March 24, 2022

7313 Views

Not Again! What To Do About Healthcare Burnout?

Posted on March 24, 2022March 23, 2022 by Aequor Healthcare

Aequor Healthcare provided this article.

Burnout is a term that gets thrown around so much in healthcare that you’re probably going to stop reading right now. Please give me a few more sentences before you decide to stop. Yes, you know what it means, you probably have it, and you’ve heard all the trite tips and strategies for overcoming burnout over and over. What more can be said?

How about this: It’s not your fault. It’s not a problem with your character or fortitude. It’s not the fault of your place of employment or a lack of planning and poor resources. It can’t be blamed on covid or society. Nor is it a reason to change careers and get out of healthcare.

Yes, your sense of purpose and fulfillment in your job are important. Yes, your emotional wellbeing and overall health should be priorities. Yes, you deserve to be paid what you’re worth and treated with kindness and respect. Maybe a change of scenery is just what you need—become a traveler or take a vacation.

So, back to burnout. Whose fault is it? How do we fix it?

Much research has been done that identifies rapidly rising rates of burnout among healthcare workers due to “high levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization and low levels of professional efficacy.”[1] The “Great Resignation” is really a thing. We all know the problem is bigger than any one person or facility, which are merely symptoms. Fundamentally, we are operating in a diseased healthcare system. The problem is that we think it’s too big to fix.

What can we do? As individuals, we can turn our burnout into intention. Let it inspire us to change the world within our reach. Emphasis: within our reach. Who and what in the world can we touch within our reach?

Instead of dreading the next shift and all the negative things that will likely happen at work, get curious about what we can bring into each patient encounter or interaction with a coworker. Go into each assignment with the intention to inspire and be inspired. Transform negative patterns into opportunities for growth. How might we choose to see things differently this time?

I know this isn’t the answer to the problem of burnout nor a simple solution, but it’s a start. That’s all any one of us can do—and talk about it. Say what you’re feeling out loud to a trusted friend or colleague. Then let it go. And refocus on what can I bring into this moment?

If it’s a change of scenery you need, search for healthcare traveler jobs with Aequor Healthcare Services.

Aequor Healthcare Services has over 20 years of experience placing nurses, therapists, allied healthcare professionals, physicians, and technicians in contract assignments across the United States. We match our best and brightest talent with jobs that lead to fulfilling careers and empower both employees and employers.

We hope you found this article on what to do about healthcare burnout helpful. Have you suffered from healthcare burnout? What did you do to get past it? Comment below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for an upcoming assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

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!)

[1] Listopad, I. W., M. M. Michaelsen, L. Werdecker, and T. Esch. “Bio-Psycho-Socio-Spirito-Cultural Factors of Burnout: A Systematic Narrative Review of the Literature”. Frontiers in Psychology, vol. 12, Dec. 2021, p. 722862. PubMed Central, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8672245/.

By Rory Donnelly

March 23, 2022

4885 Views

Are Nurses at Risk for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? 9 Tips to Avoid it.

Posted on March 23, 2022January 16, 2023 by Rory Donnelly

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or CTS is a condition that typically starts as a numbness or tingling sensation in the arms and hands that could be painful due to everyday strenuous activities. It occurs when the median nerve running from your forearm to the hand gets compressed or pinched. This nerve runs through a narrow space called the carpal tunnel that gives the condition its name. Many forms of manual labor, musical instruments, or vibrating hand tools could lead to CTS. It could be mild or severe depending on the level of pinching occurring in the median nerve.

Why do nurses get carpal tunnel?

Since CTS begins due to excessive strain on the median nerve while performing everyday tasks and activities, there has been a rise in the cases of CTS in nurses. The reason is that your occupation demands continuous repetitive movements of the fingers and wrist without any break, awkward hand movements for long hours when assisting in surgery, and constant vibration or mechanical stress on the palm because of various medical devices.

These activities are most likely to put severe pressure on your median nerve resulting in pain, swelling, weakness, numbness, and various other symptoms in your fingers and hands. Most of the occupations, including nurses, face higher risks of CTS because their job requires excessive tugging, pulling, pushing, or twisting movements in arms and wrists. So while you may be going through your routine work of pushing syringe plunger, pressing blood pressure bulbs, continuously tapping into keyboards, etc., your median nerve might be overexerting itself.

Now you know what might have caused your CTS. It is time we take a hopeful look at what you can do to ease your symptoms. Most mild symptoms of CTS tend to fade away with some lifestyle changes and medication.

Here are nine home remedies for carpal tunnel relief:

Take multiple breaks while performing repetitive tasks:

Using timers to give your aching arms and fingers a break after every 15-20 minutes would help your hands relax. Gentle shaking of the hands also helps relieve the median nerve pressure.

Wear splints on your wrists:

Wearing wrist splints, especially when sleeping, will allow your hand to remain in proper alignment without the risk of overextension or extreme flexing. Being a nurse, you might not have breaks at work, so you can ever prefer wearing the splints during your workday to help relieve some pressure from your median nerve.

Wear compression gloves:

We all know what the cold weather can do to an already aching body part. Seek relief with warming mittens like compression gloves which help relieve the numbness and pain. Compression gloves are available with copper ions embedded in them that improve blood flow and supply adequate oxygen to your hands and wrists.

Warm water treatment:

For some people, warming treatments help alleviate the pain, weakness, and other symptoms. You could try soaking your hands in warm water. Make sure that the temperatures range between 92-100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Ice bath:

Your tendons might swell up due to CTS. The best way to relieve them is by soaking your hands in an ice bath or using an ice pack once every few hours. The best time to use an ice bath is after performing your CTS relieving exercises to avoid inflammation by restricting the blood flow.

Reduce your force and relax your grip:

Lightening the strength you use to perform regular tasks can also diminish the discomforting symptoms of CTS. Try softening your grip and taking on your duties lightly.

Elevate your hands and wrists:

Some causes of CTS give rise to fluid retention. Elevation will help ease this thereby, reducing the pressure on the median nerve and helping your hands relax.

Do quick wrist exercises:

Since you don’t require special equipment for most CTS exercises, you can even perform these exercises when at work to improve blood circulation.

Ergonomic changes:

These include minor changes in the way your hands and wrists move when performing daily tasks at work.

Although CTS disrupts daily life to a large extent because it directly affects the hands and wrists, it is easy to manage it with these home remedies.

We hope you found these tips for avoiding carpal tunnel syndrome helpful. Do you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome and have any tips to share? Comment below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for an upcoming assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

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 Amber Pickler

March 21, 2022

11692 Views

Tips for Working a 60 hours a Week Contract

Posted on March 21, 2022May 3, 2022 by Amber Pickler

Since the pandemic started, there has been an influx of crisis-type contracts with less conventional hours. One of those being contracts that have more hours required per week. How do you handle that many hours a week of work, though? Members of our Facebook group have asked for tips and advice for working a contract with so many hours. We have put together some tips to help get you through these 60 hours a week contracts.

Get rest- Stick to a sleep schedule

This tip may seem crazy, but working that many hours you need to make sure you get plenty of rest. It can be easy to come back to your housing and try to unwind and spend time awake, but you may regret not going to sleep and getting the rest your body needs. A sleep schedule is critical. According to The Mayo Clinic, sticking to a sleep schedule of no more than 8 hours and being consistent is important. The number of hours of sleep you can get based on the number of hours you are working may not be 8 hours. However, if you can go to sleep and get up consistently at the same time will help you feel rested.

Eat a healthy diet-Meal Prep

While junk food may seem like an easy route to take with working so many hours, the carbs and sugars that come with those types of food can make you feel sluggish. Meal prepping on your day off or when you have a little downtime will help keep the temptation of fast food or junk food down. There are many easy methods for meal prepping for travel nurses with not a lot of time. A crockpot or InstantPot can make cooking a lot easier. For these types of meal prep, you can easily combine all the needed ingredients into zip lock bags and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to make the meal. Then it will be as easy as dumping them into the crockpot or InstantPot.

Healthy Snacks

Healthy snacks will help you make it through your long shifts. There are many options for healthy snacks; it really will depend on your taste. Some healthy snacks that will help curb your cravings during your long work hours could include; trail mix, jerky, Greek yogurt, almonds, peanut butter and apples, string cheese, or fresh veggies and fruit.

Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated during your shift will help keep you going. According to Healthline, “If you don’t stay hydrated, your physical performance can suffer.” While you may not look at working your shift as “physical performance,” it very much is. You are on your feet and moving for 12+ hours each day. Staying hydrated will make your shift easier to complete, and you won’t feel as sluggish, as dehydration can affect your energy level and brain function. While you may not get the total 8-8oz servings of water recommended, it is important to drink water during your shift.

These are just a few tips to help you get through your 60 hours a week contract. Many of our Facebook group members said they work, eat, sleep and repeat. Knowing that, in the end, they were making very good money. So, if you keep that in mind, it may make the days and hours go a little easier. We hope you found these tips for working a 60 hour a week contract helpful. Have you worked a 60 hour a week contract? Do you have any tips to share with those considering a 60 hour a week contract? Comment them below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need to find housing for an upcoming assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

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 Jenny Hart

March 19, 2022

4232 Views

What to Look for in Your Short-Term Home Rental?

Posted on March 19, 2022March 7, 2022 by Jenny Hart

If you are a travel nurse, then you know that finding a short-term rental can be a daunting task. Not only do you have to worry about the location and size of the home, but you also need to make sure that it has all of the amenities that you will need while on assignment. When looking for a short-term rental, it’s important to consider the other necessities. For example, how close is the rental to the hospital? Is there a grocery store and other conveniences within walking distance? If you will be driving, is there parking available? These are all things that you will need to take into consideration when making your decision.

Short-term rental must-haves

Consider these options when you are looking into short-term home rentals. Everyone will have different needs, but use this list as a guide when you are about to take on a new assignment.

Close proximity to the hospital, restaurants, and grocery stores

When looking for a short-term rental, be sure to consider the location. If you’ll be working near a certain hospital or in a specific city, try to find a rental within close proximity. This will save you time during your commute and allow you to explore your new surroundings more easily. If you’re close to your hospital, you may be able to walk or bike there. If not, a short commute by car or public transportation will help to mitigate added stress. The closer your rental is to the hospital, the less time you will spend commuting. If you have to commute for more than 30 minutes, it’s going to add a lot of unnecessary stress to your already hectic schedule. Look for rentals that offer shuttle services or are located within walking distance of public transportation.

It’s no secret that travel nurses work long hours and often leave their shifts exhausted. Because of this, a short-term rental that is close to everything you want will make a huge difference in your overall mood. After your shift, you may be too tired to cook, so a grocery store with ready-made food can be a lifesaver. If you live close to restaurants, then delivery services like Instacart and DoorDash can deliver groceries or food to you most hours of the day. Close proximity to parks or other areas where you can enjoy fresh air and nature. Nursing is stressful by design, and it’s essential to be able to go outside and unwind after a long day (or week).

Washer, dryer, and other appliances

The life of a travel nurse is hectic. This means that everything in your rental should help to make your life as easy as possible. Look for short-term rentals that come with a washer and dryer. You’ll find that you probably won’t have the time or energy to go to a laundromat to wash your scrubs and other clothes. In addition, look for rentals that come with other appliances, like a microwave and dishwasher. This will help to cut down on the amount of time you spend cooking and cleaning. It’s easy for dishes to pile up, laundry to go unwashed, and unhealthy food to be eaten when you’re working long hours. Look for rentals that offer appliances that can help you keep up with your chores.

Home office

Most travelers are not off on solo adventures and need to consider home perks for their spouse and families. For many spouses, that means having a home office to conduct your business. In my experience, my significant other usually has an office to work in if we are traveling to most major cities (because he works for a large company), but it is always nice to have your own space. If you need to work from home occasionally, it’s helpful to have an office area in your rental. This way, you won’t have to set up and tear down a workspace every day.

Look for a rental that comes with solid WiFi services. It’s especially important to ensure that your data is protected if you are dealing with private matters related to your job. You’ll need to have competent malware protection to help with that. Other home office must-haves are a standing desk (so you’re not sitting for hours!), an aerodynamic keyboard to protect your wrists, hands, and fingers, and a large monitor to take some stress off of your eyes.

Pet-friendly accommodations

Many of us travel nurses have someplace that we leave our furry friends—from family to friends to significant others. For long assignments, it may seem impossible to be away from your pet for that long. Because of this, look for pet-friendly housing. Short-term rentals are already hard to come by but adding a space that allows for pets makes it even harder. Be prepared to pay an additional fee if you’re bringing Fido along for your assignment. Working long days may also leave you needing either a dog walker or doggy door to keep your dog entertained during the day. Bringing pets along can make your trips less lonely, but you’ll need to look for rentals that have fences or are in close proximity to a dog park or dog walkers.

Parking

If you have a car, make sure the rental has parking available. This is especially important if the rental is located in a city. You don’t want to hunt for a parking spot after pulling an all-nighter or move your car every 12 hours so that you don’t get a ticket. Easy parking should be a must when you are on your travel assignments.

Short-term rentals for nurses are becoming increasingly common.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the need for travel nurses has increased exponentially. It’s becoming easier to find short-term rentals that are meant for travel nurses due to supply and demand. Landlords also realize that travel nurses are less likely to cause any kind of issues due to their demanding work schedule.

It’s important to find a place that meets your needs so that you can have a successful and enjoyable experience while travel nursing. Do you want to live with roommates? Are you bringing your dog along on the adventure? What about a home office so that you can relax and take care of all of your administrative tasks? Use this list as a guide to know what to look for as you begin your search for the perfect house. Do you have any short-term home rental tips to add? Share them in the comments below. And be sure to check out our other blog posts for more information on travel nursing.

By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

March 18, 2022

4418 Views

3 Traveler-Approved Hikes to Ease the Mind

Posted on March 18, 2022March 18, 2022 by TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

TNAA Healthcare provided this article.

There’s nothing quite like taking a hike. According to Statista, 57.81 million Americans went on a hike in 2020, up from 49.7 million the year before. The pandemic got many of us outdoors more because it was something to do. In 2022, Canadian doctors even prescribe passes to national parks for patients who would do well to spend more time in nature. So, if a break in nature sounds like something you need, here are three traveler-approved hikes to ease your mind when life gets too stressful.

1. Colchuck Lake, WA

hikes — Colchuck Lake Trail, Washington State

The hike to Colchuck Lake in Washington state is an eight-mile roundtrip, but it’s worth the views and the serenity you’ll find at the lake. You’ll gain 2,300 feet on the trail and wander through dense forests and across creeks and log bridges. But the moment you reach the edge of the lake surrounded by massive peaks is a moment you’ll want to freeze in time. Give yourself a well-deserved break and take in the gorgeous scenery.

2. Delicate Arch, UT

Delicate Arch, located in Arches National Park, is a well-known landmark in southern Utah. To some, it looks like a chiseled piece of art, and for others, it lives up to the nickname “Cowboy’s Chaps.” However it inspires you, Delicate Arch isn’t a structure you want to marvel at from afar. You can get right up to it with a 3-mile roundtrip hike, which takes about 2 – 3 hours to complete. The most important thing on this hike is to be wary of the weather. Icy days and sunny days make the trail harder, and rangers have had to rescue people who didn’t fully prepare for the journey.

If you want something a little less challenging, take the half-hour walk to the Delicate Arch Viewpoint to still get an up-close, but not as personal look at this Utah gem.

3. Torrey Pines, California

3 Traveler-Approved Hikes to Ease the Mind — Sunrise at Broken Hill at Torrey Pines State Reserve near La Jolla, California.

At Torrey Pines, you get the beach and the wilderness all in one. Choose from eight miles of trails to find something suited for you. Guy Fleming Trail, just .7 miles, takes you up close to the Torrey pines, the country’s rarest pine tree. This trail also offers beautiful views at outlooks, where you can see wildflowers in spring or migrating whales in winter. Razor Point Trail at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is 1.4 miles and guides you to views of badlands and ravines, and the Beach Trail delivers you to the California coast where you can bask in the sun.

If you haven’t been on these hikes, we bet they’re on your list now! But, there’s something else that should be added to your list of traveler to-dos, too.

Mental Wellbeing Resources With Your Travel Nurse Agency

Check in with your agency to see what mental wellness resources they offer. Doing something you love like hiking is awesome, but it doesn’t hurt to see what other professional services are available to you as well. Whether your company has an Employee Assistance Program, access to online therapy, a Chaplain Assistance Program, or something else, make the move to ask. Even if you don’t use these services now, you’ll know they are available when you’re under a mountain of stress and could use a helping hand.

We hope you found this article on 3 traveler-approved hikes to ease the mind helpful. Are there any activities that you enjoy doing to ease your mind during your travel nurse assignment? Comment them below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for an upcoming assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

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 Lirika Hart

March 17, 2022

4256 Views

8 Secrets to a Good Night’s Sleep When Feeling Fatigued

Posted on March 17, 2022November 10, 2023 by Lirika Hart

Without any doubt, sleep has a direct influence on your mental state and physical health. If you fail to get proper sleep, it will make you emotionally imbalanced, lower your daytime energy, reduce productivity, and drastically affect your overall health. Your brain, heart health, mood, creativity, vitality, and immune system can undergo adverse effects due to a poor routine.

Despite understanding the importance of sleep, many people toss and turn all night. Actually, getting a good night’s sleep becomes impossible when you are tired, have unhealthy daytime habits, or if you accidentally awake at 3 a.m. Do you also struggle for a sound and peaceful sleep? Trust me; you can get better control over your sleep quality than you probably realize.

Experiment with the given tips to enjoy better sleep at night, improve your thinking style, and significantly boost your health. These sleep strategies will help you stay energetic all day!

1: Keep Your Room Comfortable

Keep your bedroom comfortable! Please do not keep your television there as it can be a big distraction to your sleep. When you are in bed, put an ultimate effort to avoid responding to phones and emails. The bed needs to be a motivation for sleeping, not for wakefulness.

Furthermore, your room ambiance also affects sleep quality; ensure that you keep it as comfortable and soothing as possible. Ideally, you can go with a quiet, dark, calm environment; these features promote sleep onset.

2: Consider Exercise An Important Part Of Your Routine

Going for a walk will not just cut your weight down; it will also support you for a good sleep at night. Regular exercise activates the hormones that help in natural sleep, such as melatonin. Exercising close to bedtime can be more effective and hormone-stimulating. However, morning exercises that expose you to shining daylight can improve your natural circadian rhythm.

So, workout helps you in every way!

3: Follow Sleep Rituals

Bedtime rituals that you used to follow in your childhood can contribute to adulthood and late age.

Our mother used to tuck us in a bed and read a story for us; this pacifying ritual helped us quickly fall asleep. This sleep ritual signals the mind and body that it is sleep time. So, continue these rituals and read a book, drink a warm glass of water, take a bath, and listen to calming music to welcome a peaceful sleep time.

4: Eat—But Not Too Much

An empty stomach is distracting enough and keeps you awake, and the same is the case with an overly full belly. Do not eat a heavy meal before two to three hours of bedtime. If you feel hungry, eat small healthy snacks to satisfy yourself till breakfast.

5: Avoid Alcohol And Caffeine

It is okay to have snacks before bed but do not make wine and chocolate the part of them. Chocolate and alcohol act as stimulants, make you less sleepy and disrupt sleep during the night.

6: Buy Some Sleep Supporting Products

Another secret to peaceful sleep is using CBD capsules, drops, or products for better and faster sleep. If you’re wondering where to get these kinds of items, then try researching online CBD stores. There are many sleep supplements, goods that offer tinctures, pain relief, and vapes that are manufactured with natural ingredients to make it possible for you to sleep longer and better. These sleep-tight solutions also help you in several other ways, such as maintaining your beauty, skin repairing, workout recovery, and multiple other ways.

7: Don’t Overthink Or Stress

The bills, your to-do list, and other daytime worries can bubble up in your mind at night. Wind down yourself before bed because such thoughts can give stress and anxiety. Stress is a stimulus that boosts up fight-or-flight hormones that act as a sleep barrier.

Learning relaxation activities can promote good sleep and reduce daytime anxiety. You can practice deep breathing exercises to calm and relax promptly.

8: Get Your Check-ups

Snoring, an urge to move your leg moving, a burning pain in your chest, stomach, or throat are sleep disruptors. If these symptoms prolong—make you sleepy during the day or keep you up at night, visit your doctor for a check-up.

Our Summary

A night with a tight sleep can give you a happy and blissful morning, but we all know that falling asleep earlier and longer is not something easy.

Well, instead of getting worried or using sleep pills, you can try the above eight secrets to get a better night’s sleep.

We hope you found this article on 8 secrets to a good night’s sleep when feeling fatigued helpful. Have you found ways to get a good night’s sleep as a travel nurse? Comment them below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for an upcoming assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

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 Medical Edge Recruitment

March 16, 2022

5659 Views

Tips for Every Type of Traveler

Posted on March 16, 2022March 9, 2022 by Medical Edge Recruitment

Medical Edge Recruitment provided this article.

Written by: Gabriel Velez, Recruitment Consultant, Medical Edge Recruitment

Travel contracts and jobs are both exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time! It is an opportunity to travel anywhere, make more money, see new things, or help in areas that need nurses. When it comes to deciding where to go, there are a few factors you need to consider, especially if you are new to travel nursing.

For those new to travel

“Wow, you are making how much?”

“You are traveling to another beach this weekend?”

“Your agency gives you bonuses just for completing a contract?”

These are probably things you or a friend have said if you are a first-time traveler or interested in contract work. Traveling is an exciting opportunity, but if you are new to it, it can also be an intimidating or daunting task to go somewhere far from home, even if it is for a job you do every day. For those just starting out or exploring the scene, it’s best to stay within your state and only a couple of hours away. Most facilities or contracts will consider anyone commuting 60 or more miles for their work as a traveler. Going to a neighboring city or even across the state can be a great way to get a feel for travel while also staying in an environment that is still “homey.” This is one of the best ways to dip your toes in for the experience!

For those looking for the most money

Money is a driving force for almost everyone. Whether you are looking to build your savings, provide for your family, or are a “treat yourself” type of person, money is very important. Traveling contracts are almost always a higher rate than local contracts. It is crucial to investigate what is being offered in your contract. Is the agency giving you a pay package that is based on 48 hours of work, but the facility caps you at 36 hours a week? Ask questions as to how often you are being paid. Ask if stipends are in addition to your pay or if the contract being presented includes it, making it seem like more money than it really is! More money is always tempting, but the best thing to do is to take a travel contract that is high pay and low risk. Sometimes what’s being presented is high pay and high risk.

Additionally, with high-paying contracts, research how much the area costs. If you are paying for housing, it’s nice to find a high-paying job, but not if your hotel, Airbnb, or housing takes half of it. Furthermore, if everything in the area is expensive (i.e., food, entertainment, etc.), is it worth taking that job just because it pays 10 dollars more per hour than another location?

For those looking for an adventure

Travel nursing is a fun way to vacation! For those that like to work hard and play hard, travel contracts are a good way to find adventure and make money at the same time. As a recruiter, it is so fun to work with adventure-seeking nurses. We work across the nation and have facilities all over the country for those that know what they are looking for. Want to work 3 days a week, and the other 4 be at the beach? Done. Want to go somewhere that’s warm during the winter but has a great city life? We can do that! Plan a vacation and work at the same time as your contract!

All in all, recruiters should be doing what is best for you and your success. We are here because we care about our nurses. Our mission is to find you money, adventure, or a comfortable place that makes you prosperous. Nurses have a tough job, one that is selfless and rewarding, and nothing brings us more joy and fulfillment than taking something stressful like job hunting off your plate!

Need help finding a travel nurse adventure?

Medical Edge Recruitment is the premier travel nursing recruitment agency specializing in providing top talent to clients in the healthcare industry. We connect clinical and allied providers to their ideal opportunities, focusing on building long-lasting relationships through honesty and transparency. In travel nursing, bigger does not always mean better. While we have an extensive network of job opportunities, our experienced team is dedicated to making a personalized provider experience a priority. There are a lot of moving parts in getting set up for a new assignment, but we take care of all the details along the way. Adventure awaits; let Medical Edge Recruitment show you where to go next!

We hope you found this article on tips for every type of traveler helpful. Do you have any tips to share with fellow travelers? Comment them below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for an upcoming travel assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

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 CareerStaff Unlimited

March 14, 2022

5038 Views

Spring Cleaning: How to Update Your Nursing Resume to Become a Travel Nurse

Posted on March 14, 2022May 31, 2022 by CareerStaff Unlimited

CareerStaff Unlimited provided this article.

It’s that time of year again! Spring is in the air, and with it comes the urge to clean up and organize our homes. This same principle can be applied to your nursing resume. If you’re looking to become a travel nurse, now is the time to update your resume and make sure it’s as polished as possible. Whether you’re a new nurse or have been in the profession for a while, learn what should be included in your resume to become a travel nurse.

1. Update your nursing experience

Start by making sure that all of your nursing experience is up to date. It’s best to use a clean format with simple headers, no graphics, and an easy-to-read font.

Along with your education, be sure to list your experiences in reverse chronological order, so recruiters see your most recent experience at the top. This will show recruiters and hiring managers that you have recent and necessary skills and experience required for the travel assignment. Most facilities and organizations require you to have at least two years of nursing experience in your specialty before you qualify to become a travel nurse.

2. List your specialties, certifications and state licensures

Make sure that your name and any relevant certifications and degrees are listed at the top. You’ve worked hard to achieve them, so display them where they’re most visible. It’s important to include this information at the top of your nursing resume for recruiters and hiring managers to see your qualifications and the states you’re able to practice in, which will determine which travel assignments are the best match for you.

3. Include relevant training

Continuing to grow your skills and experience are also important. In addition to listing your nursing experience and certifications, you should also include any relevant training you have received. This can be anything from a basic life support course to more specialized training.

4. Highlight your skills

When updating your resume, it’s important to highlight both your soft skills and hard skills. Your soft skills, like adaptability and excellent communication skills, can indicate how you work as a professional, while your hard skills can distinguish you as a specialist. This can be done by using bullet points or short phrases to describe what you are good at and your relevant experience.

5. Update your computer skills

It’s also important in today’s world to have strong computer skills. This is especially true for nurses, as many hospitals and clinics use electronic medical records (EMRs). Be sure to list out the computer charting skills systems you’ve worked with on your resume. This will help you stand out to recruiters and hiring managers and show that you are able to use the latest technology.

6. List your honors and awards

If you have received any honors or awards, be sure to list them on your resume. It’s best to make sure these are relevant to the travel assignment you’re applying for, but this will also show recruiters and hiring managers that you are a high-achieving nurse.

7. Update your contact information

One final thing to update on your resume is your contact information. This includes aspects like your name, address, phone number, and email address.

Make sure that all of your contact information is up-to-date and accurate. This will ensure that recruiters and hiring managers can easily get in touch with you.

8. Proofread your nursing resume

Once you have updated your resume, be sure to proofread it carefully. This will ensure that there are no mistakes and that it looks professional. If possible, ask someone else to proofread it for you. This can help catch any errors that you may have missed.

Updating your nursing resume is a necessary task if you want to become a travel nurse. It provides the opportunity to showcase your achievements, successes, and skills. With these tips, you can make sure that your resume is up-to-date and ready for you to apply for your next travel nursing assignment.

If you’re looking for a travel nursing opportunity, consider CareerStaff Unlimited. We offer a wide variety of travel nursing assignments available in locations across the United States! Sodon’t’t wait; update your nursing resume and become a travel nurse today!

We hope you found this article on how to update your nursing resume to become a travel nurse helpful. Do you have any tips to share with fellow travel nurses? Comment them below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for an upcoming assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

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 Kevin Devoto

March 13, 2022

3380 Views

Tips for a Traveling Nurse with Diabetes

Posted on March 13, 2022February 24, 2022 by Kevin Devoto

Traveling nurses serve many healthcare needs. They travel to provide services at homes, businesses, schools, and other remote locations where people cannot travel for their medical care. When hospitals are short-staffed, traveling nurses can provide temporary services to meet the needs. Travel nurses are responsible for caring for other people and ensuring they, themselves, are in the best of health. Diabetic nurses face daily challenges, and here are three guidelines for nurses to follow to be proactive and successful in managing their diabetes and performing their jobs.

Traveling Nurses Need to Understand and Teach Diabetic Care

Diabetes affects many people of all ages. Type 1 diabetes affects a smaller percentage of overall diabetics but is unavoidable, more dangerous, and usually starts with younger children. Type 2 diabetes is a common form that develops later in life, is generally avoidable, and is based upon diet and lifestyle choices. As a person becomes obese or follows a poor diet, their blood sugars will start to fluctuate, leading to a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis.

When diabetes is diagnosed, it impacts many parts of the body, including the heart, eyesight, kidney function, and the overall nervous system. A continuous glucose monitor helps a person with diabetes to track their blood sugar highs and lows. A travel nurse tends to patients with diabetes and works to educate people on how they can prevent contracting Type 2 diabetes. A diabetic nurse or a patient must know what their blood sugar levels are to control and manage the health impacts of the disease.

Traveling Nurses Need to Perform Many Tasks

Nurses generally have acquired a Bachelor’s degree in nursing as part of their training, along with licensing or certifications. In addition to testing diabetic patients for glucose levels, traveling nurses perform many general patient tasks. These include bandaging wounds, performing blood pressure testing, managing medicine, coordinating reports, and handling patient communications. The nursing position demands organization, timeliness, strong written skills, empathy, politeness, and a person who enjoys working with people.

A travel nurse with diabetes can teach others how to care for their diabetes through diet and exercise based upon the nurse’s experience. The nurses understand what is needed to control the disease and make time to handle the demanding work responsibilities and balance life. The nurse’s diabetic expertise and personal experience can help them be more relatable to their patients. The sooner a person with diabetes takes the disease seriously, the better their overall health.

Traveling Nurses Need to Find a Daily Routine

Nursing is tough on the body and mind. When a nurse travels, there are extra demands with the impact of moving from one place to another and hauling the necessary equipment. Since travel nurses can work anywhere, it is hard for them to keep a regular daily routine.

One area of diabetes that impacts nurses directly is foot care. Diabetes attacks the nerve endings, and the feet are most vulnerable. When a travel nurse is on their feet most of the day, it puts a strain on nerves in the foot that are already under pressure from diabetes. Nurses need to take planned breaks to alleviate the stress on their feet to prevent blood clots.

Diabetic nurses need to have healthy snacks and meals to keep blood sugars under control. The job demands will be draining for anyone, so this dietary approach is critical for nurses with diabetes. The lack of a daily routine can lead to poor eating habits since the nurses are always on the go. Many meals can be eaten in a car when driving between locations.

Traveling nurses will continue to perform a critical role as healthcare issues grow worldwide. Every day for a diabetic nurse or patient will bring new challenges, and traveling nurses need to continue to adapt to keep their daily routine intact. Educating people and themselves will be essential to help control the diabetes outbreak.

We hope you found this article with tips for travel nurses with diabetes helpful. Do you have any tips to share? Comment them below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for an upcoming assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

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

START HERE

So, back to burnout. Whose fault is it? How do we fix it?

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: Keep Your Room Comfortable

2: Consider Exercise An Important Part Of Your Routine

3: Follow Sleep Rituals

4: Eat—But Not Too Much

5: Avoid Alcohol And Caffeine

6: Buy Some Sleep Supporting Products

7: Don’t Overthink Or Stress

8: Get Your Check-ups

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