December 14, 2025

3065 Views

10 Tips for Surviving the Cold Weather as a Travel Nurse

Posted on December 14, 2025December 14, 2025 by Furnished Finder

As a travel nurse, you have the incredible opportunity to experience different cities and climates. However, when you find yourself in an area with cold weather, it’s essential to be prepared. Here are some valuable tips to help you stay warm and safe while embracing your travel nurse adventure in cold temperatures:

1. Layer up!

Layering is key to staying warm in cold weather. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep your body dry and insulated. Add layers of clothing, like sweaters or fleece, for extra warmth. Finally, top it off with a windproof and waterproof outer layer, such as a quality jacket or coat.

2. Invest in proper winter gear

When it comes to cold weather, having the right gear can make all the difference. Make sure to have a sturdy pair of insulated and waterproof boots to protect your feet from the cold and wet conditions. Additionally, get a pair of warm gloves, a hat, and a scarf to cover your extremities and keep them protected from the biting cold.

3. Stay hydrated

Cold weather can fool you into thinking you don’t need as much water as you would in hot temperatures. However, proper hydration is just as essential during winter. Dry indoor heating and cold air can dehydrate you quickly. Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay healthy and keep your body functioning optimally.

4. Use a humidifier

Indoor heating systems can dry out the air, causing dry skin, chapped lips, and breathing difficulties. Placing a humidifier in your living space can help combat this issue. It adds moisture to the air, making the environment more comfortable and reducing the risk of respiratory problems.

5. Be mindful of icy conditions

Cold weather often brings ice and slippery surfaces. Take extra caution while walking to avoid slipping and falling. Invest in a pair of traction-friendly shoe covers or boots that have a good grip to help you navigate icy sidewalks and roads safely.

6. Sanitize your hands regularly

Cold weather often coincides with the flu and cold season. Protect yourself by washing your hands frequently and carrying hand sanitizer. Maintaining good hygiene practices can greatly reduce the risk of falling ill.

7. Get vaccinated

Don’t forget to get your flu shot before the cold season begins. As a travel nurse, you may be exposed to different people and environments, making you more susceptible to illnesses. Getting vaccinated adds an extra layer of protection for both yourself and the patients you care for.

8. Don’t overlook mental health

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that affects many people during the winter months. The combination of cold weather, limited sunlight, and being away from home can impact your mental well-being. Make an effort to stay connected with loved ones, engage in activities you enjoy, and seek support if needed. Self-care is crucial for your overall well-being as a travel nurse.

9. Stay active

Inactivity can make you feel colder. Try to incorporate some physical activity into your routine to keep your body warm and boost circulation. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a workout at the gym, or yoga in your living room, staying active will help keep you energized and warm.

10. Embrace the winter activities

While cold weather might not be your cup of tea, take advantage of the activities that come with it. Try skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, or even building a snowman. Engaging in winter activities can help you embrace the season and make your travel nursing experience more enjoyable.

By following these essential tips, you’ll be equipped to handle the challenges that cold weather brings as a travel nurse. Stay warm, stay safe, and make the most out of your adventures in different climates!

Interested in a travel nursing job? Our job board is a great place to search for assignments, and if housing is an issue, our housing page can help. It’s time to make a difference!

By Alex McCoy

December 6, 2025

4254 Views

Ways to Celebrate the Holidays During a Travel Nurse Assignment

Posted on December 6, 2025December 6, 2025 by Alex McCoy

Somehow, we are rolling into the holiday season already! Hopefully, by now, you have your holiday contracts (or holiday vacation) planned out.

While it might seem like every travel nurse takes the holidays off, in reality, a lot of people use this time of year to maximize income and save for time off later in the year. If this is you, we feel that! There are still plenty of ways to enjoy the holidays while taking advantage of holiday pay and flu season rates.

Even if you aren’t near loved ones this holiday season, we have several ideas that will help keep you in the spirit and full of cheer. Here are a few of our favorite ways to celebrate.

Get together with other travelers.

Chances are, wherever you are, there are other travel nurses who are also looking to connect and socialize during the holidays. Reach out to other travelers on your unit, or try asking your recruiter if they know of other travelers living in the area to help you connect.

A lot of the time, people are too shy to actually reach out, but they are happy to have the opportunity to connect if it is initiated. Offer to host a Friendsgiving or gift swap for travel nurses, or make a reservation somewhere for a meetup. You never know–you might just meet your new best friend!

Find local holiday displays.

This might feel a little awkward to do solo, but give it a try. You can pick the place, how quickly you move through the displays, and what time you go; it’s all on your terms! Take a little time to savor the beauty and reflect on whether that feels good to you. It’s hard not to feel festive sipping hot cocoa while enjoying Christmas lights.

Invite friends and family to visit.

Reach out to friends and family who might want to stay for a bit during your assignment and see if they can come specifically during the holidays. This is great because even if you can’t get a full 4-5 days off to go home, you might have someone who would come stay or even get out and explore if you have to work one of the days they are in town. The key here is to be intentional and invite people directly–sometimes our loved ones don’t want to “impose,” so make sure they know it’s not an issue for you to host them!

Dollar Tree decor.

Since you might not want to drop a ton of money on holiday decorations for your short-term rental, try checking out Dollar Tree for more budget-friendly options. Give yourself a small budget (think $20) and see what fun display you can come up with. You will be surprised by what fun and cute options you can get for a little more than a buck.

Block time before or after the holidays to go home.

Asking for the actual holiday off might not be an option for your contract, so instead, try going home before or after an actual holiday to see your family. Most hospitals relax their time off policy after January 1st, so you might be able to celebrate a late Christmas in January.

Another option is to trade into the “undesirable” dates around each holiday (such as Black Friday). This can help you get a stretch of days off before or after, which allows you enough time to fly home.

Even though some of these ideas are a little non-traditional, that’s okay! Many times, as a nurse, our holidays look a little non-traditional, and travel nursing is just a variation of that. Remember that this lifestyle is only forever if you want it to be–so make the most of the time you are on the road, and have fun making new holiday traditions along the way.

Interested in a travel nursing job? Our job board is a great place to search for assignments, and if housing is an issue, our housing page can help. It’s time to make a difference!

By Amber Pickler

November 16, 2025

15879 Views

What Questions to Ask the Facility During a Phone Interview

Posted on November 16, 2025September 22, 2025 by Amber Pickler

The phone interview with the facility isn’t just a time for the facility to get to know you; it is also a time for you to get information on the facility. This is important to know if the assignment and facility are right for you. Below, you will find nine things members of our Facebook group said are important to ask the facility during the phone interview.

Questions to ask the facility during a phone interview:

Nurse-to-Patient Ratio

It is always important to ask about the nurse-to-patient ratio. You do not want to go into an assignment where the nurse-to-patient ratio is too high. As you know, the nurse-to-patient ratio generally depends on your specialty and the facility/unit itself.

Scrub Colors

As you know, as a travel nurse, every hospital, even the different units in the facilities, often has its own color scrubs. Knowing this during your phone interview will help you plan for the assignment should you get it/take it. Our website offers a great resource for finding and entering a facility’s scrub colors. Search for the facility and enter the scrub requirements in the box.

Floating Policy

If you aren’t interested in floating often, it is important to know the floating policy at the facility you are interviewing. This way, there are no surprises once you are working the assignment.

Charting System

Not all facilities use the same charting systems, as you know. And as you know, the charting systems can and do vary significantly. You may not be familiar with the charting system, meaning one more thing to learn in an already short orientation period.

Length of Orientation

Speaking of orientation, it is important to ask how much orientation the facility provides to travel nurses during the phone interview process. Knowing how much orientation you will get before you take the assignment will mean no surprises when you start your assignment.

Do you use Block scheduling?

If you plan to go home on your days off or prefer to work your days in a row, this is important to ask during the phone interview. You can ask that it be written in the contract regardless. However, knowing if this is something they do or don’t do will help when deciding whether to take the assignment if it is of high importance to you.

Parking

Not all hospitals have on-site parking or charge for parking. Knowing this ahead of taking the assignment will help you make your decision and help to decide what exactly needs to be in your contract. If they charge for parking, you may ask for parking to be included in your Meals and Incidentals stipend on your contract.

Weekend and Holiday Requirements

As a travel nurse, the last thing you want is to get to the assignment and get scheduled to work every weekend or holiday if they fall during your assignment. This is another case where you can try to include it in there if you know before signing the contract.

Chances of Extending

You may want to extend if you enjoy the contract and the area. During the initial interview, this is a great time to find out if there is an opportunity to extend your contract should you want to at the end of your first contract.

We hope this list of questions to ask the facility during the phone interview has been helpful. Whether you are new to travel nursing or a veteran, we hope there is something for everyone. This list is not all-inclusive, and there are sure to be more questions you may feel are important to ask. If you think we missed important ones, please feel free to comment on 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.

By Elizabeth Barletta

November 6, 2025

47686 Views

8 of the Healthiest Sports to Stay Fit on the Go

Posted on November 6, 2025November 10, 2025 by Elizabeth Barletta

As a travel nurse, it isn’t always easy to find a sport or workout that can be done on the go. This list of the healthiest sports includes many that travel nurses can do even while on assignment. Sports promote competition and can help you be creative and inspire you to improve. However, not all of them have the same impact on your body.

Some sports can help you be healthy that are not too costly but are just as effective in keeping you in shape. People participate in sports because it is fun, and they can get a host of health benefits from staying active. If you want to have a healthy body by losing weight, toning your muscles, or improving your fitness, here are some of the healthiest
sports that can help you in achieving these objectives.

These are all proven to have low rates of injury but have a massive impact on physical and mental well-being.

Swimming 🏊

Many health benefits are related to swimming. First is your cardiovascular fitness. When you are into swimming, it can help boost the functions of your cardiovascular system because it works on the whole body.

The major muscle groups are also involved in an exhaustive workout, depending on how vigorous your swimming routines are. Another area where swimming can help is flexibility and posture. Because this sport needs your entire body to move, all the muscles and bones are at work.

Swimming is perfect for all levels and ages because it is less stressful and one of the safest sports. It helps maintain your weight and improves overall fitness and the capacity of the lungs. It also promotes socialization, as many clubs offer classes where you can join and meet other people.

Biking or Cycling 🚴

You don’t have to join the Tour de France to reap the benefits of this sport. Just 40 minutes of cycling is enough to burn 400 calories. Some fitness studios offer indoor cycling classes for people who want to burn higher amounts of calories. It can help tone the leg muscles and shave off excess around the abdomen.

Cycling can improve cardiovascular fitness and lower the risk of heart disease. It is also easy on the bones and joints, like swimming, because it is a low-impact sport. Plus, it can make your brain perform better, and you will feel happier.

Tennis 🎾

Tennis is one of the healthiest sports because it can burn 600 calories. When you play tennis, all the little pivots, sprints, serves, and slams will require you to use your strength and energy. Although these are short bursts, it is still powerful. It can tremendously help expand your lungs’ capacity and improve your overall fitness and ability.

This sport is also very accessible. Because it is known worldwide, it does not matter what level or age group you are. You can find clubs that can cater to your needs.

Running 🏃‍♂️

Running is another activity that burns many calories and is the most straightforward way to lose weight. It improves your cardiovascular endurance and can help lower blood pressure. Since it is a cardiovascular exercise, it can contribute to a healthy heart and reduce the risk of a heart attack.

Also, running can help improve your fitness level, help tone the muscles, and decrease muscle and bone loss. As a result, running helps slow down the aging process. It is important to feel comfortable while running, so buying the best running shoes for your training would be a great idea.

Trail running is worth a try if you want to increase the challenge. It can improve your balance and coordination because of the many obstacles along the way. This can help you learn how to control your body and improve your reflexes.

Squash 🥅

It has been hailed as the #1 healthiest sport all over the world for many years. Squash can burn calories, increase the fitness of the cardiovascular system, boosts flexibility, improves hand-eye coordination, and develops the body’s power and strength.

Squash, much like tennis, is also a social sport because you can play it anywhere at different levels and age groups. It also promotes a healthy mental state and encourages socialization and healthy competition.

Golf 🏌️‍♀️

Golf is a fantastic sport, and it can improve with age. It promotes muscle endurance and balance, particularly for older people. For all ages, it can improve metabolic, respiratory, and cardiovascular health.

This sport is recommended for people who are suffering from chronic diseases like Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancer (colon and breast). It is also known for helping to reduce the risk of dementia, depression, and anxiety.

Golf can help reduce an average of 500 calories for an 18-hole game. It will also help if you will walk on the course, as it covers about four to eight miles. Another benefit of playing golf is socialization. No matter what age or level, you are bound to forge friendships through the game.

Hiking ⛰️

Hiking outdoors is a form of exercise that has many perks. Aside from the beautiful views, the fresh air and the sounds and sights of nature are good for your physical and mental health. It is a powerful cardio exercise that can decrease the occurrence of heart disease, lower blood pressure, improve your balance, and strengthen the core muscles.

It can also have positive effects in fighting the symptoms of anxiety and stress. Being with nature can boost your immune system while keeping you fit and maintaining your health.

Rowing 🚣‍♀️

Rowing is another healthy sport that has plenty of health benefits. Aside from weight loss, it also helps in increasing muscle strength. You can start practicing rowing indoors, and when you are confident enough, you can try the great outdoors.

It can have powerful results for people of all ages, and you can choose the pace that is suitable for you. Rowing is an excellent workout to help you stay healthy until your golden years.

Gym 💪

Gym classes are the easiest way to start getting fit. There are many classes to choose from, like spinning, yoga, kettlebells, or TRX. All of them are designed for all abilities and ages to make you feel comfortable and have a great workout.

Because of the rising popularity of gyms, they have designed specific classes for each fitness goal, like if you want fat burning, aerobic exercise, or muscle toning. The gym expert can recommend something for everyone. Aside from fitness, joining classes can also help you meet people who can encourage you to get the most out of your courses.

We hope you found this list of the healthiest sports for your body helpful and that you found one that you enjoy.

Are you a travel nurse who makes time to work out? Do you have a sport in mind that you want to add to the list of healthiest sports? Comment down below.

Ready to take your healthcare career on the move and explore new places while staying active and healthy? Browse our current travel assignments and find the perfect opportunity to combine your passion for healthcare with your love of an active lifestyle. Apply today and start your next adventure!

By The Gypsy Nurse

October 30, 2025

701 Views

The Budget-Savvy Travel Nurse: How to Maximize Income & Minimize Costs

Posted on October 30, 2025October 13, 2025 by The Gypsy Nurse

Travel nursing is rewarding and thrilling, but it comes with some costs. Nurses often chase adventure and higher pay only to discover expenses can quickly become a thief in the night, stealing their earnings. With practical strategies, you can use wise contract choices, savvy tax planning, and resourceful living habits to add thousands to your bottom line, turning the travel lifestyle into both an adventure and a financial win.

Location Is Key

When selecting a travel assignment, consider location, demand, and cost of living. Salaries vary by state and between rural and urban locations, reflecting costs, budget constraints, and healthcare demand. Travel nurses should complete the following:

Review the cost of living, specialty, and salary by state to plan ahead.
Dream locations like Hawaii or California often have higher costs and unequal pay.
States with no income tax, like Tennessee or Florida, can stretch income.
Locations with nursing shortages have higher demand and pay.
Urban assignments generally pay more to compensate for the higher costs of living.

Travel nurses can combat the higher living costs by planning, researching, and being flexible. Public transportation, such as buses or subways, can reduce costs, while taxi services can be more costly. Alternatively, commuting to urban areas from the suburbs can lower housing costs, while sticking to a budget brings financial gain.

Taking Advantage of Low-Cost Locations

Selecting no-income-tax states (e.g., Tennessee) with rural areas of need can increase earnings by reducing expenses. Rural communities offer lower costs of living, helping you maximize your housing stipend while minimizing daily expenses. They also often come with assignment bonuses, which increase income.

The unique experiences of rural communities are often more relaxed in contrast to urban locations. Nurses often work across multiple departments, building autonomy and broadening skills. Alongside these benefits come some challenges, including shortages of specialists, higher patient loads, and health disparities, while difficulties with housing and transportation ask you to be creative and flexible. Regardless of location, visiting travel nursing blogs or joining travel nurse Facebook groups provides valuable insights and tips.

Keeping Your Credential Current—Without Breaking the Bank

Taking the state boards was bad enough once, but maintaining and obtaining licenses in other states doesn’t have to be. Temporary walk-through state licenses and the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) can help you save time and money. A single NCL application provides licensure in 43 states, while walk-through states like Arizona issue temporary licenses with minimal turnaround time, enabling almost immediate work. Regardless of which you choose, renewing your license with proper continuing education credits is paramount; however, the cost should be free.

Expired licenses are costly to restore, resulting in lost wages, steep fees, and even criminal charges. You can obtain CE credits through employers or free sites like Nurse.com or Nursing CE. Ask about CE and license reimbursement during contract negotiations, and always renew your licensure before it expires.

Housing, Stipends, and Negotiations

Thirteen-week travel nurse contracts often include housing, meals, travel reimbursement, and relocation assistance stipends. Understanding what to expect helps you negotiate with confidence.

Use General Services Administration rates and the local cost of living to maximize tax-free stipends.
Before negotiating, identify must-haves, such as guaranteed hours, higher housing stipends, and research pay rates.
Communicate clearly about expectations, use data to leverage better terms, and maintain professionalism.

If negotiations don’t meet expectations, be prepared to compromise or walk away.

Travel nurses can choose from many housing options. Agency-provided housing offers convenience, but housing stipends increase flexibility and earning potential. You can choose RV living, house sitting, shared housing, or extended stay rentals/hotels, allowing for lower costs and higher savings. House sitting offers the added benefit of additional income. You should consider commute, furnishings, pet policies, neighborhood safety, and how each choice aligns with your financial goals.

Reducing Upfront Travel Costs

Just like housing, nurses have options for saving on up-front travel expenses. Booking early can save money by securing lower rates and promotions. Clever options include sharing rental car expenses, having your vehicle shipped, signing up for loyalty programs through hotels, airlines, insurance, or rental companies, and considering assignments in proximity to reduce relocation costs. Following travel nurse blogs and Facebook groups and signing up for personal finance websites offer insightful cost-saving resources.

Tax Tips for Travel Nurses

Already have a tax consultant? Great. For nurses who don’t, here are things to know:

Tax Home: Your tax home is where you work, not where you live. The IRS allows deductions for temporary (<12 months) assignments away from your “tax home”. Always traveling means travel expenses are not claimable.
Deductible Business Expenses: You can deduct transportation expenses, lodging, meals, baggage, laundry services, and business-related expenses like tipping your waitress during a business dinner.
Receipts: Document all expenses using photos, apps, or Google Drive to keep organized during tax time.

Disclaimer: Information regarding tax deductions is for educational purposes only. You should consult a qualified tax consultant or visit IRS.gov for further guidance.

Building a Financial Cushion

Practical strategies exist for travel nurses to manage their irregular incomes and prepare for lows. You can apply these basic principles:

Budget based on the lowest estimates. Review prior years of work and estimate the lowest monthly income.
Strategically save extra. Apply earnings above the lowest monthly income to a three to six-month emergency fund or “buffer month” before non-essential spending.
Prioritize essentials. Cover the “four walls”—housing, food, utilities, and transportation. All other spending is considered non-essential and should stop first.
Build a robust emergency fund. Prepare for the unexpected and build up savings equal to six months of essential monthly bills.
Create a buffer month. Use one month’s income to pay next month’s bills, reducing stress during periods of lower income.
Eliminate debt. Use the “snowball” method to pay off all non-mortgage debt. This means paying off smallest to largest debt balances while making minimum payments on everything else. Once the first debt is paid, the minimum payment is added to the next debt’s minimum payment, and so on.

Real-world applications include budgeting extra income from stipends to avoid overspending, seeking higher-paying jobs to build a buffer or emergency fund, and paying off debt rather than inflating your lifestyle. The higher-earning months cover gaps in income and supplies for unexpected illness or expensive auto repairs.

Charting Sustainability: The Payoff of Preparation

Proper planning before embarking on the travel nurse journey grants you the freedom to explore while achieving professional, personal, and financial goals. By monitoring spending, preparing for the highs and lows, the unexpected, and learning from experienced travelers, you can turn challenges into positive experiences. Using the resources available here not only boosts profits but promotes a sustainably rewarding career. With the right approach, travel nursing can be both financially astute and adventurous.

Author Bio

I am Jeanese Ex, BSN, RN, a nurse, writer, and advocate with over 20 years of experience in labor and delivery, postpartum, nursery care, occupational health, and home care. I have served on the perinatal bereavement team, mentored nursing students with compassion, and am a passionate patient advocate. After an injury and autoimmune conditions placed my bedside career on hold, I founded Altruistic Nurse Writer, LLC to continue serving the healthcare community through writing.

References

Burton, L. (2025, June 4). What states are walk-through states for a nursing license? RegisteredNursing.org. https://www.registerednursing.org/articles/what-states-are-walk-through-states-nursing-license/
Nursing CE. (n.d.). Free nursing CE courses. Retrieved October 3, 2025, from
https://www.nursingce.com/free-nursing-ceus
U.S. General Services Administration. (n.d.). Per diem rates.
https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates
IRS. (2025, March 4). Publication 463 (2024), travel, gift, and car expenses. https://www.irs.gov/publications/p463#en_US_2024_publink100033775
IRS. (n.d.). Retrieved October 3, 2025, from https://www.irs.gov/
Nerdwallet. (n.d.). Retrieved October 3, 2025, from https://www.nerdwallet.com/
Nurse.com. (n.d.).. Retrieved October 3, 2025, from https://www.nurse.com/
Ramsey. (n.d.). Retrieved October 3, 2025, from https://www.ramseysolutions.com/
Robinson, C. (2025, September 5). The U.S. nursing shortage: A state-by-state breakdown. NurseJournal.
https://nursejournal.org/articles/the-us-nursing-shortage-state-by-state-breakdown
The Gypsy Nurse. (n.d.). Retrieved October 3, 2025, from https://www.thegypsynurse.com/
The Ramsey Show Highlights. (2025, May 1). Why should I drain my savings to pay off debt? | sorry we missed your call [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rb8BErM1gsc
Travelnursing.org. (n.d.). Retrieved October 3, 2025, from https://www.travelnursing.org/#timeframe

By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

October 27, 2025

775 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 Nomad Health

October 24, 2025

794 Views

What Travel Clinicians Say Makes an Assignment Great

Posted on October 24, 2025October 13, 2025 by Nomad Health

By Hourig Karalian, MSN, RN, DNP Scholar

What makes a travel clinician say, “I’d totally come back here”?

Nomad Health, in partnership with the National Association of Travel Healthcare Organizations (NATHO), surveyed over 200 travel clinicians to find out what really earns a facility a glowing 5-star review.

The verdict? It all comes down to culture, communication, and support.

What Travel Clinicians Loved Most
Most travelers (67%) gave their facility 4 or 5 stars, and three things stood out as total game-changers:

A supportive and inclusive unit culture (78%)
Positive relationships with colleagues (89%)
Feeling heard by leadership (76%)

And let’s not forget orientation, 78% of you said solid orientation helped set the tone for success from the jump. When you’re properly introduced, have what you need, and know what’s expected, the whole assignment flows better.

Orientation contentment

Willingness to support fellow travel clinicians

Desire to extend or return to the facility

Where Things Can Go Wrong

The most common issues for clinicians were:

Poor communication from leadership
Weak patient safety culture
Lack of helpful feedback on performance
Unclear expectations around call, float, or patient mix

Here’s a stat that speaks volumes: 91% of travelers who rated a facility low said they didn’t feel heard by leadership. That’s not just frustrating; it affects morale, safety, and whether you’d ever come back

Culture isn’t a buzzword; it directly impacts retention. When a clinician feels like they belong, are supported, and are seen as part of the team, that’s when they are more likely to extend. Even better? Clinicians are ready to pay it forward. 70% of clinicians said they are open to mentoring fellow travelers. Travel clinicians are showing up and building community at the facilities they contract with.

Takeaways for Hospital Leaders

Here’s what makes the biggest impact:

Build a strong first impression. Orientation should be clear, personalized, and efficient.
Prioritize communication. Check in mid-assignment and provide structured feedback.
Create a welcoming environment. A buddy system, team intros, and inclusion in huddles go a long way.
Be transparent. Clear job postings and expectations = less stress and confusion.

These small steps build trust and repeat travelers.

Bottom Line

Facilities that deliver on the basics — inclusion, communication, support — earn loyalty from travel clinicians. And that loyalty translates to smoother staffing, better patient care, and fewer last-minute gaps. Because in the world of healthcare, culture isn’t extra — it’s everything.

Want to go deeper? Read the full report here.
Check out our free HIPAA course for clinicians: 👉 Understanding HIPAA for Licensed Professionals. Or join the Nomad community: Join Nomad.

By trustaff

October 2, 2025

811 Views

Travel Nurse vs. Allied Traveler: Understanding the Key Differences

Posted on October 2, 2025September 29, 2025 by trustaff

In the world of healthcare staffing, two roles often come up in conversations about temporary assignments and travel opportunities: travel nurses and allied travelers. While both play critical roles in supporting healthcare systems across the country, their responsibilities, qualifications, and career paths differ in meaningful ways.

What Is a Travel Nurse?

A travel nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who takes temporary assignments in hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare facilities across different locations, often out of state. These assignments typically last 8 to 13 weeks, though they can be extended.

Key Characteristics:

Licensure: Must hold an active RN license, often in multiple states or through the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)
Specialties: Includes ICU, ER, OR, Med-Surg, Labor & Delivery, etc.
Demand: High demand due to nursing shortages, seasonal needs, or crisis response
Compensation: Often includes higher pay, housing stipends, travel reimbursements, and bonuses

What Is an Allied Traveler?

An allied traveler refers to a healthcare professional in an allied health role who takes temporary assignments similar to travel nurses. Allied health includes a wide range of professions outside of nursing and medicine.

Common Allied Roles:

Radiologic Technologists
Physical Therapists
Occupational Therapists
Respiratory Therapists
Medical Laboratory Technicians
Speech-Language Pathologists
Surgical Technologists

Key Characteristics:

Licensure/Certification: Varies by profession and state, may require national certification (e.g., ARRT, ASCP, NBRC)
Scope of Practice: Focuses on diagnostics, rehabilitation, therapy, and technical support
Demand: Driven by staffing shortages, specialized skill needs, and facility expansions
Compensation: Competitive pay, housing/travel stipends, and benefits similar to travel nurses

Major Differences Between Travel Nurses and Allied Travelers

Feature	Travel Nurse	Allied Traveler
Education	RN degree (ADN or BSN)	Varies by role (Associate, Bachelor’s, or Master’s)
Licensure	RN license (often multi-state)	Profession-specific certification/licensure
Scope of Work	Direct patient care, medication administration, care planning	Direct patient care, medication administration, and care planning
Specialties	Nursing-focused (ICU, ER, etc.)	Allied health-focused (PT, RT, Lab Tech, etc.)
Assignment Length	8 to 13 weeks (typical)	8 to 13 weeks (typical)
Work Settings	Hospitals, clinics, long-term care	Hospitals, outpatient centers, rehab facilities

Similarities Between the Two Roles

Despite their differences, travel nurses and allied travelers share several similarities:

Flexibility: Both enjoy the freedom to choose assignments and locations
Adventure and travel: opportunities allow professionals to explore new cities and cultures
Professional Growth: Exposure to diverse healthcare settings enhances skills and experience
Support: Agencies often provide housing, travel reimbursement, and credentialing assistance

Which Path Is Right for You?

Choosing between becoming a travel nurse or an allied traveler depends on your education, career goals, and personal interests. If you’re passionate about direct patient care and have an RN license, travel nursing might be your calling. If you’re drawn to therapy, diagnostics, or technical roles, allied travel offers a wide array of opportunities.

By Host Healthcare

September 29, 2025

88611 Views

8 Best Housing Sites for Healthcare Travelers

Posted on September 29, 2025September 29, 2025 by Host Healthcare

Host Healthcare provided this article.

Looking for trusted housing sites for healthcare travlers? You’re in the right place!

You’ve secured your next travel healthcare assignment, but have you figured out where you’re staying yet? If housing is still on your to-do list, don’t worry! With so much change happening in a short amount of time, the thought of finding temporary home can feel a little overwhelming. Between cost, commute, roomates, and even whether your pet can tag along. Where do you start?

Finding furnished, short-term housing isn’t alwasy easy. But it is possible to find a place that fits your needs and feels like home while you’re on assignment. We have compiled some of the most trusted and traveler-friendly housing resources out there to make your move smoother.

In no particular order, here are our top 8 recommended healthcare traveler housing sites for you to explore:

Transplant Housing

A temporary housing website built just for healthcare travelers? You bet! Transplant Housing prides itself on its ability to provide unparalleled comfortability in knowing that these homes are strictly open to healthcare travelers on assignment. Considering the lifestyle of a healthcare travelers, this platform connects healthcare professionals to homeowners who truly understand the constant shifts in this profession and the uncertainties that come with being on a traveling contract. They help take the hassle out of healthcare traveler housing so that you can focus on the job that awaits you!

Airbnb

The most well-known company in short-term rentals, Airbnb, goes beyond short-term vacation rentals. The platform also serves as one of the best resources for healthcare travelers to find housing when on assignment. With extensive options to filter your search, you can find the exact needs you are looking for in a short-term home. Airbnb also offers the most accurate availability listings when looking for specific dates to book.

Because Airbnb properties are typically owned and managed by independent homeowners who can dictate their own pricing, there are certain fees to be aware of when searching for homes on the platform. For example, cleaning and service fees may come attached to your booking reservation. There are, however, in most Airbnb bookings discounted rates for monthly stays. Airbnb is a must-start website when looking for your short-term home.

VRBO

A very useful alternative to Airbnb, VRBO offers many of the same searching features, along with clarity in when your future home is available and whom you are renting from. Like we noted for Airbnb, VRBO allows property owners to determine pricing for their rental property, which includes fees for cleaning and service. All fees will be communicated prior to booking your reservation. However, it is important to note that there are far fewer monthly discounts offered on VRBO than there are offered on Airbnb.

Furnished Finder

For those looking for short-term, furnished housing, Furnished Finder is one of the best options. Not only do they offer competitive prices, but they also provide property verification to eliminate the worry of scammers. Using Furnished Finder, you can perform a background check on any residential property you are interested in and gain access to property owner ratings. You can even check out what other listings property owners have rented out.

There are no hidden fees with Furnished Finder as they provide you with the direct contact of the property you wish to rent, so you may book directly through the homeowner. Furnished Finder is geared towards helping healthcare travelers discover furnished homes, apartments, and even single rooms that fit their every need. They even go the extra mile by providing city guides to help both new and well-seasoned healthcare travelers get familiarized with their new location.

Zillow

You may associate Zillow with purchasing a home, but did you know that Zillow actually has its fair share of short-term leases? Like other platforms, with Zillow, you can filter your search by price, location, house amenities, and even the style of home you are looking for to fit your preferred aesthetic. Before you start your search, we must tell you that the only way to find short-term or furnished housing is through the keyword bar. Once you’ve found a property that looks promising, you will want to read the description on the rental to help determine if it is the right fit for you.

The Gypsy Nurse Facebook Group

A Facebook page created for healthcare travelers by healthcare travelers. Could it make more sense for healthcare travelers? The Gypsy Nurse community is filled with healthcare travelers who are open to sharing their experiences traveling and working in different facilities across the country. Created to equip healthcare travelers with useful insights and tools they need to navigate the experience, this Facebook page built by Gypsy Nurse provides a caring community of both travelers who are renting out their homes and travelers who are searching for housing.

For those who would rather avoid communicating with landlords who may not completely understand the nature of this unique travel profession, the Gypsy Nurse Facebook Group lets you do just that. By joining this Facebook page, you are instantly connected to a host of healthcare travelers who may even be looking for somewhere to stay in your area.

HotPads

A smaller subset of Zillow, Hotpads primarily offers rental opportunities rather than homes and apartments available for purchase. This housing platform allows you to edit all the same filters as Zillow, making it a simplified process for healthcare travelers searching for their next place to stay. Hotpads gives users the ability to search for a variety of furnished options, whether that be a specific style of townhouse, condo, apartment, or even house. Although Hotpads is connected to Zillow, Hotpads provides unique listings different from what’s available on Zillow. To start searching for properties, create a profile, add your favorite listings to your account, and begin reaching out to landlords to make easy, seamless connections.

Apartments.com

Say goodbye to third-party servicing fees and hello to countless apartments across the nation right at your fingertips. Apartments.com is a very reliable website whether you are searching for a townhouse, condo, or any other type of apartment-style of housing. Aside from the never-ending listings on tap, a major advantage of using Apartments.com is that you will be working with the apartment complexes or real estate agency directly.

However, one disadvantage of using Apartments.com is the lack of short-term housing options. Many of the options available on the platform are listed as 12-month leases, so before you start your search, be sure to apply the appropriate “short-term” filter in the lifestyle tab. Once you have the proper setting selected, start exploring a variety of suitable apartments for your upcoming travel healthcare assignment.

🌍 Oh, The Places You’ll Go…

Travel nursing is an exciting career path filled with opportunities, challenges, and adventures not everyone will experience. Whether you are about to start a 3-month or 12-month assignment, it’s important that you feel at home in your new city. Leave it up to the short-term housing experts at Transplant Housing, Furnished Finder, Airbnb, and so many others to help you settle into your new home away from home. It’s the least we can do. After all, you are out there saving lives.

We hope this article on the top 8 housing sites for healthcare travelers was helpful in your housing search. Do you have any housing sites you use that we didn’t mention here? Comment those housing sites below.

Need a new assignment? 👉 Check out our job board.

Looking for your next home away from home? 🏠 Check out our housing page!

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1. Layer up!

2. Invest in proper winter gear

3. Stay hydrated

4. Use a humidifier

5. Be mindful of icy conditions

6. Sanitize your hands regularly

7. Get vaccinated

8. Don’t overlook mental health

9. Stay active

10. Embrace the winter activities

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Get together with other travelers.

Find local holiday displays.

Invite friends and family to visit.

Dollar Tree decor.

Block time before or after the holidays to go home.

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Questions to ask the facility during a phone interview:

Nurse-to-Patient Ratio

Scrub Colors

Floating Policy

Charting System

Length of Orientation

Do you use Block scheduling?

Parking

Weekend and Holiday Requirements

Chances of Extending

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Swimming 🏊

Biking or Cycling 🚴

Tennis 🎾

Running 🏃‍♂️

Squash 🥅

Golf 🏌️‍♀️

Hiking ⛰️

Rowing 🚣‍♀️

Gym 💪

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Location Is Key

Taking Advantage of Low-Cost Locations

Keeping Your Credential Current—Without Breaking the Bank

Housing, Stipends, and Negotiations

Reducing Upfront Travel Costs

Tax Tips for Travel Nurses

Building a Financial Cushion

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References

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Top Benefits of Being a Travel Nurse

Flexibility

What Travel Clinicians Loved Most
Most travelers (67%) gave their facility 4 or 5 stars, and three things stood out as total game-changers: