcare professionals

Embrace the Shifts in Demand:

The healthcare industry is continuously adapting to changing demographics, technology, and global events. As a travel healthcare professional, staying attuned to shifts in demand for specific specialties and locations is paramount. Keep an eye on emerging trends and high-demand areas, as they can significantly impact the availability and competitiveness of travel contracts. Whether it’s addressing critical shortages or responding to public health needs, being adaptable to these changes can open doors to fulfilling and in-demand assignments.

In 2024, technology continues to be a game-changer for healthcare professionals seeking new travel contracts. Utilize advanced online platforms and job portals that specialize in connecting healthcare providers with travel opportunities. Platforms like Nomad Health, Health eCareers, and Gypsy Nurse have become indispensable tools for streamlining the job search process, providing a wealth of information on available positions, compensation packages, and facility details. Ensure your online profiles are up-to-date and compelling to stand out in a competitive market.

Consider Telehealth Opportunities:

travel healthcare professionals

The rise of telehealth has been a defining trend in recent years, and its impact on travel healthcare is undeniable. In 2024, consider exploring travel contracts that incorporate telehealth components. This not only broadens your scope of opportunities but also aligns with the evolving healthcare landscape. Telehealth assignments offer the flexibility to provide care remotely, allowing healthcare professionals to blend the benefits of travel with the convenience of virtual practice.

Stay informed about any changes in licensing requirements across states. As states adapt to the evolving healthcare needs, licensing regulations may be subject to adjustments. Make sure you are aware of the latest updates, and initiate the licensing process well in advance to avoid any delays in securing your desired travel contract. Agencies and facilities appreciate proactive candidates who are prepared and ready to hit the ground running.

Prioritize Work-Life Balance:

In the pursuit of exciting travel contracts, it’s important not to overlook the importance of work-life balance. Evaluate the overall lifestyle and community of the locations you are considering. Factors such as housing options, recreational activities, and community amenities can significantly impact your overall satisfaction during a travel assignment. Prioritize contracts that not only align with your professional goals but also contribute to a fulfilling and balanced lifestyle.

Check out our other blog on Travel Nursing Work-Life Balance!

As travel healthcare professionals set their sights on new contracts in the United States in 2024, embracing change, leveraging technology, considering telehealth opportunities, staying abreast of licensing changes, and prioritizing work-life balance are key to a successful and rewarding experience. The dynamic nature of the healthcare industry provides a canvas of opportunities, and by navigating the future with resilience and adaptability, professionals can shape a fulfilling and impactful travel healthcare journey.

We hope you found this article on tips for travel healthcare professionals seeking jobs in 2024 helpful! Do you have any tips to share? Comment them below.

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

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

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

By Amare Medical Network

December 15, 2023

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Festive Cheer from Afar: Embracing the Holiday Spirit as a Traveling Healthcare Professional

Amare Medical Network provided this article.

The holiday season is a time of joy, family, and tradition. However, for traveling healthcare professionals, this special time of year can also bring a pang of homesickness. The hustle and bustle of the hospital, coupled with the distance from loved ones, can make it challenging to fully embrace the festive spirit. But fear not; there are plenty of ways to spread holiday cheer even when you’re away from home.

traveling healthcare professionals

1. Embrace the Local Holiday Flair

Every city and town has its unique holiday traditions and festivities. Take advantage of your temporary location by immersing yourself in the local culture. Visit festive markets, attend community events, and try traditional holiday treats. You might be surprised at the hidden gems you’ll uncover!

2. Create Your Own Holiday Oasis

Even if you’re living in temporary accommodations, you can still create a festive atmosphere. Decorate your space with lights, ornaments, and other holiday cheer. Bake your favorite holiday treats or boil a festive stovetop potpourri to fill your home with the aroma of the season.

3. Connect with Colleagues and Friends

Your fellow travelers are like your extended family away from home. Plan a potluck dinner, host a holiday movie night, or organize a festive outing. Sharing the holidays with your colleagues can create lasting memories, make you feel less alone, and who knows, it might even create new traditions!

4. Stay Connected with Family

Technology makes it easier than ever to stay connected with loved ones, no matter where you are. Schedule regular video calls, exchange holiday cards and gifts, and share stories about your experiences. These connections will help you feel like you’re part of the festivities back home.

5. Embrace New Traditions

While it’s important to honor your family traditions, don’t be afraid to start new ones as well. Explore new holiday cuisines, participate in local cultural events, or create your own unique traditions with your colleagues, friends, and loved ones.

traveling healthcare professionals

6. Volunteer and Spread Joy

The holiday season is a time for giving back by donating your time or resources. Make a difference by volunteering your time at a local shelter, hospital, or community center or by donating toys, clothing, or food to a cause you believe in. Helping others is a rewarding experience that will fill you with the spirit of the season.

7. Take Care of Yourself

The holiday season can be stressful, even when you’re surrounded by loved ones. Make sure to take care of your physical and mental health. Get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and engage in activities that bring you joy.

Remember, the holidays are about more than just being in the same place with loved ones. It’s about the spirit of giving, sharing, and creating memories. Embrace the opportunities that come your way as a traveling healthcare professional, and you’ll find that the holiday spirit can shine brightly even when you’re far from home.

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

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

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

By Jogan Health

October 4, 2023

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How to Balance Travel Nurse Duties During the Holiday Season

Jogan Health provided this article.

The holiday season can be an especially joyous and memorable time. But, nurse shortages aside, it can also be challenging as a travel nurse.

Living a few miles or a few states away from family can be difficult when everyone around you is decking the halls. But you don’t have to settle for the holiday blues. Here are a few tips for traveling nurses to enjoy the holiday season — even if you’re on assignment.

How to Balance Travel Nurse Duties During the Holiday Season

holidays

Schedule your placements around holiday functions.

This may be a no-brainer, but it’s worth the consideration: schedule your assignments with the holidays in mind, if possible. Very few professions have the luxury of scheduling when and where they want to work. However, as a travel nurse, you get this liberty.

Travel nurse agencies and healthcare staffing companies may offer flexible assignments. Proactively communicate your holiday preferences to your agency so they can plan accordingly and find a placement that fits your needs.

Plan a remote holiday get-together.

While you might be hundreds or thousands of miles away from your closest loved ones, you can still feel like you’re two feet apart. Technology — video calls, text messages, etc. – can help you connect and participate in holiday activities from afar.

Here are a few ideas to bring your loved ones closer:

  • Video call into your family dinner
  • Cook a family favorite together over Facetime.
  • Host a holiday-themed game night.

Dust off your video camera and set your calendar — don’t forget to account for differing time zones! — and haul out the holly.  

Celebrate the holiday season during downtime.

Healthcare providers are essential professionals, so don’t be surprised if you are required to work on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, or other holidays. But just because you clock in on December 25 or the fourth Thursday in November doesn’t mean you can’t partake in the festivities.

Celebrating before or after the designated holiday does not delegitimize the meaning or excitement of gathering with friends and family. And, if you want to look out for your healthcare provider friends and family who face the same situation, throw a holiday bash of your own.

holiday season

Embrace the local culture.

Family traditions aside, you have the unique opportunity to experience the local culture — take advantage of this time!

Every state, city, and town has its own traditions and celebrations that can make spending the holiday season a fun adventure.

Don’t believe us? Here are a few unique holiday traditions from around the United States:

  • Alexandria, Virginia, hosts Water-skiing Santa, an annual parade of water-skiing Christmas characters.
  • Newport Beach in California holds a five-night precession Christmas Boat Parade where more than 100 illuminated boats decorate the coast.
  • Las Vegas, Nevada, organizes the annual Great Santa Run, where hundreds of Santas take to the strip to show their holiday cheer.
  • New York, New York, holds its famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Practice self-care

Like so many, the holiday season can be stressful for travel nurses — whether it be the disappointment of missing a family tradition or the loneliness of spending the holidays in a new environment.

Proactively plan and prioritize a self-care routine that supports your wellness during this time. Join support groups, seek counseling, or plan holiday-centric activities that you can enjoy solo.

Conclusion

Being a travel nurse is an exciting but challenging feat. And just because you’re on assignment doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the holiday season. Plan accordingly and turn your “Bah, humbug” into “Have a holly jolly holiday” this holiday season.

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

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

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

By AB Staffing Solutions

April 14, 2023

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How to Get Hired Quickly as a Travel Healthcare Professional

AB Staffing Solutions provided this article.

Travel healthcare professionals are in demand across the country, but how fast can you get hired? For travel nurse positions, we require 1-2 years of experience before you explore travel positions. For others, it may be a different timeline, so talk to the agency and recruiter to understand the recommendations. Once you’ve selected an agency, you will work with them to find the best match.

As always, we encourage you to communicate with your recruiter from the beginning as well as while you are working. They are your connection to answering questions about the contract. They want to learn how you’re doing in your placement and how you like your new home. While you would need to contact your on-site manager for specific facility-related questions, your recruiter is your resource for everything else.

travel healthcare professional

In this article, the AB Staffing recruiters offer tips for making the hiring process for travel healthcare professionals as smooth and quick as possible.

1. Organize your documents.

Send them to the agency quickly. This includes a resume, certifications, credentials, license, and references. Having this available digitally will make it easy to send from your phone or laptop. A delay in the submission of this information can result in the position being filled by someone else. We don’t want that to happen to you, so make sure to be prepared.

2. Communicate with your references.

Don’t let a call from an agency or employer be a surprise. Contact your references to let them know they may be receiving a call, the type of position you’ve applied for, and guidance for how your work with them matches the job. They should expect a call and be ready to answer our questions about your experience working with them.

3 . Be sure your resume is up to date.

As you advance in your career, make a point to update your resume. This way, you will always have a clearly formatted document to send to potential employers and recruiters. Your recruiter can also help you format your resume, but the info you send must be the most current. Keep this in a digital file as well. The more organized you can be, the better for you in this step of your career.

4. Be sure your physical and certifications are up to date.

travel healthcare professional

It takes time to get these, so having them current will make the hiring process move faster. If these aren’t up to date, we may have to wait until they are to place you in a travel healthcare professional position. 

5. Be flexible with the locations where you would like to work.

Our recruiters understand you have dream locations where you’d like to work. While we try to make these happen, being flexible with what is currently available increases the chances of being placed. The more specific you are, the more challenging it is for our recruiters to place you.

6. Flexibility with scheduling is necessary.

As a travel healthcare professional, you are hired to fill in where the facility has no one else. Every place has a different shift available. There may be weekdays from 9 to 5, or you may have 12-hour shifts or overnights. Being flexible will go a long way for you to be invited back or to extend your contract, especially if you want to stay longer. We cannot guarantee anything, but your openness makes it easier for us to place you and/or extend a contract when available.

7. Communicate with your recruiter.

We cannot express this enough. Whether you’re looking for your first placement or you’re a seasoned traveler, always keep in contact with your recruiter. They can find a contract faster if you’re in communication with them for submittals and questions. They also want to hear from you and learn about your experience.

travel healthcare professionals

8. Answer your phone.

After you’ve submitted for a position, keep your phone close and answer it. Try not to miss potential interview calls by screening your incoming calls. This can make the process take longer, and/or you may lose opportunities.

Getting hired quickly as a travel healthcare professional has as much to do with what AB Staffing has available as it does with how prepared and engaging you are. Our recruiters love when you have documents and references ready because they want to place you where you’d prefer. While we cannot always do this, we do our best to make great matches that support your career goals.

Want to learn more? Contact AB Staffing today!

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

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

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